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Cobra 700AF User manual

User manual for Cobra 700AF. 8 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.

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Brand
Cobra
Model / document
Cobra 700AF
Document type
User manual
Language
English
Pages
8
File size
0.7 MB
Category
Film cameras
Document date
Not specified in catalog

Contents

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Page 2 · Read text
INSTRUCTION BOOK
                           FOR FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
  70OAF            WITH AF CAMERAS
                                          WHAT'S WHAT ON THE COBRA 700AF


                                                                          1  Zoom head focal length scale

                                                                          2  Bounce angle scale

                                                                          3  Swivel action

                                                                          4  Battery compartment cover

                                                                          5   Film speed selector/distance scale

                                                                          6  Flash test button

                                                                          7  Flash ready light

                                                                          8  ON/OFF Switch

                                                                          9  Auto check indicator

                                                                           10 Hotshoe locking wheel

                                                                          11 'Flash head

                                                                          12 *Autofocus illuminator

                                                                           13 Removable module

                                                                          14 Module locking Switch

                                                                              Notes* FOR EFFECTIVE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY DO NOT OBSTRUCT
                                                           PARTS 11 AND 12 WITH YOUR FINGERS. To reduce battery consump-
                                                                                        tion your Cobra 700AF will switch over to standby mode after five
                                                                              minutes. Simply press the camera's shutter button or the test flash
                                                                               button  (6) to restore power. For longer periods of time switch the
                                                                           flashgun off using the ON/OFF switch (8).

                                                                    Warning : There are no user-serviceable parts in this flashgun. Ex-
                                                                              tremely high voltages are generated inside the unit, so never attempt
                                                                                       to dismantle or tamper with it. Any attempts to open the flashgun will
                                                                                       invalidate the guarantee.




HOW TO USE COBRA 700AF



 1. LOAD THE BATTERIES
Slide the battery cover (4) towards the
front of the flash and insert the batter-
 ies according to the diagram inside the
compartment. Close the cover by slid-
 ing  it firmly back into place.
Ensure that the batteries are fitted prop-
erly, and remove them when storing
the gun for a long period of time. The
majority of flash faults are caused by
leaking or incorrectly fitted batteries.
This flashgun takes four 1.5V AA size
Alkaline batteries or Ni-Cad equivalent.
We strongly advise against the use of   Make sure the batteries are fitted
zinc-carbon batteries due to their short     correctly
 life and tendency to leak.




2. MOUNT THE FLASH ON THE
CAMERA'S HOT-SHOE
First switch off the gun. Then ensure
that the flash shoe module (13) is locked
in place, as marked on the flashgun.
Next rotate the locking wheel (10) up-
wards and slide the flash shoe into the
camera's hot-shoe until it's fully home.
There should be no need to force   it
into place. Rotate the locking wheel
(10) downwards to hold the flash on
the camera.
Note:With Dynax version  slide catch
towards "LOCK"                         Secure  the  flashgun  on  the
                                          hotshoe with the locking wheel

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Page 3 · Read text
3. SWITCH THE FLASH ON                                                  Tilt and swivel.The 700AF's head can be tilted upwards and swivelled
 Make sure that the camera is switched                                 sideways to bounce the light off white or neutral coloured surfaces. This
  on. Then simply slide the ON/OFF switch                                     gives a much more flattering result, preventing washed-out highlights
  (8) to the right. If the batteries are fresh                                    reducing harsh shadows and eliminating red-eye. The head can be
  the gun will charge up in less than 12                                                tilted from Odeg (straight ahead), through 45, 60 and 75deg to 90deg
  sec. and the ready light (7) will glow.  If                                           (straight upwards). It will also swivel right through to 180deg, useful for
 the gun is new, or hasn't been used for                                  bouncing the light off a wall.
 a while, fire the flash with the test but-
 ton  (6) a couple of times to get the
 flash working at full capacity.                                                     5. SELECT AN EXPOSURE MODE
 Note:The flash exposure is controlled                                    For simple point-and-shoot photography, leave your camera in Program
 via the camera's Though-the-lens (TTL)                                 mode. However, the Cobra 700AF's advanced dedication allows you to
 and "Off-the-film" (OTF) systems. There-                                 choose any other exposure mode available e.g. aperture priority, shut-
 fore  if the flash  is tested on camera    Slide the on-off switch to the right        ter priority and manual. Further details for using this flashgun with
 without a film or test card loaded incor-                                         specific cameras is provided overleaf.
 rect flash operation will result.

