Metz Mecablitz 60 CT-4 User manual

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MECABLITZ
 60 crl-4





 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCCIONES DEL MANEJO

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Contents
L      Technicaldata/Descriptionofillustrations
2.     Mecablitz teatures
3.     General
3.1   Auto modeg.2   Flash readiness
3.2.1 Visual flash ready signal                                                if3.2.2 Acoustic flash ready signal
3.3   Auto check
3.3.1 Visual auto check signal
3.3.2 Acoustic auto check signal
3.4   Colour temDerature
3.5   Synchronization
3.6    lllumination and wide angle diffusor
3.7   Power sources
3.7.1 Dryfit battery
3.7.2 NiOad pack
3.7.3 AC power usage
4.     Flash photography
4.1     Initial ooeration
4.2   Charging the batteries
4.3    Dryfit battery
4.4   NiCad pack
4.5  How to carry the flash unit
4.6   Switching on
4.7   Continuous llash operation
4.8   Manual mode
4.8.1 Fast output ratio setting with pre-selected aperture
4.8.2 Winder and motor drive ooeration
4.8.3 Picture shooting with fixed, short flash durations
4.9   Auto mode
4.9.1 Auto flash ranges
4.9.2 TTL flash control
4.9.3 Bounce flash
4.9.3.1 Bounce flash, auto mode
4.9.3.2 Bounce flash, manual mode
4.9.3.3 Duo-light system
5.    Care and maintenance
6.     Optional extras
6.1.  SCA 300 system




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         Description of illustrations

         "A" Front view
     @ Switch for display of wide angle data
     @ Reflector
     @ Wide angle ditfusor
     @ Sensor
     @ Bracket holder
     @ Quick-release device
     @ Tripod socket, 1/4"
     @ Fill-in reflector

         "8" Side view, right
     @ Film speed setting knob
     @ Guide groove-       for bracket holder
           fr catcn
     @ Sync cord socket

         "C" Rear view
            . @ Programming centre for auto mode
     @ Auto check
     @ Aperture lock (Prevents inadvertent changes in settings)
     @ Lock for bracket holder
     @ ON/OFF switch for fill-in reflector
     @ Manual firing button
     @ Flash ready light

         "D" Programming centre for auto mode
     @ Film speed indicator window (lSO)
     @ Indicator window for maximum effective range of flash (m) (without wide
              angle diffusor)
     @ Aperture indicator window
     @ Knurled knob for display of aperture, manual mode/TIL mode
     @ Indicator window for maximum effective range of flash (m) (with wide
              angle diffusor)

         "E" Side view, left
     @ Socket for connecting cable of power pack

         "F" Reflector head/bottom
     @ Indicator window for acoustic signals
     @ Switch for acoustic signals
     @ Aperture for adjustment of sound volume

           2

tE                                                                                 .;-

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"G" Programming centre for manual mode
@ Light output ratio dial
@ Light output ratio scale
@ Index mark for light output ratio setting
@ Flashto-subject distance scale
@ Carrying eyelets
@ Recesses for adjustment of aperture preselection dial
@ Fi|m speed scale
@ Film speed index mark
@ Film speed setting button
@ Scale of apertures to be set on camera
@ Frame for preselection of aperture

"H" Mountlng of bracket
@ Groove for bracket when folded or for horizontally formatted pictures.
   Also accepts bracket adapter 60-28 or Mecalux holder 60-26.
@ Locking knob
@ Camera bracket
@ Knurled screw, 1/4"
@ Tripod socket, 1/4"
@ Tripod socket, 3/8"
@ Knurled screw, 5 mm
@ Knurled screw for vertical adjustment

"1" Power pack
@ ON/OFF switch
@ In-use indicator
@ Connecting socket for flashgun of Mecatwin cable
@ Battery compartment cover knob
@ Battery compartment cover
@ 114" socket for mounting on bracket
@ Charging socket
@ Green monitoring light
@ Fed monitoring light

