HVL-F42AM - External Flash SONY - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	External flash
Brand	Sony
Model	HVL-F42AM
Maximum guide number (ISO 100, 105 mm)	42
Guide number (APS-C, 105 mm)	42
Dimensions (L × H × D)	75 × 123 × 100 mm
Weight (without batteries)	340 g
Power source	4 AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH)
Flash coverage	24-105 mm (auto/manual), 16 mm with built-in wide-angle adapter
Main functions	Automatic flash, manual, HSS, wireless, bounce flash, AF illuminator, test flash
Flash modes	TTL, P-TTL, ADI, manual (levels 1/1 to 1/32)
High-speed sync (HSS)	Yes, up to 1/12000 s
Wireless flash (WL)	Yes, channels CH1/CH2, range 1-5 m
Bounce flash	Yes, vertical tilt 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° ; horizontal rotation left 30-90°, right 30-180°
AF illuminator	Yes, center zone range 0.5-6 m (with 50 mm lens)
Recycle time (alkaline batteries)	0.1 to 3.7 s
Number of flashes (alkaline batteries)	Approximately 180
Operating temperature	0 to 40 °C
Maintenance	Clean with a soft, dry cloth; avoid solvents
Safety	Do not aim at eyes, do not disassemble, risk of electric shock
Included accessories	Mini stand, case, manual
Spare parts / Repairability	Consult a qualified technician; replaceable batteries
General information	Compatibility with Sony SLR cameras (except DSLR-A100); ADI metering; automatic white balance correction

Frequently Asked Questions - HVL-F42AM SONY

What type of batteries to use for the HVL-F42AM flash?

Use 4 AA alkaline batteries or 4 AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. Batteries are not included.

How to mount the flash on the camera?

Turn off the flash, push the shoe firmly onto the camera until it clicks. The flash locks automatically.

What does the orange indicator on the TEST button mean?

The TEST button lights up orange when the flash is charged and ready to use.

How to activate wireless flash mode?

First attach the flash to the camera, activate wireless mode on the camera, then remove the flash. The built-in flash will trigger the remote unit.

Can I use the flash with a wide-angle lens?

Yes, use the built-in wide-angle adapter for 16 mm coverage. Pull the adapter forward until the WIDE indicator lights up.

How to manually adjust the flash coverage?

Press the ZOOM button to cycle through positions: 105, 70, 50, 35, 28, 24 mm and AUTO.

What to do if the flash overheats?

The TEST button flashes red. Stop using the flash and let it cool down for at least 10 minutes before using again.

How to use bounce flash?

Hold down the reflector head release button and tilt the head upward (45°, 60°, 75°, 90°) or sideways. Use a white wall or ceiling for best results.

What is the flash range in normal mode?

The range depends on the guide number, ISO, and aperture. For example, at ISO 100, 105 mm, 1/1: GN 42. Calculate with: GN × ISO factor / aperture.

How to clean the flash?

Use a soft, dry cloth. For stains, lightly dampen with a mild detergent, then wipe with a dry cloth. Never use solvents.

USER MANUAL HVL-F42AM SONY

Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

© 2008 Sony Corporation

危险

安全のために

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3 電池室ふたを閉める。

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焦点距離24mmの場合

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焦点距離105mmの場合

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Diagram showing a person observing through a surveying setup with a tripod and light path (no text or symbols)

Black-and-white close-up of blooming lily flowers with visible petals and leaves (no text or symbols)

バウンス撮影

Black-and-white close-up of blooming lilies with visible petals and buds (no text or symbols)

通常のフラッシュ撮影

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Diagram of a DSLR camera showing internal components and rotation arrows (no text or labels)

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悪い例

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上方向にバウンスさせる場合

下の表を参考に角度を決めてください。

Illustration of a portable flash unit with no visible text or symbols

Black-and-white portrait of a young woman sitting outdoors, wearing a sweater and necklace (no visible text or symbols)

ハイスピードシンクロ撮影

Black-and-white portrait of a smiling woman outdoors, wearing a knitted cardigan and necklace (no visible text or symbols)

通常のフラッシュ撮影

Black-and-white photo of a woman seated on a sofa with a vase and flowers in the background (no visible text or symbols)

通常撮影

Black-and-white photo of a woman seated on a sofa with a vase and flowers in the background (no visible text or symbols)

ワイヤレスフラッシュ撮影

ワイヤレスフラッシュ撮影の距離範囲

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取りはずしかた

Illustration of a compact flash unit with directional arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols)

ワイヤレスフラッシュ撮影方法

Before operating the product, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuit when disposing of batteries, and follow local regulations for battery disposal.

Keep batteries or things that could be swallowed away from young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed.

Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if...

• the product is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed.
  • the product emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke.

Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the product is touched.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using your photographic equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

Read and understand all instructions before using.

Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children. Do not leave appliance unattended while in use.

Care must be taken as burns can occur from touching hot parts.

Do not operate appliance with a damaged cord or if the appliance has been dropped or damaged- until it has been examined by a qualified serviceman.

Let appliance cool completely before putting away. Loop cord loosely around appliance when storing.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse this appliance in water or other liquids.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this appliance, but take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly can cause electric shock when the appliance is used subsequently.

