Metz MECABLITZ 15 MS-1 digital User manual

MECABLITZ 15 MS-1 digital
Bedienungsanleitung Mode d’emploi
Gebruiksaanwijzing Operating instruction
Manuale istruzioni Manual de instrucciones
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1 Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
2 Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
2.1 Power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
2.2 Insertion and replacement of batteries . . . . .71
2.3 Installation / Deinstallstion . . . . . . . . . . . .71
2.4 Switching the flash unit on and off . . . . . . .72
2.5 The infrared clamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
3 Starting up for the first time . . . . . . . . . . .73
4 Camera-specific remote operation . . . . . . .73
4.1 General information on wireless
remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
4.2 Setting remote channel and remote group . .75
5 Manual wireless slave mode . . . . . . . . . . .76
5.1 Learn function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
5.2 Slave mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
6 Operation with synchronous cable . . . . . . .80
7 Operation of flash unit detached
from camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
8 Lighting OK in remote TTL mode . . . . . . . .81
9 Swivel reflectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
9.1 Bounce diffuser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
10 The AF auxiliary light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
11 Modelling light (ML) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
12 Synchronisation on the 1st or 2nd shutter
curtain (REAR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
13 Slow synchronisation (SLOW) . . . . . . . . . .84
13.1Using a tripod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
14 Care and maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
14.1Firmware update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
14.2 Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
14.3Conditioning the flash capacitor . . . . . . . . .86
15 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
16 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .134-137
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Metz product.
We are delighted that you have become a Metz
customer.
Of course you can hardly wait to use your flash unit.
It is worthwhile to read the operating manual as it is
only in this way you can learn how to use the device
without difficulties.
Please refer to the back cover at the end of the
manual.
☞
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1 Safety instructions
• The flash unit is exclusively designed
and authorised for use in photogra-
phic applications.
• Do not flash directly into eyes from
a close distance! Direct flashing into
the eyes of persons or animals can
cause damage to the retina and
severe disruption of the vision – up
to and including permanent blind-
ness!
• The flash unit may in no event be
activated in the vicinity of inflamma-
ble gases or liquids (petroleum, sol-
vents etc.). RISK OF EXPLOSIONS!
• Never use a flash unit to photo-
graph car, bus, bicycle, motorbike
or train drivers while they are dri-
ving. Blinding the driver can lead to
an accident!
• Only use the power sources desi-
gnated and authorised in the opera-
ting manual.
• Do not open the batteries or short
them!
• In no event the batteries be exposed
to high temperatures like direct sun-
light, fire or similar!
• Remove the used batteries immedia-
tely from the device! Chemicals can
escape from used batteries (so-cal-
led “leaks”) resulting in damage to
the device!
• Batteries may not be recharged!
• Do not expose the flash unit to
water drops and splashes!
• Protect your flash unit from heat and
high air humidity! Do not keep it in
the glove compartment of your car.
• After repeated flashing, do not
touch the diffuser. Risk of burns!
• After a series of flashes with full
power and short intervals, a pause
of at least 3 minutes must be obser-
ved after each series of 20 flashes!
• When you activate the flash, there
should be no opaque material
directly in front of or on the reflector
cover (flash window). The intense
energy emissions can otherwise
lead to scorching or spotting of the
material and/or the reflector cover.
Do not dismantle the flash unit!
HIGH VOLTAGE!
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Repairs should only be performed
by authorised service personnel.
• Do not touch the electrical contacts
of the flash unit.
• If the housing has been damaged in
such a way that internal compo-
nents are exposed, the flash unit
may no longer be used. Remove the
batteries! Do not touch any internal
components. HIGH VOLTAGE!
• Do not use any toxic batteries or
rechargeable batteries!
2 Preparation
2.1 Power supply
The flash unit can optionally be ope-
rated with:
• 2 alkali-manganese dry batteries
Type IEC LR03 (AAA / Micro),
maintenance-free power source for
moderate power requirements.
• 2 NC batteries Type IEC KR03
(AAA / Micro).
• 2 nickel metal hydride batteries
Type IEC HR03 (AAA / Micro), sig-
nificantly higher capacity than
NC batteries and less harmful to the
environment than the NC batteries
as they are cadmium-free. They
offer very short flash sequence times
and economical operation as they
are rechargeable.
• 2 lithium batteries 1.5 V, Type IEC
FR03 (AAA / Micro), maintenance-
free power source with high capaci-
ty and low self-discharge rate.
The batteries/rechargeable batteries
are empty or used if the flash inter-
val for flashes at full power rises
☞
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above 60 seconds. If you do not use
the flash unit for a prolonged period,
you should remove the batteries from
the unit.
2.2 Insertion and replacement of
batteries
• Turn off the flash unit via the main
switch .
• Slide the battery compartment cover
