Panasonic FL360 - DMW - Hot-shoe clip-on Flash User manual

Operating Instructions
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Instrucciones de funcionamiento
Flash
Model No. DMW-FL360
Before use, please read these instructions
completely.
Bitte lesen Sie diese Bedienungsanleitung vor der
Inbetriebnahme des Gerätes vollständig durch.
Avant l’utilisation, veuillez lire entièrement ces
instructions.
Antes del uso, lea detenidamente, por favor, estas
instrucciones.
E
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Contents
Information for Your Safety ............................................................................. 3
Precautions ................................................................................................ 4
Supplied accessories ..................................................................................... 5
Names of the Components............................................................................. 5
Displays Appearing on the Display Panel....................................................... 7
Concerning the batteries................................................................................ 8
Inserting and Removing the Unit’s Batteries (optional) ................................ 13
Checking the Flash’s Remaining Battery Charge......................................... 14
Mounting the Unit onto the Digital Camera, and Removing it ...................... 15
Taking Pictures using a Digital Camera with Communication Functions...... 17
How to select the flash mode ................................................................... 17
[TTL AUTO] ............................................................................................. 19
[AUTO] ..................................................................................................... 20
[MANUAL] ............................................................................................... 21
[FP TTL AUTO] ........................................................................................ 22
[FP MANUAL] .......................................................................................... 23
Taking Pictures using a Digital Camera without Communication
Functions ................................................................................................... 26
How to select the flash mode ................................................................... 26
[AUTO] ..................................................................................................... 27
[MANUAL] ............................................................................................... 30
Other Applications........................................................................................ 32
Taking pictures with bounce lighting......................................................... 32
Taking pictures at close range.................................................................. 33
Selecting the lighting angle manually....................................................... 34
How to use the Wide Panel ...................................................................... 35
Many choices for different flash photography applications....................... 36
Functions...................................................................................................... 37
Concerning Continuous Firing...................................................................... 40
Table of Guide Numbers (GN)...................................................................... 41
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 44
Cautions for Use........................................................................................... 46
Specifications ............................................................................................... 48
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Information for Your Safety
≥This flash is designed to be used with digital cameras made by Panasonic. It is
compatible with DMC-FZ50, DMC-L1K (with communication functions: P17 to
25), DMC-FZ30 etc. (without communication functions: P26 to 31). (as of
September 2006)
≥The digital camera illustrations in these operating instructions show DMC-FZ50
as an example.
≥Four ThirdsTM is a trademark.
-If you see this symbol-
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD AND ANNOYING
INTERFERENCE, USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES AND DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN, MOISTURE, DRIPPING OR
SPLASHING. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK); THERE ARE NO
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Information on Disposal for Users of Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipment (private households)
This symbol on the products and/or accompanying documents
means that used electrical and electronic products should not be
mixed with general household waste.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling, please take
these products to designated collection points, where they will
be accepted on a free of charge basis. Alternatively, in some
countries you may be able to return your products to your local retailer
upon the purchase of an equivalent new product.
Disposing of this product correctly will help to save valuable resources
and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the
environment which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste
handling. Please contact your local authority for further details of your
nearest designated collection point.
Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in
accordance with national legislation.
For business users in the European Union
If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment, please contact
your dealer or supplier for further information.
Information on Disposal in other Countries outside the European
Union
This symbol is only valid in the European Union.
If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local authorities or
dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
ENGLISH
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∫Handling the unit
≥ Do not subject the unit to strong
vibration or impact.
Doing so
may cause not only the unit to
malfunction but also the flash head
to break.
≥Before carrying the unit around
with you, ensure that the wide
panel is properly retracted. (P35)
≥Sand and dirt may cause the
unit to malfunction. When using
the unit in an environment such
as a beach, take steps to protect
it from sand and dirt.
≥When taking photos on rainy days
or on a beach, take care to keep
the unit dry.
≥The unit is not waterproof. If
rain or drops of water splash
onto the unit, wipe off the water
with a dry cloth. If the unit does
not operate normally, consult
the dealer or your nearest
servicenter.
≥Read the operating instructions for
your digital camera.
∫When the unit is not going to be
used for a prolonged period
≥Be absolutely sure to remove the
batteries from the unit.
