PENTAX AF 280T, AFW 1, AFT 1 camera flash User manual

 AF 2801
AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC FLASH UNIT
PENTAX
о
CONTENTS
FEATURES OF THE AF 280T. . ..... . e... e 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 40 1
DESCRIPTION OF PARTS =.. ба кл ua an 65 serves Su VA Eure à .4
FLASH PREPARATION. 1.220424 442 4 244 4 2 вв 8 0 1 4 a 1 0 4 .6
e Inserting the Batteries . . vv wis ssn wis o wom som as 506 wa Я ‚6
8 Test FINI: os ov wd sia ES ZN REDES Od whan ON Seas on 6
e Mounting .......2.2 20224 12 0 4 5 04 ca ree oa eee ra 7
e Indexing the ASA Film Speed. . . . 21.244444 4 4444 11 4 114 à 7
THE MODE SELECTOR: on a cua SU EL Sam fa DA Fes Ey 8
FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION/OPERATIONAL FEATURES. ..... 10
e Method of Synchronization . . « ov vs so sos a as om 6% «55 65 o 10
e Synchronization/Operational Features Chart . . . .. ....... . 10
TWO-LEVEL AUTO FLASH OPERATION. . ...o ncdaroedocrea 12
TTLAUTO FLASH OPERATION + +=. 2 aa EWR a à 16
M/S MANUAL (Manual Flash with Auto Synch) . . . . . . . ....... 19
MANUAL FLASH AT "M" LL 12444 4 4 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 4 4 40 21
ROTATING FLASH HEAD :-: .. == as as seme vis i Va à da à 22
a Bounce: Elah 25 du EA EZ et ко; shea ath ror ae di aa 8 23
e Close-up Flash. .. 112224 244 1 24 4 4 4 4 44 4 4 4 4 4 4 44 à 23
PREGALFFICING. ooo ca sn wa mass om El RAEE A EA E à 24
BAT TERY PRECAUTIONS. ©». «vt tv os 8 5.8 6.8 508 ко теж on = 25
WIDE ANGLE/TELEPHOTO LENS ADAPTORS . ........... . 26
SEECIFICGATIONS «warn vn 86 mans fe da Va ul VS MINE Se Y 28
gE e THE A re I
= | A | U ai “Id | 1 e С Te " В E Ce SR
FEA - IRE / AF 2807 E CAAA AY
he e
OR Ton 1 O RU
J! Е men HRA wi EIA - NA $ HL ai
a A i da, METE:
No matter what type of hotshoe synch
camera you own, on the basis of its general
features alone, you'll find the Pentax AF 280T
one of the most convenient flash units you've
ever worked with. That's because it not only
offers you two-level automatic flash control
through the built-in sensor at the base of
the flash head, it also features two-level
High/Low manual flash with a fast recycle at
the low setting. Additional standard features
include a convenient rotating flash head that
permits 180° horizontal and 90° vertical
bounce flash operation. There's also a click-
stop setting at -15° for close-ups. And for
difficult bounce or other complex flash
situations, the auto check lamp on the back
of the unit lets you pretest the flash by
lighting after you press the test button.
Moreover, in addition to offering the above
benefits with all cameras featuring hotshoe
synch, the AF 280T also features the special
benefits of a “dedicated” and/or TTL flash
with many of the latest model Pentaxes.
How to use this manual
Regardless of the type of camera you own,
be sure to read the “Flash Preparation”
section of this manual beforehand, after
which, pause briefly at the “Flash
Synchronization/Operational Features”
section (pages 10-11) to examine the
particular features that the AF 280T has to
offer when used with your camera.
Cameras without “dedicated”/TTL
flash provision:
All sections of the manual, except “TTL
Auto Flash Operation” contain information
pertinent to the operation of this flash unit
with your camera and should be read carefully
in order to take maximum advantage of the
many benefits the flash unit has to offer.
Cameras with “dedicated” flash provision
When operated at the two-level auto mode
settings and also at the M/S (manual w/auto
synch) settings, your camera will have the
added benefits of automatic flash synchro-
nization and viewfinder flash data indication
with the AF 280T. Thus, as with cameras not
offering this provision, except for the “TTL
Auto Flash Operation” section, carefully
read all sections of the manual, paying
particular attention to the notes on
“dedicated” flash operation offered in
pertinent sections of the text, in order to
fully understand the advantages the AF 2801
2
has to offer with your camera.
Cameras with TTL Auto Flash Provision:
Cameras featuring TTL Auto Flash capability
with the AF 280T, such as the Pentax LX
with the IDM (Integrated Direct Metering)
system of exposure measurement, were
especially designed for TTL Auto Flash
operation with the AF 280T. With the LX,
the “TTL Auto’ is the main operating mode,
so after examining the chart on pages 10 - 11,
skip directly to the “TTL Auto Flash
Operation” section to gain an understanding
of basic flash operation with your camera.
Then go on to read the other sections of
the manual, paying particular attention to
the “M/S” (Manual w/auto synch) and “M”
(Manual) sections, as there will be occasions
when one form of manual flash is more
advantageous than the other.
