Flashes & lighting
Contax TLA 28 flash User manual
User manual for Contax TLA 28 flash. 30 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
30 pagesEnglish5.2 MB PDF
Loading your manual…Open PDF directly
Document details
- Brand
- Contax
- Model / document
- Contax TLA 28 flash
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 30
- File size
- 5.2 MB
- Category
- Flashes & lighting
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
Search available document text
Find a term, then jump to its page in the original PDF. Image-only pages may not be searchable; check the PDF for exact wording and diagrams.
Page 1 · Read text
CONTAX TLA2m INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG MODE D'EMPLOI MANUAL DE INSTRUCCTONESView original page 1
Page 3 · Read text
Thank you for your purchase of a Contax TLA28O' Vielen Dank, daB Sie sich zum Kauf des Blitzgerdtes
The Contax TLA28O is an TTL automatic light Contax TLA280 entschieden haben. Das TLA28O ist ein
control, clip-on type electronic flash unit for joint Aufsteckgerdt,Kabel zum entfesseltenkann aberBlitzenauch mittelsverwendetder Contaxwerden'TLA-In
use with our TTL automatic flash exposure control Kombination mit entsprechenden Yashica/Contax-
single lens reflex cameras. Cameras steht lhnen entweder eine automatische
Please read this manual carefully before use to Steuerung mittels CPU oder eine TTL-Blitzkontrolle zur
make full use of the outstanding capabilities of this Verfr.igung. Ii
new type of flash. Bitte lesen Sie diese Bedienungsanleitung vor 1
.'.!o The TLA28O is not correctly controled in the Verwendung des TLA28O aufmerksam durch, damit Sie .i machen Funktionen vertraut vielseitigen mit den
;:lTTL automatic flash exposure control mode on sich gelingen. perfekte Blitzaufnahmen stets und lhnen
some of our SLR cameras incorporating the TTL r Der TLA280 wird nicht richtig im Automatikblitzbe-flash exposure control such as the 137MA, trieb bei manchen unserer Spiegelreflexkameras mit dem
137MD and 139 Ouartz, and with these cameras, TTL-Blitzbelichtungssystem gesteuert, wie etwa
you have to take pictures in the manual flash 137MA. 137MD und 139 Ouartz, und bei diesen
mode. When you use the TLA28O on our SLR Kameras mr.issen Sie Bilder im manuellen Blitzbetrieb
cameras with no TTL flash exposure control, you auf nehmen. Wenn der TLA280 bei unseren
can take pictures in the manual flash mode. Spiegelref lexkameras ohne TTL-Belichtungssteuerung
When you use a Yashica single lens reflex camera verwendet wird, dann kann im manuellen Blitzmodus fotografiert werden.2OOAF, you can also use the main flash head only Bei Verwendung an den Modellen Yashica 2OO AF
in the CPU-matic mode. (For details, refer to the entnehmen Sie bitte Einzelheiten den
instruction for CS-2SOAF flash in the manual for Camerabedienungsanleitungen beztiglich der
your camera. The same operation for CS-2SOAF Verwendung des Blitzgeriites CS-250 AE die auch ftir
flash as described in the manual for your camera die Kombination mit dem TLA28O zutreffen.
applies.) www.butkus.usView original page 3Page 7 · Read text
< Battery Installation >
The TLA28O is powered bY four 1.5V
AA-size batteries, or by four 1.2V rechargeable Ni-
Cd batteries of the same size. When you use dry
batteries, use alkaline batteries, which are superior
in performance
Slide the Battery Compartment Cover out as { I illustrated and remove it' tl lnsert the four batteries into the battery
Z.o p^rtment according to polarity markings
"@" and "O" inside the compartment. Then
replace the cover. The flash unit will not function
unless the polaritY is correct.
