Sony HVL-F43AM Operating Instructions Manual
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Sony HVL-F43AM Operating Instructions Manual

Digital imaging accessories: external flash (for all a-mount cameras)
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Operating Instructions

Operating Instructions
HVL-F43AM
Before operating the product,
please read this manual thoroughly
and retain it for future reference.
4-278-307-11 (1)
Preparations
Basics
Advanced Operations
Additional Information

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Summary of Contents for Sony HVL-F43AM

  • Page 1: Operating Instructions

    Flash Operating Instructions Operating Instructions HVL-F43AM Preparations Basics Advanced Operations Additional Information Before operating the product, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. 4-278-307-11 (1)
  • Page 2 English 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. Do not expose the batteries to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuit when disposing of batteries, and follow local regulations for battery disposal.
  • Page 3 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.
  • Page 4 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.
  • Page 5 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: –...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Features ... 8 Name of parts ... 9 Preparations Inserting batteries ... 13 Attachment and removal of the flash unit ... 14 Turning on the power ... 16 Changing the flash mode ... 19 Basics Program auto flash (The basics) ... 21 Using flash in each recording mode of the camera ...

  • Page 7: Before Use

    Before use Use this unit in combination with a Sony Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera that has an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe, or a Sony Interchangeable Lens Digital HD Video Camera Recorder that has an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe. Some functions cannot be used with some model cameras.

  • Page 8: Features

    Features The HVL-F43AM is a compact flash with a guide number of 43 (meters, 105 mm position, ISO 100). 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.

  • Page 9: Name Of Parts

    Name of parts A Built-in wide panel (30) B Flashtube C Wireless control signal receiver (48) D AF illuminator (61) Remove the protective sheet from the front of the AF illuminator before use. E Mounting foot (14) F Bounce sheet (33) Figures in parentheses are the page numbers where a description of each LCD segment can be found.
  • Page 10       G Bounce indicator (upper/lower angle) (32) H LCD panel (12) I Control panel (11) J Bounce indicator (side angle) (32)         K Release button (15) L Battery chamber door (13) M Mini-stand (49) * Tripod attachment hole Figures in parentheses are the page...

  • Page 11: Control Panel

    Control panel A TTL/M (MANUAL/MULTI) button (38, 42, 53, 57, 62) B MODE button (19) C TEST button (27) The status while the lamp is lit Amber: Flash ready Green: Proper exposure LCD panel illuminator If the LCD panel is too dark, you can illuminate it by pressing the LCD illuminator button.
  • Page 12 LCD panel A HSS (High-speed-sync) indicator (41) B Ratio-flash indicator (57) C Flash mode indicator (19) D Wireless channel indicator (60, E Wireless controller indicator (47) F Operating indicator (63) G Power-level indicator (37, 42) H Zoom indicator (28) I TTL/Manual-flash/Multiple-flash indicator (37, 42) J Zoom/Multiple-flash repetition display (28, 42)

  • Page 13: Preparations

    Preparations Inserting batteries The HVL-F43AM may be powered by : • Four LR6 (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. Open the battery chamber door as shown.

  • Page 14: Attachment And Removal Of The Flash Unit

    Attachment and removal of the flash unit Attaching the flash unit to the camera With the flash unit turned off, push the mounting foot firmly and fully into the Auto-lock Accessory Shoe of the camera. • The flash unit is locked in place automatically. •...
  • Page 15 Removing the flash unit from the camera While pressing the release button 1, remove the flash unit in the direction of arrow 2.

  • Page 16: Turning On The Power

    Turning on the power Set the power switch to ON. The power of the flash unit turns on. • When the power of the flash unit is turned on, the LCD panel lights up. • If nothing appears on the LCD panel when the power switch is set to ON, check the orientation of the batteries.
  • Page 17 Power save mode If the flash unit is not operated for 3 minutes when used by itself or connected to a camera that is in power save mode, it switches to power save mode to save the batteries and the LCD display goes out. •...
  • Page 18 indicator When the temperature of this unit rises after continuous flash use or use in a high temperature environment, its internal safety circuit automatically suspends operation (overheating). • The indicator blinks when overheating is detected. • Flash operation is suspended until the temperature of the unit falls and the indicator turns off.

