Metz SCA 396 User manual

Flash Operation with the Adapter SCA 396
Application
The 396 SCA Adapter may only be used with the Mamiya 645 PRO TL camera in combination with Metz and
Cullmann flash units.
Warning
Do not switch on the flash unit before having connected it to the adapter and the camera.
1. Camera and Adapter Capabilities
Flash readiness indication in the camera’s viewfinder.
Automatic flash synchronization.
Correct exposure confirmation in the camera’s viewfinder.
TTL flash control.
2. Connection of Adapter and Cable
2.1 Insert the flat 12-pin plug into the sync strobe socket provided on the flash unit, the SCA 300 Adapter or
the power grip.
2.2 The Adapter’s round 6-pin cable plug must be connected to the camera. Turn the plug to find the correct
position, and then lightly press it into the camera body until locks into place. When removing the plug,
hold it by its metal part and pull slightly to release. The SCA Adapter sync cable is connected to the sync
socket of the camera or lens.
2.3 The Adapter must by fixed to the handle-mount flashgun or to the camera’s accessory shoe by means of a
commercially available tripod screw. When using compact flashguns, you can fasten the adapter by way of
the Metz Flash Bracket 40-36 or the Mamiya bracket.
3. Operating Modes of the TTL Flash
TTL The camera controls the amount of light emitted
by the flash unit (TTL flash control).
Auto The flash units sensor controls the light output.
Manual The flash unit emits the preselected amount of
light (highest light output or partial light
output).
Stroboscopic Possible with some Megablitz flash units
4. Settings on the Camera and Flash Unit
Refer to the operations instructions for the camera and flash unit.

5. Setting the Film Speed
Set the film speed on the camera, the flash unit and the Adapter. Compensation of the film speed may be
necessary when using color reversal film of different formats.
6. Operation
6.1 Flash Readiness Indication and Automatic Flash Synchronization
Flash readiness is established when the flash symbol lights up in the camera’s viewfinder. The flash can only
be fired if the flash-ready indicator is displayed.
If flash readiness is achieved in the camera mode “A”, the camera’s electronic system automatically switches
to 1/60 sec. X-sync speed.
In the manual camera mode, speeds faster than 1/60 sec. are switched to X-sync speed, while slower speeds
are retained.
6.2 Correct Exposure Confirmation (auto check)
Correct exposure is obtained if, in the TTL or Auto Mode, the flash-ready symbol blinks after the flash was
fired.
However, if the ready light goes out after the flash was fired, the picture may be underexposed. Flash
readiness is no longer established and the camera operates in the set mode until flash readiness is achieved.
If after firing flashes, the flash-ready light continues glowing without initial short blinking, overexposure may
result.
6.3 TTL Flash Control
The light emitted by the flash unit is controlled by the camera’s electronic system with the aid of
measurements made by a sensor off the surface of the film.
6.4 Auto Mode
In this mode, you can fire test flashes manually before shooting the picture in order to find out if the selected
aperture is sufficient for a correct exposure. If the auto check signal on the flash does not blink when a test
flash is fired, the settings on the flash unit and the camera must be corrected (select a small f-stop).
TTL Mode
This mode does not permit correct exposure confirmation by pressing the flashgun’s manual fire button. To
check if sufficient light will be emitted for the aperture selected, a test exposure must be taken with the
camera. For repeated test exposures, you can activate the camera’s multiple exposure system so that just one
picture will be lost.
Another possibility is to set the f-stop preselected on the camera as an auto-aperture prior to exposure and
then fire test flashes as described under “Auto Mode”. Thereafter, the flash unit must be reset to TTL.

7. Settings on the Camera and Flash Unit