Metz MZ-1i User Manual
TV • VIDEO • CAMCORDER • MECABLITZ
Note:
Within the framework of the CE approval symbol, correct exposure was
evaluated in the course of the electromagnetic compatibility test.
o not touch the SCA contacts !
D
In exceptional cases the unit can be
damaged if these contacts are touched.
100% Recyclingpapier
METZ-Werke GmbH & Co KG
Ritterstraße 5 • 90763 Fürth / Bay.
Telefon (0911) 9706-0 • Fax (0911) 9706-340
Internet:http://www.metz.de
E-Mail:Metz.Werke@t-online.de
ķ
TV • VIDEO • CAMCORDER • MECABLITZ
Initiative
für natürliche
Umwelt
796 47 0197.A2
MECABLITZ 40 MZ-1i
Operating Instructions
ķ
Main switch
LC display lighting / Modelling light
Aperture preselector
Cordless control (Remote operation)
Preselector for partial light output levels
Manual firing button Exposure o.k.
and flash-ready light
Nomenclature
Film speed preselector / Number of flashes
Flash frequency
Preselector for user programs
± Buttons for
value adjustment
Locking key
Preselector for
manual zoom
control
Multi-function key
Auto off
Rapid pos.
MB 40 MZ-3
Operating mode selector
Normal pos
Main zoom reflector
Battery compartment cover
Sensor
AF-measuring beam
Wide-angle diffuser
Rotary base
Clamping plate
Standard Foot 301
or SCA-Adapter*
The LC display
Program place:
0 = Work surface
1-9 = User programs
Display of operating mode
Distance in meters
or feet
Aperture
Battery warning indica-
Pre-flash function for red-eye
reduction
(depends on camera type)
Storage of values indicated
on LC display = STO
Calling a user program = RCL
Number of flashes in stroboscopic mode = N
Flashes per second in stroboscopic mode = f (Hz)
Zoom reflector setting
Film speed
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
Foreword
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
•40 MZ-1(i) with Automatic flash mode,ch.4, p. 15
•40 MZ-1(i) with Automatic flash mode,ch.4, p. 15
tion Possible operating modes
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
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.
•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.
54
1. Safety Instructions
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!
2. Preparations
NiCad or NiMH battery
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.
Alkaline manganese batteries
Suitable batteries
Lithium batteries
6
7
2. Preparations
Loading the batteries
2. Preparations
Battery warning indicator
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.
8
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 batter y 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.
9
2. Preparations
Mounting
2. Preparations
Mounting, switching on and off
Cover plate
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
synchronisation,while the „Set“ version is supplied with the corresponding SCA adapter.
flash
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.
3Withdraw the Standard Foot or SCA adapter.
10
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).
11
3. TTL flash mode
3. TTL flash mode
1
Sensor
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
Ǻ
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
2
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.
1Switch on the flashgun with the main switch
2Set the operating mode selector
*Press the ISO button and adjust the film speed with the „+“ or „-“
•
•
•
•
☞
button
*Press the ZOOM button and use the „+“ or „-“ button to adjust the
zoom value selected with the camera’s lens.
If necessary,press the P button and adjust the partial light output level with
the „+“ or „-“ button
*Press the button
aperture as on the camera.
.
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.
to TTL.
(e.g.in winder mode).
and use the „+“ or „-“ button to adjust the same
.
*must additionally be set on some cameras.
13
3. TTLflash mode
Easy Mode
4. Automatic flash mode
1
2
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
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 indica ted, 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.
to EM.
.
1 Switch on the mecablitz with the main switch
2 Adjust the operating mode selector
but-
Sensor
Fig. 9: Measuring scheme for auto mode
In the auto flash mode, the flash unit’s sensor measures the light reflected
Ǻ
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.
1514
4. Automatic flash mode
1
2
Fig. 10: Settings for the auto mode
Setting procedure for auto flash mode:
•Adjust the camera according to the manufacturer’s Operating Instructions.
1Switch on the flashgun with the main switch
2Set the operating mode selector
*Press the ISO buttonand set the film speed with the „+“ or „-“ button .
•
*Press the Zoom button and use the „+“ or „-“ button to enter the zoom
•
value selected on the camera lens.
If necessary,press the P button and 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.
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.
.
to A.
*must additionally be set on some cameras
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!
1716
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