Flashes & lighting
Minolta Maxxum 5400HS flash User manual
User manual for Minolta Maxxum 5400HS flash. 53 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
53 pagesEnglish7.9 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Minolta
- Model / document
- Minolta Maxxum 5400HS flash
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 53
- File size
- 7.9 MB
- Category
- Flashes & lighting
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 1 · Read text
www.butkus.us
MAXXUM FLASH
PROGRAM FLASH
5400HS
TNSTRUCTTON MANUAL tr
MINOLTN
O 1993 Minolta Co., Ltd. under the Berne Convention
and Universal Copyright Convention
9222-8835- 1 0 (P951 1 -D508) Printed in JapanView original page 1Page 2 · Read text
TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT IMMERSE FIASH AND/OR
ACCESSORIES IN WATER OR OTHER LIOUIDS.
TO REDUCE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT DISASSEMBLE
FLASH AND/OR ACCESSORIES. TAKE THEM TO AN AUTHORIZED
MINOLTA SERVICE FACILITY WHENEVER SERVICE OR REPAIR IS
REOUIRED. INCORRECT REASSEMBLY CAN CAUSE ELECTRIC
SHOCK WHEN UNIT IS USED SUBSEOUENTLY.
I NSTRUCTIONSSAVE TH ESEView original page 2Page 4 · Read text
NAMES OF PARTS @ Flashtube O AF illuminator @ Mounting foot O Mounting-foot release @ External-power terminalView original page 4
Page 5 · Read text
Venmo @mike-butkus-camera Ph. 2083 PayPal Name Lynn@butkus.org www.PayPal.me/lynnbutkusView original page 5
Page 7 · Read text
TNAMES OF DISPLAYS
LAEEJ LWIRELESS --l-------__l MULTI coNrffo.+o
Sfli'fto
@ Flash-OK signal @ Modeling-flash indicators
@ Flash-ra nge,/frequency display @ Control-button indicators
@ Multi-mode indicator @ ft/m indicator
@ Flash-operation indicators @ Flash -c overage / flash-reps
@ Wireless,/Remote i ndicator display
@ Flash-range-warning indicators @ Flash-reps indicator
@ Wireless,/Remote controller @ Manual-zoom indicator
indicator @ HSS indicator
@ Ratio-mode indicators @ TTL indicator
@ Manual-power-level indicatorsView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
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PRELIMINARY
INFORMATION
Read this section before you use your Program Flash 54OOHS.
This will help you make the most use of the flash as quickly as possible.View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE FLASH
To attach:
Align the flash's mounting shoe
with the camera's accessory
shoe and slide the flash forward
unit it locks firmly in place.
To remove:
Press in and hold the mounting-
foot release then slide the flash
unit straight out of the camera's
accessory shoe.
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You can set the flash range to
display in either feet or meters by
moving the ft,/m switch (located
in the battery chamber)to the ap-
propriate position.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
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FLASH RANGE
When the flash is set to TTL control, the data(A) panel will display the subject-distance range
within which a correct exposure is possible (A).
(B) lf you select manual flash control, a single value
appear (B). This is the only distance at which [- will 'il-l a correct exposure is possible with the current
flash and camera settings.
(rrt) This display indicates that the flash range is less { A.'r m than O.7m (2.3 ft.).
rul( 0.'l m
(rrl) g.E - eg),,, Thesetends beyonddisplays28mindicate(92 ft.).that the flash range ex-
(x) eB)'
FILM
lf your camera has a manual film speed adjustment feature, the usable
film speed range with flash is ISO 25 - 1OOO. lf your camera has only
automatic setting, use only DX-coded films between ISO 32 - lOOO.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
PR ELIMINARY I N FOR MATION
INSTALLING BATTERIES
The 54OOHS is powered by four AA-size alkaline-manganese or re-
chargeable nickel-cadmium batteries.
1. Open the battery cover as
shown.
2. Insert the batteries according
to the diagram inside the battery
chamber.
3. Replace the battery cover.
4. lf no displays appear in the data panel press the ON,/OFF button.
o lf still no displays appear, check whether you have inserted the
batteries correctly. Refer to Battery Performance to determine whether
the battery charge is sufficient.