at the bottom of the flash unit
and fold it open.
• Insert the batteries in the accordan-
ce with the symbols on the inside of
the battery compartment cover.
When inserting batteries, ensure that
the polarity is correct and matches
the symbols in the battery compart-
ment. Inserting the batteries in the
wrong direction can destroy the flash
unit! Always replace all batteries
simultaneously, and make sure that
batteries are the same brand and
have the same capacity. Flat or dead
batteries should not be disposed of
with ordinary household waste. Help
protect the environment, and dispose
of flat/dead batteries at the appro-
priate collection points.
• Close battery compartment cover 
and slide against the housing.
2.3 Installation /Deinstallation
Carefully screw an adapter ring of the
appropriate size into the filter thread
of the objective.
Recommendation: Only use internal
focusing objectives! Note, with exter-
nal focusing objectives you must per-
form the focusing manually. The risk
of damage to the flash unit due to
the weight of the objective or of the
adjusting motor cannot be ruled out.
Press both the release buttons on
the flash unit, keep them pressed, and
at the same time insert the flash unit
up to the stopper on the adapter ring
of the objective.
When the release buttons are rele-
ased, the flash unit is held on the
adapter ring by four snap-in clips.
Make sure that the flash unit is secu-
rely locked in place on the adapter
ring. When the camera and the flash
unit are combined, always hold the
combination by the camera and
never by the flash unit.
☞
☞
☞
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The flash unit can be rotated (turned)
on the adapter ring.
Removal
Press both the release buttons on
the flash unit, keep them pressed, and
at the same time carefully pull the
flash unit off the adapter ring of the
objective.
2.4 Switching the flash unit on
and off
To switch-on, move the main switch 
to the “ON” position. To switch-off,
move the main switch to the left.
If the flash unit is not required for a
longer period of time, it should
always be switched off by the main
switch and the batteries/rechargea-
ble batteries should be removed from
the flash unit!
2.5 The infrared clamp
The camera’s own flash unit and the
use of mecablitz 15MS-1 digital
should not contribute to the lighting of
macropictures, so that no shadows
are caused by the housing of meca-
blitz 15MS-1 digital.
The camera’s own flash light can be
covered with the infrared clamp. The
infrared clamp allows the control
impulses through, but holds back the
flash light, which contributes to the
lighting.
Installation of the infrared clamp
Open the infrared clamp with your
fingers and slip it over the camera’s
own flash unit.
Slide down the infrared clamp with
rubber lips as far as possible over the
camera’s own flash unit and close it.
☞
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3 Starting up for the first
time
When the flash unit is switched on for
the first time or when a “RESET” is
performed (see Chapterir 14.2), the
following display appears after the
main switch is activated:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
• Now set the desired operating
mode:
- The camera specific remote control
(see Chapter 4)
- Manual wireless slave mode (see
Chapter 5)
- Learn function (see Chapter 5.1)
- Slave mode (see Chapter 5.2)
- Operation with a synchronous cable
(see Chapter 6)
SEL
4 Camera-specific remote
operation
This remote operating mode is only
possible if the camera supports remo-
te operation with an integrated flash
or if an additional flash unit is moun-
ted on the camera (e.g. Metz meca-
blitz 58AF-1) which supports remote
operation.
4.1 General information on
wireless remote control
A remote system consists of a master
or controller flash unit in the camera
or an external master or controller
flash unit on the camera and one or
more slave flash units.
The slave flash unit is remotely con-
trolled by the master or controller
flash unit.
A master flash unit contributes to the
lighting and at the same time controls
the slave flash units.
A controller flash unit only has control
functions.
The slave flash unit is assigned to one
of three possible groups (A, B or C –
SEL
SELECT
15MS-1 V1.0
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only with Canon, Nikon, Olympus).
Each group can in turn consists of one
or more slave flash units.
Four independent remote channels
(Channels 1-4) are available, so that
several remote systems in the same
space do not cause mutual disruption.
The setting “Channel ALL” controls all
slave flash units. Slave flash units that
belong to the same remote system
must be set to the same remote chan-
nel. The slave flash units must be able
to pick up the light from the master or
controller flash unit via integrated sen-
sors for remote operation .
Adjustment of the flash unit
• Switch the flash units integrated in
the camera or external flash unit on
the camera in the Master or
Controller mode, see operating
manual of the camera or external
flash unit.
• Select an operating mode on the
camera that supports remote opera-
tion
• Slide the infrared clamp over the
camera’s own flash unit if it is to be
used as controller flash unit. Swivel
the external flash unit so that it can-
not contribute to lighting.
• Switch-on the flash unit with the
main switch .
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” 
pressed down until the following
message appears in the display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
• Switch-on (ON) the “MODELLING
LIGHT” function with the button
or switch it off (OFF).
• Press the button on the flash
unit. The most recently used setting
appears in the display, e.g.:
• Press the button until the requi-
red version for the camera type
used appears in the display:
„CAN REMOTE“ (Canon) or
„NIK REMOTE“ (Nikon) or
„OLY REMOTE“ (Olympus) or