<Test Flash >
Turn "ON" the Fower Switch to make the Ready
Lamp on, and push the Test Button, serving also
as the Flash Ready LamP, to flash. \w/w
I 4Mjr<--l & VU10 www.butkus.usView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
<Battery Precautions> (\brsichtshinweise zum Gebrauch der Batterie > Batteriespannungsab- o Recycling time will slow down as the batteries . Die Blitzfolgezeit wird bei nahme ldnger. Leuchtet die Blitzbereitschaftslampe nicht
weaken. When the Flash Ready Lamp fails to light innerhalb von 30 Sekunden nach Ausltisung des letzten
within 30 seconds of the previous flsah, it means Blitzes auf, bedeutet dies, daB die Batterien nicht aus-
the batteries are inadequately charged. When this reichend aufgeladen sind. In diesem Falle alle vier Bat-
occurs, replace all four batteries at the same time terien gleichzeitig ausvrrcchseln. Durch Mischen alter und
Mixing of old and new batteries will shorten neuer Batterien wird die Lebensdauer der Batterien
battery life. verktirzt.
Tiefe Temperaturen (unter 0oC) beeintrdchtigen die . Generally, low temperatures (under OoC) will o
reduce battery performance temporarily. When Batterieleistung vorr,ibergehend. Bei Verwendung des
using the flash unit in cold areas, it is BlitzgerdtesBatterien rrcrin K6ltekaltenzuGebietenschtitzen,ist indemes empfenlenswert,das Blitzgerdt diein
recommended that the batteries be protected from eine Tasche o.d. gesteckt wird. Auf diese Weise schwach
the cold by keeping the flash unit in a bag or in gewordene Batterien erholen sich wieder an einem Platz
some cold weather gear. Batteries thus weakened mit normaler Temperatur und ktinnen weiterhin verwen-
will regain their power and become serviceable det werden.
Durch Ol oder SchweiB verunreinigte Batterispole again upon being returned to normal r
temperatures. kcinnen einen schlechten elektrischen Kontakt verursa-
o Battery contacts contaminated with oil or chen. Vor Verwendung der Batterien ihre Pole mit einem trockenen Tuch sauberwischen, um eine maximale Leis- sweat can cause poor electrical contact. Wipe the tung zu gewdhrleisten.
contacts clean with a dry cloth before use to o Batterien. nicht kurzschlieBen, gewaltsam <iffnen
ensure maximum performance. oder in Feuer werfen-gefdhrlich.
o Don't throw the used batteries into fire, don't
disassemble, short, nor heat them, as such
practices are dangerous.
12View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
<Mounting the Flash Unit>
{ Turn the Shoe Locking Ring in the arrow I direction as far as it goes, and insert the flash
unit fully home into the accessory shoe on the
camera.
r Make sure that the flash unit base is pushed all
the way into the shoe: otherwisq full contact
necessary for automatic exposure control is not
insured, although the unit may flash.
ll Firmly secure the flash unit by turning the
4locking ring as far as it will go in the direction
of the arrow.
www.butkus.usView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
<Control Panel>
It shows the control range of the TLA28O for TTL
auto flash control.
Move the Zoom Selector until the Focal Length
Index comes opposite the graduation same as the
Zoom Scale. The control range data under the
Control Fanel will change to show the flash range
guideline for the main flashing only, with no
bounce, corresponding to the ISO speed and the
aperture.
o The ISO film speed range for TTL automatic
exposure control is between 25 and 4OO.
<Bounce Unit>
The elevation of the main flash head is adjusta-
ble on a wrtical axis up to 90o (click stops at 60o,
7Oo and 8Oo)
16View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
<Zoom Flash SYstem>
As you pull out the Main Flash Head according to
the focal length of the lens to be used, the illumi-
nation angle becomes adjustable The illumination
angle can be changed on the Zoom Scale in four
steps to suit the angular fields of 28 mm, 35 mm,
50 mm and 85 mm lenses so that your subject is
illuminated most effectively.
