Light meters
Minolta Flash Meter II User manual
User manual for Minolta Flash Meter II. 40 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Flash Meter II
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 40
- File size
- 2.6 MB
- Category
- Light meters
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
Your Minolta Flash Meter ll makes precise incident- or reflected-lightreadingsof
electronicor bulb flash, or continuous illumination,or combinationsof them. Simply
pushing a button registersthe applicable f-number directly in a large glowing LED
digital display to within 1/3-stop accuracy without calculationsor conversionsof any
kind. Strobe readingscan even be taken cordlessly. A wide selection of measuring
times (corresponding to shutter speeds) makes fill-in flash easy. This lightweight,
up-to-the-minute unit incorporates specially designed large-scaleintegrated circuits for
computation and analogue-digitalconversion; these will also store measurementsfor
cumulative exposure with any number of successiveflashes.A full range of accessories
further increasesthe Flash Meter ll's versatility in specializeduses.
Before using this meter for the first time, please read this manual carefully while
installingthe battery and handling and acquaintingyourself with the parts and features
of your Minolta Flash Meter ll. In this way, you can make excellent exposuresand
begin to realize its potential right from the start.
Since for accurate, practical readings it is essential to measure the same amount of
light as that for the actual exposure, be sure to observe the important notes about
measuringtimes, shutter speeds,and synchronization on p. 7.
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CONTENTS
NAMES OF PARTS . . 2 o P E R A T | O N . : . . . 1 9
Measuringelectronic-flashlight 20PREPARATION AND BASICS . . 4 Using sync. cord . 20 lnstallingbattery . . 4
Checkingbattery . . 5 Without sync. cord 22
Setting film speed . . 6 Measuringcumu lative brightness
Setting measuringtime (shutter speed) . . 6 with any number of bursts 25
Selectingmeasuringmode . . 7 MeasuringM-classf lashbulblight 28
Attaching and removing diffuser Measuringcontinuouslight 30
o r a t t a c h m e n t . . . . . i . . . . 9 Measuringfill-in f lashand
Measuringincident light . 1 0 ambient continuouslight 32
Measuringreflected light . . 1 0 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 33
Usingthe Viewfinder 10o . 1 2
Aperture indication and setting lens . 1 4 SPECIFICATIONS 35
Aperture display range . . . . 1 5 C A R E A N D S T O R A G E r . . . . . . . . . 37
Using sync. cords . 1 6
Flash-unitsync. cord . 1 6
Optional Sync. Cord ll . .. . 1 7
Measuring-leveladjuster ... . 1 8View original page 4Page 6 · Read text
Ref lected-light conversion scale Accessory-receptor iac k M easuri ng-level adj uster ASA/DlN combination table Apertu relspeed conversion d ial Serial number Tripod socket Battery-chamber cover R ef lected-ligh t attach mentView original page 6
Page 7 · Read text
P R E P A R A T I O N A N D B A S I C S
2. Attach a 9-volt battery, Mallory
Installingbattery M1604 or equivalent, by snap- 3. Close the compartment by align-
1. Remove the battery-chamber ping the corresponding contacts ing the cover carefully and slid-
cover by sliding it off in the securely onto the battery termi- ing it on toward the head of the
direction of the arrow toward nals and insert the battery into unit until it snaps securely in
the bottom of the unit. the chamber. place.
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Checkingbattery C A U T I O N
With the measuring-mode selector set so Remove the snapon contacts f rom the
that "CORD" appears in the mode indication battery terminals as shown. Do not pull on the
window, push the measuring button halfway in. cpnnecting wires, as they may become detach-
lf the green reset/batterycheck lamp lights, the ed.
battery is serviceable; if not, replace the battery
with a fresh one. N O T E
o The battery-check lamp goes out when the
button is pushed all the way to its measur-
ing point at which a click is heard.
o A fresh battery will generally allow measur-
ing about 1,000 times in "CORD" mode or
about half as many on "NON.C" or
"MULT|," but it should be checked from
time to time.
o Remove the battery to avoid the possibility
of corrosion whenever the meter is not to be
used for more than a month.
o The measuring-mode selector should be kept
in its "OFF" position when the unit is not
In use.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
Setting film speed
!r,/hile pushing the film-speed selector re
lease, rotate the film-speed selector by click
stops until the applicable ASA indication
appears opposate the index in the film-speed
indication window. The two dots on the scale
between "12" and "25" indicate respective
speeds of 16 and 20, while the ones between Setting measuring time (shutter speedl
"800" and "16(X)" stand for values of 10OO Rotate the measuring-time selector knob
and 7250, and those between "160O" and until the value corresponding to the carnra
"320(J" indicate speeds of 200O and 250O, shutter speed being used (the reciprocal of the
respectively. scale figurel clicks into position aligned with
CAUTION the index.