SEL

SEL
SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
15MS-1 V1.0
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

SEL
OK
SYSTEM
NIK REMOTE 
Ch ALL Gr A
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
OLY REMOTE 
Ch ALL Gr A
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„PEN REMOTE“ (Pentax) or
„SAM REMOTE“ (Samsung) or
„SON REMOTE“ (Sony)
•
Press the button, thus the selected
remote mode is set, in the example
“OLY REMOTE” (Olympus). The ratio
of the reflectors is 1:1. Group A (only
with CAN, NIK and OLY) is automati-
cally set if another group has not been
selected for a previous application.
• If the two reflectors should be set at
an unequal ratio (Ratio) then press
the button or to change the
ratio of both the reflectors.
The setting thus made will be automa-
tically saved.
In the operating modes
“CAN REMOTE” or “NIK REMOTE”
and/or “OLY REMOTE”, various slave
channels and various slave groups can
be set when several slave flash units
are used (see Chapter 4.2).
In the operating modes
“PEN REMOTE” and/or
“SAM REMOTE” and/or
“SON REMOTE”, only different slave

OK
channels can be set when several
slave flash units are used (see
Chapter 4.2 and operating manual
of the camera). The flash unit sup-
ports the wireless Sony remote
system in the “CTRL” and “
CTRL ”
modes, depending on the camera
system used. The “CTRL” and “
CTRL
” modes are automatically detected.
The slave flash units always work in
the “RMT” group. The set-up can
always be checked by pressing the
“AEL” key on the camera. The slave
flash unit must respond with a time-
delayed flash.
4.2 Setting remote channel and
remote group
Four independent remote channels
(CHANNELS 1 to 4) are available, so
that several remote systems in the
same space does not cause mutual
disruption Master and/or controller
and slave flash units that belong to the
same remote system must be set to the
same remote channel.
In the case of Sony and Pentax
cameras “CHANNEL ALL” must be
+
+
1:1
 
