Vivitar 636AF Ni User manual

6 14 Description of Parts
1. Flash Window
7
15
2 Auto Focus Illuminator
3. Lockrng Wheel
4. Hot Shoe Contacts
5 Battery Compartment
6 Bounce Angle Indicator
8 7 Adjustable Bounce Head
16 8
AdJUStable Swivel Base
9 Maxrmum Coverage Distance Scales
2 9
10 . Under Exposure Indicator
11. On/O ff Switch
5 10
12 . Power On LED
13 Test Button
11
14 . Zoom Head Settrng lndrcator
15 Zoom Head
12
16 . Aperture/Drstance Scale
21
17 . Film Speed/ Aperture Selector
13
18
Frlm Speed Wrndow
3
19
Mode Selector
20 Tone Swrtch
21 Flash Ready Indrcator
4 22 20mm
Wrde Angle Panel
22

GETTING STARTED
This manual is divided into two sections: the S hor t Co ur se and the Detailed Sections . The Short Course
gets you shooting flash pictures quickly with a minimum of instruction. The Detailed Sect
1on provides .
detailed instructions about the extensive and versatile features of the flash. We urge you
to read the ent1re
manual to obtain the maximum enjoyment of your flash.
SHORT COURSE
The Short Course Section has been written to get you started shooting flash pictures quickly and easily.
is based on using your camera in any of its Program settings with a 50mm nor mal AF lens.
1 Make sure your camera is loaded with film.
2. Slide open the flash Battery Compartment cover (5) and insert 4 fresh AA alkaline batteries following
the alignment diagram inside the compartment. . .
3. Slide Battery Compartment cover back into place and make sure the Flash On /Off Sw1tch 1s in the
OFF posit1on . . .
4. Gently slide the flash fully into the accessory shoe of the camera and lighten the Lock1ng Wheel (3).
5. Turn the flash
ON ( 11 ). The Power On LED (12) will glow.
6. In a few seconds. the Ready Indicator (2 1) will glow.
7. Set the Mode Selector (1 9) to TTL.
8. Push
or pull Zoom Head (15) to the 50mm setting. . .
9. Rotate the Flash Head so that
it is pointing in the same d1rectron , and parallel to the lens.
1o. Make sure the camera is set to any of its program settings, i.e. P-Dual. P. or P-Hlgh.
11 Set 50mm AF normal lens to f/ 22 .
12 . If the Ready Light is glowing, you' re ready to shoot.
2
SOME NOTES ABOUT YOUR NEW FLASH
This dedicated Vivitar Electronic Flash Unit is designed specifically for Nikon 2020 or F501 Auto Focus
35mm
SLR cameras. It provides automatic through-the-lens ( TIL ) flash exposures in addition to manual
flash.
F~rthermore . when the light is too dim for the camera to auto focus. the flash's built-in Illuminator
automatically provides a source
of light for the camera to auto focus. This allows you to take sharply
focused pictures in very low light or even total darkness.
IMPORTANT: The auto focus mode selector on the front of the camera must be in the ·s ·setting in order
for the Auto Focus Illuminator to function.
There are
two modes of automatic TTL flash operation: Program and Aperture Priority. In the Manual
Mode, there are two manual flash power levels of FULL and -4 (1 /16th of FULL power). The -4 setting is
ideal for fast recycle lime when auto exposure is not needed.
A SIMPLE TTL FLASH TEST
To verify the TTL exposure operation, an actual exposure must be made with the flash attached to the
camera and film loaded
in the camera. For test purposes, a light toned piece of paper can be positioned at
the film plane as a film substitute and the camera back must be closed. Please note that light toned paper
may give incorrect responses due
to differences in its reflective qualities versus actual film. In any case.
an actual flash exposure must be made
by depressing the camera shutter release button. When the flash
is fired and there is insufficient light output, the lightning symbol in the viewfinder and the Under Exposure
LED (1
0) on the flash will bl ink. In addition, when the flash Tone Switch (20) is ON , there will be a beeping
sound. If there
is enough light, no warnings will occur. (Nikon camera systems only warn of flash under
exposure .)
3