≥If the batteries are left inside the
unit, a faint current will flow
continuously, even when the unit’s
power is off, gradually discharging
the batteries. (For details on nickel
metal hydride batteries, refer to
P11.)
≥Store the batteries in a cool,
moisture-free location where the
temperature is kept as constant as
possible.
(Recommended temperature
range: 15 °C to 25 °C;
recommended humidity range:
40% to 60%)
≥ If you plan to store the unit and/or
its batteries inside a closet or
cupboard, it is recommended that
you put a desiccant (silica gel) in
with them.
Precautions
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Supplied accessories
[Inspection to be performed when
you unpack the unit]
When removing the unit from its
packing box, check that the main unit
and its supplied accessory is there
and also check their external
appearance and functions to verify
that they have not sustained any
damage during distribution and
transportation.
If you discover any trouble, contact
your vendor before using the product.
For this flash, use only the flash
case shown below.
Flash case
VFC4230
≥The batteries are optional.
Names of the
Components
1 Wide panel (P35)
2 Flash head
3 AF assist lamp (P38)
≥In dark locations where it is
difficult to bring the subject
into focus, you can direct light
onto the subject to facilitate
focusing.
(The AF assist works only
when this flash is used in
combination with Panasonic’s
“Four ThirdsTM” digital single-
lens reflex camera: it will not
work with other cameras.)
4Flashsensor
5 Lock ring (P15)
6 Lock pin (P15)
7 Terminal area (P15)
6
7
12
3
4
5
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8 Bounce unlock button
(up/down direction) (P15, 32)
9 Bounce up/down angle display
(P32)
10 Bounce unlock button
(left/right direction) (P15, 32)
11 Bounce left/right angle display
(P32)
12 [MODE] button (P17, 26, 37)
13 [LIGHT] button
≥The display panel will light for
about 15 seconds. It also
may light depending on the
operation on the digital
camera with communication
functions.
14 [POWER] button
(P14, 17, 26, 37)
15 Battery cover (P13)
16 [ZOOM] button
(P27, 30, 34, 35)
17 Select dial
(P21, 24, 27, 30, 37)
18 [TEST/CHARGE] button (P14,
17, 26)
19 [AUTO CHECK] lamp
(P14, 19, 20, 22, 27)
20 Display panel (P7)
8
9
11
10
13
14
12
15
19
18
17
16
20
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Displays Appearing on the Display Panel
1 FP firing (P22, 23)
2 Flash intensity adjustment
(P24)
3 Flash mode (P17, 26)
4 Lighting angle display (P38)
≥[FOURTHIRDS]:
The lighting angle is
displayed by the focal length
of the “Four Thirds” digital
camera format lens.
≥[135]:
The lighting angle is
converted into the focal
length of the 135 camera
(35 mm film conversion) and
displayed.
5 ZOOM mode (P34)
6 ZOOM value (P34)
7Aperture
8 Distance display (P38)
9 Setting displays
(guide number, ISO sensitivity,
aperture, flash working range,
correct distance, flash intensity
adjustment)
10 ISO sensitivity
11 Guide number (GN) (P41)
12 Close-up flash (P33)
13 Wide panel display (P35)
13 4
5
7
10 9
8
6
13
12
11
2
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Concerning the
batteries
∫Types of batteries that can be
used
≥The use of batteries made by
Panasonic is recommended.
≥The performance of the batteries
used may significantly differ
depending on which battery brand
is used, how long the batteries
have been stored since they were
manufactured and how they have
been stored.
≥The performance of the batteries
decreases temporarily at low
temperatures (below 10 °C), but
will be restored when the
temperature returns to room
temperature.
≥Malfunctioning may occur under
certain ambient temperatures and
operating conditions. However,
this is not indicative of trouble.
≥In order to ensure that the
batteries will function for as long
as possible, it is recommended
that you turn off the unit’s power
during the intervals between
taking photos. If the unit is to be
used for prolonged periods, the
use of rechargeable nickel metal
hydride batteries is recommended.
≥Once spent, batteries may recover
their performance when left
standing for a while, but they will
quickly become unusable again.
For this reason, always make a
point of replacing spent batteries
with fresh ones.
∫Types of batteries with which
operation is not guaranteed
≥Panasonic offers no guarantees
that the unit will operate properly
when any of the batteries listed
above are used. Furthermore, use
of these batteries may result in
electrolyte leakage, power failure
etc.
