Metz 54 MZ-3 operating instructions Correct exposure indication, AF measuring beam

10. Correct exposure indication

The correct exposure indicator ”o.k.” only lights up if the picture was correctly exposed in automatic or TTL flash mode.

This gives the user the opportunity to fire a test flash while in automatic flash mode so that the correct apertu- re can be established beforehand. This is particularly valuable with bounce flash when reflection conditions are difficult to judge. A test flash cannot be fired in TTL mode.

The test flash can be triggered with the manual firing button provided that this button has not been program- med for „Modelling Light“ (see Chapter 12).

If the ok exposure indicator remains dark after the test flash was fired, then adjust the next lower f-number, or diminish the distance to the reflecting surface or subject, and repeat the test flash.

The f-stop established in this manner must also be set on the camera.

☞To trigger a test flash, hold the camera and flash unit in the same manner as for the actual shot!

This facility can also be used with TTL mode without having to produce test exposures. The flash unit is adju- sted to automatic mode, and the correct aperture is then determined with a test flash in the previously described manner. The established aperture is transferred to the camera and the flash unit is then readjusted to TTL mode.

This procedure is relatively accurate with lenses of medium focal length of between 28 mm and 85 mm. However, in borderline cases, underexposure may result in TTL mode. In such an event the ok exposure indicator will remain dark after the shutter has been released. Sel- ect the next larger aperture (e.g. f/8 instead of f/11) and have another try.

11. AF measuring beam

☞The AF measuring beam can only be activated by autofocus cameras that support the AF mea- suring beam of the flash unit! Some autofocus cameras only support their own built-in AF illu- minator (refer to the operating instructions for the given camera). The mecablitz must be fitted with an SCA 3xx2 adapter!

Please note when selecting the camera’s autofocus mode that most cameras only support the AF measuring beam in the „Single AF“ or „One-Shot AF“ mode (see

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