GF-1 - RICOH - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL GF-1 RICOH

GF-1 External TTL Flash INSTRUCTION MANUAL Read Before Use Thank you for purchasing this Ricoh equipment.

• The GF-1 is a flash designed for use exclusively with cameras equipped with the Ricoh flash interface (hereafter, Type R cameras).
• When the GF-1 is attached to compatible Type R cameras, it can be used as a TTL automatically controlled flash. Cameras other than Type R: All other cameras except those described above. With the GR Digital, GR Digital II, Caplio GX100, Caplio GX200, the flash can be used in Ambient light auto and Manual flash modes.
• For the latest information on the cameras supported by this flash, please visit the Ricoh website. http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/option/other/ Before using the equipment, please be sure to read the instruction manual, check the content and correctly use the equipment. EN - Safety Precautions Warning Symbols Various symbols are used throughout this instruction manual and on the product to prevent physical harm to you or other people and damage to property. The symbols and their meanings are explained below. Danger This symbol indicates matters that may lead to imminent risk of death or serious injury if ignored or incorrectly handled. Warning This symbol indicates matters that may lead to death or serious injury if ignored or incorrectly handled. Caution This symbol indicates matters that may lead to injury or physical damage if ignored or incorrectly handled. Sample Warnings The symbol alerts you to actions that must be performed. The symbol alerts you to prohibited actions. The symbol may be combined with other symbols to indicate that a specific action is prohibited. Examples Do not touch Do not disassemble Observe the following precautions to ensure safe use of this equipment. Danger Do not attempt to disassemble, repair or alter the equipment yourself. The high-voltage circuitry in the equipment poses significant electrical hazard. Do not attempt to disassemble, alter or directly solder the batteries. Do not put the batteries in a fire, attempt to heat them, use them in a high temperature environment such as next to a fire or inside a car, or abandon them. Do not put them into water or the sea or allow them to get wet. Do not attempt to pierce, hit, compress, drop, or subject the batteries to any other severe impact or force. EN - Do not use a battery that is significantly damaged or deformed. Warning Turn off the power immediately in the event of abnormalities such as smoke or unusual odors being emitted. Remove the batteries as soon as possible, being careful to avoid electric shocks or burns. Turn off the power immediately if any metallic object, water, liquid or other foreign object gets into the flash unit. Remove the batteries as soon as possible, being careful to avoid electric shocks or burns. Follow these precautions to prevent the batteries from leaking, overheating, igniting or exploding.
• Do not use any batteries other than those specifically recommended for the equipment.
• Do not carry or store together with metal objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, coins, hairpins, etc.
• Do not put the batteries into a microwave or high pressure container.
• If leakage of battery fluid or a strange odor, color change, etc. is noticed during use or during charging, remove the batteries from the flash unit immediately and keep them away from fire. Keep the battery used in this equipment out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Consumption is harmful to human beings. If swallowed, seek medical assistance immediately. Keep the equipment out of the reach of children. Do not touch the internal components of the equipment if they become exposed as a result of being dropped or damaged. The high-voltage circuitry in the equipment could lead to an electric shock. Remove the batteries as soon as possible, being careful to avoid electric shocks or burns. Take the equipment to your nearest dealer or service center if it is damaged. Do not use the equipment in wet areas as this could result in fire or electric shock. Do not use the equipment near flammable gases, gasoline, benzene, thinner or similar substances to avoid the risk of explosion, fire or burns. Do not use the equipment in locations where usage is restricted or prohibited as this may lead to disasters or accidents. EN - Do not fire the flash direct to the eye at short distance. It may damage the eye. When taking flash picture especially toward a baby, it is recommended to keep the flash unit at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from the subject. Do not leave or store the flash unit in temperatures over 40˚C, such as in an automobile. Caution Contact with fluid leaking from a battery can lead to burns. If part of your body comes in contact with a damaged battery, rinse the area with water immediately. (Do not use soap.) If a battery starts to leak, remove it immediately from the equipment and wipe the battery chamber thoroughly before inserting a new battery. Do not allow the flash unit to get wet. In addition, do not operate it with wet hands. Both pose the risk of electric shock. Do not fire the flash at drivers of vehicles, as this may cause the driver to lose control and result in a traffic accident. Do not use the flash in unstable locations. You may lose your balance, fall or drop the flash, resulting in injury. To prevent the flash from overheating or deteriorating, keep the number of continuous flashes to no more than 20 flashes. After 20 continuous flashes, do not use the flash for at least 10 minutes. With cameras other than Type R, the flash will fire automatically and continue firing in interval shooting mode; do not use the flash in this mode. Do not use benzine, thinner or other alcoholic agents to clean the unit. Remove the batteries when not in use for a long period of time. EN - Supplied Equipment

