Sony HVL-MT24AM – page 2

Auto power ON/OFF

Press the flash ON/OFF button on the back of the macro flash

controller.

Power of the macro ash controller comes on.

Preparations

When the power of the macro ash controller

is turned on, the ash-ON lamp on the control

panel comes on.

If you press the ash ON/OFF button while the

macro ash controller is turned on, the macro

ash controller switches o and the ash-OFF

lamp on the control panel comes on.



e ash-OFF lamp goes out aer about 10

seconds.

Auto power off

If the camera or macro ash controller is not used for four minutes, the power

switches o and control panel indicators disappear automatically to save the

batteries.



You can disable auto power o or change the auto power o time by changing

the customized settings (p. 48).

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HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

Basic flash modes (A mode/M mode)

Camera’s exposure mode should be set to either A (aperture priority) mode*

1

, or M

(manual) mode*

2

.



In general close-up photography, the depth-of-eld*

3

must be quite shallow,

which usually requires a smaller aperture when shooting. It is therefore better to

select A or M mode, which enable you to select the aperture.



Using a macro lens is also recommended.

In this section, the basic ash operation in A or M mode with TTL metering (TTL

lamp on) is described.

e following instructions from the next page assume that you are using one of

the following cameras and macro lenses.

Camera: A camera with A (aperture priority) mode or M (manual) mode.

Lens: 50mm F2.8 Macro

100mm F2.8 Macro

If you photograph in P mode, refer to page 30. If using a dierent lens, see the

aperture range graph on page 54.

*

1

A mode: In A mode, you select the aperture and the camera

automatically sets the shutter speed required for proper

exposure.

*

2

M mode: You can select both aperture and shutter speed. You can select a

shutter speed that is slower than the camera’s sync speed.

*

3

Depth-of-eld: e range behind and in front of the subject that is sharply

focused. In close-up photography, this range is shallower and

the out-of-focus range is wider.

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HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

1 Set the POWER switch of the camera to ON and select A or

M mode.

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

lamp on the control panel.

Basics

3 Focus your subject and check the magnification ratio.

You can check the magnication ratio with the magnication ratio scale on

the lens. (e location of the magnication ratio scale diers depending on

the lens.)

4 When using M mode, select a shutter speed.

You cannot select the shutter speed faster than the camera’s sync speed.

5 Select the aperture.

To nd the correct aperture number, refer to pages 26 to 29.

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HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

6 Select the flash.

Press the A-B button on the back of the macro ash controller to turn on the

twin ash A lamp, twin ash B lamp or both twin ash lamps. (e lit lamps

indicate which ash will go o.)

As viewed from the rear (control panel side), the A ash is connected to the le

side socket and the B ash to the right side socket.



For the eect of selecting the ash, see from page 51 to 53.

B flash

A flash

24

HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

7 When the macro flash controller is charged, press the

shutter button to take a photo.

e macro ash controller is charged when the ash-ready lamp on the

control panel of the macro ash controller and the indicator in the camera

viewnder are both on.

Basics

When the correct exposure has been obtained for the photo just taken, the

ash-ready lamp on the control panel blinks.



e photo will be under-exposed if taken before charging is complete.



e use of a tripod or remote cord is recommended to reduce camera shake.



A camera-to-subject distance of less than 0.5m, and a magnication ratio of

more than 0.15X (greater than 1:7), are recommended to get the best results

from the macro ash units.



Always turn o the macro ash controller if the twin ash unit is not connected.

If the twin ash unit is not attached, but the controller is on, the camera ash

sync will be in eect and the resulting ambient exposures will be incorrect.



e camera’s AF illuminator is blocked by the adaptor ring or twin ash unit and

cannot be used for focusing.

25

HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

Manual flash (M)

Normal TTL ash metering automatically adjusts the ash intensity to provide

the proper exposure for the subject. Manual ash provides a xed ash intensity

irrespective of the brightness of the subject and the camera setting.



In manual ash mode, the maximum ash power is when the manual ash

control is set to 1/1. Each step of the ash power level corresponds to one

aperture stop. Changing the setting by one stop, for example from 1/1 to 1/2, is

equivalent to decreasing the aperture one stop, for example from f/4 to f/5.6.



Manual ash can only be used when the camera is in the M mode. In other

modes, TTL measuring is automatically selected.



As manual ash is not aected by the reectivity of the subject, it is convenient

for use with subjects with extremely high or low reectivity.

TTL flash metering Manual flash metering

1 Select M mode on the camera.

2 Press the TTL/M/Test button to light on the M (manual-

flash control) lamp.

e modes change in the following order. (Test ash (p. 40), Modeling ash

(p. 41))

TTL flash

Manual flash

TTL flash

Manual flash

Test flash

Test flash

Modeling flash

Modeling flash

Detailed operations

3 Select shutter speed and aperture (p. 34 - 39).

4 Turn the appropriate manual-flash-control dial and select

the desired power level (p. 34 - 39).



