Metz MECABLITZ 40 MZ-1I USER MANUAL
MECABLITZ 40 MZ-1i
Operating Instructions
Contents
Contents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1. Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2. Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Suitable batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Loading and replacing the batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Battery warning indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Mounting the mecablitz on the camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Switching the mecablitz on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3. TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
TTL Easy-Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4. Automatic flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
5. Manual flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
6. Bounce flash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
in auto and TTL modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
in manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
7. Metz cordless TTL remote operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Metz cordless auto remote operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
8. Winder mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Using the winder in the manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Using the winder in auto and TTL modes . . . . . . . . . . . .30
9. Working with partial light output levels . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Partial light output levels in the auto mode . . . . . . . . . . .31
Partial light output levels in the manual mode . . . . . . . . .31
Flash durations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Macrophotography (close-ups) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
10. Stroboscopic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
11. Fill-in flash in daylight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Fill-in flash in auto mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Fill-in flash in manual mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Fill-in flash in TTL mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
12. Working with user programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Calling a user program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Storing a program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
13. The zoom reflector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
The Ex-Zoom mode (extended zoom) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Wide angle diffuser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
14. Special functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Correct exposure indicator „o.k.“ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
AF measuring beam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
The Rapid function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
The ML function(Modelling Light) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Locking the controls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Automatic cut-out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
m - ft display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
15. Exposure corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Exposure corrections in auto mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Exposure corrections in TTL mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
16. Technical data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
17. Optional extras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
18. Troubleshooting hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Alphabetical index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
2
3
54
Foreword
•40 MZ-1(i) with Automatic flash mode, ch. 4, p. 15
SCA 3000-adapter TTL flash mode*,, ch. 3, p. 12
TTL Easy Mode*, ch. 3, p. 14
Manual flash mode, ch. 5, p. 18
Metz TTL remote mode*, ch. 7, p. 23
Metz automatic remote mode, ch. 7.1., p. 27
Stroboscopic mode, ch. 10, p. 34
* If the camera supports this function.
The SCA 3000 adapter is the most convenient link to your camera! The ISO, zoom
and aperture data are transmitted, depending upon the camera configuration!
General operating instructions
The subsequent instructions are of a general nature. The procedures identified by
red numbers must be completed when using a system camera in conjunction
with an SCA 3000 adapter.
All steps identified with an asterisk * must be additionally adjusted, depending
upon the given type of camera.
The flashgun is suitable for APS cameras that feature an accessory shoe
with hot shoe contact.
In conjunction with the Canon SCA adapter 3101-M3, this flashgun permits Canon E-TTL operating.
Foreword
Congratulations on purchasing this Metz flashgun, and thank you for your confidence in Metz equipment.
It is only natural that you should want to use your flashgun straight away. However, it
will be well worth your while to study these Operating Instructions beforehand to
ensure that you can operate the flashgun effectively and without any problems.
Please also open the back cover page with the illustrations.
This flashgun can be used with:
•All cameras with a hot shoe contact
•All cameras with accessory shoe without hot-shoe contact, and with a synch
cable (see Optional Extras)
•System cameras
Optimal adaptation to your camera is achieved by using an SCA adapter. The enclosed
SCA 300/3000 table will indicate the adapter you require for your particular camera
model. This table also informs you about the special flash functions that can then be
completed by the given system.
Brief survey of the operating functions:
Configura
tion Possible operating modes
•40 MZ-1(i) with Automatic flash mode, ch. 4, p. 15
301 standard foot Manual flash mode, ch. 5, p. 18
Metz automatic remote operation, ch. 7.1, p. 27
Stroboscopic mode, ch. 10, p. 34
•40 MZ-1(i) with Automatic flash mode, ch. 4, p. 15
SCA 300 adapter TTL flash mode*, ch. 3, p. 12
TTL Easy Mode*, ch. 3, p. 14
Manual flash mode, ch. 5, p. 18
Metz TTL remote operation*, ch. 7.1, p. 23
Metz automatic remote mode, ch. 7.1., p. 27
Stroboscopic mode, ch. 10, p. 34
* If the camera supports this function.
7
2. Preparations
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!