"K" Charging mode selector
@ Lug

"L" Charger with mains voltage selector
@ Voltage selector

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"M" How to attach the connectlng cable to the power pack
"N" Integrated wide angle diffusor
"O" How to carry the Mecablitz for transportatlon
"P" How to carry the Mecablitz ready for shootlng
"Q" How to carry the Mecablitz when interrupting plcture taklng
"R" How to fix the fill.in flash reduction  filter
"S" Table for fixed flash durations
"T" Example: Auto flash ranges tor ISO 100/21
"U" Storage of the reduction  filter 45-44 in case of non-usage
     resp. in case of lighting-up without reduction  filter

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1. Technical data
Guide numbers                         Film speed ISO 100/21 '
   for metres                          60
   for feet                              197

Guide numbers/winder mode,
up to 2112 flashes per second
  for metres                          10
   for feet                             33

Guide numbers for motor drive mode,
up to 5 flashes per second
   for metres                          7
   for feet                             23

8 auto working apertures
  up to ISO 4OOl27"                 2 - 2.8 -4 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16 - 22
   for ISO 800/30'                     2.8-4- 5.6-8- 11 -16-22
  for ISO 1600/33'                         4 -5.6-8 -11 -16-22

Coverage angle of sensor              250
Tilting quadrolight  ref lector              Pivots through 360" horizontally and
                                    90' vertically (6 settings)
lllumination (approx.)                  48" vertically, 65" horizontally
lllumination with wide angle diffusor
(approx.)                             65" vertically, 65' horizontally
lllumination with fill-in reflector (approx.) 45' vertically, 65' horizontally
Distribution ol light with activated       Quadrolight reflector 90 o/0,
fill-in reflector (approx.)                          fill-in reflector 10 o/o

Wide angle diffusor                       Integrated, tiltable

Colour temperature (approx.)          5600 K

Flash duration (approx.)                1/200. to 1(20 000 seconds)
   in winder mode (approx.)            1/4000 seconds
   in motor drive mode (approx.)         1/5500 seconds

Recycling time (approx.)              5* seconds to 0.25 seconds
   in winder mode (approx.)              0.4 seconds
   in motor drive mode (approx.)         0.2 seconds

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Number of flashes (approx.) using        Dryfit battery: 160- to 4500
                                  Nicad pack: 80" to 2000
   in winder mode using                    Dryfit battery: 1200
                                 NiOad oack: 500
   in motor drive mode using               Dryfit battery: 1200
                                  NiCad pack: 500
I manual light output ratios              111 to 11256

Film speed setting
  auto mode                       ISO 25115' uo to 1600/33'
  manual mode                    ISO 12112' up to 3200/36'

Synchronization circuit                 Low-voltage thyristor ignition
Sync voltage (approx.)           9V
Power sources                      6 V dryfit battery, 3.8 Ah, 100 20 40
                                       60-38
                                  6 V Nicad pack, 1.8 4h,402.28
                                       60-39
Weight
  Flashgun                         650 g approx.
  Power pack with dryfit battery        1850 g approx.
Dimensions of power pack (approx.)    126x165x58 mm
Dimensions of flashgun (approx.)       254x11x102 mm
Supplied accessories:                Sync cord 45-47
                                       Bracket 32-36
                                    Charger 402j2 ot 721...729
                                  NiCad pack
                                     Connecting cable 60-58
                                        Carrying strap 60-31
                                                       Fill-in flash reduction  tilter 45-44
Ootional extras                      see par. 6





'Telecomputer switched off (manual mode)

