Pentax AF080C Owner Manual

 PENTAX:
AF080C
ELECTRONIC RING LIGHT SET
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION OF PARTS nn нана, 4
INSERTING THE BATTERIES «cette sees eee esos ee 6
MOUNTING THE RING FLASH EN 8
e Mounting with other close-up accessories ersteren EEE aro reee 9
MOUNTING THE CONTROL PACK -.... Teoneo enano nena nicen dan eca arenero evooa retener near acne ero eaten eneriananaveapaocereno 10
SYNCHRONIZATION AND OPERATIONAL FEATURES ....................... rio 12
TTL AUTO OPERATION --................——m222mmnmnnne eee arena ee 14
THE TTL AUTO FLASH RANGE EN 16
MANUAL FLASH cocoons oes eee eee sesso ooo ena nn 18
MANUAL EXPOSURE QUICK CALCULATION CHART N 19
FLASH READY LAMP -................—...——mnnveen 20
e Auto Check Lamp/Viewfinder Auto Check EN 21
® Auto Check SWITCH tees eee esses eee narnia. 21
EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES oie eee eee 22
PRECAUTIONS ooo nn nnneen sens annee 23
SPECIFICATIONS ieee tse sees esses eee ooo 24
The Pentax AF-080C Ring Light is a so-
phisticated electronic flash unit which is
specifically designed to make lighting of
close-ups and macrophotography easier to
attain. The flash unit itself features a 360
degree rotating flash head which fits over
the front of the camera lens. lts circular
design provides a direct shadowless lighting
source to maximize subject detail. In ad-
dition, when it’s used with a more power-
ful light source, it serves as the ideal fill-in
flash unit.
When used with the Pentax LX, Super A or
Super Program, the Ring Light provides
through-the-lens flash operation. Set for
the TTL Auto mode, the Ring Light works
in tandem with the above-mentioned cam-
era’s unique IDM (integrated direct meter-
ing) system to eliminate complex flash
calculations and provide a free choice of
f.numbers within the flash unit’s operating
range. Moreover, the metering cell inside
the camera reads the flash output directly
at the film plane and cuts off the flash
precisely at the right moment for correct
exposure.
The AF-080C also offers manual operation
at two light intensity levels with the Pentax
cameras featuring direct hot shoe synchro-
nization, and provides “dedicated” flash
operation (automatic synch for flash on
charging and viewfinder flash ready indica-
tion) with the late Pentax models.
The AF-080C operates jointly with the AF
Ring Light Control Pack which clips con-
veniently onto the camera hot shoe, and
houses six AA-size penlight batteries as
a built-in power supply. Optional accessory
power sources include the TR Power
Pack with transistorized circuitry for
extended power with six “C” cells, the
Power Pack 510V with a high-voltage
laminated battery and, AC Adaptor |! for
operation on household current.
Be sure to read these instructions carefully
in order to learn of the benefits the ring
flash has to offer. When not in use keep it
in a camera bag or case to ensure lasting
use,
Precautions on AFOSOC flash photography
e It is recommended that the lens be stopped
down as too wide an aperture can sometimes
cause lens flare.
® Shooting portraits with the AFOSOC and color
film may result in “red eye,” that red dot in
your subject's eye.
e The wide-angle lenses including 40mm f/2.8
should be used in the reversed position with
the АРО8ВОС.
® The reflective subjects such as mirror, glass,
etc. may cause a ring-shape reflection in the
photograph.
| DESCA IPTION OF PARTS 3
AF-080C Ring Light
O Ring Light unit
@ Adapter hole threads
© Mount ring
O Mount threads
O Ring light plug
O Cord
AF-080C Control Pack © Hot shoe bracket
O Power switch O Contact pins
O Test button O Compartment ring
O Ready lamp @ Cord lock button
© Auto check switch O Ring light cord socket
(finder check) ® Battery compartment
© Auto check lamp ® Auxiliary (external)
O Mode selector power source socket
UE E,
TEST
PIR TTL AUTO
mid "iy
> EXT
=] ат N
1 es
INSERTING THE BATTERIES
Six 1.5-volt AA-ize alkaline or manganese
batteries housed inside the controller unit serve as
the standard power source for the ring light unit.
