Film cameras
Sunpak AP-52 Auto Thyristor User manual
User manual for Sunpak AP-52 Auto Thyristor. 30 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Sunpak
- Model / document
- Sunpak AP-52 Auto Thyristor
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 30
- File size
- 3.4 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 2 · Read text
SUNPRH"
RP.52 : I AUTIITHYRISTOR:
ELECTRONICFLASHUNIT
a
. F Owner'sManualView original page 2Page 3 · Read text
IMPORTANTSAFECUARDS
When using your photographic equipment, basic 6. Do not operate appliancewith a damagedcord.
safety precautionsshould always be followed, includ- 7. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter
ing the following: or touch hot surfaces.
1. Read and understandall instructions. B. lf an extension cord is necessary,care should be
2. Close supervisionis necessarywhen any appliance taken to arrange the cord so that it will not be
is used by or near children. Do not leaveappliance tripped over or pulled.
unattendedwhile in use. 9. Always unplug appliances from electrical outlet
3. Do not operate applianceif the appliancehas been when not in use. Never yank cord to pull plug
dropped or damaged-until it has been examined - from outlet. Graspplug and pull to disconnect.
by a qualified serviceman.
4. To protect againstelectricalshock hazards,do not
immersethis appliancein water or other liquids. SA/ETHESEINSTRUCTIONS5. To avoid electric shock hazard,do not disassemble
this appliance,but take it to a qualified serviceman
wnen some service or repair work is required.
lncorrect reassembly can cause electric shock
hazard when the applianceis used subsequently.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 3Page 4 · Read text
Descriptionof Parts
1. FlashtubeHousing Manual (Power Ratio) Operation
2. AccessoryMounting Grooves 21. Power Ratio Control Index
3. Vertical BounceScale 22. DistanceScalefor Normal and
4. FlashSynchroPC Cord Outlet Tele/WideAccessories
5. Auto Sensor 23. Power Ratio Control Selector 1 4
6. F lashGrip Dial
1 5 7. BracketMountingGuide 24. F/Stop Scale
8. BracketMounting Socket 1 6
9. BounceHead 1 7
10. I nstant ReadoutExposure Control 25. FlashSynchro PC Cord
Center 26. Adapter Plug for Powerpak
1 1 . AC/s1 0V Outlet for 510V Batteries
12. Battery lAC. HV Selector (On/Off ) 27. Filter Holder
Switch 28. Wide-AngleDiffuser
13. Ready/Test(Open Flash)Button 29. CameraMounting Bracket
14. ASA Scale 30. CameraRetainingScrew
15. ASA SelectorSwitch 31. Ffash RetainingScrew
16. Auto DistanceScale
17. Auto F/Stop Scale
18. Auto SignalLamp
19. Auto/ManualSelectorSwitch
20. Battey H olderView original page 4Page 5 · Read text
Descriptionof Parts
1. FlashtubeHousing Manual (Power Ratiol Operation
2. AccessoryMounting Grooves 21. Power Ratio Control Index
3. Vertical Bounce Scale 22. Distance Scale for Normal and
4. FlashSynchro PC Cord Outlet Tele/Wide Accessories
5. Auto Sensor 23. Power Ratio Control Selector 1 4 21
6. F lash Grip Dial 1 5 7. BracketMounting Guide 24. F/Stop Scale
1 6 8. Bracket Mounting Socket
9. BounceHead
10. Instant Readout Exposure Control 25. Flash Synchro PC Cord
Center 26. Adapter Plug for Powerpak
1 1 . AC/s10V Outlet for 510V Batteries
12. Battery/AC. HV Selector (On lOttl 27. Filter Holder
Switch 28. Wide-Angle Diffuser
13. Ready/Test(Open Flash) Button 29. Camera Mounting Bracket
14. ASA Scale 30. Camera Retaining Screw
15. ASA Selector Switch 31. Flash RetainingScrew
16. Auto DistanceScale
17. Auto F/Stop Scale
18. Auto Signal Lamp
19. Auto/Manual Selector Switch
20. Battey H olde r
3 www.orphancameras.comView original page 5Page 9 · Read text
To Install Batteries:
1. Remove battery holder from 2. Open the battery holder as 3. Insert four AA size batteries 4. Replace the loaded battery holder
flash handle as illustrated. illustrated. (alkalineor nickel-cadmium)as into the battery chamber of
shown. The battery holder has your AP-52 as illustrated.
a guide showing the correct
positioning of the batteries for
proper polarity. (+, - contacts)
Alkaline or Nickel-CadmiumBatteries?