Because the advantages of through-the-lens
flash outweigh those of two-level auto flash
operation with your camera use of this mode
Is unnecessary. Thus, it would save time if
you omit the “Two-Level Auto Flash
Operation’ section entirely, or save it for last.
NOTE: For operation of the AF 280T with
late model Pentax cameras not specifically
mentioned in this manual, refer to your
camera instruction booklet.
DESCRIPTION OF PARTS
@ Rotating flash head
© Slots for Wide-Angle/
Tele Adaptors
O Auto flash sensor
O Battery compartment
lock lever
O Battery compartment
cover
O Flash head lock lever
O Flash head angle scale
O Hotshoe bracket
O Auto exposure check
lamp
@ Thumbscrew
O Test button
I OPT, Cu. JAVAN
Flash Control Panel
© L Distance scale
(for M/S "L” setting)
© Aperture scale
© ASA window
O ASA film speed index mark
O Viewfinder auto check
ON/OFF switch
Flash mode selector lever
@ Distance scale
© Wide-Angle/Tele Adaptor
aperture indices
© Two-level Auto aperture indices
@ ON/OFF Switch
@® Flash ready lamp
FLASH PREPARATION
Inserting the batteries
1. Press down on the arrowhead marking on the
battery compartment cover and slide the lever with
your thumb until the cover pops open.
2. Insert four AA size penlight batteries into the
battery compartment in accordance with the plus/
minus (+ =) markings and close the cover.
Test flash: Before mounting the flash unit on the
camera, it's a good idea to test it to see if the flash
is functioning properly. Slide the flash unit's ON/
OFF switch to the ON position.
In a few seconds, the flash ready lamp above the
power switch will light, indicating that the capacitor
has charged. After the lamp lights, press the test
button (TEST) to discharge the flash; then, slide
the power switch back to OFF,
NOTE: If the ready lamp fails to light within 30
seconds, batteries may be inserted improperly (if
new) or worn out (if old).
Mounting the flash unit
1. Slide the flash unit's hotshoe bracket into the
camera hotshoe (this is easier if you grasp the flash
unit at the bottom near the bracket), Make sure the
bracket slides all the way into the hotshoe to ensure
proper contact.
2. Turn the thumbscrew in the direction of the
arrow (F1X) so that the unit is firmly fixed to
the camera.
To remove the flash unit: Loosen the thumbscrew
and slide the bracket out of the hotshoe.
Indexing the ASA film speed
Before operating the flash unit, index the ASA film
speed number of the film loaded in your camera by
sliding the ASA film speed lever of the flash unit's
control panel until the ASA film speed number aligns
with the white film speed index mark,
NOTE: If you neglect to index the film speed
properly, the indicated f-stops will not give the
proper exposure,
„ JAPAN
5
05
)22 16 11 8 56 4 28 2 14 1
THE MODE SELECTOR
Located at the base of the control panel on
the back of the flash unit, the mode selector
lever enables selection of any of the AF 280T’s
six flash operating modes. To select the mode
of operation, slide the mode selector lever
until the white index mark on the back of the
selector corresponds with the index mark for
the desired operating mode.
35557104
RB M4 2 4
MS
Him
TL AUTO-4 AUTO 5
Г
TIL AMT AUTO MS
OOHLM
TTL AUTO This setting is used for through-the-lens
integrated flash control with Pentax cameras featur-
ing IDM or similar TTL flash metering systems (see
page 16).
TAL AUTO, AUTO =
OOHLM
um |
TWO-LEVEL AUTO These dual-mode settings are
used for auto flash operation with all camera's not
offering TTL operation; in this instance, flash out-
put is control by the flash unit's built-in auto flash
sensor. The GREEN setting is used for low flash
output; the RED setting for high output flash
(see page 12).
ma e
M/S (H, L) At these settings, manual flash with
automatic flash synchronization and viewfinder
flash ready indication is offered with Pentax
cameras featuring TTL/dedicated flash provision.
With other cameras, these settings offer standard
high/low manual flash (see page 19).
M (Manual) This setting offers full output manual
operation. With Pentax cameras offering TTL/
dedicated flash, this setting enables you to override
the camera's TTL/dedicated flash features
[see page 21),
| FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION/OPERATIONAL FEATURES
The method of flash synchronization and the operational
features of the AF 280T vary depending upon the camera
vou are using. Both Two-Level Auto and Manual flash
operation are featured with all cameras that offer hotshoe
synchronization, and TTL flash is available with the
Pentax LX. In addition, with certain other Pentax
cameras, automatic flash synchronization and viewfinder
flash ready indication are offered along with other
dedicated flash features (as indicated in the chart).
Method of Synchronization: With Pentax cameras
mentioned specifically in the chart, flash synchronization
is possible as indicated in the column of the chart re-
presenting your camera. For cameras offering TTL/
dedicated flash provision that are not mentioned
specifically on the chart, refer to your camera instruction
manual for synchronization and operating details.
