The Metz SCA 3101 M4 is a flash adapter designed for use with Canon EOS cameras, enabling advanced flash photography capabilities. It facilitates communication between a Metz flashgun and a Canon camera, allowing for various automatic and manual flash control modes.
Function Description:
The SCA 3101 M4 adapter integrates a Metz flashgun with a Canon EOS camera, providing TTL (Through-The-Lens) flash control, A-TTL (Advanced TTL), and E-TTL (Evaluative TTL) flash control, depending on the camera model and flashgun capabilities. It supports automatic flash synchronization speed control, flash exposure correction, TTL fill-in flash, second-curtain synchronization, power zoom reflector control, autofocus measuring beam control, and flash exposure storage (FE-L). The adapter ensures that the flash output is precisely controlled by the camera's electronics, taking into account factors like film speed, aperture, focal length, and ambient light conditions.
Important Technical Specifications:
The adapter is compatible with a wide range of Canon EOS cameras, including:
- EOS 700, 750, 850, 1000, 1000N, 1000F, 1000 FN
- EOS REBEL, REBEL S
- EOS 600, 620, 630, 650, RT
- ELAN, ELAN 2, ELAN 2 E, A 2, A2E
- EOS 1, 1N, 10, 10S, 100
- EOS 3, 300, 3000
- EOS 5, 50, 50E, 500, 5000
- EOS 500 N, 55, IX, IX 7
- POWER SHOT PRO 70
It supports Metz mecablitz flashguns such as the 32 Z-2, 32 MZ-3, 40 MZ-..., and 50 MZ-5.
The adapter allows for manual flash exposure correction between -3 1/3 EV and +3 1/3 EV, adjustable in whole EV values via switch "②" and in 1/3 EV increments via switch "③".
Usage Features:
Installation:
- Attaching to the flashgun: If a cover plate is present on the flashgun (for standard foot 301 or SCA 300 adapters), remove it. Slide the SCA 3101 adapter into the flashgun's guide until the retention catch engages. Rotate the adapter to the correct operating position (not applicable for 50 MZ-5). For mecablitz 32 Z-2, 32 MZ-3, 40 MZ-..., 50 MZ-5, turn the flash unit's foot by 90° (except 50 MZ-5), press the retention catch, and slide out the old foot/adapter.
- Mounting on the camera: Screw the knurled nut of the adapter towards the head of the adapter casing until the locking pin is fully retracted. Slide the adapter into the camera's accessory shoe. Screw the knurled nut towards the camera body to clamp the adapter in position. If the camera lacks a securing hole, the spring-loaded pin retracts to prevent damage.
- Power On: Both the flashgun and camera should only be switched on after the SCA adapter has been connected.
Flash Modes and Control:
- TTL Flash Control: The flashgun must be set to "TTL" mode. The camera's internal sensor measures light reflected from the film surface to control flash output. This mode requires film to be loaded in the camera.
- A-TTL/E-TTL Flash Control (Programmed Auto Flash Mode): This advanced mode uses a pre-flash (triggered by lightly pressing the shutter release) and a sensor in the adapter (for A-TTL) or the camera's multi-zone metering system (for E-TTL) to gather distance and exposure data. The camera then automatically sets the appropriate shutter speed/aperture.
- Activation: Set switch "⑤" on the adapter to "A-TTL" or "E-TTL" and the flashgun to "TTL". The red indicator "④" on the adapter will light up (if supported by the camera).
- Camera Modes: "P", "AV", "TV", Full Auto (green "☐"), or programmed image control modes can be used.
- E-TTL Compatibility: E-TTL is only possible with mecablitz 40 MZ-1i, 40 MZ-3i, and EOS 50, 50E, 500 N, IX, IX 7, 300, 3.
- Limitations: A-TTL/E-TTL may not function in "M" mode, if the flashgun is not in "TTL" mode, or if the secondary reflector is activated (depending on the flashgun model). Partial light output settings should not be used with A-TTL/E-TTL.
- Automatic Flash Mode: Set the flashgun to "A" and select an aperture on the flash unit. For mecablitz 40 MZ-... and 50 MZ-5, the aperture is set on the camera and transferred to the flash unit.
- Manual Flash Mode: Set the flashgun to "M". The flashgun emits a defined quantity of light. Partial light output settings are available depending on the flashgun model.
- Flash Exposure Correction (Manual Correction): Use switches "②" (whole EV values) and "③" (1/3 EV increments) on the adapter to adjust flash intensity between -3 1/3 EV and +3 1/3 EV. This is useful for correcting over/underexposure in challenging lighting situations. Not available with EOS 700, 750, 850, 620, 650, and Pro 70.
- Second-Curtain Synchronization: Adjust switch "①" on the adapter to "▷▷" position. This is beneficial for long exposures with moving subjects and their own light source. Not available with EOS 700, 750, 850, Pro 70, programmed image control modes, Full Auto, or when using mecablitz 40 MZ-... or 50 MZ-5 in "Stroboscopic" mode.
- Power Zoom Reflector Control: Available with flashguns featuring built-in power zoom (mecablitz 32 MZ-3, 40 MZ-..., 50 MZ-5). The adapter automatically adjusts the reflector's illumination angle to match the camera's focal length. For manual adjustment, press the "zoom" button on the flashgun.
- Autofocus Measuring Beam Control: Available with mecablitz 32 MZ-3, 40 MZ-..., 50 MZ-5 (and with G16 Power Grip/SCA 3000 A or SCA 3007 A connecting cables for 32 MZ-3 and 40 MZ-...). The camera's electronics activate the AF measuring beam when ambient light is insufficient, projecting a striped pattern for automatic focusing. The camera must be set to "AF" or "One Shot".
- Flash-Ready Indication: The flash symbol "4" in the camera's viewfinder lights up when the flashgun is ready to fire. The flashgun can only be fired when this symbol is displayed.
- Automatic Flash Sync Speed Control: The camera automatically switches to the flash sync speed when the flashgun is ready. Slower shutter speeds are retained.
- Flash Exposure Storage (FE-L): This feature allows metering and storing flash exposure for off-center subjects in the camera's creative modes, using the camera's memory button.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting: If the flashgun's LC display shows meaningless information or if the flashgun does not operate correctly, switch it off, remove the batteries, switch it on for approximately 1 second, then off again, and re-insert the batteries. If the issue persists, contact a local dealer.
- SCA Contacts: Do not touch the SCA contacts, as this may damage the unit.
General Notes:
- The manual provides detailed setting instructions for various Canon EOS camera models, including specific sync speeds, compatible flash modes, and recommended camera settings.
- Modifications are reserved, and the manual is printed in Germany.
- The CE approval symbol indicates that correct exposure was evaluated during electromagnetic compatibility testing.
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