o This flash is designed to cover the angular field
for lenses of 28 mm to 85 mm in focal length' lf
your lens has a focal length not within the Zoom
Scale set to the smaller value than the focal dis-
tance of the lens in use'
The guide numbers relative to the focal lengths on the
Zoom Scale are as follows:
Guide Number
(FULL setting, ISO lOOl
Zoom Scale Main Flashing MaLr +
only ArxHory Flachingr
28mm 21 24
35mm 25 28
SOmm 27 30
85mm 30 32
.,, +Auxiliary Flash: G. No. 12 {FULLI www.butkus.usView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
< Flash Selector>
Setting the Flash Selector to " ! " makes both the main and the auxiliary flash, and setting it to " r "
makes only the main flash.
<Synchro Mode Selector>
Set this selector to "NORMAE' for the First Curtain
Synchro mode, and set it to ">>t' for the Second
Curtain Synchro mode.
When a camera without the Second Curtain Syn-
chro mode is used, be sure to set it to "NORMA['
(First Curtain Synchro).
<Flash Mode Selector>
This selector is for selection between the TTL auto-
flash shooting and manual flash shooting.
20View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
When the TLA28O is mounted on our TTL flash
control single lens reflex camera, the automatic
flashing in the direct TTL light metering is executed.
When an optionalTLA extension cord is used, the
flash unit can be set away from the camera for auto-
flash shooting.
For the extension and multiple flash modes, refer
to page 46.
As an example, the case of using with PLANAR T*
50 mm, F1.4lens (MM type) in the aperture priority
TTL auto-flash mode will be explained below:
{ Set the camera's exposure mode to "AV", I and set the Flash Mode Selector to 'AUTO".
-/Set the Zoom Scale to "50".
tD Slide the Zoom Seleaor to bring the Focal
r) tengttr Index opposite "5O"'
On the Control Panel, you will see the flash control
range relative to the film speed and aperture.
22 www.butkus.usView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
lens apenure ring and set the /llwn the rtdesired aperture. Since the TLA2SO operates on TTL direct light metering, you can choose any desired aperture that suits your shooting object. Because the flash control range varies with the aperture being set, shoot in the control range by referring to the Control Panel. o The Control Panel, indicates the auto-flash ranges for the main flash head without bounce lighting. 24View original page 14
Page 15 · Read text
f, Stan to take a picture after turning the 1l Fower Switch "ON" and making sure of
the full charging.
After taking a picture, verify the light control
indication on the camera. When the subject was
correctly exposed the " ! " mark on the camera
bf inks or the optimum value is indicated. lt no " l "
mark is displayed, or over/under exposure is
indicated, readjust the aperture, and take another
picture
o When the subject is closer than the auto-flash
range, afso the " lr" mark blinks, but the exposure
is over. Check the flash range on the Control Panel
before taking a picture.
. To test without film if the flash operates properly,
use the test sheet packed with the camera.
26 www.butkus.usView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
{ sfide it to set it to either "FULu" "114" ot | "1116".
!| Set the Zoom Scale according to the focal 4length of the lens used.
ll Choose the conect apelture according to 9the shooting distance and set h on the lens.
The correct aperture is determined by the following
formula: orfllll!on
Guide Number
Correct Aperture=
Shooting Distance
Example: lf you use an ISO 1OO film and 35 mm
lens and set the selector at "FULU', the guide
number is 28. lf the shooting distanie is about 3.5
m, the correct aperture is F8 because 28 * 3.5:8
(with 2 Flashes).
28View original page 16Page 18 · Read text
o The camera contains high-voltage circuits. r Diese Camera enthiilt komplizierte Elektronik und
In case of malfunctions, never try to disassemble Mechanik. Versuchen Sie auf Keinen Fall, die Camera im
it because it is dangerous. Stcirungsfall selbst auseinanderzunehmen, um Schdden
o When not using the flash unit, always turn off zuo Beivermeiden.Nichtverwendung des Blitzgerdtes stets den Ein-
the Power Switch to avoid battery drain. Aus-Schalter ausschahen, um eine Batteriespannungs-
When not using the flash unit for long periods of abnahme zu vermeiden. Bei lSngerer Nichtverwendung
timq remorre all four batteries. Also, periodically test des Blitzgeriites alle vier Batterien entfernen. AuBerdem
the flash unit to keep the capacitor in top working regelmdBig Prrifblitze auslcisen, um den Kondensator des
condition. Blitzgerdtes in erstklassigem Betriebszustand zu halten.