                                                                                      6. FILM SPEED SELECTOR/DISTANCE SCALE (5)
                                                                          This scale can be used as a guide to maximum shooting distances,
                                                                                 especially useful when using the camera in its TTL manual mode. The 4. HOW TO POSITION THE BOUNCE
                                                                           scale is not electronically connected to the flash unit and its use will not AND SWIVEL HEAD
                                                                                  affect the flash output, which is completely controlled by the camera. The 700AF offers the advantages of a
 zoom head with  tilt and swivel facili-
 ties.
                                                                                        7. AF ILLUMINATORZoom head. By pre-setting the zoom
                                                              The 700AF has a  built  in autofocus head to match the lens in use you can
                                                                                     illuminator (12) to enable the camera obtain even light coverage with wideangle
                                                                                     to judge the distance, and adjust the lenses and still maximise the flashgun's
                                                                       focus of the lens in low ambient light orpower output with longer lenses.
                                                                                            total darkness. The illuminator fires aSimply set the number on the head (1)
                                                                            red light when the shutter release but-that most closely matches the focal length
                                                                               ton of the camera is pressed. The cameraof the lens. So  if it's an 85mm lens or
                                                                  can then adjust the focus of the lenslonger, set 85; standard lens, set 50;
                                                                  and when correct will fire the shutter
35mm lens, set 35; and 28mm lens,    Set the zoom head to match the       and the flash. The illuminator has an
set 28. Don't forget to alter the zoom     focal  length of the lens  in use,                                                                                  effective distance of 7 metres. Beyondhead when using a zoom lens.              or  its nearest equivalent.  Don't
                                                                                            this distance manual focus should beNote:For 24mm lenses set the zoom    forget  to  alter the zoom head
head to 28 and  fit the wideangle dif-   when using a zoom /ens'              used.                                   Bouncing  the  flash  light  off a
fuser. This will cause slight underex-                                                                                                white wall or ceiling gives a more
                                                                                                                                                                            flattering  result  to  portraits
posure by about 1 stop, which  is not
noticeable with colour print film.