The major advantageof alkaline batteries is that they provide
more f lashesper set. While nickel-cadmium batterieswill prwide
fewer flashesper set, they will recycle your Ap-52 slightly faster
and can be recharged hundreds of times for more economical
operation over the long run.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
Usingthe Multi-VoltageAG Adapter or the SunpakPowerpakfor 510-Volt Batteries
1. For AC operation, be sure to illustrated. Remove the small Z Plug into the AC/High Voltage 3. When you use the optional
check that the voltage selector Phillips head screw located next socket on the flash and into a accessory Sunpak Porruerpakfor
on your Multi-Voltage AC to voltage window and rotate standard unll outlet as illus- 51O-Volt Batte ry , tirst attach
Adapter is set to the apPropri- the selector switch with a screw trated. The AC Adapter will the supplied plug adapter to the
ate voltage. Your AC Adapter driver to the proper voltage supply virtually unlimited end of Powerpak cord and Plug
has been factory set for 12f^V, setting. After the voltage setting flashesand is ideal for indoor it into the AP-52 in the same
the U.S. standard. For use in has been made, the screw must use. manner as you tu)uld with the
other countries where 100V, be reinstalled to prevent acciden- Note: lf the Multi-Voltage AC Multi-Voltage AC Adapter.
22OV and 24OV are standard, tal movement of the selector Adapter is incorrectly set, the The Sunpak Powerpak for 51G
you may adiust the setting as switch. adapter will not function Proper- Volt Battery allows extremelY
ly and may damage your AP-52. rapid recycle times and the
greatest number of flashes.
rWhen using Multi-Voltage AC Adapter or Sunpak Powerpakfor SlGVolt Batteri6, always set
Battery/AC HV SelestorSwitch to AC/HV posataon.View original page 10Page 12 · Read text
OPERATIONOF THE POWER/EXPOSURECONTROL CENTERAutomaticOperation
The sensitivesilicon photo transis-
tor of you r AP-52 sensor measures
the light reflected from your
subject and automatically controls
the flash duration to assurecorrect
exposure within a wide range of
distances.By moving the Auto/
Manual Selector Switch to either
the green or yellow 'A' mark, Your
f lash is set for automatic operation.
It's easy to use:
1. Set the Film Speed Scaleto the Z For the maximum distance range 3. For maximum depth-of-field
appropriate ASA setting. For in automatic oPeration, move (greatestsharpnessin front of,
the ASA rating of your f ilm, the Auto/Manual Selector and in back of, the subject)
refer to the instructions supplied Switch to the green 'A' Position, move the Auto/Manual Selector
with the film. so that the green line and f 12.8 Switch to the yellow'A' posi-
appear (ASA 100 Film). Then tion, so the yellow line and
set your camera lens oPening f/5.6 appear.
Note: lf the ASA number for your film is not indicated on the ASA film (for ASA 100 film, the lens Then set your camera lens
speed scale,use an intermediate markings as shown. opening is t 12.8l.. opening (for ASA 1OOf ilm, the
Your f lash and lens are now set lens opening is f/5.6).
Marked ASA 25 50 100 200 400 800 for correct exposure at all dis- Your f lash and lens are now
Speeds: tances between 4.6 feet and 35 adjusted for correct exposure at
lntermediate 32 40 64 80 125 1 6 0 2ffi 320 500 640 feet. af l distances betwee n 2.3 feet Nos: and 17.5 feet.