When viewed from the rear (control panel side), the manual-ash-control

dial for twin ash A is on the le, and that for twin ash B is on the right.

You can select any power level setting on the upper scale from 1/1 to 1/64.

A flash B flash



In manual ash mode, if a proper exposure has been obtained, the ash-

ready lamp will not blink on the control panel aer a photo is taken.



Using customized functions, manual ash may be selected without setting

the camera in M mode. e size of the steps on the manual-ash-control

dials can also be changed from full-stop increments to half-stop increments

(p. 48).

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HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

Selecting apertures and power level in

manual flash



e following tables show the values when ISO 100 is used without the wide

panel or diuser. For other ISO speeds, or if you use the wide panel or diuser,

adjust the aperture settings according to the table on page 38. When using the

twin ash units, the data assumes that the power lever is the same for both units.

If they are set at dierent power levels, see page 37.



e aperture values given in the tables are calculated values. e actual lens will

have its own usable aperture range.

Example: Using a 50mm F2.8 Macro lens when ISO 100, with a pair

of twin flash units with no arm, power level of 1/1, and a

magnification ratio of 1:1

 e aperture is calculated at f/90 (refer to the following table).

However, the smallest actual aperture possible with this lens is

f/32.

erefore, if you set the power level to 1/1, the picture will be

overexposed.

But if you set the power level to 1/8, you will get a correct

exposure at f/32.



ese following tables show the apertures where the proper exposure of the

illuminated area is obtained. Actual exposure varies according to the subject’s

shape or position (p. 53). Test photographs or bracketing is recommended

especially when the subject is illuminated from side or behind.



e following tables show data for certain lenses and magnication ratios. For

other lenses and magnication ratios, see page 55.

50mm F2.8 Macro (Lens aperture range: f/2.8 - f/32)

Magnication ratio

1:1 1:1.5 1:2 1:3 1:4

Power level

1/1 90 (64) 128 (90) 180 (128) 128 (90) 108 (76)

1/2 64 (45) 90 (64) 128 (90) 90 (64) 76 (54)

1/4 45 (32) 64 (45) 90 (64) 64 (45) 54 (38)

Without

1/8 32 (22) 45 (32) 64 (45) 45 (32) 38 (27)

arm

1/16 22 (16) 32 (22) 45 (32) 32 (22) 27 (19)

1/32 16 (11) 22 (16) 32 (22) 22 (16) 19 (13)

1/64 11 (8) 16 (11) 22 (16) 16 (11) 13 (9.5)

1/1 54 (38) 64 (45) 90 (64) 90 (64) 108 (76)

Detailed operations

1/2 38 (27) 45 (32) 64 (45) 64 (45) 76 (54)

Arm

1/4 27 (19) 32 (22) 45 (32) 45 (32) 54 (38)

(short)

1/8 19 (13) 22 (16) 32 (22) 32 (22) 38 (27)

60°

1/16 13 (9.5) 16 (11) 22 (16) 22 (16) 27 (19)

position

1/32 9.5 (6.7) 11 (8) 16 (11) 16 (11) 19 (13)

1/64 6.7 (4.5) 8 (5.6) 11 (8) 11 (8) 13 (9.5)

1/1 32 (22) 32 (22) 45 (32) 54 (38) 64 (45)

1/2 22 (16) 22 (16) 32 (22) 38 (27) 45 (32)

Arm

1/4 16 (11) 16 (11) 22 (16) 27 (19) 32 (22)

(long)

1/8 11 (8) 11 (8) 16 (11) 19 (13) 22 (16)

90°

1/16 8 (5.6) 8 (5.6) 11 (8) 13 (9.5) 16 (11)

position

1/32 5.6 (4) 5.6 (4) 8 (5.6) 9.5 (6.7) 11 (8)

1/64 4 (2.8) 4 (2.8) 5.6 (4) 6.7 (4.5) 8 (5.6)

Use aperture values inside ( ) when only one twin ash unit is used.

35

HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

100mm F2.8 Macro (Lens aperture range: f/2.8 - f/32)

Magnication ratio

1:1 1:1.5 1:2 1:3

Power level

1/1 76 (54) 76 (54) 64 (45) 54 (38)

1/2 54 (38) 54 (38) 45 (32) 38 (27)

1/4 38 (27) 38 (27) 32 (22) 27 (19)

Without

1/8 27 (19) 27 (19) 22 (16) 19 (13)

arm

1/16 19 (13) 19 (13) 16 (11) 13 (9.5)

1/32 13 (9.5) 13 (9.5) 11 (8) 9.5 (6.7)

1/64 9.5 (6.7) 9.5 (6.7) 8 (5.6) 6.7 (4.5)

1/1 45 (32) 64 (45) 64 (45) 64 (45)

1/2 32 (22) 45 (32) 45 (32) 45 (32)

Arm

1/4 22 (16) 32 (22) 32 (22) 32 (22)

(short)

