Sony HVL-F36AM: SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this

appliance, but take it to a qualified serviceman when

service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly can

cause electric shock when the appliance is used

subsequently.

The use of an accessory attachment not recommended by

the manufacturer may cause a risk of fire, electric shock, or

injury to persons.

Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use.

Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed.

Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures.

Do not attempt to recharge (except for rechargeable

batteries), short or disassemble.

Do not mix, batteries of different types, brands or ages.

SAVE THESE

INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION

Do not touch the flashtube during operation, it may become hot

when the flash fires.

3

For customers in Europe

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment

(Applicable in the European Union and other European

countries with separate collection systems)

This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that

this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead

it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for

the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By

ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help

prevent potential negative consequences for the environment

and human health, which could otherwise be caused by

inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling

of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more

detailed information about recycling of this product, please

contact your local Civic Office, your household waste

disposal service or the shop where you purchased the

product.

For the customers in the U.S.A.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly

approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this

equipment.

NOTE:

This 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 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:

– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into 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.

4

Table of contents

Features ................................................................................................. 6

Name of parts ....................................................................................... 7

Control panel ........................................................................................ 8

Preparations

Inserting batteries ................................................................................ 9

Attachment and removal of the flash ............................................. 11

Auto power ON/OFF ....................................................................... 12

Basics

Program auto flash (The basics) ...................................................... 13

Recording modes ............................................................................... 16

Apprications

Zoom flash coverage ......................................................................... 18

Bounce flash ....................................................................................... 22

AF illuminator .................................................................................... 25

High-speed sync (HSS) ..................................................................... 26

Wireless flash mode (WL)................................................................. 28

Time to auto power off...................................................................... 35

Additional Information

Flash range.......................................................................................... 37

Notes on use ....................................................................................... 39

Maintenance ....................................................................................... 40

Specifications ...................................................................................... 41

5

Before use

For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camera.

This flash is not dust-proof, splash-proof or waterproof.

Do not place this flash in the following locations

Regardless of whether this unit is in use or in storage, do not place it in any

of the following locations. Doing so may lead to a malfunction.

• Placing this flash in locations subject to direct sunlight such as on

dashboards or near a heater may cause this unit to deform or

malfunction.

• Locations with excessive vibration

• Locations with strong electromagnetism

• Locations with excessive sand

In locations such as the seashore and other sandy areas or where dust

clouds occur, protect the unit from sand and dust.

This may lead to a malfunction.

Features

•A compact flash that provides a flash output with a maximum guide

number 36 (85 mm position, ISO 100 · m).

• 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.

• Provides many functions such as bounce flash, etc.

6

Name of parts

Flashtube

Wireless control-

signal receiver

Mounting-foot-

(28)

release button (11)

AF illuminator

(25)

Mounting foot

Bounce indicator

(22)

Battery-chamber

door (9)

Control panel

(8)

Wide panel (21)

Remove the protective sheet from the front

of the AF illuminator before use.

7

Control panel

Wireless flash

lamps (28)

Auto lamp (13)

Manual-ZOOM

lamp (20)

Flash-ON lamp

(12)

ZOOM (flash

coverage)

Flash-OFF lamp

lamps (20)

(12)

High-speed-

Flash-ready

sync lamp

lamp (14)

(26)

ZOOM (flash

Flash ON/OFF

coverage)

button (12)

selection button

(20)

Bounce lamp (22)

High-speed-sync

Low-battery

button (26)

lamp (10)

Wireless flash

button (28)

8

Inserting batteries

The HVL-F36AM may be powered by :

*Batteries are not supplied.

• Four AA-size alkaline batteries

Preparations

• Four AA-size lithium batteries

• Four AA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries

Always ensure that rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries are

charged in the specified charger unit.

1 Open the battery-chamber door as shown.

1

3

2

2 Insert the batteries in the battery chamber as in the

diagram.

3 Close the battery-chamber door.

• Follow the reverse steps when opening the battery-chamber door.

• The lamp on the control panel comes on. If it does not come on,

press the flash ON/OFF button.

