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Flash with an MP......


jtank

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I have recently picked up a SF24D, which I will use on the MP. Having read the instructions, I understand that the camera is set to 1/50 second as the flash only syncs at this speed. This bit is clear.

 

Then it tells you what distance beween subject and camera is appropriate at a given aperture. This too I understand.

 

What I'm not clear about is that the distance recommended by the flash is "maximum" distance between camera and subject. For example, if the flash recommends 8ft at f/4, it is actually recommending that 8ft is the maximum distance. So in this case, what is the "most appropriate" distance at f/4??

 

I'm not sure that I'm able to word this correctly, but if anyone does understand my query, I would be most grateful for some clarification/advice.

 

Cheers

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Guest Metroman

I had a senior moment trying to work out fully the 24D on the MP. This may help.

 

Once I have entered aperture and ISO I use the distance given as the maximum but tend to keep well under it for safety. It all works very well. My only worry is the flash is a very snug fit on the hotshoe and needs care fitting and removing.

 

Enjoy your MP.

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Andy

 

Thanks for your response. You mentioned that you stay well within the max distance. So lets take an example:

 

100 ISO, flash readings suggest f4 @ 8ft

 

Now if I place the subject at 5 feet, the light output from the flash should remain the same as if I place the subject at 7 feet. However, the amouunt of light hitting the subject will vary depending on the distance from the flash, ie at 5 feet more light will hit the subject, than aWhich means that both the will be exposed differently, and one may be better exposed than the other. If my understanding is correct, then at a given distance (subject somewhere between the camera and the max distance of 8 feet), the exposure should be more correct than at all other distances (again between camera and 8 feet). So what is this perfect distance when the aperture is at f/4?

 

Any further help from anyone would be much appreciated.

 

Cheers

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I suggest that you make several test exposures of a subject standing or seated at varying measured distances from the flash. Perhaps you could make cards marked with the distances, film speed and settings on them. The resulting set of photos would provide a permanent record of the performance of your camera with your flash and your favorite film!

Best wishes, Bill

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Hi jtank. I've found that using the SF20 (which I think is much the same as the SF24D on an MP) in Automatic mode to be quite workable. I use the distance readout as a guide to the maximum range of the flash, for a given aperture, but try to stay a little within that distance.

 

Find a mid toned brick wall with texture. Experiment with the flash on A mode and check the correct exposure light, considering distance from the wall vs distance shown on the display.

 

When photographing subjects with tricky colours or reflectivity, switch to M mode, adjust the flash aperture to match the lens aperture, adjust flash power output so that the subject is at around 2/3rds of the indicated maximum distance. Review the shots and adjust the power or your distance from subjects to suit your preference. You'll soon be getting it right pretty well all the time.

 

Something to watch with the MP. The flash goes to sleep after three minutes (?) and will not wake upon lightly pressing the shutter button. It is necessary to press the +/- buttons to wake it up. A trap for me, many a time.

 

Also, the MP will cause the flash to fire upon lightly pressing the shutter, if the film is not wound on. Makes you think it's broken when this happens for the first time. Unless of course no one else's MP does this and mine really is broken! :-(

 

Rick.

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