IView original page 12Page 13 · Read text
TAKINGTHE PICTURE:
It's easy - just follow these steps: To Verify CorrectAuto Exposure:
1. Move the Battery/AC HV Switch 3. Ta ke the pictu re ! To verify correct automatic ex- auto mode, switch to green and
(on the back of the flash) to the Your f lash will automatically posure,just aim your f lash directly adjust the aperture accordingly.). 'batt'position. deliver the correct amount of toward your subject and press the This green lamp provides positive
'Ready/Test'2. You will hear a faint hum and, light for correct exposure within button. This will cause verification that in automatic
in a few seconds,the Ready/ the distance range indicated. the flash to fire without actually operation, your picture will be
Test Button on the back of flash For succeedingexposures . . . exposing any f ilm. lf the automatic correctly exposed.
will start to glow. This confirms Just wait until the ready/test exposure is correct for your subject,
that your flash is ready to fire. light comes on. Make sure you the green 'Auto Signal' lamp will
are within the usable auto glow immediately after the 'test'
distance range for the lens exposure. lf the lamp does not
opening in use and . . . shoot! glow, move closer to your subject
(or, if you are shooting in yellow
www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 15 · Read text
USINGPOWERRATIO
As when using the Power Ratio 3. Turn the Power Ratio Control 4. Be sure the distance scale shows 6. When using a tele adapter or wide
at Full power, set the Film Speed Dial until you have the desired there is the proper amount of angle diff user, refer to the color
Scale to the appropriate ASA f/stop opposite this distance. light for the correct exposure of coding to read the f/stop or
rating and be sure the Auto/ ALWAYS TURN THE POWER your sublect. lf not, increaseor d istance. Bl ue I ines correspond
Manual Selector Switch is RATIO CONTROL DIAL TO decreasethe power as needed. to the tele adapter, and red lines
on "M". A MARKED (CLICK STOP) 5. You are now ready to take your correspond to the wide angle
2. Determine the distance of your POSITION. DO NOT SET THE picture. Remember to adjust the d if f users.
subject f rom your f lash. When POWER RATIO BETWEEN aperture on your lens to match
the AP-52 is mounted to MARKED RATIOS OR THE the aperture indicated on the
the camera, you can easily do UNIT WILL NOT OPE RATE calculator scale.
so by focusing your camera's ,4S DESI RED.
lens and reading the distance (Example: 9 feet, with ASA lOO
indicated by the distance scale f if m, you may choose f 111 , 8,
on the lens. 5.6,4 and 2.8).www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
USINGPOWERRATIOFORBETTERPICTURES
Depth-of-Field Examples:
Note that the top picture has greater When photographingstill life, more
depth-of-field (tne background and depth-of-field is often required. Use
the subject are in focus) and the the higher power settingsand smaller
bottom picture has little depth-of- lens openingsfor best results.
field (tne subject is in focus but the
backgroundis not).
Becauseof the versatility of
Power Ratio control, you have a
choice of up to f ive different
aperturesfor maximum control of
depth-of-field. Use this control to For portraits, use the lower power
create the pictures you want. settingsand larger lens openingsfor
lessdepth-of-field.View original page 16Page 18 · Read text
SelectingFlashPosition
Your Sunpak AP-52 has a unique f lash head assemblywhich
allows you to aim the light in many directions.This enables
you to use the Sunpak AP-52 to render more pleasingand more
creativelighting results.For added convenience,the adjustable
Bounce Flash Head is marked so you can determine the exact
angleof bounce you desire.
- h;ftx"fr
* You r AP-52 rotates every 15o lf using automatic operation, the built-in
on the bracket. Just loosen the sensorwill properly adjust the f lash for
WIDEANGLE LENSES: flash retaining screw and rotate perfectly exposed pictures.
The reflector is designedto llluminate the picture format of the flash body at any degree Note: The auto sensor must always
a 35mm wide anglelens on a 35mm camera. lf you usewider required, then fasten the screw face the subject for proper auto ex- angle lenses,usewide'anglediffusers.28mm wide anglediffuser
is suppliedwith your AP-52and also availablein option securely.This offers more posure control.
together with 21mm wide anglediff user by Sunpak Filter Kit, creative lighting options in
Cat. No. 65 1 -738. manual operation.
