Metz SCA 3202-M User Manual

Olympus • Leica • Panasonic

SCA 3202-M

Flash adapter for cameras (see rear)

Adattatore flash per camere (v.retro)

Adaptador de flash para cámaras (ver reverso)

® System SCA 3002

Made in Germany

1. General description. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.1 View of the SCA adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

1.2 Mounting the adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2. Camera modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.1 Program mode P . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.2 Shutter priority S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.3 Aperture priority A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.4 Manual M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3. Flash modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.1 TTL flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3.2 Auto flash mode A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

3.3 Manual flash mode M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4. Dedicated flash functions. . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.1 Program flash mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2 Flash readiness indication on the camera . 19

4.3 Automatic flash sync speed control . . . . . . 20

4.4 Correct exposure confirmation on the

flash unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.5 Automatic motor zoom control. . . . . . . . . . 21

4.6 AF measuring beam control. . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.7

Automatic maximum flash range indication

4.8 Preflash function for red-eye reduction . . . 24

4.9 Synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Normal synchronisation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Second-curtain synchronisation . . . . . . . . 25

Slow synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

. 23

HSS short-term synchronisation . . . . . . . . 27

4.10 Wake-up function for the flash unit . . . . . 28

5. Cordless Metz Remote Flash Mode . . . . 28

6. Slave flash mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

6.1 General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

6.2 Setting the SCA adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

6.3 Setting the flash unit and the camera . . . . 32

7. Troubleshooting hints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Dedicated functions of the

Table 1

flash units

curtain synchronisation

or 2

Flash readiness indication on the camera

mecablitz

76 MZ-5 digi

••••••••••••x

70 MZ-4/5

••••••••••••x

60 CT-4

•• • • • x

with SCA 3000C

54 MZ-3/-4

•••••••••••••

54 MZ-4i

•••••••••••••

50 MZ-5

••••••••••••x

45 CL-4 digi

•••••• •••x•

with SCA 3045

45 CL-4

•••••• •• x

with SCA 3000C

44 MZ-2

•••••••••••••

40 MZ-3/3i

••••••••••••

40 MZ-1/1i

••••••••••••

•= The dedicated flash function is supported by

the flash unit. The supported function can only be performed if also supported by the camera. It is impossible to describe in detail all camera types and their individual flash functions within the framework of these instructions. Therefore, please refer to the flash mode description in your camera manual to find out which func-

Motor zoom control

Maximum flash range indication

Manual TTL flash exposure correction

Automatic flash sync speed control

TTL flash mode

TTL fill-in flash

AF measuring beam control

Preflash function for red-eye reduction

Program flash mode

Slow synchronisation / SLOW 1 / SLOW 2

Wake-up function for the flash unit

High-speed synchronisation HSS

tions are supported by your type of camera. Dedicated flash functions are not supported in the cordless slave mode.

x = The flash unit does not automatically switch

to standby mode (no AUTO OFF function).

The mecablitz 45 CL-4 digital supports manual

☞

flash corrections and synchronisation on the 2nd shutter curtain only if these can be set on the camera!

Operating modes

Supported modes TTL,A and M in the camera modes P, A,S and M

Table 2

76 MZ-5 digi 70 MZ-4/5

60 CT-4

with SCA 3000C

54 MZ-4i 54 MZ-3/4 50 MZ-5

45 CL-4

with SCA 3000C

45 CL-4 digi

with SCA 3045

44MZ-2 40 MZ-3/3i 40 MZ-1/1i

• = The flash function is supported by the flash unit. The camera must also support this flash function to ensure that the function can be carried out!

TTL A (Automatic) M (Manual)

PASMPASMPA SM

••••••••••••

••••

••••••••••••

•••• • • • •

••••••••••••

Warning!

☞

Please observe the instructions in Sections 2 and 3 for the combination of the different camera and flash modes. For system induced reasons,TTL flash mode with the mecablitz 60 CT-4 is not possible on account of the metering pre-flash technology of Olympus digital cameras! Some cameras support the automatic flash mode A and the manual flash mode M only in the Manual M camera mode!