With older model Pentax cameras and cameras of other
makes, synchronization is basically as indicated in the
last column of the chart. However, there are exceptions;
be sure to refer to your camera instruction manual
for details.
10
LX
Flash TTL Auto, Two-Level Auto,
Modes M/S (H, L), M (Manual)
Automatic At ''X" 1/76 sec. with shutter
Synch dial set at "Automatic" or "XxX
on charging.
Manual At “XxX” (1/75 sec.)
Synch setting of shutter dial
Flash Ready 1) LED lamp inside viewfinder
Indication 2) Flash ready lamp on back of flash
Auto Flash 1) Flashing LED inside viewfinder
Check 2) Auto check lamp on back of flash
Camera Camera's auto exposure system
overrides overrides flash exposure when
flash indicated LED shutter speeds
exceed required flash synchro-
nization speed"
MG, MV, MV-1
ME-F, ME SUPER
ME, MX, K2, ETC.
Two-Level Auto, M/S (H, LI, M (Manual)
Standard non-dedicated manual operation
at TTL Auto setting of flash unit
Two-Level Auto, Low output manual at M/S (L) setting,
standard full output manual at M (Manual) setting, M/S (H
setting and TTL auto setting
At “XX” (1/100 sec.) with
shutter dial at "Auto" setting
At X" (1/125 sec.)
with shutter dial at
Auto" or "NAT
At indicated shutter speed between 1/30 and below with
automatic cameras set for automatic operation.”
At '100X” setting of
shutter mode dial
At 1/125X' setting
of shutter mode dial
AT "X” setting of shutter speed dial or slower speeds when
provided.
(With leaf-shutter cameras, all speeds may be used.)
DE
unit
Flash ready lamp on back of flash unit only
after flash discharge.
unit
Auto check lamp on back of flash unit only
NOT FEATURED
As metering is stapless at the film plane, this speed varias with shooting conditions. With the Pentax LX flash is generally
obtained with a maximum speed of 1/30 sac., but occasionally 1/60th second.
** Slower speeds may be required depending upon your camera, at faster speeds, the complete frame may not be exposed;
be sure to take precaution against picture blur when using slow shutter speeds.
11
TWO-LEVEL AUTO FLASH OPERATION
The AF 280T offers Two-Level (high/low) auto
flash operation via the flash unit's built-in sensor
with all cameras featuring hotshoe synchronization.
The dual RED/GREEN Auto settings on the
control panel of the flash unit are the standard
settings for auto flash operation with all cameras
except those having TTL flash provision (see page 16).
Preliminaries
1) Set the ASA film speed of the film in your camera
in the ASA window of the flash unit control panel
(see page 7).
2) Set the camera's shutter speed/control dial to
the proper synchronization mode (pages 10-11).
3) Set the mode selector lever on the flash control
panel to either the RED or GREEN Auto setting in
accordance with the adjacent chart. When depth-of-
field control is desired, either mode may be used for
the Tm — 3.5m operating range; with subjects closer
than 1m, however, the GREEN setting must be used
to obtain the proper exposure. Conversely, for subjects
beyond 3.5 meters the high output RED mode must
be used,
1 7
TTL AUTO AUTO 1
A мМ
Кое Ll
Ka DIA
GREEN or RED: 1m—3.5m (3.2ft—11.5f1)
It is simplest to use the green mode for this
range and also saves batteries. The RED set-
ting may be used when a smaller lens aper-
ture is desired,
GREEN ONLY: 0.5-1m (1.6ft—3.2ft)
Overexposure results when the RED setting
is used for subjects closer than 1 meter; for
subjects closer than 0.5 meter, switch to
manual flash (see pages 19 - 21).
RED ONLY: 3.5—7m (11.5—24ft)
Underexposure will result if the GREEN set-
ting is used for subjects beyond 3.5 meters:
use manual flash for subjects further than
7 meters [see pages 19 - 21).
Setting the F-Stop
1) Pick out the f-stop on the aperture scale of the
flash control panel that is directly above the index
mark for the mode you have selected. If you are
using ASA 100 film, and the GREEN setting, for
example, you would use an aperture of f/8; with
the RED setting, it would be f/4.
2) Set the aperture ring of the lens to the correct
f-stop.
NOTE: The RED and GREEN W and T markings
are provided for indexing the f-stop when using the
Wide-Angle and Telephoto Adaptors (see page 26).
1 16 : ME RA 8 2? 1
05 1 2 4
32 22 16 11 8 56 4 28 2 14
Coe i =
16 35 5 7 10120
12 MEC"
gee A 98
13
Shooting: Automatic Exposure Check:
Slide the flash unit ON/OFF switch to the ON and Another advantage of the AF 280T is that you can
compose the picture. Shoot anytime after the flash make sure your subject is within the flash unit's
ready lamp lights. automatic exposure control range by pressing the
Viewfinder Flash Ready Indication: “Test” button before actually making the exposure.