Exhausted batteries should be immediately removed from the flashgun!
Lye leaking out of dead batteries will damage the flash unit.
Never recharge dry-cell batteries such as alkaline manganese and
lithium batteries!
Never short-circuit rechargeable batteries!
Do not expose batteries to excessive heat, for instance sunshine, fire
and the like!
Never throw exhausted batteries on a fire!
Do not expose the flashgun to dripping and splashing water!
Protect the flashgun against excessive heat and humidity! Do not store
the flashgun in the glove compartment of a car!
Make sure to tighten the knurled screw firmly so that the flashgun cannot slip off!
When taking a sequence of pictures at full light output and fast recycle
times during NiCad battery operation, shooting should be interrupted for
at least 3 minutes after every 15 flashes, in order to prevent overloading.
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!
Suitable batteries
1. Safety Instructions
6
Fig. 1: Suitable AA-size batteries
The flashgun can be operated with any of the following batteries:
• 4 NiCad rechargeable batteries, type IEC KR 15/51.
They ensure fast recycling times and are very economical as they can be
recharged over and over again.
• 4 nickel metal hydride batteries. They have a much higher capacity than
NiCad batteries and have less impact on the environment because they are
free from cadmium.
• 4 alkaline-manganese batteries, type IEC LR6.
Maintenance-free power source for moderate requirements.
• 4 lithium batteries, type FR6 L91.
Can be stored for many years with virtually no loss of power, thus making
them ideal for occasional use.
• Power Pack P 40 (optional extra)
Provides microprocessor controlled battery monitoring and state-of-charge
indication (with discharge function).
• Power Grips G 15/16 (optional extra)
Convert a compact flashgun into a handle-mount unit.
NiCad or NiMH battery
Alkaline manganese batteries
Lithium batteries
9
2. Preparations
Fig. 2: Position of batteries
Loading and replacing the batteries
•Switch off the flashgun with the main switch .
•Push the battery compartment cover in direction of the arrow as far as
possible.
•Insert the batteries lengthwise into the compartment.
When inserting the batteries ensure that their polarity is correct, as
indicated by the symbols in the battery compartment!
•Close the battery compartment cover .
Exhausted batteries must not be thrown into the dustbin! Contribute
to the protection of the environment and discard dead batteries at the
appropriate disposal points.
Loading the batteries
8
☞
2. Preparations
Fig. 3: The battery warning indicator
The battery warning indicator
This facility is a testing aid for alkaline manganese batteries only.It is
of no significance for other battery types.
If the flashing battery symbol appears, the remaining energy is still sufficient for
a limited number of flashes. Some battery models may cause the warning indicator to flash prematurely, with about 50 % of their capacity left. Such batteries
should be replaced only when really discharged (if recycling takes longer than 60
sec.).
The condition of the batteries can only be checked if the flashgun is switched on
and after a few flashes have been fired.
Battery warning indicator
☞
11
2. Preparations
Fig. 4: Fixing the flashgun
Mounting the flashgun on the camera
The flashgun can only be attached to the camera with the Standard Foot 301 or
an SCA 300/SCA 3000 adapter (optional extra).
Before mounting or removing the flashgun, switch off both the camera
and the flashgun
Slip the flashgun into the camera’s accessory shoe and lock it into position by
turning down the knurled screw .
The standard version comes with the Standard Foot 301 which provides simple
flash
synchronisation, while the „Set“ version is supplied with the corresponding SCA adapter.
Removing the Standard Foot or SCA adapter:
1 Hold the rotary base
of the flashgun and swivel the body by 90°.
2 Press the retention catch in direction of the arrow.
3 Withdraw the Standard Foot or SCA adapter.
Mounting
10
☞
2. Preparations
Fig. 5: Removing the Foot or SCA adapter
Mounting the Standard Foot or SCA adapter:
•Hold the cover plate (only when using the SCA 3000 adapter) in the centre and
withdraw.
•Push the SCA adapter or Standard Foot 301 all the way in.
•Reset the rotary base to its original position
Synch connection between flashgun and camera is automatically established
when the flashgun is inserted into the camera’s accessory shoe.