The use of an accessory attachment not recommended by the manufacturer may cause a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.

Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.

Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.

Do not attempt to recharge (except for rechargeable batteries), short or disassemble.

Do not mix, batteries of different types, brands or ages.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION

Do not touch the flashtube during operation, it may become hot when the flash fires.

For customers in Europe

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Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives

The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.

For the customers in the U.S.A.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

NOTE:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of following measures:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Table of Contents

Features 7

Name of parts 8

Preparations

Inserting batteries 10

Attachment and removal of the flash unit 12

Turning on the power 14

Changing the flash mode 16

Basics

Program auto flash (The basics) 17

Recording modes 20

Applications

Zoom flash coverage 22

Changing the power level (LEVEL) 26

Test-flash 27

Bounce flash 28

AF illuminator 31

Manual flash (M) 32

High-speed sync (HSS) 34

Wireless flash mode (WL) 36

Custom setting 44

Additional Information

Flash range 49

Notes on use 52

Maintenance 53

Specifications 54

Before use

For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camera.

This flash unit is not dust-proof, splash-proof or waterproof.

Do not place this flash unit in the following locations

Regardless of whether this flash unit is in use or in storage, do not place it in any of the following locations. Doing so may lead to a malfunction.

• Placing this flash unit in locations subject to direct sunlight such as on dashboards or near a heater may cause this unit to deform or malfunction.
• Locations with excessive vibration
• Locations with strong electromagnetism
• Locations with excessive sand In locations such as the seashore and other sandy areas or where dust clouds occur, protect the unit from sand and dust.
  This may lead to a malfunction.

Features

• A compact flash that provides a flash output with a maximum guide number 42 (105 mm position, ISO 100 · m).
• Can be used with compatible lenses to enable ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) flash metering, which is not affected by the reflection rate of the background or subject.
• Enables High-speed Sync.
• Provides many functions such as bounce flash, manual flash, etc.
• This flash unit supports flash coverage to a focal length of 16mm by using the built-in wide panel when the flash is triggered.
• Corrects the white balance automatically using the color temperature information.*
• Adjusts the optimum flash coverage according to the image sensor size of the camera.*
  * When Sony digital single-lens reflex camera (other than the DSLR-A100) is used.

Name of parts

1 Built-in wide panel (page 24)
2 Flashtube
3 Wireless control signal receiver (page 36)

4 AF illuminator (page 31)
5 Mounting-foot release button (page 13)
6 Mounting foot (page 12)

7 Bounce indicator (page 28)
8 Bounce lock release button (page 28)
9 Display panel (page 9)
10 Control panel (page 9)
11 Battery-chamber door (page 10)
12 Mini-stand (page 39)

Remove the protective sheet from the front of the AF illuminator before use.

Display panel/Control panel

1 Low-battery lamp (page 11)
② Flash-OFF lamp (page 16)
3 Flash-ON lamp (page 16)
4 Wireless flash lamp (page 36)
5 High-speed-sync lamp (page 34)
6 MODE button (page 16)
7 HSS button (page 34)

8 TEST button (page 27)

The status while the lamp is lit

Amber: Flash ready

Green: Proper exposure

Red: Overheating

9 POWER switch (page 14)
10 LEVEL button (page 26)
11 ZOOM button (page 22)
12 ZOOM lamp (page 22)
13 LEVEL lamp (page 26)

Inserting batteries

The HVL-F42AM may be powered by :

• Four AA-size alkaline batteries*
- Four AA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries*

* Batteries are not supplied.

Always ensure that rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries are charged in the specified charger unit.

1 Open the battery-chamber door as shown.

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2 Insert the batteries in the battery chamber as in the diagram.

Mechanical component diagram showing a housing with four battery terminals and a downward arrow indicating a process (no text or symbols present)

3 Close the battery-chamber door.

- Follow the reverse steps when opening the battery-chamber door.

Checking Batteries

The low-battery lamp on the display panel blinks when the batteries are low.

Changing the batteries is recommended when the low-battery lamp blinks. The flash unit can still be used when the TEST button lights up in amber.

• If nothing lights up when the POWER switch is set to ON, check the orientation of the batteries.
• If only the low-battery lamp blinks, change the batteries.

Attachment and removal of the flash unit

Attaching the flash unit to the camera

While the flash unit is turned off, push the mounting foot firmly onto the camera until it stops.

• The flash unit is locked in place automatically.
• If the built-in flash in the camera is protruding, lower it before attaching the flash unit.

Removing the flash unit from the camera

While pressing the mounting-foot release button ①, remove the flash unit ②.

Turning on the power

Set the POWER switch to ON.

Power of the flash unit turns it on.

- When the power of the flash unit is turned on, the lamps on the display panel light up.

To turn the power off

Set the POWER switch to OFF.

OFFION

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POWER

Power save

When the camera or flash unit is not used for three minutes, power switches off and display panel indicators go out automatically to save the batteries.

• In wireless flash photography (page 36), control panel indicators disappear after 60 minutes.
• You can change the time until power save, or disable power save. (page 44)
• The power of the flash unit is turned off automatically when the POWER switch of the camera is set to OFF.*

* When Sony digital single-lens reflex camera (other than DSLR-A100) is used.

