Multi-Dedicated™ computer flash for: Canon, Minolta, Nikon, Pentax
WHAT DOES MULTI-DEDICATED™ MEAN?
“Dedicated” Operation means that the flash unit automatically prevents the three most common mistakes made during flash photography:
- Forgetting to set the shutter speed to the “X” setting.
- Shooting before the flash is ready.
- Forgetting to change the lens F/Stop when changing distance from the subject.
Countless pictures have been ruined because of these 3 common errors.
The Flash will automatically set the correct shutter speed to “X” (1/60 – 1/100 second), even if the shutter speed dial has been left at 1/1000 second, or 1 second, or “Automatic”, or any setting in between.
At the same time, a red light will go on automatically inside the camera viewfinder to tell you that the flash is charged and ready to fire.
The computer inside the flash unit will automatically deliver the proper amount of light regardless of the subject distance (up to 30 feet (9 meters) ). You only have to set the lens F/Stop once, initially, to match the ASA speed of the film being used.
“Multi-Dedicated™” means that the Flash will operate in the Dedicated Mode with a “Multitude” of cameras:
| Canon ® : | A-1 , AE-1 , AV-l, AT-1 , AE-1P, AL-1, Etc. T-50, T-70, Etc. |
| Minolta® : | XG-Series (XG-1, XG-M, XG-A, X-700/7000, Etc.) XD-Series (XD-5, XD-11, Etc.) X-Series (X-700, X-570, X-370). |
| Nikon ® : | EM, FE, FG, FM2, FG-20, Etc. |
| Pentax ® : | ME Super, MV-1 , MV, ME-F, MG, Etc, Super Program, Program Plus, Etc. |
- Also Fits All Hot-Shoe, Non-Dedicated 35mm Cameras.
The Flash Unit operates on most of these cameras just like the Dedicated Flash Unit made or sold by the cameras manufacturer. For the Canon A-1 and AE-l, however, it is not necessary to accurately adjust the ASA Dial on the flash unit (this is an important and required step when using Canon’s own flash unit), instead, the camera lens F/Stop is simple set once, initially, to match the ASA speed of the film being used.
THE FLASH IS FULLY INTEGRATED. NO ADAPTERS OR CORDS ARE NEEDED.
FULL COMPATIBILITY WITH ALL NON-DEDICATED HOT-SHOE 35mm CAMERAS:
The flash unit can be used on all Hot-Shoe, N0n-Dedicated 35mm cameras. A sync cord is not available.
HOW TO USE THE FLASH UNIT
- Read the enclosed Flash lnstruction Manual
- Install the Flash on the Camera
The on off switch should be at “off” (red area not showing) before installing or removing the flash from the camera. Also the knurled locking ring should be all the way up Hold the flash unit close to its foot and slide the flash foot into the camera shoe unit it stops if the contact pins “catch” on the edge of the shoe you may use the tip of a pencil to push the pins up Or you may wiggle the flash gently until the foot slides in all the way if flash is not pushed completely all the way into the camera shoe the flash may fail to operate correctly. Tighten the knurled locking ring until it locks the flash securely into the hot-shoe. Now you may turn the flash switch to “on” (red area showing). - Wait For Ready-Lite
After turning the switch to “on”, you will hear a faint humming sound – the flash capacitor is being charged. After 8 – 10 seconds (with fresh batteries) the Ready-Lite on the rear of the flash should go on. Also, a “Flash-Ready” signal will go on in the cameras viewfinder.Canon ® : A-1: A letter “F” will light up.
AE-1: The meter needle will swing to F/4.
AE-1P: f/4 and flash signal will light up.
AV-1/AL-1: The meter needle will point to a shutter speed of 1/60 second.
AT-1: No viewfinder indication available.Minolta® : XG/X-700/7000: A red light (LED) will light up next to “1/60″.
X-370/X-570; The LED’s go out.
XD: No viewfinder indication available.Nikon ® : FG/EM: A red light (LED) next to “1/60″ will light up.
FE: A red light (LED) at the top of the viewfinder eyepiece will light up.Pentax ® : MV/MV-1: A red “X” will light up.
