PENTAX AF 160S camera flash, ME SUPER, K 1000 camera User manual

 PENTAX
AF160$
AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC FLASH UNIT
| FEATURES OF THE AF 1608
The Pentax AF 1608 is a cordless-type automatic
flash unit featuring manual override. Highly compact
and lightweight, it mounts quickly and easily to all
cameras featuring direct flash synchronization via
hotshoe. Moreover, when used in the auto modes,
the unit's electronic ‘eye’ measures the light
reflected from the subject, controlling flash
brilliance to allow exactly the amount of light
required in relation to subject distance. Thus, it
enables even beginners to obtain perfect flash
exposures virtually every time. In addition, its high
flash head design helps prevent “red eye” { a reddish
cast resulting from the reflection of light flashing
directly into the subject's eyes.)
Automatic Flash Characteristics
The AF 1608 features two-way auto flash output
selection which permits a choice of two f-numbers
inits 1 ~ 4 meter operating range. Moreover,
with auto flash, you may alter the distance freely
between the camera and subject within the auto
flash range without changing the f-number setting.
2
—
Automatic Flash Sync and Viewfinder Flash-Ready
Indication with Pentax AE Cameras
While the AF 1608S functions equally as well with
all cameras featuring hotshoe sync, the owners of
Pentax auto-exposure cameras like ME SUPER
have some additional benefits. The ME SUPER
synchronizes automatically with the AF 1608S, thus
eliminating flash failures that often arise from
forgetting to adjust the camera controls. With the
ME SUPER, simply leave the camera’s exposure
mode dial set at either AUTO or M and switch
the flash unit on, When the unit has charged, it
synchronizes with the camera. In addition, flash
ready indicators inside the viewfinder light when
the flash unit has charged, eliminating the need to
take your eye away from the viewfinder to know if
the unit is ready.
© Flash sensor
Q Flash head
© Battery compartment cover
0 Hotshoe bracket
© Hotshoe contacts
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Q Auto/Manual selector
O Exposure chart
© ASA film speed scale
O Distance scale
M Auto mode indexes
® Power switch
® Flash ready lamp/test button
® Auto f-number scale
(for Green and Red modes)
: © F-number scale
| SETTING up
Inserting Batteries
1. Press in slightly on the 4 mark at the base of the
battery compartment cover and slide the cover in
the direction of the arrow to remove it.
2. Insert two AA size penlight batteries into the
battery compartment in accordance with the polarity
diagrams on the side of the compartment. Then,
replace the cover by inserting it into the slot and
sliding it into place while you hold the batteries down
with your finger.
NOTE: Do not use rechargeable NiCad {nickel
cadmium} batteries in this unit.
Test Flash
1. Before mounting the flash to the camera, itis
advisable to test the unit to see if it is functioning
properly. Slide the power switch on the back of the
unit to ON; you will hear a faint whine. In a few
seconds the flash ready lamp on the back of the flash
(this also doubles as the flash test button) will light
to indicate that the unit has charged. After the lamp
lights, press it for test flash.
e |f the ready light fails to light within 30 seconds,
batteries may be inserted improperly (if new) or
worn down (if old).
Mounting
1. Slide the flash unit's hotshoe bracket into the
camera’s 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 insure proper contact.
The Auto/Manual Selector
This small dial on the side of the flash unit enables
you to select either of two auto operating modes
and the manual mode. The red dot or red setting
is for the high output auto mode, while the green
dot or green setting is for the low output auto
mode. This dual-mode auto output feature of
the AF 160S permits the option of using either of
two f-numbers over most of the auto flash range.
For manual operation, set the mode selector
{о “М.”
| BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
_
Pentax K1000
The Pentax K1000 camera featu res a special
hotshoe contact that enables direct synchronization
with AF 160S at 1/60 second.
1. Determine the flash unit's operating mode as
indicated on pages 10 ~ 13 and set the lens aperture
accordingly.
2. Switch the flash unit on, Compose the picture
and focus while the flash unit is charging. When the
flash ready lamp on the flash unit lights, depress
the shutter button all the way to take the picture.
3. After you trip the shutter the flash ready lamp
will go out and come on again when the unit
recharges. Be sure to turn the flash unit off to save
batteries when you do not plan to make any more
exposures.
® If you trip the shutter before the flash ready lamp
comes on, normal non-flash exposures will be
made as the flash unit will not flash {most likely
underexposure or blur will result).
