Technical glossary for flash units

Additional acoustic status notifications can be activated for flash readiness, flash exposure control and alerts.

An autofocus auxiliary light (AF measurement flash) integrated in the flash unit automatically supports the central autofocus sensor of the camera in low ambient light conditions. A multizone AF measurement flash, also supports decentralised AF sensors.

During extended breaks from photographing, the flash unit is switched automatically to an energysaving standby state to prevent the power source from discharging (Auto-Off). The wake-up function (>>> Wake-Up function) reactivates the flash unit e.g. by lightly depressing the camera shutter.

A photo sensor integrated in the flash unit measures the subject during photographing, and automatically terminates the light output as soon as the subject is correctly exposed.

The correct exposure display o.k., appears on the flash unit aft er photographing if the subject in automatic or TTL flash mode is correctly lit.

Individual adaptation of the display on the camera system and the operating status for optimum and self-explanatory operation of the flash unit via soft keys.

Further development of the TTL flash control with metering pre-flash technology for Nikon cameras.

With the 3D-TTL (Nikon) and D-TTL 3D flash control, additional data such as the distance to the subject is taken into account during flash exposure.

Innovative advancement of TTL flash control with pre-flash metering technology for Canon EOS and PowerShot cameras.

With the E-TTL II flash control, additional data is taken into account during flash exposure, such as the distance to the subject and the guide number of the flash unit.

With Motor Zoom mode, the main reflector illuminates the subject more than necessary by one reflector position. As a result, the additional dispersed light provides softer illumination of the subject.

Flash bracketing series with three photos of different flash exposure: minus correction value, no correction value, and plus correction value.

The flash readiness indication illuminates when there is enough energy in the flash capacitor of the flash unit.

The guide number is the code number for the light output of a flash unit. It is dependent upon the preset ISO light sensitivity and (with zoom reflectors) on the position of the reflector, as well as on the potential use of reflector attachments (e.g. accessory wide-angle or telephoto lens). With high speed synchronisation (HSS) the guide number also depends on the shutter speed.

In high speed synchronization (HSS), you can flash with exposure times that are shorter than the flash sync time of the camera. As a result, flash photos with wide aperture openings are possible for high ambient light levels, for example to limit the depth of field in portrait shots.

Innovative advancement of the TTL flash control with metering pre-flash technology for Nikon cameras.

With the i-TTL-BL flash control, additional data such as the distance to the subject is taken into account by the flash lighting.

Locking of operational controls. Protects against unintentional overwriting.

Provides information on the flash modes and settings being used. (>>> Dot matrix display)

The flash unit is capable of recognising the camera’s pre-flash technology and in turn of circumventing pre-flash technology. The flash is therefore only activated as the main flash when taking photographs (subject to camera).

Flash mode with unregulated light output. The flash unit delivers the full light output, if no partial light output is set.

The zoom position of the main reflector and thus the illumination of the flash unit can be adjusted manually to the focal length of the lens.

High-quality metal base for secure attachment on camera shoe.

The modelling light is a stroboscope light with a high flash frequency lasting a few seconds. This “quasi permanent light”, allows you to evaluate the light distribution and shadow formation on the subject before taking the photograph.

The zoom position of the main reflector and thus the illumination of the flash unit is automatically adjusted to the focal length of the lens.

Provides information on the operating modes and settings currently in use. The OLED display features a high contrast and is energy efficient.

Manual flash mode with unregulated light output. By setting partial light mode on the flash unit, the light output or illumination duration of the flash unit can be adapted specifically to the photographic situation.

Innovative advancement of the TTL flash control with metering pre-flash technology for Pentax cameras.

Rapid mode for short recycling times at reduced maximum light output.

Synchronisation to the 2nd shutter curtain for more natural blurring effects for longer exposure times.

A remote system consists of a master or controller flash unit on the camera and one or more slave flash units. The slave flash unit is wirelessly remotely controlled by the master or controller flash unit. Unlike a controller flash unit, with a master flash unit, the flash contributes to the exposure.

For system cameras with digital or analog data transmission between the camera and flash unit. By using an SCA adapter from the SCA 3002 system, there are numerous additional system flash functions available with flash units
from the SCA 3002 system, depending on the type of camera. The firmware of an SCA adapter from the SCA 3002 system is updateable via Metz service for future cameras.

To brighten shadows cast in the close-up ranges which appear when using an indirect flash.

The servo mode allows you to operate the Metz flash unit of the corresponding camera system wirelessly with the built-in flash unit on the digital camera. Allows light output to be calibrated as partial lighting.

An integrated sensor makes this wireless slave flash mode possible in combination with a master or controller flash unit. (>>> Remote operation)

Innovative further development of the TTL flash control for Sony Alpha cameras in which, for example, information regarding the distance to the subject is included in the flash exposure.

While zooming the reflector increases by one illumination level on the object over the selected position. This centrally highlights the shot. Example: the zoom reflector adjusts to 70mm for a set focal length of 50mm. The information in the display of the flash unit remains however at 50mm, the original focal length of the lens.

Manual flash mode for flash sequences with a selectable intensity, frequency, and number of flashes, e.g. for special effect photos and motion studies.

Can be tilted horizontally and vertically for indirect flash. Can be tilted vertically for indirect flash.

Illuminated graphic display that can be operated by touching the display panel.

Reduces too high subject contrast (e.g. to brighten dark shadowy areas in bright sunshine).

While taking the photograph, the flash is measured through the lens (TTL = through the lens) by a sensor in the camera. The light output of the flash unit is terminated as soon as the subject is correctly exposed.

Interface for firmware updates via the Internet.

The flash unit can be reactivated by actuating the shutter release if the flash is in energy-saving standby mode after an extended break from taking photographs. (>>> Automatic unit switch-off)

Increases the light angle of the flash unit. Depending on the type of flash unit, the wide-angle attachment is either integrated or attachable as an accessory.