Feature | Program Flash 5400xi | Program Flash 5400HS | Program Flash 3500xi | Macro Flash 1200 AF Set-N |
---|---|---|---|---|
Exposure Control | metering, manual | metering, manual | metering, manual | metering |
AF illuminator | - | |||
Coverage | ||||
Guide Number | ||||
Wireless Controller | * | * | * | - |
Bounce Head | - | |||
Remote Off Camera TTL | * | * | - | - |
Flash Accessories | Program Flash 5400xi | Program Flash 5400HS | Program Flash 3500xi | Program Flash 2000xi | Macro Flash 1200 AF Set -N |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Triple Connector TC-1000 | * | * | * | * | - |
Cable CD | * | * | * | * | - |
Extension Cable | * | * | * | * | - |
Off-Camera Shoe OS-1100 | * | * | * | * | - |
Off-Camera-Cable OC-1100 | * | * | * | * | - |
Flash Shoe Adapter FS-1100 | - | - | - | - | * |
Ni-Cad Charger NC-2 | * | * | * | - | * |
Wireless Remote Flash Controller | * | * | * | - | - |
External Battery Pack EP-1 Set | * | * | - | - | - |
Bounce Reflector III Set | * | * | - | - | - |
Bounce Reflector IV Set | - | - | * | - | - |
With all Minolta models that provide HSS capabilities (at this point only the 700si and 600si) when used in conjunction with the Program Flash 5400HS's you can take flash pictures automatically in all modes and at any shutter speed. The camera automatically selects HSS mode when shutter speeds are 1/200 sec or faster. This allows you to shoot in back-lit situations using wider apertures than possible with a conventional flash at the camera's x-sync. (Note: HSS is also possible with the Sigma EF430 Super)
HSS is significantly different to normal flash technology. A conventional flash discharges in a single moment, exposing the entire film at one time just after the first curtain opens completely. HSS flash is a high frequency (50kHz) pulse that starts before the shutter opens and stops after the shutter closes. This flash pulse resembles a constant light source, so HSS can synchronise with shutter speeds faster than the camera's x-sync. When the shutter speed exceeds the camera's x-sync the 5400HS switches from conventional flash to HSS flash. As it calculates the necessary amount of prelighting you can shoot automatically in full exposure mode even with HSS flash lighting.
HSS is also supported by 800si and the new Dynax 9.
High Speed Synchronization Sequence
We could list all of the Guide numbers here with shutter speed and focal length as the variables. However, this information is contained in the 5400HS Owners Manual. Suffice it to say, the Guide number drops dramatically at higher shutter speeds, especially with wide angle lenses.
The practical applications of HSS mode are therefore some what limited. Frankly, you'll need wide aperture telephoto lenses and faster film to get true value from HSS beyond 1/250 sec. We consider an ISO 400 film and a fast portrait lens most useful for exploiting the advantages of high speed sync flash.
Nevertheless, you will definitely appreciate HSS capability in out door photography, primarily when shooting people pictures.
For exceptionally versatile performance the Program Flash 3500xi offers advanced features such as remote off camera control and ratio control. The 3500xi features a guide number of 35 in meters (at 105mm and ISO 100), tilts a full 90-degrees and automatically zooms (like the 5400HS) to adjust flash coverage for focal lengths from 28mm to 105mm. For more control, the flash can also be zoomed manually to 28mm, 50mm or 105mm.
This set will provide your Dynax 9xi with versatile illumination for macro shooting in medical, scientific and hobby photography. Four individually selectable flash tubes set at right angles to each other can be rotated around the lens and fired separately or in combination to control or eliminate shadowing. Note that the 1200AF requires the supplied (hence the 'N' deisgnation) FS-1100 shoe adaptor to work with iISO equipped cameras, ie: starting with the i-series.
This page was originally prepared by Craig Huxley
Images: Copyright © Minolta Corporation