With some types of flash units there are limits

☞

with regard to TTL flash mode in relation to the given camera type (C-2500L, E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500, E-10,E-20P and E-20N). Please refer to Table 3 and the corresponding instructions in Section 3.1!

TTL flash mode

E-1, E-3, E–300,E–330, E–400,E–420, E-450, E–500, E–510, E–520, E-620, DMC-FZ50, DMC-L1, DMC-L10, DMC-6F1, DMC-6H1, Digilux 3, D-Lux 4, V-Lux 1, SP-350, SP-570, Pen E-PL1/P2

E-10, E-20P, E-20N, C-2500L

TTL compatible

45 CL-4 digi 44 MZ-2* (*ab V2.0) 54 MZ-4i 76 MZ-5 digi

44 MZ-2 45 CL-4 digi 54 MZ-.. 70 MZ-.. 76 MZ-5 digi

Limited TTL

54 MZ-3 54 MZ-4 44 MZ-2 70 MZ-..

40 MZ-.. 45 CL-4 50 MZ-5

Group

compatibility

Table 3

1. General description

The SCA 3202 adapter makes it possible to operate Olympus digital cameras with an external flash unit (see Tables 1 and 2). The flash unit can be operated by one of two modes:

Dedicated flash mode

The flash unit with SCA adapter and an Olympus digital camera is operated by way of digital data exchange. Digital data exchange between camera and flash unit is either via the system flash shoe with special contacts (e.g. with E-1, E-10,E-20, E–300, E-330, E-500, a 5-pin system flash socket on the camera (e.g. with C–4040Z, C-3040Z, C-3030Z etc.).

Note for cameras with built-in flash unit:

☞

When using an external flash unit the camera’s built-in flash should be deactivated to avoid cross shadows (camera menu setting; refer to the operating instructions of the given camera).

On some camera types it is possible to set the “SLAVE” mode in the camera menu.There is no data exchange with the flash unit in this mode. The camera’s “SLAVE” mode must NOT be activated for dedicated flash!

Cordless slave flash mode

The flashgun is fired as a cordless slave unit by the light pulse from the camera’s flash (see Section 5).

With some cameras the “SLAVE” mode can be

☞

set in the camera menu. This deactivates the metering pre-flash of the camera’s built-in flash unit. Flash exposure is then uncontrolled with a selectable manual partial light output. Since the

C–5060WZ, C-8080Z etc.) or

slave mode of the SCA adapter (switch  in SL position) always operates with metering preflash suppression, the camera’s “SLAVE” mode must NOT be activated!

To work in the “SLAVE” camera setting the slave flash unit must be equipped with the SCA 301 standard foot. Additionally use the mecalux 11 (optional accessory) as a slave triggering unit for the flashgun.

1.1 View of the SCA adapter

Front view

Rear view

The switches and the display are located

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behind a flap on the back of the adapter.This flap can be opened with the fingernail.

Switch : A B: Reserved for future applications. The switch

position is irrelevant!

Sensor

Switch : Operating mode selector:

NORM position: Dedicated flash mode SL position: Slave flash mode

Display

 in dedicated flash mode:

• In dedicated flash mode the display  lights in

green if the flash mode TTL,Automatic A or Manual M set on the flash unit is supported. With some camera/flash unit combinations there are limitations regarding TTL flash mode.The display  flashes in green as a warning (see Section 3.1). If the master flash function (controller) is activated on the flash unit in TTL mode, then the display  of the SCA adapter will start to flash as a warning (see Section 5).

•

With some flash units (45 CL–4 and 60 CT4) auto working aperture setting on the flash unit by the camera is not possible for technical reasons. This means that the camera modes program P and shutter priority S are not supported in the auto flash mode A and the manual flash mode M (see Table 2).The display  flashes in green as a warning in the camera modes P and S.

Display  in slave flash mode:

• The display  lights in red when in slave mode

if the flash modes Auto A or Manual M are set on the flash unit.

• The display  flashes in red in slave mode as a

warning when the TTL flash mode has been set on the flash unit (see Section 6).