  • Page 19: Changing The Flash Mode

    Changing the flash mode Press the MODE button. • The indicator on the LCD panel changes as follows. When the flash unit is not connected to your camera, or when the camera is in power save mode or the LCD monitor of the camera is being turned off when the flash unit is connected to the camera: AUTO) t WL t When your camera is turned on and the flash unit is connected to your camera...
  • Page 20 About flash mode • (Fill-flash mode) The flash unit always fires. • AUTO (Auto flash mode) The flash unit is set to this mode when the camera is set to auto flash. • WL (Wireless flash mode) This mode is used during wireless flash photography. •...

  • Page 21: Basics

    Basics Program auto flash (The basics) • If your camera has an AUTO mode or Scene Selection mode, they are dealt with here as program auto. Select the P mode on the camera. Press the MODE button to display [ AUTO] or [ ] on the LCD panel.
  • Page 22 Press the shutter button halfway down and make sure that the subject is within the flash range. • See page 23 for details on the flash range. When the flash unit is charged, press the shutter button to take a photo. •...

  • Page 23: Flash Range

    Flash range Press the shutter button halfway down. The flash range for the proper exposure is displayed on the LCD panel. Make sure that the subject is within this range and then take the photo. The range that can be displayed on the LCD panel is from 1.0 m to 28 m (0.7 m to 28 m for downward bounce;...
  • Page 24 Auto WB Adjustment with Color Temperature Info White balance is automatically adjusted by your camera (except the DSLR-A100) based on color temperature information when the flash unit fires. • Auto WB Adjustment functions when you attach the flash unit to your camera and use TTL flash mode on the flash unit.

  • Page 25: Using Flash In Each Recording Mode Of The Camera

    Using flash in each recording mode of the camera If the camera is set to aperture priority (A mode), shutter speed priority (S mode) or manual exposure mode (M mode), TTL flash photography can be performed according to the mode. Select A, S or M mode on the camera.
  • Page 26 Recording mode of the camera M (Manual exposure mode flash photography) Press the shutter button when charging is complete. 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.

  • Page 27: Advanced Operations

    Advanced Operations Test-flash You can try a 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.

  • Page 28: Zoom Flash Coverage

    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.
  • Page 29 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 mm t 70 mm t 50 mm t 35 mm t 28 mm t 24 mm t A ZOOM t 105 mm t .
  • Page 30 Built-in wide panel (15 mm zoom angle) Pulling out the built-in wide panel extends flash coverage to include focal lengths from 15 mm to less than 24 mm. Pull out the wide panel and set it at the front of flash tube, and then push back the bounce sheet.

  • Page 31: Bounce Flash

    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.
  • Page 32 Rotate the flash unit upwards or to the left and right while holding the camera firmly. • When the flash is rotated upwards, the flash range is not displayed on the LCD panel. High-speed sync (page 41) is also cleared. •...
  • Page 33 Adjusting bounce angle Simultaneously using direct light and bounced light from the flash unit produces uneven lighting. Adjust to the best bounce angle while performing a test flash in actual shooting conditions. Examples of shooting conditions: • distance from camera to reflective surface •...
  • Page 34 • When using the bounce sheet, set the bounce angle to 90° upwards. Quick shift bounce When shooting in the portrait position, you can set the same bounce flash as that used when shooting in the landscape position, and also use the control panel at proper direction.
  • Page 35 • blinks on the LCD panel. • When the zoom flash coverage is set to [A ZOOM] while using 90° sideways bounce, the coverage is adjusted automatically to the wide angle. In this case, the flash range is shorter than that for 0° sideways bounce.

  • Page 36: Close-Up Photography (Downward Bounce)

    Close-up photography (downward bounce) Tilt the flash slightly downwards when photographing objects between 0.7 m and 1.0 m from the camera to ensure accurate illumination. Rotate the flash downwards with holding the camera firmly. • The rotation angle is 8°. •...

  • Page 37: Manual Flash (M)

    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. • 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.
  • Page 38 Press the TTL/M button to display on the LCD panel. • The modes change in the following order.
  • Page 39 Press the f or F button to select the power level to be set. • The power level can be set to the following. 1/1 (maximum) t 1/2 t 1/4 t 1/8 t 1/16 t 1/32 t 1/64 t 1/128 (minimum) •...
  • Page 40 • When the shutter button is pressed halfway down, the distance at which the proper exposure is obtained appears on the LCD panel. Set the aperture to match the displayed distance to the shooting distance. • In manual flash photography, if the power level is set at 1/1 then the flash will go off at full power.

