Metz MECABLITZ 44 AF-4 C Mode D'emploi page 65

4.4.1 Manual flash mode M with full light output
In this mode the flash unit always fires uncontrolled flashes at full light output.
Adaptation to the given photographic situation is only by adjusting the aper-
ture setting on the camera accordingly. The LC display of the flash unit will
indicate the flash-to-subject distance that has to be maintained for a correct
exposure (see also 5.4.2).
Setting procedure for the manual flash mode M
• Turn on the flash unit by its main switch.
• Continue depressing the „Mode" key until „M" flashes on the LC display.
• The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display is returned to its
normal state after approx. 5 sec.
4.4.2 MLo manual flash mode with partial light output level
In this mode the flash unit always fires an uncontrolled flash at a manually set
partial light output level (Low). Adaptation to the prevailing photographic
situation is by selecting an appropriate partial output level or by setting a
corresponding aperture on the camera. The LC display panel of the flash unit
will indicate the distance required for correct flash exposure (also see 5.4.2).
Setting procedure for the manual flash mode MLo:
• Turn on the flash unit with the main switch.
• Continue depressing the "Mode" key until "MLo" flashes on the LC display.
• The setting immediately becomes effective. After approx. 5 sec. the LC dis-
play returns to its normal state.
4.5 Flash techniques
4.5.1 Bounce flash
Photos shot with full frontal flash are easily recognized by their harsh, dense
shadows. This is often associated with a sharp drop in light from the fore-
ground to the background. This phenomenon can be avoided with bounce
flash because the diffused light will produce a soft and uniform rendition of
both the subject and the background. For this situation the reflector is turned
in such a manner that the flash is bounced off a suitable reflective surface
(e.g. ceiling or wall of the room).
The reflector can be turned verticall up to 90°. Press the pushbutton to un-
lock and turn the reflector head downward.
When turning the reflector vertically, it is essential to ensure that it is moved
by a sufficiently wide angle so that direct light can no longer fall on the sub-
ject. Consequently, always turn the reflector at least to the 60° lock-in posi-
tion. The distance readings on the LC display will disappear. The flash-to-
subject distance via the ceiling or wall is an unknown magnitude.
The light bounced off the reflecting surfaces produces a soft and uniform
illumination of the subject. The reflecting surface must be white or have a
neutral colour, and it must not be structured (e.g. wooden beams in a
ceiling) as these might cause shadows. For colour effects just select the re-
flective surface in the desired colour.
Take into account that the maximum flash range is considerably dimi-
nished when bouncing the flash. The following rule of thumb will help
you determine the maximum flash range for a room of normal height:
guide number
Max. flash range= — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
flash-to-subject distance x 2
4.5.2 Close-ups / Macrophotography
The flash reflector can be swivelled down by an angle of -7° to compensate
for parallax error. For this purpose depress the unlocking button of the re-
flector and swivel down the reflector.
For close-ups it is necessary to ensure that certain minimum lighting distances
are maintained to avoid overexposure.
The minimum lighting distance is approx. 10 per cent of the maximum
flash range indicated on the LC display. Since the maximum flash
range is not indicated on the LC display when the reflector is swivelled
down, then be guided by the maximum flash range indicated by the
flash unit when the reflector is in its normal position!
65