Pentax ME SUPER
As with the K1000, the Pentax ME SUPER also
features a special hotshoe contact for direct syn-
chronization with the AF 1608S. In this instance,
however, flash synchronization is automatic at
1/125 second whether the cameras exposure mode
dial is set at the AUTO or “M” (Manual) mode.
1. Choose the flash unit's operating mode as
indicated on pages 10 ~ 13 and set the lens aperture.
2. Switch the flash unit on. Compose the picture
and focus while the flash unit is charging. When the
unit has charged, the "M" LED indicator inside the
viewfinder will flash to signal flash readiness. There
is no need to partially depress the shutter to obtain
the viewfinder flash indication. It's given auto-
matically when the flash unit charges with the
camera dial set either to AUTO or “M.” The 11125X”
LED also flashes to indicate flash sync.
e The flash system remains in command of the
camera only for as long as the “"M” indicator flashes
and ‘125X" LED lights simultaneously. After the
flash discharges the camera reverts back to the non-
flash AUTO or M” mode.
e Always keep the flash unit power switch set to
OFF when not using the flash. In this manner, it
may be left mounted on the camera and switched
on when needed.
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| BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Shooting on Auto
The AF 160S features two auto output modes:
Red (high) and Green (low). If your chief interest
is obtaining flash photos with the least possible
effort, simply set the auto mode as indicated in
D and 2) below; there's no need for you to
read page 10. On the other hand, photographers
who wish to take advantage of the availability of
two f-numbers for the 1 - 4 meter range should
set the f-number as indicated on page 10.
©
| Use the GREEN AUTO MODE for all subjects
between 0.5m and 4m (1.5ft - 12ft). - |
Use the RED AUTO MODE for all subjects
between 4m and 6m (12ft - 18ft).
—
@ F-Number Setting: After setting the flash unit's
mode selector to either the Green or Red auto
setting, the lens aperture must be set according to
the f-number indicated by the exposure guide on
the back of the flash unit. F-numbers are indicated
in relation to ASA/ISO film speed. If ASA/1SO
100 film is loaded in Your camera and you are
shooting in the Green au to mode, for example,
pick out the f-number in the ASA/ISO 100 column
which corresponds to the green index line on the
chart. With ASA/ISO 100 film in the Green mode,
the correct f-number is f/4; in the Red mode with
ASA/1SO 100 film, it's £/2.8. If Y Ou are using
ASA/ISO 400 other films with other ASA/ISO
ratings, pick the f-number in the appropriate column
and adjust the lens aperture ring accordingly.
Note on Distance Scale: Although the distance
scale of the exposure chart is provided mainly as
a guide for choosing f-numbers for manual flash,
it is also designed to help you remember the
maximum distances of the auto flash range: the
green index line stops at 4 meters indicating that
this is the maximum range of the Green auto
mode; the red index line stops at 6 meters, the
maximum range of the Red auto mode. For
subjects beyond 6 meters use manual flash. (See
page 11.)
e As distances for the auto flash range are easily
determined, usually it is sufficient to make only
a rough mental estimate of them. When in doubt,
however, focus on the subject with the lens first,
and then, check your estimation against the lens’
distance scale.
64 100 200 400}
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Choice of f-numbers:
Photographers who wish to take advantage of the availability of two-f-numbers for the 1 to 4 meter range,
should choose the auto output mode in accordance with the following.
From im — 4M: GREEN or RED '
It is simplest and also saves batteries to use the low output Green auto mode for all subjectsup to 4
meters distance. However, the Red mode may also be used for subjects in the 1 meter to 4 meter (3 ft
— 12 ft) range. Because the f-number used differs depending on the mode you select for this range,
you have the option of selecting the auto mode based on which f-number is more desirable for the
particular shot.
When you wish to use a smaller lens aperture {i.e. higher f-number) which offers sharper depth of field,
use the Green setting. On the other hand, for shots where you wish to accent your subject a little more
by reducing focal sharpness in the background and foreground, use the Red auto setting. This requires
a wider lens aperture {i.e. lower f-number) which reduces the over-all sharpness of the depth of field.
For Subjects 0.6m — 1m: GREEN ONLY —
For subjects between the distances of 0.5m to 1m (1.5ft — 3ft), use the Green auto mode only. Over-
exposure results if the high output Red mode is used for subjects closer than 1 meter.
For subjects 4m — 6m: RED ONLY
For subjects beyond 4 meters {12ft) to the maximum auto flash range of 6 meters (18ft), use the Red
mode only. Underexposure results if the Green setting is used for this range.
