Metz MECABLITZ 54 AF-1 Minolta - Manual (Page 59)

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The light bounced off the reflecting surfaces produces a soft and uniform illu-
mination of the subject. The reflecting surface must be white or have a neu-
tral colour, and it must not be structured (e.g. wooden beams in a ceiling) as
these might cause shadows. For colour effects just select the reflective surface
in the desired colour.
Take into account that the maximum flash range is considerably dimi-
nished when bouncing the flash. The following rule of thumb will help
you determine the maximum flash range for a room of normal height:
guide number
Maximum flash range = —————————————————
flash-to-subject distance x 2
4.5.2 Close-ups / Macrophotography
The flash reflector can be swivelled down by an angle of -7° to compensate
for parallax error. For this purpose depress the unlocking button of the reflec-
tor and swivel down the reflector.
For close-ups it is necessary to ensure that certain minimum lighting distances
are maintained to avoid overexposure.
The minimum lighting distance is approx. 10 % of the maximum flash range
indicated on the LC display. Since the maximum flash range is not indicated
on the LC display when the reflector is swivelled down, then be guided by the
maximum flash range indicated by the flash unit when the reflector is in its
normal position!
4.6 Flash synchronisation
4.6.1 Normal synchronisation (Fig. 7)
In normal synchronisation the flash unit is triggered at the beginning of the shutter
time (1st curtain synchronisation). Normal synchronisation is the standard mode on
all cameras, and is suitable for most flash shots. Depending upon the given mode,
the camera is changed over to the camera’s sync speed, the customary ones being
between 1/30th sec. and 1/125th sec. (see the camera’s operating instructions). No
settings have to be made on the flash unit, nor is there any display for this mode.
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4.6.2 REAR - Second-curtain synchronisation (Fig. 8)
Some cameras offer the facility of second-curtain synchronisation (REAR
mode) triggering the flash unit by the end of the exposure time. Second-cur-
tain synchronisation is particularly advantageous when using slow shutter
speeds (slower than 1/30 s) or when shooting moving objects that have their
own source of light. Second-curtain synchronisation 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 synchron-
ised with the 1st shutter curtain! Depending on its operating mode, the ca-
mera uses shutter speeds slower than its sync speed.
The REAR function is set on the camera (see operating instructions of
the camera). It is not displayed on the flash unit.
4.6.3 Slow synchronisation / SLOW
Various cameras feature slow flash synchronisation in certain modes. This
setting will give added prominence to the background at lower ambient light
levels. This is achieved by matching the shutter speed to the ambient light.
Accordingly, shutter speeds that are slower than the flash’s sync speed are
automatically adjusted by the camera. Some cameras automatically activate
SLOW synchronisation in connection with certain camera programs (e.g.
„Av“ aperture priority, night shots program, etc.). No settings are made on
the flash unit nor is there any display for this mode.
Use a tripod to avoid camera shake with slow shutter speeds!
5. Flash unit and camera functions
5.1 Flash readiness indication
The flash readiness symbol lights up on the flash unit when the flash capa-
citor is charged, thereby indicating that flashes can be fired for the next shot.
Flash readiness is also transmitted to the camera for corresponding display in
the viewfinder (see 5.3).
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54 AF-1 M 03.08.2004 10:53 Uhr Seite 59