  • Page 41: High-Speed Sync (Hss)

    High-speed sync (HSS) High-speed sync 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.

  • Page 42: Multiple Flash (Multi)

    Multiple flash (MULTI) The flash is triggered a number of times while the shutter is open (multiple flash). Multiple flash allows motion of the subject to be captured in a photograph for later analysis. • The camera must be set to the M mode for multiple flash photography. In modes other than the M mode of the camera, the proper exposure may not be obtained.
  • Page 43 Press the Fn button to make [Hz] blink, and then press the f or F button to select the flash frequency. • The figures show the number of flashes per second. • The flash frequency may be selected from the following. 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 •...
  • Page 44 Press the Fn button to make the power-level indicator blink, and then press the f or F button to select the power level to be set. • The power level can be set to the following. 1/8 t 1/16 t 1/32 t 1/64 t 1/128 •...
  • Page 45 Press the Fn button to finish the setting. Set the shutter speed and aperture. • The shutter speed should at least equal the number of flashes (TIME) divided by the flash frequency (Hz). For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the flash frequency is 5, set the shutter speed of your camera to 2 seconds or more.
  • Page 46 Maximum number of continuous flashes The maximum number of continuous flashes during multiple flash photography is limited by the charge in the battery. Use the following values as a guide. With alkaline batteries Power level 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 1/16 1/32 15 15 15 15 17 17 18 18 20 40 50 65 80 100* 100* 100* 100* 100* 100*...

  • Page 47: Wireless Flash Mode (Wl)

    Wireless flash mode (WL) This flash unit enables the following wireless flash photography. [A] Wireless flash photography (HVL-F43AM: off-camera flash) The camera's built-in flash is the controller (the flash that emits control light) and the HVL-F43AM is the off-camera flash (the flash that is away from the camera). [B] Wireless flash photography (HVL-F43AM: controller) The HVL-F43AM is the controller and another flash is the off-camera flash.
  • Page 48 Wireless Flash Range The wireless flash uses a light signal from the 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. •...
  • Page 49 Opening and closing the included mini-stand • The mini-stand is collapsible and must be open when used. Attaching and removing the mini- stand • Use the supplied mini-stand when the flash unit is separate from the camera. Attachment • You can attach the flash unit to a tripod using the tripod attachment hole under the mini-stand.
  • Page 50 • When mini-stand break into each part, fit the part of shaft into the other part.
  • Page 51 [A] Wireless flash photography using the HVL-F43AM as the off-camera flash Use only an off-camera flash unit, using the light from the built-in flash as a signal. Built-in flash Attach the flash unit to the camera and turn the power of the flash unit and camera on.
  • Page 52 Make sure that the built-in flash and flash unit are fully charged. • The built-in flash full-charge indication varies depending on the camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions of the camera. • 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.
  • Page 53 Setting wireless flash by flash only Once you have performed the wireless flash setup in step [A], if you continue to use the same camera and flash combination without changing the wireless channel then you can also set the flash and camera separately to wireless. Camera setting: Set the camera to the wireless flash mode.
  • Page 54 [B] Wireless flash photography using the HVL-F43AM as the controller When using the DSLR-A900, DSLR-A850 or DSLR-A700, you can perform wireless flash photography by using more than 2 flash units, one as a controller and the other as an off-camera flash unit. Use the HVL-F43AM as the controller. HVL-F43AM If you use an HVL-F56AM or HVL-F36AM as an off-camera flash when using a DSLR-A900 or DSLR-A850 camera, set the wireless controller mode of the HVL-...
  • Page 55 Off-camera flash setting: Set the wireless flash while the flash unit is attached to the camera, and then remove it from the camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the external flash. When the HVL-F43AM is used as the off- camera flash, see page 53, and set the remote mode to [RMT].
  • Page 56 Check again that the controller and the flash unit are fully charged, and press the shutter button to take the photo. • Even if RATIO is set to [OFF], the controller flashes to transmit a signal.
  • Page 57 [C] Multiple wireless flash photography with lighting ratio control When using the DSLR-A900, DSLR-A850 or DSLR-A700, you can perform wireless flash photography while controlling the lighting ratio between a maximum of 3 groups including the controller and two groups of off-camera flash units. Controller: HVL-F43AM (this unit) Off-camera flashes: HVL-F58AM, HVL-F43AM (this unit), HVL-F42AM These flash units can be set in 2 groups (RMT and RMT2).
  • Page 58 Set the camera, flash (controller), and flash (off-camera flash) to wireless flash. Camera Setting: Set the camera to wireless flash. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camera. Controller Setting: Press the MODE button repeatedly to display [WL], and then press the Fn button.
  • Page 59 Off-camera flash setting: Set the wireless flash while the flash unit is attached to the camera, and then remove it from the camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the external flash. When the HVL-F43AM is used as the off- camera flash, see page 53.
  • Page 60 Notes on wireless flash • You cannot use a flash meter or color meter in wireless flash mode because the pre-flash goes off. • Test flash for the wireless flash is in the currently selected test flash mode. One flash occurs with [TEST1] and three flashes with [TEST3]. Flashes continue for four seconds with [TESTM].