Rechargeable NiCad batteries may also be used in
conjunction with a commercially available
recharger unit,
To insert the batteries:
e Open the compartment as illustrated.
e Insert four AA penlight batteries, making
sure the polarity markings match the diagrams
inside the compartment.
|
Battery Test: After the batteries are inserted, flick
the power switch to the INT. ON setting (INT. for
internal power supply; EXT. for external power
supply). Should the light fail to respond within
thirty seconds, the batteries are either inserted
improperly, or they are too Old to use,
LRAT 1H
Y Mie и
SEA
arc 2h
GRR
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
e When not using the power source for long
periods of time, remove batteries to avoid
corrosion,
® Use batteries with a short shelf life for best
results and replace then when they are past the
expiration date. Do not mix battery brands or
types.
e For best results use high performance alkaline
ceils. Rechargeable NiCad batteries have a shorter
recycling time but give less total flashes per charge.
Manganese batteries can be used also but have
fewer total flashes,
e Make sure batteries are inserted properly.
Improper insertion is hazardous and can damage
flash equipment.
e Battery performance falls off in cold climates
and can temporarily fail in freezing weather.
Carry spares in warm pocket when working in
extreme cold.
| MOUNTING THE RING FLASH
The ring flash mounts conveniently to the front of
the camera lens and screws to the 49mm threads of
the standard lens. It can also be used with 52mm
threads, when the 52mm to 49mm adapter is used,
“Reverse Ring Light Holder K"” is also available as
an optional accessory to mount a lens in reversed
position in close-up photography.
To mount the ring flash: Place the camera on its
back and match up the threads of the ring flash
with those on the lens front, Screw securely in
place.
Mounting with other close-up accessories: When
using the ring light with the Auto Bellows M |
(shown on the right), use the lens mounted in PENTAX
reverse. Screw the flash to the threads on the |
reverse panels of the bellows unit,
When using the ring light with filters, close-up
accessories, etc., attach the accessories first to the
lens before attaching the ring flash.
MOUNTING THE CONTROL PACK
The Control Pack houses the circuitry for the ring
flash unit and battery compartment. It attaches
directly to the camera hot shoe, and the synch
cord attaches to the front of the controller.
To mount the control pack: Slide the hot shoe
bracket into the hot shoe, then secure it in place
by tightening the compartment ring in the
direction of the arrow.
10
J
To attach the cord: Hold the four-pronged synch
cord with the groove facing upwards and fit it
into the socket on the front of the controller.
Push the plug in until it locks into place with a
click. Pull on the plug lightly to check that it’s
securely locked.
To remove the plug: Press the lock release beneath
the plug and pull.
Test flash: Turn the power switch to the
INTERNAL ON position. In a few seconds, when
the ready light lights, press the test button. After
the test flash, turn the power switch OFF.
If the unit fails to flash, batteries may be inserted
improperly or are too old, Also check that cord
and hot shoe bracket are making proper contact.
READY EA
EST” +
RT RY
ir TT
— EXT. MU
Cord precautions: To prevent the cord from
tangling in front of the lens, rotate the ring flash
unit and swing the cord out of the way.
11
| SYNCHRONIZATION AND OPERATIONAL FEATURES
Flash synchronization and operational features of the ring
light vary depending upon the camera YOu are using it with.
The Mode Selector: While two-level manual operation is
a standard feature with all cameras offering hot shoe synch,
the TTL auto mode is used exclusively with the LX, Super
A or Super Program. In addition, dedicated flash operations
{auto flash synch and viewfinder ready indication) are also
offered in the two level manual modes with late model
Pentax cameras as described in the chart. Auto flash check
is also offered in the TTL auto mode with the LX, Super A
or Super Program.
Method of Synchronization: With the Pentax cameras
mentioned in the chart, the AF-080C is synchronized in the
shutter modes and at the shutter speeds indicated in the
column of the chart for the camera indicated. For cameras
with dedicated flash features that are not specifically
mentioned in the chart, refer to the camera instruction
manual. With older mode! Pentax cameras, and cameras of
other makes, synchronization is basically the same as
indicated in the last column of the chart. As there are
exceptions, however, be sure to refer to your camera
instruction manual for details.
12
+
LX
Flash TTL Auto, Two-level
Modes Manual (Full and 1/4th)
Automatic At 1/50 sec. with shutter
Sync speed dial set at “Automatic”,
on charging
Manual At "X” (1/75 sec.) setting of
Sync shutter speed dial
Flash Ready | 1) LED lamp inside
Indication viewfinder
2) Flash ready lamp on
flash unit
Auto Flash 1) Flickering LED lamp
Check inside viewfinder
2) Auto check lamp on
| flash unit
Super A, Super Program
— Program A, Program Plus | 4.
