Metz Mecablitz 34 AF 3M User Manual

TV • VIDEO • CAMCORDER • MECABLITZ  
MECABLITZ 34 AF-3 M  
Operating instructions  
Contents  
1. Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23  
6. Flash synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30  
6.1 Normal synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30  
6.2 Slow-synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30  
6.3 Second curtain synchronisation . . . . . . . . .31  
7. Flash in the individual camera modes . .32  
8. Autofocus measuring flash . . . . . . . . . . .33  
9. Flash techniques and flash functions . .34  
9.1 Automatic fill-in flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34  
9.2 Exposure correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34  
10. Lighting and attachments . . . . . . . . . . . .35  
11. Care and maintenance -  
2. Preparing the mecablitz for use . . . . . . .24  
2.1 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24  
2.2 Loading and replacing the batteries . . . . . .24  
2.3 Automatic flashgun cut-out circuit . . . . . . .25  
2.4 Mounting/Removing the mecablitz . . . . . . .25  
3. Setting the mecablitz into operation . . .26  
3.1 Preconditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26  
3.2 Switching the flashgun on and off . . . . . . .26  
4. Flashgun instructions to the camera . . .27  
4.1 Flash-ready indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27  
4.2 Automatic flash sync speed control . . . . . .27  
4.3 Correct-exposure indication . . . . . . . . . . .27  
4.4 Information displayed in the  
Manual ring button  
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36  
12. Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37  
Lighting distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38  
cameras viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28  
5. TTL ash control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29  
2
1. Safety instructions  
NEVER fire a flash in the immediate vicinity of  
• In the event of flash shots with full light output  
observe an interval of at least 3 minutes after a  
series of 20 flashes. This will protect the flash-  
gun against overload.  
the eyes! Flash fired directly in front of the eyes  
of a person or animal can damage the retina and  
lead to severe visual disorders - even blindness!  
Spent batteries should be immediately remo-  
ved. Chemicals leaking out of spent batteries  
will damage the flashgun.  
NEVER place material that is impervious to light  
in front of, or directly on, the reflector screen.  
The reflector screen must be perfectly clean  
when a flash is fired. The high energy of the  
flash light will burn the material or damage the  
screen if this is not observed!  
Do not short-circuit batteries! DANGER OF  
EXPLOSION!  
Batteries should not be exposed to excessive  
heat, for instance sunshine, fire and the like!  
NEVER dismantle the flashgun! DANGER: HIGH  
VOLTAGE! There are no components inside the  
flashgun that can be repaired by a layperson.  
NEVER throw spent batteries in a fire!  
Do not expose the flashgun to dripping or  
splashing water!  
Disposal of batteries  
Do not dispose of spent batteries with domestic  
rubbish.  
Protect the flashgun against excessive heat and  
high humidity levels! Do not keep the flashgun  
in the glove compartment of a car!  
Please return spent batteries to collecting points  
should they exist in your country!  
3
2. Preparing the mecablitz for use  
2.1 Power supply  
The flashgun can only be operated with 2 CR2-type lithi-  
um batteries. This type of battery can be stored for many  
years with practically no loss of energy, thus making it  
ideal for occasional amateur flash photography.  
Batteries have become discharged or spent  
when recycling takes more than 60 seconds.  
The batteries should be removed from the  
mecablitz if the flashgun is not going to be used  
for a prolonged period.  
Fig. 1: Unlocking and exchanging batteries  
2.2 Loading and exchanging batteries  
Turn off the flashgun with the main switch.  
Press the unlocking catch, slide the battery  
compartment lid to the right and fold open (see  
fig. 1).  
• Insert the batteries according to the indicated  
battery symbols.  
The supplied lithium batteries are expendables  
and, as such, are not subject to our warranty pro-  
visions.  
After the batteries have been inserted, fold down  
the battery compartment lid, and push to the left  
until it engages audible with the unlocking catch.  
4
2. Preparing the mecablitz for use  
When loading the batteries ensure correct pola-  
2.4 Mounting/Removing the flashgun  
Turn off the mecablitz.  
Press the unlocking catch at the back of the  
mecablitz (see fig. 2).  