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Page 4 · Read text
The following relates to the F601 only :
 HOW TO USE COBRA 700AF IN     WhileAUTOMATICpressingBALANCEDshift buttonFILL pressFLASHmode/balanced fill flash, balanced fill
DIFFERENT EXPOSURE MODES     flashSLOW symbolSYNC  will appear on the camera LCD panel.
                                                               Slow sync allows you to increase the background exposure for better
                                                                  background detail and also creates a more natural  lighting balance
NIKON AF CAMERAS                                between the subject and the background.
Nikon F401, F401S, F401X, F501, F601, F801, F801S, F4, F90          Operates only in P, Pm, and A modes (also in Shutter priority S mode,
The 700AF can be used in four modes with the above cameras. "Point    see  earlier section  for  details). Press  shift button and slow button
and-shoot" programmed mode, known as Program TTL (P) mode, Aper     together.
ture priority TTL (A) mode, Shutter priority (S) mode and Manual TTI    REAR CURTAIN SYNC
(M) mode where the user has control over both shutter speeds am    Press shift button and rear curtain sync button at the same time.
apertures.
PROGRAM TTL  (P) MODE (Point and Shoot):                                      All models :
Set your camera to standard program (refer to camera's instructioi    EXPOSURE CHECK
book) and switch flash on. Once charged the flash ready signal (7         If the flash exposure is sufficient the auto check indicator (9) will light
lights and a flash ready symbol will appear in the camera's viewfindei     up.  If  it fails to light and the camera viewfinder flash signal blinks as a
The flash sync speed  will be set automatically. The exact speed wi     warning, check that you are within flash range.  In aperture priority and
depend on the camera model.                                      manual modes a larger aperture may be selected allowing more light to
APERTURE PRIORITY TTL (A) MODE:                                           strike the film.
This mode is useful when depth-of-field is an important factor. Set thi
camera to its A position (refer to camera's instruction book) and selec  CANON AF CAMERAS
desired aperture.                                     EOS 650, 620, 600,1, 5, 10, 100, 1000, 1000F, 1000FN, 850, 750, 700,
SHUTTER PRIORITY TTL  (S) MODE (Not F501):                      RT
This mode allows you to increase the background exposure for bette    The 700AF may be used with the above cameras in "Point and Shoot"
background detail and also creates a more natural  lighting balanci    program TTL (P) mode, Aperture priority TTL (AV) mode, Shutter prior-
between the subject and the background. Set camera to  its S modi       ity TTL (TV) mode, and  Manual TTL (M) mode. Note  : the EOS 850,
(refer to camera's instruction book) and select any shutter speed be    750 and 700 models provide TTL Programmed flash only.
tween the maximum sync and the B setting.                        NOTE: The EOS 5 and EOS 10 cameras will not operate the flash gun's
MANUAL TTL (M) MODE:                                    AF illuminators (12). Due to the nature of the focusing systems., these
Set camera to manual M mode (refer to camera's instruction book). An1    cameras are designed to only utilise their own built in AF illuminators.
combination of shutter speed (up to the maximum sync) and apertun     Batteries do not need to be inserted  into the optional Pro-Grip AF
may be selected. The film speed selector/distance scale (5) on the rea    accessory if used in conjunction with these cameras.
of the gun can be used as a guide to maximum flash distances witl    Program TTL (P) MODE (Point and Shoot)
most apertures.                                                          Select the  " Green Square  " mode on your camera  (refer to camera's
METERING MODES-F601, F801, F801S, F4                                      instruction book). This puts the camera into "Point-and Shoot" mode,
Flash will operate in Matrix  Fill Flash, Centre Weighted  Fill Flash    and can be used for general flash photography indoors and day light fill
Centre Weighted TTL Flash, Matrix TTL flash and Spot TTL flash (F60     flash outdoors. Switch on flash: once charged the ready light (7) will
& F801S only). No "Background and Foreground balance compensa    glow and a flash ready symbol will appear in the camera's viewfinder. A
tion" facility available on F4, F801 and F801S.                            shutter sync speed will be set by the camera, the exact speed will
                                                               depend on  the amount  of ambient  light  present,   usually the  maxi-