On cameras without a hot shoe, synchronisation is achieved with a synch cable
(36-50, normal, or 36-52, coiled).
Switching the flashgun on and off
The flashgun is switched on with the main switch . It is permanently on when
in ON position.
To switch off, push the main switch to the lower position.
☞ If the flash unit is not going to be used for a prolonged period we
recommend:
- Switch off the flash unit with the main switch
- Remove the source of power (batteries).
Mounting, switching on and off
Cover plate
13
3. TTL flash mode
Fig.6 : Measuring scheme for TTL mode
The direct way to good flash shots
In TTL mode, the exposure readings are made by the sensor built into the
camera (Fig. 6).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 this flash mode is that all factors influencing the correct exposure
of the film, such as filters, change of aperture and focal length with zoom lenses,
extensions for close-ups, etc. are automatically taken into account.
The TTL flash mode can only be carried out with cameras that feature
this function. The flashgun must be fitted with a corresponding SCA
adapter (see SCA 300/3000 system instructions and SCA survey table).
Exposure corrections may be necessary with pronounced differences
in contrast, for instance dark objects in snow (see ch. 15, p. 52).
12
☞
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3. TTL flash mode
Fig. 7: Settings for TTL mode
Setting procedure for TTL mode:
•Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer’s Operating Instructions.
•
Fit the flashgun with the appropriate SCA adapter and mount it on the camera.
1 Switch on the flashgun with the main switch
.
2 Set the operating mode selector
to TTL.
•
*Press the ISO buttonand adjust the film speed with the „+“ or „-“
button
.
•
*Press the ZOOM buttonand use the „+“ or „-“ button to adjust the
zoom value selected with the camera’s lens.
•
If necessary, press the P buttonand adjust the partial light output level with
the „+“ or „-“ button
(e.g. in winder mode).
•
*Press the button
and use the „+“ or „-“ button to adjust the same
aperture as on the camera.
*must additionally be set on some cameras.
In the event that film speed and aperture are not transmitted automatically, there is no need to make these settings manually; they are
insignificant for a correct exposure. They are, however, necessary for
correct indication of the distance.
Sensor
1
2
☞
1514
3. TTLflash mode
Fig. 8: Settings for TTL Easy Mode
This is the simplest way to operate the mecablitz in TTL flash mode. All buttons
on the mecablitz are locked, with the exception of the /ML and
but-
tons.
In TTL Easy Mode with the SCA 300 adapter, the zoom position is constantly adjusted
to 28 mm to ensure that the subject is always adequately illuminated.
In TTL Easy Mode with the SCA 3000 adapter, the zoom setting is matched to the
focal length of the lens, and a distance range is indicated, provided that the
camera supplies the zoom information.
We recommend the TTL Easy Mode when using an SCA 300 adapter.
Distance indication on the LC display is not possible in this mode.
Setting procedure for TTL Easy Mode:
•Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
•Fit the mecablitz with the corresponding SCA adapter and mount it on the
camera.
1 Switch on the mecablitz with the main switch
.
2 Adjust the operating mode selector
to EM.
Easy Mode
4. Automatic flash mode
Fig. 9: Measuring scheme for auto mode
In the auto flash mode, the flash unit’s sensor measures the light reflected
from the subject. The flash is cut off as soon as sufficient light has been emitted for correct exposure.
This eliminates the need to recalculate and readjust the aperture each time the
distance is changed, provided that the subject remains within the indicated auto
flash range.
The flash unit’s sensor must be directed at the subject, regardless of the direction
at which the main reflector is pointing. The sensor has a measuring angle of
approx. 25° and takes measurements only during the emission of light by the
flashgun in which it is integrated.
In the auto mode, also partial light output levels can be adjusted (see ch. 9,p.31).
Between six and twelve working apertures are available in the auto mode,
depending upon the adjusted ISO film speed.
Ǻ
1
Sensor
2
1716
4. Automatic flash mode
Fig. 10: Settings for the auto mode
Setting procedure for auto flash mode:
•Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer’s Operating Instructions.
1 Switch on the flashgun with the main switch
.
2 Set the operating mode selector
to A.
•
*Press the ISO buttonand set the film speed with the „+“ or „-“ button .