Changing the flash mode

Press the MODE button.

- The indicator on the display panel changes as follows.*

* When the camera is disconnected.

- The Flash-ON lamp [AUTO] lights up when the camera is set to Autoflash. Only the Flash-ON lamp [] lights up when set to Full-flash.

Program auto flash (The basics)

1 Select the P mode on the camera.
2 Press the MODE button to turn on the Flash-ON lamp, either [⚡ AUTO] or [⚡] on the display panel.

- The Flash-ON lamp [⚡ AUTO] lights up when the camera is set to Autoflash. Only the Flash-ON lamp [⚡] lights up when set to Full-flash.

3 When the flash unit is charged, press the shutter button to take a photo.

- The flash unit is charged when the TEST button on the control panel lights up in amber and the “⚡” indicator in the camera viewfinder are both on.

When the correct exposure has been obtained for the photo just taken, the TEST button on the control panel blinks in green.

• The photo will be under-exposed because of the lack of luminescence if taken before charging is complete.
• Press the shutter button after making sure that charging is complete when using the flash unit with the self-timer.
• If your camera has AUTO mode or Scene Selection mode, they are dealt with here as program auto. Moreover, the flash mode selected (auto flash (AUTO), fill-flash ()), and un-full-flash ()) depends on your camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions of your camera.

- The following tables show the distance reached by the light from the flash unit (i.e. the flash range).

See page 49 for further details.

35 mm-format or manual flash

ISO100		Focal length (mm)
		16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
Aperture	2.8	1-4.5	1-8	1-8	1-8.5	1-10.5	1-12.5	1-15
	4	1-3	1-5.5	1-5.5	1-6	1-7.5	1-8.5	1-10.5
	5.6	1-2	1-4	1-4	1-4.5	1-5	1-6	1-7.5

(unit : m)

ISO400		Focal length (mm)
		16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
Aperture	2.8	1-9	1-16	1-16	1-17	1-21	1-25	1.2-30
	4	1-6	1-11	1-11	1-12	1-15	1-17	1-21
	5.6	1-4	1-8	1-8	1-9	1-10	1-12	1-15

(unit : m)

APS-C** format

ISO100		Focal length (mm)
		16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
Aperture	2.8	1-4.5	1-8.5	1-9	1-10.5	1-12.5	1-13.5	1-15
	4	1-3	1-6	1-6.5	1-7.5	1-8.5	1-9.5	1-10.5
	5.6	1-2	1-4.5	1-4.5	1-5	1-6	1-6.5	1-7.5

(unit : m)

ISO400		Focal length (mm)
		16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
Aperture	2.8	1-9	1-17.5	1-18.5	1-21	1-25	1-27	1.2-30
	4	1-6	1-12.5	1-13	1-15	1-17	1-19	1-21
	5.6	1-4	1-8.5	1-9	1-10	1-12	1-13	1-15

(unit : m)
* When the wide panel is attached.
** Advanced Photo System Classic

Recording modes

This section explains how to use the flash unit in each recording mode of the camera.

Aperture priority flash photography (A)

1 Select the A mode on the camera.
2 Press the MODE button to turn on the Flash-ON lamp [⚡].

- Fill-flash is selected.

3 Set the aperture and focus the subject.

• Reduce the aperture (i.e. increase the f-stop) to reduce the flash range, or open the aperture (i.e. reduce the f-stop) to increase the flash range.
• The shutter speed is automatically set.

4 Press the shutter button when charging is complete.

Shutter speed priority flash photography (S)

1 Select the S mode on the camera.
2 Press the MODE button to turn on the Flash-ON lamp [⚡].
- Fill-flash is selected.
3 Set the shutter speed, and focus the subject.
4 Press the shutter button when charging is complete.

Manual exposure mode flash photography (M)

1 Select the M mode on the camera.
2 Press the MODE button to turn on the Flash-ON lamp [⚡].
- Fill-flash is selected.
3 Set the aperture and shutter speed, and focus the subject.
- Reduce the aperture (i.e. increase the f-stop) to reduce the flash range, or open the aperture (i.e. reduce the f-stop) to increase the flash range.
4 Press the shutter button when charging is complete.

Zoom flash coverage

Auto zoom

This flash unit automatically switches optimum flash coverage (zoom flash coverage) to cover a range of focal lengths from 24 mm to 105 mm when photographing (auto zoom). Normally, you do not need to switch the flash coverage manually.

The auto zoom is working when the Auto ZOOM lamp is lit up in green. The zoom is not displayed on the display panel when the Auto ZOOM lamp is lit.

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24 mm focal length

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105 mm focal length

- When a lens having a focal length of less than 24 mm is used with auto zoom, ZOOM lamp [WIDE] blinks. Use of the built-in wide panel (page 24) is recommended in this case to prevent darkening at the periphery of the image.

Auto zoom control optimized for image sensor size

By using a Sony digital single lens reflex camera, other than the DSLR-A100, with this flash unit, the flash unit will provide optimal flash coverage according to the image sensor size (APS-C format/35 mm-format) of the camera.

Manual zoom

You can manually set the flash coverage regardless of the focal length of the lens in use (manual zoom).

Press the ZOOM button to select the flash coverage to be set.