Shooting on Manual
The AF 1608 also features manual flash for special
shooting situations when it is necessary to override
the auto flash sensor. Moreover, because full flash
output is always used for manual flash, it permits
use of a smaller lens aperture when the subject is
near, which is especially useful for close-up
shooting requiring maximum depth of field.
1. Set the AUTO/MANUAL Selector to the CM
(manual) setting.
2. After focusing on your subject, read off the
subject distance on the distance scale of your lens.
Then select the f-number in the appropriate
ASA/ISO column of the exposure chart on the
back of the flash unit which corresponds with the
subject distance (with ASA/1SO 100 film at 3
meters, for example, the correct f-number is f/5.6,
etc.). When the actual subject distance lies between
the figures indicate on the distance scale of the
exposure chart, use an in-between f-number setting.
3. Set the lens aperture ring to agree with the
f-number indicated by the exposure guide. Then,
switch the flash unit on and take the picture after
the flash ready lamp lights.
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| FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH OTHER CAMERAS |
The AF 160S works equally as well with other
cameras featuring cordless-type, hotshoe flash sync 100 200
and functions fully in both auto and manual flash
modes. In this instance, however, the flash unit is
synchronized manually via the camera's shutter
speed dial. Flash ready lamp is indicated at the back
of the flash unit.
Auto Flash: Choose the auto mode (Red or Green)
in accordance with the subject distances indicated
on Pages 8 ~ 10 and set the lens aperture
accordingly. Then, switch the flash unit to ON.
After the flash ready lamp on the back of the flash
lights, compose and take the picture. Switch the
flash unit OFF when no longer needed.
Manual Flash: See proceeding page.
| PRECAUTIONS
Power Switch
When not using the AF 160S for long intervals,
turn off the power switch to save batteries. If the
power switch is left on, battery energy will be used
constantly to restore the flash charge to its peak.
Moreover, batteries will drain if you forget to turn
the switch to OFF after putting the flash unit
away. Always make it a point to turn the switch
off when storing the unit; remove batteries when
you do not intend to use the unit again within
a few days.
Flash Ready Lamp
The flash ready lamp on the back of the unit
comes on when the capacitor has reached 80% of
its charge. This presents no problem in the Green
mode up to 3 meters or the Red mode up to 4.5
meters. However, in the manual mode, and
portions of the Green and Red modes beyond
3 and 4.5 meters, respectively, it is best to wait
an addition 4 — 5 seconds after the ready lamp
lights to take the picture {with low batteries, wait
longer). When you wish to take the picture
immediately after the ready lamp comes on,
expose 1 additional f-stop.
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| GENERAL POINTERS
Incident light Reflected light
Angle of |Angle of
incidence ‘reflection
Strongly reflecting surface
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\ Reflections 4
7
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Guard Against Unexpected Reflections
The direction in which light is reflected off
an object is shown in the illustration. It is not
always possible to actually see these reflections, but
precautions can be taken against them, Do not
shoot directly into highly reflective surfaces as
the reflections witl be picked up by the lens. Even
when shooting at an angle, care should be taken to
reduce reflections. Non-white and non-glare
backgrounds are suitable for direct flash, while
backgrounds such as glass windows and white walls
will produce a high-glare. For beautiful prints
without glare, angle your camera so that the flash
doesn’t rebound into the lens.
Light Quality (Color Temperature)
The color ‘cast’ or temperature of the AF 160S is
5,800°K (Kelvin) which is compatible with that
of normal daylight. Tungsten light bulbs have
a temperature of 2,800° and the evening sun is
3,200°K. Thus, electronic flash has a higher
temperature than tungsten bulbs and can be used a distance of 2 meters from the camera will only
freely with daylight films in rooms lit by tungsten be 1/4 of the value it is 1 meter. Thus, all else
bulbs without producing a reddish cast. being equal, objects two meters from the camera
Lo will require four times the exposure as those
Distance/Light Intensity : 1 meter from the camera.
Brightness (light intensity) drops of as distance y A
from the lighting source increases. As brightness LIGHT SOURCE 3 Sm ... (DISTANCE)
drops off with the square of the distance from ? 1 1/4 (INTENSITY)
the light source to the subject, light intensity at
— asanso | 25 32 — 64 100 125 160 200 400 800 1600 3200
TT - 3 m. 8 9 13 16 18 20 22 32 44 64 87
Ne E 24 27 39 48 54 60 66 96 132 192 264
Guide Numbers: The guide number is the measure of the brightness of the flash in relation to the subject
distance. Guide numbers vary depending upon the ASA/ISO rating of the film being used. To calculate the
guide number in meters, multiply the distance in meters by the f-number. For the guide number in feet,
multiply the distance in feet by the f-number. Although all the practical exposure data needed for operating
the AF 160S is provided on the control panel, manual guide numbers as well as some additional ASA/1SO
speeds are listed above.
