Leica SF 60 User Manual

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Page 1

LEICA SF 60

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Page 2

4 5

11e

11a

11c

11b

11d

Page 3

PART DESIGNATIONS

1 Reﬂector head, with

a diﬀuser b bounce card c wide-angle diﬀuser

2 Video light 3 Sensor for cordless oﬀ-camera operation (behind infrared-per-

meable panel)

4 AF assist light 5 Input jack for connecting external battery pack (behind cover) 6 Mounting foot with

a unlock button b locking pin

7 Power switch 8 Mode dial and

a index

9 Ready LED / test ﬂash button 10 LCD panel 11 Combination dial / rocker switch with settings for

a channel selection b audible signal c device pairing d zoom mode / focal length e button lock

12 Battery compartment cover 13 Clip-on softbox 14 Oﬀ-camera stand with ¼“ thread

Page 4

FOREWORD

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ADVISORY CATEGORIES

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the Leica SF60 system ﬂash unit, and congratulations on choosing the best system ﬂash solution for your Leica camera. We wish you every enjoyment and success with your new ﬂash unit. To get the most out of your Leica SF 60, please read this manual before use.

Note:

Additional information

Important:

Failure to observe this information can result in damage to the camera, accessories, or the photos

Attention:

Failure to observe this information can result in personal injury

Note:

You will ﬁnd the manufacturing date of your Leica SF 60 on the labels provided in the Warranty Card and/or on the packaging. The date format is L Y M DD XXXXXXX:

L Y M DD

XXXXXXX

= Leica

= Year (1-0 (=2011-2020))

= Month (1-9 = Jan.-Sep., A = Oct., B = Nov., C = Dec.)

= Day (0-31)

= Firmware version

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Designation of parts .....................................................................3

Foreword .....................................................................................4

Safety precautions .......................................................................6

Disposal of electrical and electronic equipment ............................7

Compatible cameras ....................................................................8

Functions dependent on the camera model ..................................9

Preparation

Power supply .............................................................................10

Changing the power source ........................................................10

Battery disposal .........................................................................11

Mounting/unmounting the ﬂash unit ..........................................12

Operation

Switching on and oﬀ ..................................................................13

Displays when the ﬂash unit is switched on ................................13

Auto power oﬀ ...........................................................................13

Zoom reﬂector ...........................................................................14

Manual adjustment ....................................................................12

Wide-angle diﬀuser ....................................................................15

Flash modes ..............................................................................16

Fully automatic – A ....................................................................16

Fully automatic – TTL ..............................................................16

Setting ﬂash exposure compensation ....................................17

Video light ..........................................................................18

Setting the light intensity ......................................................18

Manual ﬂash mode – M ...........................................................18

Partial light output settings ...................................................18

Cordless oﬀ-camera ﬂash ........................................................19

Remote ﬁring - SD/SF ..........................................................20

Remote control - ABC ......................................................20

Flash groups ......................................................................21

Channel selection...............................................................21

Audible signal .....................................................................22

Other settings/functions

Bounce ﬂash ..............................................................................23

Bounce ﬂash with bounce card ...................................................23

Clip-on softbox ..........................................................................24

Button lock ................................................................................24

Aspect ratio ...............................................................................24

Synchronization .........................................................................24

AF assist light ............................................................................25

External battery pack as power supply ........................................25

Appendix

Maintenance and care ................................................................26

Conditioning the capacitor of the ﬂash unit .................................26

Troubleshooting .........................................................................26

Technical data ............................................................................28

Leica service addresses .............................................................29

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Attention: Intended use

• This ﬂash unit is designed and certiﬁed for lighting subjects for photography purposes only. This device must not be used for any other purpose.

• It must only be used with the accessories described in this manual, or with accessories otherwise approved for use with it by Leica Camera AG.

• The ﬂash unit must never be ﬁred in proximity to ﬂammable gases or liquids (benzene, solvents, etc.). Failure to observe this can result in an EXPLOSION or FIRE!

• Avoid ﬂash photography too close to the subject's eyes. The extreme light output can cause retinal damage in humans and animals, resulting in permanently impaired vision or even blindness.

• Never use ﬂash photography in the direction of oncoming traﬃc of any kind, as drivers can be momentarily distracted, which can cause accidents. Before taking shots of moving traﬃc, switch the ﬂash oﬀ or otherwise make sure that the ﬂash will not be triggered.

• Do not touch the diﬀuser after repeated ﬂash ﬁring, as it can become very hot. Failure to observe this can result in burns!

• Never touch the contacts in the mounting foot of the ﬂash unit.

• If the case of the device has been damaged and internal components are visible, take care not to touch them – HIGH VOLTAGE HAZARD!

• This also applies if there is a risk that water or other liquids could have penetrated the device case, or any kind of metallic or ﬂammable object.

• In these cases, remove the batteries. Take great care when doing so.

• Even after battery removal, the high-voltage circuitry can still hold a suﬃcient charge to cause electric shock, burns or other injuries.

• The device must therefore continue to be kept safe from moisture (e.g. rain or splash water) and must not be handled with moist hands. Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device! The device interior does not hold any components that could be repaired by a layman.

• Please only use the batteries speciﬁed and approved in this manual.

• Do not short-circuit batteries or expose them to excessive heat (e.g. direct sunshine or ﬁre).