. Do not attempt to rotate the film-speed Each time the meter is activated (i.e., by the
selector without pushing the release. measuring button in "CORD" mode or by an
o Do not set the red separatangband between electronic-flash pulse on "NON.C" or
"12" and "320(J" opposite the index. "MULT|," it will measure for the
+
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CAUTION Selectingmeasuringmode
Do not set the dial at intermediate positions The Flash Meter ll can be used in any of its
between click-stops, as the reading will be three measuring modes. These are set by rotat-
incorrect. ing the measuring-mode selector to the click-
stop at which the desired mode indication
I M P O R T A N T appears in the window. As summarized in the
o lt is necessary to select a measuring time table on the next page, these modes are
long enough to cover the total flash dura- intended for use under the following conditions
tion: Thus for large studio-type electronic- with either incident or reflected measurements:
f fash units, use "60"; for M-class bulbs, -, "15" should yield most satisfactory results,
though a test shooting is recommended,and T OFF T. --... there may be variations from bulb to bulb. l--,
o The Flash Meter ll starts measuring when
the click is heard at the end of the measur-
ing button's stroke and at the same time
triggers the flash. For proper exposure as
measured, therefore, the camera's "X"
synchronization must be used even with
M-class flashbulbs.
;.i;;,,- ;. .,.,.,:--View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
, , C O R D " : , , M U L T I " :
1. Measuring electronic-flash light using flash- Measuringnon-synchronizedmultiple or succes-
unit sync. cord or Sync. Cord ll sive electronic flashesalong with any surround-
2. Measuring flashbulb light using flash-unit ing light
sync. cord of Sync. Cord ll On both "NON.C" and "MULTl," exposure
3. Measuring continuous available light, day- for both f lash (fill-in) and surroundingcontinu-
light or artif icial, without any sync. cord ous or coincident light is measured cordlessly
4. Mea suring synchro-daylight or other with electronic flash, but neither flashbulb light
synchronizedf ill-in f lash,electronicor bulb, nor continuous light alone will activate the
using flash unit sync. cord or Sync. Cord ll meter.
, , N O N . C " : NOTE
Measuring a single electronic-flash burst from Measuring mode(s) for use with accessories
one or more synchronized units along with any are indicated in the instruction sheets packed
surroundinglight with the accessorybeing used.
---=\ to be ------\-\ Light source(s) Electronic flash M-class flashbulbs Continuous light meaSUfed _--.--\ (in clu d ing ( including (daylight or artificial ) --- fill-in use) fill- in use) Measuring mode
,,CORD"
Yes Yes Yes (Cord systeml
lncident
or ,,NON.C"
Yes No No reflected (Cordlesssystem)
measuring
,,MULTI"
Yes No No (Additive systeml
www.orphancameras.com
--'-i$di!si*a.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
Attaching and rernovirrgdiffuser or attachrnent
The spherical diffuser and reflected-light
attachment are attached and removed as fol-
lows:
To attach To remove
Align the dot on the rim of the diffuser or Turn the diffuser/attachment counterclock-
attachment with the receptor-bayonet index; wise until the dot on it is aligned with the
insert the bayonet into the mount over the receptor bayonet index and lift the diffuser/-
receptor; and turn the diffuser/attachment attachment out of the receptor mount.
clockwiseas far as it will go (about 1/8 turn) to N O T E
securert. The optional Viewf inder 1Oo is attached and
removed as explained on p. 12.View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Measuringincident light Measuringreflected light
Regardlessof the measuring mode, with or Regardlessof the measuring mode with or
without sync. cord, light incident upon the without sync. cord, light reflected from the
subject is measured for usual photographic subject is normally measured for usual overall
exposure using the spherical diffuser supplied photographic exposure using the reflected-light
with the Flash Meter ll. This is attached and attachment supplied with the Flash Meter ll. lt
removed as explained on the preceding page. is attached and removed as shown on p. 9.
