Calumet DFM 3 User manual

Instruction Manual
DFM 3
Digital flashmeter CF0300 0807

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Battery compartment
and cover
Socket to connect
the synchronizing
cable
Measuring button M
Buttons to adjust
the values
Swivel head
Display
Buttons to select
the required
function

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Contents Page
1 Display ...................................... 5
1.1 The display and its elements....... 5
1.2 Duration of display....................... 6
2 The functioning of the DFM 3 6
2.1 Preparations................................. 6
2.2 Incident and reflected light
measurement…………………….. 7
3 The individual functions…….... 9
3.1 Setting the film speed . ................ 9
3.2 Measuring functions.................... 9
3.2.1 Flash readings........................... ..10
3.2.2 Multiple flash... .......................... ...10
3.2.3 Shutter priority mode................... .11
3.2.4 Contrast measurement ... ........ ....11
3.2.5 Aperture priority mode.. ............ ...12
3.2.6 Exposure value EV.. .................. ..12
3.2.7 CINE scale (frames per second).. 13
Page
3.3 Measurements outside the
measuring range....................... 14
3.3.1 Display outside the display range.14
3.4 Setting and measuring
correction values......................... 15
3.4.1 Setting correction values............. 15
3.4.2 Measuring correction values....... 16
3.4.3 Canceling correction values...... 16
3.4.4 Important remarks concerning
correction values......................... 17
4 Servicing and repairs............... 18
5 Technical data............................ 19
Brief instructions

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Your DFM 3 is an exposure meter with digital display from Calumet. It measures ambient light and flash
and it covers a wide measuring range with great accuracy.
A wealth of knowledge in the area of light metering, based on many decades of experience in the
manufacture of exposure meters, is now being made available to the user in the simplest manner
possible due to microprocessor technology.
As a result of its precise calibration, the DFM 3 measures with high accuracy and operation is
exceptionally simple and convenient.
Features characterizing the DFM 3:
•Swivel head
•Measurement modes: incident and reflected light
•Measuring flash (with cord or noncord) with indication of the level of ambient light
•Microprocessor controlled
•Digital LCD display in tenths of stops
•Analog contrast display in half stops
•Storage of settings and readings
•Programmable exposure correction combinations of a given reading
•Recall of all possible shutter speed/aperture combinations of a given reading
•Aperture or shutter priority pre-selection
•Extremely convenient to measure flash
•Covers the entire CINE scale (frames per second), including the TV standard 25 and 30 f.p.s.
•Warning when range is exceeded
•Automatic battery check
•Auto off
•Suitable for analog and digital photography

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1 Display
1.1 The display and its elements
1 Functions
•Flash measurement
•Ambient light measurement with shutte
r
priority
•Ambient light measurement with
aperture priority
•Ambient light measurement with
read-out of exposure values (EV)
•Entering the correction values
•Setting the film speed
2 Digital display of film speed ISO / DIN
3 Display identification f for aperture
4 Display identification EV for
exposure value
5 Analog aperture scale
6 Left-hand digital display
•Aperture f
•Exposure value EV
•Correction values
•Multiple flash
•Film speed in DIN
7 Display identification t for exposure time
8 Warning sign BAT for battery check
9 Display identification / for fractions of a
second
10 Right-hand digital display
•Exposure time t
•Exposure extension factor
•CINE (frames per second); symbol
Film speed in ISO
11 Unit symbol m = minutes
12 Unit symbol s = seconds

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1.2 Duration of display
If for approximately two minutes none of the buttons of the DFM 3 is pressed, the meter will be
switched off automatically. The measuring and setting values stored in the memory will be maintained.
•The stored values can be recalled by depressing the function or value buttons
•New measurement is instantly possible when the metering button is depressed.
The values of the last meter reading are stored until a new meter reading is taken.
The DFM 3 is fitted with separate memories for continuous light and flash measurement.
2 The functioning of the DFM 3
2.1 Preparations
Battery
The DFM 3 operates with a 1.5 V AA-type battery (alkaline-manganese battery). Since the meter’s
power consumption is minimal, the battery will last for a long time. When the battery’s capacity becomes
exhausted, the BAT symbol appears on the display as a warning that the battery has to be replaced at
the earliest possible opportunity. Measurements cease to be possible if the display only indicates BAT.
The battery must be immediately replaced.
To change the battery open the battery compartment of the DFM 3. Remove the exhausted battery and
insert the new one. Ensure correct polarity "+" and "–" ! Push back the battery compartment cover.
Battery changing deletes all stored values.

