TV • VIDEO • CAMCORDER • MECABLITZ
MECABLITZ 34 AF-3 C
Operating instructions
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Contents
1. Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
7.1 Use of flash in the program modes . . . . . .32
7.2 Special functions not supported by flash . .32
8. Autofocus measuring flash . . . . . . . . . . .33
9. Flash techniques and flash functions . .34
9.1 Automatic fill-in flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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 firing button
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
12. Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Lightning distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
camera’s viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
5. TTL flash control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
5.1 E-TTL flash control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6. Flash synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
6.1 Normal synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
6.2 Second curtain synchronisation (REAR) . . .31
7. Flash in the individual camera modes . .32
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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.
Please return spent batteries to collecting points
should they exist in your country!
• Protect the flashgun against excessive heat and
high humidity levels! Do not keep the flashgun
in the glove compartment of a car!
4
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2. Preparing the mecablitz for use
2.1 Power supply
The flashgun can only be operated with 2 CR2-
type lithium batteries. This type of battery can be
stored for many years with practically no loss of
energy, thus making it ideal for occasional ama-
teur 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
The supplied lithium batteries are expendables
and, as such, are not subject to our warranty pro-
visions.
• 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).
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.
• Insert the batteries according to the indicated
battery symbols.
5
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2. Preparing the mecablitz for use
When loading the batteries ensure correct
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 moun-
ting shoe.
☞
polarity. Incorrectly loaded batteries can dest-
roy the flashgun! All batteries must be of the
same make and have the same charge level.
Exhausted batteries must not be thrown into
the dustbin! Contribute to the protection of
the environment and discard exhausted bat-
teries 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 flashgun should
always be turned off if it is not being used.
Fig. 2: Unlocking catch
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3. Setting the mecablitz into operation
3.1 Preconditions
The mecablitz must only be used with TTL
flash 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 camera’s 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 flash 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.
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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.
When the flash unit is on, the camera will automa-
tically switch it to flash sync speed from any ope-
rating mode selected. The sync speed depends on
the camera model and usually ranges between
1/30 sec. and 1/250 sec. For details please refer
to the camera’s instructions for use.
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
camera’s viewfinder. On some cameras (depen-
ding on the operating mode and camera 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 camera’s operating
instructions for further details.
Some camera models will, when the flash unit is on,
switch it to flash sync speed as soon as program
mode „P“ or full-auto mode is selected. Speeds
faster than the flash sync speed cannot be set.
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 camera’s operating instructions for further
details.
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4. Flashgun instructions to the camera
4.4 Information displayed in the camera’s viewer
The following table only gives a general survey.
Camera-specific deviations ar possible (please refer
to the camera’s operating instructions.
blinks:
Indicates that flashgun should be
used or switched on (on some
cameras).
illuminated: The flash is ready for use (on some
cameras) Please refer to your
camera’s operating instructions to
find out if this applies to your came-
ra model.
Fig. 4: Exposure o.k.
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5. TTL flash 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 camera’s
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. The advantage of the TTL
mode is that all factors influencing the exposure of
the film (such as filters, change of aperture or
variable aperture zooms) are taken into account.
You need not worry about adjustment of the light
output. The camera’s electronic system automati-
cally defines the required amount of light. You can
also utilize various metering facilities (e.g. spot ,
matrix or centre-weighted overall readings) offered
by some cameras.
If the actual distance is shorter than the
minimum lighting distance, then this may
result in overexposure.
☞
A strip of film must be loaded in the camera if tests
are to be conducted in TTL flash mode.
The effective flash range can only be checked by
the correct-exposure display (o.k.) if the flash is
triggered by the camera and not with the manual
release on the flashgun!
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5.1 E-TTL flash control
E-TTL flash control is only possible with cameras
featuring this function. E-TTL flash control is auto-
matically set on the flash unit.
In the E-TTL flash control mode, a pre-flash is fired
to establish the reflective characteristics of the
subject just before the actual shot is taken. A par-
tial light output level is transmitted and adjusted
on the flash unit as a result of this measurement.
