Sony HVL-MT24AM User Manual
Macro Twin Flash Kit
Operating Instructions
Manual de instruções
Manual de instrucciones
Bruksanvisning
2-889-493-21 (1)
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper
using VOC (Volatile Organic
Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.
HVL-MT24AM
© 2006 Sony Corporation Printed in Japan
English
Before operating the product, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for
future reference.
WARNING
To reduce re or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
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 qualied 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 qualied serviceman when
service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly
can cause electric shock when the appliance is used
subsequently.
e use of an accessory attachment not recommended by
the manufacturer may cause a risk of re, electric shock, or
injury to persons.
Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.
Use only the batteries specied in this instruction manual.
Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.
Do not subject batteries to re or high temperatures.
Do not attempt to recharge (except for rechargeable
batteries), short or disassemble.
Do not mix, batteries of dierent types, brands or ages.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
Do not touch the ashtube during operation, it may become hot
when the ash res.
3
For customers in Europe
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable
in the European Union and other European countries with
separate collection systems)
is 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. e recycling of materials will help to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this
product, please contact your local Civic Oce, your household
waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the
product.
For the customers in the U.S.A.
CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modications not expressly approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
NOTE:
is 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.
ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
is 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.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o 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 dierent from that to which
the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
4
Table of contents
Features .......................................... 6
Name of parts ................................ 7
Preparations
Inserting batteries ....................... 11
Attachment and removal of the
macro ash controller ................ 13
Attaching the macro twin ash
....................................................... 14
Auto power ON/OFF ................. 21
Basics
Basic ash modes
(A mode/M mode) ..................... 22
Program auto ash (e basics)
....................................................... 30
Detailed operations
Manual ash (M) ........................ 32
Test ash ......................................40
Modeling ash ............................41
Wide panel ................................... 42
Diuser ........................................44
Custom setting ............................ 48
Additional
Information
Examples of macro twin ash
photography ................................ 51
Aperture range graph ................. 54
Compatibility with other
products ....................................... 56
Notes on use ................................ 57
Maintenance ................................58
Specications............................... 59
5
Before use
For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camera.
This flash is not dust-proof, splash-proof or waterproof.
Do not place this flash in the following locations
Regardless of whether this 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 ash 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.
is may lead to a malfunction.
Features
e macro twin ash kit provides exible lighting for macro nature photography. It
is ideal for close-up photography of owers, insects, small objects, and so on.
Freedom to change the attachment position and angle of the ashtube enables
more expressive photography.
Attaching two-length adjustable arms between the twin ash units and holders
makes it possible to change the lighting for high magnication close-up
photography.
Using the supplied diuser enables soer lighting.
e supplied wide panel expands ash coverage to a focal length of 24 mm.
Modeling ash function can check shadows before photographing.
6
Name of parts
Macro Flash Controller
Manual-flash-control dial
(Twin flash B) (33)
Twin-flash-cord socket
(Twin flash B) (15) *
Manual-flash-control dial
(Twin flash A) (33)
Reel-attachment
points (18)
Twin-flash-cord socket
(Twin flash A) (15) *
Twin-flash-cord release
button (16)
Control panel (8)
Mounting-foot-release
button (13)
Mounting foot
Battery-chamber
door (11)
* Do not touch directly.
7
Control Panel
Twin flash A lamp (24)
Twin flash B lamp (24)
Auto lamp (31)
Flash-ON lamp (21)
Flash-OFF lamp (21)
Flash-ready lamp (25)
Flash ON/OFF button (21)
A-B button (Twin-flash A-B
selection button) (24)
TTL lamp (32)
Low-battery
lamp (12)
M (manual-flash-control)
lamp (32)
Test-flash lamp
(40)
Modeling-flash
lamp (41)
Custom lamp
(50)
TEST button (Test/
modeling flash button)
(40, 41)
TTL/M/Test button (TTL/M/
Test/Modeling flash mode
button) (32)
8
Macro Twin Flash
Twin Flash Unit*
Flashtube
Holder (14)
Shoe
Attachment
Connecting
cord
Plug
Release
tabs
Arm* (17)
Shoe
Base
Adaptor ring (14)
ø49mm, ø55mm
Diffuser* (44) Wide panel* (42) Cord reel* (18)
* Two supplied
9
Example of storage
Adaptor ring ø49mm/ø55mm
Twin flash unit
Cord reel
Holder
Wide panel
Diffuser
10
Arm
Case
Inserting batteries
Continued on the next page
e HVL-MT24AM may be powered by :
* Batteries are not supplied.