- The zoom coverage is changed in the following order.

105 70 50 35 28 24 AUTO 105

• If the flash coverage is set to less than the focal length of the lens in use, the periphery of the screen darkens.
• The flash coverage of the manual zoom on the display panel corresponds to the angle of view of the equivalent 35mm-format focal length.

Built-in wide panel (16 mm zoom angle)

Pulling out the built-in wide panel expands flash coverage to a focal length of 16 mm.

Pull out the wide panel.

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• The ZOOM lamp [WIDE] is lit up the display panel.
• When storing the wide panel, insert it in completely.
• Do not pull out the wide panel forcibly. This may damage the wide panel.
• When photographing a flat subject from the front at a focal length of about 16 mm, the periphery of the screen may darken slightly because the focal distances at the center and periphery of the screen are different.
• When using a wide-angle lens with a focal length below 16 mm, the periphery of the screen may darken.
• The focal length corresponds to the equivalent 35mm-format focal length.
• This flash unit does not support the angle of view of a 16 mm F2.8 Fisheye lens.

Flash coverage & focal length

The larger the focal length figure of lens on a camera, the further away a subject can be photographed to take up the full screen; but the area that can be covered becomes smaller. Conversely, with a smaller focal length figure, closer subjects can be photographed with wider coverage. The flash coverage is the area that the light from the flash at a set intensity or greater can cover evenly, expressed as an angle. In this way, the flash coverage at which you can photograph is determined by the focal length.

By having flash coverage determined in accordance with focal length, flash coverage can be expressed as the figure for focal length.

Changing the power level (LEVEL)

Auto flash

The flash unit adjusts the power level automatically when the LEVEL lamp [AUTO] on the display panel is lit.

Manual flash

The power level for the flash unit can be adjusted.

Press the LEVEL button to select the power level to be set.

- The power level is changed in the following order.

$$ 1 / 1 \rightarrow 1 / 2 \rightarrow 1 / 4 \rightarrow 1 / 8 \rightarrow 1 / 1 6 \rightarrow 1 / 3 2 \rightarrow \text { AUTO } \rightarrow 1 / 1 \rightarrow \dots $$

• In manual flash photography, if the power level is set at 1/1 then the flash will go off at full power. The power level range (e.g. 1/1 1/2 ) corresponds to the aperture range (e.g. F4 5.6 ).
• Change the custom setting when you change the power level for a mode other than the M mode of the camera (page 44).
• For details on the manual flash, see page 32.

Test-flash

You can try test flash before shooting. Check the light level using the test flash when you use a flash meter, etc. in the manual flash (M) mode.

Press the TEST button when the TEST button lights up in amber.

- The light level of the test-flash depends on the light level which set in the LEVEL setup.

TEST button

The TEST button is turned on as follows according to the current state of the flash unit.

• Amber: Flash ready
• Green: Proper exposure
• Red: Overheating*

* Overheating is a function which flash suspends operation automatically, when the temperature of this unit rises at the time of continuous flash use or use in a high temperature environment.

• The TEST button blinks in red at intervals of 1 second when overheating is detected.
• The flash operation is suspended until the temperature of the unit falls.
• Stop use of the flash unit for 10 minutes to allow the temperature of the unit to cool down.

Bounce flash

Using the flash unit with a wall directly behind the subject produces strong shadows on the wall. By directing the flash unit at the ceiling you can illuminate the subject with reflected light, reducing the intensity of the shadows and producing a softer light on the screen.

Diagram showing a person observing through a surveying setup with a tripod and light path (no text or symbols)

Black-and-white close-up of blooming lily flowers with visible petals and leaves (no text or symbols)

Bounce flash

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Normal flash

Rotate the flash unit upwards or to the left and right while pressing the bounce lock-release button.

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Diagram of a DSLR camera showing internal components and rotation arrows (no text or symbols)

The flash may be set to the following angles.

• Upwards: 45^ , 60^ , 75^ , 90^
• Right: 30^ , 45^ , 60^ , 75^ , 90^ , 120^ , 150^ , 180^
• Left: 30^ , 45^ , 60^ , 75^ , 90^

• The bounce lock engages at the 0^ position. When the flash unit is returned to the original position, the lock-release button needs not to be pressed.
• When the flash is rotated upwards or to the left and right, the High-speed sync (page 34) is also cancelled.
• Use a white ceiling or wall to reflect the flash. A colored surface may color the light. High ceilings or glass are not recommended.

Adjusting bounce angle

Simultaneously using direct light and bounced light from the flash unit produces uneven lighting. Determine the bounce angle with respect to the distance to the reflective surface, the distance from the camera to the subject, the focal length of the lens etc.

Correct

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Simple line drawing of a human figure with long hair, wearing a dress (no text or symbols)

Incorrect

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When the flash is bounced upwards

Determine the angle in relation to the following table.

Focal length of lens	Bounce angle
70 mm minimum	45°
28 - 70 mm	60°
28 mm maximum	75°, 90°

Bouncing to Left and Right

Rotating the flash by 90^ to bounce light sideways is recommended. If an angle of less than 90^ is used, care should be taken to ensure that direct light from the flash unit does not illuminate the subject.

