Metz MECABLITZ 58 AF-1 N digital Mode D'emploi page 110

For more detailed information on adjustments and handling, refer to
the camera's operating instructions.
18. Flash synchronisation
18.1 Normal synchronisation
In normal synchronisation the flash unit is triggered at the beginning of the
shutter 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 instructions). No settings are necessary on the flash unit, nor is the-
re any display for this mode.
18.2 Second curtain synchronisation (rear mode)
Some cameras offer the option of second-curtain synchronisation (rear
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 synchronised with the first shutter curtain. Second-curtain synchroni-
sation 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 programs, or with red eye reduction). In
that case, the rear mode cannot be selected, or the rear function is automati-
cally cancelled or ignored. For more information, refer to the camera's ope-
rating instructions.
For Group A, C, D and E cameras, it must be set on the camera (see
the camera's operating instructions). Use a tripod when shooting with
slow shutter speeds to avoid blurred images.
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18.3 Slow synchronisation (SLOW)
A slow exposure (SLOW) gives added prominence to the image background
at lower ambient light levels. This is achieved by adjusting the shutter speed
to the ambient light. Accordingly, shutter speeds that are slower than the
flash sync speed (e.g., shutter speeds up to 30 sec.) are automatically adju-
sted by the camera. Slow synchronisation is activated automatically on some
camera models in connection with certain camera programs (e.g., a night
shot program, etc.), or it can be set on the camera (see the camera's opera-
ting instructions). No settings are necessary on the flash unit, nor is there any
display for this mode.
Slow synchronisation (SLOW) is set on the camera (see the camera's
operating instructions). Use a tripod when shooting with slow shutter
speeds to avoid blurred images.
18.4 Automatic FP high-speed synchronisation
Various Group E cameras (D2Hs and D200, for example) support automatic
FP 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. Interesting results may be achieved in
this mode when, for example, a wide open aperture (e.g., f/2.0) is used to
limit the depth of field in portrait shots taken in very bright ambient light. The
flash unit supports high-speed synchronisation in i-TTL, i-TTL-BL and M flash
modes.
For physical reasons, however, FP high-speed synchronisation significantly
reduces the guide number and the maximum flash range. Be sure to note,
therefore, the flash range on the LC display of the flash unit. FP high-speed
synchronisation is activated automatically if a shutter speed faster than the
flash sync speed is set on the camera, whether manually or automatically by
the exposure program.
Note that in the case of FP high-speed synchronisation the guide num-
ber of the flash unit also depends on the shutter speed. The faster the
shutter speed, the lower the guide number.
Automatic FP high-speed synchronisation is set on the camera (see the