As I posted earlier, I'm awaiting the Vivitar 285HV Flash unit, hopefully it gets here tomorrow (Mon 18th). Even though the the flash will work directly with the Pentax K10D out of the box, the supplied cord allows for the flash to only be mounted on the camera which in my view, limits it's use.

So what I've done on my limited budget is buy a Cactus V2s trigger and receiver set from Gadget Infinity which cost $32.95 including postage and when buying through their ebay store, you get a nifty little flash stand for free. I'm looking forward to playing with all my new toys I bought over the past few weeks (Super Takumar 35mm f/3.5, Vivitar 285HV and the Cactus VS2).

The idea of off camera flash to me is a little mind boggling (I'm a Visual Art grad), where radio transmitters, extension cords, PC sync cords all get in the way of getting the job done. But I watched a few YouTube movie tutorials by Photographer Chris Warkocki (codiac2600), also a Pentax Forums member where he talks about the K10D, Cactus V2s triggers and shooting in nightclubs or bars. Watch Part 1 and Part 2 which gives you a good indication how easy and effective off camera flash photography is. Also, check out these videos (1 - 4) with a review of the Cactus VS2.

Gotta love Japanese customer service...I ordered the tripod, remote and trigger last Sunday night and I received the tripod yesterday (2 days) and the remote/trigger today (3 days).

Her's the items, stolen images from Amazon (At least I credited them!)










I was thinking in which ways can this new setup advance my photography and these major points;

- Sharper photos.

- Steady night shots

- Controlled perspective

- Self portraits

- Bulb photography

I've been putting a few yen away each month without the wife knowing and decided to buy a few things to help me take my photography skills to the next level. Her's some items I've been thinking of buying;

1) Flash - Sigma 530 DG Super (24,000 yen)

2) Tripod - Slik Pro 330 DX (8,000 yen on special)

3) Lens - Probably something 2nd hand and wide angle

I decided to skip the lens, I have enough for now and LBA (Lens Buying Addiction) is controlled and monitored by a professional (my wife). A flash would be great and I really do want one but I decided that can wait as I still want to practice more with working in low light conditions and flash photography would obviously distract from that. So I decided on buying the Slik Pro 330 DX and with it I also bought the Pentax Remote F and the Pentax Cable Switch all equalling about 13,000 yen ($130.00 AUD).

Hopefully the tripod is what I'm looking for; light, durable with a good price and from what I've read, Slik offers that with most of their products. I'll write up a more detailed review of the Slik Pro 330 DX and the remote and shutter combo. Hopefully it will all be delivered within the week.