AF illuminator

In low-light or when subject contrast is low, when the shutter button is pressed partway down for Auto Focus, the red lamp on the front of the flash unit will light. This is the AF illuminator used as an aid in Auto Focus.

Illustration of a portable flash unit with visible filament and trigger mechanism (no text or symbols)

• The AF illuminator operates even when the Flash-OFF lamp [⚡] is lit.
• The camera AF illuminator does not operate while the flash AF illuminator is operating.
• The AF illuminator does not operate while Continuous AF is used in focusing mode (when continually focusing on a moving subject).
• The AF illuminator may not operate if the focal length of the lens is greater than 300 mm. The flash unit will not operate when removed from the camera.

Manual flash (M)

Normal TTL flash metering automatically adjusts the flash intensity to provide the proper exposure for the subject. Manual flash provides a fixed flash intensity irrespective of the brightness of the subject and the camera setting.

• Manual flash can only be used when the camera is in the M mode. In other modes, TTL measuring is automatically selected.
• As manual flash is not affected by the reflectivity of the subject, it is convenient for use with subjects with extremely high or low reflectivity.

TTL flash metering

Manual flash metering

1 Select the M mode on the camera.
2 Press the MODE button to display the Flash-ON lamp [⚡] on the display panel.

3 Press the LEVEL button to select the power level to be set.

- The power level is changed in following order.

$$ 1 / 1 \rightarrow 1 / 2 \rightarrow 1 / 4 \rightarrow 1 / 8 \rightarrow 1 / 1 6 \rightarrow 1 / 3 2 \rightarrow 1 / 1 \rightarrow \dots $$

- For details on setting the power level, refer to page 49.

• The flash range check indication of the TEST button (blinks in green) does not work after a photo is taken with the manual flash.
• Using custom functions, manual flash may be selected without setting the camera in the M mode (page 44).

TTL flash

Manual flash provides a fixed flash intensity irrespective of the brightness of the subject and the camera setting. TTL* flash measures the light from the subject that is reflected through the lens.

Some cameras enable P-TTL metering, which adds pre-flash to TTL metering, and ADI metering, which adds distance data to the P-TTL metering.

This flash unit defines all P-TTL and ADI metering as TTL flash and the LEVEL lamp [AUTO] on the display panel lights up.

*TTL = through the lens

- ADI metering is possible in combination with a lens with a built-in distance encoder. Before using the ADI metering function, check whether your lens has a built-in distance encoder by referring to the specifications in the operating instructions supplied with your lens.

High-speed sync (HSS)

Black-and-white portrait of a young woman sitting outdoors, wearing a sweater and necklace (no visible text or symbols)

High-speed sync

Black-and-white portrait of a woman outdoors, wearing a knitted jacket and necklace (no visible text or symbols)

Normal flash

High-speed sync eliminates the restrictions of flash sync speed and enables the flash to be used through the entire shutter speed range of the camera. The increased selectable aperture range allows flash photography with a wide aperture, leaving the background out of focus and accentuating the front subject. Even when photographing at a wide f-stop in the A mode or M mode of the camera, when the background is very bright and the shot will normally be over-exposed, you can adjust the exposure by using the high-speed shutter.

Press the HSS button.

• The high-speed-sync lamp lights up.

• This flash unit is set to high speed sync automatically when the shutter speed is set faster than the sync speed. The sync speed differs depending on the camera used. For further details of the sync speed, refer to the operating instructions of your camera.
• If you press HSS button again, high-speed sync is cancelled. When high-speed sync is cancelled, the shutter speed cannot be set faster than the sync speed.
  • Taking photos in bright locations is recommended.
  • High-speed sync cannot be used with bounce flash.
• When using a flash meter or color meter, high-speed sync cannot be used because it interferes with the proper exposure.

Flash Sync Speed

Flash photography is generally associated with a maximum shutter speed referred to as the flash sync speed. This restriction does not apply to cameras designed for high-speed sync (HSS) photography (page 34), since they allow flash photography at the maximum shutter speed of the camera.

Wireless flash mode (WL)

Photographs taken with the flash unit attached to the camera are flat as shown in photo ①. In such cases, remove the flash unit from the camera and position it to obtain a more three-dimensional effect as shown in photo ②.

When taking this type of photograph with a single lens reflex camera, the camera and the flash unit are most commonly connected by a cable. This flash eliminates the need for a cable to transmit signals to the flash unit by using the light of the built-in flash itself as a signal. The correct exposure is determined automatically by the camera.

Black-and-white photo of a woman seated on a sofa with a vase and flowers in the background (no visible text or symbols)

Normal flash

Black-and-white photo of a woman seated on a sofa with a vase and floral arrangement in the background (no visible text or symbols)

Wireless flash

Wireless Flash Range

The wireless flash uses a light signal from the built-in flash as a trigger to operate the off-camera flash unit. Follow the points below when positioning the camera, flash, and subject.

