Metz 44 AF-4i N, 44 AF-4 User Manual
MECABLITZ 44 AF-4/4i N
Bedienungsanleitung Mode d’emploi
Gebruiksaanwijzing Operating instruction
Manuale istruzioni Manual de instrucciones
1. Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Table 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
2. Preparing the flash unit for use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.1 Mounting the flash unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.1.1 Mounting the flash unit on the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.1.2 Removing the flash unit from the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.2 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.2.1 Suitable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.2.2 Replacing batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.3 Switching the flash unit on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.4 Auto-OFF for the flash unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
3. Programmed Auto Flash Mode (Full Auto Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . .72
4. Operating modes of the flash unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
4.1 TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
4.1.1 Automatic TTL fill-in flash in daylight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
4.1.2 Matrix-controlled TTL fill-in flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
4.1.3 3D multi-sensor fill-in flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
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4.2 D-TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
4.2.1 D-TTL 3D flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
4.3 i-TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
4.3.1 i-TTL BL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
4.4 Manual TTL flash exposure correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
4.5 Correct exposure indication in TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
4.6 Underexposure warning in TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
4.7 Manual flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
4.7.1 Manual flash mode M with full light output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
4.7.2 MLo manual flash mode with partial light output levels . . . . . . . . .78
4.8 Flash techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
4.8.1 Bounce flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
4.8.2 Close-ups / Macrophotography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
4.9 Flash synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
4.9.1 Normal synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
4.9.2 REAR - Second-curtain synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
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4.9.3 Slow synchronisation / SLOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5. Flash unit and camera functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.1 Flash readiness indication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.2 Automatic flash sync speed control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.3 Displays in the camera viewfinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.4 Information in the LC display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
5.4.1 Maximum flash range indication in TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.4.2 Maximum flash range indication in manual flash modes M and MLo .
5.4.3 Exceeding the display range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.4.4 Blanking out the maximum flash range display . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.4.5 “FEE” error indication on the flash unit’s LC-display . . . . . . . . . . .81
5.4.6 Guide number indication when using lenses without CPU . . . . . . .81
5.4.7 Meter-Feet changeover (m - ft) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
5.5 Determining the maximum flash range with the guide number table .82
5.6 LC display illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
5.7 Motor zoom reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
5.7.1 “Auto Zoom” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
5.7.2 Manual zoom mode “M. Zoom” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
5.7.3 Manual zoom mode instead of “Auto Zoom” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
5.7.4 Extended zoom mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
5.8 AF measuring beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
5.9 Preflashes for red-eye reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
5.10 AUTO-FLASH / Triggering control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
5.11 Return to basic setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
6. Special remarks concerning the cameras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
6.1 Special functions not supported in flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
6.1. Program shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
7. Optional extras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
8. Advice in the event of a fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
9. Maintenance and care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
10. Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Table 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134
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Foreword
We congratulate you on purchasing this flash unit and thank you for your
confidence in Metz products.
It is only natural that you should want to use your flash unit straight away.
However, we recommend that you study these Operating Instructions beforehand to be able to fully exploit and utilize all the capabilities offered.
This flash unit can be used for Nikon cameras with TTL, D-TTL and i-TTL flash
control (i-TTL only in conjunction with 44 AF-4i N). It is not suitable for
cameras made by other manufacturers.
Please also open the back cover page with the illustrations.
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1. Safety instructions
• The flash unit is exclusively intended and approved for photographic
use!
• Never fire a flash in the vicinity of flammable gases or liquids (petrol,
solvents, etc.)!
DANGER OF EXPLOSION!
• Never take flash shots of car, bus or train drivers, or of motorcycle and
bicycle riders, whilst they are travelling. They could be blinded by the
light and cause an accident!
• Never fire a flash in the immediate vicinity of 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!
• Only use the approved power sources listed in the Operating Instructions!
• Do not expose batteries to excessive heat, sunshine, fire and the like!
• Never throw exhausted batteries on to a fire!
• Exhausted batteries should be immediately removed from the flash unit!
Lye leaking out of spent batteries will damage the unit.