• Depleted batteries must never be thrown into a ﬁre!

• Do not attempt to recharge single-use dry cell batteries (primary cells).

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Important:

• Protect your ﬂash unit against excessive heat and humidity. Do not store the ﬂash unit in the glove compartment of your vehicle.

• Rapid changes in ambient temperature can result in condensation. Allow the ﬂash unit time to acclimatize before using!

• Make sure that no opaque objects are positioned directly in front of the diﬀuser or directly on it when the ﬂash is triggered. The diﬀuser must be clean. Failure to observe this can result in burn damage to the objects or the diﬀuser due to the extremely high energy output of the ﬂash.

• The ﬂash unit must only be used together with a camera-integrated ﬂash if this can be fully opened out or extended.

• Do not use batteries that are damaged in any way!

• Depleted batteries can leak battery acid, which could damage the contacts. Always remove batteries from the device when not in use.

DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

(Applies within the EU and for other European countries with active waste separation policies.)

This device contains electrical and/or electronic components and must therefore not be disposed of with normal household waste! Make sure you bring this device to an approved electronic waste collection point for recycling. The service is free of charge. If the device contains batteries, whether rechargeable or not, these must be removed ﬁrst and disposed of separately in line with the applicable regulations. Please contact your local authority, waste disposal service, or the retailer from whom you purchased the device for more information on correct waste disposal.

Note:

Correct exposure values were assessed as part of EMC testing for CE marking.

Do not touch the SCA contacts!

In exceptional circumstances, touching the SCA contacts can result in damage to the device.

Page 8

COMPATIBLE CAMERAS

The LEICA SF60 was designed for Leica cameras with autonomous ﬂash exposure control by way of TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering, such as the Leica digital cameras of the S, SL, M, CL, and Q series. The Leica SF60 can also be used with any other Leica camera model, but only in manual mode. However, using the LeicaSF60 with camera models of other manufacturers can only be recommended with reservations. Similarly positioned contacts in the accessory shoes of other camera makes can use diﬀerent electrical values, resulting in incompatible signals that can adversely aﬀect either or both of the devices. Leica Camera AG therefore accepts no liability for any damage that might occur in these cases beyond that which might occur to the ﬂash unit itself without outside inﬂuence.

Notes:

• The descriptions in this manual are generally limited to the use of the Leica SF60 in conjunction with Leica camera models from the current product range.

• This manual only describes the functions and settings of the Leica SF60 ﬂash unit itself. With very few exceptions, this also applies to displays and indicators. For this reason, it is important that you read the information on ﬂash photography in the manual of the camera model you are using, paying particular attention to the ﬂash features supported by your camera, the camera settings you might need to make, and the camera's ﬂash photography displays and indicators.

Page 9

FUNCTIONS DEPENDENT ON THE CAMERA MODEL

The ﬂash functions listed below are available (depending on the equipment of the camera model used).

– Flash ready indication in camera's viewﬁnder / LCD panel – Automatic ﬂash sync speed control – TTL ﬂash mode – Automatic ﬁll-in ﬂash mode – Manual ﬂash exposure compensation – Normal or end-of-exposure synchronization (camera setting) – Automatic high speed synchronization, if supported by camera

model – Automatic zoom reﬂector control – Pre-ﬂash function to reduce red eye eﬀect (camera setting) – Cordless oﬀ-camera ﬂash operation (remote settings and ﬁring

control) – Constant video light – Automatic power oﬀ functions

Note:

If the camera model used does not supply the required data, or if the lens used does not have the required data contacts for the lens mount, functional restrictions can be expected.

Page 10

PREPARATION

POWER SUPPLY

The ﬂash unit can be operated with the following power sources:

– 4 alkaline batteries, 1.5V, IEC type LR6 (AA/mignon size)

This type of battery is maintenance-free and suitable for moderate power requirements.

– 4 nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, 1.2V, IEC

type HR6 (AA/mignon size) This type of rechargeable battery has a signiﬁcantly higher capacity than a nickel-cadmium (NiCd) rechargeable battery and

is more environmentally friendly, as it contains no cadmium. More information on the capacity of the individual battery types can be found on page 28.

Attention/important:

• Only use the power sources listed above. Failure to observe this

could damage the ﬂash unit. This particularly applies to certain

types of lithium battery (1.5V, IEC type FR6, AA/mignon size).

These can heat up excessively during use and can cause burns,

despite the automatic overheating protection of the device!

• Always remove the batteries if you don't intend to use the ﬂash

unit for an extended period of time.

CHANGING THE POWER SOURCE

When the recycling time between ﬂashes begins to take more than 30s, this indicates that the batteries are depleted and should be replaced. (Recycling time = time after ﬂash is ﬁred at full output level (e.g. M) until the Ready LED 9 lights up green again).

Procedure

1. Switch the ﬂash unit oﬀ (see also the next section)

2. Slide forward the battery compartment cover and release it. It will automatically spring open.

3. Remove the spent batteries and insert the new ones as shown in the illustration Make sure you insert each battery in the correct orientation!

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Attention:

Incorrectly inserted batteries can destroy the ﬂash unit! Improper battery use poses an EXPLOSION HAZARD!

