Vivitar DF-483 Series 1 User manual

WirelessPowerTTL HighZoomSpeedAF PowerDSLR ZoomFlash AF DSLR Flash
               INSTRUCTION MANUAL





DF-383VIV-DF-483

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the DF-483 digital wireless TTL power zoom flash gun.
This digital flash is equipped with many advanced features, such as TTL, Wireless TTL,
High Speed Synchronization, Manual Mode with Adjustable Power Output, etc.
To get the most out of this flash, please read this instruction manual thoroughly before
use.





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Compatibility

 Check to see which item number you have purchased to see compatibility
  Digital TTL / Auto Focus flash for:
 DF-483-CAN - Canon Digital E-TTL, E-TTL II cameras & E-TTL film cameras
 DF-483-NIK - Nikon Digital TTL, i-TTL cameras & TTL, i-TTL film cameras




 Features

• 2” LCD Panel                                                           • Red focus assist beam for low light focusing
• Auto & manual zoom 24-28-35-50-70-85-105mm      • Flash readiness indication in viewfinder
• TTL metering                                                          • Front and rear curtain synchronization
• Wireless TTL function                                               • Built-in reflecting plate and diffuser
• 6 levels of power ratio 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 & 1/32   • Red eye reduction (type NIK)
• High speed synchronization                                     • Built-in slave function
• Automatic shutter speed setting                              • Power saving function                -2-

Specifications

 Guide Number (ISO 100):         50(m)/164ft at 105mm position
 Motor zooming reflector:        24 - 28 - 35 - 50 - 70 - 85 -105 mm
 Bounce Position:                    0, 45, 60,75, and 90 degrees
 Swivel Position:                   Right: 0-120 degrees, Left: 0-180 degrees
 Power Source:                 4x 1.5V AA size alkaline batteries
 Flash Duration:                  1/1,000 - 1/20,000 second
 Recycling Time:                   0.5 - 9 seconds
 Color Temperature:              Daylight
 Manual Mode Power Output:      1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32
 Slave Mode:                      Instant sync to skipping 9 flashes (S0-S9)
 Dimensions:                    Approx. 65 x 100 x 120 mm
 Net Weight:                    Approx. 250 grams (w/o batteries)

   * Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
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Loading Batteries



  Make sure the On/Off Switch is in the Off position. Slide
  open the Battery Compartment Cover and insert 4 x AA
  batteries with correct polarity(-,+), as indicated in the
  battery compartment. Close the Battery Compartment
  Cover. Inserting batteries with the wrong polarity may
  cause the batteries to heat up, leak, explode and damage
  the flash. When you need to replace batteries, make sure all
  batteries are of the same brand, type and same capacity.

  Alkaline batteries are preferable.
  This flash unit may halt and could not function when the battery power is not sufficient.
  Please switch off the flash unit when it is not working correctly. Wait for a few seconds and replace
  the battery if necessary before switching it on again. The flash unit should work again as normal
  afterward.

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Mounting the Flashgun onto Your Camera


 Insert the mounting foot of the flashgun into camera
 accessory shoe and press "LOCK" to lock the flashgun in
 place.




  Removing Your Flash

 Press and hold both sides of the Lock/Release button as
 indicated on the graphic to the right. Then pull the flashgun off
 backward.



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ON/OFF Switch and Flash Test Operation

To switch on the flashgun, slide the main switch to the "ON" position.
The ready indicator "READY" will light up as soon as flash readiness is
established. Press the Test Button to ensure the flashgun works properly.
If the flashgun discharges, wait until the "READY" light glows again.
To switch off, slide the main switch to "OFF" position.




 Illumination of LCD display

The LCD display is used to show general information about your camera and the current status
of the flashgun. It will light up every time when you tap the keys of the LCD panel. The display
will be illuminated for about 5 seconds.

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Taking a Picture AF / TTL Operation

  • Automatic flash sync speed control
 When the flashgun is ready, your camera will automatically switch it to the flash sync speed
 from program mode or to an aperture-priority mode selected. The sync speed depends on
 the camera model and usually ranges between 1/30sec to 1/250sec. When a flash shot has been
 taken, an "OK" symbol will flash on the LCD display to confirm correct exposure.
  • Auto-focus "AF" measuring flash
 The integrated "AF" red light beam of the flashgun supports the automatic focusing of auto-focus
 TTL cameras. When the prevailing light is insufficient for automatic focusing, the flashgun will
 project a red light beam onto the object as soon as the camera's shutter is lightly touched. The
 camera's auto-focus system then focuses the object by this beam of red light.
  • TTL flash control
 When you switch on the flashgun, it will set at TTL mode first and the LCD display indicates "TTL".
 When the Ready indicator lights up, press the shutter release fully to take the picture. The
 advanced programming and computerized circuitry of the fllashgun provides the correct amount
 of flash light output according to the camera's exposure measurement through the lens (TTL).
                (for Nikon flashes the LCD Display will show TTL, iTTL, and BL in different ways while connected
              to different camera models. Please refer to your camera’s manual for more specific details.)
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Taking a Picture AF / TTL Operation