• Never recharge dry-cell batteries!
• Do not expose the flash unit or battery charger to dripping or splashing
water (such as rain)!
• Protect the flash unit from excessive heat and humidity! Do not store the
flash unit in the glove compartment of a car!
• 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 reflector screen if this is not observed.
• Do not touch the reflector screen after a series of flash shots. Danger of
burns!
• Never disassemble the flashgun! DANGER: HIGH VOLTAGE! There are no
components inside the flashgun that can be repaired by a layman.
• When taking a series of flash shots at full light output and fast recycling
times as provided by NiCad battery operation, make sure to observe an
interval of at least 10 minutes after 15 flashes, otherwise the flash unit
will be overloaded.
• The flash unit may only be used in combination with a camera-integrated
flash unit if the latter can completely be folded out!
• Quick changes in temperature may cause condensation. Therefore give
the flashgun time to become acclimatized!
• Never use defective batteries!
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Dedicated flash functions
Dedicated flash functions are flash functions that have been specifically
adapted to a given camera system. The supported flash functions depend on
the type of the camera used.
The following dedicated flash functions are supported by the flash unit:
• Flash-ready indication in camera’s viewfinder
• Correct exposure indication in camera’s viewfinder or display panel
• Underexposure warning on flash unit’s display panel
• Automatic flash sync speed control
• TTL flash control (standard TTL without measuring preflash)
• Automatic fill-in flash control
• Matrix-controlled TTL fill-in flash mode
• 3D multi-sensor fill-in flash mode
• D-TTL and D-TTL 3D flash mode
• i-TTL and i-TTL-BL flash mode (i-TTL only in conjunction with 44 AF-4i N)
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• Manual TTL flash exposure correction
• 1st or 2nd curtain synchronisation (REAR)
• Automatic motor zoom control
• Automatic AF measuring beam control
• Maximum flash range indication
• Programmed auto flash mode
• Preflash for red-eye reduction
• Triggering control / Auto Flash
• Wake-up function for the flash unit
It is impossible to describe in detail all camera types and their indivi-
☞
dual dedicated flash functions within the framework of these instructions. Therefore, please refer to the flash mode description in your
camera’s operating instructions to find out which functions are supported and which ones have to be set manually on the camera.
Nikon cameras can be subdivided into the following groups according to
their dedicated flash functions:
Cameras Group A Cameras without digital data transfer to the flash
unit
e.g. Nikon F601, F601M, F60, F50, FM-3A
Digital compact cameras “Nikon - Coolpix”
Cameras Group B Cameras with digital data transfer to the flash unit
e.g. Nikon F4, F4s, F801, F801s, Pronea 600i, 6
Cameras Group C Cameras with digital data transfer to the flash unit
and 3D multi-sensor fill-in flash mode
e.g. Nikon F5, F100, F90X, F90, F80, F70
Cameras Group D Digital Nikon single-lens reflex cameras with
D–TTL flash mode
e.g. D1, D1x, D1H, D100
Cameras Group E Digital Nikon SLR cameras with i-TTL flash mode
e.g. D70
The i-TTL flash mode is only supported by
the 44 AF-4i N.
Table 1
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2. Preparing the flash unit for use
2.1 Mounting the flash unit
2.1.1 Mounting the flash unit on the camera
Turn off the camera and the flash unit by their main switch!
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•
Turn the knurled nut against the flash unit’s housing until the stop point is reached.
The locking pin in the adapter shoe is now fully retracted into the case.
• Slide the flash unit’s foot completely into the camera’s accessory shoe.
• Turn the knurled nut against the camera body as far as possible, thereby
clamping the flash unit. If the camera does not have a locking hole the
spring-loaded locking pin retracts into the adapter case so that it does not
damage the surface.
2.1.2 Removing the flash unit from the camera
Turn off the camera and the flash unit by their main switch!
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• Turn the knurled nut against the flash unit’s housing until the stop point is
reached.
• Withdraw the flash unit from the camera’s accessory shoe.