If the subject is within the auto operating range and
Pentax cameras featuring dedicated flash provision =
proper exposure is possible, the auto check lamp
also offer the additional benefit of flash ready
indication right inside the viewfinder. When the flash (A. CHECK) on the back of the flash unit will flicker
unit reaches its charge, the LED flash ready indicator after the exposure. If the lamp does not light, use
inside the viewfinder will glow to signal that the flash TE PONE Nene mars ar
is ready, (The method of indication varies from
camera to camera; refer to the camera instruction
manual for operating details.)
the subject.
SONT Me EE,
TEST
id)
Viewfinder Exposure Confirmation
In addition to the auto check lamp, camera's
featuring dedicated flash (except for the ME
SUPER) also provide auto exposure confirmation
right inside the viewfinder following your flash
exposures. If the subject received sufficient light,
the LED flash ready indicator inside the viewfinder
will flicker on and off. If the lamp does not light,
additional flash exposure is required.
FINDER ON
Ti
24 32 т
8
Camera Overrides Flash
(Cameras with TTL Provision Only):
With the Pentax LX in the Two-Level Auto Flash
mode, the camera's auto exposure system will over-
ride the flash when the shutter speed exceeds the
required flash speed (see “TTL AUTO OPERATION,"
page 16). :
Pentax cameras with provision for TTL auto flash,
such as the Pentax LX with its TTL integrated flash
control system, offer the benefit of fully utilizing
the capabilities of the AF 280T. Because the flash
is controlled directly at the film plane by the
metering cell inside the camera, almost all the
traditional problems associated with flash photo-
graphy are eliminated. Not only does the direct
integrated flash control system permit the use of
any f-stop within the flash unit's operating range,
but the need for compensation when using filters
and close-up accessories is also eliminated.
Moreover, bounce flash operation is made easier,
while full integration with the camera's automatic
exposure system enables metering of both ambient
and electronic flash lighting during the exposure.
Accordingly, the non-flash exposure system over-
rides the flash when not needed to give correct
exposure even in changing lighting conditions.
16
3 Gn TT NTE ai E La | | TTL ANG AUTO mi
MS
OOHLM
E |
Shooting
1) Set the ASA film speed in the ASA window on
the back of the flash unit (see page 7).
2) Set the flash mode selector to “TTL AUTO.”
3) Leave the camera's shutter dial set to “Automatic,”
and switch the flash unit "ON." The camera auto-
matically synchronizes for flash at “X"" when the
flash unit charges. In addition, both the LED flash
ready indicator in the finder and the ready lamp on the
back of the flash unit illuminate as ready lights.
4) Select the desired f-stop, then after checking
that the subject is within the flash exposure range
offered at your f-stop (see following paragraph or
TTL Auto Flash Range Chart), take the picture.
F-Stop Selection
The versatility of the AF 280T's TTL flash control
system permits you to select any f-stop within the
TTL flash coupling range. The flash range varies of
course depending upon the f-stop in use. At midrange
apertures it's virtaully unnecessary to check the
exposure using standard ASA film speeds at average
subject distances, while with wide apertures and
standard film speeds you get auto flash coverage all
the way to distances of 15 and 20 meters.
At relatively small apertures, however, distances
are reduced considerably, so until you get an ideal
of the working ranges, it's a good idea to check that
the f-stop in use will offer adequate exposure.
Checking the Exposure
Maximum distances: With distant subjects, merely
glance at the aperture scale on the back of the flash
unit. The figure on distance scale below the f-stop
you have selected is the maximum flash range for
that aperture. With ASA 100 film at f/8, for example,
the maximum range is 3.5 m, at f/2, it is 14 m.
32 22 16 11 8 56 4 28 2
|e AEE Ee. RE. RE
05 152 RE RE
Minimum distances: With film speeds of ASA 100
or slower its safe to shoot at minimum distances
down to 1 meter using all apertures of f/5.6 or
smaller, However, when shooting closer subjects at
smaller apertures, or subjects from 1 to 4 meters at
wider apertures, its a good ideal to check the flash
range.
The TTL Auto Flash Range Chart provided along
with this manual proves handy for such situations.
Carry it along in your pocket or gadget bag for
critical flash photography.
Quick calculation of minimum distances:
In situations where it is inconvenient to carry the
chart or you should forget it, you can also easily
determine the “safe” minimum working distances
by the the following simple calculation. Às the
minimum distance is approximately 1/5 that of
the maximum distance at any given f-stop, divide
the maximum distance for the f-stop in use by 5.
With ASA 100 film at f/2, for example: 14 (meters)
+5 = 2,8 (as the actual distance is 2.5 meters, this
gives you a leeway of 0.3 meters or approximately
10%. When a more precise calculation is required,
divide by 5.4).
17
Auto Flash Exposure Check
Pre-exposure checks for the auto
flash range cannot be made with
the flash mode selector set at
TTL Auto as the sensor is inside
the camera. However, if the aper-
ture you select is the same or
wider than the aperture indicated by the red or green
marks, you can make an approximate check by mov-
ing the mode selector to either the red or green Two-
Level Auto flash setting (whichever is appropriate)
and pressing the test button, If the subject is prop-
erly exposed, the auto check lamp on the back of
the flash will flicker. Turn the lever to the TTL Auto
mode setting before making the actual exposure.