• Photograph in dark locations indoors.
- If you rotate the flashtube using the bounce-flash function (page 28) so that the wireless control-signal receiver points toward the camera, it will be easier for the flash to receive signals from the camera.
- Place the off-camera flash within the gray area in the following diagram.

graph TD
    A["Camera"] --> B["Pot with flower"]
    B --> C["Flash Unit"]
    C --> D["Object"]
    D --> E["Distance between flash and subject"]
    E --> F["Distance between camera and subject"]
    F --> G["Do not place the flash directly behind the subject"]
    G --> H["Place the camera and flash unit within a 1 to 5 m radius of the subject"]

• See page 19 or 49 for details on the flash range.

Continued on the next page

Notes on wireless flash

• You cannot use a flash meter or color meter in wireless flash mode because the camera's built-in pre-flash goes off.
• The zoom position for the HVL-F42AM is automatically set to 24 mm. A zoom position other than 24 mm is not recommended.
• If another wireless flash is being used nearby, you can change the channel to "CH1" or "CH2" in the custom settings to prevent interference (page 44).
• When photographing with the wireless flash, the flash unit may in rare cases go off by mistake due to ambient static electricity or electromagnetic noise.
  When the flash is not in use, select the Flash-OFF lamp [⚡] using the MODE button.

Attaching and removing the mini-stand

• Use the supplied mini-stand when the flash unit is separate from the camera.
• You can attach the flash unit to a tripod using the tripod socket holes in the mini-stand.

Attachment

Illustration of a flash unit with a plunger and motion arrow (no text or symbols)

Removal

Illustration of a compact flash unit with directional arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols)

Photography with wireless flash

1 Attach the flash unit to the camera and turn the power of the flash unit and camera on.

2 Set the camera to wireless flash.

• The setting method differs depending on the camera used. For details, refer to the operating instructions of your camera.
• When the camera is set to wireless, the flash unit is also set to wireless automatically, then one of the wireless flash lamps, either [⚡ WL CH1] or [⚡ WL CH2] on the display panel is lit.
• [⚡ WL CH1] is lit when channel 1 is selected in the wireless channel setting of the flash unit, [⚡ WL CH2] is lit when channel 2 is selected. For details on changing the channel settings, see page 44.
• The light level can be changed even for the wireless flash mode. For details, refer to page 44.

3 Remove the flash unit from the camera and raise the built-in flash.

- When the flash unit is removed from the camera, the high-speed-sync lamp lights up beside the HSS button.

4 Set up the camera and flash unit.

• Set up the camera and flash unit in a dark location, such as indoors.
  • See page 37 for details.

Built-in flash

Flash unit

5 Make sure that the built-in flash and flash unit are fully charged.

• “⚡” is lit in the viewfinder when the built-in flash is fully charged.
• When the flash unit is fully charged in the wireless flash mode, the AF illuminator on the front blinks, and the TEST button is lit in amber.

6 Use test flash to check the flash.

• The test flash method differs depending on the camera used. For details, refer the operation instructions of your camera.
• If the test flash does not work, change the position of the camera, flash or subject.

7 Check again that the built-in flash and the flash unit are fully charged, and press the shutter button to take the photo.

Setting wireless flash by the flash unit only

When the flash unit is attached to the camera and the wireless flash set up, the channel information is transmitted to the camera. This means that if you continue to use the same camera and flash combination without changing the wireless channel then you can also set the flash unit and camera separately to wireless.

Camera setting:

Set to the wireless flash mode.

For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camera.

Flash unit setting:

Press the MODE button to turn on the wireless flash lamp, either [⚡ WL CH1] or [⚡ WL CH2].

See page 44 for further details.

Auto WB Adjustment with Color Temperature Info

Flash unit sends color temperature info to camera. Color temperature is automatically adjusted to standard white by camera.

• This function works when Sony digital single-lens reflex camera (other than DSLR-A100) is used.
• This function works with TTL flash mode using the clip-on connection with the camera.

Custom setting

The various flash settings may be changed as necessary.

The following five items may be changed.

• Wireless channel setting (CH1/CH2)
  • Time to power save (30 seconds/3 minutes/30 minutes/none)
  • Time to power save when using wireless flash (60 minutes/none)
• Recording modes in which manual flash may be set
• The brightness setting of the display (bright /dark)

Performing the custom setting

The custom setting is changed as follows.

1 Press the HSS button for three seconds while the POWER switch is set to ON.

- The Flash-OFF lamp [⚡], the Flash-ON lamp, [⚡ AUTO] and the Wireless flash lamp [⚡ WL] blink at the same time.

2 Change the setting you want to change.

For details on the each setting, refer to “Changing the custom setting.”

3 Press the HSS button to finish the custom setting.

- The selected settings are maintained even if the flash unit is switched off or the battery is removed.

Changing the custom setting

An explanation how to change the each custom settings.

To change the channel setting of the wireless flash

Press the MODE button to select the desired setting.

- The display is changed in the following order.

CH1 → CH2 → CH1 → ...

- Attach the flash unit to the camera and press the shutter button partway down after changing the channel.

To change the time to power save

You can change the time to power save.

Press the ZOOM button to select the desired time until power save.

- The display is changed in the following order.

105 70 50 35 105

For details of the display and setting time, see the following table.

Lamps	The time to power save
105	30 seconds (60 minutes)
70	3 minutes (60 minutes)
50	30 minutes (60 minutes)
35	None (None)

Time indicated in the parentheses is when the flash unit is set to the wireless flash mode.