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Page 5 · Read text
mum sync  for your particular camera will only be set in bright outdoi    NOTES: The 700AF can also be used, when desired, with the PIC and
  conditions. The camera  will also automatically select an appropria;    bar-code facilites offered by some EOS models. These modes will set
  aperture. In this mode daylight fill flash is controlled by the camera.       the camera up for a particular shooting condition and selects shutter
                                                                     speed, aperture and film advance automatically. When flash is desired
                                                                             with these simply select the command or bar-code desired, switch the
 APERTURE PRIORITY TTL (AV) MODE
                                                                                flash on and proceed, refering to your camera's instruction book and
    It should be noted that the EOS system is so designed that in AV mod
                                                                           the points mentioned in the above instructions.
 a sync speed will not be set. The shutter speed selected by the earner                                                                         Flash photography is not possible with the DEP mode offered by some
  solely depends on the aperture selected and the amount of ambier
  light present.                                         EOS models.
 AV mode is useful when depth-of-field is an important factor. Switcl    EXPOSURE CHECK
 camera on and select AV mode (refer to camera's instruction book)        If the flash exposure is sufficient, the auto check lamp (9) will light up
  Select desired aperture via the camera's input dial and switch the flasl      briefly.  If  it fails to, check that you are within the maximum distance by
 on. The camera will select a shutter speed between 30 seconds and tht     using the scale (5) on the rear of the flash. In AV and manual modes a
 maximum sync speed.                                                        larger aperture can be selected allowing more light to strike the film.
 NOTE: If a small aperture is selected in low light conditions, the earner;  MINOLTA DYNAX AF CAMERAS
  will set a slow shutter speed. In this case either set a larger aperture o
 ensure that your camera is mounted on a sturdy tripod to avoid earner*    Dynax 30001, 50001, 70001, SOOOi, 2xi, 3xi, SPxi, 5xi, 7xi, 9xi
 shake.  If the maximum sync speed in the viewfinder blinks set a smalle1    The 700AF can be used with above cameras  in "Point-and-Shoot"
 aperture to avoid over-exposure.                                  mode,known as Program TTL (P) mode, Aperture priority TTL (A) mode,
                                                                         Shutter priority TTL (S) mode, and Manual TTL (M) mode, where the
                                                                         user has control over both shutter speed and apertures.
 SHUTTER PRIORITY TTL (TV) MODE                               NOTE: The SOOOi has Program TTL (P) mode flash only, and the 50001
 Like AV, TV mode reads ambient light and adjusts the aperture accord-    program TTL (P) mode and Manual TTL (M) mode flash only.
 ingly. In low light conditions the camera will select a wide aperture - or
 the aperture value may blink indicating that there is not enough light for    PROGRAM TTL (P) MODE (Point and Shoot)
                                                                      Switch  camera on and select program (P) mode (refer to camera's a correctly exposed picture. The only method of correction is to select a
 slower shutter speed.                                                            instruction book). This puts the camera .into a "Point-and-Shoot" mode
                                                                 and can be used for general flash photography. Switch flash on, once
 This mode allows you to increase the background exposure for better
                                                                   charged a flash symbol will appear in the viewfinder and the flash ready
 background  detail and also creates a more natural  lighting balance
                                                                                                 light (7) will glow. A shutter sync speed and aperture will be automati-
 between the subject and the background. Switch camera on and select
                                                                                        cally set by the camera. The exact sync speed set will depend on the
TV mode (refer to camera's instruction book). Select desired shutter
                                                                amount of available ambient light and the length of lens in use. Usually
 speed from the maximum sync to 30 seconds via the cameras input dial
                                                                            the maximum sync for your particular camera will only be set in bright
and switch flash on.  If the minimum aperture can be seen blinking in the
                                                                                 conditions.viewfinder select a faster shutter speed.  If the maximum aperture blinks
 select a slower one.                                            APERTURE PRIORITY TTL (A) MODE
                                                                           This mode is useful when depth-of-field is an important factor. Switch
                                                              camera on and select A mode (refer to camera's instruction book).
MANUAL TTL (M) MODE                                                     Select desired aperture via tha camera's rocker or dial, and switch flash
Switch camera on and select M mode (refer to camera's instruction      on. The camera  will select a sync speed depending on the Dynax
book). Select desired shutter speed, from the maximum sync to 30     model. The scale (5) on the rear of the gun can be used to give a guide
seconds & B, and desired aperture. The film speed selector/distance      to maximum shooting distances with most apertures.
scale (5) on the rear of the gun can be used as a guide to maximum
flash distances with most apertures.                                SHUTTER PRIORITY TTL (S) MODE                                                                    Operates as per program TTL (P) mode. Shutter speed and aperture
                                                                          are selected by the camera.