Four AA-size alkaline batteries
Four AA-size lithium batteries
Four AA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries
Always ensure that rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries are charged in
the specied 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 steps when opening the battery-chamber door.
e lamp on the control panel comes on. If it does not come on, press the ash
ON/OFF button.
11
Checking Batteries
e lamp on the control panel comes on or blinks when the batteries are low.
lamp on
Changing the batteries is
recommended. e ash can still be
used in this state if (Flash-ready
lamp) on the rear of the unit is lit.
Only lamp blinking
Flash cannot be used.
Insert new batteries.
If nothing comes on when the ash ON/OFF button of the macro ash
controller is pressed, check the orientation of the batteries.
12
Attachment and removal of the macro
1
2
flash controller
Attaching the macro flash controller to the
camera
Push the mounting foot firmly onto the camera until it stops.
e macro ash controller is locked in place automatically.
If the built-in ash in the camera is protruding, lower it before attaching the
macro ash controller.
Removing the macro flash controller from the
camera
While pressing the mounting foot release button , remove
the macro flash controller .
Preparations
13
Attaching the macro twin flash
1 Screw the appropriate adaptor ring clockwise onto the
lens.
49mm and 55mm diameter adaptors are supplied.
2 While pressing the tabs on each side of the holder, place
the holder over the adaptor, and then release both tabs.
14
3 Remove the protective socket caps of the macro flash
Continued on the next page
controller.
For safe-keeping, place the caps in the case.
Replace caps aer use.
4 Place the twin flash unit into the shoe of one of the
holders.
Use of an arm is also possible (p. 17).
5 Insert the plug of the twin flash unit into the twin-flash-
cord socket on the macro flash controller.
Preparations
15
When removing the plug, press the twin flash-cord release
button on the macro flash controller and pull the plug
straight out of the socket.
Do not remove the plug by pulling on the connecting cord.
6 Adjust positions of the flashtubes as desired.
Each ashtube of the twin ash unit can be attached to any of the holder’s
four shoes.
Each ashtube of the twin ash unit can be tilted.
e holder can be rotated. Press the release tabs when removing or rotating
the holder.
16
Attaching the arm
Continued on the next page
You can use an arm to position the ash unit away from the lens.
1 Attach the arm by sliding its base into one of the four
shoes on the holder.
2 Attach the flashtube of the twin flash unit to the shoe of
the arm.
3 Set the arm at either of two lengths.
Preparations
17
4 When changing the angle to 60° position, hold both ends
of the arm and move it so that it clicks twice into place.
e angle of the arm can be adjusted to either of two positions, 60° or 90°
position.
Although the arm can be moved past the 60° and 90° positions to prevent
breakage, only use in these two positions. Also, do not attach the two arms
in combination. Doing so may damage the arms.
60° position 90° position
Using the cord reel
e cord reel can be attached to the side of the macro ash controller to take up
slack in the connecting cord of the twin ash unit.
Attaching the cord reel to the macro flash
controller
As illustrated, first check the up-down direction of the cord
reel, and then attach the top of the cord reel followed by the
bottom of the cord reel to the reel-attachment points on the
side of the macro flash controller.
18
Example of taking up the connecting cord
Continued on the next page
Secure the connecting cord slack by wrapping it around the reel and using the
outer notches, as illustrated.
Removing the cord reel
Pull the bottom of the cord reel away from the macro flash
controller to remove it.
Preparations
19
By attaching the wide panel to the ashtube, the ash coverage angle can be
increased (p. 42).
By using the diuser attached to the ashtube, strong shadows can be soened.
Always use the diuser with an arm (p. 44).
Make sure the ashtube is pointing at the subject. Do not allow the cord to get
in front of the ashtube or lens.
See page 51 for photographic examples.
If an arm is used when taking extreme close-ups with a 50mm F2.8 Macro lens,
the subject may not receive sucient lighting (p. 53).
20
Auto power ON/OFF
Press the flash ON/OFF button on the back of the macro flash
controller.
Power of the macro ash controller comes on.
When the power of the macro ash controller
is turned on, the ash-ON lamp on the control
panel comes on.
If you press the ash ON/OFF button while the
macro ash controller is turned on, the macro
ash controller switches o and the ash-OFF
lamp on the control panel comes on.
e ash-OFF lamp goes out aer about 10
seconds.