- The time to power save when the flash unit is set to the wireless flash is different from any other modes.

Example: When the power save time is changed to “35” (None) from “105” (30 seconds), the power save time for the wireless flash mode is also automatically changed to “None” from “60 minutes.”

To change the recording mode that can use the manual flash mode (M)

Press the LEVEL button to select the recording mode that can use the manual flash mode.

- The power level is changed from 1/1 to 1/2 each time the LEVEL button is pressed.

1/1: (corresponds M mode of the camera only)

1/2: (corresponds all modes of the camera)

- For details on setting the power level, refer to page 26.

- When “1/2” is selected, manual flash photography may be used in all recording modes of your camera. The proper exposure may not be obtained with photography in modes other than the M mode of your camera, therefore we recommend the M mode of your camera.

To change the brightness of the display panel

The brightness of the display panel can be adjusted in two levels.

Press the TEST button to select the desired brightness.

• The brightness changes as follows.

Bright Dark Bright ...

- Check the status of the flash unit to confirm the custom settings can be changed, then press the TEST button.

The test-flash flashes when you press the TEST button if the flash unit is set to any mode other than the custom settings mode.

Flash range

When using normal flash

You can get the correct flash range for normal photography, such as when using the program auto flash (P) or the manual flash (M), etc., by using the following guide number table and an ISO speed coefficient.

Guide number

35 mm-format or manual flash (ISO100)

Power Level	Flash Coverage Settings (mm)
	16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
1/1	13	23	23	25	30	35	42
1/2	9.2	16.3	16.3	17.7	21.2	24.7	29.7
1/4	6.5	11.5	11.5	12.5	15.0	17.5	21.0
1/8	4.6	8.1	8.1	8.8	10.6	12.4	14.8
1/16	3.3	5.8	5.8	6.3	7.5	8.8	10.5
1/32	2.3	4.1	4.1	4.4	5.3	6.2	7.4

* When the wide panel is attached.

APS-C format (ISO100)

Power Level	Flash Coverage Settings (mm)
	16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
1/1	13	25	26	30	35	38	42
1/2	9.2	17.7	18.4	21.2	24.7	26.9	29.7
1/4	6.5	12.5	13.0	15.0	17.5	19.0	21.0
1/8	4.6	8.8	9.2	10.6	12.4	13.4	14.8
1/16	3.3	6.3	6.5	7.5	8.8	9.5	10.5
1/32	2.3	4.4	4.6	5.3	6.2	6.7	7.4

* When the wide panel is attached.

ISO speed coefficient

ISO100	ISO200	ISO400	ISO800	ISO1600	ISO3200
1	1.4	2	2.8	4	5.7

Photography distance range = Guide number × ISO speed coefficient ÷ Aperture

Ex) 35 mm-format or manual flash, power level: 1/1, focal length: 35 mm, aperture:

F4, ISO: 400

25 (Guide number) × 2 (ISO speed coefficient) ÷ 4 (Aperture) = 12 m

The flash light reaches to 12 m.

When using the HSS flat flash (flash with HSS)

The flash range becomes shorter than that of normal flash photography when the high speed sync is used. You can get the correct flash range using the following guide number table and an ISO speed coefficient.

Guide number

35 mm-format or manual flash (ISO100)

Shutter speed	Flash Coverage Settings (mm)
	16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
1/250	4.7	8.8	9.1	9.5	10.9	13.4	16.4
1/500	3.3	6.2	6.4	6.7	7.7	9.5	11.6
1/1000	2.4	4.4	4.5	4.7	5.5	6.7	8.2
1/2000	1.7	3.1	3.2	3.4	3.9	4.7	5.8
1/4000	1.2	2.2	2.3	2.4	2.7	3.4	4.1
1/8000	0.8	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.9	2.4	2.9
1/12000	0.6	1.1	1.1	1.2	1.4	1.7	2.1

* When the wide panel is attached.

APS-C format (ISO100)

Shutter speed	Flash Coverage Settings (mm)
	16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
1/250	4.7	9.7	10.0	10.9	13.4	15.0	16.4
1/500	3.3	6.8	7.1	7.7	9.5	10.6	11.6
1/1000	2.4	4.8	5.0	5.5	6.7	7.5	8.2
1/2000	1.7	3.4	3.5	3.9	4.7	5.3	5.8
1/4000	1.2	2.4	2.5	2.7	3.4	3.8	4.1
1/8000	0.8	1.7	1.8	1.9	2.4	2.7	2.9
1/12000	0.6	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.7	1.9	2.1

* When the wide panel is attached.

ISO speed coefficient

ISO100	ISO200	ISO400	ISO800	ISO1600	ISO3200
1	1.4	2	2.8	4	5.7

Photography distance range = Guide number × ISO speed coefficient ÷ Aperture

Ex) When using an APS-C format camera, shutter speed: 1/500 second, focal length: 28 mm, aperture: F2.8, ISO: 400

7.1 (Guide number) × 2 (ISO speed coefficient) ÷ 2.8 (Aperture) = 5 m The flash light reaches to 5 m.

