Miranda NK-AF 36 Flash User manual

INTRODUCTION                       www.butkus.us

The Miranda NK-AF36 Electronic Flashgun  is a thyristor controlled TTL automatic flashgun
dedicated for use with Nikon 4O1, 4O1s, 3O1, 501 and BO1 cameras.
It fully dedicates with the camera's TTL flash and autofocus features allowihg fully
automatic flash photography even in total darkness.

This flashgun operates automatically in all camera exposure modes. (Program, Aperture,
Shutter Priority and Manual). In addition  it has 2non TTL automatic ranges and 3 manual
setti ngs.

In order to fully understand the use and benef its of this flashgun, please read these instruc-
tions carefully before use and keep this manual handy for future reference.

www.butkus.usSAFETY PRECAUTIONS

This unit contains very high voltages, NEVER attempt to dismantle the flashgun. Repairs
should only be carried out by authorised service personnel.

Keep the  f lashgun awdy  f rom, water and other liquids. Never handle the unit with wet hands.
This flashgun may not operate correctly above SOoC or below -1OoC.
Never subject the flashgun to shock, heat or humidity. Do not leave it in the glove compa;.t-
ment or on the rear windowshelf  of a car, where it may be subjected to high temperatures.
lf dirty, the flashgun may be wiped with a clean dry cloth. Do not allow alcohol or other
chemicals to touch the outer surfaces.
When storing the flashgun, remove the batteries and store separately. Store the flashgun
in a cool dry place away from dust or chemicals.
Fire the flashgun three or four times a month to keep it in good operating condition.
Never fire the flash into people's eyes at close range, especially babies and animals.
Keep the flashgun out of the reach of children

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES
       The Miranda NK-AF36 flashgun is powered by 4 1.5 v AA/LR-6 size alkaline batteries.
        1.  Opening the Battery Cover (17lbV lifting the Battery
             Catch (16) located just above it. When the battery            compartment  is empty. as on a new gun, the catch   ftr'{bd, '7
           may be a little stiff but once the batteries are install_
/          ed they press against the cover resolving this
              problem.
        2.   lnsert the batteries according to the polarity mark-
              ings inside the compartment.              ffiff]       3.  Push the Battery Cover (17) shut and it will latch
               automatically.
      NoTE:- Always remove the batteries  if the flashgun is not to be used for an extended
                  period of time.
      NEVER mix batteries of different types, brands or age. Always replace all four batteries at        the same time,

www.butkus.usUsed batteries SHOULD NEVER BE DISCARDED lN A FIRE.                                                       Dispose of the batteries safely.
KEEP BATTERIES AWAY FROM YOUNG CHILDREN.

        DO NOT USE RECHARGEABLE BATTEERIES IN THIS FLASHGUN


BATTERY CHECK

As the batreries become weak, the  f lashgun's recycling time will increase. When the recycl-
ing time reaches 3O seconds, the batteries are exhausted and need replacing.

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH
Slide the Power Switch (12)to the right. The flashgun will start recycling and the green LED
Power Indicator (11) willglow. After approx. 7 seconds, the red LED Ready Indicator (3)will
glow confirming the flashgun is recycled and ready for use.
NOTE:- Always return the switch to the OFF position whenever the flashgun is not being
          used. To prevent accidental damage to the unit, remove the batteries after use.

AUTOMATIC POWER SWITCH OFF/ON
In order to conserve batteries,  if unused the flashgun will automatically switch itself off
after approx. 2 mins. After Automatic Power Switch Off, power can be restored bv either
of the following methods:-
1)   Partly depressing the camera's shutter release button.
2l   Depressing the Test Button (4).
3)   Returning the Power Switch l12lto the OFF position and switching on again.
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE FLASHGUN

Before attaching or removing the flashgun, ensure that  it is switched off.
TO ATTACH  : Slide the flashgun into the camera's hotshoe and turn the Locking Ring (9)
              clockwise to secure it.
REMOVAL  : Loosen the Locking Ring (9) and slide the flashgun straight out of the shoe.

                           BASIC INFORMATION

www.butkus.usAF ILLUMINATOR
When the camera is used in "single Shot" AF Mode, the Miranda NK-AF36 flashgun's built-
in Infra Red AF llluminator (18) will, when the camera's shutter release is partially depress-
ed, automatically operate in low light conditions. This enables the camera's automatic
focusing to determine the subject distance.
The llluminator's effective range is O'7 m to 5.5m, (based on using a SOmm f1.4 lens),
however, the effective range may be reduced when using lenses of a smaller maximum
aperture.
Flash photography is possible at longer distances when using manual focusing.
MODE SELECTOR

Any of the flashgun's 6 operating modes can be set by using the Mode Selector (13). The
switch's 6 positions are:-                                             jr
1)   T.T.L. Flash Mode.
2l   Automatic (Non T.T.L.) mode - Red range.
3)  Automatic (Non T.T.L.) mode - Yellow range.
4)  Manual Full Power Mode.
5)  Manual 114 Power Mode.
6)  Manual 1/16 Power Mode.