ME SUPER: A red light (LED) next to 1/125 lights up.
SUPER PROGRAM: A flash signal appears.For additional information please read your camera’s manual.
- Adjust the Camera Settings
A. Lens Aperture (F/Stop):
You must adjust the lens F/Stop according to the:
- Film ASA Speed.
- Flash computer power setting: Red or Green dot.
Find the correct F/Stop from the exposure table on the rear of the flash unit.
B. Shutter Speed:
The shutter speed dial should be set to “Auto” (Automatic Exposure) for most pictures. However, you may leave it set at any other speed, except “B” (Bulb). When the flash is ready, the shutter speed will automatically change-over to “X”.
For Pentax Program: Set to “1/125″ (X-synch).
Important: For Non-Dedicated cameras, be sure to set the shutter speed dial to “X” (usually 1/6O second). Read your camera manual under “flash.”
C. Lens Focus:
You must, of course, adjust the lens for the correct distance. - TAKE THE PICTURE
HELPFUL HINTS
- BATTERIES
- Check batteries for freshness when you purchase them. (Most stores have a battery tester).
- Turn switch t0 “OFF” between pictures.
- Replace batteries when recycling time exceeds 30 seconds.
- Remove the batteries if not using flash for a long time.
- Loading The Batteries: Please be careful when inserting the batteries. Pushing them in too forcefully will bend the flash contacts downwards and prevent them from making contact with the batteries. If this happens, simply lift the tips of the flash contacts gently with your finger or with a pencil.
- lf Your Flash Unit is Not Charging Properly:
- Be sure your batteries are fresh Alkaline type batteries.
- Be sure tlie batteries are properly inserted, and the switch is “on” (red area must be showing).
- Check to see if the battery contacts are “collapsed” (bent downwards too much) – Lift them if necessary.
- Try a different brand of batteries. There are differences between batteries.
- Don’t use rechargeable (Ni-Clad / NiCd) batteries. They could damage the flash unit.
- BACKGROUNDS:
- Keep your subject close to the background. Try to use a bright colorful background.
- Avoid dark walls or large halls.
- FIash pictures taken at night outdoors will be dark. Open the lens aperture setting one or two extra F/Stops. - DISTANCE
When shooting at distances greater than 15-20 feet, wait an extra 10-15 seconds after the Ready Lite goes on. This allows the unit to become fully charged. - lf Your Flash Unit Does Not Flash
- First – Remove the flash unit form the camera.
- Check proper placement of batteries (most common issue)
- Check ON/OFF Switch (red area visible means “ON”).
- If you can hear a humming noise, wait a while longer
- If Ready Lite finaily comes on (after 30 seconds or more) you need fresh batteries.
- If in doubt about your batteries, ask your Photo Dealer to test them for you.
Remember: The Flash will not fire if the flash on/off switch is at “off”, or if the batteries have been removed.
- BEFORE YOU GO ON A TRIP OR BEFORE YOU TAKE ANY ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT PICTURES:
Please shoot one roll and check the results. - Sometimes people’s eyes appear red in flash pictures. This is most common when your subject has blue eyes. You can minimize the red reflections by turning on all the lights in the room. Then ask your subject to look directly at one of the room lights (this will cause the eye pupil to close slightiy, thus reducing the amount of reflection).
- You can keep your flash capacitor operating at peak efficiency by letting the flash unit charge up about once a month and firing it several times.
- Certain flash models have a setting for MACRO (CLOSE UP) photography. When taking macro photograph closer than 24 inches (61cm), remove the 5 degree rubber stop which is located under the bounce head.
- On certain flash models the Zoom Lens in its Fully Retracted position covers lenses of 22mm to 30mm. The Maximum Auto flash range at this setting is 25 feet (7,6 meters)
- OPTIONAL FEATURES
Some models have a Zoom Lens and some also have a Swivel Feature,
ZOOM LENS: For most shots you may leave the zoom lens in the “NormaI” or “Wide” position. However, if you are using a telephoto lens or a zoom lens on your camera, you can increase the range of the flash unit by moving the Flash Zoom Lens to “Tele”. The flash range is shown on the label next to the zoom lens.