• Instruction manual • Pouch Name of Parts 1 Flash head 2 Catch-light panel 3 Wide panel (18 mm) 4 Slave sensor 5 Flash element 6 AF auxiliary light 7 Ambient light automatic sensor 8 Lock ring 9 Hot shoe mounting foot 0 Hot shoe contacts a Battery magazine EN - Flash stand b PILOT lamp / Test flash button c ON/OFF button d Mode select button (NORMAL → SLAVE1 → SLAVE2) e Flash power level indication lamps (6 LEDs) f Flash power level select button AUTO MANUAL

TTL-A → F2.8 → 4 → 5.6 → 1/4 → FULL →

Manual flash output adjustment

• In manual flash output adjustment mode, the two rightmost flash power level indication lamps (1/4 and FULL) will light up. (Only when using Type R cameras) EN - Basic Operation Caution Before attaching or removing the flash unit, turn off the power of both the flash unit and the camera. Inserting batteries 1 Slide down the battery magazine's cover and pull out the battery magazine. 2 Insert 4× AA batteries as shown in the illustration. Check the polarity of the batteries and make sure to insert them correctly. 3 Insert the battery magazine into the flash unit and slide up the cover to close it. Caution
• Replace the batteries with new batteries all of the same type and brand, or with fully charged rechargeable batteries all of the same type and brand. In addition, always replace all four batteries at the same time. If the batteries are inserted in the wrong direction, the flash will not work.
• When replacing the batteries right after the flash fired consecutively, overheating may occur; be careful not to burn yourself. EN - Mounting the flash on a camera 1 Turn the lock ring as shown in the illustration to loosen it. 2 Insert the flash unit into the hot shoe on the camera. Securely insert the flash unit all the way into the hot shoe. 3 Turn the lock ring as shown in the illustration to fix the flash unit to the camera. Removing the flash from a camera 1 Loosen the lock ring completely before removing the flash unit. Turning on the flash 1 Press the ON/OFF button to turn on the flash. When the power is turned on, the PILOT lamp lights up in red and the flash starts to charge. 2 After a few seconds, when the PILOT lamp turns green, the flash is completely charged and ready to be used. EN - Turning off the flash 1 Keep the ON/OFF button pressed for about 2 seconds to turn off the flash. Power saving mode To save battery power, the flash unit will automatically enter stand-by mode about 2 minutes after the camera's Auto Power Off is activated. In stand-by mode, the PILOT lamp blinks in red every 2 seconds. If you operate any of the buttons on the flash unit, or if the camera is turned on, the flash will automatically wake up from stand-by mode. If the flash unit is left in stand-by mode for 30 minutes, the Auto Power Off function will be activated and the flash will be turned off completely. To use the flash in such case, turn on the power of the flash unit again.
• In slave mode the flash unit will not enter stand-by mode and the Auto Power Off function will be activated only after 60 minutes. EN - TTL flash photography —Pre-flash — Only with Type R cameras In this mode, when you press the shutter release button the flash will automatically fire at the most appropriate level.
• In movie, dynamic range (DR), interval shooting, or M-Cont Plus (HI) mode, the flash will not fire. 1 Turn on the camera. 2 When you press the ON/OFF button on the flash unit, it will turn on automatically in TTL mode. 3 When the PILOT lamp turns green, the flash is ready for shooting. 4 Press the shutter release button halfway to focus on the subject. 5 Press the shutter release button to fire the flash and take the picture. 6 When using a zoom lens, if the focal length changes, the illumination coverage changes accordingly and the flash unit is automatically adjusted for the optimal illumination angle. When using the flash, the shutter speed and aperture of the camera depend on the position of the camera's mode dial, as follows.
• When the flash mode on the camera is set to Flash Synchro, the shutter speed is automatically adjusted to match ambient light conditions. Mode Shutter speed Aperture

