Flashgun instructions to the camera

4. Flashgun instructions to the camera

The mecablitz transmits different signals and messages to the camera when it is connected to the camera and is switched on.

4.1 Flash-ready indication

The green light on the mecablitz illuminates when the ﬂash capacitor is fully primed, thereby indicating ﬂash readiness. This means that ﬂash can be used for the next exposure. The ﬂash rea- diness signal is transmitted to the camera where it is indicated by a corresponding display in the camera’s viewﬁnder. On some cameras (depen- ding on the operating mode and camera model) the shutter is automatically changed to ﬂash sync speed when ﬂash readiness is reached. The ﬂash will not be ﬁred if the shutter is released before the ﬂash ready light illuminates with the result that the exposure may be incorrect if the camera control circuit has already changed over to ﬂash sync speed. Please refer to the camera’s operating instructions for further details.

4.2 Automatic ﬂash sync speed control

When the ﬂash unit is on, the camera will automa- tically switch it to ﬂash sync speed from any ope- rating mode selected. The sync speed depends on the camera model and usually ranges between 1/30 sec. and 1/250 sec. For details please refer to the camera’s instructions for use.

Some camera models will, when the ﬂash unit is on, switch it to ﬂash sync speed as soon as program mode „P“ or full-auto mode is selected. Speeds faster than the ﬂash sync speed cannot be set.

4.3 Correct-exposure indication (see ﬁg. 4)

The red correct exposure light brieﬂy illuminates when ﬂash exposure was correct. At the same time the mecablitz sends an o.k. signal to the camera for display in the viewﬁnder. Please refer to the camera’s operating instructions for further details.