Viewfinder Auto Exposure Confirmation
On TTL Auto, the AF-280T
signals confirmation right inside
the viewfinder after the picture is
taken ensuring that your subject
received adequate flash exposure,
Immediately after a properly
exposed photo on TTL Auto, the viewfinder flash
ready indicator flickers on and off. If the indicator
does not light, additional distance or aperture adjust-
ments are required, For fast action flash photography
the viewfinder signal can be turned off with the
FINDER A. CHECK switch on the back of the flash.
NOTE: In addition to “Automatic,” with the Pentax LX, the camera's shutter speed dial may also be set at "X"
for TTL operation. Do not use other settings, however, or proper synchronization will not be obtained, The
camera's integrated TTL flash/non-flash auto exposure control system prevents flash when the metered shutter
speed of the exposure being made exceeds the speed where flash is required. Generally, automatic synchroniza-
tion for flash is obtained when the viewfinder LED indicates a shutter speed of 1/30th second and below (oc-
casionally flash is also obtained at 1/60th second due to stepless metering). The above feature also applies with
the LX during Two-Level Auto Flash operation and manual flash at either of the M/S flash mode settings.
18
| M/S MANUAL (Manual Flash with Auto Synch)
| TTL A AUTO a
OOHLM
À unique feature of the AF 280T is its two-level
(high/low) M/S flash settings. When the flash mode
selector is positioned at either of these two settings,
the photographer has the option of either full output
flash at the high (H) setting, or a low-level flash
output at the low (L) setting—the latter is very
convenient for close-ups or work requiring a fast
recycle time. In addition, when Pentax cameras
offering TTL/dedicated flash functions are used at
either of the M/S settings, the camera synchronizes
automatically for flash on charging, while the
camera's shutter dial remains set at Automatic.”
LED flash ready indication is also given inside the
viewfinder to signal the flash is ready to fire.
When the AF 280T is used at the M/S settings with
cameras not having dedicated flash provision,
standard two-level manual flash is offered.
Preliminaries
1) Set the ASA film speed of the film in your
camera on the back of the flash unit (see page 7).
2) Set the flash mode selector to the desired H or
L mode setting.
3) For automatic synchronization with cameras
offering TTL /dedicated flash provision, leave the
camera shutter dial set to “Automatic” (or “M" in
the case of the ME SUPER). For cameras without
TTL/dedicated flash provision, synchronize for flash
as indicated in the chart on pages 10 - 11. To override
the automatic synch features offered at the M/S
settings with cameras offering dedicated flash, set
the cameras’ shutter dial to the mechanical "X""
setting.
NOTE: With cameras having TTL flash pro-
vision such as the LX, the fail-safe feature
whereby the non-flash exposure overrides
flash at fast shutter speeds is still offered,
even when synchronized at "MX." When
manual flash without the flash override
feature is desired, or when synchronization
is desired at speeds other than “X,” switch
to the “M” manual flash mode (see page 21).
19
Exposure Setting
1) First focus on the subject and look up the subject
distance with the distance scale on the back of the
flash unit. Then pick out the f-stop aligned with the
distance indicated. When using the high setting, use
the standard white distance scale below the aperture
scale; for the low setting, use the yellow L distance
scale above the aperture scale.
322206 11 B56 4282141
A eh tins В
= 1 152 355 710662240 m
| 4 8 m
When you wish to use a specific lens aperture, choose
the lens aperture first, then adjust the subject distance
accordingly.
2) Set the f-stop indicated with the lens aperture ring
and switch the flash unit on, When the flash ready
lamp lights either on the back of the flash or inside
the viewfinder (with cameras having dedicated/TTL
flash provision), press the shutter button all the way
to take the picture.
20
Be sure to turn the flash unit off immediately when
no longer needed,
Guide Numbers:
You can also calcuate the correct aperture setting for
manual flash by dividing the quide number by the
flash-to-subject distance. With ASA 100 film at H
and the subject at 7 meters, for example, the correct
f/stop would be GN28 = 7 = 4 or f/4 (to determine
the aperture setting with guide numbers that are in
feet, divide the guide number in feet by the distance
in feet).
Guide Number Chart
ASA 50 100 200 400
m (G.No.] 20 28 40 55
ft. (G.No.) 65 90 130 180
m (G.No.) 5.7 8 11 15
ft. (G.No.) 18.7 26 36 49
H
When the flash mode lever of the AF 280T is set to
“M, full output manual flash is obtained as with
the H setting of the M/S mode, except that
automatic synchronization at "'X'" and viewfinder
flash ready indication are not offered with cameras
having TTL/dedicated flash provision. This is handy
with cameras having TTL flash provision, in parti-
cular, for situations when shutter speeds other than
'X" are required. Moreover, with the Pentax LX,
intergration with the camera's auto exposure system
or flash override is no longer offered, thus allowing
flash with each shot when needed.
Preliminaries
1) Set the ASA film speed of the film loaded in
the camera in the ASA window on the back of the
flash (see page 7).