Das Blitzgerdt nicht ldngere Zeit direkter Sommerhitze o Do not leave the flash unit exposed to direct o gepark- (unbedeckt in praller Sonne Strand, in einem am summer heat (uncovered on the beach, in a car das Blitzsystem weil dadurch aussetzen, Auto uswl ten
parked in direct sunlight, etc.) for long periods of beschddigt werden kann.
time. This could result in damage to the flash . Um die optimale Leistung von diesem Blitzgerdt zu
system. erzielen, empfiehlt sich, es zusammen mit einer Yashica-
o To take full advantage of this flash, it is recom- Camera zu verwenden. Eine Beschddigung oder Funk-
mended to use it with Yashica cameras. We may tionsstcirung, die auf die Verwendung der Produkte
not be able to make repair for the damage and anderer Hersteller mit diesem Blitzgeriit zu rtickzuf tihren
malfunctions that have occurred when it was used ist, kann vom Yashica-Kundendienst u. U. nicht repariert
with products of other makers. werden.
32View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
ln the TTL auto flash pictures mode, the camera's
exposure compensation system can be utilized to
regulate the flash output. When the main subject
and the background are different in brightness,
hindering proper exposure adlustment, this mode
is helpful.
<lncreasing Exposure>
When there is a bright object such as a mirror or
a white furniture within the picture area, or when
a bright foreground is dominant, you can increase
the exposure to bring the portrait within the correct Q lncreasing Exposure
exposure.
<Decreasing Exposure>
When the portrait subject is surrounded by dark
objects such as walls and furniture, you should
decrease the exposure for correct exposure of the
portrait subject.
Decreasing Exposureu www.butkus.us(NView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
Bounce flash is the technique of aiming the flash
head at the ceiling or walls instead of directly at the
subject. The result is a softer, more natural lighting
as opposed to the harsh lighting of direct flash.
o In the bounce flash shooting, the aperture must
be adjusted with the reflectance ratlo of the bounce
surface, its angle and the bounce-path distance
taken into consideration. In general, the aperture
should be wider than with the direct flash. The
bounce surface should be nearly white and high in
reflectance For color pictures, anoid colored bounce
surfaces because they will girre false color effects O Wnn Bounce Flash
to the picture
<Main + Auxiliary Flashes>
For a portrait, this mode may be used with the main
flash head working in the bounce light for soft
effect and the auxiliary flash giving the eye catch
in portrait's eyes.
Witnout Bounce Flash\*f36 s.-,OView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
When shooting outdoor pictures, photographing
subject in bright sunlight or in backlit conditions,
your mdn strbject will come out with shadow areas
or be undercxposed. To overcome this situation, use
supplementary light from your flash unit to relieve
the shadows and beautifully capture the
background at the same time
(a With Flash
38 www.butkus.usO Wthout FlashView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
This shooting, allowing slow shutter speeds, is effective in taking portrait, etc. with the dusk or night background, incorporating the delicate light and scene atmosphere. o In this shooting, be sure to set the camera on a tripod to prevent blurring through hand movement. 40View original page 22
Page 23 · Read text
In the normal flash photography, the flash is triggered by the travelling of the First Curtain in wtrit is known the First Curtain Synchro flash. In contrast, in the Second Curtain Synchro flash, the flashing is triggered immediately prior to the starting of the Second Curtain movement. The Sicond Curtain Synchro flash shooting is effective in taking moving subiects in the slow- shutter synchro flash. The subiect illuminated by the flash is trailed by a flowing image of the subject illuminated by natural light to give natural expres- sion of motion. C firct Curtain Synchro mode r With cameras not equipped with the Second Curtain Synchro function, no Second curtain syn- chro flash shooting is available. Be sure to set the TLA28O to the First Curtain Synchro mode o Be sure to use a tripod to prevent blurring by hand motion. 42 www.butkus.usO Second Curtain SYnchro modeView original page 23
Page 24 · Read text
With the TLA28O, you can easily take close-ups
with flash in the TTL auto mode by using macro
lenses, auto extension tubes, etc.