2.2 Power supply
2.2.1 Suitable batteries
The flash unit can be operated with any of the following batteries:
• 4 NiCad batteries1.2 V, type IEC KR 15/51 (KR6, size AA). They permit
very fast recycling and are economical in use because they are rechargeable.
• 4 nickel-metal-hydride batteries 1.2 V, type HR6 (size AA). They have a
significantly higher capacity than NiCad batteries and are less harmful to
the environment (no cadmium).
• 4 alkaline-manganese dry-cell batteries 1.5 V, type IEC LR6 (size AA).
Maintenance-free power source for moderate power requirements.
• 4 lithium batteries 1.5 V, type IEC FR6 L91 (size AA). Maintenance-free
high-capacity power source with a low self-discharge rate.
Remove the batteries from the flash unit if it is not going to be used
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for an extended period of time.
2.2.2 Replacing batteries (Fig. 1)
The batteries are exhausted if the recycling time (elapsing from the triggering
of a full-power flash, e.g. in the M mode, to the moment the flash ready indicator lights up again) exceeds 60 seconds.
• Turn off the flash unit by its main switch.
• Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow and fold
open.
• Insert the batteries lengthwise in conformity with the indicated battery symbols and close the battery compartment cover.
When loading batteries ensure correct polarity, as indicated by the
☞
symbols in the battery compartment. Mixed up battery poles may
destroy the flash unit!
Replace all batteries at a time and make sure that the batteries are of
the same brand and type and have the same capacity!
Exhausted batteries must not be thrown in the dustbin! Help protect
the environment and dispose of exhausted batteries at the appropriate collecting points.
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2.3 Switching the flash unit on and off
The flash unit is switched on with the main switch on top of the battery compartment cover. In the upper „ON“ position, the flash unit is on.
To turn off the flash unit push the main switch down to its bottom position.
If your flash unit is not going to be used for an extended period of
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time, we recommend to switch it off with the main switch and to
remove the power sources (batteries).
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2.4 Auto-OFF for the flash unit (Fig. 2)
To save battery power and prevent inadvertent battery discharge, the flash
unit is factory-set to automatically switch-over to standby mode (Auto-OFF),
while flash readiness and the LC display are simultaneously switched off,
approx. 3 minutes after:
• Switch-on
• Firing a flash
• Actuating the shutter release
• Switching off the camera’s exposure metering system.
After automatic switch-off the last-used settings are retained and instantly
available when the flash unit is switched on again. The flash unit is reactivated merely by depressing the „Mode“ or „Zoom“ key or by touching the
shutter release (wake-up function).
The flash unit should always be turned off by the main switch if it is
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not going to be used for an extended period!
The Auto-OFF function can be deactivated whenever required:
Turning off the Auto-OFF function
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• Turn on the flash unit by its main switch.
• Continue depressing the key combination „Select“ (= „Mode“ key + „Zoom“
key) until the LC display indicates „3m“ (= 3 minutes).
• Continue depressing the „Zoom“ key until „OFF“ flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to normal
display after approx. 5 sec.
Turning on the Auto-OFF function
• Turn on the flash unit by its main switch.
• Continue depressing the key combination „Select“ (= „Mode“ key + „Zoom“
key) until the LC display indicates „3m“ (= 3 minutes).
• Continue depressing the „Zoom“ key until „ON“ flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its normal state after approx. 5 sec.
3. Programmed Auto Flash Mode (Full Auto Mode)
In Programmed Auto Flash Mode the camera controls the aperture and shutter speed, as well as the flash unit, automatically so that optimal results are
always assured in most photographic situations, including fill-in flash.
Settings on the camera
Set your camera to program “P”, “Vari” or a “Scene” Mode (landscape, portraiture, sport, etc.). Select the “Single-AF (S)” auto-focus mode on the camera. On various Nikon cameras (e.g. F5, F65, F80, F100), you must
always set the highest f-number on the lens (see the camera’s operating
instructions).
When using a Group A camera (see Table 1) or a lens without CPU
☞
(i.e. without electronic data transmission), the flash reflector’s zoom
position must be manually adjusted to the focal length of the lens
(see 5.7.2)!