The Zoom Head (14) can be set to any one of three www.butkus.uspositions simply using a push-pull
movements.

Set the Head position appropriate to the focal length of the camera lens in use. (see table).

With 2B mm Wide angle lenses, set the Zoom Head to WIDE and fit the Wide Angle Diff user
on the front.

                                      ANGLES OF
       ZOOM INDICATOR INDEX             ILLUMINATION
                                 28mm Lens (or longer)
         WIDE + WIDE ANGLE                   Horizontal 70o
          DIFFUSER 28mm                                                          Vertical 52o
                                 35mm Lens (or longer)
         WIDE 35mm                             Horizontal 60o
                                                          Vertical 46o
                                 SOmm Lens (or longer)
         STANDARD SOmm                       Horizontal 46o
                                                          Vertical 36o
                                 85mm Lens (or longer)
          TELE 85mm                             Horizontal 31o
                                                          Vertical 23o

FLASHGUN SETTINGS                  www.butkus.us
1)   Set the Mode Selector (13) to the required position.
2l  Move the Zoom Head (14) to the setting appropriate to the focal length of the lens in
      use.
3)   Set the flashgun's Film Speed Scale (7) according to the film speed in use.
4l   Set the flashgun's Distance Scale (6) according to the Toom Head setting in use. The
     TELE. STD, and WIDE Indicators above the Distance Scale will show a white spot when
      selected.

The flashgun's distance scale will now indicate the usable distance ranges. The Green Scale
shows the 114 power rang.e and.the Blue Scale the 1/16 power range.

PROGRAM TTL FLASH MODE OPERATION
In Program mode the flashgun's operation is completely automated and controlled by the
camera, the X-sync speed being set automatically, once the flashgun is charged. The aper-
ture is automatically set according to the film speed in use.

The apertures which are automatically set are:-

    Nikon 4O1, 4O1s,3O1, 5O1 and 8O1.

At 25 tSO   F2.8                             lf the lens in use has a maximum aperture         At 40 tSO  F4                     smaller than that required by the  f ilm speed.
                                              the
        At 100 tso   F5.6                  lens will set to full aperture. The flashgun        At 200 tso   F8                    automatically reverts to a higher outpui (to
                                      com-
        At 400 tso   F11                  pensate for the smaller aperture) reducing
                                              the flash distance range accordingly.
    Nikon 3O1, 5O1 AND BO1 onty.
        At 800 tso   F16
       At 1OO0 tSO F22
PROGRAM TTL FLASH MODE OPERATION          15                              iilkra'
To use flash in Program Mode:-
1)  Set the camera to program Mode.
2l   Switch on the flashgun at the power Switch (121.
3)   Set the Mode Selector (13)to the T.T.L. position. when the flashgun has recycled the     Flash Ready                                 (3)                   Indicator                           on the back                                               of                                             the flashgun wiil glow, and the Flash Readvt    Symbol                in the                  camera's                                                                                      13                            viewfinder                                                  will                                            light.

4l    Partially depress the shutter release to automaticallywww.butkus.usfocus; the built-in AF llluminator
           (18) will come on automatically,  if required. Alternatively, focus manually.
      5)    Fully depress the shutter release to take the picture. The flash will fire.
      6)       lf the exposure was incorrect, the Flash Ready symbol in the camera's viewf inder will
           blink rapidly for approximately 1 second and the Auto Check Indicator (10) on the
          flashgun will light briefly, warning you that the subject was out of range and that you
          should move closer.
   PROGRAM TTL MODE - FLASH RANGES

                             WIDE                                        WIDE        STD         TELE
                               DIFFUSER     35 mm      50 mm      85 mm                              28 mm
    PROGRAM TTL MODE                                    O.7-3.6 m     O.7-4.4 m     O.7-5.3 m     O.7-6.4 m     25 to 400 ISO
                                         DISTANCE IN METRES

                              NOTE: Flash ranges for  f ilm speeds between 400 and lOOO
14                            ISO are the same as show above. (3O1, 5O1 and 801 only.