Battery cautions
. Read and follow all warnings and instructions supplied by the
battery manufacturer.
o When you insert the batteries, make sure that the (+) and (-)
terminals face in the correct direction.
o Never use batteries that are cracked or leaking.
o To prevent leaking or bursting, do not mix batteries of different type,
brand, age, or charge.
o Used batteries should not bb discarded in fire.
o lf batteries are not inserted correctly, flash will not charge and
leaking or bursting may result.
o Keep all batteries away from children.
o lf you install newly purchased batteries that have been in prolonged
storage, battery performance may vary from that indicated.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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VIEWFINDER FLASH SIGNALS
The following flash signals appear in the camera's viewfinder data panel
in any flash mode. These signals are only for a flash that is attached
directly to the camera's accessory shoe or an attached flash via off-
camera accessories.
700si/6OOsi/5OOsi/400si/30 0si/9xi/7xil5xi
Signal Meaning
O= glowing steadily releaseFlash willis firepressedwhen shutter-
glowing steadily Flash is charged and ready +
blinking Flash output was sufficient for + v (after shutter release) a correct exposure
8000i/7000i
Signal Meaning
Og glowing steadily releaseFlash willis firepressedwhen shutter-
, blinking slowly Flash is charged and ready
+ blinking quickly Flash output was sufficient for v (after shutter release) a correct exposure
3xi / 2xi / SPxi,/ SOOO| / 3OOO|
Signal Meaning
V btinking Flash charging
blinking slowly Flash is charged and ready t
+ blinking quickly Flash output was sufficient for
' (after shutter release) a correct exposureView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
PRELIMINARY IN FOR MATION
BOUNCE FLASH
Bounce flash is an easy way to
obtain soft, natural lighting ef-
fects. The flash head tilts up to
9Oo vertically and rotates 27Oo so
that you can bounce light off an
intermediate surface such as a
wall, ceiling or reflector card. The
S4OOHS has click stops at the
most commonly used positions.
NOTE: You cannot use bounce flash in HSS mode.
Position of Click-Stops
Vertical 450, 600, 75", 90"
Clockwise 300, 450, 600, 75", 90"
Counter-clockwise 300, 450, 600, 750, 90", 1 20", 1 500, 1 gooView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
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BATTERY PERFORMANCE
The table below lists the performance of alkaline-manganese and nickel-
cadmium batteries. The number of flashes per set or charge and the
normal recycling time will depend on a number of factors, including the
age of the batteries, the functions you use, and the operating tempera-
ture.
Number of Flashes per Set Normal Re- Maximum Re- Battery Type (A-M)or Charge (Ni-Cd) cycling Time cycling Time
Alkaline- 100 - 3500 o.2 1 1 sec. 30 sec. manganese
Nickel- 40 - 12c0 0.2 - 6 sec. 1 O sec.Cadmium
To check the battery charge, turn the flash on and set the power level to
M1/1. When the flash-ready signal glows, press the TEST button and
measure the time it takes until the flash-ready signal reappears. lf the
time is longer than the maximum recycle time listed above, the batteries
should be recharged (Nickel-cadmium batteries only)or replaced.
COLD.WEATH ER OPERATION
Use fresh batteries in cold weather for optimum performance and keep a
spare set warm in an inside pocket. Do not discard cold batteries because
they will regain some of their charge when they return to room tempera-
ture. For prolonged use near or below O'C (32oF), Ni-Cd batteries are
recommended.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
TURNING THE FLASH ON AND OFF
lf the data panel is blank when
you attach the flash to a camera,
the flash will automatically
switch on when you turn the
camera on. lf OFF appears in the
data panel, the flash will remain
off until you press the ON,/OFF
button. When AUTO ON appear
in the data panel, the flash is on
www.butkus.us and it will fire whenever neces-
sary. lf just ON appears in the data panel, the flash will fire every time
you take a picture.
AUTO POWER.OFF
lf you do not operate any of the flash or camera controls for more than
four minutes, the data panel will automatically switch off to oonserve
battery power. The original displays will return and the flash head will re-
set to 24mm when you operate any of the Gamera oontrols. In wireless,/
remote flash mode, the off-camera flash willturn off automatically if you
do not use it for one hour. To turn it on again, press the ON,/OFF button.
10View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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BOUNCE-FLASH RANGE
With bounce flash, the flash range will depend
on the distance from the flash to the reflector,
the reflector to the subject, and characteristics of
the reflector such as its color, reflectivity, and surface type. As a result,
the flash cannot calculate the flash range and a bar will appear in the
flash range indicator when you move the flash head from the forward
position.