Continued on the next page

9

Recording modes

Aperture priority flash photography (A)

1 Select the A mode on the camera.

2 Press the flash ON/OFF button to turn on the flash-ON

lamp.

• Fill-flash is selected.

3 Set the aperture and focus the subject.

• Reduce the aperture (i.e. increase the f-stop) to reduce the flash

range, or open the aperture (i.e. reduce the f-stop) to increase the

flash range.

• The shutter speed is automatically set.

4 Press the shutter button when charging is complete.

16

Shutter speed priority flash

photography (S)

1 Select the S mode on the camera.

2 Press the flash ON/OFF button to turn on the flash-ON

lamp.

• Fill-flash is selected.

Basics

3 Set the shutter speed, and focus the subject.

4 Press the shutter button when charging is complete.

Manual exposure mode flash

photography (M)

1 Select the M mode on the camera.

2 Press the flash ON/OFF button to turn on the flash-ON

lamp.

• Fill-flash is selected.

3 Set the aperture and shutter speed, and focus the

subject.

• Reduce the aperture (i.e. increase the f-stop) to reduce the flash

range, or open the aperture (i.e. reduce the f-stop) to increase the

flash range.

4 Press the shutter button when charging is complete.

17

Zoom flash coverage

Auto zoom

This flash automatically switches zoom coverage to cover a range of focal

lengths from 24 mm to 85 mm when photographing (auto zoom).

Normally, you do not need to switch the zoom coverage manually.

24 mm focal length 85 mm focal length

• Press the shutter button partway down.

When the coverage is set to 24 mm, 35 mm or 85 mm, the corresponding

lamp comes on.

For example : 24 mm

When the coverage is set to 28 mm or 50 mm, two lamps come on.

For example : 28 mm

18

• Auto zoom coverage is set as follows:

Focal length in use Coverage

24 mm - 27 mm 24 mm

28 mm - 34 mm 28 mm

35 mm - 49 mm 35 mm

50 mm - 84 mm 50 mm

85 mm or more 85 mm

• When a lens having a focal length of less than 24 mm is used with auto

zoom, “24 mm” lamp blinks. Use of the wide panel (p. 21) is

Applications

recommended in this case to prevent darkening at the periphery of the

image.

Continued on the next page

19

Manual zoom

You can manually set the zoom coverage regardless of the focal length of

the lens in use.

Press the ZOOM button to display the desired zoom

coverage.

• Zoom coverage is changed in the following order.

The manual-ZOOM lamp “M.ZOOM” comes on.

Auto Zoom 24 mm 28 mm

85 mm 50 mm 35 mm

• If the zoom coverage is set to less than the focal length of the lens in use,

the periphery of the screen darkens.

20

Wide panel (17 mm zoom angle)

Attaching the wide panel expands flash coverage to a focal length of 17

mm.

Attach the supplied wide panel to the flashtube.

• Push the wide panel onto the flashtube until it clicks into place.

• If removing the wide panel is difficult, pull one side off first.

Applications

• When using the wide panel, only set the zoom coverage to 24 mm.

• When photographing a flat subject from the front at a focal length of

about 17 mm, the periphery of the screen may darken slightly because

the focal distances at the center and periphery of the screen are different.

• When using a wide-angle lens with a focal length below 17 mm, the

periphery of the screen may darken.

• When using the wide panel, press the high-speed-sync button to keep

the high-speed-sync lamp off.

• See the following table for the flash range when using the wide panel.

ISO100 ISO400

2.8 1 - 4 1 - 8

41 - 2.8 1 - 5.6

5.6 1 - 2 1 - 4

(unit : m)

21

Bounce flash

Using the flash with a wall directly behind the subject produces strong

shadows on the wall. By directing the flash 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.

Bounce flash Normal flash

22

Rotate the flash upwards.

• The flash can be set to 45°, 60°, 75° or 90°.

Applications

• The bounce lamp on the control panel comes on.

• High-speed sync (p. 26) is cancelled when using bounce flash.