Auto power off
If the camera or macro ash controller is not used for four minutes, the power
switches o and control panel indicators disappear automatically to save the
batteries.
You can disable auto power o or change the auto power o time by changing
the customized settings (p. 48).
Preparations
21
Basic flash modes (A mode/M mode)
Camera’s exposure mode should be set to either A (aperture priority) mode*1, or M
(manual) mode*2.
In general close-up photography, the depth-of-eld*3 must be quite shallow,
which usually requires a smaller aperture when shooting. It is therefore better to
select A or M mode, which enable you to select the aperture.
Using a macro lens is also recommended.
In this section, the basic ash operation in A or M mode with TTL metering (TTL
lamp on) is described.
e following instructions from the next page assume that you are using one of
the following cameras and macro lenses.
Camera: A camera with A (aperture priority) mode or M (manual) mode.
Lens: 50mm F2.8 Macro
100mm F2.8 Macro
If you photograph in P mode, refer to page 30. If using a dierent lens, see the
aperture range graph on page 54.
*1 A mode: In A mode, you select the aperture and the camera
*2 M mode: You can select both aperture and shutter speed. You can select a
*3 Depth-of-eld: e range behind and in front of the subject that is sharply
automatically sets the shutter speed required for proper
exposure.
shutter speed that is slower than the camera’s sync speed.
focused. In close-up photography, this range is shallower and
the out-of-focus range is wider.
22
1 Set the POWER switch of the camera to ON and select A or
Continued on the next page
M mode.
2 Press the flash ON/OFF button to turn on the flash-ON
lamp on the control panel.
3 Focus your subject and check the magnification ratio.
You can check the magnication ratio with the magnication ratio scale on
the lens. (e location of the magnication ratio scale diers depending on
the lens.)
4 When using M mode, select a shutter speed.
You cannot select the shutter speed faster than the camera’s sync speed.
Basics
5 Select the aperture.
To nd the correct aperture number, refer to pages 26 to 29.
23
6 Select the flash.
Press the A-B button on the back of the macro ash controller to turn on the
twin ash A lamp, twin ash B lamp or both twin ash lamps. (e lit lamps
indicate which ash will go o.)
As viewed from the rear (control panel side), the A ash is connected to the le
side socket and the B ash to the right side socket.
For the eect of selecting the ash, see from page 51 to 53.
24
A flash
B flash
7 When the macro flash controller is charged, press the
Continued on the next page
shutter button to take a photo.
e macro ash controller is charged when the ash-ready lamp on the
control panel of the macro ash controller and the indicator in the camera
viewnder are both on.
When the correct exposure has been obtained for the photo just taken, the
ash-ready lamp on the control panel blinks.
e photo will be under-exposed if taken before charging is complete.
e use of a tripod or remote cord is recommended to reduce camera shake.
A camera-to-subject distance of less than 0.5m, and a magnication ratio of
more than 0.15X (greater than 1:7), are recommended to get the best results
from the macro ash units.
Always turn o the macro ash controller if the twin ash unit is not connected.
If the twin ash unit is not attached, but the controller is on, the camera ash
sync will be in eect and the resulting ambient exposures will be incorrect.
e camera’s AF illuminator is blocked by the adaptor ring or twin ash unit and
cannot be used for focusing.
Basics
25
Selecting Apertures in TTL Flash
e following tables show values when ISO 100 is used without the wide panel
or diuser. For other ISO speeds, or if you use the wide panel or diuser, adjust
the aperture settings according to the tables on page 28.
e aperture ranges given in the tables are calculated values. e actual lens will
have its own usable aperture range.
Example: Using a 50mm F2.8 Macro lens when ISO 100, with a pair of
e following tables show data for certain lenses and magnication ratios. For
other lenses and magnication ratios, see page 54.
twin flash units with no arm, at a magnification ratio of 1:1
e range of acceptable apertures is calculated to be from f/4 to
f/90 (refer to the following table).
However, the lens aperture range is f/2.8 to f/32, so the actual
range possible with this lens is f/4 to f/32.
26
Continued on the next page
50mm F2.8 Macro (Lens aperture range : f/2.8 - f/32)
Magnication
Without arm
Arm (short)
60° position
Arm (long)
90° position
1:1 1:1.5 1:2 1:3 1:4
ratio
4 ~ 90
2.8 ~ 64
2.4 ~ 54
1.7 ~ 38
1.4 ~ 32
1 ~ 22
5.6 ~ 128
4 ~ 90
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
1.4 ~ 32
1 ~ 22
Upper set of numbers is for two twin ash units.