•
*Press the Zoom buttonand use the „+“ or „-“ button to enter the zoom
value selected on the camera lens.
•
If necessary, press the P buttonand adjust a partial light output level with
the „+“ or „-“ button (see ch. 9, p. 32).
•
*Press the button and adjust the automatic aperture with the „+“ or „“ button until the desired distance range is indicated. This aperture must
also be set on the camera lens.
*must additionally be set on some cameras
If an SCA 3000 adapter is used, some cameras automatically transmit
the f-number to the flash unit also in the auto flash mode. Should this
be the case, the auto aperture need not be set on the flashgun.
☞
4. Automatic flash mode
The permissible distance range and the corresponding aperture appear on the
LC display.
The subject should be located within the middle third of this distance
range, thus giving the electronic control sufficient scope for compensation, if necessary.
There is a certain measure of overlap between the individual working apertures.
As a result of this overlap it is always possible to place the subject within the
middle third of the range.
Caution with zoom lenses!
Due to their design they can cause a loss of light in the order of up to
one f-stop. Furthermore, the effective aperture can also vary, depending upon the adjusted focal length.This can be compensated by
correcting the aperture on the flashgun manually!
☞
☞
2
1
1918
5. Manual flash mode
Fig. 11: Shot with direct flashlight
In this mode, the flashgun will always emit its full power.
Adaptation to the actual picture shooting situation is by setting the
corresponding aperture on the lens.
A single value for the flash-to-subject distance appears on the LC display while in
manual mode.
If the displayed value does not coincide with the actual distance, then the aperture
and/or partial light output level have to be changed accordingly (see ch. 9, p. 31).
The decisive points for the partial light output level are:
• Distance to the subject
• Desired aperture
• ISO film speed
• Zoom position of the reflector
The sensitive selection of partial light output levels makes it possible
to adjust the distance to the subject in very small increments in the
manual flash mode.
☞
Ǻ
5. Manual flash mode
Fig. 12: Settings for manual mode
Setting procedure for manual flash mode:
•
Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer’s Operating Instructions.
1 Switch on the flashgun with the main switch
.
2 Set the operating mode selector
to M.
•
*Press the ISO buttonand set the film speed with the „+“ or „-“ button
.
•
*Press the Zoom buttonand use the „+“ or „-“ button to set the zoom
value that matches the focal length of the camera lens
3 Press the button
4 Use the „+“ or „-“ button
to change the aperture on the flash unit until the
desired distance appears on the LC display.This f-number must also be set on
the camera lens.
If an SCA 3000 adapter is used, some cameras automatically transmit
the f-number to the flash unit. Should this be the case, the f-number
on the camera must be changed until the flash unit’s LC display
indicates the desired distance.
*must additionally be set on some cameras
☞
1
2
4
3
2120
6. Bounce flash
Fig. 13: Bouncing the flash
(The photo was shot with the flash bounced off the right wall)
Photos shot with full frontal flash are easily recognized by their harsh, dense
shadows. This is often associated with a sharp drop of light from the foreground 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 purpose the reflector is turned in such a manner
that the flash is bounced off a suitable reflective surface (e.g. ceiling or
walls of a room).
T
he reflector can be turned vertically and horizontally. The vertical lock-in positions
for bounce flash are:
• 60°, 75° and 90° (simply tilt the reflector to the required angle)
The flash head can be swivelled horizontally through 270°, and locks into position
at 60°, 90°, and 180°.
The distance values on the LC display disappear as soon as the reflector
is tilted upwards or the flash head turned horizontally. The distance from
the flashgun to the ceiling or wall and from there to the subject is now an
unknown factor.
Ǻ
☞
6. Bounce flash
Fig. 14: Lock-in positions of reflector and head
When tur
ning the reflector , or flash head, 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.
Therefore, always turn the reflector or head at least to the first lock-in position.
The diffused light bounced back from the reflective surfaces results in a soft illumination of the subject.
The reflecting surface must be white or have a neutral colour and it must not
be structured (e.g. wooden beams in a ceiling), as these might cast shadows.
For colour effects just select reflective surfaces in the desired colour.
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