Slide the mounting foot into the camera’s  
mounting shoe.  
rity. Incorrectly loaded batteries can destroy the  
ashgun! All batteries must be of the same  
make and have the same charge level. Exhau-  
sted batteries must not be thrown into the  
dustbin! Contribute to the protection of the  
environment and discard exhausted batteries  
at the appropriate disposal points.  
Always turn off the flashgun before it is removed.  
Press the unlocking catch at the back of the  
mecablitz (fig. 2) and withdraw from the camera.  
2.3 Automatic flashgun switch-off  
To avoid accidental battery discharge the flashgun  
automatically switches itself off to save power  
approximately 8 minutes after  
- the flashgun was switched on  
- the last flash was fired  
- tripping the camera release, or  
- switching on the camera light metering system.  
The green flash-ready indicator is turned off.  
To turn on the mecablitz again switch the main  
switch OFF and then ON. The ashgun should  
always be turned off if it is not being used.  
Fig. 2: Unlocking catch  
5
3. Setting the mecablitz into operation  
3.1 Preconditions  
The mecablitz must only be used with TTL  
ash controlled cameras!  
The sensor of TTL flash controlled cameras  
measures the light reaching the film through  
the camera lens and instantly cuts out the  
flash when the film has been correctly expo-  
sed. Please refer to the cameras operating  
instructions to find out whether your camera  
features this function.  
OFF  
ON  
Ǻ
Fig. 3: Switching the flashgun on and off  
A full-power flash is fired if the camera does  
not feature TTL ash control!  
3.2 Switching the flashgun on and off  
In other words: Without TTL flash control, the  
mecablitz fires an unmeasured flash at maximum  
output.  
Set the main switch in the ON position to turn on  
the flashgun. The green flash-ready indicator  
lights up to indicate flash readiness.  
If there is a flashgun integrated in the camera it  
must be switched off or completely folded  
down when the mecablitz is used.  
Set the main switch in the OFF position to turn off  
the flashgun.  
6
4. Flashgun instructions to the camera  
The mecablitz transmits different signals and  
4.2 Automatic flash sync speed control  
messages to the camera when it is connected to  
the camera and is switched on.  
Most system cameras automatically change to  
flash sync speed when flash readiness is reached.  
The flash sync shutter speeds may vary between  
1/30th and 1/300th second, depending on the  
camera model. Please refer to the cameras opera-  
ting instructions for further details.  
4.1 Flash-ready indication  
The green light on the mecablitz illuminates  
when the flash capacitor is fully primed, thereby  
indicating flash readiness. This means that flash  
can be used for the next exposure. The flash rea-  
diness signal is transmitted to the camera where it  
is indicated by a corresponding display in the  
cameras viewfinder. On some cameras (depen-  
ding on the model) the shutter is automatically  
changed to flash sync speed when flash readiness  
is reached. The flash will not be fired if the shutter  
is released before the flash ready light illuminates  
with the result that the exposure may be incorrect  
if the camera control circuit has already changed  
over to flash sync speed. Please refer to the came-  
ras operating instructions for further details.  
4.3 Correct-exposure indication (see fig. 4)  
The red correct exposure light briefly illuminates  
when flash exposure was correct. At the same  
time the mecablitz sends an o.k. signal to the  
camera for display in the viewfinder.  
Please refer to the cameras operating instructions  
for further details.  
7
4. Flashgun instructions to the camera  
2)  
Permanently  
illuminated  
The flashgun is primed and  
ready for firing  
1)  
or blinks slowly  
Permanently  
illuminated  
or blinks slowly  
The flashgun is primed and  
ready for firing  
2)  
1)  
2)  
blinks  
T
he light output was sufficient  
1)  
blinks rapidly  
Camera models:  
blinks  
for correct exposure  
Fig. 4: Exposure o.k.  
3xi / 2xi / SPxi / 5000i / 3000i  
The flashgun is being primed  
4.4 Information displayed in the camera’s viewfinder  
1)  
1)  
2)  
Camera models  
8000i / 7000i / 700si  
2) 2) 2)  
blinks slowly  
The flashgun is primed and  
ready for firing  
9xi / 7xi / 5xi  
Meaning  
Displays in  
viewfinder  
blinks rapidly  
The light output was sufficient  
for correct exposure  
Permanently  
illuminated  
The flashgun will be triggered as  
soon as the release is pressed.  
