Metz SCA 396 - User Manual

Flash Operation with the Adapter SCA 396
Application
The 396 SCA Adapter may only be used with the Mamiya 645 PRO TL camera in combination with Metz and
Cullmann flash units.
Warning
Do not switch on the flash unit before having connected it to the adapter and the camera.
1. Camera and Adapter Capabilities
 Flash readiness indication in the camera’s viewfinder.
 Automatic flash synchronization.
 Correct exposure confirmation in the camera’s viewfinder.
 TTL flash control.
2. Connection of Adapter and Cable
2.1 Insert the flat 12-pin plug into the sync strobe socket provided on the flash unit, the SCA 300 Adapter or
the power grip.
2.2 The Adapter’s round 6-pin cable plug must be connected to the camera. Turn the plug to find the correct
position, and then lightly press it into the camera body until locks into place. When removing the plug,
hold it by its metal part and pull slightly to release. The SCA Adapter sync cable is connected to the sync
socket of the camera or lens.
2.3 The Adapter must by fixed to the handle-mount flashgun or to the camera’s accessory shoe by means of a
commercially available tripod screw. When using compact flashguns, you can fasten the adapter by way of
the Metz Flash Bracket 40-36 or the Mamiya bracket.
3. Operating Modes of the TTL Flash
TTL The camera controls the amount of light emitted
by the flash unit (TTL flash control).
Auto The flash units sensor controls the light output.
Manual The flash unit emits the preselected amount of
light (highest light output or partial light
output).
Stroboscopic Possible with some Megablitz flash units
4. Settings on the Camera and Flash Unit
Refer to the operations instructions for the camera and flash unit.

Summary

Camera and Adapter Capabilities

Connection of Adapter and Cable

Insert the flat 12-pin plug into sync strobe socket

Connects the flat 12-pin plug to the flash unit, SCA 300 Adapter, or power grip's sync strobe socket.

Connect the round 6-pin cable plug to the camera

Connects the adapter's round 6-pin plug to the camera, with guidance on insertion and removal.

Fix the adapter to flashgun or camera

Secures the adapter to the flashgun or camera accessory shoe using a tripod screw or bracket.

Operating Modes of the TTL Flash

TTL Mode Operation

Camera controls flash output via TTL flash control for precise exposure.

Auto Mode Operation

Flash unit's sensor controls light output, allowing for test flashes.

Manual Mode Operation

Flash emits preselected light output (highest or partial) for consistent results.

Stroboscopic Mode Operation

Enables rapid, repeating flashes, compatible with specific Metz units.

Settings on the Camera and Flash Unit

Setting the Film Speed

Set Film Speed on Camera, Flash, and Adapter

Configure film speed on all devices; adjust for color reversal film types.

Operation

Flash Readiness Indication and Sync

Confirms flash readiness in viewfinder; auto-switches to 1/60 sec. X-sync in 'A' mode.

Correct Exposure Confirmation

Checks if flash-ready symbol blinks after firing for correct exposure.

TTL Flash Control

Camera's system measures light off film surface for exposure control.

Auto Mode Test Flash

Fire test flashes to check aperture suitability; adjust settings if needed.

Settings on the Camera and Flash Unit

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

This document describes the operation of the Metz SCA 396 Adapter for flash photography, specifically designed for use with the Mamiya 645 PRO TL camera in conjunction with Metz and Cullmann flash units.

Function Description:

The SCA 396 Adapter facilitates communication between Metz/Cullmann flash units and the Mamiya 645 PRO TL camera, enabling advanced flash control features. Its primary function is to provide TTL (Through-The-Lens) flash control, where the camera's electronic system, using measurements from a sensor off the film surface, precisely controls the light output of the flash unit. This ensures accurate exposure in various lighting conditions.

Beyond TTL, the adapter supports other operating modes, including Auto and Manual, offering flexibility for different photographic scenarios. In Auto mode, the flash unit's internal sensor controls the light output, while in Manual mode, the flash unit emits a preselected amount of light (either highest or partial output). Some Megablitz flash units also support a Stroboscopic mode when used with this adapter.