Since it operates on direct light metering, correct
exposure is obtained because it covers the changes
in image magnification and aperture. lf you shoot
with the flash on the camera, however, satisfactory
results may not be obtained because of uneven
illumination or flash light cut-off by the lens barrel.
In such cases, use an optionalTLA extension cord
to separate the flash from the camera and fire the
flash in an appropriate position and from an
appropriate position.
o When taking close-ups, caution is required
because overexposure may result depending on the
f lash -to-subject distance.
. Since it is very difficult to determine the correct
aperture for close-ups in the manual flash mode,
it is recommended to make test exposure to
determine it.
44View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
With the use of the optional TLA extension and Mit dem TLA-Blitzzubehcir ist entfesseltes Blitzen sowie
multiple flash system accessories (TLA multi die Kombination mehrerer Blitzgerdte mciglich. Auch dabei ist eine TTL-BIitzkontrolle mtiglich. connectors, TLA Extension Cord, TLA Extension Mehrfachblitzen Kann in den folgenden Situationen wir-
Connector S, and TLA Attachment Adapter), kungsvoll Anwendung finden.
automatic TTL photos can be taken in the extension @ Wenn ein Einzelblitz starke Schalten erzeugt, kann
flash or multiple flash mode. durch Mehrfachblitzen ftir eine zusdtzliche Beleuchtung
Multiple flash can be effectively used in the gesorgt werden, um die Schaltenflachen zu beleuchten
following situations. oder aufzuhellen.
Motivs des direkt auf eine Seite WirO ein Blitzgerdt produce @ would single flash where a In cases @ gestellt, Effektes eines dreidimensionalen Erzeugen zum used to can be flash multiple shadows, dominant kann mit einem anderen Blitzgerdt die Schaltenfldche provide supplementary lighting to fill in or relieve aufgehellt werden, die sonst zu dunkel w6re, so daB sich
the shadow area. ein ausgeglichener Beleuchtungseffekt erzielen liiBt.
@ Wnen a flash unit is placed directly to one side @ Ftir Portriitaufnahmen in einem Raum mit groBer Hin-
of subject to produce a three dimensional effect, tergrundtiefe, in dem das Licht des Blitzgeriites nicht den
a supplementary flash can be employed to help Hintergrund erreicht, kann dieser mit einem oder meh-
lighten the shadow area that would otherwise be reren auf ihn gerichteten Blitzgerdten aufgehellt werden.
too dominant, thus enabling you to attain a
balanced lighting effect. I @ For portraits in a room will expansive background
of reaching is incapable flash unit where the depth,
flash directed t multiple a or single background, the
at the background will help lighten it.
46 www.butkus.usView original page 25Related documents and language editions
ContaxPDF
Contax RTF 540
User manual
45 pages · EnglishRead →
ContaxPDF
Contax TLA 200 Flash
User manual
32 pages · EnglishRead →
ContaxPDF
Contax TLA 360 flash
User manual
76 pages · EnglishRead →
ContaxPDF
Contax RTF 540
User manual
32 pages · GermanRead →
ContaxPDF
Contax TLA 140 flash
User manual
56 pages · German, FrenchRead →
ContaxPDF
Contax Tla 200
User manual
33 pages · German, French, SpanishRead →
ContaxPDF
Contax Tla 280
User manual
34 pages · German, French, SpanishRead →
From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.