8
5. TTL ash control  
The mecablitz receives its information exclusively  
from the connected TTL-controlled camera.  
The table on page 37 gives the maximum range  
for the selected aperture. The minimum lighting  
distance is approx. 15% of the maximum thres-  
hold range.  
Exposure measurement in TTL mode (TTL =  
through-the-lens) is completed by the cameras  
sensor. This sensor measures the light reaching  
the film through the camera lens. An electronic  
control circuit within the camera transmits a stop  
signal to the flashgun as soon as the film has been  
exposed by the correct amount of light; the flash is  
then instantly cut out.  
If the actual distance is shorter than the  
minimum lighting distance, then this may  
result in overexposure.  
The speed of lms to be exposed under  
TTL ash control must be between ISO  
25/15°* and ISO 1000/31°. Correct expo-  
sures cannot be guaranteed with other  
film speeds.  
The advantage of the TTL mode is that all factors  
influencing the exposure of the film (such as fil-  
ters, change of aperture or variable aperture  
zooms) are taken into account. You need not worry  
about adjustment of the light output. The cameras  
electronic system automatically defines the requi-  
red amount of light. You can also utilize various  
metering facilities (e.g. spot , matrix or centre-  
weighted overall readings) offered by some came-  
ras.  
A strip of film must be loaded in the camera if tests  
are to be conducted in TTL flash mode. The effec-  
tive flash range can only be checked by the cor-  
rect-exposure display (o.k.) if the flash is triggered  
by the camera and not with the manual release on  
the flashgun!  
* With automatic film speed setting (DX): ISO 32/16°  
9
6. Flash synchronisation  
Different modes of flash synchronisation are pos-  
Flash shots at low lighting levels and fast shutter  
speeds (normal flash sync speed) can often result  
in overexposed subjects in front of a very dark  
back-ground.  
sible, depending on the camera model. Please  
refer to the cameras operating instructions to find  
out how the individual modes of synchronisation  
are set on the camera.  
The slow-sync function allows the use of slow  
shutter speeds right up to 30 seconds, to signifi-  
cantly enhance the background as a result of the  
extra ambient light. Such shots require a tripod to  
prevent camera shake. Please refer to the came-  
ras operating instructions for further details.  
6.1 Normal synchronisation  
This mode is available with all TTL cameras, and it  
is suitable for most flash shots. With normal  
synchronisation, switching to the camera’s flash  
sync shutter speed is automatic. The shutter  
speed may vary from 1/30th and 1/300th seconds,  
depending on the camera model. Please refer to  
the cameras operating instructions for further  
details.  
6.2 Slow-synchronisation  
Some cameras feature specific exposure pro-  
grams for slow-synchronisation.  
10  
6. Flash synchronisation  
This makes the light trail behind the moving  
objects instead of appearing in front of them, and  
renders a more natural looking picture.  
First curtain  
Second curtain  
6.3 Second curtain synchronisation (REAR)  
Some cameras offer the facility of second shutter  
curtain synchronisation.  
With normal synchronisation, the flash is fired pre-  
cisely after the opening of the first shutter curtain.  
When using slow shutter speeds, and with moving  
objects, this would result in an unnatural rendition  
of light traces.  
With second curtain or rear curtain synchronisati-  
on, the flash is fired as the exposure is ending, just  
before the second curtain covers the film again.  
11  
7. Flash in the individual camera modes  
Auto program mode with flash (P-function)  
Activating the flash manually  
In this mode, the camera automatically activates  
the flash function when the ambient light level is  
too low, it automatically adjusts the aperture and  
shutter speed, and triggers the flash when the  
shutter release is pressed.  
(manual ll-in flash)  
Although the camera automatically activates the  
flash whenever the prevailing light conditions  
make this necessary, it is still possible to trigger  
the mecablitz manually. Please refer to the came-  
ras operating instructions for the description of  
this function.  
The ashgun is not triggered in the creative  
program modes P /P !  