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Page 6 · Read text
MANUAL TTL (M) MODE                          PENTAX AF CAMERAS:
Switch camera on and select manual (M) mode  (refer to camera's
                                                                   The 700AF can be used in the following exposure modes with the Z-1instruction book). Any combination of shutter speed (up to the maxi-
                                                                    and Z-20.mum sync) and aperture may be selected. Refer to the scale (5) on the
rear of the gun to obtain maximum shooting distances.
                                                                                                                           " GREEN SQUARE OPERATION " PROGRAMMED AE/PROGRAMMED
                                                                     AE, HYPER PROGRAMMED AE (Z-1 only), SHUTTER-PRIORITY AE,
SLOW-SHUTTER SYNC                                            APERTURE-PRIORITY AE, HYPER MANUAL.MANUAL (BULB)
50001, 70001, 80001, 2xi, SPxi, 5xi, 7xi, 9xi
Slow shutter sync is available on the above cameras.  It allows you to            the following modes with the SF7, SFX, and SFX-N
increase the background exposure for better background detail and
also creates a more natural lighting balance between the subject and       PROGRAMMED AE, SHUTTER-PRIORITY AE, APERTURE-PRIOR-
the background. Slow-shutter sync can be used in program (P) mode           ITY AE, METERED MANUAL
with  all the above cameras. For other modes consult your camera's
instruction book.                                                       and the following modes with the Z-10
Select Program or desired mode available on your camera and switch
flash on. The above cameras will have either a SPOT button or an AEL       PROGRAMMED AE, METERED MANUAL
button located to the right of the viewfinder. When the flash has charged
a sync speed and aperture will be set by the camera. The pressing of                                                                             " GREEN SQUARE " PROGRAMMED AE MODE (Z-1 & Z-20), PROGRAMMED
the SPOT/AEL button will cause the camera to set a slower speed (up         AE MODE (ALL MODELS)
to slowest speed of particular model). Use a sturdy tripod with slower           Select PROGRAMMED AE mode on the camera (refer to camera's
speeds to avoid the danger of camera shake.                                        instruction book), this is useful for general photography.  In this mode
                                                                                     shutter sync speed and aperture are selected for you, any speed from
NOTE: The 700AF can be used  in conjunction with certain Creative           1/250th sec to 1/30th sec may be set depending on particular camera
 Expansion Cards (available for some Dynax models). Simply mount the          model and ambient lighting.  Switch flash on and wait for the ready
 flash and switch   it on. The camera will select a shutter speed and            signal 7) to glow then simply point, focus and shoot.
 aperture according to the particular card being used.  If in doubt refer to          Note: The 700AF will also operate with the " PICTURE  " modes of the
 your Minolta Dealer.                                                            Z-20. Refer to the Z-20's instruction book for further information.

 EXPOSURE CHECK                                                HYPER PROGRAMMED AE MODE (Z-1 ONLY)
  If the flash exposure is sufficient, the auto check indicator (9) will light           This mode is similar to standard program but the user has the option of
 up briefly.  If  it fails to, check that you are within the maximum distance            altering the shutter speed and aperture without switching modes. Se-
 by refering to the scale (5) on the rear of the gun. In aperture priority or             lect HYPER PROGRAMMED AE on the camera (refer to camera's
 manual modes a larger aperture may be selected allowing more light to            instruction book).  Initially a shutter sync speed and aperture combina-
 strike the film.                                                                           tion will be set by camera.   If desired this can be changed by using the
                                                           TV and AV input dials on the front and rear of the camera.
                                                                            Note: a safety shift feature on the Z-1  will not allow incorrect shutter
                                                                      speed /aperture combinations to be set.    If this happens an  " S  " will
                                                                         appear on the LCD information panel. For more information refer to the
                                                                          camera's instruction book.