2) Set the flash mode selector to “M.”
3) With non-dedicated cameras synchronize for
flash by setting the shutter speed dial as described
in the chart on page 10 - 11. With auto cameras
having dedicated flash provision, use the mechanical
"X' setting. With the Pentax LX or other TTL/
Ta TEEN TTL AUTO— AUTO = и
dedicated cameras having full manual speeds °
(except the ME SUPER), use speeds of ‘’X"" or
below for flash.
4) Calculate the exposure as indicated in “Exposure
Setting” on page 20 using the standard white
distance scale below the aperture scale. Then,
switch the flash unit ON; take the picture when
the ready lamp on the back of the flash glows.
NOTE: During operation at the “M” (Man-
ual) flash mode setting, the auto setting of
the shutter dial may also be used for flash
with the Pentax LX and other automatic
cameras offering viewfinder shutter speed
indication. Generally, the full exposure will
be obtained at speeds of 1/30th second
and slower (although this varies from cam-
era to camera), When faster speeds are used,
the full frame will not always be exposed;
be sure to take precaution against picture
blur when long exposures are indicated.
21
| ROTATING FLASH HEAD
22
PENTAX
o
The flash head of the AF 280T features full 105°
vertical and 180° horizontal rotation which is
highly convenient for bounce flash and other special
flash techniques. Moreover, the flash head may also
be angled downward to -15” for close-up flash work.
Bounce Flash
Bouncing the light off of ceilings or walls is a very
effective way of avoiding the flat lighting or harsh
shadows which often accompany direct flash
lighting. For vertical bounce flash, raise the flash
head to the desired angle indicated on the back of
the flash head (the head features click-stops at the
45°, 65° and 90° settings). For horizontal bounce
flash, the head rotates up to 180° to the right and
90° to the left with in-between clickstops at 45°,
Bounce Flash on Auto: When bounce flash is
performed in either the TTL Auto or Two-Level
Auto flash modes, compensation isn't required as
the automatic flash sensor automatically computes
the exposure, Moreover, to assure that the angle
you have chosen includes your subject, you can
perform a test flash by first pressing the “Test”
button on the back of the flash unit; if your subject
Is correctly exposed, the auto check lamp
(A. CHECK) will flicker in green after you press the
test button; if it doesn't flicker, exposure adjust-
ments are required.
Bounce Flash on Manual: When performing bounce
flash on manual, it is generally sufficient to exposure
one or two additional stops beyond the f-stop
indicated by the guide number calculation.
However, because exposure is highly influenced by
the nature of the reflective surface and the color of
surrounding objects, formulas are quite varied. For
bounce flash, it's helpful to read a flash photo
guidebook beforehand.
Close-ups
For close-ups such as desk-top work at distances of
less than one meter, the flash head may be angled
to -15, To lower the flash head, slide the flash head
lock lever toward the back of the flash unit, and
angle the head downward.
In addition to the TTL auto and the GREEN two-
level auto settings, the L setting of the M/S mode
with its closer range is highly convenient for close-
up work when using small lens apertures.
Do not attempt to lower the head without first
releasing the lock or breakage could result.
23
PRECAUTIONS
Power Switch
When not using the flash unit for long intervals, turn
the power switch to OFF to save batteries. More-
over, always remember to turn the power switch
off after putting the flash unit away; batteries will
soon drain if the switch is left on.
Flash Ready Lamp
The flash ready lamp on the back of the unit comes
6 MR 44 6 WW % n
1
READY
Fa hem: a
e
Г
oe)
OFF ON
24
on when the flash unit reaches 80% of its charge,
which is sufficient for full exposure in almost all
shooting situations when batteries are relatively
new, With old batteries, however, wait an additional
4 —5 seconds after the lamp lights before taking
the photo in order to ensure sufficient flash. When
taking the photo immediately after the lamp lights,
expose one additional stop.
Finder A. Checks Switch
When the viewfinder LED flash data lamp fails to
flicker following auto exposures with cameras
having TTL/dedicated flash provision, check to see
if the viewfinder auto check ON/OFF switch on
the back of the flash unit is set to ON. As the unit
will not flash again until the auto check signal inside
the viewfinder has stopped flickering, set the
viewfinder auto check switch to OFF when rapid
shooting is desired in the TTL Auto and Two-Level
Auto Modes. (NOTE: Viewfinder auto flash check
is not offered with the Pentax ME SUPER.)
e Protect your flash from leakage by removing the ALWAYS KEEP BATTERIES OUT OF
batteries whenever the flash unit will not be used THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND NEVER
for long periods of time, THROW USED BATTERIES INTO FIRE OR
e When the ready lamp no longer lights within EXPOSE TO EXCESSIVE HEAT TO GUARD
30 seconds after a test flash, it's time to replace AGAINST EXPLOSION.
batteries (replace earlier when faster recycling times
are desired.)
e Use batteries that are fairly new, as performance
tends to deteriorate with batteries that have
exceeded the expiration date marked on the battery
contacts. Performance also varies depending upon
brand and type. Best results are obtained with high-
performance alkaline batteires, Rechargeable Ni-Cad
batteries offer the advantage of shorter initial
recycling times but give less total flashes per charge.
e Batteries are also sensitive to cold and performance
trends to deteriorate at temperatures near freezing.