| МЕ-Е, МЕ Super
© MG,MV,MV-1
TTL Auto, Two-level
Manual {Full and 1/4th)
Two-level Manual
(Full and 1/4th)
Two-level Manual
{Full and 1/4th}
Two-level Manual
(Full and 1/4th)
At 1/125 sec. with shutter
node dial set at “Auto”,
on charging
At 1/100 sec. with shutter
dial set at AUTO, on
charging
At 1/125 sec. with shutter
mode dial set at Auto”
and “M”, on charging
At 1/100 sec. with shutter
mode dial set at “Auto”,
on charging
At 125 X” setting of
shutter mode dial
At 100 4” setting of
shutter dial
At 125 X” setting of
shutter mode dial
At “100 X” setting of
shutter mode dial
1) LCD sign inside
viewfinder
2) Flash ready lamp on
flash unit
1) LCD sign inside
viewfinder
2) Flash ready lamp on
flash unit
1) LED lamp inside
viewfinder
2) Flash ready lamp on
flash unit
1) LED famp inside
viewfinder
2) Flash ready lamp on
flash unit
1) Flickering LCD sign
inside viewfinder
2) Auto check lamp on
flash unit
1) Flickering LCD sign
inside viewfinder
2) Auto check lamp on
flash unit
|
| TTL AUTO OPERATION |
When the AF-808C is used in the TTL Auto mode within the flash units operating range. There's also
jointly with the Pentax cameras featuring IDM no need for compensation for filters and close-up
(integrated direct metering) system, the problem of accessories with the direct TTL metering method,
complex flash calculations for close-up work is The film speed ranges usable in TTL auto flash
eliminated. With the TTL system, the flash is mode are ASA/1SO 6 - 800 with LX and ASA/ISO
measured directly at the film plane by the sensor 25 - 800 with Super A and Super Program,
inside the camera, permitting free use of any f-stop
For Operation:
1. Set the flash mode selector to TTL Auto. Set
a the camera shutter dial to AUTOMATIC.
READY ew... A CHECK 2. Any lens aperture within the TTL auto flash
coupling range can be used. Effective apertures
TEST vary, depending on distances and magnifications.
Refer to the chart on page 17 to check that the
aperture is within flash range. (For example, at
—— INT. ON Ш Ae am ASA 100 with a 50mm lens at magnification from
hk a 0.1X to O.5X, use f11 as the chart indicates.)
14 — 3. Turn the power switch of the control unit to
INTERNAL ON. The flash synchronizes
RF080C aA A Ня automatically with the camera for flash on
charging, Make your exposure after the X LED
indicator inside the viewfinder lights, along with
the flash ready lamp on the Control Pack.
4. After the exposure, the viewfinder auto check
lamp and the auto check lamp behind the flash
will confirm the correct flash range. This can be
turned off when not needed—see page 21.
5. After shooting, turn the power switch off.
Multiple flash: With the IDM system, multiple
flashes can also be performed in the TTLauto
mode when the Ring Light is used jointly with the
AF400T. |
When using the ring light with another main | „ани
lighting source, make sure the ring light exposure dE ai ide
is less than the main light. For color prints, the
ring light should measure about one stop less
(2:1 lighting ratio). Transparencies and black and
white prints can tolerate a greater contrast ratio.
| THE TTL AUTO FLASH RANGE CHART
Notes on the chart: The chart on the right serves
as a basic guide and will help you set the exposure
within the TTL flash range. The chart indicates
the flash to subject distance in relation to the
usable apertures. For example, at ASA 100 with
a 50mm lens at a distance of 25cm, the aperture
range is from f5.6 to £22. You may choose any
f-stop within the TTL flash range for correct
exposure,
Magnification: When you choose the lens aperture
on the basis of magnification, use only the flash
range indicated on the chart within the effective
aperture range.
Aperture selection: Select the lens aperture
depending on the light power you need. For
example, shooting at ASA 100 with a macro
100mm lens, and a magnification of 0.5X, use
f/16 at full output : use f/8 at 1/4th output. For
increased depth of field in the TTL Auto mode,
Stop the lens down as the chart shows. The dots
on the chart indicate half stops.