                                                                        SHUTTER-PRIORITY AE MODE (ALL MODELS EXCEPT Z-10)
                                                                                This mode allows the user to select any shutter speed from the maxi-
                                                    mum sync to the slowest speed.    It  is useful for increasing the back-

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Page 7 · Read text
ground exposure for better background detail and also creates a more          only when an FA-AF " Power-Zoom " lens is fitted).
natural lighting balance between the subject  and  the  background.         B) The Z-1 will only operate its own AF spot beam which is located next
Select SHUTTER-PRIORITY AE mode on the camera (refer to cam-          to the RTF. When AF illumination is required simply engage the RTF,
era's instruction book) and select any shutter speed from the maximum         focus as normal, then retract the RTF.    If the RTF is left in the 'up'
sync to the slowest speed of particular model. The camera will select          position there is a possibility that  it will fire along with the 700AF.
an appropriate aperture.                                                   C) Low  light illumination  is not possible with the 700AF and Z-20,
                                                                              regardless of lens type in use.
APERTURE-PRIORITY AE MODE (ALL MODELS EXCEPT Z-10)                    D) When using the 700AF and Pro-Grip with any model other than the
                                                                               Z-10, batteries need not be used in the grip.
This mode allows the user to select any aperture and is useful when
depth-of-field is an important factor. Select APERTURE-PRIORITY AE                                                            IMPORTANT NOTICE:
mode on the camera (refer to camera's instruction book) and select any                                                             Due to circuit board differences between the SF and Z series 700AF
aperture. The camera will select a sync speed. The distance scale (5)                                                                      Pentax guns, the two are not interchangeable, i.e. an SF series 700AF
on the rear of the gun can be used as a guide to maximum shooting                                                                         cannot be used on a Z series camera, and vice versa.
distances with most apertures.
Note: The sync speed set by the camera depends on the aperture                                                      EXPOSURE CHECK
selected. A wide aperture i.e. f1.7 will usually mean a fast sync speed                                                                                                                                            If the flash exposure is sufficient the auto check indicator (9) will light
i.e. 1/125th sec, however selecting a narrow aperture, i.e. f16, will likely                                                                                 up.  If  it fails to light, check that you are within flash range. In aperture
result in 1/30th sec being set.                                                                                              priority and manual modes a larger aperture may be selected allowing
                                                                 more light to strike the film.
HYPER MANUAL (Z-1 & Z-20), METERED MANUAL (ALL OTHER MODELS)
This mode allows the user to select both shutter speed and aperture.select
HYPER MANUAL/METERED MANUAL on the camera (refer to cam-
era's instruction book) and select shutter speed and aperture desired.
The distance scale (5) on the rear of the gun can be used as a guide to                 THE FILTER PACK
maximum shooting distances with most apertures, film speeds etc.             Three coloured  filters, a red green and blue, plus a wideangle
Note: The Z-1 will not allow incorrect shutter/aperture combinations to           diffuser are included with your Cobra 700AF. These simply click
be set and an " S " will appear on the camera's LCD information panel.          onto the front of the zoom head.
For more information refer to camera's instruction book.                       Note that the coloured filters will reduce the flashgun's light output
                                                                         by about two stops, and the wideangle diffuser by about one stop.

MANUAL  (BULB)  (Z-1 & Z-20), BULB  (ALL OTHER MODELS)
" BULB  " allows the shutter to be kept open indefinitely for long expo-
sure shots with or without flash. Select" BULB " on the camera (refer
to camera's instruction book).  Select desired aperture.
Note: When the 700AF flash fires in this mode the auto check indicator
(9) will illuminate, this shows that the flash has correctly exposed the    WARNING: Your 700AF flashgun is dedicated to one brand
subject as indicated by reflected light.   It is not, however, an indication                                                                                         of camera only. Dedication cannot be changed by simply changing
of the over-all exposure, this will depend on the amount of time that the                                                                               the removable module (13). The flashgun's dedicated circuitry is
shutter remains open and the reciprocity of the film in use. Some trial                                                                    housed  in the body of the gun not the module. The module  is
and error may be required.                                               removable only to allow use with the optional Pro-Grip AF outfit.
                                                                           Serious damage could result to both flash and camera if this warning
AF ILLUMINATION WITH 700AF Z-SERIES VERSION                                           is not adhered to.
A) The 700AF's illuminator (12 ) will only operate with the Z-10 (and

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