Automatic Selected aperture

Selected shutter speed Automatic

Selected shutter speed Selected aperture EN - 10 Reference About the illumination coverage With Type R cameras, the illumination coverage will vary from 24 mm to 105 mm, depending on the focal length. You can use a illumination coverage of 105 mm to cover also focal lengths beyond 105 mm toward the telephoto end. However, when using focal lengths under 24 mm toward the wide angle end, please use the wide panel (18 mm). In such case, the illumination coverage will not be automatically linked to the zoom position.

• All illumination coverage values given are 35-mm camera equivalents. About the focal length If the image appears too dark even when using flash, get closer to the subject or select a higher ISO setting on the camera. To Better Enjoy Flash Photography Ambient light auto flash 1 Set the flash mode to NORMAL with the Mode select button and the flash power level to F2.8 - 5.6 with the Flash power level select button. If the subject is relatively far or if you want a short interval between flashes, select a power level of F2.8. To get a deeper depth of field, select a power level of F5.6. 2 Manually select the aperture on the camera to match the aperture value selected on the flash unit. If the camera does not offer the exact same value, select the closest value. When using a zoom lens, check the aperture value again after adjusting the zoom and correct the aperture value if necessary. 3 Set a shutter speed slower than 1/250 second.
• For details on the camera's settings, see the Camera User Guide.
• Depending on the shooting conditions (subject, surroundings, color and reflectiveness of the background, etc.) the resulting image may not come out as you expected. In such case, try changing the aperture value on the camera or the shooting distance. EN - 11 Type R cameras Set the shooting mode to Manual exposure or Aperture priority mode. The correct exposure cannot be achieved in 5 mode, Program shift mode or Shutter priority mode. Also, when the ISO setting is set to AUTO, the flash unit will be automatically adjusted to match the selected setting. If the ISO setting is set to a certain value, please check the procedure for cameras other than Type R.
• In movie, dynamic range (DR), interval shooting, or M-Cont Plus (HI) mode, the flash will not fire. Cameras other than Type R The ISO setting on the camera is not linked with the flash unit. Manually select the aperture value on the camera to match the ISO setting, using the following table as reference. Aperture value on the flash unit ISO64 ISO80 ISO100

Manual flash When you cannot get the exposure you intended using the TTL auto or Ambient light auto mode, you can use manual flash to set the desired flash output level. 1 Set the flash mode to NORMAL with the Mode select button and the flash power level to FULL or 1/4 with the Flash power level select button. 2 When using manual flash, use the following formula to select the aperture value. Aperture value = Guide No. ÷ Shooting distance Example) If the guide No. is 20 and the shooting distance is 5 m, the appropriate aperture value is 20÷5=4, that is F4. The flash unit’s output (guide No.) varies depending on the zoom position. Refer to “Guide No. Table (ISO 100)“ on the page EN - 18. 3 Set a shutter speed slower than 1/250 second. EN - 12