Use a tripod for the “Night Shots Program” to avoid the danger of
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camera shake in connection with slow shutter speeds!
Settings on the flash unit
Flash mode with cameras of Groups A, B and C (see T
Set the flash unit in the “TTL” flash mode (see 4.1).
For Group B cameras it is possible to additionally set the matrix-controlled
fill-in flash mode on the flash unit (see 4.1.2).
For Group C cameras it is possible to additionally set the 3D multi-sensor
fill–in flash mode on the flash unit (see 4.1.3).
Flash mode with Group D cameras (see T
Set the flash unit in the D-TTL or D-TTL 3D flash mode (see 4.2).
Flash mode with Group E cameras (see T
Set the flash unit in the i-TTL or i-TTL BL flash mode (see 4.3).
The i-TTL flash mode is only supported by the 44 AF-4i N.
able 1):
able 1):
able 1):
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As soon as the above settings have been made you can start shooting flash
pictures when flash readiness is indicated (see 5.1).
4. Operating modes of the flash unit
4.1 TTL flash mode (Fig. 3)
The TTL flash mode is a very simple way to achieve excellent flash shots. In
this mode exposure readings are taken by a sensor built into the camera
which measures the light through the camera lens (TTL). The electronic control
circuit within the camera transmits a stop signal to the flash unit after exposure by the correct amount of light, thereby instantly interrupting the flash.
The advantage of this flash mode is that all factors influencing correct exposure (filters, change of aperture and focal length with zoom lenses, extensions for close-ups, etc.) are automatically taken into account. You need not
worry about setting the flash, the camera’s electronic system automatically
determines the correct amount of flash light required. For the maximum flash
range please observe the distances given in the flash unit’s LC display
(see 5.4) and the information in section 5.5. If flash exposure was correct,
the flash unit’s LC display indicates “o.k.” for about 3 sec. (see 4.5).
The TTL flash mode is supported by all camera modes (e.g. Program “P”,
Aperture Priority Mode “A”, Shutter Priority Mode “S”, Vari or Scene Modes,
Manual Mode “M”, etc.).
For analog cameras, a film must be loaded in the camera to test the TTL
☞
function. Please check whether limits regarding maximum film speed or
ISO value (e.g. maximum ISO 1000) are applicable to the given camera
when in TTL mode (refer to the camera’s operating instructions)!
Various digital SLR cameras do not support the normal TTL flash mode
☞
of analog cameras. If the flash unit is used in conjunction with Group D
cameras (see Table 1), the D-TTL or D-TTL 3D flash mode must be selected on the flash unit (see 4.2). When using the flash unit with Group E
cameras (see Table 1) you must set the i-TTL or i-TTL BL flash mode
(i-TTL only in conjunction with 44 AF-4i N) on the flash unit (see 4.3).
Setting procedure for TTL flash mode
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
• Continue depressing the “Mode” key until “TTL” flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its normal state after approx. 5 sec.
☞
4.1.1 Automatic TTL fill-in flash in daylight (Fig. 5 and 6)
Most camera models automatically activate the fill-in flash mode when in
auto program mode “P”, Vari or a Scene mode in daylight (see the camera’s
operating instructions).
Fill-in flash overcomes troublesome dense shadows and produces a more
balanced exposure between subject and background with contre-jour shots.
The camera’s computer-controlled metering system sets the most suitable
combination of shutter speed, working aperture and flash output.
☞
In this instance there is no setting or display on the flash unit for automatic
TTL fill-in flash.
4.1.2 Matrix-controlled TTL fill-in flash
In this flash mode the subject and the background lighting are automatically
balanced without overexposing the subject. The camera establishes the exposure setting for the ambient light by matrix metering.
Various Nikon cameras support the matrix-controlled TTL fill-in flash mode
(see operating instructions of the camera and Table 1).
☞
Pronounced differences in contrast, e.g. a dark subject in snow, may
make it necessary to correct the exposure settings (see 4.4).
Ensure that the contre-jour light source does not shine directly into the
lens as this will mislead the camera’s TTL metering system!
