Metz AF-1 - Manual (Page 75)

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11 Flash synchronisation
11.1 Automatic flash sync speed control
Depending on the camera model and camera mode, the shutter speed is swit-
ched to flash sync speed when flash readiness is reached (see the camera’s ope-
rating instructions).
Shutter speeds cannot be set faster than the flash sync speed, or they are swit-
ched automatically to the flash sync speed. Various cameras have a sync speed
range, for example from 1/30 sec to 1/125 sec (see the camera’s operating
instructions). The sync speed set by the camera depends on the camera mode,
the ambient light, and the focal length of the lens used.
Shutter speeds slower than the flash sync speed can be set according to the
camera mode and the selected flash synchronisation (see 7 and 11).
If a camera with a between-the-lens shutter is used, flash sync speed is
not controlled automatically. As a result, the flash can be used at all shut-
ter speeds. If you need the full light output of the flash unit, you should
not select a shutter speed that is any faster than 1/125 sec.
11.2 Normal synchronisation
In normal synchronisation the flash unit is triggered at the beginning of the shut-
ter time (first curtain synchronisation). Normal synchronisation is the standard
mode on all cameras. It is suitable for most flash shots. The camera, depending
on the mode being used, is switched to the flash sync speed. Speeds between
1/30 sec. and 1/125 sec. are customary (see the camera’s operating instruc-
tions). No settings are necessary on the flash unit, nor is there any display for
this mode.
11.3 Second curtain synchronisation (REAR)
Some cameras offer the option of second-curtain synchronisation (REAR, 2nd
curtain, SLOW2), in which the flash unit is not triggered until the end of the
exposure time. This is particularly advantageous when used with lower shutter
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speeds (slower than 1/30 sec.) and moving subjects that have their own source
of light. With second-curtain synchronisation, a moving light source will trail a
light streak instead of building one up ahead itself, as it does when the flash is
synchronised with the first shutter curtain. In this way a „more natural“ image of
the photographic situation is produced! Depending on its operating mode, the
camera sets shutter speeds slower than its sync speed.
On some cameras the REAR function is not possible in certain operating modes
(e.g., certain vari- or subject programs, or with red eye reduction). In these
cases, the REAR mode cannot be selected and/or is automatically cancelled or
ignored (see camera’s operating instructions).
The REAR mode is set on the camera (see camera’s operating instructions). There
is no display for REAR mode in the flash unit.
11.4 Slow synchronisation (SLOW)
A slow exposure (SLOW) gives added prominence to the image background at
lower ambient light levels. This is achieved by adjusting the shutter speed to the
ambient light. Accordingly, shutter speeds that are slower than the flash sync
speed (e.g., shutter speeds up to 30 sec.) are automatically adjusted by the
camera. Slow synchronisation is activated automatically on some camera models
in connection with certain camera programs (e.g., a night shot program, etc.), or
it can be set on the camera (see the camera’s operating instructions). No settings
are necessary on the flash unit, nor is there any display for this mode.
Slow synchronisation SLOW is set on the camera (see camera’s operating
instructions)! Use a tripod when shooting with slow shutter speeds to
avoid blurred images!
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707 47 0065.A1-48AF-1O Inh. 17.09.2007 13:58 Uhr Seite 75