4. To close the battery compartment, press down on the rear of the cover and slide it back into place.

Notes:

• Always replace all of the batteries at the same time.

• All four batteries should be of high quality and must be the same

type.

BATTERY DISPOSAL

Never dispose of depleted batteries in household waste! Do your part for the environment and take your depleted batteries to a collection point. Only dispose of batteries once they are completely spent. A battery counts as spent when the device it powers no longer functions correctly after extended battery use. Cover the battery poles with adhesive tape to prevent a short circuit. Germany: As a consumer, you are required by law to return used batteries. You can return batteries free of charge wherever they are sold. Additionally, your town or local authority oﬀers free public collection points. The following abbreviations can be found on the label of batteries containing hazardous materials: Pb = battery contains lead Cd / Cad = battery contains cadmium Hg = battery contains mercury Li = battery contains lithium

Page 12

MOUNTING/UNMOUNTING THE FLASH UNIT

The description that follows also applies to mounting the ﬂash unit on the oﬀ-camera stand, except that you do not need to switch oﬀ the camera in this case.

Removal

Mounting

1. Make sure the camera and the ﬂash unit are switched oﬀ (see next page)

2. Press the unlock button (6a) and slide the ﬂash unit out of the accessory shoe of the camera

1. Make sure the camera and the ﬂash unit are switched oﬀ

2. Push the mounting foot of the ﬂash unit into the camera’s accessory shoe The locking pin (6b) must audibly click into place.

On cameras with an accessory shoe that lacks the necessary hole for the locking pin, the spring-loaded pin fully retracts into the mounting foot of the ﬂash unit and will not damage the surface of the accessory shoe.

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OPERATION

SWITCHING ON AND OFF

Switching on

Press the button 7

Displays when the ﬂash unit is switched on

• The Ready LED 9 initially lights up red, and turns green as soon as the ﬂash is ready (after a few seconds, provided the battery has suﬃcient charge).

• The symbols for the set ﬂash mode appear on the LCD panel 10.

• In cameras that support this feature, the ﬂash ready symbol will appear in the camera's viewﬁnder and/or LCD panel.

Note:

You can press the Ready LED for a test ﬂash.

Switching oﬀ

Press the button

Auto power oﬀ

To save battery power, the illumination of the LCD panel will dim a few seconds after the last user action. In ﬂash modes A, TTL, and

M (see pages 16/16/18), the ﬂash unit will switch itself to standby

mode to conserve battery power about 2 minutes after the last ﬂash ﬁring or the last user action. This is indicated by the Ready LED, which will ﬂash green. In ﬂash modes SD/SF (see page 20) orABC (see page 20), this does not happen until after about 5 minutes. The ﬂash unit will power down completely if it is not used for more than 60minutes, i.e. if no button is pressed, no dial is moved, and no ﬂash is ﬁred.

Waking up the ﬂash unit from standby: Tap the shutter release button of the camera or press the combination dial 11 in any direction

Notes:

• To protect the electronics from overheating, the ﬂash unit will automatically switch to a kind of cooldown mode for several minutes when necessary, for example, after a long series of high-output ﬂashes in rapid succession (between 20 and 30). This state is indicated by the Ready LED 9, which ﬂashes at an interval of 1.5s. The device cannot be woken up until it has ﬁnished cooling down. This automatic overheating protection is also triggered if the batteries get too hot.

• If you don't intend to use the ﬂash unit for an extended period of time, we recommend switching it oﬀ and removing the batteries.

Page 14

ZOOM REFLECTOR

The ﬂash unit is equipped with a zoom reﬂector that can adjust the ﬂash coverage to the focal length of the lens in use, from 24 to 200mm. This is done fully automatically for ﬂash mode A (no manual option available), only manually for ﬂash mode SD/SF (no automatic option available), or as selected (automatic and manual options available) for ﬂash modes TTL and M. The automatic focal length adjustment also works with zoom lenses, such as the Leica Vario lenses.

Manual adjustment

1. Press the combination dial 11 at the M.zoom option at the

bottom for about 1s

• The current setting is shown on the LCD panel 10.

2. Turn the combination dial to the setting you require. You can select the "automatic" setting A, or a speciﬁc focal length (9 options from 24mm to 200mm)

3. Again press the combination dial at the bottom for about 1s to exit the function

Hint:

If you are using a zoom lens and know that you won't always be needing the full range of the ﬂash, it can be helpful to set the ﬂash unit manually to the shortest focal length of the lens. In this way, regardless of the focal length you select on the lens, your complete ﬁeld of view will always be adequately illuminated without you having to adjust the ﬂash settings all the time. Example: You decide to work with a zoom lens with a focal length range of 24 to 90mm. In this case, set the position of the zoom reﬂector to 24mm.

Notes:

• The automatic focal length adjustment of the zoom reﬂector only works with camera models that transfer focal length information to the ﬂash unit. If this is not the case, you will need to adjust the focal length setting manually. The manual of your camera model will tell you what information it will transfer to a connected ﬂash unit of this type.

• The zoom reﬂector is not automatically adjusted in the following cases:

– The reﬂector head is turned to the left or right – The wide-angle diﬀuser has been pulled out – The clip-on softbox is attached

• The last manual focal length setting you made will remain stored even after the ﬂash unit has been switched oﬀ.

