Flash Synchronisation; Normal Synchronisation; Second Curtain Synchronisation (Rear, 2Nd Curtain, Slow2); Slow Synchronisation / Slow - Metz MECABLITZ 58 AF-1 digital Mode D'emploi

16. Flash synchronisation

16.1 Normal synchronisation

In normal synchronisation the flash unit is triggered at the beginning of the shut-
ter time (first curtain synchronisation). Normal synchronisation is the standard
mode on all cameras. It is suitable for most flash shots. The camera, depending
on the mode being used, is switched to the flash sync speed. Speeds between
1/30 sec. and 1/125 sec. are customary (see the camera's operating instruc-
tions). No settings are necessary on the flash unit, nor is there any display for
this mode.

16.2 Second curtain synchronisation (REAR, 2nd curtain, SLOW2)

Some cameras offer the option of second-curtain synchronisation (2nd curtain
mode), in which the flash unit is not triggered until the end of the exposure time.
This is particularly advantageous when used with slow shutter speeds (slower
than 1/30 sec.) and moving subjects that have their own source of light. With
second-curtain synchronisation, a moving light source will trail a light streak
instead of building one up ahead of itself, as it does when the flash is synchroni-
sed with the first shutter curtain. Second-curtain synchronisation thus produces a
more „natural" image of the photographic situation when there are moving light
sources. Depending on its operating mode, the camera sets shutter speeds slower
than its sync speed.
On some cameras, the REAR function is not possible in certain operating modes
(e.g., certain vari- or subject programmes). In that case, the REAR mode cannot
be selected, or the REAR function is automatically cancelled or ignored (see the
camera's operating instructions).
Adjusting the setting
• Press the "SEL" button repeatedly until "Select" appears on the display.
• Use the UP and DOWN buttons to select "REAR" (2nd curtain synchroni-
sation) from the menu. The selected menu option is indicated by a dark bar.
• Press the "Set" button and confirm the setting of the special function.
• Use the UP and DOWN buttons to make the desired settings. The setting
is effective immediately.
In the "REAR ON" setting, synchronization is on the 2nd shutter curtain.
In the "REAR OFF" setting synchronisation is set to normal.
• Press "Return" repeatedly to return the display to normal. If the "Return"
button is not pressed, the display will switch back to normal automatically
after approximately 5 seconds.
If the 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation is activated "REAR" appears on the
display!
The REAR mode is automatically cancelled as soon as the flash unit is
switched to contrast or the High-Speed flash mode P-TTL-HSS.
Use a tripod to avoid camera shake with slow shutter speeds!

16.3 Slow synchronisation / SLOW

Various cameras feature slow flash synchronisation in certain modes. This setting
will give added prominence to the background at lower ambient light levels. This
is achieved by matching the shutter speed to the ambient light. Accordingly, shut-
ter speeds that are slower than the flash sync speed are automatically adjusted
by the camera. Some cameras automatically activate SLOW synchronisation in
connection with certain camera programs (e.g. „Av" aperture priority, night
shots program, etc.). No settings are made on the flash unit nor is there any
display for this mode.
Use a tripod to avoid camera shake with slow shutter speeds!

16.4 High-speed flash mode P-TTL-HSS

Different cameras with focal-plane shutters support the high speed flash mode P-
TTL-HSS (= High-speed synchronisation; see the camera's operating instructions).
This flash mode makes it possible to use a flash unit even with shutter speeds that
are faster than the flash sync speed. This mode is interesting, e.g. for portrait
shots in very bright ambient light, when a large depth of field is to be limited and
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