After being a film user for many years, I am finally ready to purchase my first digital SLR. I have decided on the Pentax K10D, but before making the purchase, I need to resolve some issues regarding the use of flash.
I need to know about on/off camera flash with the K10D. I am accustomed to shooting weddings with a medium format film camera on a flash bracket, with the camera and flash connected by a cord. I am hoping to be able to do more available light shooting with the digital camera, but I will still need flash when light is low. I have several flashes, mostly Vivitar 283's, which have always served me very well. I read on another forum that ANY flash can be used with the K10D as long as older flashes are connected wirelessly due to voltage issues.
This raises the following questions in my mind:
1) Should I attempt to use my old workhorse 283's with the K10D?
2) I've been looking at radio transmitters, and they look like they will work fine with my studio monolights, but none seem to have the right type of tip for connecting to a Vivitar 283 flash. If that is the case, how could I even attempt this means of using my existing flash with the K10D? And, by the way, will radio transmitter units connect to other brands of (non-studio) flash?
3) I realize that film has much greater latitude than a sensor, so -- even if I am able to use my current flashes -- will the output be precise enough to ensure good exposures with a digital SLR?
4) If I need to upgrade to a new flash, should I go with the pricier Pentax brand or another brand (Sunpak, etc.)? I know that the Pentax flashes require a two-part connection for off-camera flash (though this seems needlessly complicated and raises the cost). What about using other brands for off-camera flash? How well do they work, and how can I use them off camera?
I realize I'm asking a lot of questions, but I have not seen this issue addressed elsewhere and I need to know the answers before taking the plunge and making my purchase (which I hope to do soon). I will appreciate any advice anyone can give me.


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