Vivitar DF200 User Manual

ENGLISH

Parts Description

1. Zoom Indicator

2. Zoom Head

3. Fresnel Lens

4. Sensor

5. Decorative Front Panel

6. Locking Ring

7. Mounting Base

8. Battery Cover

9. Ready indicator (orange LED)

10. Flash On/Off and Mode Switch

11. Hold Button

12. Tilting Angle Scale

13. Swivel Angle Scale

14. Distance Table

15. Detection Indicator (green LED)

16. Power Ratio Switch

17. Power-On indicator (red LED)

18. Bracket (not shown in diagram)

CAUTION  Read this section before use

§ The DF200 flash unit is designed to be used with any
digital camera with a built-in flash. The DF200 can be
used as a supplemental slave flash.

§ The DF200 flash unit contains high voltage circuitry. To
avoid electrical shock or burn, do not attempt to dismantle
any part of the flash. If the external shell of the flash unit
is broken or cracked, do not touch the internal
mechanisms or circuitry even when the batteries are
removed.

§ When replacing the batteries, replace all of the battery
cells. With weaker cells, the flash unit will take longer to
recharge for the next shot.

§ The DF200 flash unit is neither weatherproof nor
waterproof. When using the DF200 in the rain or near
water, avoid any contact with water. The warranty does
not cover water damage. It is often impractical to repair
electrical components damaged by water.

Batteries

The DF200 flash unit uses four AA batteries. You may use
alkaline, NiCD, or NiMH rechargeable batteries. Manganese
batteries are not recommended, because of shorter life and
longer flash recharging time.

Replace the batteries if the Orange Ready LED Indicator
takes more than 30 seconds to illuminate after each flash
shot.

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8

9 10 11

12

13

15

14

16

17

7

1 2 3 4 5 6

Battery Precautions

1.

To ensure proper electrical contact, clean the battery

terminals before installing the batteries.

2.

To prevent battery explosion, leakage or overheating, use

four new AA

batteries of the same type and brand. Do not

mix and match different types or new/used batteries.

3.

Do not attempt to recharge batteries other than NiCD or

NiMH rechargeable batteries.

4.

If the flash will not be used for an extended period of time,

remove

all batteries from the flash to avoid possible

damage from battery leakage.

5.

Battery performance decreases at low temperatures. Keep

batteries warm (near room temperature) before

using

them, especially in cold weather.

6. Take spare batteries when going on

a long trip, or when

photographing outdoors in cold weather.

Battery Installation

1. Turn the Flash On/Off Switch

(10) to the Off position, then

open the Battery Cover (8) by sliding it forward.

2.

Insert four AA batteries into the battery compartment. Be

sure the polarity (+,-

) of the batteries are aligned according

to the diagram inside the battery chamber.

3. Close the Battery Cover (8).

4.

Slide the Flash On/Off Switch (10) to the “1” position. The

red Power-

On Indicator (17) will light come on. You may

hear the high-

pitch whine of the capacitor as it charges.

After a few seconds, the orange Ready Indicator (9) will

light up indicating that the flash is ready for use.

Auto Standby System

To conserve battery power, the flash unit will automatically

switch

to standby mode if the flash is not used for

approximately 3 minutes.

Important Note

: Even though the flash unit is automatically

switched to standby mode, it will still use some battery power

for flash detection. Therefore, if the flash will not be us

ed for a

long period, it is recommended that you set the Flash On/Off

Switch (10) to the Off position.

Low-Battery Power Indication

The amount of time that it takes for the orange Ready
Indicator LED to come on is your indication of battery
condition. As the batteries are depleted, the time will
increase. As the charge time approaches 30 seconds,
consider a new set of batteries.

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Attaching and Removing the Flash

Turn the Flash On/Off (10) to the Off position.
Slide the Mounting Base (7) onto the shoe on the flash

bracket and turn the Locking Ring (6) until it is secure.
When you attach or remove the flash, grasp the bottom of the

flash to prevent damage to the Mounting Base (7) or the
bracket’s shoe.

Mount your digital camera on the bracket, on the grip pad,
using the ¼-20 thumbscrew and tighten securely. (Refer to
the following section “Flash Photography with the DF200”.)

Turn the Flash On/Off Switch to the “1” position.

Distance Table – Using the Zoom Head

The distance table (14) on the back of the flash suggests the
maximum effective flash range for the five (5) zoom positions

- W2, W1, MID, T1 and T2 . The zoom positions correlate to
the “35mm equivalence” focal length of your digital camera
lens. (Digital cameras vary greatly. Use these numbers as a
guide.) In general: use W1, W2 for wide angle, MID for
normal (no zoom), and T1, T2 for telephoto. Select the zoom
setting appropriate for your lens positioning. For example:

Guide

Number

(in meters)

Zoom range of
camera (35mm

equivalence)

Suggested Zoom
Position on flash

unit (in mm)

23 28-34mm W2
25 35-49mm W1
28 50-84mm MID
30 85-104mm T1
31 105mm and above T2

*This table is based on Full power setting - Power setting 1

(W2 = 28mm, W1 = 35mm, MID = 50mm, T1 = 85mm, T2 = 105mm)

Flash Photography with the DF200

In order to ensure that the images taken with your digital
camera are sufficiently illuminat ed, follow these instructions:

Step:

1. Before mounting your digital camera onto the bracket set
the White Balance and Flash mode:
i. If your digital camera allows for the adjustment of white

balance, set the camera to “sunlight”, or “outdoors”.
(*Refer to your digital camera user manual.)

ii. Set the flash mode of your digital camera to “On“ or

“Red Eye” to ensure that the flash is emitted for every
shot. “On” is also known as “fill” for some cameras.

0

For most digital cameras “Red Eye Reduction” mode will
pre-pulse the camera flash several times prior to the actual
flash pulse.

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