• All the focal length settings on the ﬂash unit that are described in this manual refer to 35mm ﬁlm format (24 x 36mm), or "full frame" image sensor format. When using cameras with smaller or larger image sensor or ﬁlm formats, you will need to determine the correct focal length settings on the basis of the relevant conversion factor, in order to be able to take full advantage of the ﬂash range. Example: The Leica TL has an APS-C image sensor format (smaller than a full frame sensor) so it has a conversion factor of 1.5. This means that the image eﬀect of its Summilux-TL 35 f/1.4 ASPH lens is equivalent to that of a 50mm lens on a camera with a full frame sensor. With a camera using the Summilux-TL 35 f/1.4 ASPH lens, you will therefore need to select the 50mm setting for the zoom reﬂector. The conversion factor for your camera can be found in the relevant manual.

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WIDE-ANGLE DIFFUSER

The integrated wide-angle diﬀ user (1c) enables you to use wide-angle lenses with focal lengths as short as 16mm.

Use

1. Pull the wide-angle diﬀ user out of the reﬂ ector head as far as it

1 and release it.

will go

• It will automatically spring up into position.

2. To remove the wide-angle diﬀ user, fold it downward until it is horizontal and push it back in all the way.

Notes:

• When the wide-angle diﬀ user is in use, the zoom reﬂ ector is set

to the shortest focal length setting (24mm), but the LCD panel will display 16mm, corresponding to the actual focal length for which the ﬂ ash is now optimized. The focal length of the lens you actually use has no inﬂ uence on this. When the wide-angle diﬀ user is removed and properly pushed back into the reﬂ ector head, the ﬂ ash unit will return to the previous setting.

• Using the wide-angle diﬀ user and the clip-on softbox (

pages 2/3, 23 and 24) simultaneously is not recommended.

13, see

Notes on the range

• When shooting in close proximity to the subject, long lens models and/or lens hoods can obscure the ﬂ ash, resulting in shadows in the lower part of your picture.

• Flash photography can also result in overexposure if you are too close to the subject. In such cases, using the integrated bounce card (s. S. 23) for an indirect ﬂ ash, or using the clip-on softbox included in the delivery package can help.

• For information on the maximum ﬂ ash ranges, please refer to the guide number table (see appendix) to avoid underexposure.

Page 16

FLASH MODES

The following ﬂ ash modes are available:

Video light (see page 18)

TTL

ABC

Selection

Turn the Mode dial with the index

• The appropriate symbols will be displayed on the LCD panel

Remote ﬁ ring without pre-ﬂ ash (see page 17)

Remote ﬁ ring with pre-ﬂ ash (see page 17)

Manual ﬂ ash mode (see page 18)

Fully automatic ﬂ ash mode

Fully automatic ﬂ ash mode with optional ﬂ ash exposure compensation

Remote control (see page 19 et seq.)

8 until the ﬂ ash mode you wish to use is aligned

8a.

FULLY AUTOMATIC FLASH MODE - A

This ﬂ ash mode is the easiest way to achieve excellent ﬂ ash photography results. Flash exposure metering is performed by your camera for this purpose. It measures the light reﬂ ected by the subject through the lens (TTL). Depending on your camera model, the ﬂ ash unit will help this metering by producing an almost unnoticeable pre-ﬂ ash just before the actual exposure. This ﬂ ash mode supports all the exposure modes oﬀ ered by your camera model: automatic program ( (

S/T), aperture priority (A) and manual setting (M).

P), shutter speed priority

FULLY AUTOMATIC FLASH MODE - TTL

A, but allows you to compensate the ﬂ ash exposure of your

Like subject by setting an exposure value (EV) between -2 and +2, in increments of one third of an EV.

Reason: Automatic ﬂ ash exposure control systems are adjusted to an average light reﬂ ection factor by the subject of 25%. In some cases, this can lead to underexposure or overexposure of the subject, for example,

– if the main subject is either very dark or very bright or strongly

reﬂ ective

– if the main subject (average brightness) is very small and/or in

front of a bright or strongly reﬂ ective background (e.g. backlighting), or in front of a very dark background (e.g. night time).

• The LCD panel will show a light balance scale with EV digits

10.

underneath to indicate that ﬂ ash exposure compensation is possible.

Page 17

Setting ﬂash exposure compensation

Turn the combination dial 11 until the EV you wish to set by way of compensation appears in the LCD panel

Set the EV back to 0.0 if you want to return to normal operation without ﬂash exposure compensation

Hint:

– Dark subject before bright background:

positive exposure value (EV)

– Bright subject before dark background:

negative exposure value (EV)

Notes:

• The above description only applies if your camera does not already have an exposure compensation feature itself. If it does, you must use the exposure compensation feature of your camera instead of the ﬂash exposure compensation feature of the ﬂash unit. In this case, please refer to the instruction manual of your camera.

• Flash exposure compensation by changing the lens aperture size on the camera is not possible, since the automatic exposure program of the camera will automatically cancel out the intended eﬀect by ensuring the ﬂash unit produces a correspondingly higher or lower ﬂash output.

• The possible exposure values have the following eﬀects: Positive EV = reduces the ﬂash range Negative EV = increases the ﬂash range Please also refer to the guide number table in the appendix.