1.2 Mounting the adapter

All units involved must be switched off before

☞

mounting or dismounting the SCA adapter on / from the mecablitz or on / from the camera.

on the mecablitz 40 MZ-..., 45 CL-4 digi, 50–MZ-5, 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi:

•

Turn the flash unit’s foot by 90° (40 MZ-... only).

•

Press the retention catch against the casing, simultaneously pushing the hitherto used standard foot or SCA adapter out of the guide. Any cover plate that may still be in place (required for the 301 standard foot or SCA 300 adapter) should be gripped in the centre and withdrawn.

on the mecablitz 44 MZ-2:

• Use your fingernail to press up the locking lever in the middle of the rear side of the mecablitz and hold it depressed.

• At the same time withdraw the SCA adapter or standard foot backward.

Any cover plate that may still be in place (required for the 301 standard foot or SCA 300 adapter) should be gripped in the centre and withdrawn.

on the mecablitz 54 MZ-...:

• Open the battery compartment cover.

• Press the coloured locking knob in the battery compartment and simultaneously remove the standard foot or SCA adapter. Any cover plate that may still be in place (required for the 301 standard foot or SCA 300 adapter) should be gripped in the centre and withdrawn.

on the camera’s flash shoe:

• Screw the knurled nut of the adapter as far as possible towards the head of the adapter case. The locking pin in the adapter shoe is now fully retracted into the case.

• Slide the adapter into the camera’s flash shoe.

• Screw the adapter’s knurled nut as far as possible towards the camera case to clamp the adapter in position.

Some cameras (e.g. C-3000Z, C-3030Z,

☞

C–3040Z, C-4040Z) have a 5-pin system flash socket instead of the flash shoe. On such cameras, the flash unit and the SCA adapter are mounted on the flash shoe of the “FLASH BRACKET FLBK01” (original Olympus sytem accessory) and the camera is fixed on the bar of the flash bracket. To connect the flash bracket with the camera’s flash shoe, the flash sync cable “BRACKET CABLE FLCB01” (original Olympus system accessory) must be used.

2. Camera modes

For camera shutter speeds please refer to the

☞

instructions given in Section 4.3.

2.1 Program mode P

The camera preselects a shutter speed/aperture combination in conformity with the adjusted program. The shutter speed selected by the camera depends on the prevailing ambient light situation. TTL flash exposure and TTL fill-in flash are automatically controlled by the camera.

2.2 Shutter priority S

In the camera mode „S“ any shutter speed can be set on the camera. The camera will then automatically select an aperture to match the ambient light conditions.

2.3 Aperture priority A

In the camera mode „A“ an aperture can be preselected on the camera. The camera will then automatically adjust a shutter speed that matches the ambient light conditions.

When selecting the aperture ensure that the subject is within the working range of the flash unit (see aperture calculator or the flash unit’s LC display).

2.4 Manual M

An aperture and a shutter speed can be preselected on the camera when in “M” mode.

When selecting the aperture ensure that the subject is within the working range of the flash unit (see aperture calculator or the flash unit’s LC display).

3. Flash modes

3.1 TTL flash mode

The TTL mode is an automatic flash mode where flash exposure metering is performed by a sensor inside the camera. TTL flash operation with an Olympus digital camera is a flash mode with automatic determination of the guide number or partial light output, on the basis of preflash technology.

Fractions of a second prior to exposure, one or two invisible pre-flashes are fired, depending on the given camera type.

In order to control the intensity of the main flash the camera’s electronic system establishes the required guide number or necessary partial light ouput by evaluating the metering preflashes.

In TTL flash control any lens attachments or filters are taken into account during exposure. The TTL flash mode is supported by all camera modes such as program P, A,S, and M.

The TTL flash mode is set on the flash unit (see the individual operating instructions).

The TTL flash mode of Olympus digital came-

☞

ras must not be mistaken for the conventional TTL flash control of analog cameras! We recommend not to activate the secondary reflector of the flash unit (e.g. with 45 CL-4, 50 MZ-5, 54 MZ-..., 70 MZ-5) when in TTL flash mode with Olympus digital cameras.