Bounce lighting may also be used to increaseflash coverage.View original page 18Page 21 · Read text
r]
ilt
For extensiveuse in portrait and child photo-
graphy, many photographersprefer "umbrella"
lighting, created by bouncing the f lash off
a white or silveredumbrella. Check with your
dealer for recommendationson umbrellas and
lightstands if this approach interestsyou. www.orphancameras.comView original page 21Page 22 · Read text
CopyPhotography
Becauseof its unique Power Ratio Control, your AP-52 is ideal for copy photography.
By adjusting the power, you can use your AP-52 to control light output, which is critical
with the relatively short flash-to-subjectdistances.
For copying, you can use a copy stand, modified enlarger baseboard and girder or a tripod
which can have its pan head mounted to the bottom of the center column.
In addition, you can use one, two or four AP-52 s. 1. An ideal set-up for shadow-free copies is
having two AP-52 s, one connected
to your camera,another to the Sunpak
Auto Slave, aimed at a 45o angle to the
subject on the same axis as the camera. As
the illustration shows, twice the normal
amount of light is hitting the subiect, so
* Hobbies: You can reproduce stamps, coins, you should either close down the lens
seashells,butterflies, plant life and other aperture by one stop (two stops when using
items. four units) or adjust the Power Ratio
* Vital Documents: Diplomas, birth ctr- Control by half the Power Ratio setting
tificates, cancelled checks, licenses,etc. (- 1 stoP).
* Gharts: You can keep a photographic
record of any charts or graphs you prepare 2. lf you own another electronic flash unit,
for school or business.In addition, color you can use the Power Ratio Control on
transparenciesof the charts can be made your AP-52 to set the unit at a similar
for slide presentations. power level as the other unit. Simply match
* Valuable Possessions: ltems such as jewelry, the guide number from the specification
silverware and works of art can be pre- chart on page 25 with the appropriate
photographed and used for insurance power level to your other unit.
purposes.
1 9View original page 22Page 24 · Read text
Other FlashHints
Multiple Exposures Open F lash
When shooting multiple exposures,your AP-52 When shooting at night, you can use your
is ideal becauseof its multidirectional AP-52 to act as a f ill-in f lash while setting your
capability. Be sure to use a dark background shutter speedsfor background exposure.
and center your flash on each individual Simply push the Test (open flash) Button on
subject.When placing the same people in one your unit for one, two or more flasheswhile
background scene,a tripod or other rigid the shutter is open.
camera support is recommended.
Special Effects Macro/Close-Up
One of the most popular specialeffects today By using the lower power levelson your Auto
is the "Shoot" technique of superimposingone AP-52, the exciting world of Macro/Close-Up
imageover another. The only requirementis photography can be mastered.Becauseof the
a simple cardboard tube. Take the first lower power levelsavailablef rom the AP-52,
exposureusing availablelight and center you can properly expose close-upseven when
the area of the image you wish to superimpose your f lash is very close.To lower the light inten-
the image on. Then, take a second exposure sity even further, bounce the light or use the
on the same f ilm, using your AP-52. Simply diffusion filter availablein the accessoryf ilter
use the tube to cover all but the centered area. k i t .
For smaller centering areas,use two tubes for
a telescopeeffect. Becausethe light from your
AP-52 is higher than the available light in
most cases,the image shot through the tube
willdominate the availablelight image.For
best resultsusing this technique,make your
superimposition on a dark area.View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
MultipleFlashOperationwith the SunpakAuto SlaveUnit
Usingtwo or more Sunpak electronicf lash A . P l u g t h e S u n p a k S l a v e U n i t i n t o t h e f l a s h
units can produce stunningly attractive c o r d o f y o u r a u x i l i a r y ( s e c o n d ) f l a s h u n i t .