A
S
Flash in the A, S and M modes  
With aperture priority (A), shutter priority (S) and  
manual mode (M), a flash will be fired with each  
shot if the mecablitz has been switched on. Came-  
ra operation in these three modes is the same as  
without flash.  
Triggering control  
On some cameras the flash will not be fired when  
the prevailing light is sufficient for an exposure in  
normal mode. The exposure is then completed  
with the settings indicated in the display field.  
Please refer to the cameras operating instructions  
for further details.  
With one exception: A shutter speed faster than  
the cameras flash sync speed cannot be selected.  
Please refer to the cameras operating instructions  
for further details.  
12  
8. Autofocus measuring flash  
The integrated AF red-light beam of the mecablitz  
supports the automatic focusing of autofocus TTL  
cameras. When the prevailing light is insufficient  
for automatic focusing, the mecablitz will project a  
pattern of red vertical stripes onto the subject as  
soon as the cameras release is lightly touched (or  
is activated by the eye-start system of cameras of  
the xi series). The cameras autofocus system  
then focuses the picture by this striped pattern.  
Notes:  
AF red-light beam  
Fig. 5: AF red-light beam  
depends on the speed of the lens (maximum  
aperture)! With an f/1.8 standard lens of 50 mm  
focal length, the range is approx. 6-10 m (depen-  
ding on the sensitivity of the camera’s AF sensor).  
When the cameras autofocus system is on, the  
electronic circuit will automatically activate the  
autofocus measuring flash whenever the  
prevailing light is insufficient for the exposure.  
Only the central AF sensor is supported  
Depending on the prevailing ambient light, either  
the AF illuminator of the camera or that of the  
flashgun will be activated whenever the autofo-  
cus measuring facility becomes necessary.  
Low-speed lenses, e.g. with an aperture of  
f/5.6 or f/8 (such as zoom lenses), significant-  
ly restrict the range of the autofocus  
measuring flash!  
The range of the autofocus measuring flash  
13  
9. Flash techniques and flash functions  
Fill-in flash in daylight will soften harsh shadows  
and diminish the contrast, thereby producing a  
more balanced exposure when shooting against the  
light. The cameras computer-controlled metering  
system automatically selects the shutter speed,  
working aperture and light output in such a manner  
that both the main subject in the foreground as well  
as the background are uniformly exposed.  
Fig. 6: Fill-in flash in daylight (left without, right with fill-in flash  
9.2 Exposure correction  
9.1 Fill-in ash  
Various cameras enable the user to influence the TTL  
exposure control. Accordingly, the cameras expo-  
sure settings can be corrected by up to ± 3 aper-  
tures (in half f-stop settings).  
Normally, the automatic flash function (P-function)  
will automatically fire the flash in daylight when  
shooting against the light. However, the camera  
may well measure sufficient ambient light so that  
the flash firing circuit is not activated (see page  
32). The mecablitz still enables the user to activate  
the fill-in flash function manually when the camera  
would shoot the picture without flash (see also  
page 32 Activating the flash manually). Observe  
PLEASE NOTE: Do not forget to switch off  
this function when it is no longer required!  
Please refer to the cameras operating instructions  
for further details.  
the corresponding displays in the cameras view  
-
finder. Please refer to the cameras operating  
instructions for further details.  
14  
10. Lighting and attachments  
Your mecablitz provides full and even illumination  
guiding edge  
of normal 24 x 36 mm negatives when using len-  
ses of 35 mm focal length and longer.  
A wide-angle diffuser is supplied with the flash-  
gun to increase the coverage if you wish to use a  
28 mm wide-angle lens.  
A telephoto attachment (identified with a T) is  
included for telephoto lenses of 85 mm focal length.  
case gap  
PLEASE NOTE: The use of the wide-angle diffu-  
ser diminishes the effective range of the flash!  
Fig. 7: Mounting and removing the attachments  
Mounting and removing the attachments  
The attachment is swivelled into the bayonet  
mount (see fig. 7). Turn the attachment clockwise  
and insert the guiding edge into the case gap.  
To remove turn the attachment beyond the retaining  
spring (see fig.) and withdraw the attachment.  
15  
11. Care and maintenance - Troubleshooting  
Remove grime and dust with a soft, dry cloth. Do  
not use cleaning agents as these could damage  
the plastic parts.  