• Use a white ceiling or wall to reflect the flash. A colored surface may

color the light. High ceilings or glass are not recommended.

Continued on the next page

23

Adjusting bounce angle

Simultaneously using direct light and bounced light from the flash

produces uneven lighting. Determine the bounce angle with respect to the

distance to the reflective surface, the distance from the camera to the

subject, the focal length of the lens etc.

Correct

Incorrect

Determine the angle in relation to the following table.

Focal length of lens Bounce angle

70 mm minimum 45°

28 - 70 mm 60°

28 mm maximum 75°, 90°

24

AF illuminator

In low-light or when subject contrast is low, when the shutter button is

pressed partway 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.

Applications

• The AF illuminator operates even when the flash is off.

• The camera AF illuminator does not operate while the flash AF

illuminator is operating.

• The AF illuminator does not operate while Continuous AF is used in

focusing mode (when continually focusing on a moving subject).

• The AF illuminator may not operate if the focal length of the lens is

greater than 300 mm. The flash will not operate when removed from the

camera.

25

3 Remove the flash from the camera and raise the built-

in flash.

• When the flash is removed from the camera, the high-speed-sync

lamp comes on.

4 Set up the camera and flash.

• Set up the camera and flash in a dark location, such as indoors.

• See page 28 for details.

5 Make sure that the built-in flash and flash are fully

charged.

• is lit in the viewfinder when the built-in flash is fully charged.

• The AF illuminator on the front blinks, and on the rear is lit, when

the flash is fully charged.

32

6 Use test flash to check the flash.

• The test flash method differs depending on the camera used. For

details, see the operation instructions of your camera.

• If the test flash does not work, change the position of the camera,

flash or subject.

7 Check again that the built-in flash and the flash are

fully charged, and press the shutter button to take the

photo.

Applications

Changing the channel setting

If another wireless flash is being used nearby, such as at a photo session,

your flash may be set off by the light signal from the built-in flash of

another camera. To prevent this, you can change the channel as follows.

1 Make sure that the wireless flash lamps “CH1” and

“CH2“ are both off.

• If they are on, press the wireless flash button to turn them off.

2 Press the wireless flash button for three seconds.

• After three seconds the channel is changed, and the channel

indicator lamp changes accordingly.

3 Attach the flash to the camera and press the shutter

button partway down.

• This operation transmits the channel information from the flash to

the camera.

Continued on the next page

33

Setting wireless flash by flash only

When the flash is attached to the camera and the wireless flash set up, the

channel information is transmitted to the camera. This means that 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 to the wireless flash mode.

For details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with your camera.

Flash setting:

Press the wireless flash button to turn on the “CH1” or

“CH2” lamp.

34

Time to auto power off

You can change the time to auto power off.

1 Press the flash ON/OFF button for three seconds.

• The auto lamp, flash-ON lamp and flash-OFF lamp come on at the

same time.

Applications

2 Press the wireless flash button to select a channel.

• Channel 1“CH1”

Auto power off

• Channel 2 “CH2”

Auto power off when wireless flash is set

Continued on the next page

35

3 Press the zoom selection button to select the desired

time until auto power off.

• Channel 1 “CH1” Auto power off

Options

4

minutes

15

minutes

60

minutes

None

Lamps

[M.ZOOM]

[24 mm] [35 mm] [85 mm]

• Channel 2 “CH2” Auto power off in wireless flash mode

Options

60

minutes

None

Lamps

[M.ZOOM]

[24 mm]

4 Press the flash ON/OFF button to return to normal

status.

• The selected settings are maintained even if the flash unit is

switched off or the battery is removed.

36

Flash range

The following tables show the flash range when taking photos with the

flash attached to the camera (i.e. the appropriate range to provide a correct

exposure).

