Pentax AF 360 FGZ Flash for Pentax and Samsung Digital SLR Cameras (w/ case): Customer Reviews & Product Details

The AF 360 FGZ pretty much delivers as advertised.
Pros:
1. Good battery life
2. Seems to be well made
3. Easy to understand menus & buttons
4. Consistent exposure in Auto and Manual Modes
5. Excellent Value
6. Wireless works well
Cons:
1. Dial is tight and hard to use one handed
2. Bounce lock is also tight and requires two hands
3. P-TTL can be finicky.

I've been using this flash for almost three years but it is not what were written in those review. I am a long time user of Pentax cameras and flashes. When I bought my fisrt Pentax digital SLR "Pentax Ist DS" I also order this flash because it got High speed synchro, trail curtain synchro etc. But when I used it I've always got underexposure photos unless I have to compensate +1, it's not convenient because each time I shut off the flash when turn on again I have to set again. When I try to use in manual mode, calculate the distance acording to the flash guide everything is fine. I could not use slave flash because of the pre flash trigger the slave and there was very wrong exposure. When I bought K20D This flash got the same problem. When I used this as slave in wireless mode with the built-in flash some time it works some time it not. Now I rarely use this flash, I bought the Pentax AF 220T for only $40 at B&H It doesn't have many features as this AF360FGZ but it works nicely (maximim angle for 35mm lens only)I can use seral optical slaves flashes without any problem. I wished that I had not bought this flash.

I have used the flash for a few weeks now and have been quite pleased with the results, especially for the price.

Flash photography had become a frustrating thing. I had been using a third-party flash that required a specific control module for the Pentax K10/20. It had both up and down and left and right head swivel which was great for portrait orientation and bouncing the flash off the ceiling. However, the flash would randomly under-fire and even stop working altogether ..."I'm sorry, can I take that picture again??" Not acceptable. I decided to try the AF 360 FGZ rather than the 540 based on the posted reviews. The 360 has been a 100% reliable flash that does what I need for most shooting and has never let me down. It's far more compact than the other third-party flash which is a plus. I like the built-in diffuser and reflector, but an additional add-on diffuser is still needed for a softer, more natural lighting effect. I do miss a left-right swivel option of the head which is a must for certain framing/lighting needs. But for the money, I am very happy with this little unit.

I bought this as a secondary flash to use in a pinch or as a remote. It works well in most situations, such as shooting wedding receptions or indoor events. To shoot further distances and cover more areas, I'd recommend the 540 model. The 360's small size is light when attached to your camera and convenient that it fits nicely into smaller equipment bags.