3.13 Zoom Flash Head
Using different focal lengths, the angles of view of your lens will change. A 28mm wide angle lens
e.g. provides a far larger angle of view then a 85mm telephoto lens. The zoom flash head of the DÖRR
Combi TTL Flash compensates the different requirements of illumination. The zoom flash head can be
torn off the top to vary the angle of view. The scale ontop of the flash head indicated the adjusted focal
length. The following settings are available: 28, 35, 50 and 85mm. Please bear in mind that the film
speed in use influences the flash range.
3.14 Indirect Flash
The bounce flash head of the DÖRR Combi TTL Flash can change direction of the flash up to 90° vertically. So
you can avoid direct flashes on your object and flash instead to a reflecting nearby surface. The surface ideally
should be neutrally white like a ceiling. Colored surfaces may cause tints, since the color is being reflected back.
Indirect flash has the following advantages:
• Harsh shadows can be avoided
• Red eyes can be avoided
• Soft, diffuse and even illumination
• Avoids disturbing light reflections on shining surfaces like eye glasses or windows
The adjusted angle of the flash is shown on the bounce angle indicator. Please bear in mind that the distance of the light now is longer
than the distance to your object. It calculcates: distance of flash --> reflecting surface --> object. In TTL flash mode, your camera will
automatically adjust the light output.
3.15 Red-Eye Effect
Red eyes which you see in some pictures are caused by the reflection of the flash light in the eye's retina. This effect mostly happens
when the flash is directed almost parallel to the optical axis and is intensified by low light situations whereby the pupil of the eye is
widen. The best way to eliminate red eyes is indirect flash. But even with usage of direct flash the design of the DÖRR Combi TTL
Flash helps in reducing the red-eye effect as the flash head is located as far as possible from the optical axis of the camera. The
larger the incident angle of the flash light, the less red-eye effect will appear. Some camera models from Pentax/Samsung, Nikon and
Olympus offer an additional pre-flash which reduces the red-eye effect. These pre-flash functions are supported by the DÖRR Combi
TTL Flash. For more detailed information refer to the instruction manual of your camera.
3.16 Flash Synchronization
Synchronization time refers to the shutter speeds which will allow flash photography. Special attention must be paid in the case of
short shutter speeds. Each camera model features a „shortest" synchronization - the so-called x-synchronization. Please review the
instruction manual of your camera. Do not use shutter speeds shorter than the camera's x-synchronization for flash photography in
order to avoid incorrect exposures. Using the DÖRR Combi TTL Flash in TTL mode the x-synchronization of your camera will be set
auto- matically. The version Pentax additionally offers flashing with the second shutter curtain. Move the respective switch to the right.
Switch in the middle position is for „normal" flash with the first shutter curtain.
3.17 Fill-in Flash in Daylight
On sunny days the brightness is sufficient for exposures without flash, however the position of the sun can project shadows onto your
object. Even backlit shots often have under exposed central figures. Therefore flash photography is recommended even with sufficient
daylight. The above mentioned problems therefore will be corrected and the pictures more colorful, with richer contrasts and more
brilliance.
3.18 Slow Synchronization
When the ambient illumination of your object is poor, it can be difficult to balance brightness for both subject and background. For
these situations a longer shutter speed is recommended. The main subject is therefore illuminated by the flash, whereas the
background lighting (which would appear darker with standard flash settings) is adjusted by the longer exposure time. Slow
synchronization is a versatile instrument for special effects, e.g. portraits taken at night with illuminated surroundings such as found
at fairgrounds, outdoor events or shopping malls. In order to obtain a longer shutter speed of your choice, the camera must be set in
auto aperture mode. Some camera models will allow the slow sync photography also in the auto program or auto exposure mode.
We recommend consulting your camera's instruction manual. In order to avoid blurred backgrounds, it is recommended to use one of
the various DÖRR tripods.
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