OLY GrA
8:1
 
OLY GrA
☞
☞
☞
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set if a fixed channel is not used in
the remote system.
In the case of “CHANNEL ALL”, all
set channels are activated.
In the remote operating modes,
groups can be set in addition to the
channels (CHANNEL) in order to con-
trol the desired slave flash unit of a
specific group.
The setting of groups (GROUP A, B,
C) is only possible in Canon, Nikon
and Olympus remote control modes.
Setting a channel (CHANNEL) and a
group (GROUP) in a camera-specific
remote system
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” 
pressed on the flash unit until the
following message appears in the
display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears::
• Press the button on the flash
unit. The most recently used setting
appears in the display, e.g.:
SEL
SEL
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
• Press button and select the
desired channel (CHANNEL ALL –
CHANNEL 1..4).
• Press button , the selected
remote channel is set. In the display
appears:
• Press button and select the des-
ired group (GROUP A, GROUP B,
GROUP C).
• Press button and the desired
group is set.
• Press button , the selected remo-
te channel and remote group are
set.
5 Manual wireless slave
mode
Even when cameras are used without
a camera-specific remote system,
wireless release of one or more slave
flash units is possible.
OK
SEL

SEL

SEL
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
OLY REMOTE 
Ch ALL Gr A
CHANNEL ALL
SEL

CHANNEL 3
SEL

GROUP A
SEL

SEL
OK
SYSTEM
OLY REMOTE 
Ch 3 Gr A
1:1
 
OLY Ch3 GrA
GROUP A
SEL

☞
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Several digital cameras fire one or
more measuring pre-flashes and/or
flashes for a fraction of a second
before the picture is taken in order to
reduce the „red-eye effect“. The mea-
suring pre-flashes cannot usually be
deactivated on the camera.
When starting up the camera for the
first time, changing the camera or
RESET, select the “Learn function” (see
Chapter 5.1).
If the “Learn function” has already
been operated once and you continue
to use the same camera, select the
“Slave mode” (see 5.2).
5.1 Learn function
The “Learn function” enables individu-
al automatic adjustment of the slave
flash unit to the flash technology of the
camera’s flash unit. In the process,
one or more pre-flashes, e.g. to redu-
ce the “red-eye effect” of the camera
flash unit can be taken into account.
The slave flash unit is then fired to
coincide with the main flash that illu-
minates the actual picture.
If the camera’s own flash device pro-
vides for automatic focussing
AF measuring flashes, then due to
the system characteristics no learn
operation is possible. If possible, use
another camera mode or change to
manual focussing.
Adjustment of the flash unit
• Activate camera flash unit. If requi-
red, activate the pre-flash function
on the camera to reduce the
“red-eye effect”.
• Slide infrared clamp over the
camera’s own flash unit, if it is to be
used as controller flash unit. Swivel
external flash unit so that it cannot
contribute to lighting.
• Switch-on the flash unit with the
main switch .
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” 
pressed until the following message
appears in the display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
SEL
☞
SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
15MS-1 V1.0
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

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• Press the button on the flash
unit. The most recently used setting
appears in the display, e.g.:
• Press the button until “SYSTEM
SLAVE” appears in the display.
• Press button drücken. In the
display appears:
• Switch-on (YES) the “LEARN” func-
tion with the button.
• Press button. In the display
appears:
The flash unit waits for a flash light
from the camera’s own flash unit.
The bar display continually fills as
long as no light impulse is received
from the camera’s own flash unit.
• Press the release button on the
camera so that the camera’s own
flash unit is activated.
If a light impulse has been received
by the mecablitz 15MS-1 digital, the
bar display stops filling. In the
display, “LEARN OK” appears and a
red light in the „AF-/SELECT“ button
lights up briefly as confirmation.
OK

SEL

SEL The mecablitz 15MS-1 digital has
now learnt to recognise the flash
light of the camera flash unit. In the
display appears:
• If both the reflectors should be set to
an unequal ratio (Ratio) then press
the button or to change the
ratio of both the reflectors.
• If you wish to use partial lighting,
then press the button
Following display appears:
• To set partial lighting, press the but-
tons or and thus change the
value. In the display appears, for
example.
The setting thus made will be automa-
tically saved
If the “Learn function” has already
been operated once, these settings
are retained until the learn function
is used for the next time.
If the setting to reduce the “red-eye
effect” is changed, the learn function
must be repeated.