Page 18

VIDEO LIGHT -

More and more cameras nowadays have video recording functions. For this reason, this ﬂash unit oﬀers a video light mode 2 as well as the various ﬂash modes.

• The LCD panel will show a light output scale with a digit value underneath to indicate that the light intensity can be adjusted (in 9 increments).

Setting the light intensity

Turn the combination dial 11 until the level of illumination is as required

• The light output level is displayed in the LCD panel.

MANUAL FLASH MODE – M

In manual ﬂash mode, the ﬂash unit will always use the maximum ﬂash output level unless separately adjusted. The ﬂash intensity can be compensated for by changing the lens aperture on the camera according to the guide number and/or by manually choosing a suitable partial light output setting. The partial light output settings range from maximum level to 1/

(corresponding

256

to 8 f-stops).

• The LCD panel will show a light output scale with a digit value underneath to indicate that the output level can be adjusted.

Partial light output settings

Turn the combination dial 11 until the output level you wish to set appears in the LCD panel

Page 19

CORDLESS OFF-CAMERA FLASH

The Leica SF60 can be used oﬀ-camera as well as in the camera's accessory shoe, without requiring a connecting cord. This also allows it to be used in complex illumination setups with any number of additional ﬂash units. Leica SF60 ﬂash units can be set up for oﬀ-camera operation in one of two ways:

– With remote ﬁring, in ﬂash modes SD or SF (only manual ﬂash

settings possible).

– With full remote control using the Leica SFC1 optional

accessory in the camera's accessory shoe, in ﬂash mode ABC

(either manual ﬂash settings or fully automatic TTL ﬂash

mode possible).

Notes:

• The Leica SF60 can also be used oﬀ-camera in a group with other ﬂash units. Whether or not a ﬂash unit is compatible with the Leica SF60 for this purpose and what settings are required can be found in the relevant instruction manual of the ﬂash unit concerned.

• When using oﬀ-camera ﬂash units, a number of test pictures will often be necessary with diﬀerent ﬂash unit setups, including individual ﬂash unit settings and reﬂector head positions, in order to arrive at a satisfactory lighting solution. However, if the ambient light is very bright, it may prove to be impossible to achieve the desired lighting eﬀect.

• The maximum distance between an oﬀ-camera Leica SF60 and the camera for remote ﬁring or remote control depends on the ﬂash mode used:

– SD and SF: Depends on the light intensity of the main ﬂash

unit and can only be found by trial and error

– ABC : maximum 100m

Setting up and positioning the Leica SF60 for oﬀ-camera operation

1. Make sure the ﬂash unit is safely set up where you want it, using the oﬀ-camera stand included in the delivery package for optimum stability. This can be mounted on a tripod if required.

2. Position the reﬂector head 1 as required

Note:

These steps must be followed separately for each oﬀ-camera ﬂash unit, regardless of how many are used.

Important:

• Do not ﬁx the Leica SF60 to metal mounts or stands with

metallic surfaces. These could cause a short-circuit and damage the ﬂash unit.

• If you use the oﬀ-camera stand included in the delivery package

and wish to tilt the reﬂector head of the Leica SF60 upwards, turn it 180° before doing so. This will give the ﬂash unit a better balance on the oﬀ-camera stand and greater stability.

Page 20

Remote ﬁring - SD/SF

In these two ﬂash modes, the Leica SF60 can be ﬁred by the ﬂash of a so-called "master" ﬂash unit, i.e., another Leica SF60 that is mounted on the camera or otherwise physically connected to it. These two ﬂash modes SD and SF diﬀer from one another only in the way they synchronize the oﬀ-camera Leica SF60 with the master ﬂash unit, which depends on whether the latter uses a pre-ﬂash (SD mode must be set) or not (SF mode must be set). This ensures that the oﬀ-camera Leica SF60 is only ﬁred in synchronization with the main ﬂash of the master ﬂash unit. As regards ﬂash exposure control, both ﬂash modes correspond to the M ﬂash mode. For more information, see page 18.

Use

1. Select the required focal length setting of the zoom reﬂector (not A, see page 14)

2. Then turn the mode dial 8 until the ﬂash mode SD is aligned with the index 8a.

3. Fire a test ﬂash on the master ﬂash unit, to see whether it uses pre-ﬂash or not

4. If the oﬀ-camera Leica SF60 fails to ﬁre in synchronization, set the ﬂash mode to SF instead.

Notes:

• All the oﬀ-camera Leica SF60 ﬂash units must be set to the

same ﬂash mode.

• The AF pre-ﬂash function of the camera must be switched oﬀ.

Remote control - ABC

This ﬂash mode requires a Leica SFC1 controller (optional accessory) in the camera's accessory shoe, for controlling and ﬁring any number of oﬀ-camera Leica SF60 ﬂash units over a range of up to 100m1. You can either address all of the oﬀ-camera ﬂash units at the same time, with identical settings, or divide them into up to three separate groups, with individual ﬂash settings per group. The following settings are possible:

– Manual or automatic focal length adjustment of the zoom

reﬂector (see page 14), with diﬀerent settings per group

– Flash exposure compensation in TTL mode or manual partial

light output settings in M mode (see pages 17/18), with diﬀerent settings per group

– Manual ﬂash exposure control in M mode or automatic ﬂash

exposure control in TTL mode (see pages 18/16), with synchronized settings for all groups

Note:

The controller uses a number of RF frequencies or "channels" in the 2.4GHz band. This means that several controllers can work simultaneously, using diﬀerent 2.4GHz channels, providing a fast (lag-free) and safe (error-free) communication between the devices.