AA Alkaline dry batteries (LR6)
AA Rechargeable nickel metal
hydride batteries (Ni-MH)
AA Ni-Cd batteries
AA Nickel-manganese batteries
(ZR6)
AA Lithium batteries (FR6)
AA Manganese batteries (R6)
AA Oxyride (oxy-nickel-hydroxide)
dry batteries
CR-V3 Lithium battery packs
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∫Batteries with shapes that
cannot be used
≥Installing batteries with irregular
shapes in the unit may cause
electrolyte leakage, heat
generation and even rupturing of
the batteries themselves.
≥Some batteries sold on the market
have part or all of their jackets
missing: Under no circumstances
should such batteries be used.
(Refer to the figure below.)
∫Handling the batteries
Mishandling of batteries may cause
electrolyte leakage, heat generation
and even rupturing of the batteries
themselves. Heed with the following
cautions.
≥Batteries (bare batteries) with no
external jackets or batteries with
parts of their jackets missing
≥Batteries whose -electrode is
flat
≥Do not expose batteries to water
or seawater or allow their
terminal areas to become wet.
≥Do not remove their external
jackets or damage them in any
way.
≥Do not drop the batteries, knock
them into other objects or subject
them to any other kind of strong
impact.
≥Stop using the batteries as soon
as you notice any electrolyte
leakage, deformation,
discolouration or any other such
trouble.
≥Do not store batteries in locations
where the temperature and/or
humidity levels are high.
≥Keep batteries out of the reach of
infants and small children.
≥Always use 2 new batteries of the
same type when replacing
batteries.
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≥Remove the batteries from the
unit when you do not intend to
use the unit for a prolonged
period.
≥Batteries may be hot immediately
after the unit has been used.
Before removing them from the
unit, turn off the unit’s power and
wait until the temperature of the
batteries has dropped.
≥At low temperatures (under
10 °C), the performance of
batteries will deteriorate and the
number of flashes fired by the
unit will be sharply reduced. The
operating duration of batteries
tends to be shorter particularly
when alkaline dry batteries are
used so warm them in your
pocket before use. When
warming batteries in your pocket,
avoid direct contact with cigarette
lighters and other metal objects
as well as with pocket/body
warmers.
≥The number of flashes fired by
the unit may also be sharply
reduced if the +and -
electrodes of the batteries are
exposed to oils from the skin or
other forms of dirt. Before
installing the batteries, wipe the
+and -electrodes carefully
using a soft, dry cloth.
If electrolytes should leak from the
batteries, wipe away all traces of
the electrolyte in the battery
compartment, and then insert fresh
batteries or fully charged nickel
metal hydride batteries.
If you should get electrolyte on your
hands or clothes, rinse it off
thoroughly with water. If you should
get electrolyte in your eyes, you risk
losing your sight. In such a case,
do not rub your eyes but
immediately wash them with clean
water, and then seek medical
advice.
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∫Rechargeable nickel metal
hydride batteries
Nickel metal hydride batteries can be
made ready for use by recharging
them using a dedicated charger.
However, mishandling may cause
electrolyte leakage, heat generation,
the ignition of flames and even
rupturing of the batteries themselves.
Heed the following precautions.
≥It may not be possible to
properly recharge batteries with
dirty +and -electrodes. Use a
soft, dry cloth to carefully wipe
the +and -electrodes as well
as the terminal areas of the
charger.
≥Either when they are purchased
or when they have not been
used for a prolonged period,
nickel metal hydride batteries
may not have a sufficient charge.
This is due to their
characteristics and is not
indicative of trouble. Their
regular performance will be
restored after they have been
charged a number of times.
≥It is recommended that the
batteries be recharged only after
their existing charge has been
used up. If they are repeatedly
charged without their existing
charge first having been used up,
it may be difficult for them to
sustain their capacity. (A
phenomenon referred to as the
memory effect.)
≥If the memory effect has
occurred, use up the existing
charge in the batteries until the
unit cannot fire and then
recharge them fully a number of
times. This will restore their
capacity.
≥When nickel metal hydride
batteries are not being used, their
capacity will diminish due to the
effects of natural discharging.
≥Do not continuously charge
nickel metal hydride batteries
which already have a charge.
≥Do not remove their external
jackets or damage them in any
way.