P/R

SEL
OK
LEARN 
NO YES
SEL
OK
LEARN 
NO YES
LEARN OK
1:1
P/R
 
SL Ratio
⊃

TAKE A
PICTURE
⊃

4:1
P/R
 
SL Ratio
1/1
P/R

SL Power
1/4
P/R
 
SL Power
☞
☞
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
NIK REMOTE 
Ch ALL Gr A
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
SLAVE 
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5.2 Slave mode
“Slave mode” reflects the setting that
has been learnt in the “Learn func-
tion”. This function is retained until a
“Learn function” or a “RESET” is per-
formed again.
Adjustment of the flash unit
• Activate the camera flash unit.
• Slide the infrared clamp over the
camera’s own flash unit if it is to be
used as controller flash unit. Swivel
external flash unit so that it cannot
contribute to lighting.
• Switch-on flash unit with the main
switch .
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” on
the flash unit pressed until the follo-
wing message appears in the
display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
SEL
• Press the button on the flash
unit. The most recently used setting
appears in the display, e.g.:
• Press the button until “SYSTEM
SLAVE” appears in the display.
• Press the button and the SLAVE
mode is set with a ratio of 1:1 bet-
ween both the reflectors and full
lighting power (Power) 1/1.
Following display appears:
•
If both reflectors should be set at an
unequal ratio (Ratio) then press the
button or to change the ratio.
The ratio can be adjusted in steps. In
the display appears, for example
• If you wish to use partial lighting,
then press the button .
Following display appears:
• To set partial lighting, press the but-
tons or and thus change the
value. In the display appears, for
example.
The setting thus made will be automa-
tically saved.

P/R

OK

SEL
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
15MS-1 V1.0
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
NIK REMOTE 
Ch ALL Gr A
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
SLAVE 
1:1
P/R
 
SL Ratio
4:1
P/R
 
SL Ratio
1/1
P/R

SL Power
1/4
P/R
 
SL Power
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For Remote Control mode , the
slave flash unit must be able to regi-
ster the light from the camera flash
unit immediately and without restric-
tion so that it is fired! The operating
range of the arrangement depends
on the intensity of the light impulse
of the camera flash unit, the reflec-
tion characteristics of the object and
ambient lighting.
Please note that the operating range
is reduced outside and when the
ambient light is bright. Avoid expo-
sing the flash unit light sensors to
direct sunlight!
6 Operation with
synchronous cable
The flash unit can be operated with a
synchronous cable 15-50. For this,
connect the synchronous socket of the
camera with the synchronous socket
of the flash unit.
Adjustment of the flash unit
• Select a manual operating mode on
the camera.
• Switch-on flash unit with the main
switch .
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” on
the flash unit pressed until the follo-
wing message appears in the
display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. The most recently used setting
appears in the display, e.g.:
• Press the button suntil
“SYNC-CORD” appears in the
display.
• Press the button and the
“SYNC-CORD“ mode is set with a
ratio of 1:1 between both the reflec-
tors and full lighting power (Power)
1/1. The following display appears:
OK

SEL
SEL
☞
SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
1:1
P/R
 
SYNC Ratio
OK
SYSTEM
SYNC-CORD 
SEL
OK
SYSTEM
SLAVE 
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

15MS-1 V1.0
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• If both the reflectors should be set at
an unequal ratio (Ratio) then press
the buttons to change the
ratio. The ratio can be adjusted in
steps. In the display appears, for
example.
• If you wish to use partial lighting,
then press the button .
Following display appears:
• To set partial lighting, press the but-
tons or and thus change the
value. In the display appears, for
example.
The setting thus made will be automa-
tically saved.
7 Operation of flash unit
detached from camera
The flash unit can be detached from
the camera and setup on the base unit
or can be fixed to a tripod with the
tripod thread .
For detached setup, please ensure that
the sensors for remote operation 
can receive the light from the camera
flash unit.