15
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
Type: Clip-on, two-way auto flash unit w/manual.
Mounting: Direct to the camera hotshoe (cordless sync only): synchronizes automatically
with the Pentax ME SUPER and similar other models; manual sync with K1000
and other manual cameras.
Auto Modes: Two: Red (high) and Green (low); set via AUTO/MANUAL Selector.
Manual Operation: At “M" setting of AUTO/MANUAL Selector.
Usable Apertures on Auto: With ASA/ISO 100 — f/2.8 (Red) f/4 (Green)
With ASA/1SO 400 — f/5.6 (Red) f/8 (Green)
Effective Range on Auto: Green — 0.5 — 4 meters (1.5 — 12 ft.) Red — 1m — 6m (3 — 18 ft.) with both
ASA/1SO 100 and 400.
Auto Sensor Reception
Angle: 18°
Manual Guide Numbers: 16 in meters (ASA/ISO 100), 32 in meters (ASA/1SO 400)
Recycling Times: Alkaline Batteries: 8 sec. | Manganese Batteries: 10 sec.
Number of Flashes: 200 | 40
*Recycling times based on fresh batteries *Number of flashes based on the
period that the flash ready lamp continues to light within 30 sec. with fresh
batteries.
Flash Duration: 1/15,000 — 1/3,000 sec.
Color Temperature: Equivalent to daylight.
16
Flash Sync
With K1000:
With ME SUPER:
Other Cameras:
Angular Spread:
Flash Ready Indicators:
Test Flash:
Exposure Chart:
Power Source:
Size:
Weight:
Standard Accessories:
Manually at 60 sec. with shutter dial set to 60X.
Automatically at 1/125 sec. with exposure mode dial set to AUTO or M.
As specified.
50° vertical; 65° horizontal (Sufficient for down to a 28mm wide-angle lens)
With K1000, flash-ready lamp lights up when flash is ready; with ME SUPER,
green “M” LED flickers, green 125X” LED lights and flash-ready lamp on
flash unit also lights up. |
By pressing Flash Ready Lamp/Test Button on back of flash unit.
On back of flash unit; indicates correct aperture in relation to ASA/ISO film
speed (ASA/1SO 25 — 400); Aperture scale: f/1.4 — f/32, Distance scale 1m —
12m (3ft. — 36ft.) Green and Red AUTO mode indexes.
Two 1.5 V AA size alkaline or manganese penlight batteries (rechargeable
NiCad type not usable).
66mm(W) x 81mm(H) x 41mm(D):
2.59 in (W) x 3.18 in {H) x 1.61 in (D).
100 grams {3.5 oz.) less batteries.
Case
17
BATTERY PRECAUTIONS
e Remove batteries when not using the flash unit
for long periods of time, Batteries tend to leak if
left too long in the unit and may cause serious
damage.
e When the ready lamp no longer lights within
60 sec. after a test flash on Manual, it is time to
replace batteries. Replace batteries earlier when
shorter recycling is desired. Although the ready
lamp will still light after 60 sec., flash is usually
insufficient for correct exposure.
e Battery performance tends to deteriorate when
batteries are used that have been left lying around
for long periods of time. Make it a point to use
batteries that are fairly new.
e Batteries are very sensitive to cold and per-
formance tends to deteriorate at temperatures
near freezing. Performance is restored to normal
as soon as batteries are subjected to room
temperatures. Keep a set of warm spare batteries
in your pocket vhen shooting in freezing weather
to substitute when the others become cold.
18
Ш
e Battery performance tends to differ depending
upon brand and type. Best results are obtained
when high-performance alkaline batteries are used.
Asahi Optical Co., Ltd. C.P.O. 895, Tokyo 100-91, JAPAN
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Pentax U.K. Limited Pentax House, South Hill Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex HAZ OLT, U.K.
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) Pentax (Schweiz) AG Industriestrasse 2, 8305 Dietlikon ZH, SWITZERLAND
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06556 ENG Specifications are subject to change without notice. 12/85 Printed in Hong Kong
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