Note for Group

☞

For system reasons the TTL flash mode is currently only fully supported by the 44 MZ-2 (as of software version 2.0), 45 CL-4 digi, 54 MZ-4i and the 76 MZ-5 digi. The flash units 70 MZ-..., 54 MZ-3, 54 MZ-4 and 44 MZ-2 (software version 1.x) support the TTL flash mode with the E-1, E-500 TTL flash mode with these flash units is only conditionally recommended! A software update can be carried out for the 44 MZ-2. The software status is called as follows: Press and hold the “Mode” key and simultaneously switch on the flash unit by its main switch. The display will then indicate the flash unit’s software version. The TTL flash mode of the

E-300, E-330,

only to a limited extent. Consequently,

E-1, E-300, E-330,E-500, with 40 MZ-... and 45 CL-4 is not possible!

Note for Group

☞

For system reasons the flash units 40 MZ-..., 45 CL-4 and 50 MZ-5 support the special pre-flash technology of the above cameras only to a limited extent. In some exceptional situations, therefore, manual TTL flash exposure corrections (camera setting) may be necessary. Consequently, the TTL flash mode with the above camera/flash combinations is only conditionally recommended. The display  of the SCA adapter flashes as a warning when in TTL flash mode.

Automatic TTL fill-in flash in daylight

Most camera models automatically activate the fill-in flash mode when in Program mode „P“ in daylight (see your camera’s operating instructions). TTL 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.

Ensure that the contre-jour light source does

☞

not shine directly into the lens as this will mislead the camera’s TTL metering system!

Manual TTL flash exposure correction (Flash-Override)

There are certain photographic situations where the camera’s internal sensor can be deceived.This is particularly the case with a dark subject in front of a bright background (the subject will be underexposed) or a bright subject in front of a dark background (the subject will be overexposed). To overcome this problem in such a photographic situation and still achieve a correct exposure, some cameras permit the flash intensity to be influenced in the TTL mode (see operating instructions for the given camera). Depending on the camera type, the given maximum flash range is adapted to the flash exposure correction. If flash exposure correction is set manually, the symbol “+/-” will be indicated in the viewfinder or on the display panel of some cameras.

TTL flash exposure correction is set on the camera (see your camera’s operating instructions).

3.2 Auto flash mode A

A sensor inside the flash unit controls the light output in the auto flash mode „A“. When the amount of light required for correct exposure has been reached the flash unit’s electronics automatically cut off the flash. Correct exposure confirmation „OK“ is then given on the flash unit (see Section 4.4).

The auto flash mode is set on the flash unit (see operating instructions of your flash unit).

Please note that the cameras E-10, E-20P and

☞

E–20N do not support the auto flash mode „A“ in the camera modes Program P and shutter priority „S“.

mecablitz 45 CL-4 and 60 CT-4 Set on the flash unit an auto working aperture that

matches the prevailing shooting situation. Take the maximum flash range given on the aperture calculator into account.

In the camera modes “A” and “M” the aperture selected on the flash unit must be manually set on the camera.

mecablitz 40

MZ-..., 44 MZ-...,

45 CL-4 digi,

MZ-5, 54 MZ–... , 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi Set the auto mode “A” on the flash unit (see oper-

ating instructions of the flash unit). The flash unit automatically adjusts its auto work-

ing aperture to the f-stop set on the camera. Ensure that the subject lies within the maximum flash range (as indicated on the flash unit).

Manual flash exposure correction in the auto mode A

The mecablitz 44 MZ-2, 54 MZ-... , 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi permit a manual flash exposure correction to be made in the auto flash mode. For more details please refer to the operating instructions of the flash unit.

Flash bracketing „Fb“ in the auto mode A

Flash bracketing can be performed with the mecablitz 54 MZ-... , 70 MZ-5 and 76 MZ-5 digi in the auto flash mode „A“. A flash bracketing series consists of three successive flash shots with different flash exposure correction values:

shot: without correction value

shot: with a negative correction value

shot: with a positive correction value.

For more details please refer to the instruction manual of your flash unit.