  • Page 61: Af Illuminator

    AF illuminator In low-light or when subject contrast is low, when the shutter button is pressed halfway 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. •...

  • Page 62: Reset To The Default Settings

    Reset to the default settings Press the MODE and TTL/M buttons together for more than three seconds. Most flash functions return to their default settings. Item Flash on/off Flash coverage (zoom) Flash mode (TTL/M/MULTI) Wireless flash (WL) Lighting ratio Power level in TTL/M (LEVEL) Power level in multiple flash (LEVEL) Frequency in multiple flash (Hz) Repetition in multiple flash (TIMES)

  • Page 63: Custom Settings

    Custom settings The various flash settings may be changed as necessary. The following 9 items may be changed. (*Default settings are underlined.) • C01 HSS setting (on/off) • C02 Wireless channel setting (channels 1 to 4) • C03 Wireless controller mode setting (1/2) •...
  • Page 64 Select the setting item to be changed by pressing g or Change the setting by pressing f or F, and then press the Fn button. • Custom setting is finished and the LCD display returns to recording mode. • When a setting other than the default setting is selected in C03, C04, C06 or C07, remains on the LCD panel.
  • Page 65 Changing the custom settings C01 To set the high-speed sync • This flash unit is set to high-speed sync automatically when the shutter speed is set faster than flash sync speed. Flash sync speed may differ depending on the camera. For further details of flash sync speed, refer to operating instructions supplied with your camera.
  • Page 66 C03 To select wireless control mode control 1 When using the HVL-F43AM as the controller in wireless flash photography, select [CTRL1] or [CTRL2] depending on the models of the off-camera flashes. Depending on the models of the off-camera flashes, the following appears on the LCD display.
  • Page 67 C05 To change the test-flash mode once [TEST1] : flashes once depending on the power level that is set. [TEST3] : flashes three times at a specific rate. [TESTM] : flashes for four seconds at a specific rate. C06 To change the time until power save mode 30 seconds 3 minutes [PS 0.5] : changes to power save mode after 30 seconds.
  • Page 68 C08 To change the flash range unit meters C09 To Change the power level interval [0.3]: changes the power level by 0.3 EV [0.5]: changes the power level by 0.5 EV feet...
  • Page 69 Power level indication According to the power level interval you set, the power level changes as follows. When set to [0.3] F button 1/1 t 1/1(-0.3) t 1/1(-0.7) t 1/2 t 1/2(-0.3) ... 1/64(-0.3) t 1/64(-0.7) t 1/128 f button 1/1 T 1/2(+0.7) T 1/2(+0.3) T 1/2 T 1/4(+0.7) ...

  • Page 70: Additional Information

    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.
  • Page 71 • 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.

  • Page 72: Maintenance

    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.

  • Page 73: Specifications

    Specifications Guide number Normal flash (ISO100) Manual flash/35mm-format Power level 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 APS-C format Power level 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 Flash coverage setting (mm) 16.3 17.0 17.7 11.5 12.0 12.5 *When the wide panel is attached. Flash coverage setting (mm) 17.0 17.7 21.2...
  • Page 74 HSS flat flash (ISO100) Manual flash/35mm-format Shutter speed 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/8000 1/12000 APS-C format Shutter speed 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/8000 1/12000 Frequency/Repetition Frequency (sec) Repetition (times) • Repetition is the approximate number of times that are possible before a new battery is completely dead.
  • Page 75 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. Central area: 0.5 m to 6 m Peripheral areas : 0.5 m to 3 m...
  • Page 76 ©2011 Sony Corporation Printed in China...

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