SWIVEL: This feature is useful when you want to use BounceFlash with the camera in a vertical position. - On same cameras, this flash will not change the shutter speed. Please set the shutter speed manually to the X- sync speed (about 1/6O second, in most cameras).
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR OWNERS OF MINOLTA, NIKON OR PENTAX “PROGRAM” CAMERAS
This flash unit operates automatically when used on cameras set to the “Auto” (automatic) setting. This flash does not operate automatically on the “Program” setting. (TTL operation).
Best results are obtained when you follow these 2 steps:
1) Set camera shutter dial to “Auto” (or to any shutter speed except “B” (Bulb) or “Program”). On Pentax Program set to 1/125 (”X”).
2)Set camera lens according to your film ASA speed. (Use calculator scale on back of flash unit}.
The flash will automatically set the shutter speed to X-synch and then deliver the correct amount of light needed for your subject (up to the maximum automatic flash range: 40-46 feet (12 – 14 meters).
Note for Minolta X-370 and X-570:
The indicator lights in the camera viewfinder will go out to indicate that the flash is ready to fire.
Bei Splegelrellexkameras der Marken Canon, Minolta, Nikon und Pentax, die im Zubohorschuh Spezialkontakte neben dem Mitten-
kontakt haben, werden lolgonde Funktionen vom Blitzgerat auf die Karnera Ubortragen:
a) Einstellung der Blitzsynchronzeit
b) Blitzbereitschaftsanzeige im Kamerasucher
Der Kameraverschluss muss dazu auf “Auto” oder eine belleoige Verschlusszeit (nicht jedoch “B”) eingestelll werden. Dies gill
insbesondere auch fur PROGPAM-Kameras von Minolta, Nikon und Pentax. Die Blende am Objektiv ist wie in der beiliegenden Anleltung beschrieben einzustellen.
NOTES:
In italics you can find my notes.
This manual was created by Topca. As company seems not to exist any more nor provide the support for it’s products (and many people look for it) I decided to publish the manual I was given with the Topca 330CTX (multi-dedicated version) back in early ‘90.
Text from the box of flash:
Thyristor-Computer
Zoom-, Schwenk- and Drehreflektor
Zweitreflektor
Leitzahl 30 fur 21 DIN/100 ASA
Thyristor-computer
Tilting and swivelling zoom/reflector
Twin reflector
Guide no. 100 in feet for 100 ASA
Note: Do not ask me if this flash will work with your camera – I don’t know. All I tested is that it works with Sony Alpha 200 through adapter (but it happens that old flashes may have damaged circuits leading to permanent malfunction of your camera). You use the flash on your own risk.
If you’d like to browse this website and you don’t know Polish – try http://translate.google.com/.
Polish texts below.
Uwagi:
W italikach podałem swoje uwagi.
Ta instrukcja obsługi została stworzona przez Topca. Ponieważ firma zdaje się już nie istnieć ani nie zapewnia wsparcia dla swoich produktów (a wiele osób szuka instrukcji do lampy w sieci) postanowiłem opublikować instrukcję którą otrzymałem z lampą Topca 330CTX (w wersji multi-dedicated) zakupioną na początku lat ‘90.
Tekst na opakowaniu:
Thyristor-Computer
Zoom-, Schwenk- and Drehreflektor
Zweitreflektor
Leitzahl 30 fur 21 DIN/100 ASA
Thyristor-computer
Tilting and swivelling zoom/reflector
Twin reflector
Guide no. 100 in feet for 100 ASA
Uwaga: Używasz lampy na własne ryzyko! Podłączanie analogowych lamp do aparatów cyfrowych może skończyć się spaleniem elektroniki.
Nie zawaj pytań czy Topca działa z tym lub innym aparatem – nie wiem. Sprawdziłem tylko, że z Sony A200 nie ma żadnych problemów przy podłączaniu lampy przez odpowiedni adapter (ale i za to nie odpowiadam – stare lampy mogą mieć problemy z elektroniką/elektryką i również mogą prowadzić do trwałego uszkodzenia aparatu).
Ciekawostka: Moja lampa była kupiona za 7 400 00 zł. 