Automatic fill-in flash in daylight

5.1.1 Automatic fill-in flash in daylight (Fig. 4 and 5)

Most camera models automatically activate the fill-in flash mode in daylight when in Full Auto Mode, Program P, “Green Square”, or the picture modes (see operating instructions for the given camera).

Fill-in flash overcomes troublesome dense shadows and produces a more balanced exposure between subject and background with contre-jour shots. The camera’s computer-controlled metering system sets the most suitable combination of shutter speed, working aperture and flash output.

☞Ensure that the contre-jour light source does not shine directly into the lens as this will mislead the camera’s TTL metering system!

In this instance there is no setting or display on the mecablitz for automatic TTL fill-in flash.

5.1.2 Matrix controlled TTL fill-in flash with Nikon cameras

☞This mode can only be selected and performed with a suitable Nikon camera in combination with the SCA 3402 adapter.

Various Nikon cameras support the matrix controlled fill-in flash mode (see operat-

ing instructions for the given camera). In this flash mode subject and background lighting are automatically balanced without overexposing the subject. The camera establishes the exposure setting for the ambient light by matrix metering.

This fill-in flash mode is set and displayed either on the flash unit or on the camera and depends on the camera model (please refer to the operating instructions for your camera).

With cameras that do not provide transmission of any digital data to the meca- blitz, this fill-in flash mode is set on the camera, or automatically activated by the camera (see operating instructions for the given camera and SCA adapter). There is no such setting made or indication given on the mecablitz.

Setting procedure for matrix controlled TTL fill-in flash mode on the mecablitz:

•Switch on the mecablitz by its main switch.

•Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release for data exchange between flash unit and camera.

•Continue depressing the “Mode” key until “TTL” flashes on the LC display.

•Press the “+” key while “TTL” is flashing to activate the fill-in flash mode. This

causes the symbol	for this flash mode to be indicated on the LC dis-
play.

•The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its nor- mal state after approx. 5 sec.

Deactivating the matrix controlled TTL fill-in flash mode on the mecablitz:

•Switch on the mecablitz by its main switch.

•Lightly touch the camera’s shutter release for data exchange between flash unit and camera.

• Continue pressing the “Mode” key until “TTL” and	flash on the LC dis-
play.

• Press the “-” key while “TTL” is flashing to deactivate the fill-in flash mode.

This causes the symbol for this flash mode to be extinguished on the LC display.

•The setting becomes immediately effective. The LC display returns to its nor- mal state after approx. 5 sec.

5.2 Automatic flash mode

In the auto flash mode a sensor built into the mecablitz measures the light reflected off the subject. The flash is cut off as soon as sufficient light has been emitted for correct exposure. This eliminates the need to recalculate and reset the aperture each time the distance is changed, provided that the sub- ject remains within the indicated maximum flash range.

The sensor of the mecablitz must be directed at the subject, regardless of the direction in which the reflector is pointing. The sensor has a coverage of 25°, and only measures the light for the time a flash is fired by the mecablitz. The “ok” display on the mecablitz lights up for approx. 3 sec. when flash expo- sure was correct (see Chapter 9).

The automatic flash mode is possible with an adapter of the SCA 300 or SCA 3002 system and with the standard foot 301.