PROGRAM TTL "FILL IN" FLASH OPERATION
 when the camera's metering system detects a strongly backlit subject in daylight, the
 camera viewfinder's flash symbol will blink, warning that flash is required.
 Fit the Miranda NK-AF36 flashgun to the camera, (or use the built_in flashgun), and use the settings         described                      in "Program TTL Flash Mode". The flash output is automatically ad- justed        for           correct exposure.
APERTURE PRIORITY TTL (A-MODE} FLASH OPERATION
The Aperture Priority Mode can be used when you wish to control depth of field or increase
the flash range' when the flashgun is charged, the shutter is set automatically to the correctx-sync speed.
To use flash in Aperture priority TTL (A_Mode):_
1)  Set the camera to A-Mode.
2l   Switch on the flashgun at the power Switch (12).
3)   Set the Mode Selector (13) to the TTL position.
                                                                                            15



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          dr.;:i.:i,..,,-..;,                                  ,,          ,,       ...)

EXAMPLE 1 www.butkus.us
        25 rSO        O.5x              Using 4OO ISO film with an aperture of F8 at the
        50 rso        O.7x           35 mm Zoom Head setting, the maximum flash
        100 rso      As Table above     range is:-
       200 rso        1.4x                 3.1 mx2:7.2metres.
       400 rso      2x
        1000 rso      3.2x           EXAMPLE 2
                                        Using 25 ISO film with an aperture of F4 at the 85
                          mm Zoom Head setting, the maximum aperture  is:-
                                        9.O m x O.5 = 4.5 metres.
    SHUTTER PRIORITY (S-MODE) TTL FLASH OPERATION (4O1, 4O1s and 801 only)

    When used in Shutter Priority Mode,  if the shutter speed is set at 11125 sec. or faster 11l25O
     sec. 801), the camera reverts to Program TTL Flash Mode when flash is used and the infor-
     mation given regarding this mode applies.
         lf the shutter speed is set slower than 1/125 sec. (11250 sec. BO1). The shutter speed re-
    mains as set, but in all other respects the camera operates the same as for Program TTL
     Flash Mode.
1e  Allowing slow shutter speeds to be set lets you control the exposure so as to give a more
     natural rendition of the background.

lf required, the camera's metered Manual exposure mode can be used to determine the
background exposure and shutter speed required, prior to taking the flash picture.
NOTE:- A tripod may be required when slow shutters speeds are set.

MANUAL (M-MODE) TTL FLASH OPERATION

The Manual TTL flash mode allows you to set both the aperture and shutter speed for the
desired effect.
For Manual TTL flash operation:-         uJ                               Frf;rg.,
1)   Set the camera's shutter speed and aperture controls to the desi''ed setting.
2l   Switch on the flashgun at the Power Switch (12).
3)   Set the Mode Selector (13) to the TJ.L. position.                                                                                                                    i
4l    Partially depress the shutter release to automatically focus. The built-in AF llluminator
      (18) will come on if required. Alternatively, focus manually.
5)   Fully depress the shutter release to take the picture; the flash will fire.             lg

6)     lf the exposure was incorrect, the flash ready symbolwww.butkus.usin the camera's viewfinder  will
            blink rapidly for approx. 1 sec. and the Auto Check Indicator(10) on the flashgun will
             light briefly, warning you that the subject was out of range. Select a lower aperture
           or move closer.
                 lf a natural rendition of the background is required, the camera's exposure metering
         can be used to determine the background exposure, before taking the flash picture.
    NOTE:-  lf the shutter speed is set to 11125 sec. or faster l1l25o sec. Nikon BO1), the
             camera will automatically  reset to the correct sync speed when the flashgun is
               charged. Slower speeds remain as set and a tripod may be required. (Flash Ranges
                  for this mode are given on page B).

   NON TTL AUTOMATIC MODE

    Two Non-TTL automatic ranges are available by moving the Mode Slector (13)to the desired
     range, (marked Red and Yellow on the scale.)
    No TTL Automatic Mode can ONLY be used in the following camera modes:-

     Aperture Priority (A-Mode)
20  Manual (M-Mode)

ft can be used instead of the TTL flash mode or when using a film beyond te 25 - 4OO ISO
(4O1, 4O1s) 25 - 1O0O ISO (3O1, 5O1 and BO1) T.T.L. flash mode range.

NON TTL AUTOMATIC MODE OPERATION
1)   Set the Mode Selector {13  ) to either the Red or Yellow setting according to the aperture
      or distance range required.
NOTE:- The Red and Yellow "AUTO" marks above the Aperture Scale (7) identify the
          aperture required and the corresponding point on the Distance Scale (6), just
         above  it, identifies the maximum flash range.
2l   Switch on the Power Switch (12). When the flashgun has recycled, the Flash Ready
      Indicator (3) will glow and the  f lash ready symbol in the camera's viewf inder will be it.
The aperture required varies with the film speed (see Table on page 11) and the maximum
distance changes according to the Zoom Head position selected. Using 1OO ISO film, the
apertures areF4 with a maximum range of 9 m. (Red range setting), or F2 with a maximum
range of 1B m. (Yellow range setting).