8 ~ 180
5.6 ~ 128
4 ~ 90
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
1.4 ~ 32
Lower set is for one twin ash unit.
5.6 ~ 128
4 ~ 90
4 ~ 90
2.8 ~ 64
2.4 ~ 54
1.7 ~ 38
100mm F2.8 Macro (Lens aperture range : f/2.8 - f/32)
Magnication
Without arm
Arm (short)
60° position
Arm (long)
90° position
1:1 1:1.5 1:2 1:3
ratio
3.5 ~ 76
2.4 ~ 54
2 ~ 45
1.4 ~ 32
1.2 ~ 27
0.85 ~ 19
Upper set of numbers is for two twin ash units.
3.5 ~ 76
2.4 ~ 54
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
1.7 ~ 38
1.2 ~ 27
Lower set is for one twin ash unit.
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
2 ~ 45
1.4 ~ 32
2.4 ~ 54
1.7 ~ 38
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
2 ~ 45
1.4 ~ 32
4.5 ~ 108
3.5 ~ 76
4.5 ~ 108
3.5 ~ 76
2.8 ~ 64
2 ~ 45
Basics
27
When using other than ISO 100, or when using the wide panel
or diffuser
An additional adjustment must be applied to the previous tables.
Without wide
panel or diuser
(Exposure adjustment)
ISO 25 +2 Stop +3.5 Stop +4.5 Stop
ISO 50 +1 Stop +2.5 Stop +3.5 Stop
ISO 100 No change +1.5 Stop +2.5 Stop
ISO 200 –1 Stop +0.5 Stop +1.5 Stop
ISO 400 –2 Stop –0.5 Stop +0.5 Stop
ISO 800 –3 Stop –1.5 Stop –0.5 Stop
ISO 1600 –4 Stop –2.5 Stop –1.5 Stop
With wide panel
(Exposure adjustment)
With diuser
(Exposure adjustment)
f/stop scale
a full-stop
a half-stop
Decrease exposure Increase exposure
Using the f/stop scale
Using the f/stop scale at the le, moving
one step vertically is equal to a full-stop
change. Moving one step diagonally is
equal to a half-stop change.
Half a stop is basic for setting the
aperture in this step. When using a
0.3 stop setting camera, adjust the
aperture by a value as close as possible
to a value in the above table and use
the aperture around the f/stop scale.
For precise photography, bracketing is
recommended.
Example:
Starting at f/8, if you decrease the
exposure by a full stop, you get f/11.
If you increase by half a stop, you get
f/6.7.
28
Selecting the aperture when using other than ISO 100, or
when using the wide panel or diffuser
1 Check the calculated acceptable aperture range under the same
condition with ISO 100 by using the table on page 27.
2 Check the additional adjustment when using other than ISO 100 or
when using the wide panel or diffuser by using the table on page 28.
3 Check the calculated acceptable aperture range by using the f/stop scale
using the results of step1 and step2.
4 Apply the result of step3 to the actual aperture range for this particular
lens and select the usable range for satisfactorily results.
Basics
Example: Using a 50mm F2.8 Macro lens, two twin flash units, no arm,
1 Check the calculated acceptable aperture range when using a 50mm F2.8 Macro
2 Check the additional adjustment when using ISO 200 and diuser by using the
Increase the aperture by +1.5 stops (refer to the table on page 28).
3 e aperture increased by +1.5 stops from f/8 is equal to f/4.5, and the aperture
4 e actual aperture range for a 50mm F2.8 Macro lens is f/2.8 - f/32, so the
magnification ratio of 1:2, and ISO 200
lens, two twin ash units, no arm, magnication ratio of 1:2, and ISO 100.
f/8 - f/180 (refer to the table on page 27)
table on page 28.
increased by +1.5 stops from f/180 is equal to f/108.
upper limit of the adjusted f/4.5 - f/108 range, i.e. f/108, is beyond the range that
can be set. e usable range for satisfactorily results is therefore f/4.5 - f/32.
29
Program auto flash (The basics)
e procedure for P mode, including subject program selection, is the same as that
for A or M mode, except that the aperture is set automatically.
1 Set the POWER switch of the camera to ON and select P
mode.
2 Press the flash ON/OFF button to turn on flash-ON lamp on
the control panel.
3 Focus your subject and check the magnification ratio.
4 Select the flash.
5 When the macro flash controller is charged, press the
shutter button to take a photo.
30
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