Some cameras (F4 or F4s for example) do not support the matrix-controlled TTL fill-in flash mode for SPOT exposure metering. This flash
mode will then either be automatically cancelled or cannot be activated, so that the normal TTL flash mode will be performed.
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When using Group A cameras (see Table 1), the matrix-controlled TTL fill-in
flash mode is set on the camera or is automatically activated (see operating
instructions of the camera). In this instance there is no setting or display on
the flash unit.
When using Group B cameras (see Table 1), the matrix-controlled TTL fill-in
flash mode is set and indicated on the flash unit.
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on both the flash unit and the camera.
• Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release to induce a data exchange between flash unit and camera.
• Continue depressing the “Mode” key until “TTL ” flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its normal state after approx. 5 sec.
Deactivating the matrix-controlled TTL fill-in flash mode
• Continue depressing the “Mode” key on the flash unit until “TTL” (without
the symbol) flashes on the LC display.
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• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its normal state after approx. 5 sec.
4.1.3 3D multi-sensor fill-in flash
This flash mode optimizes a balanced exposure between subject and background. Prior to exposure a series of almost invisible measuring preflashes
are fired by the flash unit. These are evaluated by the TTL multi-sensor and the
camera’s micro-controller. The camera then adapts TTL flash exposure optimally to the given photographic situation (“multi-sensor fill-in flash”). When
“D-AF-Nikkor” lenses are used, the camera-to-subject distance will be additionally taken into account when determining the optimal flash output
(“3D multi-sensor fill-in flash mode”).
Different cameras from Group C in Table 1 support the “3D multi-sensor fill-in
flash”.
Some cameras (e.g. F5, F80 and F100) do not support the 3D multi-
☞
sensor fill-in flash mode for SPOT exposure metering. This flash mode
will then either be automatically cancelled or it cannot be activated so
that the normal TTL flash mode will be performed.
Setting the “3D multi-sensor fill-in flash mode” on the flash unit
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
• Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release to induce a data exchange between the flash unit and the camera.
• Continue depressing the “Mode” key until “TTL ” flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its normal state after approx. 5 sec.
When a lens without CPU is used, some cameras will only support the
☞
matrix-controlled fill-in flash mode or the standard TTL flash mode. In
such cases the 3D multi-sensor fill-in flash cannot be activated. The
flash unit’s LC display will then indicate the corresponding display for
the current flash mode.
Deactivating the “3D multi-sensor fill-in flash”
• Continue depressing the “Mode” key on the flash unit until “TTL” without
symbol “ “ flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its normal state after approx. 5 sec.
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4.2 D-TTL flash mode
This flash mode is only possible in conjunction with digital Nikon SLR
☞
cameras of Group D (see Table 1). Digital SLR cameras do not support
the normal TTL flash mode of analog cameras.
The D-TTL flash mode is an advanced variant of the normal TTL flash mode of
analog cameras. Prior to shooting a series of weakly visible measuring preflashes are fired by the flash unit. The camera evaluates the reflected preflash light so that the subsequent flash exposure is optimally adapted to the
prevailing photographic situation (see operating instructions of your camera).
Setting procedure
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
• Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release for data exchange between flash
unit and camera.
• Continue to depress the “Mode” button until “D-TTL” flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes instantly effective. The LC display returns to its normal
state after approx. 5 sec.
4.2.1 D-TTL 3D flash mode
In this mode with D-TTL flash control (see above) the camera additionally
takes into account the flash-to-subject distance.
This flash mode is only available with “D-AF Nikkor lenses”. Some came-
☞
ras do not support the D-TTL 3D flash mode for SPOT exposure metering.
This flash mode will then either be automatically cancellled or it cannot be
activated so that the normal D-TTL flash mode will be performed.
To set the D-TTL 3D flash mode the flash head must be in the normal position,
i.e. it must not be swivelled down.
For D-TTL 3D flash mode, both the camera and the lens must support the evaluation of distance data (see operating instructions for the camera and specifications of the lens).
Setting procedure
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
• Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release to induce a data exchange between the flash unit and the camera.