P/R

8 Lighting OK in
remote TTL mode
In camera-specific remote–TTL mode,
the button “AF/SELECT” also ser-
ves as lighting OK display. If the
object has been sufficiently illumina-
ted, then the red “AF/SELECT” 
button lights up for approx.
3 seconds.
If the object has been over illumina-
ted, then the red “AF/SELECT” but-
ton blinks for approx. 3 seconds.
Change the ISO setting or the apertu-
re and try the illumination again.
If the object has been insufficiently
illuminated, then the red “AF/SELECT”
button does not light up.
Change the ISO setting or the apertu-
re and try the illumination again.
9 Swivel reflectors
Both the reflectors can be swivelled
by 10° and 20°. To swivel the reflec-
tors, press the reflector swivel lever 
forwards in steps. In the first indexed
position, the reflector is swivelled
1:8
P/R
 
SYNC Ratio
1/1
P/R

SL Power
1/4
P/R

SYNC Power
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inwards by 10°, at the second posi-
tion by 20°.
The working distance is the distance
between the object and the front
edge of the flash unit.
As a guideline, we recommend :
• Working distance of approx.
2-10cm: Swivel reflectors by 20°
and set the bounce diffuser (see 9.1)
in front of reflectors.
At distances over 10 cm, the reflectors
can be swivelled to a greater or lesser
extent to achieve a centre weighted
average or a balanced illumination.
9.1 Bounce diffuser
The bounce diffuser is required for
illuminating the objects in close proxi-
mity at distances less than 10 cm.
Installation of bounce diffuser
Position the bounce diffuser asym-
metrically over the flash unit so that
the reflectors and the AF auxiliary
light are covered.
Press the bounce diffuser against
the housing of the flash unit until it
audibly snaps into place.
Turn the bounce diffuser so that
the notch of the marking tab aligns
with the marking point on the flash
unit housing.
Removal of bounce diffuser
Gently bend up one of the tabs on
the bounce diffuser and release it.
Take off the bounce diffuser.
Do not lift and remove the bounce
diffuser at the marking tab .
10 The AF auxiliary light
The flash unit is equipped with an AF
auxiliary light  which illuminates the
object in dark conditions so that the
camera can focus clearly on the
object or it can be used as illumina-
tion for manual focusing.
The AF auxiliary light is switched on
with button and lights up for
around 10 seconds. If a picture is
taken, the AF auxiliary light switches
off immediately and thus does not
contribute to the lighting.
☞
☞
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11 Modelling Light (ML)
The modelling light (setting light) is a
high frequency, stroboscopic flash
light. The effect of a quasi continuous
light is created for a duration of
approx. 2 seconds. The setting light
can be used to assess the light distri-
bution and shadow formation before
taking a picture.
Activating the modelling light
• Switch-on flash unit with the main
switch .
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” 
pressed until the following message
appears in the display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
• Switch-on (ON) the “MODELLING
LIGHT” function with the button
• Press button and the “Modelling
Light” function is switched to the
preset operating mode.
OK

SEL
• As a confirmation that the
“Modelling Light” is switched on,
the manual release button blinks.
Triggering modelling light
Press the manual release button to
trigger the modelling light.
The modelling light is generated
according to the possibly set ratio of
the reflectors (Ratio).
Deactivating modelling light
• Keep the button “AF/SELECT” 
pressed until the following message
appears in the display:
• Press the button on the flash
unit. In the display appears:
• Switch-off (OFF) the “MODELLING
LIGHT” function with the button
.
• Press the button and the model-
ling light function is deactivated.
OK

SEL
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

15MS-1 V1.0
SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
☛
SEL 
SELECT
⊃

SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
SEL
OK
MODELLING
LIGHT
OFF ON
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12 Synchronisation on the
1st or 2nd shutter
curtain (REAR)
Some cameras support synchronisa-
tion with the 2nd shutter curtain
(REAR). Thus, the flash unit is not fired
until the shutter has closed. This is
especially advantageous when ligh-
ting with slow shutter speeds (>
1/30s) and moving objects with their
own light sources since moving light
sources leave behind a trail of light,
instead of in the front as with synchro-
nisation on the 1st shutter curtain. This
results in a more “natural” reproduc-
tion of the situation when the picture
was taken for moving light sources.
Depending on the operating mode,
the camera triggers slower shutter
speeds than the flash sync speed.
In some cameras, in certain operating
modes (e.g. with certain Vari and/or
Object programs or with pre-flash
function against the “red-eye effect”),
REAR operating mode is not possible.
The REAR operating mode cannot be
selected in this case or is automatical-
ly deleted or not performed (see
Camera user manual). The REAR ope-
rating mode is set on the camera (see
Camera user manual). No settings are
necessary on the flash unit, nor is the-
re any display for this mode.
13 Slow synchronisation
(SLOW)
SLOW lighting brings the picture
background into stronger focus with
weak ambient lighting. This is achie-
ved by the camera shutter speeds that
are adjusted to the ambient light.
Thus, automatic shutter speeds are
automatically triggered that are lon-
ger than the flash sync speed (e.g.
shutter speeds up to 30s). Slow syn-
chronisation is activated automatically
on some camera models in connection
with certain camera programs (e.g., a
night shot program, etc.), or it can be
set on the camera (see the camera’s
operating instructions). No settings
are necessary on the flash unit, nor is
there any display for this mode.
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Slow synchronisation SLOW is set on
the camera (see camera’s operating
instructions)! Use a tripod when
shooting with slow shutter speeds to
avoid blurred images!
13.1 Using a tripod
The tripod thread of the flash unit
may only be used for setting up the
flash unit as a slave unit without
camera.
If the camera has a mecablitz 15MS-1
digital attached to it, only then the tri-
pod thread on the camera may be
used to mount it on a tripod.
14 Care and maintenance
Remove any dirt and dust with a soft,
dry cloth. Do not use any cleaning
agents – plastic components could be
damaged.
14.1 Firmware update
The firmware for the flash unit can be
updated via the USB socket and
conform to the functions of future
cameras (firmware update).
You can find out more by visiting the
Metz homepage: www.metz.de
14.2 Reset
The flash unit can be reset to factory
settings.
Resetting flash unit to factory settings
(RESET)
• Switch-on the flash unit with the
main switch .
• Keep the black button on the flash
unit on the left pressed until
“FACTORY SETTINGS” appears in
the display:
• Press the button and switch-on
(YES) “FACTORY SETTINGS”.
• Confirm “FACTORY SETTINGS” by
pressing the button.
The display flashes: The flash unit is
reset to the state when it was delive-
red.
• When the flash unit has been reset
to the state when it was delivered,
the following message appears as
confirmation in display:
OK

☞☞
RESET
OK
FACTORY
SETTINGS
NO YES
OK
FACTORY
SETTINGS
NO YES
☛
SEL
SELECT
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This will not affect firmware updates
for the flash unit!
14.3 Conditioning the
flash capacitor
The flash capacitor built into the flash
unit undergoes a physical change
when the device has not been used for
a long time.
For this reason it is necessary to
switch the device every three months
for approx. 10 mins. The power sup-
plies must deliver enough power so
that flash standby lights up no later
than 1 min after switching on.
15 Troubleshooting
If for example, inappropriate messa-
ges appear in the display of the flash
unit or the flash unit does not opera-
te as it should, switch the flash unit
off for approx. 10 seconds with the
main switch .
Replace the batteries or rechargeable
batteries with new batteries or fully
recharged batteries!
The flash unit should now operate
normally when switched on. If this is
not the case, then contact your dealer.
16 Technical data
Maximum guide number for ISO
100; 50 mm
In metric system: 15
In feet: 49
Manual flash operating modes:
Manual flash mode via sync socket
Remote flash operating modes:
• Canon E-TTL-Remote.
• Nikon i-TTL-Remote.
• Olympus/Panasonic
FourThirds-System TTL Remote.
• Pentax/Samsung
P–TTL–Remote–System.
• Sony-TTL-Remote
Slave flash operating modes:
• Slave mode with pre-flash
suppression via Learn function.
☞
☞
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