Specifications
(without Telezoom)
| Guide Numbers: |
With ISO 100 film 36 (in meters), 120 (in feet) With ISO 25 film 18 (in meters), 60 (in feet) |
|
| Angle of Illumination (direct flash) | 60° Horizontal by 45° Vertical; 35 mm lenses on 35 mm cameras | |
| Automatic Aperture Setting: | f/2, f/4, f/8 (ISO 100 film) (with standard 35 mm camera) | |
| Automatic Distance Range: |
2-18 m/6.6'-60' (at maximum aperture) 1-9 m/3.3'-30' (at medium aperture) 0.5- 4.5 m/1 .6'-1 5' (at minimum aperture) |
|
| Variable Power Ratio Range: | 16:1 (5-stop range) | |
| Interchangeable Mounting Shoe: | Perfect coupling for today's 35 mm Electronic SLR cameras | |
| Sensor Acceptance Angle | 15° | |
| Bounce Flash: | Adjustable Bounce Flash Head at 330 degree rotation and 90 degree elevation (automatic operation) | |
| Flash Speed |
1 /700th-1 /20,000th second depending on Auto distance 1 /700th-10,000th second depending on Manual Power Ratio setting in use |
|
| Color Temperature | Most suitable for daylight color films | |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 113x75x72 mm/4.4"x3"x2.8" (without shoe) | |
| Weight |
Body 315 g/11 oz (less batteries) Shoe 40 g/1 .4 oz |
Number of Flashes and Recycling Time:
Maximum Power
Minimum Power
With 4 x AA Nicad Batteries:
Number of flashes
45
300
Recycling Time
7 sec
0.3 sec
With 4 x AA Alkaline Batteries
Number of flashes
100
1200
Recycling Time
12 sec
0.3 sec
The Sunpak 444D requires a
dedicated module to operate, the PT-2D module in the case of Pentax bodies. The
module goes between the flash and the hotshoe. 
The
combination will work with the Pentax MV and MV-1, MG, ME Super, ME-F, LX, Super
A, 645, Program Plus, P3, and the A3000. Although the manual does not indicate,
the 444D/PT-2D combination also works on TTL mode with my PZ-1p. I suppose the
combination is also compatible with the newer "Z" series bodies
although I've never tried it.
The Sunpak 444D flash and PT-2D module is a good alternative to an original
Pentax flash. For about US$131.90 (B&H price as of September 1998) you get a
flash more powerful than the Pentax AF330 FTZ (US$149.95). If your primary body
is a PZ-1p, the main advantage of the 444D/PT2D over the AF330 FTZ is that the
former has bounce & swivel capability, a feature you can have only with the
US$250 Pentax AF500 FTZ.
The combination also works well on TTL mode with the Super A. On Program Æ and
Aperture Priority, the shutter speed syncs to 1/125 and the flash ready signal
appears in the viewfinder. A very valuable feature is the "Auto OK"
signal -- a green light at the back of the flash lights up after exposure to
indicate that there was sufficient light during the exposure.
Extension Cord EXT-10
The price difference becomes even more significant if you intend to use the flash off-camera. The Sunpak extension cord EXT-10 costs US$39.95, while Pentax's 5PL Sync Cord and Hotshoe Adapter F will set you back US$75. The EXT-10 is designed to go between the PT-2D module and the 444D flash, so you can't use it for other flashes. The PT-2D module, which houses the built-in sensor, remains on the camera hot shoe that the flash may still be used on auto (non-TTL) mode.
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©1998 PhSantiago