9. Stroboscopic mode
(not possible with 70 MZ-4)
Stroboscopic flash mode makes several images of a moving object appear in
the same picture. This is particularly interesting for motion studies and for
special effects (Fig. 7). In stroboscopic mode, a predetermined number of
flashes are fired at a certain flash frequency. Consequently, only a partial
light output is available, with a maximum of 1/4 power.
For stroboscopic exposures you can select a flash frequency (flashes per
second) of 1...50 Hz in 1 Hz increments, and a number of flashes between
2...50 in single increments.
No ISO film speed is displayed in stroboscopic mode. When using the meca-
blitz with an SCA 3xx2 adapter and a camera that automatically transmits
the speed rating to the flash unit, the mecablitz will automatically adjust the
film speed (see operating instructions for camera and the SCA adapter).
When using the mecablitz with an SCA 300 adapter, the SCA 301 standard
foot or a camera that does not transmit film speed data, the speed of the
loaded film must be set in TTL, A or M mode before selecting stroboscopic
k
mode. The mecablitz will then take over this setting for the stroboscopic mode.
The maximum possible partial light output level in stroboscopic mode is auto-
matically adjusted. To achieve short flash durations, the partial light output
level can be adjusted manually to a minimal value of 1/256. The LC display
indicates the shooting distance for correct exposure at the set parameters.
You can adjust the displayed distance to the actual shooting distance by
varying the f-stop or the partial light output level. The aperture selected on
the flash unit must be set on the camera lens. By using faster films (higher
ISO number) the shooting distance can be increased.
The stroboscopic mode cannot be used when the secondary reflector
is switched on.
Setting procedure for stroboscopic mode:
• Adjust the camera to manual mode, as explained in the manufacturer's
operating instructions, and select the corresponding shutter speed.
100
• Equip the flash unit with an SCA adapter or the SCA 301 standard foot,
and switch on with the main switch.
• Depress the Mode button repeatedly until
• Press the setting disk in the direction of the arrow to store this setting. The
selected operating mode will be automatically stored after approx. 5 seconds
if the setting disk is not pressed. The
Stroboscopic mode when the mecablitz is fitted with an SCA 3xx2 adapter:
If the mecablitz is operated with an SCA 3xx2 adapter and a camera that
automatically transmits the ISO film speed, zoom reflector position and aper-
ture parameters, then no further settings will be necessary. The mecablitz will
automatically adjust itself according to the data transmitted by the camera. The
number of flashes and the flash frequency must be set as explained below.
If the mecablitz is operated with a camera that transmits data to the
mecablitz, then the ISO film speed and the aperture cannot be changed.
Stroboscopic mode with an SCA 300 adapter, the SCA 301 standard foot
or a camera that does not transmit data:
In this case the corresponding values for ISO film speed, zoom position of the reflec-
tor and the aperture must be manually adjusted on the mecablitz. This is indis-
pensable for correct flash exposure because the mecablitz uses these data to calcula-
te and display the flash-to-subject distance required for correct flash exposure.
• Determine the N number of flashes. To do so, turn the setting disk until the arrow
is in top position. Depress the setting disk and turn to adjust the required N num-
ber of flashes. Store this setting by renewed depression of the setting disk.
• Select the flash frequency f(Hz). Turn the setting disk anti-clockwise until the
arrow is next to f(Hz). Depress the setting disk and turn to select the re-
quired flash frequency f(Hz). Store this setting by renewed depression of
the setting disk.
The distance to the moving subject is used as distance value. To pre-
vent overexposure of the static this part of the picture should either be
very dark or far behind the moving subject. Best results are achieved
with a low ambient light level.
flashes on the display.
icon will stop flashing after storage.