The adapter integrates several key capabilities into the camera system:

• Flash readiness indication: A flash symbol lights up in the camera's viewfinder when the flash is ready to fire.
• Automatic flash synchronization: The camera automatically adjusts its shutter speed to 1/60 sec. (X-sync speed) when flash readiness is achieved in "A" (aperture priority) mode. In manual mode, speeds faster than 1/60 sec. are switched to X-sync, while slower speeds are retained.
• Correct exposure confirmation (auto check): After a flash fires in TTL or Auto mode, the flash-ready symbol blinks to indicate correct exposure. If it goes out, underexposure may have occurred. If it continues glowing without blinking, overexposure may result.
• TTL flash control: As mentioned, this is the core function, ensuring precise flash exposure based on in-camera metering.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific technical specifications like dimensions or weight are not detailed in this document, the operational aspects highlight key technical integrations:

• Connectivity: The adapter features a flat 12-pin plug for connection to the flash unit's sync strobe socket (or SCA 300 Adapter/power grip) and a round 6-pin cable plug for connection to the camera body.
• Mounting: The adapter can be fixed to a handle-mount flashgun or the camera's accessory shoe using a standard tripod screw. For compact flashguns, it can be attached via the Metz Flash Bracket 40-36 or a Mamiya bracket.
• Synchronization Speed: Automatic synchronization to 1/60 sec. (X-sync) in "A" mode.
• Film Speed Setting: Requires setting the film speed on the camera, flash unit, and the adapter, with potential compensation needed for color reversal film of different formats.

Usage Features:

The SCA 396 Adapter offers several user-friendly features to enhance flash photography:

• Multiple Operating Modes: Users can select between TTL, Auto, Manual, and (with some Megablitz units) Stroboscopic modes, providing versatility for various shooting conditions and creative intentions.
• Clear Indicators: Flash readiness and exposure confirmation are clearly communicated through the camera's viewfinder, allowing photographers to quickly assess the status of their flash setup.
• Test Flash Capability (Auto Mode): In Auto mode, photographers can fire test flashes manually before shooting to determine if the selected aperture is sufficient for correct exposure. This helps in fine-tuning settings to avoid underexposure.
• Flexible Mounting Options: The adapter's ability to be fixed to either a handle-mount flashgun or the camera's accessory shoe, along with compatibility with specific flash brackets, provides flexibility in how the flash system is set up.
• Interoperability: Designed to work seamlessly with Metz and Cullmann flash units, ensuring compatibility within a specific ecosystem.

Maintenance Features:

The document does not explicitly detail maintenance features. However, implicit in the connection instructions are aspects related to careful handling:

• Connection and Disconnection: Users are instructed to gently press the 6-pin plug into the camera until it locks and to pull it slightly by its metal part to release, suggesting a design that prioritizes secure yet manageable connections. This careful handling helps prevent damage to the plugs and sockets.
• Warning: The explicit warning "Do not switch on the flash unit before having connected it to the adapter and the camera" is a crucial operational guideline that helps prevent potential damage to the equipment, implying a need for proper sequence in setup.

The table provided outlines specific settings for the flash unit and camera across different flash modes:

• TTL Mode:
  • Flash unit operating mode: TTL
  • Flash unit aperture: Not applicable (camera controls light)
  • Camera aperture: Same as on flash unit (implied, as camera controls)
  • Camera operating mode/shutter speed: "A" (aperture priority) or "M" (manual) at 1/60s or slower.
• Auto Mode:
  • Flash unit operating mode: Auto
  • Flash unit aperture: Set as required
  • Camera aperture: Same as on flash unit
  • Camera operating mode/shutter speed: "A" or "M" at 1/60s or slower.
• Manual Mode:
  • Flash unit operating mode: Manual
  • Flash unit aperture: "M/W" Partial light output (set as required)
  • Camera aperture: Set as required
  • Camera operating mode/shutter speed: "A" or "M" at 1/60s or slower.

The document emphasizes referring to the operations instructions for both the camera and flash unit for detailed settings, highlighting the integrated nature of the system.

Metz SCA 396 Specifications

General

Brand	Metz
Model	SCA 396
Category	Adapter
Language	English