Leica Cf User manual

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LE ICA

Anleitung
Instructions
Gebruiksaanwijzing
Notice d'utilisation
Instrucciones


Compact Flash LEICA CF

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         Description of parts
         t.   Dispersion screen of the flash reflectoril.      2.  Photo cell
      3.  Exposure chart
      4.  Operating mode selector with catching setting:
              .  OFF, MANUAL  (full performance return),
        o AIJTO 7 (automatic flash exposure control for larger distances),
        o AUTO 2 (automatic flash exposure control for larger depth of field)
      5.  Test flash release
      6.  Flash status display
      7.  Battery compartment cover
            center (synch) contactiil       t.      9.  Signal contact


lI


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Introduction
we wish you much pleasure and success with your new LEICA compact Flash.
 Its minimal dimensions make it possible to have this flash unit at hand where-
ver you go. lt accentuates traveling equipment excellently. The flash foot, with
the additional signal contact, provides automatic adaptation to various LEICA
cameras which makes its operation exceptionally simple.  lt harmonizes espe-
cially well with compact cameras such as the LEICA minilux zoom. lts medium
guide number (2O with ISO 1OOl20") increases your photographic possibilities,
especially for outdoor exposures when the lighting is bad or in large rooms.
In order for you to take full advantage of the performance capability of your
LEICA CF you should read these instructions  first.

Safety notices:
Bus, train, car drivers or bicycles riders should never be photographed with a
flash since the driver may temporarily be blinded by the light and cause an acci-
dent. Make sure that the flash will not be activated when such photographs
are being made.


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 Never flash directly into the eye at short distances.  lt might lead to damage of
 the cornea and cause severe damage of sight, perhaps even blindness. This
 applies for people as well as for animals.
 Do not activate the flash when there is something in direct contact with the
 dispersion screen.
 The dispersion screen should not been touched when the flash has been igni-
 ted several times,  it can get very hot.
 The flash should never be ignited near flammable gases and liquids (gasoline,
 solvents, etc..) since there is always a risk of explosion and/or fire.
  lf the unit's housing has been damaged so badly that internal parts are expo-
 sed they must not be touched. In such cases, remove the batteries immedia-
 tely. The unit has a high-voltage circuitry which can still cause electric shocks,
 burns or other injuries, even after the batteries have been removed - exceptio-
 nal caution should therefore be exercised.
 This also applies when water or other liquids, metallic or flammable objects
 have gotten inside the unit's housing.
 For the same reason, the unit should never be brought into contact with moi-

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sture,  it should never be touched with wet hands and one should never attempt
       to ciisassemble, repair or modify it.

        Brief description
     The LEIGA cF is a flash unit of medium performance that is easy to operate
      and especially compact.  lts special features include:
    o Guide number 20 for ISO 1OO/21 o                                                                                                                                   ii
    o Standard flash foot with additional signal contact, this enables fully auto-
         matic control with the LEICA minilux zoom; Switch-over to synch-time and
          flash-ready display in the viewfinder with other LEIcA cameras
    o Integrated photo cell for automatic flash-exposure control with any camera;
        can be selected in two f/stop steps.
    o when used with the LEIGA minilux zoom, the camera takes over the auto-
I         matic control of the flash exposure disregarding the operating mode set on
         the flash unit.

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 Compatible batteries / accumulators
 The LEICA CF can be used with 1.5 volt alkali manganese batteries as well as
 with 1.2 volt NiCd/NiMH accumulators of the "mignon" size.
 Examples of battery descriptions (listed in alphabetical order): DURACELL MN
 1500, KODAK KAA/-P, UCAR E 91, VARTA V 1500 PX and others'
 Attention! Lithium batteries cannot be used since the voltage might be too
 high.