The aperture and shutter speed to be used are
established by the camera according to the
ambient light before the actual exposure, and are
automatically adjusted in the program modes.
The red „E-TTL“ indicator lights up on the mecablitz.
Flash exposure storage
This feature permits the flash exposure of an off-
center subject to be metered and stored. It is only
possible in the camera’s creative modes and is
performed by way of the camera’s memory but-
ton.
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6. Flash synchronisation
Different modes of flash synchronisation are pos-
sible, depending on the camera model. Please
refer to the camera’s operating instructions to find
out how the individual modes of synchronisation
are set on the camera.
6.1 Normal synchronisation
First curtain
Second curtain
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 1/250th seconds,
depending on the camera model. Please refer to
the camera’s operating instructions for further
details.
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
synchronisation, the flash is fired as the exposure
is ending, just before the second curtain covers
the film again. This makes the light trail behind the
moving objects instead of appearing in front of
them, and renders a more natural looking picture.
6.2 Second curtain synchronisation (REAR)
Some cameras offer the facility of second shutter
curtain synchronisation.
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7. Flash in the individual camera modes
7.1 Use of flash in the program modes
• Program shift:
Program shift (shutter speed/aperture combina-
tion) in auto program mode cannot be performed
when the flashgun is switched on.
TTL-controlled flash shots can be made in all expo-
sure and auto program modes. Once the mecablitz
is attached to the camera and switched on, it auto-
matically operates with TTL flash control in auto
Please refer to the camera’s operating instructions
for further details.
program (P), aperture priority (A ), shutter priority
v
(T ) and in the manual modes.
v
7.2 Special functions not supported by flash
• Depth of field (DEP):
The depth of field auto mode is not operative
when the flashgun is switched on. Exposure is
then completed as in the auto program mode.
• Soft focusing (SF):
The flash is only fired for the first exposure in the
soft focusing mode. This means that a soft focu-
sing effect may not be achieved!
13
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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 camera’s release is lightly touched.
The camera’s autofocus system then focuses the
picture by this striped pattern.
AF red-light beam
Notes:
• When the camera’s autofocus system is on, the
electronic circuit will automatically activate the
autofocus measuring flash whenever the
prevailing light is insufficient for the exposure.
Fig. 5: AF red-light beam
•
The range of the autofocus measuring flash
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 sen-
sor).
• The autofocus measuring flash cannot be activa-
ted in every operating or autofocusing mode of the
camera. It only supports focusing priority (one-
shot AF: see camera’s operating instructions). Use
of the autofocus measuring flash is not possible
with shutter release priority (Al Servo AF).
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8. Autofocus measuring flash
9. Flash techniques and flash functions
• Depending on the camera type, either the AF
illuminator of the camera or that of the flashgun
will be activated whenever the autofocus mea-
suring facility becomes necessary.
• Only the central AF sensor is supported
Low-speed lenses, e.g. with an aperture of
☞
f/5.6 or f/8 (such as zoom lenses), signifi-
cantly restrict the range of the autofocus
measuring flash!
Fig. 6: Fill-in flash in daylight (left without, right with fill-in flash)
9.1 Automatic fill-in flash
Some cameras offer the facility of activating auto-
matic fill-in flash control or automatically trigger a
fill-in flash. Fill-in flash will soften harsh shadows
and diminish the contrast, thereby producing a more
balanced exposure when shooting against the light.
The camera’s computer-controlled measuring
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.
Please refer to the camera’s operating instructions.
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10. Lighting and attachments
guiding edge
Your mecablitz provides full and even illumination
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
diffuser 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 retai-
ning spring (see fig.) and withdraw the attachment.
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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 firing 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.
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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 firing
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
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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
400 92 65 46 33 23 16
8
6
8
100 14 10 7
200 20 14 10
5
7
3,5 2,5
5
7
3,5
5
400 28 20 14 10
W – 20%
W – 20%
[m]
[ft]
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%
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