The reading is taken f rom the subject Readings are taken from the camera posi-
position with the spherical diff user pointed tion, with the head turned so that the receptor
toward the camera and the meter held so that it is pointed toward the center of the subject or
receivesthe same light as the subject. picture area. The angle of acceptance of the
Incident readingsmay also be made with the reflected-light attachment is about 40o, about
optional mini receptor (seep. 33l-, 2X spherical enough to cover the f ield of a normal lens.
ND filter (p. 341, or flat diffuser (p. 3a) for l/ purposes.special
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Another means of compensation that will For reflected-light readings, exposure must result in direct aperture readings is to set the fu reduced bV three sfops (3 EV) from that meter for a film speed three times (3 EV) indicated bV the aperture readout on the meter. higher than the one applicable. For example, if This is readily done by referring to the reflect- you are using ASA 100 film, set the film-speed ed-light conversion scale on the back of the selector for a speed of 800 (i.e., 100 to 200 = receptor head. For example, if the digital the first stop; 2OO to 400, the second; and 400 readout is fl4, as indicated on the upper to 800, the 3rd stop's reduction), and set the "DISPLAY" side of the scale line, the lens camera lens to the same f-number indicated by should be set af t111, ?s indicated by "11" the digital display. Using this method decreases befow "4" on the "REF." side of the line. the aperture-display range (seep. 15).View original page 14
Page 15 · Read text
Using the Viewfinder 10"
Reflected light readings may also be taken
with the optional Viewfinder 10" (see p.33).
To use that accessory:
1. Attach the Viewfinder 10o to the meter 2. Rotate the meter's receptor head 180" so
head by positioning it and the red dot on its that the eyepiece of the finder is on the
grooved attaching ring aligned with the front side of the meter above the readout
receptor-bayonet index as shown, inserting windows.
its bayonet into the receptor mount, and
turning the ring clockwise as far as it will go.
(The dot will be out of sight; the Viewf inder
10o can be removed by turning the ring
until the dot is once more aligned with the
index and lifting the bayonet out of the
socket.)
)
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3. Look through the eyepiece at your subiect 4. With the area to be measured visible within
from the camera position. The broken circle the circle, push the measuring button to
visible in the f inder indicates the field of the make the reading. The resulting aperture
10" angle of acceptance with it, while the indication requires 3EV adiustment as de-
dot indicates the center of the f ield. scribed in the preceding section.
C A U T I O N
Do not point the Viewfinder 1Oo'sreceptor
lens at the sun or other extremely bright light
sources, as this may damage the meter.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Aperture indications and setting lens For example, if a reading results in a display
When light within the meter's range is f igure of "8" with only the upper third-stop
measured, an aperture figure will appear as a indicator lighted, the lens should be set one
red digital display in the window designated third of the way between tlB and Il11 (as
"FNo." given adequate battery power. lf only pictured below) for optimum exposure with
the digital f-number figure is lighted, the incident light. The third-stop exposure reduc-
camera lens should be set exactly at that same tions of course also apply to the f-number
aperture for optimum exposure with incident resulting from the three-stop adiustment for
readings. With reflected light readings, three- reflected-light readings (p. 10). For example, if
stop adjustment as explained on p. 1 1 must be as above proper exposure for incident light
made. would be obtained by setting the camera
Lighting of the upper third-stop indicator aperture 113 of the way between f/8 and t111,
designated " 1 13" indicates one third of a stop the proper setting for reflected light would be
less exposure, while if both that and the lower 113 ot the way between tl22 and f/32 ff18 - 3
third-stop indicator marked "2l3" are lighted stops = t122, - 113 stop).
two thirds of a stop less exposure is indicated.