 Inserting and exchanging batteries / accumulators
 The LEICA CF is powered by two batteries / accumulators. To insert, remove
 the battery compartment cover (bottom of flash unit, 7) by pulling it straight
 off to the back. Insert the batteries / accumulators with the contacts (+ and
 - poles ) positioned according to the notice inside the compartment. Put the
 cover back on.
 Please keep battery contacts clean. Do not dispose of batteries by throwing
 them into a fire, do not recharge, break open, disassemble or heat. Do not dis-
 pose of used batteries in normal household trash since they contain toxins that

22

endanger the environment. Return them to your local supplier or turn them in
for recycling.
switching the flash unit on/off  / Testing the batteries/accumulators       *s*i
The flash unit is switched on with the operating mode selector (4), byturningtl'
 it clockwise to one of the three positions. To switch  it off, turn it back to the
'oFF" position.  lf the batteries /accumulators provide enough power, the unit
generates a high-pitched - but low-volume  - noise. After about 12 seconds the
flash status display (8) lights up. To make sure that the flash unit is functioning
correctly, activate the test-flash release (5). The recharging procedures that fol-
low should be accomplished after about 0.5 - 5 seconds.
lf the flash status display takes much longer to light up, or if it does not light
up at all, the batteries need to be exchanged for fresh ones, or the accumula-
tors need to be recharged. lf, when this has been done, there is still no reac-
tion then the battery contacts might be dirty. In this case, wipe the contacts
with a clean, dry and lint-free cloth.

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 Note.' The performance and durability can deviate significantly, even with
 "fresh" batteries.  lf the batteries / accumulators are partially discharged,  it is
 possible that the flash takes longer and longer to regenerate itself during a
 series of flash exposures. Generally photography can continue after a short
 break to let the batteries / accumulators recharge themselves.
 Attention! Cold temperatures especially decrease battery performance.  lt is
 therefore recommended to carry the LEICA CF as close to your body as possi-
 ble when working in cold weather conditions.

 Selecting the operating mode
 The operating mode selector (4) of the LEICA CF has four settings:
 1. "OFF" The flash unit is switched off   .
 2. "MANUAL" The flash unit performs at full power.
 3.'AUTO-|" At a pre-selected f/stop, the flash unit controls the amount of
     light released itself from 1 to 7.1 m.
 4. 'AUTO-2" At a pre-selected f/stop, the flash unit controls the amount of
     light released itself from 0.5 to 3.5 m.

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when the LEICA cF is attached to the LEICA minilux zoom, the camera auto-
 matically switches off its own built-in flash and disregards the pre-set mode of
the attached unit. lt also automatically exposes with the higher guide number
of the LEICA cF.
Use with the LEICA minilux zoom                                                                                                                                                              :ri
The flash shoe of the LEICA minilux zoom permits the additional use of a stron-fi
ger external flash unit such as the LEICA CF. This makes it possible to illumi-
nate subjects properly even if they are situated further away from the camera.
when the LEIGA cF is attached to the LEIGA minilux zoom, a switch in the
flash shoe of the camera:
      1. deactivates the built-in flash unit and
     2. adjusts the flash exposure control to the higher guide number of the
attached flash unit. At the same time, the flash unit is set internally to full
power, regardless of the setting of the operating mode selector.
The additional contact in the flash shoe serves to relay the (missing) ready sig-
nal so that the red light diode in the camera viewfinder functions the same as

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 with the built-in flash and so that the shutter is also blocked  if necessary.
 Note: The use of the flash operating modes with the pre-flash (to reduce the
 ,,red-eye" effect) is not possible when an external flash unit is attached. As
 soon as the LEICA CF is attached and the operating mode of the camera is set
 for a pre-flash function, it is automatically changed to the same mode without
 the pre-flash as soon as a flash unit is attached. This is displayed accordingly
 in the data panel. When the flash is removed, the originally selected operating
 mode is reset automatically.

 F/stop selection with the ,,AUTO" operating mode with other cameras
 The ,,AUTO" operating modes can be applied when cameras without TTL flash
 control or with single x contact are used, or when you would like to influence
 the existing and the flash light independently of one another.
 With these settings, the flash exposure control occurs automatically within the
 specified distance ranges. The flash light that is reflected from the subject
 during the exposure  is registered by the metering cell (2) and controlled by limit-
 ing the flash time between 1l2OO and 1/30 OOO seconds. The exposure chart

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(3) lists the respective fistops to be set on the lens for both positions and the
most common film speeds. An example for ISO 1OOl21o is gray tinged.

Film sped (SO):
       25/150 50/180 t00/2to  200/240 400/270 800/300  ir
AUTO 7                                                                                                                                                                              ..                                                                                                     ir
( t - 7. t d;;***-i ::4---2*-            ili--2-, 8-'  "ffi   45.68:
AUTO 2                                               f/stop to be set
(0.5-3.5m): 2.8     45.68              11      t6
Which of the two settings should be used depends solely on the needed range
and the desired depth of field. ,,AUTO-1" provides the better range while
,,AUf O-2" offers the greater depth of field within the stated distance ranges.

F/stop selection with the ,,MANUAL" operating mode with other cameras
In the ,,MANUAL" operating mode, the LEICA CF performs at full power so that

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2. With the standard setting,  it is possible that unusually bright or dull subjects
are not illuminated optimally with the flash. The specifications are merely
approximations.  In such cases, it is recommended to use a larger or smaller
f/stop compared to what is listed in the chart
3. By setting ,,false" f/stops (smaller or larger than those stated in the chart) on
purpose, the flash exposure can be applied more precisely.





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 Trouble-shooting guide
 Error                    Cause                      Solution
 Flash unit does not indi-     Batteries inserted incor-    Check batteries and
 cate that it is ready          rectly or are empty          possibly insert fresh
                                                   ones
 Flash does not indicate     Faulty contact           Wipe batteries and
 that it is ready though the                              contacts with a clean,
 batteries are fresh and                                dry cloth
 inserted correctly

 Camera does not           Flash unit is not           Check the flash foot
 signalize that the flash      positioned properly          position and slide into
 is ready                                               place correctly
 Flash photographs are     Range to subject was     Check f/stop settings
 exposed incorrectly        not kept; f/stop on the     on the flash unit and
                             lens was too small         the lens and correct
                                                                                            if necessary

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Care tips for the LEICA CF
o Alcohol or other chemical substances must not be used to clean the unit
   housing. lf necessary, wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
o The LEICA cF should not be exposed to hard knocks, extreme heat and/or
   moisture.
   Extremely low temperatures impede the operation of the flash unit. lt is the-
   refore recommended to carry the LEICA cF in a warm inside pocket when
   in the cold.
  An abrupt temperature change from cold to warm should be avoided since
  condensation could occur which might impede operation.  lf condensation
  should occur, it will go away by itself after a period in warm, dry surroun-
   dings. Do not switch the flash on during this time.
  The LEICA CF should not get wet. Expensive repairs or even total loss could
  be the result.
  When not in use, the batteries/accumulators should be removed and the unit
  should be stored in a cool, dry place - free of dust and chemicals.

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 Technical data
 Flash holder:          ISO flash foot with center and signal contact
                                                                     o) Guide number:       20 (with ISO 1OO/21
 lllumination angle:       According to a 35 mm focal length for 35 mm
                                film format
 Color temperature:   Approximately 5.9000 K
 Flash time:          AUTO: 1i3O OOO - 1l2OO seconds
              MANUAL:    1l2OO seconds
 Number of flash releases Approximately 280 (with Alkali-Manganese
 per set of batteries.'    batteries)
 Flash recharge time:     Approximately 0.5 - 5 seconds (with Alkali-
                       Manganese batteries)
 Operating modes:        1. OFF
                            2. MANUAL (full performance return)
                              3. AUTO 1 (automatic control f/2.8 at ISO
                            1OOl21ol
                            4. AUTO 2 (automatic control f/5.6 at ISO
                                1001210l.

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Power supply:          Two batteries or accumulators size "mignon"
Overall dimensions:       Width 56 mm / Height 82 mm / Depth 28 mm
                              (2.2 I 3.2 / 1.1 inches)
Weight:                   Approximately 7O g (without batteries)

Customer service
For the maintenance of your LEICA cF and in case of damage, the customer
service of Leica Camera AG or of your local Leica agency (see warranty card)
is at your disposal. Please turn to the authorized Leica representative nearest
you.