Notes on use

While shooting

• This flash unit generates strong light, so it should not be used directly in front of the eyes.
• Do not use the flash 20 times in a row or in quick succession in order to prevent heating and degradation of the camera and flash unit. (when the power level is 1/32, 40 times in a row.)
  Stop using the flash unit and cool it for 10 minutes or more, if the flash is triggered up to the limit for the number of times in quick succession.
• Attach the camera while the flash unit is turned off.
  If you do not do so, you may cause a malfunction of the flash unit or the use of an incorrect luminescence, and the powerful light may damage your eyes.

Batteries

• The battery level displayed on the control panel may be lower than the actual battery capacity, temperature, and storage conditions. The displayed battery level is restored to the correct value after the flash has been used a few times.
• Nickel-metal hydride batteries can lose power suddenly. If low-battery lamp starts blinking or the flash can no longer be used while taking pictures, change or recharge the batteries.
• The flash frequency and number of flashes provided by new batteries may vary from the values shown in the table, depending on the time elapsed since manufacture of the batteries.
• Remove the batteries only after turning the power off and waiting several minutes, when changing the batteries. The batteries may be hot, depending on the battery type. Remove them carefully.
• Remove and store the batteries when you do not intend to use the camera for a long time.

Temperature

• The flash unit may be used over a temperature range of 0^ to 40^ .
• Do not expose the flash unit to extremely high temperatures (e.g. in direct sunlight inside a vehicle) or high humidity.
• To prevent condensation forming on the flash, place it in a sealed plastic bag when bringing it from a cold environment into a warm environment. Allow it to reach room temperature before removing it from the bag.
• Battery capacity decreases at colder temperatures. Keep your camera and spare batteries in a warm inside pocket when shooting in cold weather. Low-battery lamp may blink even when there is some power left in the batteries in cold weather. Batteries will regain some of their capacity when warmed to normal operating temperature.
• This flash unit is not waterproof. Be careful not to bring it into contact with water or sand when using it at the seashore, for example. Contact with water, sand, dust, or salt may result in a malfunction.

Maintenance

Remove this unit from the camera. Clean the flash with a dry soft cloth. If the flash has been in contact with sand, wiping will damage the surface, and it should therefore be cleaned gently using a blower. In the event of stubborn stains, use a cloth lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution, and then wipe the unit clean with a dry soft cloth. Never use strong solvents, such as thinner or benzine, as these damage the surface finish.

Specifications

Guide number

Normal flash (ISO100)

Flash Coverage Setting (mm)		16*	24	28	35	50	70	105
GN	Manual flash/35mm-format	13	23	23	25	30	35	42
	APS-C format	13	25	26	30	35	38	42

* When the wide panel is attached

Frequency/Repetition

	Alkaline	Nickel hydride (2500 mAh)
Frequency (sec)	0.1 - 3.7	0.1 - 2.7
Repetition (times)	Approx. 180 or more	Approx. 260 or more

• Repetition is the approximate number of times that are possible before a new battery is completely dead.

Continuous flash performance	40 flashes at 5 flashes per second(Normal flash, light level 1/32, 105 mm, nickel-metal hydride battery)
AF illuminator	Autoflash at low contrast and low brightnessOperating range (with a 50 mm lens attached to DSLR-A700)Central area: 0.5 m to 6 mPripheral areas : 0.5 m to 3 m
Flash control	Flash control using pre-flash, TTL direct metering
Dimension (Approx.)	W 75 × H 123 × D 100 mm (3 × 4 7/8 × 4 inches)
Mass (Approx.)	340 g (12 oz) (excluding the batteries)
Recommended batteries	AA-size alkaline batteriesAA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries
Included items	Flash unit (1), Mini-stand (1), Case (1), Set of printed documentation

Functions in these operating instructions depend on testing conditions at our firm. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademark

is a trademark of Sony Corporation.

Français

Symbol of a trash bin crossed with no text or numbers, representing waste sorting or disposal (no text present)

Mechanical component diagram showing a rotating assembly with arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols)

Mechanical component diagram showing a housing with multiple cylindrical components and a downward arrow indicating a specific part (no text or symbols present)

3 Refermer le compartiment.

Simple line drawing of a device with two wires extending from it (no text or symbols)

Distance focale 24 mm

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Distance focale 105 mm

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Black-and-white close-up of blooming lilies with visible petals and leaves (no text or symbols)

Flash réfléchi

Black-and-white photo of a flowering plant with blooming flowers and buds (no text or symbols)

Flash normal

Mechanical robotic arm diagram showing rotational motion with no text or symbols

Diagram of a DSLR camera showing internal components and rotation arrows (no text or labels)

Illustration of a portable flash unit with visible filament and trigger mechanism (no text or symbols)

Black-and-white portrait of a young woman sitting outdoors, wearing a sweater and scarf (no visible text or symbols)

Black-and-white portrait of a woman smiling outdoors with foliage in the background (no visible text or symbols)

Flash normal

Black-and-white photo of a woman seated on a sofa with a vase and flowers in the background (no visible text or symbols)

Flash normal

Black-and-white photo of a woman seated on a sofa with a vase and floral arrangement in the background (no visible text or symbols)

Flash sans cordon

Illustration of a compact flash unit with a plunger, showing no text or symbols

Démontage

Illustration of a compact digital camera with directional arrows indicating motion (no text or symbols)