DETAILED SECTION
1. Battery Loading
1) Slide the Power Switch (11) to the OFF position.
2) Slide open the Battery Compartment Cover (5) and insert four fresh AA alkaline batteries.
3) When inserting batteries. be sure t
he positive and negative terminals of the batteries are correctly
aligned
as indicated on the diagram in the battery compartment. Remove the batteries if the unit is
likely to be out of use for more than one month. Always change the batteries in complete sets of
four. NiCad batteries may be used with this flash.
2. Attaching and Removing Flash Unit
1) Before attaching or removing the flash unit. be sure to turn off the Power Switch ( 11 ).
2) To attach, slide the foot of the flash 1nto the accessory shoe of the camera and tighten the Locking
Wheel (3).
3. Zoom Head
4
The Zoom Head (15) allows you to adjust the light coverage of your flash to coincide with the coverage
of your camera lens. Simply push or pull the flash head to the setting desired.
Zoom Head Setting
28mm with 20mm Wide Panel
28mm
35mm
50mm
85mm
Camera Lens Coverages
20mm lens and up
28mm lens and up
35mm lens and up
50mm lens and up
85mm lens and up
NOTE: The guide number changes with each Zoom Head position as shown
in 'Table A' below.
TABLE A:
Guide Number with ISO 100 Film
Zoom Head
Setting
28mm
Wi
th 20mm Wide Angle Panel
(Converts to 20mm coverage)
28mm 28mm lens and longer
35mm 35mm lens and longer
50mm 50mm lens and longer
85mm 85mm lens and longer
Guide Number (m/ft)
FULL -4
15
/50
3.75 /12
25/83 6.25/ 21
30/100 7
5/25
36/119 9/ 30
42 /139
10 .5/ 35
5

4. Mode Selector
For automatic flash exposure, slide the Mode Selector (19) to TTL. For manual flash, two power levels
can
be selected: FULL and -4 (1/ 16 of full power)
5. TTL Auto Exposure Range
6
The TTL auto exposure range changes with film speed, lens aperture. camera mode, and zoom head
setting. The following 'Table B'
for I SO 100 film indicates TTL auto exposure ranges for any of the
program settings and most lens apertures you are likely
to use. For slower films, divide these numbers
by 1 .414 for each halving of film speed. For faster film, multiply by 1 .414 for each doubling of film
speed. For example,
in the table below at 50mm Zoom Head setting using f/4, the maximum distance in
feet is 30. For ISO 200 film, the maximum range will be 42 feet. For ISO 50 film, the maximum distance
will be
21 feet. Because of the electronic design of the camera, using a film speed other than ISO 1 00
w ill not change the flash exposure range of the Program Mode .
Program Mode
or Lens
Aperture
Pr ogr am
mode
1.4
2.8
5.6
8
11
16
22
TABLE B:
TTL Auto Coverage Range (ISO 100)
ZOOM HEAD SETTING
28mm +
Wide Adapter 28mm 35mm
0.7 -2.7 m 0.7-4.5 m 0.7-5.3 m
2.3-9
ft
2.3-15 fl 2. 3- 17 .5 ft
1.4 - 10 .7 m 1.4-17.8 m 1.4-21.4 m
4.5-35
ft 4.5-59 fl 4. 5-71 ft
1-7.5 m t-12 .5 m 1-
15m
3.3-25 ft 3.3-41 fl 3.3-50 ft
0.7 - 5.4 m 0.7-8.9 m 0.7-10
.7 m
2.3-
18 ft 2.3-29 fl 2.3-35 11
0 .7 -3.75 m 0 .7 -6.25 m 0.7-7.5 m
2.3-12
ft
2.3-20 fl 2.3-25 fl
0.7-2.7 m 0.7-4.5 m 0.7-5.3 m
2.3-9
ft
2 .3 -15 ft 2.3-17.5 fl
0.7-1.9 m 0.7-3.1 m 0.7-3.75 m
2.3-6.3
ft 2.3-10 fl 2.3-12 ft
0.7-1.4 m 0.7-2.3 m 0.7-2.7 m
2.3-4.6
ft 2.3-7.6 fl 2.3-9 ft
0.7-09 m 0.7 1.6 m 0.7-1.9 m
2.3-3
ft 2.3-5. 311
2.3-6.3"
07-1 .1 m 0.7-1.4 m
2.3-3.6
ft
2.3- 4.6"
50mm 85mm
0.7-6.4 m
0.7 -7.5 m
2.3-21 fl 2.3-25 h
1.4-25.7 m 1.4-
30 m
4.5-85
11
4.5-100 ft
t- 18 m 1-2
1m
3.3-60 fl 3.3-
69 ft
0.7-12.8 m 0.7-15 m
2.3-42
11
2.3- 50 ft
0.7-9 m 0.7-10.5 m
2.3-30 fl 2.3-35 h
0.7-6.4 m 0.7-7.5 m
2.3-21
11
2.3-25 h
0.7-4.5 m 0.7-5.3 m
2.3-15
11
2.3-17 .5 ft
0.7-3.3 m 0.7-3.8 m
2.3-1 1
11
2.3-12.5 ft
0.7-2.25 m 0.7-2.6 m
2.3-7.
5"
2. 3-9 fl
0.7-1 .6 m 0.7-1.9 m
2.3-5
.3 " 2.3-6.3 fl
7