Performance is restored to normal as soon as
batteries are subjected to room temperatures. It's
a good idea to have a set of spares on hand that
have been kept warm for shooting in freezing
weather,
25
WIDE ANGLE/TELEPHOTO LENS ADAPTORS
The Pentax AFW 1 Wide-Angle Adaptor and the
AFT 1 Telephoto Adaptor offer greater flash beam
control when used in conjuntion with the AF 280T
in both auto and manual flash modes. The Wide-
Angle Adaptor extends flash coverage for use with
wide-angle lenses down to 24mm, and improves
results with 28mm and 30mm wide-angle lens.
The Telephoto Adaptor offers greater concentration
| of the flash beam with telephoto lenses in the
(AFW1) (AFT1) — 85mm—200mm range.
How To Attach the Adaptors
Fit either adaptor into the slots at the top and bottom
of the flash head, and slide it in all the way until it is
centered over the flash head.
Automatic Flash Exposure with the Adaptors
When either the Wide-Angle or Telephoto Adaptor are
used when the flash unit is set for Two-Level Auto
Flash operation, the W and T indices of the respective
GREEN and RED aperture indices on the back of
the flash unit are used as a guide for maximum
distance selection. Using the GREEN auto mode
26
with ASA 100 film, for example, the flash range
would be up to 8 feet with Wide-Angle Adaptor and
16 feet with the Telephoto Adaptor; in the RED
mode it would be 16 feet with the Wide-Angle
Adaptor and 32 feet with the Telephoto Adaptor,
Note that the flash range decreases when the Wide-
Angle Adaptor is used and increases for the
Telephoto Adaptor as indicated by the respective
W and T index markings.
During TTL Auto operation, compensation for the
Adaptors is performed by the camera's metering
system.
| 05 as le
32 22 16 11 8 56 4 28 2
SR. Daz. ACA
152 I /0M
nn
2 3 4 6 8 Y 6 M Y 46
wr XT
Manual Flash Exposure with the Adaptors
To compensate for manual flash exposure with the
adaptors, halve the ASA film speed setting in the ASA
window on the back of the flash when using the Wide-
Angle Adaptor, and double the setting with the
Telephoto Adaptor. With ASA 100 film using
the Wide-Angle Adaptor you would set the dot
representing ASA 50 in the ASA window, with the
telephoto Adaptor align ASA 200 in the ASA
window.
AECE
0 200 1; ASA
Ш
E
6
Type
Mounting
Guide Number
{at ASA 100)
Operating Modes
Auto Flash Ranges
TTL Auto Range
Auto Sensor Angle
Apertures on Auto
Number of Flashes/
Recycling Times
28
TEF ta ps i fad TR к, I = BE Thy E a ше Е E я 1 I
1 e 1 E ® En T E E
En E y ТУРА Ц A oF ES 1 я! rh ee [TEE i т = ; ;
li Ht TES Le CE met rEg, © 2 ЕЕ ое 514 я Ня ae + КД el -
о iia ы E RNA Tar т TUE =" y REL
Multi-mode, shoe-mount thyristor electronic flash unit with TTL Auto, Two-Level Auto, Two-Level
Manual and standard Manual flash modes.
Direct to camera hotshoe
28 in meters (90 in feet) at full output
8 in meters (26 in feet) at low output
TIL Auto: measures light at film plane via camera's exposure sensor when used with cameras
offering TTL provision; integrated flash/non-flash operation with Pentax LX. Two-Level Auto:
high/low auto flash via flash unit's built-in sensor with choice of f-stops. M/S Manual: Two-Level
high/low manual providing automatic synchronization/viewfinder data readout coupling with
cameras featuring TT L/dedicated flash; fast recycle at low setting. “M”: Manual flash permitting
synchronization at speeds other than **X** with camera's featuring TTL operation.
At red setting: 1—7 meters (3.5—24 ft.)
At green setting: 0.5—3.5 meters (1.6 ~ 11.5t)
0.25—20 meters (0.8 — 65 ft.) at ASA 100 with an f/1.4 lens
20°
TTL Auto: All apertures at ranges specified on flash control panel. Two Level Auto: f/4 at ASA
100, 1/8 at ASA 400 on RED; f/8 at ASA 100, f/16 ASA 400 on GREEN.
= _ GN28 —_| _GN8 —
Power Source: | Alkaline | Nicad | Alkaline Nicad
Number of Flashes: me 100 | so | 550 | 500
Recycling Times: Bsec. | Gsec. O.6sec, | 0.5sec.