3.3 Manual flash mode M

The flash light is not controlled by a sensor when in manual flash mode “M”. Instead,the full or partial light output of the flash unit is used.

The manual flash mode M is set on the flash unit (see operating instructions for the flash unit). The Winder W and Stroboscopic modes are manual flash modes.

The cameras E-10, E-20P and E-20N do not

☞

support the manual flash mode M in the camera modes Program P and shutter priority S!

mecablitz 45 CL-4, 45 CL-4 digi and 60 CT-4 Set “M” or a partial light output on the flash unit.

Use the aperture calculator to establish the necessary working aperture.

In the camera modes “A” and “M” the aperture established on the flash unit must be set manually on the camera.

When in camera mode “M”, a shutter speed has to be additionally set that is either the same or slower than the camera’s flash sync speed (see camera manual). Use a tripod to eliminate camera shake when using slow shutter speeds.

mecablitz 40 MZ-..., 44 MZ-..., 50 MZ-5, 54 MZ–...

MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi

70 The camera automatically transfers the set aper-

ture to the flash unit. Set the distance for the given subject by selecting an appropriate aperture / partial light-output combination (camera/flash unit). The flash-to-subject distance for correct exposure

is indicated on the flash unit’s LC display, and the aperture and partial light output setting is adapted accordingly.

4. Dedicated flash functions

4.1 Program flash mode

Some cameras merge the available ambient light and the flash light in the Program P mode, and determine whether - depending on camera programming - the flash is to be used as the main light source or merely as fill-in light. The camera automatically sets a shutter/aperture combination and controls the flash in TTL mode.

Settings on the camera

• Set Program P on the camera.

• Select on the camera the flash mode AUTO or FILL-IN or .

In the AUTO flash mode the camera will de-

☞

cide if the flash unit is to be activated. If the ambient light is sufficient for an exposure in normal mode, then the camera will prevent the triggering of the flash. In such an event the flash will not be fired when the camera’s shutter release is pressed. In the FILL-IN flash mode or the flash is fired with each shot. For more details please refer to the operating instructions for the given camera.

Settings on the flash unit

• Set on the flash unit the flash mode TTL or EM (EM = EASY-MODE-TTL; only with 40 MZ... and 50 MZ-5).

Settings on the SCA adapter

• The position of switch  is irrelevant.

• Set switch  in position NORM.

4.2 Flash readiness indication on the camera

The flash ready symbol lights up on the flash unit when the flash capacitor is charged, thereby indicating that flash readiness is established and that a flash can be fired for the next shot. Flash readiness is also transmitted to the camera for a corresponding information on the display or in the viewfinder (see camera manual).

If a picture is shot before flash readiness is indicated then the flash unit will not be triggered so that the exposure may be incorrect.

Orange LED or flash symbol flashes in the camera viewfinder

Command to switch on or use the flash unit. Wait for flash readiness to be indicated when the

flash unit is switched on. Orange LED or flash symbol is illumina The flash unit is ready for firing.

Depending on the type of camera used the

☞

indications given on the camera may differ from the above examples. Therefore,please refer to the individual camera manual.

ted

On some types of cameras there is no flash readiness indicated. Should this be the case, then please observe the flash readiness information given on the flash unit!

4.3 Automatic flash sync speed control

Depending on the camera type and camera mode, the shutter speed changes to flash sync speed when the flash unit is switched on or when flash readiness is established (e.g. Olympus E-1, E-300, E-330, E-500; see camera manual).

Shutter speeds faster than the flash sync speed cannot be set or will automatically be converted to flash sync speed. Various cameras offer a sync speed range. The sync speed set by the camera then depends on the camera mode, the ambient light and the focal length of the lens used. Shutter speeds slower than the flash sync speed can also be used, depending on the camera mode and the selected flash synchronisation.

There is no automatic flash sync speed con-

☞

trol on digital cameras working with a diaphragm shutter.For system-inherent reasons, flash can therefore be used at all shutter speeds. If the full light output of the flash unit is required, shutter speeds faster than 1/125 s should not be set.