Forming the flash capacitor  
The flash capacitor incorporated in the flashgun  
undergoes a physical change when the flashgun is  
not switched on for prolonged periods. For this  
reason it is necessary to switch on the flashgun for  
approx. 10 minutes every 3 months and to fire a  
few flashes The batteries must supply sufficient  
power to light up the flash-ready light within one  
minute after the flashgun was switched on.  
Fig. 8: Manually firing button  
Troubleshooting:  
Manual ring button  
If the flashgun does not work as it should in the  
individual modes, then proceed as follows:  
An uncontrolled flash can be fired with the manual  
firing button (see fig. 8)  
Switch off the flashgun with the main switch.  
Remove the rechargeable or dry-cell batteries  
for a brief period, and then load them again.  
16  
12. Technical data  
Guide number ISO 100/21°: 34 (with telephoto attachment)  
Number of flashes: Flash recycling time:  
ca. 100  
Lighting: Rectangular  
ca. 6 s at full light output  
28 (without attachment)  
20 (with wide-angle diffuser)  
Lighting for 35mm camera from 35 mm focal length  
onwards, with wide-angle attachment from 24 mm, and with  
telephoto attachment from 85 mm focal length onwards.  
Without attachment: horiz. approx. 56°, vertical approx. 40°  
With W-diffuser: horiz. approx. 75°, vertical approx. 55°  
With T-attachment: horiz. approx. 25°, vertical approx. 18°  
Weight: approx. 160 g  
Dimensions: 61 mm x 102 mm x 35 mm  
Colour temperature: approx. 5600 °K  
Synchronization:  
Flash duration:  
Low-voltage IGBT ring  
1/250 s ...1/45000 s  
Items delivered:  
Flashgun, attachments (W-diffuser/T = telephoto  
attachment), Operating Instructions, 2 batteries CR2.  
1,4  
2
2,8  
4
5,6  
8
11  
16  
ISO  
W N T W N T W N T W N T W N T W N T W N T W N T  
25/15° 8 10 12 5,5 7 8,5 4  
50/18° 11 14 17 8 10 12 5,5 7 8,5 4  
100/21° 16 20 24 11 14 17 8 10 12 5,5 7 8,5 4  
200/24° 22 28 34 16 20 24 11 14 17 8 10 12 5,5 7 8,5 4  
400/27° 32 40 48 22 28 34 16 20 24 11 14 17 8 10 12 5,5 7 8,5 4  
5
6 2,8 3,5 4,2 2 2,5 3 1,4 1,8 2,1 1 1,2 1,4 0,7 0,9 1  
6 2,8 3,5 4,2 2 2,5 3 1,4 1,8 2,1 1 1,2 1,4  
6 2,8 3,5 4,2 2 2,5 3 1,4 1,8 2,1  
6 2,8 3,5 4,2 2 2,5 3  
6 2,8 3,5 4,2  
5
5
5
5
800/30° 45 56 67 32 40 48 22 28 34 16 20 24 11 14 17 8 10 12 5,5 7 8,5 4  
max. distance in m  
5
6
Table for max. lighting distance  
17  
Lighting distances  
2
2,8  
4
5,6  
8
11  
2
2,8  
4
5,6  
8
11  
ISO  
ISO  
50 10 7 5 3,5 2,5 1,8  
50 33 23 16 11  
100 46 33 23 16 11  
200 65 46 33 23 16 11  
8
6
8
100 14 10 7  
200 20 14 10  
5
7
3,5 2,5  
5
3,5  
400 28 20 14 10  
7
5
400 92 65 46 33 23 16  
W – 20%  
W – 20%  
[ft]  
[m]  
T + 20%  
T + 20%  
This table indicates a section of the most im-  
portant maximum lighting distances in different  
ISO/aperture combinations.  
2
2,8  
4
5,6  
8
11  
ISO  
50 10 7 5 3,5 2,5 1,8  
The sticker can be applied to the back of the  
flashgun.  
100 14 10 7  
200 20 14 10  
5
7
3,5 2,5  
5
3,5  
400 28 20 14 10  
7
5
W – 20%  
[m]  
T +20%  
18  

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