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13 Flash synchronisation
13.1 Automatic flash sync speed control
Depending on the camera model and camera
mode, the shutter speed is switched to flash
sync speed when flash readiness is reached
(see the camera’s operating instructions).
Shutter speeds cannot be set faster than the
flash sync speed, or they are switched auto-
matically to the flash sync speed. Various
cameras have a sync speed range, for
example from 1/60 sec to 1/250 sec (see the
camera’s operating instructions). The sync
speed set by the camera depends on the
camera mode, the ambient light, and the
focal length of the lens used.
Shutter speeds slower than the flash sync
speed can be set according to the camera
mode and the selected flash synchroni-
sation.
If a camera with a between-the-lens shutter
and high-speed synchronisation (see 7.4) is
used, flash sync speed is not controlled
automatically. As a result, the flash can be
used at all shutter speeds. If you need the
full light output of the flash unit, you should
not select a shutter speed that is any faster
than 1/125 sec.
13.2 Normal synchronisation
In normal synchronisation the flash unit is
triggered at the beginning of the shutter time
(first curtain synchronisation). Normal
synchronisation is the standard mode on all
cameras. It is suitable for most flash shots.
The camera, depending on the mode being
used, is switched to the flash sync speed.
Speeds between 1/30 sec. and 1/125 sec.
are customary (see the camera’s operating
instructions).
No settings are necessary on the flash unit,
nor is there any display for this mode.
13.3 Slow synchronisation (SLOW)
A slow exposure (SLOW) gives added promi-
nence to the image background at lower
ambient light levels. This is achieved by
adjusting the shutter speed to the ambient
light. Accordingly, shutter speeds that are
slower than the flash sync speed (e.g.,
shutter speeds up to 30 sec.) are automati-
cally adjusted by the camera. Slow synchro-
nisation is activated automatically on some
camera models in connection with certain
camera programs (e.g., a night shot program,
etc.), or it can be set on the camera (see the
camera’s operating instructions). No settings
are necessary on the flash unit, nor is there
any display for this mode.