• For details on the camera's settings, see the Camera User Guide.
• In movie, dynamic range (DR), interval shooting, or M-Cont Plus (HI) mode, the flash will not fire. Only with Type R cameras With Type R cameras the flash output level can be changed on the camera within the range 1/1 to 1/64. 1 Set the flash mode to NORMAL with the Mode select button and the flash power level to Manual flash output adjustment (the two rightmost flash power level indication lamps on) with the Flash power level select button. Adjust the flash output level while checking the image on the picture display on the camera. Perform the manual flash output level adjustment only after the flash is attached to the camera. Slave flash This flash unit features a slave flash function. In slave flash mode, this flash unit will fire when it detects the light from another flash. GF-1 The slave flash function is especially effective in the Camera's built-in flash following situations.
• When you do not want to illuminate the subject from the front with the main flash light source
• When you want the this flash unit to fire without having it attached to the hot shoe
• When the distance to the subject is too far and the flash cannot reach the subject
• When you want to add several flashes to an array Caution
• If the flash does not fire, check the position and the angle of the flash.
• In slave flash mode, if the flash accidentally detects other camera's flash, it may fire before shooting. Check that the flash unit is ready for another fire by the PILOT lamp. EN - 13 SLAVE1: Mode for cameras with a pre-flash (triggered once) and a main flash (Type R and other cameras) SLAVE2: Mode for cameras with a main flash only Following is the explanation for how to use the camera's built-in flash as a trigger. Type R cameras If you are using the camera’s built-in flash as a trigger, do not attach this flash unit to the hot shoe. The built-in flash may not be able to open. 1 Turn on the power of the camera and the flash unit and set the flash to always fire. 2 Set the flash mode to SLAVE1 with the Mode select button. When set to slave mode, the flash unit’s AF auxiliary light blinks. 3 Set the flash power level to Ambient light auto (F2.8 to 5.6) or Manual flash (1/4 or FULL) with the Flash power level select button. Caution The camera's Red-eye flash function is not available. When using Ambient light auto Set the aperture value. 1 Manually select the aperture on the camera to match the aperture value selected on the flash unit. If the camera does not offer the exact same value, select the closest value. When using a zoom lens, check the aperture value again after adjusting the zoom and correct the aperture value if necessary. 2 Use the supplied flash stand or other device to place the flash unit at the desired location and adjust its angle as desired. 3 Press the camera's shutter release button once to check that the flash fires under the conditions selected. If the flash does not fire, verify the position of the slave sensor and the operating distance. If after checking the results of a test shot the image is too dark, select a smaller aperture value on the camera. If it is too bright, select a larger aperture value instead. EN - 14 When using Manual flash Use the following formula to select the aperture value. Aperture value = Guide No. of this flash unit ÷ Distance between the main light source and the subject For details about this flash unit's guide No., refer to “Guide No. Table (ISO 100)” on the page EN - 18. Cameras other than Type R Using the Mode select button, set the flash mode to SLAVE1 or SLAVE2, according to the type of the camera's built-in flash. In this case, the camera's Red-eye flash function is not available. Wide panel
• You can pull out the built-in wide panel and place it on the flash as shown in the illustration to use a shooting angle of 18 mm.
• The catch-light panel will be pulled out at the same time so please push the catch-light panel back inside. Caution Return the wide panel to its place when using bounce flash. Reference The wide panel diffuses the light of the flash, making it effective when you want to use a softer light or shooting close-ups. Bounce flash Mostly when shooting indoors, you can use the ceiling or walls to reflect the light of the flash (Bounce flash). Bounce flash can reduce hard shadows and result in more natural pictures. Bounce flash can also be convenient when shooting babies and toddlers for whom a direct flash would be too harsh.
• You can change the angle of the flash head upwards and set it to 45˚→60˚→ 75˚→90˚. EN - 15 Caution When using bounce flash, the illumination coverage is fixed at 50 mm.
• When the ceiling or walls are too far, the reflected light of the flash may not be enough and the bounce flash may not be effective.
• If the ceiling or walls are not white, the reflected light may be affected, taking their color.
• If the reflected light is attenuated too much and the bounce flash is not effective enough, select a higher ISO setting on the camera. Catch-li ght panel When using bounce flash, you can also use the catch-light panel at short distance to direct some of the light at a human subject, adding a glint in their eyes and brightening their expression.
• When you pull out the wide panel, the catch-light panel will be pulled out at the same time. Push the wide panel back inside.
• When using the catch-light panel, set the flash head upwards at a 90˚ and use bounce flash. Flash compensation When using Type R cameras, you can compensate the flash output level using the TTL auto or Ambient light auto mode. For details, see the Camera User Guide. 1st curtain / 2nd curtain synchronization For details, see the Camera User Guide. EN - 16 Specifications Guide No. 20 (at 24 mm) - 30 (at 105 mm) 16 (at 24 mm, using the wide panel) Illumination Coverage 24 mm - 105 mm (18 mm with the wide panel) Automatically linked to the focal length of the lens as per the auto power zoom (only Type R cameras) Power Source 4 × AA batteries (sold separately)
• Lithium batteries and rechargeable NiMH batteries can be used. Battery Life Approx. 200 flashes with alkaline batteries (based on Ricoh’s measurements) Energy Saving Enters stand-by mode after about 2 minutes of the camera entering stand-by mode or being turned off. Powers off automatically after 30 minutes in stand-by mode. In slave mode, powers off automatically after 60 minutes without operation. Flash Interval Approx. 4.7 seconds (with rechargeable Nickelhydrogen batteries) Approx. 5 seconds (with alkaline batteries) Flash Output Adjustment AF Auxiliary Light Built-in Color Temperature 5,600K Flash Duration 1/250 second (full power flash) 1/250 - 1/20,000 second (TTL flash) Slave Flash Approx. 240 g (excluding batteries)