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2. Mecablitz features
Your Mecablitz 60 CT 4 is a powerful flashgun of sophisticated technology.
Its superior features include:
- Telecomputer for 8 auto working apertures. This is an accurate automatic exposure control system specifically developed by Metz.
- Use of the adapter system SCA 300 makes your Mecablitz 6O CT 4 fully compatible with most dedicated system cameras (see attached list of
SCA 300 adapters).
- Delayed auto check light
- Energy-saving thyristor light output control which results in faster recycling times and a higher number of flashes per battery charge,
especially in the close-up range.
- Acoustic signals for flash readiness and auto check. Can be switched off.
- Flash ready light
- Programming centre with luminous digits for auto mode
- Film speed and aperture locks to prevent inadvertent changes in settings
- Separate programming centre for manual mode
- 9 manual light output ratios, from 111 to 11256
- New, extra-fast setting procedure in manual mode
- Winder mode permits up to 2112 flashes per second.
- Motor drive permits up to 5 flashes per second.
- Quadrolight tilt and swivel reflector
- Fill-in reflector for enlivening frontal lighting when bouncing the flash
- Integrated wide angle diffusor
- Automatic display of modified flash ranges if wide angle diffusor is used
- Vertically adjustable camera bracket. Can be mounted to the left or to the right of the flashgun.
Power supply by means of dryfit battery, NiCad pack or N 23 mains unit- preparation) (in
- Permits connection of up to 4 slave units Mecatwin 60-40 for special studio effects.
- Large number of auto working apertures and light output ratios for accurate dosage of light and pin-pointed light effects
- Wide range of accessories for all lighting situations.
To make the best of all the capabilities your Mecablitz 60 CT 4 features,
carefully read the following instructions before use.

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3. General

 3.1 Auto mode
 The automatic exposure system built into the flashgun has a sensor @ tnat
 measures the light reflected from the subject each time a flash is fired. The
 flash is quenched as soon as the right amount of light for correct exposure
 has been received. As long as the object stays within the auto flash range
 of the aperture selected, there is no need for re-calculating and re-setting
 the aperture even  if the flash{o-subject  distance is changed (Fig. "T"). The
 sensor is activated only for the time flashes are fired by your Mecablitz.
 Whenever a flash is fired, the sensor must be directed at the obiect
 regardless of the reflector's position.

 3.2 Flash readlness

 3.2.1 Visual flash ready signal
As soon as the flash ready light @ illuminates, your Mecablitz is ready for
 operation so that you can start firing flashes.

3.2.2 Acoustic flash ready signal
By operation of the switch @, flash readiness can also be signalled
acoustically. The indicator window @ ttren shows the symbol 4 . lf flash
readiness is established, you will hear a continuous sound for about
1 second. Independently of this, flash readiness is signalled visually as
described in par. 3.2.1.

3.3 Auto check
Auto check is provided only in the auto mode and during TTL flash control.

3.3.1 Visual auto check signal
lllumination of the auto check light @ informs you that correct exposure has
been obtained. This is very helpful when bouncing flashes since reflections
may give a lot of guesswork. By firing manual flashes you can easily find
the aperture setting required for correct exposure.
3.3.2 Acoustic auto check signal
lf switch @ is in position$, you will hdar an intermittent buzzing sound for
the time of abt. 1 second, while auto check information is qiven visuallv as
described in par. 3.3.1. With switch @ in position.'@, O6tn ttasn
readiness and auto check are signalled acoustically. Should your Mecablitz
require only a little amount of energy for correct exposure so that flash
readiness is maintained, the acoustic signal will sound continuously.

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Summary:
Right after firing a flash - correct exoosure a continuous sound signals: flash readiness
an intermittent sound signals: correct exposure
no sound signals: under-exposure
The volume of the acoustic signal can be adjusted to your taste. There is a
slot provided below the aperture @. This permits to regulate the sound by
means of a small screwdriver.

3.4 Colour temperature
The light of your Mecablitz has a colour temperature of 5600 K which is
equivalent to ordinary daylight. Therefore, as a rule, no correction filter is
required when using daylight colour film. For some extra capabilities,
however, film manufacturers may recommend the use of a specific camera
filter. Please take this into account.