4.4 Correct exposure confirmation on the flash unit

“OK” correct exposure confirmation is only given on the flash unit if the shot was correctly exposed in TTL flash mode or in the auto flash mode „A“.

If “OK” is not displayed after exposure then this means that the shot was underexposed. The shot will then have to be repeated with the next smaller

f-number (e.g. f/8 instead of f/11) or the distance to the subject or to the reflecting surface (for example, when bouncing the flash) must be reduced. Please observe the maximum flash range of the flash unit.

Some types of flash units (e.g. 40 MZ-3 / -3i, 50 MZ-5, 54 MZ-..., 70 MZ-5 and 76 MZ-5 digi) may give an acoustic „Beep“ signal in addition to the display. See the operating instructions of the individual flash unit.

For system induced reasons, correct exposure

☞

confirmation of the flash unit is only fully supported by the mecablitz 40 MZ..., 44 MZ-2, 45

CL-4 digi, 50 MZ-5, 54 MZ-..., 70 MZ-.... and

76 MZ-5 digi.

4.5 Automatic motor zoom control

On flash units with motor zoom reflector (e.g. 40 MZ-..., 44 MZ-..., 54 MZ-... , 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi the reflector’s coverage angle, i.e.the reflector’s position, is automatically adapted to the focal length of the camera lens.

After the flash unit has been switched on the „Auto Zoom“ mode is automatically selected if the camera is on and activated by touching the shutter release.

In combination with some cameras, the flash unit’s zoom reflector may be extended further than required for the focal length of the lens. A manual correction of the reflector’s zoom position, however,will not be necessary!

Example: Focal length of the lens = 35 mm;

position of flash reflector = 28 mm. The picture is correctly illuminated because the

flash unit’s reflector covers an area larger than the image size.

4.6 AF measuring beam control

The AF measuring beam is activated by the camera’s electronic system when the ambient lighting conditions are insufficient for automatic focusing. The flash unit’s AF beam emitter projects a striped pattern on to the subject and the camera uses this pattern to focus automatically.The AF beam has a distance range of about 6 m to 9 m. Parallax error between the lens and the AF beam emitter limits the close-up range to approx. 0.7 – 1 m. Zoom lenses with a small initial aperture may significantly reduce the distance range of the AF measuring beam.

To enable activation of the AF measuring beam, the camera must be switched to AF mode and the central AF metering area must be activated (if a camera with several AF sensors is used).

mecablitz 45 CL-4 and 60 CT-4

These flash units of the SCA 300 System are connected to the SCA adapter by means of the „SCA 3000C“ cable (optional extra). The AF measuring beam integrated in the SCA 3000C cable takes over the AF measuring beam function of the flash unit.

mecablitz 45 CL-4 digi

These flash units are connected to the SCA adap-

ter by means of the „SCA 3045“ cable (optional extra). The AF measuring beam integrated in the SCA 3045 cable takes over the AF measuring beam function of the flash unit.

mecablitz 40 MZ-... , 54 MZ-..., 50 MZ-5, 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi with SCA 3008A cable

If required, the above flash units can be operated off-camera with the SCA 3008A connecting cable. The AF measuring beam integrated in the SCA 3008A cable then takes over the AF measuring beam function of the flash unit.

Some camera types (e.g. E-1) only activate

☞

the AF illuminator integrated in the camera. The AF measuring beam of the flash unit will then not be activated. The cameras E-10, E–20P and E-20N do not support the AF measuring beam of external flash units.

4.7 Automatic maximum flash range indication

Cameras equipped with a system flash shoe or a 5-pin system flash socket transmit to the flash unit the data relating to ISO sensitivity, aperture, focal length of the lens, and the adjusted exposure correction. The flash unit computes the corresponding maximum flash range on the basis of the transmitted camera data and its own guide number.The maximum flash range is indicated by the flash unit’s LC display (mecablitz 40 MZ-..., 44 MZ-2, 50 MZ-5, 54 MZ-.., 70 MZ.. and 76 MZ-5 digi). For more details please refer to the operating instruction for the given flash unit.

To prevent overexposure,the minimum flash-tosubject distance should be about 10 % of the maximum flash range.

