2026-06-03 Pentax AF160 Flash

Pentax, like many manufacturers, had to keep making new and improved flash to keep up with their new cameras. So you can find similar looking flash that have more and more pins on their hotshoe feet. These pins can allow more control of the camera or interface with sensor’s in the camera.
The following descriptions and specifications are typical of what you will find on the internet because they have been stolen from one site. As you will read the AF160 is an upgrade from an earlier flash.

This compact flash is a further development of the Pentax AF16*, and was designed for use with the compact MV, MV1 and ME Super cameras, but it can be used on any camera with a hotshoe. The flash has two Auto settings where a sensor in the flash measures the exposure and turns the flash off when the subject has received the right amount of light.

You manually set the aperture corresponding to the selected auto setting as per the table printed on the back of the flash. The flash also has a manual setting where it just fires at full power.

   Compared to the AF16, the AF160—when fully charged—sets some camera's shutter speed to the flash synchronization speed, and also enables the camera to show a "flash ready" symbol in the view finder. This additional automation is available with the MV, MV1, ME Super and later cameras. On the earlier ME, MX , and "K" film bodies, the AF160 works just like the AF16.
   The Pentax AF160 stands taller than the built-in flash on later Pentax autofocus cameras , so avoids the shadow on the foreground when the camera is zoomed wide. The AF160 is also handy for macro work and portrait working distances.
   Not so handy for large groups, working outside and similar high power requirements. The AF160 is small, light and handy to have with you.

*The Pentax AF16 has just the hotshoe connection, without the Pentax AF160’s additional pins.

PENTAX AF 160

Flash Mode Auto (two settings) Manual (full power)
Guide Number

(meters, ISO 100) 16
Coverage Angle Vertical: 50 degrees, horizontal: 65 degrees
Shortest Focal Length

Covered                                Full frame: 28 mm   APS-C: 19 mm
Flash Range (ISO 100) Auto: 0.5 to 6 m, Manual: Up to 11.4 m (f/1.4 lens)
Sensor Angle        18 degrees
Flash Duration 30,000 sec to 1500 sec
Dedicated Functions Availability depends on the camera, exposure mode        and flash settings. - Flash ready signal in view finder -        Sets synch speed when flash is charged
Recycle Time        8 seconds (alkaline batteries)
Number of Flashes

[approx.] 200 (alkaline batteries)
Power Source 2 x AA
Connections Hot Shoe 2 pins and ground
Accessories Included Case
Dimensions W x H x D 66 mm x 81 mm x 41 mm
Weight 145 g with batteries

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