Range at optimum conditions. Electric cables, metal objects, walls, other

2.4GHz controllers in the vicinity and other sources of interference can shorten the maximum possible range.

Page 21

Basic settings per ﬂash unit

Turn the Mode dial 8 until the group name (A, B or C) you wish to use is aligned with the index 8a.

• The ready-to-receive state is indicated by the Ready LED 9, which ﬂashes at an interval of 2s.

Preparation

Before a Leica SF60 can be used in this ﬂash mode (as a receiver), it must ﬁrst be "paired" with the Leica SFC1 controller it is to recognize. This "pairing" process with the controller transmitter only needs to be performed once per ﬂash unit receiver. After pairing, the ﬂash unit receiver will only accept control signals from the controller transmitter it is paired with.

For details on the pairing process, please refer to the instruction manual of the Leica SFC1.

Channel selection

The controller uses a number of RF frequencies or "channels" in the 2.4GHz band. This means that several photographers can use their SF60/SFC1 equipment in close proximity to each other without interference. The channel setting of a Leica SF60 oﬀ-camera ﬂash unit receiver must match the channel setting of the Leica SFC1 controller transmitter with which it is paired. The SF60 oﬀers automatic channel selection (A) or manual channel selection (1 - 8) for this purpose:

1. Press the combination dial 11 at the Channel option at the top

for about 1s

• appears in the LCD panel 10.

2. Turn the combination dial to the setting you require

3. Again press the combination dial at the top for about 1s to exit the function

• The channel symbol disappears from the LCD panel.

Notes:

• Automatic channel selection (A) guarantees a successful

connection to the paired Leica SFC1, regardless of which channel it is currently using.

• The automatic channel selection cannot be changed while the

Leica SF60 is connected to its paired controller.

• With manual channel selection on the Leica SF60, a successful

connection can only be set up if the same channel is selected that is currently being used by the paired Leica SFC1. However, once the connection has been established, the channel setting of the Leica SF60 can be changed at any time by the Leica SFC1. However, channel 1 is not available for this purpose.

Page 22

Audible signal

In ﬂash mode ABC , the Leica SF60 ﬂash unit will normally emit a clearly audible tone to acknowledge any setting it receives from the paired Leica SFC1 controller (factory setting). This can be helpful in giving you some amount of reassurance that settings sent by the controller have reached even the remotest of the paired oﬀ-camera ﬂash units. The audible tone can also be muted if not required.

On/Oﬀ

1. Press the combination dial 11 at the option on the right for about 1s to mute the audible tone

• appears in the LCD panel 10.

2. Press the combination dial on the right again for about 1s to switch the audible tone back on

• disappears from the LCD panel.

Note:

The mute option can be set on the Leica SF60 ﬂash unit or on the Leica SFC1 controller. Muting the audible tone on one device has no eﬀect if this has already been done on the other.

In this ﬂash mode, all other settings on the ﬂash units can only be made by the paired Leica SFC1 controller. For details, please consult the instruction manual of the controller.

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OTHER SETTINGS/FUNCTIONS

BOUNCE FLASH

"Bouncing" the ﬂash oﬀ a ceiling, wall, or other surface lights the subject more gently and helps to avoid pronounced shadows. It also softens the contrast between the foreground and background lighting. The reﬂector head 1 of the ﬂash unit can be swiveled (horizontally) and tilted (vertically) for bounce ﬂash in the required direction. Horizontal: Reﬂector head can be swiveled in steps of 30° up to

180° in either direction

Vertical: Reﬂector head can be tilted upwards in steps of 15°,

from 45° to 90°

Notes:

• To avoid color casts in your photographs, you should always choose a white or neutral surface to bounce the ﬂash oﬀ.

• When bouncing the ﬂash oﬀ to the left or right, make sure you swivel the reﬂector head by at least 60° in either direction to ensure that no direct light from the ﬂash unit reaches the subject. In ﬂash modes with automatic focal length adjustment (see page

14), when the reﬂector head is swiveled for a bounce ﬂash, the focal length of the zoom reﬂector is adjusted to 70mm for this purpose.

Bounce ﬂash with bounce card

Using the integrated bounce card 1b can achieve a subtle lighting eﬀect with very soft shadows The card can be used to bounce a very small portion of the ﬂash output towards the subject, which you can use to your advantage, to create highlights in your subject's eyes, cancel out a possible red eye eﬀect, and get much closer to your subjects without dazzling them with the ﬂash.

Pulling out and pushing back the bounce card

Pull the bounce card forward out of its home position until it clicks into place. To push it back in, press the bounce card just ﬁrmly enough to overcome the lock resistance of its working position. It will then retract all the way into its home position automatically.

Use

Tilt the reﬂector head upward by 90°.

Notes:

• Remember that the ﬂash range will be severely limited. We recommend taking one or two test pictures to test the lighting.

• The integrated wide-angle diﬀuser cannot be used simultaneously with the bounce card, i.e., it must be fully retracted into its home position.