• Continue depressing the “ MODE “ key on the flash unit until “D TTL“ and
the “ “symbol flash in the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective and is automatically saved after
5 seconds.
4.3 i-TTL flash mode
☞
i-TTL flash mode is an advanced variant of the standard TTL flash control of
analog cameras. When shooting a picture, several weakly visible preflashes
are fired by the flash unit prior to exposure. The camera then evaluates the
reflected preflash light so that the subsequent flash exposure is optimally
adapted to the prevailing photographic situation (see operating instructions
of the camera).
Setting procedure
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
• Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release to induce a data exchange between the flash unit and the camera.
• Continue depressing the “ MODE “ key on the flash unit until “ TTL “ flashes
in the LC display. When using Group E cameras, the i-TTL flash mode is
automatically activated on the flash unit. The “ i “ symbol is not indicated.
• The setting becomes instantly effective and is automatically saved after
5 sec.
This flash mode is only available for Nikon digital SLR cameras of
Group E (see Table 1) in conjunction with the 44 AF-4i N flash unit.
The standard TTL flash mode of analog cameras is not supported by
the digital SLR cameras.
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4.3.1 i-TTL BL flash mode
In this mode with i-TTL flash control (see above) the camera additionally takes
into account data relating to the flash-to-subject distance.
This flash mode is only possible in conjunction with “ D-AF Nikkor
☞
lenses “. Some cameras do not support the i-TTL BL flash mode for
SPOT exposure metering. This flash mode will then either be automatically cancelled or it cannot be activated so that the normal i-TTL flash
mode will be performed.
For the i-TTL BL flash mode, both the camera and the lens must support the
evaluation of distances (see operating instructions for the camera and specifications for the given lens). Some cameras only support the i-TTL flash mode
for SPOT exposure metering. The i-TTL BL flash mode can then not be activated.
Setting procedure
• Mount the flash unit on the camera.
• Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
• Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release to induce a data exchange be-
ķ
tween the flash unit and the camera.
• Continue to depress the “ MODE “ button on the flash unit until “TTL“ and
the symbol flash on the LC display. The “i“ symbol is not indicated.
• The setting becomes instantly effective and is automatically saved after
5 sec.
4.4 Manual TTL flash exposure correction
The TTL auto flash mode of most cameras is matched to a 25 % degree of
light reflection by the subject (average amount of light reflected by subjects
shot with flash). Consequently, a dark background that absorbs a great deal
of light, or a bright background that reflects a great deal of light, can result
in under- or overexposure, respectively.
To offset this effect a correction value can be set on some cameras to manually match the TTL flash exposure (or D-TTL flash exposure / i-TTL flash exposure on digital SLR cameras) to the photographic situation. The actual extent
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of correction depends on the contrast prevailing between subject and background!
A dark subject in front of a bright background: Positive correction
☞
value. Light subject in front of a dark background: Negative correction value. Correction value settings can change the maximum flash
range indicated on the flash unit’s LC display and match it to the given
correction value (depends upon the camera model)!
Exposure correction by changing the lens diaphragm is not possible because
the camera’s automatic exposure system will automatically regard the changed
diaphragm as the normal working aperture.
After the exposure do not forget to reset the TTL flash exposure cor-
☞
rection back to the normal value on the camera!
Depending on the given type of camera, the manual TTL flash expo-
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sure correction must be set either on the camera or on the flash unit.
Please refer to the indications given in the corresponding camera
manual.
When using a Group A camera (see Table 1) this setting must always
be made on the camera. It cannot be made on the flash unit.
Setting on the flash unit
•
Mount the flash unit on the camera.
•
Switch on the flash unit and the camera.
•
Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release to induce a data exchange between the flash unit and the camera.
• Continue depressing the “Select” key combination (= “Mode” key +
“Zoom” key) until EV (E
Alongside EV, the set correction value is flashing on the display.
• While the correction value is flashing, a positive value can be adjusted
with the “Zoom” key, and a negative value with the “Mode” key.
The setting range for the correction value extends from -3EV to +1EV in 1/3
stop increments.
xposure Value) is indicated on the LC display.
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