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Self-checking routine
The microcomputer performs a self-checking routine as soon as the
battery has been inserted. Every possible display segment appears
in the display during this routine. The duration of the self-checking
routine is approximately 10 seconds, but it can be interrupted by
pressing any button. The factory programmed basic settings are
automatically displayed as soon as the self-checking routine has been completed.
Basic values
ISO: 100/21 ° f: 5.6 COR: 0/ 1.0 EV: 12 t: 1/125 Flash: f 5.6 1/60
2.2 Incident and reflected light measurement
The features and measuring capabilities provided by the DFM 3 are ideally
suited for the dedicated amateur and the professional photographer.
The swivel head will rotate through 180 degrees. This feature allows the
photographer to read the values measured in the display, while the
measuring head is directed towards the subject or light source.
When you remove the diffuser dome, reflected light and contrast
measurements can easily be taken.

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Measurement by the incident method is far more accurate and reliable to establish the correct
exposure setting than the calculating of a mean value obtained with the reflected light measurement in
your camera. In the latter case, the reading depends upon the range of contrasts of the subject.
However, there is not always a uniform distribution of bright and dark areas of equal importance within
the subject. Incident light measurement is also imperative with inaccessible subjects.
For this purpose it is necessary to select a point that has the same lighting level as the subject. And
then a meter reading is taken that lies parallel with the projected connecting line between the actual
subject and the camera. This very convenient method of light metering at a point with the same lighting
level is highly recommended for outdoor shots. The measurement is performed with a complete 180°
turn in front of the camera so that the reading is taken with the meter pointing towards the camera, i.e.
opposite the actual picture shooting direction.
Incident light measurement, i.e. with diffuser, also gives a precise reading of the brightness range of the
lighting. Both kinds of lighting – flash and ambient light – are measured with great accuracy by the
incident light method with diffuser.
In addition to this, the DFM 3 also offers the reflected light measuring method. In this mode the diffuser
dome must be taken off and the meter is pointed from the camera towards the subject. The meter now
only measures with angle of 25 degrees the light reflected by the subject. Consequently, the reading
always depends upon the inherent brightness of the subject!! This means that inherently brighter
subjects are not precisely measured and therefore rendered darker. If readings are to be taken
exclusively by the reflected light measuring method, then it is advantageous for the professional to use a
grey card (18 % reflection) in this mode. The reflected light method is used to measure the subject
contrast which is displayed by the DFM 3 on its analog scale (see Section 3.2.4 Contrast measurement,
page 11).

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3 The individual functions
3.1 Setting the film speed
•Select ISO with the function buttons
•Set the required ISO value with the value buttons
(display left: DlN value, right: ISO value)
Once the film speed has been set, it is transferred to the memory
of the DFM 3 and maintained when the meter is set to any operation
function. It remains visible on the top right-hand side in the digital display.
Any change of the film speed directly influences the stored paired aperture and shutter speed values.
The selected film speed is retained in the memory until it is changed in the described manner.
3.2 Measuring functions – Ambient light measurement
Select the required ambient light function with the corresponding function buttons.
•Shutter priority in function t: a reading is taken for the corresponding aperture
(see Section 3.2.3 Shutter priority mode – Ambient light measurement, page 11)
•Contrast measurement in function t: (see Section 3.2.4 Contrast measurement, page 11)
•Aperture priority in function f: a reading is taken for the corresponding shutter speed
(see Section 3.2.5 Aperture priority mode, page 12)
•Exposure value measurement in function EV:preselect the shutter speed and the
aperture is given as an analog value (see Section 3.2.6 Exposure value EV, page 12)
•CINE (frames per second) in function t:
(see Section 3.2.7 CINE scale (frames per second), page 13)

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3.2.1 Flash readings
Readings can be taken with or without synchronizing cable. When
used in conjunction with a synchronizing cable the flash is triggered by
pressing the M button–the flash is automatically triggered and measured.
•Select with the function buttons
•Adjust the desired synchronizing speed with the value buttons.
Sync range from 1 s to 1/1000 s (including 1/90 s)
•Press the measuring button M.
DFM 3 is operable for metering for a period of 45 s (meter
readiness prevails as long as F remains visible in the display)
•Trigger the flash
The measured aperture (total of flash and ambient light) appears
in the left digital display, and as a flashing mark on the analog aperture scale. The aperture for the
share of ambient light is additionally indicated on the aperture scale (in our example f/8).
3.2.2 Multiple flash
Occasionally the light output from a single flash may not be sufficient to
enable you to work at the aperture desired. In that case, simply
push the top value button until the desired f/number appears in the
display. The digital display of the time tdisappears and the number of
flashes required is indicated (e.g.: F4 = 4 flashes).
The DFM 3 will calculate up to a maximum of 10 flash sequences.