                                                                                            21

www.butkus.usset to Aperture Priority A-Mode)'   3)   Set the desired shutter speed on the camera (or
       When the flashgun is charged, shutter speeds of 1l125th sec. or faster, (1/2Soth sec'
         Nikon BO1), are automatically reset to the correct sync speed and the  f lash ready sym-
          bol in the camera's viewfinder will be lit, (except in Aperture Priority Mode)' Slower
          shutter speeds remain as set.
    4l    partially depress the shutter release to automatically focus, the built-in AF llluminator
           (18) will automaticallv come on if required. Alternatively focus manually.
   5)   Fully depress the shutter release to take the picture; the flash will fire.
   6)      lf the exposure was incorrect, the Flash Ready symbol in the camera's viewfinder  will
           blink rapidly for approx. 1 sec. and the Auto Check Indicator (10) on the flashgun will
            light briefly, warning you that the subject was out of range and that you should move
           closer.
    NOTE:   The Test Button (4) can be used to determine  if the subject is within range before           -               taking the picture.


22


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MANUAL FLASH MODE (FULL POWER)

The Manual Flash Mode allows the user to compeltely override the automatic functions of
the  f lashgun and camera, providing the opportunity to create particular effects as desired.
When using the Manual Flash Mode, the aperture required for correct exposur"     d"
calculated using the following formula:-                                     ""n
                                      EXAMPLE:- AtT2 B5mm Head Setting
APERTURE =     GUIDE No. (in metres)       and a flash to subject distance of 9 m. us-
           SUBJECT DISTANCE (in metres)   ing 1OO ISO film, the aperture required
                            :-6-=F4?A
The Guide No's for the various zoom head
settings are as follows:-





                                                                           25

MANUAL FLASH MODE OPERATION

Manual Flash Mode is useable in either Manual or Aperture Priority modes only.
1)   Set the Mode Selector (13) to the "F" position.
2l   Set the Lens aperture according to the flashgun to subject distance, using the formula
      given.
3)   Set the desired shutter speed (or set to Aperture Priority A-Mode).
    When the flashgun is charged, shutter speeds 1l125th sec. or faster (1/250th sec.
     Nikon 8O1)are automatically set to the correct flash sync speed and the flash ready
     symbol in the camera's viewfinder  will be lit. Slower speeds remain as set, (except in
     Aperture Priority Mode).
4l   Switch on the  f lashgun at the Power Switch (12). When the  f lashgun has recycled, the
     Flash Ready Indicator (3) on the back of the flashgun will glow and the flash ready
     symbol in the camera's viewfinder will be lit.

5)    Partially depress the shutter release to automatically focus; the built-in AF llluminator
      (18) will come on automatically  if required. Alternatively focus manually.
6)    Fully depress the shutter release to take the picture; the flash will fire.

www.butkus.usNOTE:- The Auto Check feature does not operate in this mode.

1/4 POWER, 1116 POWER MANUAL MODES
These modes allow the output power of the flashgun to be reduced to either 114 or 1116 of
full power. They give a very rapid recycling time, enabling flash to be used in conjunction
with a camera and motor drive for a rapid sequence of  f lash pictures. (use manual focusing).
The reduced power modes are also useful for daylight manual "Fill-in" flash photography,
or macro photography.

1/4 POWER, 1116 POWER MANUAL MODE OPERATION
Select the required mode by moving the Mode Selector (13) to either the Green 1/4 or the
Blue 1i 16 position, the procedure for use is then the same as for Manual Flash Mode, except
that the Guide Numbers will be different and aperture calculations should be based on the
Guide Numbers given below                               g_+                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           I    &.ui .t_1

1/4 POWER, 1I'16 POWER GUIDE NUMBERS 1OO ISO
      ZOOM HEAD
                      WIDE                                 WIDE        STD         TELE
                       DIFFUSER     35 mm      50 mm      85 mm                      28 mm POWER SETTING
       1/4 POWER             10            12.5            15             18
       1/16 POWER             5           6.25          7.25           9
                               GUIDE NUMBER (1OO ISO/m

BOUNCE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

The Bounce Head (15) on your Miranda NK-AF36 tilts through 90o to facilitate bounce  f lash
photography.

The indirect lighting from bounce flash gives softer illumination and in some situations gives
a more pleasing picture.

When checking flash ranges using bounce flash, the total flash to subject distance must be
taken into account.  i.e. the flashgun to wall or ceiling distance, plus the ceiling or wall to sub-
ject distance. NOT the flash to subject distance. Also the reflective surface absorbs some                                                                           29of the flash, reducing the effective flash range.