I
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Lighting of the indicator marked "UNDER" Aperture display range
instead of an aperture indication when the The range of f-numbers that will be dis-
reading is taken indicates that brightness is played by the Flash Meter ll depends upon the
below the measuring range of the meter. film speed set, as outlined by the following
lf the indicator marked "OV ER" lights table of main values:
instead, brightness is above the measuring range Film rpeed 1 2 25 50 100 2m 400 8m 1600 3200 (ASAI
of the meter. Use of the optional 4X spherical Aperture- from 1 0 1 . 4 2 0 2.8 4.0 5.6 8 0 1 l 1 6
ND filter (see p. 34) may permit incident-light dirplay?.m. tO 22 32 45 e4 (n 90 90 90 90
measurementsunder the same conditions if the
"OVER" indicator lights using the normal
diffuser.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
Using sync. cords
Flash-unit sync. cord 2. Re-connect the sync. cord to the camera to
1. Insert the PC plug normally connested to make the actual exposure.
the sync. terminal of the camera into the lf the flash unit's sync. cord is not long
sync. terminal of the Flash Meter ll. Flash enough to permit reflected or incident read-
will f ire when the measuring button is ings as desired, the optional Sync. Cord ll
pushed to take the reading. (see p. 33) can be used instead as follows:
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3. Insert the remaining plug into
the X sync. terminal on the
camera, making sure that single-
terminal models are also set for
X synchronization. Incident or
Optional Sync. Cord ll reflected readings may be made
1. Insert the PC plug with the as necessarywith all three plugs
threaded collar into the sync. connected, as the flash will fire
terminal of the Flash Meter ll 2. Connect the smaller of the when the reading is made and
and turn the collar to screw it cord's two other plugs with the also when shutter is tripped to
securely in place. flash-unit sync. cord's PC plug. make the exposure.
Camera
Fo r ca mer a's sync.
term i na I
Fo r fla sh -u n it syn c.
co rd ' s PC p lu gView original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Measuring-level ad juster
The brightness-readinglevel of the Flash
Meter | | is properly adjusted to M inolta's
standard during manufacture. Fine adjustment
of the measuringlevel up to 1 EV over or under
the standard setting is possible as individually
desirable. This is done by inserting a small
screwdriver or similar instrument into the slot
of the measuring-level adjuster's ,ruhite screw
head as shown and turning the screw clockwise
or counterclockwise until the slot is aligned as + 1 EV _ 1 E V
desired. The graduation marks on the red collar
surrounding the screw represent 113 EV steps as (-) side-will produce a lower light reading; to
shown by the diagram. With the same level of the plus (+l side, d higher one. In other words,
illumination, turning the adjuster to the minus the aperture indication (e.9., flSl becomes
numerically smaller (e.9., t15.6l as the screw is
turned clockwise; numerically larger (e.g.,
t | 1 1), counterclockwise.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to turn the screw beyond
the plus or minus 1 EV limits.
NOTE
The measuring level should be adjusted only
if considered desirable after determining the
meter's characteristicsfrom expenence.
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OPERATION
Select the appropriate measuring mode and instructions according to your light source(sl and
picture-taking needs from the table below. All items are applicable to either incident- or reflected-
light readings.
Light souroe Other conditions Measuring mode Detailed instrustions
Using sync. cord ,,CORD" e . 2 0
Electronic flash without sync. cord NON C p . 2 2
("strobe" l
Measuring total exposure from
,,MULTI' p . 2 5 two or more non-synchronized
flashes
,,CORD" M-clcs flahbulbs Sync. cord necessary p . 2 8
Continuous light Use as a general photographic
(natural or (or illuminance) light meter ,,CORD" p. 30 artificial)
Continuous light Synchronized fill-in flash with ,,CORD" plus electronic p. 31 or sy nc. cord bulb flash
Continuous light
plus electronic Synchronized f ill-in f lash with- NON C p. 31
flash out sync. cord.View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
Measuringelectronic-flash light
Using sync. cord (either of flash
unit or Sync. Cord lll
1. With serviceable battery proper-
ly installed (p. 4), film speed set
(p. 6), and arrangement made
for incident or reflected meas- 3. Set measuring time correspond-
urement (p. 10, 1 1), move the 2. Attach desired sync. cord; flash' ing to appropriate shutter speed
measuring-mode selector to unit cords as indicated on p. 16, (p.6), €.g., 1/60 sec. for large
"COR D" position. Sync. Cord llas on p. 17. studio-type units.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 23From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
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