Flash Control
Panel Data
Color Temperature
Synchronization/
Dedicated Flash
Bounce Flash
Power Sources
Size
Weight
Accessories
Optional Accessories
ASA film speed index, Distance scale (standard and low), Aperture scale, Two-Level auto aperture
indices (including W and T indices for Wide-Angle, Telephoto Adapters), six-way flash moda selector,
viewfinder auto check ON/OFF switch, flash ready lamp, flash ON/OFF switch, auto check lamp,
test button,
Balanced for daylight
Automatic synchronization with the shutter dial set to “ Automatic" when used with Pentax
camaras having TTL/Dedicated flash provision, plus viewfinder flash ready indication/auto
exposure check (only viewfinder flash ready indication with Pantax ME SUPER). Automatic synch
also offered with shutter dial set at “X”' with Pentax LX and at ‘M’ with Pentax ME SUPER;
synchronization for cameras without dedicated flash provision as specified in camera's instruction
manual; automatic cameras with viewfinder shutter speed indication may use indicated auto speeds
for flash.
Vertical and horizontal bounce flash capacity via rotating flash head; vertical angles from -15 >
90° with click- -stops settings at -15°, 0°, 45°, 65’ and 90° (lock release provided to lower flash
head below o ); horizontal rotation 180” to. the right (with click-stops at 45°, 90° and 180° Ja
rotates 90° to the left with click-stops at 45° and 90°).
Four AA size 1.5v alkaline or NiCad Batteries.
80mm x 68mm x 116mm (3.1 x 2,7" x 4,6")
300g.
Casa
AFW-1 Wide Angle Adaptor, AFT-1 Telephoto Adaptor,
® Recycle times and number of flashes depend on power seurce Used: condition of the batteries amd distences between
flash and subject are given as approximations only.
29
Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. C.P.0. 895, Tokyo 100-91, JAPAN
VW Asahi Optical Furope N.V. Weiveldlaan 3-5, 1930 Zaventem Zuid-7, BELGIUM
Pentax Handelsgesellschaft mbH. 2000 Har-5urg 54 (Cokstedt), Grandweg 64, WEST GERMAN"
Pentax Corporation 35 Inverness Drive East, Englewood, Colorado 80112, U 5 А.
Pentax Canada Inc. 1760 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, В.С. мб) 1К5, CANADA
Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, South Hill Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex HAZ OLT, U.K.
Pentax France S.A, 77-76 Rue Paul, Vaillant Couturier, 92300 Levallois Perret, FRANCE
Asahi Optical Brasileira Ind, e Com. Ltda. Rua Estados Unidos, 1053, Sáo Paulo-SP, BRASIL
06521 ENG Specifications are subject to change without notice. 4/82 Printed in Japan
PENTAX
AF280T | TTL AUTO FLASH RANGE CHART
unit=meter
A A i MN EN НОО
122.1 - 11.5 | 3.0 16.3 | 4.2 + 23.0| 59 ~ 32.5 | 8.3 ~ 46.0
#/1.4 | 1.8 — 10.0 | 2.5 — 14.0 | 3.6 ~ 20.0 | 5.0 ~ 28.0 | 7.2 ~ 40.0
f/2 |13~ 7.0| 1.8 — 10.0 | 2.5 — 14.0 | 3.6 — 20.0 | 5.0 — 28.0
1/2.8 | 0.9 — 5.0! 1.3 — 7.0 | 1.8 — 10.0 | 2.5 — 14.0 | 3.6 ~ 20.0
fla 106 — 3.5109 - 5.0 |13- 70| 1.8 — 10.0 | 2.5 + 14.0
f/5.6|0.5— 25 [062 35/09 50/13 70 18- 100
#/8 |0.3~ 18|05- 25 1066 35/09 "50113 ~ 70
11 | 0.25 - 13 | 03 - 18 |05- 25 106 358 09 50
f/16 0.25- 13 |03- 18/05- 2506 35
f/22 025 1.303 - 1:8 | D.5~ 25
* Shaded areas indicate optimum shooting ranges for general shooting.
PENTAX
AF280T | TTL AUTO FLASH RANGE CHART
unit=feet
REY | il 50 1100 200 400
11,2 |6.9 = 37.7 19.8 ~ 53.5 | 138 754 | 19.4— 106.6) 27.2— 150.0
1/14 15.9 — 32,8 | 8.2 — 46.0 | 11.8~6b6 | 16.4~ 91.8|23.6~ 131.0
f/2 |43~230|59~ 328| 82~46.0|11.8~ 65.6|16.4- 91.8
1/2.8 130 — 160143 230| 59-328 | B2~ 46.0/11.8B~ 65.6
fla |20- 11.5 |30- 16.0 | 43-230 | 5.9- 32.8| 8.2- 46.0
15.6 |1.5- 6.2 | 20- 115| 30-160| 43- 23.0 59~ 328
#18 0 |1.1- 5.9 |1.5 — 8.2 20=115| 30- 160 43= 230
1/11 108 - 43|1.1- 59| 1.5- 8.2 | 20~ 11.5] 3.0~ 160
f/16 a A Li 53 1.5~ 8.2] 20~ 115
1/22 —_— 0.8~ 4.3 Hi 891537 св
* Shaded areas indicate optimum shooting ranges for general shootina.
">