Page 24

CLIP-ON SOFTBOX

The clip-on softbox 13 included in the delivery package provides a much wider and softer light distribution option. You can use this to your advantage when working in close proximity to your subjects and to avoid hard shadows.

Attaching/removing

1. Position the angled rear of the clip-on softbox over the front of the reﬂector head 1, aligning it properly, and

2. push it on as far as it will go

To remove it, hold it by the recesses on either side and pull it oﬀ.

Note:

The clip-on softbox can be used together with the bounce card 1b.

BUTTON LOCK

The pressing and turning functions of the combination dial 11 can be completely locked to prevent settings from being changed inadvertently:

1. Press the combination dial 11 at the option on the left for about 1s

• appears in the LCD panel 10.

2. Press the combination dial on the left again for about 1s to unlock the dial functions

• disappears from the LCD panel.

ASPECT RATIO

With some digital cameras, the ﬂash unit can adapt the zoom reﬂector focal length information displayed on the LCD panel to the image sensor format (aspect ratio) of the camera. The camera model needs to transfer focal length information to the ﬂash unit in order for this to work.

SYNCHRONIZATION

The ﬂash sync speed (the fastest possible shutter speed for ﬂash photography) is automatically set according to the exposure mode of the camera, i.e. automatic program (P), shutter speed priority (S/T), aperture priority (A) and manual setting (M). The S/T and M modes also allow you to use slower shutter speeds. Moreover, the ﬂash modes A, TTL and M of the ﬂash unit also oﬀer faster shutter speeds (HSS), if supported by the camera model. Further ﬂash-relevant camera settings such as long exposure synchronization, end-of-exposure synchronization, and pre-ﬂash for countering red eye eﬀects are also possible, depending on the model. For details on these camera settings please refer to the instruction manual of your camera model.

Page 25

AF ASSIST LIGHT

Autofocus metering systems in cameras rely on the contrast in the image subject. These cameras will activate an AF assist light if there is insuﬃcient contrast due to low light. If this feature is supported by the connected camera model, the AF assist light integrated in the ﬂash unit will switch on. It illuminates the subject that the camera focuses on. The range of the AF assist light is approx. 0.7 to 5m (with a 50mm lens). The autofocus mode “Single-AF (S-AF)” must be enabled on the camera for it to activate the AF assist light and the ﬂash unit must be in ﬂash ready state. Some cameras only support their own, internal AF assist light. In such cases, the AF assist light of the ﬂash unit will not be activated (see camera manual).

Notes:

• Some low-light lenses (largest initial aperture ≥5.6) will limit the range of the AF assist light considerably.

• The AF assist light can be deactivated when working in close proximity to the subject in combination with a long lens. In this case, AF mode will not be available.

EXTERNAL BATTERY PACK AS POWER SUPPLY

The SF60 has a port for connecting an external battery pack (e.g. by Nissin), for an increased maximum number of ﬂashes and shortened ﬂash recycling times. Suitable battery packs by diﬀerent manufacturers can be found in specialist shops. The are connected by cable to the appropriate input jack 5 of the ﬂash unit. The input jack is accessed by pulling out the rubber cover that protects it.

Note:

The control functions of the SF60 ﬂash unit are only powered by the internal batteries. For this reason, these batteries must still have enough power left to run these functions even if an external battery pack is used for ﬂash charging.

Page 26

APPENDIX

MAINTENANCE AND CARE

The ﬂash unit should be cleaned with a dry, soft, and lint-free cloth (e.g. a microﬁber cleaning cloth). The cloth can be moistened to remove stubborn dirt.

Important:

Never use liquid cleaning agents. The components inside the device could suﬀer irreparable damage if cleaning liquid penetrates the housing.

CONDITIONING THE CAPACITOR OF THE FLASH

UNIT

The photoﬂash capacitor physically deteriorates if the ﬂash unit remains switched oﬀ for prolonged periods of time. For this reason, the ﬂash unit should be switched on at least once every three months for about 10 minutes. The batteries used for this must be able to provide enough power to charge the capacitor to ﬂash ready state as indicated by the LED within 30s after switching on.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If the ﬂash unit does not function as expected, press the power switch to switch it oﬀ and wait for about 10s. Check that the mounting foot of the ﬂash unit has been properly inserted into the accessory shoe of the camera and check the camera settings. Replace the batteries with fresh ones. The ﬂash unit should now function correctly when you switch it back on. Please contact your dealer if this is not the case. The following is a list of problems you could encounter when using the ﬂash unit. Possible causes and remedies are listed for each one.

The AF assist light of the ﬂash unit is not activated

– The ﬂash unit is not in ﬂash ready state. – The camera is not in "Single-AF (S-AF)" mode. – The camera only supports its own, internal AF assist light.

Some camera types only support the AF assist light of the ﬂash unit with the central AF sensor of the camera. The AF assist light of the ﬂash unit will not be activated if any other sensor than the central one is selected! → Select the central AF sensor!

Page 27

The focal length value of the zoom reﬂector is not automatically adjusted to the focal length of the lens

– The camera is not transmitting any focal length information to

the ﬂash unit.

– No data has yet been exchanged between the ﬂash unit and the

camera. → Tap the camera shutter release button

– The lens used on the camera does not have the required data

contacts for the lens mount.