• Manual flash mode at full light output
 Manual flash mode is provided in this flashgun, so that you can
  control the light output on your own. 6 power settings, 1/1, 1/2, 1/4,
  1/8, 1/16 and 1/32, are available under this mode. To use the manual
 mode, please follow the instruction below:                                       MODE             ZOOM
  (1) Make sure that the slave mode switch at the back of the flash is
  set to OFF position ( See section “Slave Function” for details).
  (2) Press the MODE selector button, This switches the flash to
 manual mode. The “M” indicator shows up on the LCD. By tapping
 the MODE selector button continuously, you can adjust the output
 power of the flash in the following sequence: 1/1 --> 1/2 --> 1/4 -->
 1/8 --> 1/16 --> 1/32
 The LCD automatically suggests a flash-to-subject distance required
  for a correct exposure for manual photography.


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Front and Rear Curtain Synchronization

 Rear curtain synchronization is particularly advantageous when using slow shutter speeds
 (slower than 1/30 sec.) or when shooting moving objects that have their own source of light.
 This synchronization gives a more realistic impression of movement because the light streaks
 behind the light source instead of building up in front of it, as is the case when the flash is
 synchronized with the front shutter curtain. Depending on its operation mode, the camera uses
 shutter speeds slower than its sync speed.
 For Type CAN, NIK flash: The camera controls front or rear-curtain synchronization, therefore no
 setting is required to be done on the flash.

 Note: The rear curtain synchronization is only possible on cameras with this feature. See your
 camera’s instruction manual for details.





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Bounced and Swiveled Flash

 Photos shot with full frontal flash are easily recognized by their harsh, dense shadows.
 This is often associated with a sharp drop of the foreground to the background. This                        0°
                                                                                                                              30°        30°
 phenomenon can be avoided with bounced and swiveled flashes.The flash head can
                                                                                                 60°             60° be tilted to an angle of 45o, 60o, 75o, or 90o and rotated horizontially 180o to the left
                                                              °09           °09 and 120o to the right. You can tilt or rotate the flash head to bounce the light off the

                                                                    1 ceiling or walls. While shooting indoor, this technique can help to create more        °021              0°2
 natural-looking                 pictures                          of people                                with softer                                         shadows.                                      When                                                         using bounce                                                                         or swivel      °051   180° flash, the zooming                    position                                 will be locked                                             in 50mm,                                               except                                                               in Manual                                                       mode.
 In order to have your pictures correctly exposed using bounce or swivel flash, the
 following is recommended to users:                                                                                                  90°  75°
 (1) Select white or reflective surfaces to bounce the light off. Otherwise your pictures                        60°  45°
 will come with an unnatural color cast similar to that of the reflecting surface.
 (2) Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto (“A”) or Manual (“M”)
 (3) Use a wider aperture than normally do, as 2 or 3 stops of light can be lost when                                             0°
 using bounce or swivel flash.
 • Reflecting plate and diffuser
 The flashgun has a built-in reflecting plate and diffuser. You can slide out the reflecting plate or diffuser
 from the top of the flash head. Bouncing the flash head and using the reflecting plate can produce
 better looking pictures. The diffuser can reduce strong light to create soft effects.                -12-

Power Zooming

  • Automatic motor zoom control
  If you are using a zoom lens, which transmit its focal length to the camera, the camera will pass
 on this information to the flashgun. The flashgun then automatically adjusts its zoom position
 to comply with the focal length of the lens. Automatic motor zooming reflector control is only
 possible with cameras permitting digital data transmission to the flashgun.
 The LCD display on the flashgun indicates zooming positions of 24-28-35-50-70-85-105 mm.
 When the flashgun is switched on, the activated zoom position is set at 35mm. As soon as the
 camera's shutter is lightly touched, the focal length of the flashgun is automatically adapted to
 the focal length of the lens.
 Whenever the flash head is not at a normal position (facing to the front), such as in bounced or
 swiveled at different positions, the zoom position will be at
 50mm as indicated by the LCD display with a brief flash in auto
 mode.



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Manual Motor Zoom Control


The "Zoom" key permits you to change the zoom reflector's position
independently of the focal length of the lens. The LCD display then
indicates "M" and adjusts the zoom position of the reflector.

By slightly tapping the "ZOOM" key you can select the zoom
position in the following sequence:
Auto Zoom -> M24 -> M28 -> M35 -> M50 -> M70 -> M85 -> M105 ->
Auto Zoom




                                                                                          MODE             ZOOM





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Standard Slave Function

 This flashgun has optical slave sensor built-in so can be used as a standard slave unit. It has 10
 slave settings to suit your need. These settings work in the following way:
 S0 - the flash fires at once when triggered by an external flash source.
 S1 - the flash skips 1 flash and fires when it detects a 2nd flash.
 S2 - the flash skips 2 flashes and fires when it detects a 3rd flash.
 S3 - the flash skips 3 flashes and fires when it detects a 4th flash.
 S4 - the flash skips 4 flashes and fires when it detects a 5th flash.
 S5 - the flash skips 5 flashes and fires when it detects a 6th flash.
 S6 - the flash skips 6 flashes and fires when it detects a 7th flash.
 S7 - the flash skips 7 flashes and fires when it detects a 8th flash.
 S8 - the flash skips 8 flashes and fires when it detects a 9th flash.
 S9 - the flash skips 9 flashes and fires when it detects a 10th flash.