≥Read the instructions
accompanying the charger used
when recharging the batteries.
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Nickel metal hydride batteries have a
specific service life. As they are
increasingly used or as time goes by,
their capacity will diminish gradually.
When the length of time during which
the unit can be used has dropped
drastically, the batteries may have
reached the end of their service life.
Obtain fresh batteries.
≥The length of the service life of
batteries differs depending on their
storage method, operating
conditions and the environment in
which they are used.
∫When the unit is not going to be
used for a prolonged period
≥If the batteries are left inside the
unit, a faint current will flow
continuously, even when the unit’s
power is off, gradually discharging
the batteries. If they are left like
this, they may overdischarge and
may become unusable even when
recharged.
≥When storing the batteries for a
prolonged period, it is
recommended that they be
charged once a year and that after
their remaining charge has been
used up, they be removed from the
unit and stored again.
∫Service life of batteries
Number of flashes
(number of full flashes in MANUAL
mode at intervals of 30 seconds)
Photo taking conditions
≥Temperature: 23 °C
Flash interval
≥The number of flashes and flash
interval differ slightly depending on
the storage status of the batteries
and the operating conditions.
Batteries used Number of
flashes
Alkaline dry
batteries (LR6) Approx. 120 flashes
Nickel metal
hydride batteries
(Ni-MH)
Approx.
200 flashes
Batteries used Flash interval
Alkaline dry
batteries (LR6) Approx. 8 s
Nickel metal
hydride batteries
(Ni-MH) Approx. 7.5 s
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Inserting and
Removing the Unit’s
Batteries (optional)
≥Check that the unit’s power is off.
≥Use alkaline dry batteries or
rechargeable nickel metal hydride
batteries.
1 Slide the battery cover to
open it.
≥There is tape adhered to the
battery cover the first time that you
use the unit. Peel it off.
2 When inserting the
batteries, ensure that the
+and -poles of the
batteries are aligned
correctly.
3 Close the battery cover by
sliding it back firmly as far
as it will go.
≥After using the unit, take out the
batteries.
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Checking the Flash’s
Remaining Battery
Charge
≥Install the batteries and then turn
on the unit and check the battery
remaining power.
1 Press the [POWER] button.
≥Charging now starts.
2 Check that the [TEST/
CHARGE] button lights.
≥After the batteries have been fully
charged, the [TEST/CHARGE]
button lights.
≥If it takes as long for the [TEST/
CHARGE] button to light as the
period indicated in the table below,
it means that the batteries are
nearly worn out. Replace them
with fresh batteries as soon as
possible.
≥If the [TEST/CHARGE] button and
[AUTO CHECK] lamp both flash at
the same time, it means that the
batteries are almost completely
worn out and should be replaced
with fresh batteries as soon as
possible.
3 Press the [POWER] button
to turn off the unit’s power.
≥When the [TEST/CHARGE] button
is pressed, the unit may fire.
≥Turn off the power in the following
situations:
≥When mounting the unit onto, or
disengaging it from, the digital
camera
≥When you do not want the unit
to fire
≥When you are not going to use
the unit
POWER
TEST/CHARGE
Alkaline batteries More
than 30 s
Rechargeable nickel
metal hydride
batteries
More
than 10 s
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Mounting the Unit
onto the Digital
Camera, and
Removing it
≥Check that the power of the digital
camera and unit is off. (Mounting
the unit onto, or disengaging it
from, the camera while the power
is on may cause trouble and is not
recommended.)
∫Mounting the unit
1 Secure the flash head at
the horizontal front
position.
A: Bounce unlock button
≥If the flash head is at the lock
position, rotate it while pressing
the bounce unlock button.
2 Loosen the lock ring.
≥If the lock pin is protruding, turn
the lock ring in the opposite
direction from [2LOCK] and
retract the pin.
≥Do not apply more force than is
necessary to the lock ring.
≥Do not touch the terminal areas
with your fingers, metal objects,
etc.
≥Do not mount the unit onto the
digital camera while the lock pin
is protruding. Otherwise you may
damage the unit.
A
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3 Slide the unit firmly toward
the back of the hot shoe
until a clicking sound is
heard.
4 Turn the lock ring in the
[2LOCK] direction until it
stops turning.