16
—
Reference for manual exposures: The gray area
indicates 1/4 manual output. The black areas
indicate full manual output,
Varying the aperture range: Even when the flash
distance and magnifications change, there's a five
stop leeway in aperture selection,
How to use the chart for other ASA film speeds:
When using films other than ASA 100, adjust the
f-stop in relation to the desired film speed. For
example, for ASA 200, move one stop to the right,
two stops for ASA 400; for ASA 50 move one
stop to the left, two stops for ASA 25. For
bellows and other close-up equipment, it is
recommended that the exposure be calculated and
set. With the TTL system there will be leeway for
correct lighting of the subject,
50MM STANDARD & MACRO LENS * USABLE f-STOP RANGE (ASA 100)
Dist. Magni. < — APERTURE RANGE——mm—>
50cm 0.1%
25 0.2
10 0.5
9 1.0
4 2.0
100MM MACRO LENS, 100MM BELLOWS LENS
100cm 0.1X
50 0.2
25 0.5
15 1.0
40—80MM ZOOM (LENS (ON MACRO)
50cm 0.13%
22 0.25
+ With the Super A or the Super Program set in the Programmed AE or the Shutter-priority AE mode, the aperture is
automatically set to f/8 (ASA/1SO 100). 17
| MANUAL FLASH
With manual flash photography the aperture is
determined based on flash to subject distance,
magnification and guide number. Once all three
factors are determined, set the aperture and take
the picture.
With the Pentax LX and also the late model
Pentax cameras mentioned in the chart on Page
12, the added convenience of dedicated manual
flash (automatic flash synchronization and
viewfinder flash ready indication) is provided.
Two light intensity settings are offered for the
manual mode Full and 1/4 output. Full
TTL AUTO — TTL AUTO —
FULL — FULL —
di
FF ON ÖN
JER À CHECK JER A CHECK
offers a quide number of 8 and offers a more
powerful flash for useing a smaller aperture to
permit greater depth of field. The 1/4th power
setting has a guide number of 4 lat ASA 100),
and offers fast recycle for multiple flash.
Manual Operation
1. Set the mode selector to either manual settings
as required, Full or 1/4.
2. Set the correct synchronization speed (or lower)
as indicated in the column of the chart on
page 12 for the type of synchronization desired.
3. Select the desired aperture in relation to flash
distances indicated on the chart on the right.
Make sure to compensate for bellows extension
and filter factors. The aperture settings indicated
in the gray and black on the TTL Auto Flash
Range Chart also can be used as a guide for manual
aperture setting.
4. Turn the power switch on and make the
exposure after the flash ready indicator lights up.
After taking the picture, turn the power switch
off.
Using the chart on the
right, select the aperture
value in relation to the
flash to subject distance.
Since the chart is only a
basic guide, it is advisable
to bracket your exposure
for sure results.
The chart computations
indicated are for Full
manual output. For 1/4
manual output, increase
the values in the chart
two steps for the correct
aperture, For example,
f11 would be 5.6.
Lans aperture
—— with the normal lens
un... with the lens reversed
8
X Magnification
0.5%
25 50 100 200 400 3 5 7 10 20 30 50 70 100
ASA film speed Flash to subject distance (cm)
For example, at ASA 100, using the macro 100mm lens at a distance
of 25cm at £/16, the magnification would be 0. 5X.
19
| FLASH READY LAMP
The flash ready lamp lights when recharged 80 —
90%. Light intensity stabilizes a few seconds
later. At low intensity flash, the ready lamp
lights instantaneously, permitting successive
flashes. At high intensity flash, longer recharging
intervals are required (recycling times depend upon
the power source being used).
20
т
Viewfinder Flash Ready Indicators
These are standard features on Pentax cameras
with TTL or dedicated flash capacity and tell you
when the flash is recharged from inside the view-
finder so you don’t have to remove your eye from
the finder. Method of indication also varies with
each (see camera instruction manual for details).
“NUS
UD NIDO
сос ее
Auto Check Lamp/Viewfinder Auto Check
The auto check lamp on the back of the flash
confirms that the subject was exposed properly
following exposures for the TTL Auto mode
setting. Immediately after the exposure, the lamp
will flicker, indicating that your subject was
exposed properly. The flash ready indicator inside
the viewfinder of the LX, Super A or Super
Program also flickers after the exposure to provide
viewfinder auto check.
Auto Check Switch: For fast action photography
with flash, the viewfinder exposure check ON/OFF
switch {marked FINDER A. CHECK) on the back
of the controller allows you to turn the viewfinder
auto exposure check OFF. When viewfinder auto
check indication is desired, set the switch to on.
1 ACHECK
TTL AUTO — .
TL бо
¡ACHECK |
TIL AUTO -—
FULL—
OFF ON
FINDER A.CHECM
EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES |
Three alternative power sources are available to
add diversity and power to the ring flash unit.
TR Power Pack À
The TR Power Pack is a transistorized portable
power unit which utilizes six “C” cell batteries
and transistor circuitry, This reserves unused
power and allows fast recycling time.