– The reﬂector head has been swiveled, i.e., is not in its normal

position.

– The wide-angle diﬀuser is deployed or the clip-on softbox is

attached.

The device doesn’t automatically switch to ﬂash sync speed

– The camera or the lens used has a central shutter (most

compact cameras do). → A switch to ﬂash sync speed is unnecessary.

– The ﬂash unit is in high speed synchronization (HSS) mode. In

this case, switching to ﬂash sync speed is not possible.

– The camera is working with faster shutter speeds than the ﬂash

synch speed. Depending on the exposure mode chosen on the camera, no switch to ﬂash sync speed will occur (see camera manual).

The picture is too dark

– The main subject is beyond the ﬂash range. Please note: Using

bounce ﬂash reduces the ﬂash range.

– The subject includes very bright or strongly reﬂective areas. This

has confused the light metering system of the camera. → Use TTL ﬂash mode and set a positive

ﬂash exposure compensation, e.g. +1EV

The picture is too bright

– You are too close to the main subject, or it is excessively bright/

strongly reﬂective. → Use TTL ﬂash mode and set a negative

ﬂash exposure compensation, e.g. -1EV Or use the integrated bounce card or the clip-on softbox included in the delivery package.

SPARE PARTS

Clip-on softbox 422-310.003-005

Oﬀ-camera stand 422-310.003-006

Case 439-600.243-000

ORDER NO.

Page 28

TECHNICAL DATA

Guide number

See table on inside back cover

Flash modes

A and TTL with automatic TTL ﬂash exposure control, M for manual

partial light output settings, SD/SF for remote ﬁring by ﬂash pulse of master ﬂash unit, with or without pre-ﬂash, ﬂash exposure control through manually preset partial light output settings, for constant light, ABC (requires Leica SFC1 controller, optional accessory) for remote ﬁring and controlling a.) the ﬂash mode (either M or TTL) and b.) the partial light output settings (in M mode) or ﬂash exposure compensation (in TTL mode), signal transmission in 2.4GHz band

Flash exposure compensation

±2EV in increments of 1⁄3EV (TTL mode)

Manual partial light output levels

1/1 - 1/256 in increments of 1/3EV (M, SD, SF modes)

Manual video light output levels

Flash duration

s at full output (in M, SD, SF modes), 1/

800

automati8c output (in A, TTL modes)

Color temperature

About 5600K at full output Number of ﬂashes/ﬂash recycling time (using internal batteries only, maximum-minimum, depending on battery type and ﬂash mode) 220-1500/0,1-5.5s Video light duration (using internal batteries only) about 3.5 hours with fresh batteries at maximum light output (= level 9)

- 1/

20000

s at

800

Light coverage/focal lengths of zoom reﬂector

for 24/28/35/50/70/85/105/135/200mm, down to 16mm with integrated wide-angle diﬀuser, setting shown in LCD panel, fully automatic setting only in A ﬂash mode Swivel and tilt settings/stop positions of reﬂector head Vertical: 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° Horizontal, in both directions: 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°

AF assist light

Automatic activation, working range approx. 0.7 - 5m

Other functions

High speed synchronization (HSS) if supported by camera model, start-of-exposure and end-of-exposure synchronization, long exposure synchronization, reduction of red eye eﬀects (if supported by camera model, camera setting)

Power supply

Alkaline batteries, 1.5V, IEC type LR6 (AA/mignon size), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, 1.2V, IEC type HR6 (AA/mignon size), 4 batteries in each case, external battery pack as additional power supply (optional accessory by diﬀerent manufacturers)

Power save system

Flash unit automatically switches to standby after 2 or 5min (depending on ﬂash mode) and powers down after 60min Dimensions (W x H x D) About 73 x 98 x 112mm (with reﬂector head in normal horizontal position)/73 x 162 x 75mm (with reﬂector head in vertical position) Weight (without batteries) about 300g

Delivery

Flash unit with clip-on softbox, oﬀ-camera stand, case, Quick Start Guide

Technical changes and errors excepted.

Page 29

LEICA PRODUCT SUPPORT

The Product Support Department at Leica AG oﬀers support for technical questions relating to Leica products and the software supplied in writing, on the phone or by email. They are also the contact point for purchasing advice and to order instruction manuals. Alternatively, you can send us your questions using the contact form on the Leica Camera AG homepage.

Leica Camera AG Product Support / Software Support Am Leitz-Park 5 35578 Wetzlar, Germany Telephone: +49(0)6441-2080-111/-108 Fax: +49(0)6441-2080-490 info@leica-camera.com/software-support@leica-camera.com

LEICA CUSTOMER CARE

The Leica Camera AG Customer Care department or the repair service provided by authorized Leica agents in your country are available for service, maintenance and repairs of your Leica equipment (visit the Leica Camera AG website for a list of addresses).

Leica Camera AG Customer Care Am Leitz-Park 5 35578 Wetzlar, Germany Tel.: +49(0)6441-2080-189 Fax: +49(0)6441-2080-339 customer.care@leica-camera.com

Page 30

Leica Camera AG I Am Leitz-Park 5 I 35578 WETZLAR I DEUTSCHLAND

Telefon +49 (0) 6441-2080-0 I Telefax +49 (0) 6441-2080-333 I www.leica-camera.com