∫Removing the unit
Completely loosen the
lock ring, and slide the
unit off from the hot shoe.
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Taking Pictures using
a Digital Camera with
Communication
Functions
≥For details on each flash mode,
turn to P19 to 23.
1 Turn on the power of the
digital camera.
2 Press the [POWER] button
on the unit.
≥The [TEST/CHARGE] button lights
after the batteries have been fully
charged.
3 Press the shutter button of
the digital camera halfway
down.
≥The ISO sensitivity, aperture,
shutter speed and other photo
taking information are sent
between the digital camera and
the unit.
4 Press the [MODE] button,
and select the flash mode.
A:Flashmode
≥The flash mode is shown on the
display panel.
≥The mode is changed each time
the [MODE] button is pressed.
How to select the flash mode
POWER
MODE
A
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∫Concerning the flash modes
¢The guide number (GN) is a value which indicates the light quantity of a
flash. The higher the value, the greater the quantity of light emitted by the
unit.
≥You may not be able to use some modes depending on the type of digital
camera.
(±: Available, —: Not available)
≥It is not possible to select a mode which cannot be used.
Item Details of settings
[TTL AUTO] After measuring the appropriate flash intensity by
discharging a pre-flash, the unit fires again for photo
taking. (P19)
[AUTO] The unit senses the light by its flash sensor in
accordance with the aperture of the lens, and it
adjusts the flash intensity. (P20)
≥This mode can be used only for digital camera
models with communication functions which
support the [AUTO] mode.
[MANUAL] The unit fires at the guide number (GN)¢which has
been set. (P21)
[FP TTL AUTO] This mode enables flash photo taking even at the
high shutter speeds of the digital camera by FP firing
(repeatedly firing the flash at high speed). (P22)
The unit initiates FP firing at the flash intensity set in
the [FP MANUAL] mode. (P23)
[FP MANUAL]
[TTL AUTO] [AUTO] [MANUAL] [FP TTL
AUTO] [FP MANUAL]
DMC-L1K ±
DMC-FZ50 ±—
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Press the [MODE] button, and select
the flash mode. (P17)
≥The flash working range is shown
on the display panel in line with the
settings of the digital camera.
A: Flash working range
1 Check that the distance to
the subject is within the
flash working range.
≥If the subject is outside the range,
adjust the aperture of the lens or
change the distance to the subject.
≥The flash working range changes
depending on the type and
settings (ISO sensitivity, aperture
and focal length) of the digital
camera used.
2 Press the shutter button
all the way down, and take
the picture.
3 Check that the [AUTO
CHECK] lamp is flashing.
≥If the [AUTO CHECK] lamp
continues to flash for about
5 seconds, it means that the unit
has fired successfully. If it does not
flash, the unit has not fired
successfully. Check the settings
on the unit and the digital camera
and then take the picture again.
[TTL AUTO]
A
AUTO CHECK
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Press the [MODE] button, and select
the flash mode. (P17)
≥The flash working range is shown
on the display panel in line with the
settings of the digital camera.
A: Flash working range
≥ If the settings on the digital camera
(ISO sensitivity and aperture) are
outside the combinations of the ISO
sensitivity and aperture which can
be adjusted, the flash working range
is not displayed and the user is
warned by the flashing of [ISO] and
[F] on the display. In a case like this,
change the digital camera settings.
1 Check that the distance to
the subject is within the
flash working range.
≥If the subject is outside the range,
adjust the aperture of the lens or
change the distance to the subject.
≥The flash working range changes
depending on the type and
settings (ISO sensitivity, aperture
and focal length) of the digital
camera used.
2 Press the shutter button
all the way down, and take
the picture.
3 Check that the [AUTO
CHECK] lamp is flashing.
≥If the [AUTO CHECK] lamp
continues to flash for about
5 seconds, it means that the unit
has fired successfully. If it does not
flash, the unit has not fired
successfully. Check the settings
on the unit and the digital camera
and then take the picture again.
∫Combinations of the ISO
sensitivity and aperture which
can be adjusted in the [AUTO]
mode
[AUTO]
A
ISO sensitivity Aperture
3200 F8 to F32
1600 F5.6 to F32
800 F4toF32
400 F2.8 to F32
200 F2toF32
100 F1.4 to F22
50 F1.4 to F16
25 F1.4 to F11
AUTO CHECK
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