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5. Connect your sync cord to your camera.
The 1/4-inch male stereo plug on one end of the provided sync cord plugs in
to the sync jack on the back panel of the unit; the other end of the cord will
connect to your camera’s PC outlet. When the cord is plugged into the sync
jack, the ash unit will re. This ash will indicate that the sync cord is detected,
and that the unit will take its cues to re from your connected camera.
**If your specic camera does not have a PC outlet, we offer a hot shoe
adapter that ts in the standard ISO hot shoe of most cameras to enable PC-
connection (part# HSA, sold separately on our website).
6. Adjust your positioning and ashpower settings.
The output settings that you choose will vary based on your subject, your envi-
ronment and your desired effects. The positioning will vary as well, depending
on the coverage, distance and intensity required. The modeling lamps will
help you to determine positioning as they will show you exactly where your
light will hit, matching the specularity of the source with any modifying acces-
sories. With your ash unit powered ON and connected to your camera, you
are ready to take a meter reading of the light, adjust your camera settings, and
begin shooting.
METERING
When using ash units and various light modifying techniques, the best way
to ensure a proper exposure is to use a high quality, dedicated ash meter.
There are several manufacturers who offer excellent meters, allowing you to
enter the specic settings that you’ve chosen for a shot, and read the amount
of light present. You can connect the provided sync cord directly to a hand-held
meter, and select the “cord” option for the meter’s re signaling. Once you
have entered the appropriate lm speed (ISO) and shutter speed into the
meter, you are ready to take a reading. The meter’s “test” or “re” button will
re the unit(s) in your setup, and indicate the appropriate settings so that you
may set your camera controls accordingly. A reading from the camera position
or from the subject position may be used to determine an overall average
scene reading. Depending on the subject, you may additionally want to take
spot meter readings. With these readings, you can set your camera’s controls
appropriately for the amount of light present, considering the aperture and
shutter speed needed for the specic effect desired. Once you have taken
your reading, made necessary adjustments, and set your camera’s controls,
you can remove the sync cord from the meter and return it to your camera.
You are now ready to shoot.
Note: When metering for a correct exposure, you cannot rely on your
in-camera meter, as it cannot detect the light that will be produced by the
ash unit(s) when red. Additionally, your camera may employ a Through-The-
Lens Meter (TTL) which can inadvertently trip your unit’s built-in slave tripper,
causing the unit to prematurely ash.