When the focal length is 17 mm (unit: m)

ISO25 ISO50 ISO100 ISO200 ISO400 ISO800 ISO1000

F32 - - - - - - 1.0 - 1.1

F22 - - - - - 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 1.6

F16 - - - - 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 1.9 1.0 - 2.2

F11 - - - 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 2.0 1.0 - 2.7 1.0 - 3.2

F8 - - 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 1.9 1.0 - 2.8 1.0 - 3.8 1.0 - 4.4

Addiional Information

F5.6 - 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 2.0 1.0 - 2.8 1.0 - 3.9 1.0 - 5.4 1.0 - 6.3

F4 1.0 - 1.4 1.0 - 1.9 1.0 - 2.8 1.0 - 3.9 1.0 - 5.5 1.0 - 7.5 1.0 - 8.8

F2.8 1.0 - 2.0 1.0 - 2.8 1.0 - 3.9 1.0 - 5.5 1.0 - 7.9 1.0 - 11 1.0 - 13

F2 1.0 - 2.8 1.0 - 3.9 1.0 - 5.5 1.0 - 7.7 1.0 - 11 1.0 - 15 1.0 - 18

F1.4 1.0 - 3.9 1.0 - 5.5 1.0 - 7.6 1.0 - 11 1.0 - 16 1.0 - 21 1.1 - 25

When the focal length is 24 mm (unit: m)

ISO25 ISO50 ISO100 ISO200 ISO400 ISO800 ISO1000

F32 - - - - 1.0 - 1.3 1.0 - 1.7 1.0 - 2.0

F22 - - - 1.0 - 1.3 1.0 - 1.8 1.0 - 2.5 1.0 - 2.9

F16 - - 1.0 - 1.3 1.0 - 1.8 1.0 - 2.5 1.0 - 3.4 1.0 - 3.9

F11 - 1.0 - 1.3 1.0 - 1.8 1.0 - 2.5 1.0 - 3.6 1.0 - 5.0 1.0 - 5.7

F8 1.0 - 1.3 1.0 - 1.8 1.0 - 2.5 1.0 - 3.5 1.0 - 5.0 1.0 - 6.9 1.0 - 7.9

F5.6 1.0 - 1.8 1.0 - 2.5 1.0 - 3.6 1.0 - 5.0 1.0 - 7.1 1.0 - 9.8 1.0 - 11

F4 1.0 - 2.5 1.0 - 3.5 1.0 - 5.0 1.0 - 7.0 1.0 - 10 1.0 - 14 1.0 - 16

F2.8 1.0 - 3.6 1.0 - 5.0 1.0 - 7.1 1.0 - 10 1.0 - 14 1.0 - 20 1.0 - 23

F2 1.0 - 5.0 1.0 - 7.0 1.0 - 10 1.0 - 14 1.0 - 20 1.3 - 28 1.4 - 32

F1.4 1.0 - 7.1 1.0 - 10 1.0 - 14 1.0 - 20 1.3 - 28 1.8 - 40 2.0 - 45

• The flash range at a focal length of 28 mm is roughly between the long

range limit values at focal lengths of 24 mm and 35 mm. The flash range

at a focal length of 50 mm is roughly between the long range limit

values at focal lengths of 35 mm and 80 mm.

Continued on the next page

37

When the focal length is 35 mm (unit: m)

ISO25 ISO50 ISO100 ISO200 ISO400 ISO800 ISO1000

F32 - - - 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.2 1.0 - 2.5

F22 - - 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.1 1.0 - 3.6

F16 - 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.2 1.0 - 3.1 1.0 - 4.3 1.0 - 5.0

F11 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.2 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.3 1.0 - 7.2

F8 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.2 1.0 - 3.1 1.0 - 4.4 1.0 - 6.3 1.0 - 8.6 1.0 - 9.9

F5.6 1.0 - 2.2 1.0 - 3.1 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.3 1.0 - 8.9 1.0 - 12 1.0 - 14

F4 1.0 - 3.1 1.0 - 4.4 1.0 - 6.3 1.0 - 8.8 1.0 - 12 1.0 - 17 1.0 - 20

F2.8 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.2 1.0 - 8.9 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 25 1.3 - 28

F2 1.0 - 6.2 1.0 - 8.8 1.0 -13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 25 1.6 - 35 1.8 - 40

F1.4 1.0 - 8.9 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 25 1.6 - 36 2.2 - 50 2.5 - 56