The maximum flash range will not be indica-

☞

ted when the flash unit’s reflector is swivelled or tilted or when the flash unit is in cordless Metz Remote Mode.

Depending on the type of flash unit used, the ISO sensitivity and the aperture may be indicated. On some camera models the indicated values may deviate from the camera settings. These,however, are insignificant for the TTL flash mode and need not be corrected manuallly.

4.8 Preflash function for red-eye reduction

Red eyes are always the result of a physical effect. This arises whenever a person looks more or less straight into the camera, the ambien light is relatively dark and the flash unit is mounted on or directly next to the camera. The flash unit illuminates the back of the eyes, revealing the blood filled retina through the pupil. This is recorded by the camera as a red spot in the eyes.

The red-eye reduction function brings about a significant improvement in this respect. When this facility is used the flash unit triggers, prior to shutter operation, a few weakly visible preflashes which are followed by the main flash. These preflashes induce the pupils to close down, thereby diminishing the red-eye effect.

The preflash function is set on the camera and indicated by a corresponding symbol (see camera manual).

On various cameras, second-curtain synchro-

☞

nisation (REAR) will not be performed when the preflash function is activated. Some cameras will support the preflash func-

tion only in the camera mode „P“ and in the flash mode „TTL“.

4.9 Synchronisation

Normal synchronisation

In normal synchronisation, the flash unit is triggered at the beginning of the exposure time

curtain synchronisation). Normal synchronisation is the standard mode on all cameras and is suitable for most flash shots. No settings have to be made on the flash unit nor is there any display for this mode.

Second-curtain synchronisation

Synchronisation with the shutter’s second curtain (SLOW 2 or REAR) is particularly advantageous when shooting moving objects that have their own source of light with a slow shutter speed (slower than 1/30 sec). 2

curtain synchronisation gives a more realistic impression of movement because the light streaks behind the light source instead of building up in front of it – as is the case with 1stcurtain synchronisation.

If 2

curtain synchronisation is selected the flash is not triggered at the moment the first shutter curtain opens, but a fraction of a second before the second shutter curtain is starting. If a slow shutter speed has been chosen, or in the „bulb“ mode with the corresponding aperture, the existing ambient light level permits traces of moving lights to be seen (e.g. light trails left by the lights of a car). As the flash is fired right before the end of the exposure time, the moving subject is frozen at the end of the light trail. The effect thus achieved seems more natural to the perception of the

eye than pictures where the flash was fired at the beginning of the exposure, arresting the subject at the beginning of its movement and light trail. Second-curtain synchronisation is set on the camera (see camera manual).

1stcurtain synchronisation

2ndcurtain synchronisation

Some camera models will, in addition to se-

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cond-curtain synchronisation, automatically activate SLOW synchronisation. Use a tripod to avoid camera shake with slow shutter speeds! Do not forget to turn off this function after exposure, otherwise an unwanted slow shutter speed could result in camera shake with „normal“ flash shots!

2nd curtain synchronisation is not possible if the preflash function for red-eye reduction has been activated.

Slow synchronisation

Some cameras permit slow flash synchronisation (SLOW,SLOW 1 or SLOW 2) which will provide added prominence to the background at lower ambient light levels. This is achieved by matching the shutter speed to the ambient light. Accordingly, shutter speeds slower than the flash sync speed (e.g. shutter speeds up to 30 sec.) are automatically adjusted by the camera.

SLOW 1 stands for 1st curtain synchronisation, SLOW 2 for 2nd curtain synchronisation. Slow synchronisation is set on the camera (see camera manual).

Use a tripod to avoid camera shake with slow

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shutter speeds! When setting the shutter speed manually, find out if the ambient light would be sufficient for a complete illumination of the subject. Otherwise overexposure may result.

HSS short-term synchronisation

With HSS short-term synchronisation, it is also possible to operate the flash using shorter flash synchronisation time shutter speeds.

Certain makes of camera (see operating instruction), mecablitz 45 CL-4 digital support short-term synchronisation in TTL and manual flash modes.

In some systems, short-term synchronisation

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can in some cases reduce the flash factor and as a result the range of the flash to a significant extent.

