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Sunpak 444D

 

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