When the focal length is 85 mm (unit: m)

ISO25 ISO50 ISO100 ISO200 ISO400 ISO800 ISO1000

F32 - - 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.1 1.0 - 3.6

F22 - 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.3 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 5.2

F16 1.0 - 1.1 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.2 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.2 1.0 - 7.1

F11 1.0 - 1.6 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.3 1.0 - 4.6 1.0 - 6.5 1.0 - 9 1.0 - 10

F8 1.0 - 2.3 1.0 - 3.2 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.3 1.0 - 9.0 1.0 - 12 1.0 - 14

F5.6 1.0 - 3.2 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.4 1.0 - 9.0 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.0 - 20

F4 1.0 - 4.5 1.0 - 6.3 1.0 - 9 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 25 1.3 - 28

F2.8 1.0 - 6.4 1.0 - 9.0 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 26 1.6 - 35 1.8 - 40

F2 1.0 - 9.0 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 25 1.6 - 36 2.3 - 50 2.6 - 56

F1.4 1.0 - 13 1.0 - 18 1.1 - 26 1.6 - 36 2.3 - 51 3.2 - 71 3.6 - 80

• When photographing at a distance of less than 1 m, the lens may block

the light from the flash causing a shadow to appear at the bottom of the

photo. Photograph in wireless flash mode.

38

Notes on use

While shooting

• This flash unit generates strong light, so it should not be used directly in

front of the eyes.

Batteries

• The battery level displayed on the control panel may be lower than the

actual battery capacity, temperature, and storage conditions. The

displayed battery level is restored to the correct value after the flash has

been used a few times. When blinks to indicate that the flash

cannot be used, pressing the flash ON/OFF button a number of times

may result in restoration of the correct battery level display. If the

Additional Information

battery level is still not restored, replace the battery.

• When using lithium batteries, if the batteries become hot due to high

temperature or continuous use, may blink and the flash may not

work for a while. Wait for the batteries to cool down before using the

flash again.

• Nickel-metal hydride batteries can lose power suddenly. If starts

blinking or the flash can no longer be used while taking pictures, change

or recharge the batteries.

• The flash frequency and number of flashes provided by new batteries

may vary from the values shown in the table, depending on the time

elapsed since manufacture of the batteries.

Continued on the next page

39

Temperature

• The flash unit may be used over a temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C.

• Do not expose the flash unit to extremely high temperatures (e.g. in

direct sunlight inside a vehicle) or high humidity.

• To prevent condensation forming on the flash, place it in a sealed plastic

bag when bringing it from a cold environment into a warm

environment. Allow it to reach room temperature before removing it

from the bag.

• Battery capacity decreases at colder temperatures. Keep your camera

and spare batteries in a warm inside pocket when shooting in cold

weather. may come on even when there is some power left in the

batteries in cold weather. Batteries will regain some of their capacity

when warmed to normal operating temperature.

• This flash unit is not waterproof. Be careful not to bring it into contact

with water or sand when using it at the seashore, for example. Contact

with water, sand, dust, or salt may result in a malfunction.

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. Never use

strong solvents, such as thinner or benzine, as these damage the surface

finish.

40

Specifications

Guide number

Normal flash (ISO 100)

Flash Coverage

17* 24 28 35 50 85

Setting (mm)

GN 11 20 22 25 29 36

* When the wide panel is attached

Wireless flash (ISO 100)

Flash Coverage

17* 24 28 35 50 85

Setting (mm)

Additional Information

GN 8.5 14 15 19 22 28

* When the wide panel is attached

HSS flat flash (flash with HSS, ISO 100)

Flash Coverage Setting (mm)

Shutter speed 24 28 35 50 85

1/250 10 11 13 15 18

1/500 7 8 9 11 13

1/1000 5 5.6 6.5 7.5 9

1/2000 3.5 4 4.6 5.3 6.4

1/4000 2.5 2.8 3.2 3.8 4.5

1/8000 1.7 2 2.3 2.6 3.2

1/12000 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.2

Continued on the next page

41