3.5 Synchronization
Your Mecablitz must always be connected to the X-contact of the camera,
or the camera's sync switch must be set to "X".
lf your camera only has a hot shoe contact but no other sync connection,
please use the coiled sync cord 45-54 available as an optional extra.
Ensure to observe the shutter speeds recommended by the camera
manufacturer. Your pictures may show shadows if a speed faster than
recommended is set on a camera with focal plane shutter. Slower shutter
speeds are acceptable. For diaphragm shutters, a setting of 1/125 sec. is
recommended.

3.6 lllumination and wide angle diffusor
lllumination
without wide angle diffusor: 65' horizontally, 48' vertically
suitable lenses for
35 mm film: focal lenght 35 mm and longer
6xOcmformat: focal lenght 75 mm and longer
with wide angle diffusor: 65' horizontally, 65o vertically
suitable lenses for
35 mm film: focal length 28 mm and longer
6x6cmformat: focal length 50 mm and longer
Auto mode
The automatic exposure system built into your Mecablitz will meter the light
correctly also if the wide angle diffusor is used. However, take into accounl
that the etfective range of the flash then changes. With the wide angle
ditfusor proberly locked in place (Fig. "N"), you will find the new effective
range displayed in the indicator window @.
10
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r

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Note! When not in use, the wide angle ditfusor must be pushed in
completely and locked. lf simply folded down, it may cover the sensor so
that errors in measurement will occcur.

Manual mode
Use of the wide angle diffusor causes a *"r""." in guide number
equivalent to one f-stop which in turn results in a change of the effective
range. This is automatically displayed in the manual programming centre
(scales @ and @), as shown in Fig. "G".
3.7 Power sources

3.7.1 Dryfit battery
The dryfit battery is a gas-tight lead-acid battery filled with concentrated
electrolyte. in lt combines the advantages NiOad battery of a - operativeany position higher capacity with the a lead-acid battery. of Power supply -by dryfit batteries is the most advanced method of feeding strong electronic
flashguns. Spontaneous discharge is very low.

3.7.2 Nicad pack
This is a gas{ight nickel-cadmium battery. lt is operative in any position and
allows tast recharging.

3.7.3 AC power usage
The N 23 mains unit permits direct AC power usage. The flashgun must
then be turned off. There is no limit as to the number of flashes. AC oower
usage is therefore recommended for series shot, time-lapse shooting or for
photographic work in a studio in combination with Mecatwin slave units.
(N 23 mains unit in preparation).

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4. Flash photography

4.1 Initial operation
Prior to first use, open the battery compartment cover @ of your Mecablitz
and remove the cardboard strip inserted between the battery and the
contacts for safe transportation. Then close the cover and charge the
batteries as described in pat. 4.2.
4.2 Charging the batteries
For battery charging use the charger 402J2 or 721 ...729. The charger
should only be connected to AC power supply. Ensure that the charger's
voltage selector @ is set to line voltage. Otherwise reset the voltage
selector (Fig. "L").
Attention! During charging, the flash unit must be turned ofl,
Prior to charging, check the position of the lug @ in the battery
compartment. When using a dryfit battery, it must be in "Dry" position; for
NiOad pack it must be set to "NC", for lead-acid battery to "Pb". lf the lug
is maladjusted, loosen the fastening screw, re-adjust the lug and retighten
the screw. Now hold the plug against the socket @, depress the socket
cover with it and insert the plug into the socket (see Fig. "M"). Only then
connect the charger to the mains.
For the whole time of charging, the green monitoring light @ on top of the
charging socket glows. During charging, the battery compartment cover
must be closed.
By means of the charger for cars A 16 (available as an optional extra), the
battery may also be charged from the socket of your car cigarette lighter.
4.3 Drytit battery
Set the lug @ in the battery compartment to "Dry".
The dryfit battery is charged by means of a special electronically controlled
charging circuit which prevents overcharging even during long charging
periods. lt indicates the condition of the battery via the red monitoring
lisht @. )<1 An empty battery is charged to 80 o/o of its capacity within approx. 6 hours
glowi. during which time light the ( red monitoffi After tnls tlmeiif66o @ ? light goes ho-ilrs-fdldrlThE battery is out. fully Six charged. J L The red monitoring light makes it easy to check the battery's condition.
Simply connect the charger. lf the monitoring light @ does not glow, there
is still a capacity of at least 80 0/o left. However, if the monitoring lamp is lit,
the battery requires re-charging.
The low rate of its spontaneous discharge enables a freshly charged dryfit
battery to be stored for up to 6 months without the need of re-charging. The
battery is discharged if recycling takes more than 30 seconds after a full-
power flash was fired. lf depleted, the battery must be re-charged
immediately.