professionalportraits.Equally,using B. Adjust the sensor eye of the Slave so that it
additionalf lash units strategically faces the master f lash unit.
positionedcan substantiallyexpand
your photographiccapabilities.To do this C. Determine the correct lens opening (as a start -
use the compact, solid-stateSunpak Auto i n g g u i d e . c l o s e d o w n l e n s o n e f / n u m b e r
SlaveUnit, availablefrom your Sunpak from indicated aperture when using
d e a l e r( C a t .N o . 6 5 1 - 7 1 5 ) .T h i s p e r m i t s two directly-aimed f lashes).
wirelesssynchronizationof any number of D. Connect the main f lash to your camera in the
Sunpak electronicf lash units at distances n o i m a l m a n n e r .
up to 100' f rom the "Master" unit. E. Shoot . . . when the light f rom the master
When the master unit (with shutter cord (camera-connected) f lash reaches the Sunpak
connectedto the camera) is f ired, all Slave's sensor, the Slave automatically f ires
other slave-equippedunits f ire the second f lash in perfect synchronizationsimultaneously. with the f irst! The Sunpak Slave operates at
distances of up to 1O0 feet f rom the master
flash, and is unaffected by even the brightest
c o l o r l i g h t i n g . =r'ft m
www.orphancameras.com WView original page 25Page 27 · Read text
Insidebur SunpakAP-52
Aged Gold-Tone Flash Tube Wide-Angle lllumination
Modern electronic flash units The use of wide-anglelensesis very
operate at speedsof 1/6o0tn popular in photography today.
second or less.This burst of light is Your AP-52 can be used with up
far shorter than the optimum to 35mm lenseswithout any
exposure time today's films have. accessories.
Your AP-52 usesa unique gold- By using the diffusion filters avail-
tone flash tube that has been aged able in the accessory AP-52
and pre-flasheduntil critical color Filter Kit, lensesup to 28mm focal
balance is achieved.This means length on 35mm camerasmay be
your AP-52 will give you warm, used. By using bounce light, even
Tele Adapter: To be used for 135 pleasing,correct color rendition wider focal length lensesmay be
mm telephoto and zoom lens with w i t h a l l d a y l i g h t f i l m s . used.
35mm camera.
Decreasesillumination angle while
increasinglight intensity. Cat. No. Thyristor Circuitry
651-791
Sunpak's advanced thyristor circuitry is the latest in electronic f lash
technology. In lessadvanced automatic f lash units, when the auto-
matic sensor shuts off the f lash, the circuit still expends the
available energy as if a "full" power flash had been produced.
However, thyristor circuitry savesthe unused energy for the next
flash. This means more flashes per battery and recycling times are
more rapid, depending on distancesand lighting conditions.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 27Page 29 · Read text
Careof \bur ElectronicFlash
Y o u r S u n p a k e l e c t r o n i c f l a s h h a s b e e n -the cleaner the battery surface,the easierit 4. Maintenance:
engineered to require almost no is for the energy to passthrough to the
m a i n t e n a n c e . S t i l l t o i n s u r e b e s t f lashgun'selectricalsystem. lf your AP-52's reflector window be-
performance year-in and year-out comes dirty, use one drop of lens cleaneron
follow these basic instructions: lens cleaningtissueto clean it. A small amou
It;: of lens cleanerand lens tissueor a slightly
1. Inspect BatteriesFreguently: , moist cloth can be used to clean the rest of tl
u n i t . B E S U R E T O T H O R O U G H L Y D R Y T l
" l n s p e c t " m e a n s f o r r e a s o n a b l e r e c y c l i n g $ U N I T I M M E D I A T E L YA F T E R C L E A N I N G