Power Pack 510V B
This high performance portable power unit uses
a 510V high-voitage laminated battery. It offers
the greatest number of flashes with a faster
recycling time than other portable power sources.
AC Adapter II O
This adapter unit allows the AF-080C to be
operated from regular household current. It offers
an unlimited number of flashes along with a
fast recycling time. It features switchable voltage
for 100V, 120V, 220V and 240V AC current.
22
e As both flash unit and auxiliary power packs
utilize high voltage circuitry, never disassemble
either. !f repair is required, obtain proper service.
e Do not expose the unit to high temperatures
and humidity for long periods of time. To ensure
maximum performance, always store in a cool,
dry, well-ventilated place. Also, test fire the unit
every month or two when storing for long periods
of time to maintain the capacitor at peak
performance levels.
e Take care that power switches are set to OFF
when storing flash equipment; batteries will soon
drain if the switch is left ON.
| SPECIFICATIONS {Ring Light and Control Pack) | |
Type:
Mounting:
Guide numbers:
Operating modes:
Usable lenses:
Dedicated flash provisions:
Shortest flash duration:
Color temperature:
Power sources:
Film speed range for
TTL Auto Flash mode:
24
“Dedicated” Ring Flash Unit featuring TTL Auto flash operation with LX,
Super A and Super Program, plus Two-level Manual flash operation, etc.
Ring light screws to standard 49mm lens threads (52mm threads with adaptor).
Control Pack mounts to camera hot shoe.
TTL Auto: varies to GN8 depending on flash range.
Full Manual: 8 1/4th Manual; 4
TTL Auto: Measures light at film plane with IDM metering system of LX, Super
A and Super Program; offers integrated flash/non flash exposures,
Manual: Full and 1/4 light intensity settings {dedicated manual operation with
late model Pentax; standard manual with other cameras).
SMC Macro 50mm f/4, Macro 100mm f/4, Bellows 100mm 1/4 (also wide angle
lenses shorter than 40mm focal length with lens reversed).
TTL flash operation and flickering Auto Check Lamp/Sign with LX, Super A and
Super Program; Two-level Manual flash operation; Automatic Synch at ‘X’’ and
Flash Ready indication in viewfinder with recent Pentax models.
1/1000 at full manual; 1/15,000 at TTL Auto.
Balanced for daylight.
Standard: Six 1.5V AA size alkaline batteries (alkaline, manganese or
rechargeable NiCads in controller unit).
Optional: (1) TR Power Pack (transistorized with six "C" cells)
(2) Power Pack 510V laminated battery; (3) AC Adaptor Il with
adjustable 100V, 120V, 220V, and 240V voltage settings.
ASA/ISO 6 - 800 with LX; 25 - 800 with Super A and Super Program,
Recycling times and
number of flashes:
Flash data and switches
{on controller):
Size and weight:
Accessories:
Power Source Alk. Mang. NiCd TR Pack 510V Pack | AC Adaptor il
Number of Flashes 200 50 90 600 800 Indefinite
Recycling Times 8 sec, 12 sec. 5 sec. 3 sec. i sec. 3 sec.
Flash ready, Auto check lamps, Tes
M (Full & 1/4) settings; power switc
ck on/off switch.
socket, finder auto che
Control Pack: 70mm Xx
Ring Flash: 93mm x 122mm x
Built-in connector cord; case.
t button, Mode selector with TTL Auto and
h with EXT/INT. settings, External synch
70mm x 82mm: 235 grams without batteries.
22mm, 135 grams without batteries.
25
06246 ENG
Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. C.P.O. 895, Tokyo 100-91, JAPAN
Asahi Optical Europe N.V. Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem Zuid-7, BELGIUM
Pentax Handetsgesallschaft mbH Postfach 54 0169, 2000 Hamburg 54, WEST GERMANY
Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, South Hill Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex HA2 OLT, U.K.
Pentax France S.A, 7.1. Argenteuil, 12, Rue Ambroise-Croizat, 95100 Argenteuil, FRANCE
Pentax (Schweiz) AG Industriestrasse 2, 8305 Dietlikon ZH, SWITZERLAND
Pentax Svenska AB Box 650, S-751 27 Uppsala, SWEDEN
Pentax Nederland Spinveid 25, 4815 HR Breda, THE NETHERLANDS
Pentax Corporation 35 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U.S.A.
Pentax Canada Inc. 1760 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1K5, CANADA
Asahi Optical Brasileira Ind. e Com. Ltda. Rua Capitdo Antonio Rosa 376, Sala 121 Ed. PBK, Sao Paulo, BRASIL
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
7:84 Printed in Japan
">