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3.2.3 Shutter priority mode – Ambient light measurement
•Select t with the function buttons (the last stored value appears
on the display)
•Adjust the desired shutter speed with the value buttons
•Measure by pressing the measuring button M
The measured aperture appears in the left-hand digital display
(accuracy: 1/10 stops), also as a rounded mark in the analog aperture scale
•Select alternative aperture/shutter speed combinations with the value buttons.
3.2.4 Contrast measurement
•Select t with the function buttons
•Keep the measuring button Mpressed
while aiming the meter at various areas of the subject. The analog
aperture scale displays the f-stop series between the two extreme
values and with the actual measured value flashing. The first
measured f-stop is displayed in the left-hand side of the display. It remains displayed as a
reference value (e.g. of a grey card)).
•After the measuring button is released, the entire measured contrast range is displayed on the
analog aperture scale, and the last measured value will cease to flash.

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3.2.5 Aperture priority mode
•Select fwith the function buttons
•Set the desired aperture with the value buttons. The intermediate
1/10 stop values stored from the last measurement appear when
the aperture is preset. These are not valid, because the valid and
actual 1/10th stops will only appear after the next meter reading is
taken.
•Measure by pressing the measuring button M
•The measured shutter speed appears in the right-hand digital display
Automatic adaptation of the aperture in 1/10 stops to the measured shutter speed
•Select other paired aperture/shutter values with the value buttons.
3.2.6 Exposure value EV
•Select EV with the function buttons
•Measure by pressing the measuring button M
The measured exposure value appears in the left-hand digital
display (accuracy: 1/10 stops) and the aperture as a rounded-off
mark on the analog aperture scale
•Select with the value buttons other paired aperture/shutter speed values corresponding with this
exposure value.

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3.2.7 CINE scale (frames per second)
•Select twith the function buttons
•Select the desired Cine speed (f.p.s.) by increasing the
shutter speed setting beyond 1/8000 sec. After approximately
1 second the meter switches over to CINE speeds.
The symbol appears in the display. The CINE speeds
can be preset between 8 and 64 frames/second.
•Measure by pressing the measuring button
The measured aperture appears in the left-hand digital display (accuracy: 1/10th stops) and
additionally as a rounded-off mark on the analog aperture scale.
The displayed aperture applies to a 180 degrees shutter blade. Enter a COR value in the function
for other shutter blades as an extension factor. V = 180 degrees / open aperture angle.

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3.3 Measurements outside the measuring range
•The DFM 3 will not produce any useful readings outside
its measuring range
If it is too dark or too bright, an E (= Error) appears in the
left-hand digital display and alongside
it for too dark, or for too bright.
3.3.1 Display outside the display range
If the symbol or appears in the right or left digital display
it indicates that the taken reading is outside the meter’s display
range.
When actuate value button tto enter the display range.
When actuate value button uto enter the display range.

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3.4 Setting and measuring correction values
(see Section 3.4.4 Important remarks concerning correction values, page 17)
3.4.1 Setting correction values
•Select COR with the function buttons (the last valid correction
value appears in the display)
•Enter or change the correction value with the value buttons
The extension factor is shown in the right-hand digital display,
and the correction value in stops in the left-hand section.
Enter in 1/10th stops (small figure) within a range of ±7.9 exposure values.
A figure preceded by –indicates an exposure extending correction.
Example: –3.1 stops equal factor 8.6.
In the event of an exposure shortening correction, only the left-hand display appears as an exposure
value difference in stops.

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3.4.2 Measuring correction values
Correction values can also be directly measured. An evenly illuminated
surface and constant light level are required. Measure in the
reflected mode.
•Press measuring button Mand get a reference reading:
displayed as rF--
•Weaken light by holding e.g. a grey filter in front of the measuring
aperture. Press measuring button M
The light reducing factor will be displayed automatically in stops
at the right, as extension factor at the left.
Pressing one of the function buttons will transfer the correction value
to the memory of the DFM 3. The COR value is now automatically
taken into account in all subsequent measuring functions. The frame
around COR is retained as a reminder that a correction value was
entered.
3.4.3 Canceling correction values
•Select COR with the function buttons
•Press measuring button M(display rF --)
•Select any other function with one of the function buttons.
•Correction value is cancelled, and the frame around COR
disappears.