t i m e ( t h e l e n g t h o f t i m e i t t a k e s t h e r e a d y
l i g h t t o c o m e o n b e t w e e n f l a s h e s ) : i f i t ' s
m o r e t h a n 1 0 o r 1 5 s e c o n d s , a f r e s h s e t o f 5. Service:
a l k a l i n e b a t t e r i e s s h o u l d b e o b t a i n e d ( o r i f In the unlikely event that your Sunpak
n i c k e l c a d m i u m b a t t e r i e s a r e u s e d , t h e y m u s t electronicf lash requiresservice,return it to
be recharged). 2. Remove Batteries: your dealer or the sole U.S. distributor at
It's also wise to check your batteries f or the addressshown back of the Warranty Ca
appearance: sometimes even the best of lf for some reason you do not intend to use Do not, under any conditions,attempt to
b a t t e r i e s d i s c h a r g e o r l e a k s o m e c h e m i c a l your f lash unit for a period of several weeks disassembleand/or adjust it yourself: elec-
material through the jacket . . . and leave or more, remove the batteries and store them tronic flash operateson high voltageand
a whitish-powder on the battery, which passes separately. Storage inside a plastic bag is one should not be taken apart. However, keep in
o n t o y o u r S u n p a k f l a s h u n i t ' s e l e c t r i c a l good way. mind that flash failure is more likely to resu
c o n t a c t s . l f t h i s h a s h a p p e n e d , r e p l a c e t h e from weat<Uatteri
b a t t e r i e s a f t e r c l e a n i n g t h e S u n p a k ' s i n t e r n a l 3.
b a t t e r y c o n t a c t s w i t h a p e n - k n i f e . F i n a l l y , Make sure the f lash is securely attached to contacts careful ly.
it's a good idea to remove the batteries once your camera.
i n a w h i l e a n d w i p e t h e m w i t h a h a n d k e r c h i e f
www.orphancameras.comView original page 29Page 30 · Read text
Specifications:
Guide Numbers: 20O (ASA 4OO film), 1OO (ASA 1O0 filml, Number of Flashes&
50 (ASA 25 film) Recycling Times: Maximum Power Minimum Power
B.C.P.S. 170O (at Fulll With AA NiCad Batteries:
Angle of lllumination:, Number of flashes: 50 500
IN DIRECT FLASH: 60o Horizontal by 45o Vertical; Recycling Time: 6 sec, O.3 sec.
permits use of 35mm lenseson 35mm With AA Alkaline Batteries:
cameras, 80mm lenses on 6x6 cameras, Number of flashes: 100 900
8omm lenseson 6x7 cameras. Recycling Time: 1Osec. O.3sec.
Interchangeable With Sunpak Multi-Voltage
Power Sources: 4AA NiCad Battery (optional) AC Adapter IAD-27!-:.
4AA Alkaline Battery (not included) Recycling Time (at 120V1: 14 sec.
AC: (Optional) Multi-Voltage AC Adapter With Sunpak Powerpak for
AD -27 | at 100/1 20 l2n l24OV Selector. 510V Battery:
Sunpak Powerpak for 510V (High Voltage) Number of flashes: 5000
Battery (optional) Recycling Time O.25sec.
Sunpak NC510 RechargeableBattery (optional) With Sunpak NC510
Flash Speed: 1 l8@-1 l22o0oth second depending Rechargeable Battery:
on Auto distance. Number of flashes: 90 360
1 /8OO-1 /1 OOOOthsecond depending Recycling Time: 1 .2 sec. 0.25 sec.
on Manual,Power Ratio setting in use. Variable Power Ratio Range: Full,112,114,1/8 and 1/16
Automatic Aperture Setting : t12.8, t15.6 (ASA 100 f ilm) Synchron ization Contact: PC Cord
Automatic D istance Ranges: 4.6'-35' (at maximum aperture) Color Temperature: 5500" Kelvin
2.3'-17.5' (at minimum aperture) Dimensions (HxWxDl: 7.9" x3.1" x3.4"
Sensor Acceptance Angle: 15" Weight: 17.3 oz. (without batteries)
Bounce Flash: Adjustable Bounce Flash Head at
0", 45o, 6oo and 9o" Vertical (automatic exposure) r All specifications subject to change without notice.
27 every 15" Horizontal (manual exposure)
.,'View original page 30From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.