REFLECTOR SURFACE
For optimum results, the surface should have a light tone and a matte
surface - a shiny surface will produce the hard shadows that bounceflash is generally used to prevent. lf you are using color film, the surface
should also have a neutral color (either white or light gray) in order to
maintain the natural color rendition of your subject.
BOUNCE ANGLE
When you bounce the flash light, Focal Length VerticalAngle
aim the flash head so that your
subject does not receive any More than TOmm 45"
direct illumination. When you 28mm-7Omm 600
bounce light off of an overhead 24mm-28mm 75o or 9Oosurface, this table shows the
angle to set which will prevent
light from falling directly on the subject.
When you rotate the flash head to the right or left, a minimum angle of
9Oo from the direct position is recommended to prevent any direct illu-
mination from falling on your subject.View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
PR ELIMINARY INFORMATION
AF ILLUMINATOR
In low-light or when subject con-
trast is low, the AF illuminator
automatically activates when you
press the shutter-release button
partway down or when Eye-start
activates an xi- or si-Series
camera. The pattern that it pro-
jects onto your subject enables
the camera to focus in these sit-
uations.
o The range of the AF illuminator is O.5 - 9m (0.5 - 30 ft.), based on
Minolta's standard testing method using a SOmm lens.
o When the flash is attached directly to the camera and AF illumination
is required, whether the AF illuminator on the flash or the camera lights
will depend on the ambient light level.
. ln the case of off-camera flash operation (wireless,/remote or with ac-
cessory cables), only the camera's AF illuminator will function.
o The AF illuminator may not be effective if your subject has very low
reflectance.
o In wireless,/remote flash mode, the off-camera flash's AF illuminator
will blink when the flash is charged.
't4View original page 17Page 19 · Read text
FLASH MODE BUTTON
Operation and control of the
54O0HS is divided into four-
modes Standard, Wireless,
Multi, and Ratio. Press the
MODE button to change the flash
mode. The indicator for the cur-
rent flash mode will appear in the
data panel. The four control but-
tons will also be labeled with
their function in each mode. De-
tails of each mode begins on the
next page.
Button A B c D Mode
Standard (p.18) TTUM HSS Zoom Modeling
Wiretess (p.30) TT|-iM Options Zoom Modeling
Multi (p.38) Frequency Repetitions Zoom
Ratio (p.41) Toom Ratio
o When you change to a new flash mode, the settings you made when
you last used the mode will appear in the data panel.
Resetting the Flash
To reset the flash to Standard mode attach it to your camera and press the
camera's program re-set button. The flash will return to standard mode
with rrL control, autozoom on, and modeling flash off. The HSS setting
will not change.
16View original page 19Page 20 · Read text
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USING THE
FLASH MODES
This section describes in detail how to use each of the four flash modes.
17View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
STANDARD FLASH MODE
Standard mode is exactly that - the flash's standard operating
mode. lt gives you the option of
allowing the flash and camera to
take full control of everything
from initial metering to flash
output, leaving you free to con-
centrate entirely on composing
your image. You can also use
Standard flash mode in any ex-
posure mode with fullTTL control
or you can pre-set the flash output and flash coverage. By matching the
degree of automatic or manual controlto your needs and ability, Standard
flash mode will help you achieve the results you want in virtually any
situation.
18View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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FLASH CONTROL
Flash control refers to the way in which the flash output is regulated. In
standard flash mode, you can let camera determine the flash exposure
(TTL control)or you may choose from one of several manual settings. In
some modes, the flash control setting cannot be changed.
TTL FLASH CONTROL
When TTL flash control is selected, the flash output will be monitored
through the lens (TTL) and regulated by the camera's metering system
during the exposure. TTL control can be used in any exposure mode to
provide accurate flash exposures for subjects within the flash range that
appears in the data panel. Instructions on using flash in each exposure
mode with TTL control begin on the ne)ft page.
19View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
TTL FLASH CONTROL lN P MODE: THE BASICS
Easy operation and high quality results are readily available with the
54()OHS attached to your oamera and the camera set to P mode. In
addition to setting the shutter speed and aperture automatically, your
camera will also determine when flash is necessary and will calculate
and controlthe light output to correctly et<pose your main subject.
Before you Begin
o Attach the flash to your camera and activate both.
o Press your camera's P re-set button.
Operation
1. Wait for the flash-ready signal
on the back of the flash or in the
camera viewfinder to light.
2. Focus on your subject and
make sure it is within the flash
range displayed in the flash data
panel.View original page 23From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.