• The specifications of the equipment may change without prior notice. EN - 17 Guide No. Table (ISO 100) Flash output level Zoom position FULL 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 24mm

• All values given at ISO100. For values at ISO200 multiply by 1.4×; for values at ISO400 multiply by 2×.
• When using slave flash, and with cameras other than Type R, the zoom position is fixed at 24 mm. Troubleshooting The flash unit will not charge.
• Check the polarity of the batteries. If a battery was inserted in the wrong direction, insert it in the correct direction.
• Check whether the batteries are empty. In such case, replace with new batteries. The flash unit will not fire.
• Check whether the flash unit is correctly attached to the camera. Insert the flash unit all the way into the hot shoe and tightly close the lock ring.
• If the hot shoe contacts are dirty, wipe them clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• If the flash was powered off automatically by the Auto Power Off function, turn on the flash unit again. The picture is over- or underexposed.
• Check the flash mode. If it is set to Manual flash, set it to TTL mode. EN - 18

INFORMATION TO THE USER

USA FCC Part15 Class B The 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 in 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, then user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Properly shielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used for connection to a host computer in order to comply with FCC emission limits. An AC adapter with a ferrite core must be used for RF interference suppression. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Note to Users in Canada Note: This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003 Remarque Concernant les Utilisateurs au Canada

Avertissement : Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à

la norme NMB-003 du Canada Warranty Fill in all the prescribed details and safely keep the warranty after making sure all the information is correct. Customer Support Ricoh Service Centers In case of malfunction, please contact one of the Ricoh service centers listed in the Camera User Guide of the digital camera.

• Reproduction in full or part is prohibited without permission. © 2009 Ricoh Co., Ltd.
• The content of this instruction manual may change without prior notice. RICOH COMPANY, LTD. Ricoh Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8222, Japan EN - 19 GF-1 Externer TTL-Blitz BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG RICOH COMPANY, LTD. Ricoh Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8222, Japan DE - 19 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. Ricoh Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8222, Japan FR - 19 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. Ricoh Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8222, Japan ES - 19 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. Ricoh Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8222, Japan IT - 19 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. Ricoh Building, 8-13-1, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8222, Japan RU - 19 Printed in China *L239 2981A*