1/8 16 (11) 22 (16) 22 (16) 22 (16)

60°

1/16 11 (8) 16 (11) 16 (11) 16 (11)

position

1/32 8 (5.6) 11 (8) 11 (8) 11 (8)

1/64 5.6 (4) 8 (5.6) 8 (5.6) 8 (5.6)

1/1 27 (19) 38 (27) 45 (32) 45 (32)

1/2 19 (13) 27 (19) 32 (22) 32 (22)

Arm

1/4 13 (9.5) 19 (13) 22 (16) 22 (16)

(long)

1/8 9.5 (6.7) 13 (9.5) 16 (11) 16 (11)

90°

1/16 6.7 (4.5) 9.5 (6.7) 11 (8) 11 (8)

position

1/32 4.5 (3.5) 6.7 (4.5) 8 (5.6) 8 (5.6)

1/64 3.5 (2.4) 4.5 (3.5) 5.6 (4) 5.6 (4)

Use aperture values inside ( ) when only one twin ash unit is used.

When twin flash units are at different power level settings

e values given in the preceding tables for the twin ash units assume that both

twin ash units are set at the same ash level.

When they are set to dierent ash power levels, the aperture needed for correct

exposure can be calculated using the following equation:

Aperture*

2

2

=

(A ash aperture)

+ (B ash aperture)

Example:

Using a 100mm F2.8 Macro lens with a pair of twin flash units with no

arm, “A” flash is set at a power level of 1/8, “B” flash unit is set at 1/16, and

Detailed operations

the magnification ratio is 1:1

e A ash aperture set at a power level of 1/8 is f/19 and the B ash aperture set

at a power level of 1/16 is f/13 (refer to the table on 36 page).

Apply these results in the above equation.

37

HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

erefore, in the above example, an aperture setting of f/22 will give proper

exposure.

* When both twin ash units are used.

When using other than ISO 100, or when using the wide panel

or diffuser

An additional adjustment must be applied to the previous tables.

Without wide

With wide panel

With diuser

panel or diuser

(Exposure adjustment)

(Exposure adjustment)

(Exposure adjustment)

ISO 25 +2 Stop +3.5 Stop +4.5 Stop

ISO 50 +1 Stop +2.5 Stop +3.5 Stop

ISO 100 No change +1.5 Stop +2.5 Stop

ISO 200 –1 Stop +0.5 Stop +1.5 Stop

ISO 400 –2 Stop –0.5 Stop +0.5 Stop

ISO 800 –3 Stop –1.5 Stop –0.5 Stop

ISO 1600 –4 Stop –2.5 Stop –1.5 Stop

f/stop scale

a half-stop

Using the f/stop scale

a full-stop

Decrease exposure Increase exposure

Using the f/stop scale at the le, moving

one step vertically is equal to a full-stop

change. Moving one step diagonally is

equal to a half-stop change.

Half a stop is basic for setting the

aperture in this step. When using a

0.3 stop setting camera, adjust the

aperture by a value as close as possible

to a value in the above table and use

the aperture around the f/stop scale.

For precise photography, bracketing is

recommended.

Example:

Starting at f/8, if you decrease the

exposure by a full stop, you get f/11.

If you increase by half a stop, you get

f/6.7.

Selecting the aperture when using other than ISO 100, or

when using the wide panel or diffuser

1

Check the calculated acceptable aperture under the same condition with

ISO 100 by using the table on pages 35 and 36.

2

Check the additional adjustment when using other than ISO 100 or

when using the wide panel or diffuser by using the table on page 38.

3

Select the calculated acceptable aperture by using the f/stop scale using

the results of step1 and step2.

Example: Using a 100mm F2.8 Macro lens, two twin flash units, no arm, a

power level of 1/4, magnification ratio of 1:1, ISO 200 with the

Detailed operations

diffuser

1 Check the calculated acceptable aperture when using a 100mm F2.8 Macro lens,

two twin ash units, no arm, a power level of 1/4, magnication ratio of 1:1, and

ISO 100.



f/38 (refer to the table on page 36)

2 Check the additional adjustment when using ISO 200 and diuser by using the

table on page 38.

Increase the aperture by +1.5 stops (refer to the table on page 38).

3 e aperture increased by +1.5 stops from f/38 is equal to f/22.

39

HVL-MT24AM_GB 2-889-493-01 (1)

Test flash

You can try one test ash before shooting. Use test ash mode when using a ash

meter in manual-ash mode.

1 Press the TTL/M/Test button to turn on the test-flash lamp

.

Each time the TTL/M/Test button is pressed to change the TTL and M lamp

be sure to check that the appropriate lamp is on. (See page 33 for the display

sequence.)

2 Press the TEST button (test/modeling flash button) .



With TTL ash metering, the test ash will re at full power when the

TEST button is pressed.



In manual ash mode, the test ash will re at the selected power level

when the TEST button is pressed. When using a ash meter, use manual

ash mode.