Manual Flash Mode; Manual Flash Mode M With Full Light Output; Manual Flash Mode Mlo With Partial Light Output Levels; Flash Techniques - Metz MECABLITZ 54 AF-1 Minolta Bedienungsanleitung

4.4 Manual flash mode

Various cameras automatically switch the flash unit to TTL flash mode when
in Program "P" or in one of the Subject Program Modes. Manual flash ope-
ration is then no longer possible. There is no correct exposure confirmation
given on the LC display of the flash unit in the manual flash mode!
Set „Av" aperture priority or the „M" or „X" manual modes on the camera.
Select the aperture and shutter speed (with „M") on the camera according to
the given photographic situation (see the camera's operating instructions).

4.4.1 Manual flash mode M with full light output

In this mode the flash unit always fires uncontrolled flashes at full light output.
Adaptation to the given photographic situation is only by adjusting the aper-
ture setting on the camera accordingly. The LC display of the flash unit will
indicate the flash-to-subject distance that has to be maintained for a correct
exposure (see also 5.4.2).
Setting procedure for the manual flash mode M
• Turn on the flash unit by its main switch.
• Continue depressing the „Mode" key until „M" flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display is returned to its
normal state after approx. 5 sec.

4.4.2 Manual flash mode MLo with partial light output levels

In this mode the flash unit always fires an uncontrolled flash at a manually set
partial light output level (Low). Adaptation to the prevailing photographic si-
tuation is by selecting an appropriate partial output level or by setting a cor-
responding aperture on the camera. The LC display panel of the flash unit
will indicate the distance required for correct flash exposure (also see 5.4.2).
Setting procedure for the manual flash mode MLo:
• Turn on the flash unit with the main switch.
• Continue depressing the "Mode" key until "M" flashes on the LC display.
• Continue depressing the "Select" key combination (= "Mode" key +
"Zoom" key) until P appears on the LC display.
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• Alongside P, the set partial light output value flashes.
• The partial light output level can be diminished with the "Mode" key, or
increased with the "Zoom" key, while the manual partial light output value
is flashing. In this manner, you can set partial light output values of P 1/8 ,
P 1/4, P 1/2 and P 1/1 (maximum output).
• The setting immediately becomes effective. After approx. 5 sec. the LC dis-
play returns to its normal state. When the partial light output level has been
set , MLo is displayed on the LC panel but the set light output value is not
indicated. The indicated distance is adapted to the partial light output level.
Depress the "Select" key combination (= "Mode" key + "Zoom" key) to dis-
play the partial light output value.
Changing the flash mode, e.g. to TTL, resets the manual light output
level to P 1/1 (maximum light output).

4.5 Flash techniques

4.5.1 Bounce flash

Photos shot with full frontal flash are easily recognized by their harsh, dense
shadows. This is often associated with a sharp drop in light from the fore-
ground to the background. This phenomenon can be avoided with bounce
flash because the diffused light will produce a soft and uniform rendition of
both the subject and the background. For this situation the reflector is turned
in such a manner that the flash is bounced off a suitable reflective surface
(e.g. ceiling or wall of the room).
The reflector can be turned verticall up to 90°. When turning the reflector
vertically, it is essential to ensure that it is moved by a sufficiently wide angle
so that direct light can no longer fall on the subject. Consequently, always
turn the reflector at least to the 60° lock-in position. The distance readings on
the LC display will disappear. The flash-to-subject distance via the ceiling or
wall is an unknown magnitude.