Adjustment procedure

• Switch on flash and camera.

• Lightly touch the shutter release to trigger the exchange of data between the flash and the camera.

mecablitz 45 CL-4 digital

• Set the flash device to TTL or manual flash mode (see operating instructions of the flash device).

• Press the "mode" button until "HSS" appears in the display

4.10 Wake-up function for the flash unit

The 44 MZ-... and 54 MZ-... flash units feature an auto-off function that automatically switches the units off 1, 3 or 10 minutes after the last flash was fired or a setting was made. The flash unit is then in a power saving standby state. As soon as the camera’s shutter release is touched the SCA adapter will wake up the flash unit and switch it on again (wake-up function).

To avoid discharge of the power sources

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remember to switch off the flash unit by its main switch if you are not going to use it for an extended period of time.

5. Cordless Metz Remote Flash Mode

In the Cordless Metz Remote Mode a master flash unit (“controller”) mounted on the camera controls the light output of one or more slaves. For systeminduced reasons the master flash unit must work in the auto flash mode (Metz Auto Remote Mode).

The Metz TTL Remote Mode is not supported

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due to the pre-flash metering system of Olympus digital cameras! If the master (“controller”) function is activated in TTL flash mode on the flash unit, then the display of the SCA adap-

ter will blink as a warning. Flash operation with secondary reflector (40 MZ-3 / -3i, 50 MZ-5, 54 MZ-... and 70 MZ-5) is not possible! The shutter speed must not be faster than 1/60 s!

Master flash units

The flash units mecablitz 40 MZ-..., 54 MZ-..., 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi permit cordless flash control in the “Metz Remote Flash Mode” as a master flash unit. For the setting instructions for this “controller mode” please refer to the manual of the given flash unit.

Slave flash units

The flash units 28 CS-2 digital, 34 CS-2, 34 CS-2 digital, 40 MZ..., 44 MZ-2, 45 CL-4 digi, 50 MZ..., 54 MZ-... , 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi permit cordless flash control as a slave unit by the “Metz remote flash mode”. The flash units 40 MZ-..., 44 MZ-..., 45 CL-4 digi, 54 MZ-... and 70 MZ-4 require the SCA 3083 digital slave adapter for this purpose. The handle-mount flash units mecablitz 50 MZ-5 , 70 MZ-... and 76 MZ-5 digi can be used without slave adapter.

The slave units must operate in TTL flash

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mode for the Metz Auto Remote Mode so that they can be controlled by the master flash unit. For further details relating to slave mode please refer to the operating instructions for the given flash unit or the SCA 3083 digital slave adapter manual.

6. Slave flash mode

Slave flash mode is not supported by the digi-

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tal cameras E-1 and E-300.

6.1 General description

In this mode the slave flash unit is triggered by the light emitted from the camera’s built-in flash unit. Olympus digital cameras emit, when in flash mode, one or two preflashes a fraction of a second before the picture is shot or the main flash is fired. These preflashes do not contribute to the exposure of the picture. The SCA 3202 adapter controls the slave such that it is triggered at the same time as the main flash.

The flash unit can be operated both in the auto flash mode A or in the manual flash mode M.

For system reasons cordless slave operation

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in TTL mode is not possible. If the flash unit is set in the flash mode TTL or EM (EM = EasyMode-TTL; only with 40 MZ-..., 50 MZ-5), then the display  of the SCA adapter will start to flash as a warning! We recommend to use the auto flash mode A of the flash unit!

Ensure that the light sensor at the front of the SCA adapter can receive the camera’s flash light reflected off the subject in order to be able to trigger the slave unit. Do not cover the light sensor in the SCA adapter!

The maximum distance to the subject depends on the ambient light and the light-reflecting properties of the subject or the ambient area of the subject. Consequently, concrete distance values for the maximum working range of the slave flash unit cannot be given. The subject should not be further away from the camera or the slave flash unit so that the light sensor inside the SCA adapter can still receive sufficient reflected light from the camera’s flash unit to reliably trigger the slave.

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Metz SCA 3202-M User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual