Sony HVL-F43AM User Manual
4-278-307-11(1)
Flash
Operating Instructions
Operating Instructions
Preparations
Basics
Advanced Operations
Additional Information
Before operating the product,
please read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.
HVL-F43AM
English
Before operating the product, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for
future reference.
WARNING
To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuit when disposing of
batteries, and follow local regulations for battery disposal.
Keep batteries or things that could be swallowed away from young children.
Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.
Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if...
• the product is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed.
• the product emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.
Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the
product is touched.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
When using your photographic equipment, basic safety
precautions should always be followed, including the
following:
Read and understand all instructions before using.
Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used
by or near children. Do not leave appliance unattended
while in use.
Care must be taken as burns can occur from touching hot
parts.
2
Do not operate appliance with a damaged cord or if the
appliance has been dropped or damaged- until it has been
examined by a qualified serviceman.
Let appliance cool completely before putting away. Loop
cord loosely around appliance when storing.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse this
appliance in water or other liquids.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this
appliance, but take it to a qualified serviceman when
service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly can
cause electric shock when the appliance is used
subsequently.
The use of an accessory attachment not recommended by
the manufacturer may cause a risk of fire, electric shock, or
injury to persons.
Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.
Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.
Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.
Do not attempt to recharge (except for rechargeable
batteries), short or disassemble.
Do not mix, batteries of different types, brands or ages.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
Do not touch the flashtube during operation, it may become hot when the flash
fires.
3
For customers in Europe
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment
(Applicable in the European Union and other European
countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this
product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be
handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is
disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative
consequences for the environment and human health, which could
otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this
product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this
product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household
waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the
product.
Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU
Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku
Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product
safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart,
Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given
in separate service or guarantee documents.
For the customers in the U.S.A.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
NOTE:
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
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However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
5
Table of Contents
Features .................................................................................................... 8
Name of parts ..........................................................................................9
Preparations
Inserting batteries .................................................................................. 13
Attachment and removal of the flash unit ............................................. 14
Turning on the power ............................................................................ 16
Changing the flash mode ....................................................................... 19
Basics
Program auto flash (The basics) ............................................................ 21
Using flash in each recording mode of the camera ............................... 25
Advanced Operations
Test-flash ............................................................................................... 27
Zoom flash coverage ............................................................................. 28
Bounce flash .......................................................................................... 31
Close-up photography (downward bounce) .......................................... 36
Manual flash (M) ................................................................................... 37
High-speed sync (HSS) .........................................................................41
Multiple flash (MULTI) ........................................................................ 42
Wireless flash mode (WL) ..................................................................... 47
AF illuminator ....................................................................................... 61
Reset to the default settings ...................................................................62
Custom settings ..................................................................................... 63
Additional Information
Notes on use .......................................................................................... 70
Maintenance .......................................................................................... 72
Specifications ........................................................................................ 73
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Before use
Use this unit in combination with a Sony Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera that
has an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, or a Sony Interchangeable Lens Digital HD
Video Camera Recorder that has an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe. Some functions
cannot be used with some model cameras.
See the operating instructions of this unit and refer to the operating instructions of
your camera.
Although this flash unit is designed with dustproofness and splashproofness in mind, it may not keep dust or splashes completely out.
Do not place this flash unit in the following locations
Regardless of whether this flash unit is in use or in storage, do not place it in any of
the following locations. Doing so may lead to a malfunction.
• Placing this flash unit in locations subject to direct sunlight such as on
dashboards or near a heater may cause this unit to deform or malfunction.
• Locations with excessive vibration
• Locations with strong electromagnetism
• Locations with excessive sand
In locations such as the seashore and other sandy areas or where dust clouds
occur, protect the unit from sand and dust.
This may lead to a malfunction.
7
Features
*Except the DSLR-A100
The HVL-F43AM is a compact flash with a guide number of
43 (meters, 105 mm position, ISO 100).
, page 73
Can be used with compatible lenses to enable ADI (Advanced
Distance Integration) flash metering, which is not affected by
the reflection rate of the background or subject.
, page 26
Enables High-speed Sync. , page 41
Quick shift bounce function enables
you to set the upper or side position
easily during bounce flash
photography.
, page 34
Built-in bounce sheet enables you to create a highlight in the
subject’s eyes.
, page 33
This flash unit supports flash coverage to a focal length of
15 mm by using a built-in wide panel when the flash is
triggered.
, page 30
Corrects the white balance automatically using the color
temperature information.*
, page 24
Adjusts the optimum flash coverage according to the image
sensor size of the camera.*
, page 28
8
Name of parts
A Built-in wide panel (30)
B Flashtube
C Wireless control signal receiver
(48)
D AF illuminator (61)
Remove the protective sheet from the
front of the AF illuminator before use.
E Mounting foot (14)
F Bounce sheet (33)
Figures in parentheses are the page
numbers where a description of each
LCD segment can be found.
9
*
G Bounce indicator (upper/lower
angle) (32)
H LCD panel (12)
I Control panel (11)
J Bounce indicator (side angle)
(32)
10
K Release button (15)
L Battery chamber door (13)
M Mini-stand (49)
* Tripod attachment hole
Figures in parentheses are the page
numbers where a description of each
LCD segment can be found.
Control panel
Figures in parentheses are the page
numbers where a description of
each LCD segment can be found.
A TTL/M (MANUAL/MULTI)
button (38, 42, 53, 57, 62)
B MODE button (19)
C TEST button (27)
The status while the lamp is lit
Amber: Flash ready
Green: Proper exposure
D Fn (function)/direction buttons
(37, 42, 53, 54, 57, 63)
E Power switch (16)
F LCD illuminator button
G ZOOM button (29)
LCD panel illuminator
If the LCD panel is too dark, you can illuminate it by pressing the LCD illuminator
button.
• The LCD panel remains illuminated for about 8 seconds when the flash unit is
used by itself or connected to a camera that is in power save mode. This time is
extended if the flash or camera is used.
• Press the LCD illuminator button again while the LCD panel is illuminated to
extinguish the LCD panel illuminator.
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LCD panel
A HSS (High-speed-sync)
indicator (41)
B Ratio-flash indicator (57)
C Flash mode indicator (19)
D Wireless channel indicator (60,
65)
E Wireless controller indicator
(47)
F Operating indicator (63)
G Power-level indicator (37, 42)
H Zoom indicator (28)
I TTL/Manual-flash/Multiple-flash
indicator (37, 42)
J Zoom/Multiple-flash repetition
display (28, 42)
12
K Wireless controller/remote
indicator (51, 54, 57)
L Hz indicator (42)
M Flash-range/Flash-range-
warning (near side, far side)/
Multiple-flash frequency/flashratio display (23, 42, 57)
N Overheat indicator (18)
O Wide-panel indicator (30)
P Bounce indicator (31)
Q Custom indicator (63)
R Low-battery indicator (17)
Figures in parentheses are the page
numbers where a description of each
LCD segment can be found.
Preparations
Inserting batteries
The HVL-F43AM may be powered by :
• Four LR6 (AA-size) alkaline batteries*
• Four AA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries*
* Batteries are not supplied.
Always ensure that rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries are charged in
the specified charger unit.
1 Open the battery chamber door as shown.
2 Insert the batteries in the battery chamber as in the
diagram.
Preparations
3 Close the battery chamber door.
• Follow the reverse procedure when opening the battery chamber door.
13
Attachment and removal of the flash unit
Attaching the flash unit to the camera
With the flash unit turned off, push the mounting foot
firmly and fully into the Auto-lock Accessory Shoe of the
camera.
• The flash unit is locked in place automatically.
• If the built-in flash in the camera is protruding, close it before attaching the flash
unit.
• This unit is only suitable for an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe.
You cannot use this unit with a camera that has no Auto-lock Accessory Shoe.
14
Removing the flash unit from the
camera
While pressing the release button 1, remove the flash unit
in the direction of arrow 2.
Preparations
15
Turning on the power
Set the power switch to ON.
The power of the flash unit turns on.
• When the power of the flash unit is turned on, the LCD panel lights up.
• If nothing appears on the LCD panel when the power switch is set to ON, check
the orientation of the batteries.
To turn the power off
Set the power switch to OFF.
16
Power save mode
If the flash unit is not operated for 3 minutes when used by itself or connected to a
camera that is in power save mode, it switches to power save mode to save the
batteries and the LCD display goes out.
• During wireless flash photography (pages 51, 57), the flash unit changes to
power save mode after 60 minutes.
• You can change the time until power save, or disable power save. (page 67)
• The flash unit automatically changes to power save mode when the power
switch of the camera* is set to OFF.
*
Except the DSLR-A100
• When the camera is in power save mode, for example when the LCD monitor
automatically turns off, the camera does not communicate with the flash unit. In
this state, flash mode and TTL/M mode switching, automatic zoom, wide panel
display and flash range display are not linked with your camera.
Checking Batteries
The indicator on the data panel blinks when the batteries are low.
blinking
Changing the batteries is recommended.
The flash unit can still be used when the
TEST button lights up in amber.
Only blinking
Flash cannot be used.
Insert new batteries.
Preparations
17
indicator
When the temperature of this unit rises after continuous flash use or use in a high
temperature environment, its internal safety circuit automatically suspends
operation (overheating).
• The indicator blinks when overheating is detected.
• Flash operation is suspended until the temperature of the unit falls and the
indicator turns off.
• When overheating is detected, set the power switch to OFF and stop using the
flash unit for about 10 minutes to allow it to cool down.
18
Changing the flash mode
Press the MODE button.
• The indicator on the LCD panel changes as follows.
When the flash unit is not connected to your camera, or when the camera is in
power save mode or the LCD monitor of the camera is being turned off when the
flash unit is connected to the camera:
( AUTO) t WL t t ( AUTO) t . . .
When your camera is turned on and the flash unit is connected to your camera
(WL is not set up):
( AUTO) t t ( AUTO) t . . .
• [ ] lights up when the camera is set to Fill-flash. [ AUTO] lights up when the
camera is set to Auto flash.
Preparations
19
About flash mode
• (Fill-flash mode)
The flash unit always fires.
• AUTO (Auto flash mode)
The flash unit is set to this mode when the camera is set to auto flash.
• WL (Wireless flash mode)
This mode is used during wireless flash photography.
• (Un-fill-flash mode)
The flash unit does not fire.
20
Basics
Program auto flash (The basics)
• If your camera has an AUTO mode or Scene Selection mode, they are dealt with
here as program auto.
1 Select the P mode on the camera.
2 Press the MODE button to display [ AUTO] or [ ] on
the LCD panel.
• [ ] lights up when the camera is set to Fill-flash. [ AUTO] lights up
when the camera is set to Auto flash.
Basics
21
3 Press the shutter button halfway down and make sure
that the subject is within the flash range.
• See page 23 for details on the flash range.
4 When the flash unit is charged, press the shutter
button to take a photo.
• The flash unit is fully charged when the TEST button on the control panel is
lit in amber.
When the correct exposure has been obtained for the photo just taken, the
TEST button on the control panel blinks in green.
• The photo will be under-exposed because of a lack of luminescence if taken
before charging is complete.
• Press the shutter button after making sure that charging is complete when using
the flash unit with the self-timer.
• The flash mode selected (auto flash ( AUTO), fill-flash ( ), or un-fill-flash
( )) depends on your camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions of
your camera.
22
Flash range
Press the shutter button halfway down.
The flash range for the proper exposure is displayed on the LCD panel. Make sure
that the subject is within this range and then take the photo.
The range that can be displayed on the LCD panel is from 1.0 m to 28 m (0.7 m to
28 m for downward bounce; see page 36). When the distance is beyond this range,
or is lit on either side of the Flash range.
Proper exposure is obtained at less than 1.0 m.
If the flash range is less than 1.0 m, the lower area of
the image on the LCD monitor of the camera may
become dark. Change the flash range to adjust the
aperture and ISO sensitivity.
Proper exposure is obtained from 1.0 m to 28 m or
more.
• The flash ranges when using upward bounce flash or wireless flash are not
shown.
• When you take a photo closer than the lower limit of the flash range, the photo
may be over-exposed even if the TEST button blinks green, or the lower area of
the image on the LCD monitor of the camera may darken. Always take a photo
within the indicated flash range.
Basics
23
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