6. Aperture/Distance Scale
The Aperture/Distance Scale (t 6) on the rear of the unit shows the combinations of maximum
operating distances (9) and lens apertures for the film speed shown in the window (t 8) . It's based on
the zoom head being set
at the 35mm position. This combination will help you select the lens aperture
with Aperture Priority and Manual mode operation. Example:
In Aperture Priority with ISO 100 film.
aperture set at f/2.8. the maximum d is tance will be 35 f1 (indicated just above the lens aperture 2.8 on
the Aperture/D1stance Scale (16). With changes in the Zoom Head position. the maximum operating
d1stance will vary from that shown on the scale as follows:
Zoom Head Setting
28mm with 20mm Wide
Angle Panel
28mm
35mm
50mm
85mm
Maximum Operating Distance
40% shorter than indicated
20% shorter than indicated
as shown
on the scale
20% longer than
in dicated
40% longer than indicated
7. AF Illuminator lor Auto Focusing
8
In low light. or lotal darkness. with the flash in the ON position. the AF Illuminator (2) will automatically
be activated when the camera's shutter release is depressed half-way. Light from the Illuminator will be
projected on the subject to activate the camera's auto focus mechanism. The effective range of the
Illuminator IS about 1- 10 meters (3. 3-33 feet) with a 50mm normal lens. If you use a zoom lens with a
small aperture. the maximum effective distance will be shorter than above and you may want to use
manual focusing. IMPORTANT: The flash Auto Focus Illuminator will only funct
ion when the auto focus
mode selector located
on the front of the camera is set to · s·
8. Under Exposure Warning Signal
When the flash is fired and there is insufficient l1ght output. the lightn1ng symbol in the viewfinder and
the Under Exposure
LED (1 0) on the back of the flash will blink. In addition. when the flash Tone Switch
(20) IS ON . there will be a beeping sound. If there is enough light. no warn in gs will occur (Nikon
camera systems only warn
of flash under exposure.)
9. OPERATION
A. Program Mode Operation :
1
Set camera to one of the three Program Modes· P-DUAL. P, or P-HI.
2 Set camera lens to minimum f/ stop (Note: AF . AI /S or E·type lenses must be used. See camera
instruction book for further information about lenses.)
3.
Set Flash Head to desired lighting angle and the zoom position to coincide with the focal length of
the lens used.
4
Set the flash Mode Selector (19) to the TTL position.
5
Sl ide the flash On /Off Sw1tch (1 1) to the ON position: the Power LED ( 12 ) will light. indicating that
the flash unit
is on .
6. After the flash Ready Light
(2 1) glows. look in the viewfinder and press the shutter release half-way.
You will see a red lightning symbol and a red '125' on the right hand. vertical column of the VIewfinder
This indicates the flash is ready and the correct shutter speed for flash has been set. For other
viewfmder indications. see your camera's instruction manual. The camera and flash are now ready for
automatic TTL flash photography.
7. Make sure that the subject
IS w1thin the exposure range (see Table B) and press the shutter release
button
all the way to take the picture.
9

