Metz MECABLITZ 58 AF-1 digital Nikon - Manual (Page 109)

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The flash range can be expressed in either meters (m) or feet (ft) accor-
ding to the chosen setting (see 7.6). There is no flash range indication in
remote mode or when the main reflector is swivelled or tilted.
16.1 Automatic adjustment of the flash range indication
Group B, C, D and E cameras transmit to the flash unit the flash parameters for
ISO film speed, focal length of the lens (mm), aperture and exposure correction.
The flash unit automatically adjusts its settings accordingly. The maximum flash
range is calculated from the flash parameters and the guide number and indica-
ted on the display.
This requires an exchange of data between camera and flash unit, effected for
example by tapping the shutter release.
Automatic adjustment of the maximum flash range display requires that the
camera be equipped with a suitable CPU lens (see 6).
16.2 Manual adjustment of the flash range indication
If the flash unit is used with a Group A camera, then zoom position, ISO film
speed and f-stop parameters must be adjusted manually on the flash unit if the
flash range indication is to be reliable (see Chapter 6).
16.3 Exceeding the display range
The flash unit can indicate maximum flash ranges of up to 199 m or 199 ft. This
display range can be exceeded in the case of high ISO values (e.g., ISO 6400)
and large aperture openings. An arrow or triangle after the distance value indi-
cates that the display range has been exceeded.
16.4 „FEE“ error indication on the flash unit’s LC display
On some cameras and in some camera modes (for example, program „P“, vari-
programs, „S“ shutter priority mode), it is necessary to set the aperture ring of
the lens to the maximum f-number. Otherwise the error message „FEE“ will
appear on the LC display of the flash unit or camera. If this occurs, check the
settings on the camera or the lens (see the camera’s operating instructions).
16. 5 Guide number indication when using lenses without CPU
Lenses without CPU (i.e., without electronic data transmission) do not transmit
☞ information about focal length or the aperture setting to the camera. If such a
lens is used with a Group B, C, D or E camera, then the flash unit will receive
only ISO data from the camera. The position of the main reflector must be adju-
sted manually (see 6.3).
With some cameras the flash unit’s LC display will, in this case, show the guide
number for the current setting instead of the distance. The maximum flash range
is derived from the equation:
guide number
Maximum flash range = —————————
aperture
Guide numbers are not displayed when the main reflector is tilted down.
17. Flash exposure memory
Some Group E cameras (see Table 1) have flash exposure memory (FV memo-
ry). This is supported by the flash unit in i-TTL flash mode. It can be used to defi-
ne and store the exposure level for the subsequent shot before the shot is actual-
ly taken. This can be useful when, for example, the flash exposure has to be
adjusted to specific details that may not necessarily be identical with the main
subject.
This function is activated on the camera, in some instances as an individual
function. The subject detail to which the flash exposure is to be adjusted is sigh-
ted and brought into focus with the AF sensor/metering window in the camera.
When the AE-L/AF-L button (the terminology may vary with the camera model)
on the camera is pressed, the flash unit fires a test flash. The stored metering
value (e.g., „EL“) is then displayed in the camera viewfinder. The camera uses
the reflected light of the test flash to determine the light output required for the
subsequent exposure. The actual main subject can then be brought into focus
with the camera’s AF sensor/metering window. When the shutter release is
pressed, the picture will be exposed with the previously defined light output of
the flash unit.
For more detailed information on adjustments and handling, refer to the
camera’s operating instructions. ☞
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