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Should the dryfit battery be completely discharged (because you forgot to
turn the flashgun off, for example), re-charging may take up to 48 hours,
depending on the battery's condition. Exhaustive discharge of the dryfit
battery should be avoided in the interest of a long service life.
Charger for cars A 16
Charging the dryfit battery to 8O o/o ot its capacity by means of the
charger A 16 will take about 16 hours if the motor of the car is running.
About 20 hours are required if the motor is stopped. For a 100 0/o re-charge,
these times must be doubled.

,4.4 Nlcad pack
Set the lug @ to "NC". The re-charging of a completely depleted
NiCad pack will take about 4 hours, or correspondingly less if the battery is
discharged only in part. Though slight overcharging will not damage
the battery, charging should not exceed 4 hours. For the whole time of
charging, the green monitoring lamp @ is lit; for some time, the red light @
will glow, too. lf the red light goes out, this gives no information on the
battery condition.
lf not in use, the NiCad pack should be charged every 3 months for about
4 hours. The NiOad pack's spontaneous discharge rate is 1 o/o at 20" C
room temperature and 2 o/o al 30" C. You are therefore well advised to have
your charger with you when travelling in summer time, or in hot countries.
The NiOad pack is discharged if recycling takes more than 30 seconds after
a full-power flash was fired (telecomputer switched offl.
Charger for cars A 16
Charging the NiCad pack by means of the charger A 16 will take about
8 hours if the motor of the car is running. About 12 hours are required if
the motor is stopped.

4.5 How to carry the flash unit (Fig. "0")
For transportation: Slide the flashgun with the quick-release device onto
the bracket and fasten it with the knurled screw @. Then fix the bracket to
the bottom of the power pack (socket @) by means of the 1/4" knurled
screw @.
Ready lor shootln!: For picture shooting, your are best advised to use
camera and flashgun as shown in Fig. "P". Special attention should be
paid to the position of the cables.
A very useful accessory is an additional belt tied around your waist when
taking pictures in a crowd or some other cramped surroundings.
When interlupting picture taking, the carlying strap 45-31 permits you
to have the camerajlashgun combination ready for shooting with your
hands free to take notes (Fig. "a").
i3*

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Your Mecablitz can be mounted both on the right and on the left of the
camera. For changing, simply loosen the screw @ of the bracket holder
@, unlock the catch @ by means of the lock @ and insert the bracket
 holder into the other guide groove. For optimum adjustment of height, the
 bracket holder can be used both in its normal position and upside down.
 Finally tasten the bracket holder.
4.6 Switching on
The flashgun  is turned on  if the ON/OFF switch @ is in position "1". The
red in-use indicator @ on the power pack then blinks. This permits you to
easily check  if your flashgun  is turned on or off. After picture taking, turn
the flashgun off. The Mecablitz is ready lor firing each time the llash
ready light starts glowing.
The high number of flashes available per charge makes  it unnecessary to
turn the Mecablitz off for short shooting intervals. 5 or 6 minutes in flash-
ready condition are equivalent to the amount of energy required for firing
a full-power flash. You will be able to hear the power pack build up power
right after the flashgun is turned on or after a flash was fired. lf the power
pack is fully charged, its frequency  is no longer audible by the human ear.
Note:
When using the mains unit N 23, the ON/OFF switch @ must be turned off
(position "O"). The in-use indicator then does not blink.
4,7. Continuous flash operation
When firing 10 to 40 full-output flashes in quick succession (e. g. in the
manual mode), the flashgun should be allowed to recycle for 10 seconds
after a flash was fired (or even 20 seconds  if an extremely long series of
pictures is taken) in order to prevent thermal overload of the flash tube.
4.8 Manual mode
In the manual mode, the flashgun fires all its energy or the preselected
amount of energy in the form of light. You can match this light to the
shooting situation by setting the appropriate aperture on the camera. The
aperture to be set depends on the flash-to-subject distance and the guide
number of the film used (see par. 1) or the fraction of the guide number thal
corresponds to the power output ratio selected.
For flash photography, no matter  if you are taking pictures in the automatic
or manual mode, the shooting distance is always the flashto-subject
distance. This need not be identical to the camera-to-subject dislance, as
the flashgun may also be used separately from the camera. The following
equations are used for calculation  (full light output):
           Guide numberAperture =
            Flash to subiect distance
                         Guide numberFlash to subject distance =
                           Aperture

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The aperture calculator on the programming centre of your Mecablitz (Fig.
"G") permits you to determine the camera aperture easily, without
cumbersome calculations.
Proceed as lollows:
Slide down the aperture lock @ provided at the rear of the flashgun
(Fig. "C"). Turn the knurled knob @ until the symbol "M" appears in the
indicator window @. Then slide the aperture lock @ up again. Set the film
speed on the programming centre for manual mode (Fig. "G"). To do so,
adjust the film speed scale @ by means of the button @ so that the film
speed lines up with the index mark @.
Now select a light output ratio to match the shooting situation by setting
the index mark @ on the light output ratio dial @ to the corresponding
output ratio on scale @. On scales @ and @, opposite to the flash-to-subject
distance, you will then find the matching camera f-number.
Example:
Film speed ISO 100/21 " I lightFull output
Flash-to-subject distance: 10 m
Suitable f-number: 5.6
or: Film speed ISO 1OOt21'
1/16 light output
Flash{o-subject distance: 6 m
Suitable f-number: 2.8
The difference between the individual output ratios corresponds to one
f-stop or three DlN. For accurate ad.iustment, each light output ratio permits
two additional intermediate settings (of 1 DIN each) to be locked in place.
4.8.1 Fast output ratio setting wlth pre-selected aperture
lf you have pre-selected an aperture, you can easily determine the light
output ratio required for the individual flash-to-subject distance by means of
this method, without cumbersome calculations.
This is a helpful feature for unfavourable lighting situations difficult to be
mastered by the auto mode, or for exact gradation of fill-in light.
Proceed as follows:
Turn the knurled knob @ on the programming centre for the auto mode
(Fig. "D") until the aperture indicator window @ shows the symbol "M".
Then set the film speed on the programminq centre for the manual mode
(Fig. "G"). To do so, turn the film speed scale @ with the film speed setting
button @ until the speed of the film used lines up with the index mark @.
By means ol the two recesses @, adjust the red square frame @ so that
the desired f-number appears in the cut-out.
Then turn the dial @ until the index mark of the square trame points at the
existing flash{o-subject distance. The flashgun is then properly set.
In case of a change in flash{o-subject distance, simply reset the dial @
accordingly.

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 Example:
 Film speed: ISO 100/21"
 Preselected aperture: f4
 Flashto-subject  distance: 8 m
The automatically adjusted light output ratio is then 1/4.
Your flashgun is ready for operation  if the flash ready light @ starts glowing
as soon as the unit is turned on with switch @.
 4.8.2 Winder and motor drive operatlon
By winder and motor drive operation we understand series shots taken with
two or five flashes per second. This does not include pictures taken at
 normal time intervals with motordriven film advance. The winder and
 motordriven mode of your flashgun is a manual mode with reduced light
output.
Proceed as follows:
Turn the knurled knob @ until the symbol "M" appears in the indicator
window @. Having selected the film speed on the manual programming
centre, set the index mark @ to "W" (winder) or "MD" (motor drive). you
will then find the aperture to be set on the camera on scale @ opposite to
the flash-to-subject distance on scale @.
Example:
Film speed: ISO 100/21 '
Flash-to-subject distance: 4 m
Camera aperture to be set for winder mode: f 2.8
Camera aperture to be set for motor drive mode: f 2
4.8.3 Picture shooting with fixed, short flash durations (see Fig. "S,')
When shooting moving subjects  it may sometimes be necessary to use
fixed, short flash durations.
Each of the 9 manual light output ratios is correlated to a specific fixed
flash duration as listed in the table/Fig. "S".
Proceed as described in par. 4.8.
Example:
Desired flash duration: 1/7000 sec.
Light output ratio listed in table: 1/128
4.9, Auto mode
In the auto mode, the flashgun's sensor measures the light reflected from
the subject. The flash is quenched as soon as sufficient light has been
received for correct exoosure.
When using the flashgun in the auto mode, observe the following:
Set the correct film soeed on the Mecablitz.
For normal pictures, the f-numbers set on the camera and on the flashgun
must be identical.

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The subject must lie within the auto flash range of the aperture set.
During picture taking, the sensor @ must always point at the subject, no
matter into which direction the reflector is tilted.
Be careful with zoom lenses! Depending on their design, zoom lenses may
cause a loss in light up to one full tstop. Their different focal length settings
may also result in different stop values. lf necessary, you can compensate
this by correcting the aperture setting on the lens.
4.9.1 Auto flash ranges (see Fig. "T")
Your Mecablitz 60 CT 4 permits selection of 8 auto apertures each of which
is correlated to a so called auto flash range. Each auto flash range is
limited by a maximum effective range and a minimum flash-to-subject
distance.
The maximum effective range depends on the flashgun's capacity. lf this is
exceeded, under-exoosure results.

The minimum flashto-subject distance is dependent on the electronics,
capability of interrupting in time the emission of light. A flash-to-subject
distance shorter than the minimum one will cause over-exposure.
For all auto apertures and film speeds, the minimum flash{o-subject
distance is about 0.5 m, or about 0.3 m when using the wide angle diffusor.
Each change in film speed will result in changed auto flash ranges.
This means:
Higher film speed: longer.effective ranges
Lower film speed: shorter effective ranges
For auto aperture setting, the maximum etfective range of the flash is
shown in the indicator window @.

Determining the maxlmum eftectlve range mathematlcally:

Guide number of film used _ = Max.^r.v a+{6^r;effective range f-number

When using the wide angle diffusor, the maximum effective range of the
flash is reduced; this is displayed in tighting in the indicator window @.
As the different auto flash ranges overlap, you can add depth of field to
your picture by chossing a suitable aperture (see Fig. ,,T,').
Under normal shooting conditions you are best advised by taking an auto
flash range that permits your subject to be in the middle third of this zone.
Your flashgun's electronic system then has sufficient room for
compensation should specific reflective conditions make this necessarv.

Note: The auto flash ranges do not apply to bounce flash.

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Settlng procedure:
Set the film speed in the indicator window @ by means of the film speed
setting knob @. To do so, press the knob in to unlock it. Then slide down
the aperture lock @ and set the desired aperture in the indicator
window @ by turning the knurled knob @. Next to the aperture, the
maximum effective range of the flash appears in the (partial) indicator
window @. Finally push up the aperture lock @. Your setting is now
secured against mal-adjustment._

Attention!
Do not set any intermediate stop values, but full f-numbers only.

Example:
Film soeed: ISO 100/21 "
Flash-to-subject distance: I m
The Mecablitz is set as described before. For this, you have to find out the
apertures suitable for picture taking. The simplest solution is to unlock the
aperture lock @ and check all apertures by means of the knurled knob @'
Next to the aperture, the corresponding maximum effective range will then
be displayed in the (partial) indicator window @.
Aperture f 2 Max. effective range 30 m
Aperture f 2.8 Max. effective range 21 m
Aperture f 4 Max. etfective range 15 m
Aperture f 5.6 Max. effective range 11 m
Aperture f 8 . Max. effective range 7.5 m

apertures the use You can acceptable. is notAperture f I - 4 - 2 - 2'8 ot depth provide the greatest will f 5'6 choice, the aperture thisS.O. Out of
field.

Now proceed as tollows:
Locx inis aperture setting by sliding the aperture lock @ upwards. Then set
the aperture f 5.6 and the flash sync speed on the camera' too.
Switch the flashgun on by means of the switch @. The Mecablitz is ready
for firing as soon as the flash ready light @ starts glowing.
Correct exposure is then confirmed visually by auto check @ and acousti'
cally (if activated by switch @).
4.9.2 TTL flash contlol
This is an auto mode in which the light metering is not performed by the
flashgun's sensor but by a sensitive cell built into the camera body.
The advantage of this operating mode is that its metering system
automatically takes into account any corrections to be made in ordinary
auto mode if bellows, filters or other accessories are used.

18

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TTL flash control can only be accomplished with cameras featuring the
TTL capability and in combination with the SCA 300 system. (Please see
attached SCA 300 instructions, as well as the list of adapters and their
functions).

Setting procedure:
The flashgun being controlled by the camera, it is sufficient to select "TTL"
on the Mecablitz. To do so, unlock the catch @ and turn the knurled
@ knob until the symbol "TTL" appears in the indicator window @.
4.9.3. Bounce flash
Direct flashlight may cause harsh shadows. This can be avoided by
I bouncing the flash. To do so, tilt the reflector so that the light is bounced off
the ceiling or another reflective surface. The subject is then illuminated with
soft, diffused light. For colour shots, the reflective surfaces must have a
neutral colour or be white. Special colour effects can be obtained by using
coloured reflective surfaces.

4,9,3.1 Bounce flash, auto mode
Ensure that the sensor is directed at the subject. Then fire trial flashes with
the manual firing button @ and observe the auto check signal to find out if
the available amount of light is sufficient for the aperture selected.
Otherwise set a smaller f-number.
The auto flash ranges do not apply to this mode.

4.9.3,2 Bounce flash, manual mode
The reflective conditions in a room being usually unknown, no exact rule for
determining the camera aperture can be given.
A rule of thumb for small rooms is:

Guide number
Camera aoerture = Reflector-to-subject distance X 2

A rule of thumb for large rooms is:
Guide number Camera aoerture =
Lightpath reflector - reflectg. surface - subject

To compensate the light absorption of the subject, the aperture thus
determined must be opened 1 or 2 stoDs.

Before bouncing the flash in the manual mode in rooms with reflective
conditions not known by experience, it is recommended to take a series of
shots with different tstops.

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4.9.3.3 DuoJlght system

Light falling on the subject from a high, oblique position may cause nasty
the sockets or on hairline, in the eye in along theshadows portraits - light. fill-in for frontal unsteady and calls to be illumination seemsneck. The
When bouncing flashes, frontal fill-in light can be provided by the fill-in
reflector @ which is turned on by means of the switch @. 90 ozo of the light
is then supplied by the quadrolight reflector, whereas the fill-in reflector
delivers the remaining 10 o/0.
For direct lighting, it is advisable to use the quadrolight reflector alone.

Fill-in flash reduction filter 45-44

Sometimes it may be desirable to reduce the frontal light provided by the
fill-in reflector. This can be achieved by means of the fill-in flash reduc-
tion tilter 45-44 supplied with your Mecablitz.
Attachment of the reduction filter will reduce the light emitted by the fill-in
reflector to 4 o/o ol its total light.

How to attach the till-ln llash reductlon fllter
Place the reduction filter on the fill-in reflector as shown in Fig. "R". Then
snap its two edges into the grooves to be found on either side of the
reflector.
Ensure that the tube of the sensor @ properly fits into the hole provided on
the filter. Otherwise erroneous exposures may result in the auto mode.

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