8. If there is not enough light. the lig htning symbol in the camera viewfinder and the Under Exposu re
LED (t 0) on the flash will flicker. In addition. if the Tone Sw1tch is in the ON position. there will be a
beeping sound.
If any of these under exposure indications occur. move closer to the subject or switch
to A-Mode operation and use the widest aperture (smallest !/number).
B. A-Mode Operation
1. Sel camera Ia the A-Mode and select the desired lens ape rt ure. Check 'Table B' to ensure that the
aperture selected permits
TI L exposures f or distances greater than the flash-to-subject distance. The
wider the aperture selected (smaller number).
th e gr ea ter the fl as h ra nge and better overall fl ash
performance.
2.
Set flash Mode Selector (1 9) to the TTL position and follow steps 3 through 8 above in Program
operat
ion .
C. Fully Manual Op eration
1.
Set camera shutter speed to 1I 125 or slower.
2. Set Mode Selector (1 9) of flash unil to FULL or -4 . The -4 setting is suitable for fast recycle time
and
for auto win d er. rapid sequence shooting.
3.
In Ihis mode. the TTL auto exposure signal from the camera wi ll no t be transmitted to the flash unit:
therefore. the aperture must be
set ma nually. The proper aperture can be fo un d by dividing the guide
number
by the flash-to-subject distance. Example: In the FULL power position. if you are using ISO
1 00 film wi th the Zoom Head in the 35mm position, the gu id e number is 1 00 for fee t or 30 for meters. If
the flash-to-subject distance is 3.7 m (12 ft) . the proper lens aper tu re will be f /8 (1 00/ 1 2=8 3 or
30/ 3. 7=8 .1). If you are using the -4 mode. the guide number will be 25 for feet or 7.5 for meters.
4. Slide the On /Off Switch (t 1) to the ON position. After the Ready Light (2 1) glows. the flash is ready
to shoal.
Note : The under exposure indicators do not function in manual mode.
10
Bounce Flash Photography
By aiming the Flash Head at ceilings and walls. bounce flash photography can offer softer. more
professional quality lighting. The head of the flash can be angled up to 90 degrees vertically and/or
swiveled up to 180 deg to the left and 90 deg to the right. Automatic exposure bounce flash photography
in Program or Apertu re Pnority modes can be easily done by fol lowing the Program or Aperture Priority
instruclions above.
NOTE: When
us i ng color film. it is better to bounce the light off white or neutr al
colored su rfaces only.
2. Take care in selecting the bounce angle so that direct light from the flash
head will not enter the picture area. ·
Accu-Trak™Circuit
This flash incorporates a special circuit that pe rmits correct exposures even at short flash-to-subject
distances. It functions automatically and requires no special settings.
Test Button
The flash Test Button is only used to make sure the flash functions. When the flash is on and the Ready
Light glows. the Test Button can be depressed
to fire the flash. Pl ease no te the Test Button op erat es
ind epe ndently of the TTL auto ex posure mechanism and cannot be used for correct exposure tests.
CAUTIONS
1. If the un it fa ils to operate, please refer it to qualifi ed service personne l.
2. Remove the batteries if the unit is not in use for any period exceeding one month.
3. Keep the unit dry and store
in a moisture-free environment.
11

Specifications
Guide Number (ISO 100/ Feet):
Zoom Flash Head Setting
TTL & Full Power Mode
-4 (1/ 16) Power Mode
Guide Number (ISO 100/Meters):
Zoo m Flash Head Setting
TTL & Full Power Mode
-4 (1
/16) Power Mode
Auto TTL E xposu re Coverage
Auto Focus Illum in ato r Ra nge
Power Source
4 AA alkaline batleries
NiCad balteries
Fl ash Durat ion in Full Pow er Mode
Color Temperature
A ccu- Tr ak ™ Circuitry
12
85mm 50mm 35mm
28mm
139 119 100 83
35 30
25
21
85mm
50mm 35 mm 28m m
42
36 30 25
10.5 9 7.5 6.3
See Table B
3-33 Feet (t -1
0 Meters) with 50mm fI 1.8 lens
Re cycle T ime
0. 3-8 seconds
0.2-6 seconds
1/ 1000-t /50.000
5700° Kelvin (Daylight)
Numb er of Flashes
120-2500
80-1500
Yes. provides correct automatic exposures
when shooting close-up photographs.
20mm•
50
12
20mm·
15
3.75
Auto Thyr i sto r™
Auto-Off Circuitry
Zoom Flash Head
Vertical Bounce Flash
Hor izo ntal Bounce Fl ash
Underexposure Indication
Flash Test Button
Flash Ready Indicator
Di mensions
Weight
Accessor ies Incl uded
Optional A ccess or ies
Yes. permits more flashes and faster
recycle time per set of batteries.
Yes. with "
One-Touch " power on by depressing
camera's shutter bulton half way down.
28rnm. 35mm. 50mm & 85mm
0°-15°-30°-45° -60°-75°-90 °
270° Rotation
Yes. three ways: VIewfinder LED.
Flash LED and Flash beep tone.
Yes
Yes
5.2 " X 3.0" X 3.5"
(t32 mm x 79 mm x 88 mm)
12 ounces (340 grams) w1thout batteries
20mm Wide Angle Flash Panel"
Flash F1lter Set. 1ncludes adapter and
four filters
Specif1cat1ons subtect to change w1thout notice
13