Pentax 40 MZ-3i Working with partial light output levels, Stroboscopic mode, Flash durations

9. Working with partial light output levels

Flash durations

The adjustable partial light output levels result in different flash durations (see Technical Data, Table 1). The specified flash durations apply only to single flashes in manual mode. With serial flashes (winder or stroboscopic mode) the last flashes may have a longer duration. Flash duration in the auto and TTL modes can also be shorter when the automatic exposure control switches off the flash at an earlier moment.

Macrophotography (close-ups)

Parallax error can be compensated by tilting the main reflector downwards by -5° or -13°. For this purpose pull the reflector completely out, and then tilt it down.

With close-up photography it is important to ensure that a certain minimum lighting distance is maintained to avoid overexposure.

For exposures with extremely short flash-to-subject distances, we advise you to use small partial light output levels in manual mode, as described on page 32.

10. Stroboscopic mode

Fig. 20: Stroboscopic mode

￿	In this mode several flash exposures are made on the same frame. This is
	particularly interesting for motion studies and for special effects (Fig. 20).

In stroboscopic mode, several flashes are fired at a certain flash frequency. Consequently, this function is only possible with a partial light output level of 1/4 max. or less.

For a stroboscopic exposure it is possible to select a flash frequency of 1...30 Hz in 1 Hz increments, and a number of flashes of 2...20 in single increments.

The maximum possible partial light output level in stroboscopic mode is auto- matically adjusted (see Technical Data, Table 5). The partial light output level can be adjusted manually to the minimal value of 1/256 to achieve short flash durations. The LC display indicates the distance applicable to the adjusted parameters. The displayed distance value can be adjusted to the actual shooting distance by vary- ing the f-stop or the partial light output level. The aperture adjusted on the flash- gun must be transferred to the camera. The distance range can be increased by loading a high-speed film.

☞Use of the stroboscopic mode is not possible when the secondary reflector is switched on.

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