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Standard Slave Function

The amount of light output at slave mode can be controlled by selecting the power ratio.
The instructions below guides you thru how to set the flash as a standard slave unit:
(1) You have to choose the output power of the flash first before you switch the flash to slave
mode. So
(a) First set the slave mode switch at the back of the flash to OFF position.
(b) Tap the MODE switch continuously until you have reached the power ratio setting you want
for the slave unit.
(2) Slide the slave mode switch at the back of the flash to S position. The flash now is in slave
mode.
(3) By tapping the MODE selector button continuously, you can adjust the slave setting of the
flash in the following sequence: S0 -> S1 -> S2 -> S3 -> S4 -> S5 -> S6 -> S7 -> S8 -> S9 -> S0
If multiple flashes are used as slave units, you must adjust the light output from each flash in
order to get the correct exposure for your photos.
When the slave mode is on, the power saving mode will not function.


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Power Saving Function

 The flashgun will automatically be switched to power saving mode 3 minutes after:
  • the flashgun was switched on
  • the last flash was fired
 The LCD Display will show an "OFF" signal. To reactivate the flashgun, simply press any buttons
 underneath the LCD display panel or switch the main switch off and on again.
 The flashgun is not completely switched off, in power saving mode. However the power
 consumption is drastically reduced. If you are not going to use your flashgun any longer, set
 the main switch to "OFF"





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High Speed Synchronization

This flash can be set for cameras with higher shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second. This is
convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits. The operation of this
function is different on different camera brands.
Set up High Speed Sync
- For Type NIK Flash
No special operation on the flash is required. The High-Speed Sync mode is automatically set
when the shutter speed exceeds the camera’s sync shutter speed.
- For Type CAN Flash
Press the Mode and Zoom button firmly together. A “H” and “On” symbol will blink on the LCD
for 5 times. The flash now is switched to High Speed Sync mode.
Cancel High Speed Sync
- For Type NIK Flash
No special operation on the flash is required.
- For Type CAN Flash
To cancel the High Speed Sync function, press again the Mode and Zoom button together. A
“H” and “OFF” symbol will blink on the LCD for 5 times.
The High Speed Sync function is canceled.
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Digital Wireless TTL Flash - Introduction


 This flash is equipped with advanced wireless TTL flash function. It can synchronize with a
 master flash’s TTL, so you can enjoy creative flash photography with multiple lightings from
 various directions without having to worry about the pre-flashes from the triggering source.
 Before going thru the operation, you should be familiar firstly with the following nomenclature
 used in wireless multiple flash photography:
 Master flash
 The camera’s built-in flash, a flash unit mounted on the camera, or the one directly connected to
 the camera via a extension cord is called the Master Flash. Only one master flash is allowed in a
 wireless multiple flash photography setting. It controls how the Remote Flashes are operated in
 Wireless TTL mode.
 Remote flash
 The flash units placed off the camera is called “Remote Flash” (Canon calls it “Slave’’). There is no
 limitation on the numbers of remote flash to be set in one time.


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Digital Wireless TTL Flash - Introduction

Groups
In wireless photography, you can assign remote flash units into any one of the three groups
(A, B, or C) and set the mode and output level for each remote flash units.
Channels
The master and remote flash units exchange data through channels. In this flash, Four
channels, 1, 2, 3, 4, are available. You pick the channel you prefer for communication
between the master and remote flash units.
If another photographer uses the same type of wireless photography setup nearby, your
remote flash units may accidentally fire in sync with that photographer’s master flash unit.
Therefore, you should choose the channel carefully in order to avoid such situation.





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Digital Wireless TTL Flash - How to Use

 This flash can be used as a remote flash in wireless multiple flash photography. To do this, please
 follow the instructions below:
  (1) Make sure that the slave mode switch at the back of the flash is set to OFF position.
  (2) The mode of the flash changes in the following sequence when you tap the MODE button:
 TTL--> M(1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32) --> STTL (1A, 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C) then
 back to TTL
 Tap the button until the STTL icon shows up on the LCD. Continue to tap until you find the
 desired channel (1, 2, 3, or 4) and group (A, B, or C) for your flash. You will see a light blinking
 continuously from the front red Iens when the flash is set to wireless TTL mode.
  If you are using multiple flashes in your wireless photography setting, you should avoid setting
 more than 3 flash units in one group in order to avoid interference between flashes.
  (3) Set your preferred flash coverage angle by tapping the ZOOM button.




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