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3.4.4 Important remarks concerning correction values
The DFM 3 is a precision meter calibrated with great accuracy to provide exact exposure data. Should
you still not be satisfied with the results, then you should remember that there are independent variables
that can influence the success of your exposures.
For instance:
•the true speed of your film can deviate from that on the pack
•the true shutter speeds and f-stops of your camera can differ slightly form the rated values
•Deviations can arise when the film is processed.
Also, there must be added purely subjective factors and matters of personal preference in the
assessment of the finished photos. However, you can calibrate your DFM 3 to characteristics of your
camera, your brand of film, your processing methods and to your projector.
We recommend the following procedure:
Take the readings of a few normal subjects with the utmost care by the reflected and incident light
measuring methods, and take five shots of each subject on color reversal film. The first picture should
be exposed with the exposure settings supplied by the DFM 3. The exposure settings for the remaining
shots are then increased and decreased, respectively, by half an f-stop and then a full
f-stop. Make a note of the shooting conditions. These must not change while the five shots are being
taken. Now select from the processed pictures the one you consider to be optimal and compare its
settings with the meter readings.
If you find that you prefer exposures taken with settings that differ from those supplied by the meter,
then these settings can be programmed, as a correction, into your DFM 3. With your correction, the
DFM 3 will give precise readings to produce optimal exposure results.

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4 Servicing and repairs
No special maintenance is required if the DFM 3 is handled correctly.
Keep the outside surface clean. Use a slightly dampened cloth for cleaning. Do not use cleansers,
abrasives or solvents.
Calumet DFM 3 Digital Flashmeter
Two-Year Limited Warranty
Calumet warrants the DFM 3 Digital Flashmeter to be free from defects in material and workmanship for two years from date of purchase.
Should you experience any problems with your meter, you should return it to your place of purchase. Calumet Photographic will, at its
option, repair or replace it without charge, subject to the following limitations and exclusions:
• Warranty extends to the original purchaser only and is not transferable or assignable.
• Returned product must be accompanied with proof of purchase.
• Warranty shall not apply to any product which has, in Calumet’s judgment, been subject to misuse, abuse, negligence, accident or
unauthorized repair.
• DFM 3 Digital Flashmeter units and parts are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for two years from date of
purchase. Battery, neck strap and protective fabric case are not included.
Calumet’s obligation is limited to repair or replacement only, and no one is authorized to assume any obligation not in accordance with
the above. For technical assistance, call the location nearest you:
U.S.A. 630.860.7447 x2258
United Kingdom 08000 964396
Germany 040 4231600
Belgium [phone]
Netherlands 020-697-7171

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5 Technical Data
Measuring methods Incident light / Reflected light / Contrast measurement
Flash (cord/noncord)
Indication of ambient light share
Calculation for multiple flash
Programmable exposure correction
Sensor Silicon blue cell photodiode
Measuring range EV –2.5 to +18 (with ISO 100/21°)
Repeatable accuracy ±0.1 EV
Exposure times 1/8000 s to 60 min
Aperture stops f/1 to f/90 9/10
Measuring range flash f/1 to f/90 (with ISO 100/21°)
Flash synch speeds 1 to 1 /1000 including 1/90 s (measuring time)
CINE values 8 to 64 including 25 and 30 TV)
Adjustable and measurable correction values –7.9 to +7.9
Extension factors 1.0 to 240
Film speeds ISO 3.2/6° to 8000/40°
Acceptance angle for reflected light 25°
Battery 1 x 1.5 V AA-type, battery condition indication
Accessories Case, neck strap, battery and operating instructions
Dimensions ca. 65 x 118 x 19 mm (2.5 x 4.6 x .7”)
Weight ca. 95 g (without battery) (3.35 oz.)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC): The DFM 3 meets the Specifications 89/336/EWG dt. 01.01.1996

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Brief instructions
CINE scale (frames per second)
Select twith the function buttons – increasing
the shutter speed setting beyond 1/8000 and
preset the CINE speeds with the value buttons
•Measure by pressing the Mbutton
•The measured aperture appears in the
left-hand digital display
Multiple flash
When the light output from a single flash is not
sufficent for you to work at the aperture desired, the
DFM 3 is able to automatically calculate the
necessary number of flashes:
(desired aperture e.g.: F4 = 4 flashes)
•Press value button t
Battery
1.5 V Mignon Typ AA (alkali-manganese)
•Attention to warning BAT – change battery
DFM 3
Brief Instructions
Socket to connect
the synchronising
cable
Measuring button M
Buttons to adjust the
values
Swivel head
Display
Buttons to select
the required
function