Bezeichnungen der Teile zum Umschlagbild links
  1   Blitzreflektor
 2   MeBzelle
 3   Belichtungs-Tabelle
 4   Betriebsarten-Wiihler mit rastenden Stellungen:
        r OFF (Aus), MANUAL (volle Leistungsabgabe),
          t AIITO / (autom. Blitz-Belichtungssteuerung  f0r gr6Bere Reichweiten)
.         . AUTO 2 (autom. Blitz-Belichtungssteuerung  fur grciBere Schdrfentiefe)
 5   Testblitz-Ausloser
 6   Bereitschaftsanzeige
 7   Batteriefach-Deckel
 8   Mitten-(KurzschluB) Kontakt
 9   Steuer-undSignalkontakt

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 Vorwort
 Wir wrinschen lhnen viel Freude und Erfolg mit lhrem neuen LEICA CF Blitz-
 geret. Seine minimalen Abmessungen erlauben es, dieses Blitzgerdt immer und
 tiberall dabei zu haben. Insofern bildet es eine ideale Ergdnzung zu jeder Rei-
 seausrr-istung. Der integrierte SCA 351 BlitzfuB sorgt fur die automatische
 Anpassung an die unterschiedlichsten LEICA Kameras, so daB auch die Bedie-
 nung ausgesprochen einfach  ist.
 Besonders gut harmoniert es mit Compact-Kameras wie der LEICA minilux
 zoom. Seine mittlere Leitzahl (20 bei lSO100/21 o) erweitert lhre fotografischen
 Moglichkeiten insbesondere bei AuBenaufnahmen  bei schlechten Lichtverhdlt-
 nissen, bzw. in grclBeren Innenriiumen.
 Damit Sie die volle Leistungsfdhigkeit  lhres LEICA CF Blitzgerdts richtig nutzen,
 sollten Sie zundchst diese Anleitung lesen,

 Sicherheitshinweise
 Es sollten niemals Bus-, Zug-. Auto-, oder Fahrradfahrer mit Blitz fotografiert
 werden, da durch die Blendung der Fahrer ein Unfall verursacht werden kann.

2

schalten Sie vor der Aufnahme solcher Motive den Blitz aus oder stellen Sie
sicher, daB der Blitz nicht ausgelost wird. Blitzen Sie niemals aus kurzen Ent-
fernungen direkt in die Augen, da sowohl bei Menschen als auch Tieren Netz-
hautschddigungen und schwere Sehstorungen  bis zur Erblindung die Folgen
sein konnen.
Losen Sie den Blitz nicht aus, wenn irgendetwas in direktem Kontakt mit dem
Reflektor steht. Nach mehrfachem Blitzen sollte der Reflektor zur Vermei-
dung von Verbrennungen  nicht beruhrt werden, da er sehr heiB werden kann.
In der Ndhe von entflammbaren Gasen und Flussigkeiten (Benzin, Losungs-
mitteln etc.) sollte der Blitz wegen drohender Explosions und/oder Feuerge-
fahr keinesfalls ausgelost werden. Wurde das Gerdtegehduse so stark
beschddigt, daB Innenteile freiliegen, sollten Sie diese keinesfalls beruhren.
Entnehmen Sie in solchen Fdllen unverzriglich  die Batterien/Akkus.
Das Gerdt enthdlt einen Hochspannungs-Schaltkreis,  der Stromschldge,  Ver-
brennungen oder sonstige Verletzungen verursachen kann - gehen Sie des-
halb vorsichtig vor. Das gilt auch fur den Fall, daB Wasser oder andere FlUs-
sigkeiten, metallische oder entflammbare Gegenstende  in das Gerdtetnnere

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eingedrungen sind. Aus dem gleichen Grund sollten Sie das Gerdt nicht
Feuchtigkeit aussetzen, es mit feuchten Hdnden ber1ihren, zerlegen, reparie-
ren oder umbauen.

Kurzbeschreibung
Das LEICA CF Blitzgeriit  ist ein einfach zu bedienendes, besonders kompaktes
Blitzgerdt mittlerer Leistung. Seine besonderen Ausstattungsdetails  sind:
.  Leitzahl 20 bei ISO 1OOl21o
.  integrierter SCA 351 -Standard-BlitzfuB, dadurch automatische Steuerung
   mit entsprechenden Kameras, z.B. LEICA minilux zoom
.  integrierte MeBzelle fur automatische  Blitz-Belichtungssteuerung  mit beliebi-
  gen Kameras; wahlweise in zwei Blendenstufen
o Manuell-Stellung,  - dient gleichzeitig als Automatik-Position  fur Verwendung
  an LEICA minilux zoom