Power Zoom AF DSLR Flash INSTRUCTION MANUAL DF-383
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the DF-383 digital power zoom flash gun. Your electronic flash is innovatively designed for both digital cameras and film cameras with features that are leading photography into the digital era. Advanced technology is used in your flash to control the correct amount of light output. Please take a few minutes to read the instruction manual before using.
Compatibility Check to see which item number you have purchased to see compatiility Digital TTL / Auto Focus flash for: DF-383-CAN - Canon Digital E-TTL, E-TTL II cameras & E-TTL film cameras DF-383-NIK - Nikon Digital TTL, i-TTL cameras & TTL, i-TTL film cameras DF-383-OLY - Olympus Digital TTL cameras DF-383-PANA - Panasonic Digital TTL cameras DF-383-PEN - Pentax Digital P-TTL & film cameras DF-383-SON - Sony Alpha & Konica Minolta Digital ADI, D Lenses cameras & TTL film cameras Features • LCD Display
A Look at Your Flash Note: Both the reflecting plate and the pull out diffuser are housed inside of your flash. When you would like to use them, you can slide them out and slide them back in when you’re finished for easy storage.
A Look at Your Flash 1. LCD Display 2. Auto Check Indicator 3. Mode Indicator 4. Beeper Indicator 5. Power Level Setting 6. Flash Range Distance Bar 7. Power Off Indicator 8. Zoom Position 9. Film Speed Indicator 10. F-Stop Indicator 11. Mode Selector 12. Film Speed Selector 13. F/Stop Selector 14. Beeper on/off 15. Zoom Selector 16. Back Light 17. Ready / Test 18. Power ON/OFF Switch 19. Slave Mode Switch 20. Auto OK 21.
Specifications Guide Number (ISO 100): (45(m)/148ft) at 85mm position Motor zooming reflector: 24 - 28 - 35 - 50 - 70 - 85mm 4x 1.5V AA size alkaline batteries Power Source: 1/1,000 - 1/20,000 second Flash Duration: 0.5 - 9 seconds Recycling Time: 80 times with fresh alkaline batteries Number of Flashes: Daylight Color Temperature: Approx. 72 x 100 x 125 mm Dimensions: Approx. 270 grams (w/o batteries) Net Weight: * Specifications are subject to change without further notice.
Loading Batteries Make sure the On/Off Switch is in the Off position. Slide open the Battery Compartment Cover and insert 4 x AA batteries with correct polarity(-,+), as indicated in the battery compartment. Close the Battery Compartment Cover. Inserting batteries with the wrong polarity may cause the batteries to heat up, leak, explode and damage the flash. When you need to replace batteries, make sure all batteries are of the same brand, type and same capacity.
Mounting the Flashgun onto Your Camera • For Type CAN, NIK & PEN flashes: Loosen the lock ring. Slide the flash into the camera accessory shoe. Tighten the flash with the lock ring. • For Type OLY & PANA flashes: Insert the mounting foot of the flash into the camera accessory shoe and press "LOCK" to lock the flash in place. • For Type SON flashes: Insert the mounting foot of the flash into the camera accessory shoe. This will lock the flash in place.
Removing Your Flash • For Type CAN, NIK & PEN flashes : Loosen the lock ring and remove the flash by pulling it backwards. • For Type OLY & PANA flashes: Press both sides of the Lock/Release Button towards the direction indicated by the arrow symbols and then take the flash off by pulling it backwards. • For Type SON flashes: Push the Shoe Release Button and pull the flash off by pulling it backwards.
ON/OFF Switch and Flash Test Operation To switch on the flashgun, slide the main switch to the "ON" position. On the ready indicator "READY" lights up as soon as flash readiness is established. Press the Test Button to ensure the flashgun works properly. If the flashgun discharges, wait until the "READY" light glows again. To switch off, slide the main switch to "OFF" position.
Taking a Picture AF / TTL Operation • Automatic flash sync speed control When the flashgun is ready, your camera will automatically switch it to the flash sync speed from program mode or or to an aperture-priority mode selected. The sync speed depends on the camera model and usually ranges between 1/30sec to 1/250sec. When a flash shot has been taken, an "OK" symbol briefly flashes on the LCD display to confirm correct exposure.
Taking a Picture AF / TTL Operation -11- If you need to change the mode, simply press the mode selector. For Canon type flashes, this flashgun's ETTL indicator will light while connected with ETTL cameras. For Nikon type flashes, this flashgun's LCD Display will show TTL, I-TTL and BL in different ways while connected to different camera models. Please refer to your camera's manual.
Front and Rear Curtain Synchronization Front and rear curtain synchronization is supported, to use simply set into Front or Rear mode when using. For Pentax, you could select the synchronization mode as front curtain ( ) or rear curtain ( ). The flashgun will fire according to the mode selected to match with the camera shutter. Canon, Sony Alpha, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus and Panasonic cameras control front or rear-curtain synchronization, therefore settings for the flashgun are not required.
Bounced and Swiveled Flash Photos shot with full frontal flash are easily recognized by their harsh, dense shadows.This is often associated with a sharp drop of the foreground to the background. This phenomenon can be avoided with bounced and swiveled flashes. Diffused light will produce a soft and uniform shadow when the reflector is turned vertically at a 90º angle. Select white or reflective surfaces to bounce the light off.
Power Zooming • Automatic motor zoom control If you are using a zoom lens, which transmit its focal length to the camera, the camera will pass on this information to the flashgun. The flashgun then automatically adjusts its zoom position to comply with the focal length of the lens. Automatic motor zooming reflector control is only possible with cameras permitting digital data transmission to the flalshgun. The LC D display on the flashgun indicates zooming positions of 24-28-35-50-70-85mm.
Manual Motor Zoom Control The "Zoom" key permits you to change the zoom reflector's position independently of the focal length of the lens. The LCD display then indicates "M" and adjusts the zoom position of the reflector. By slightly tapping the "Zoom" key you can select the zoom position in the following sequence: 24-28-35-50-70-85mm.
Slave Function This flashgun can perform as a wireless slave by switching the Slave Mode Switch to S position. The flashgun will automatically switch to M mode with power ratio 1:1. When the sensor detects the external flash fire, the flash will synchronize to the fire. The amount of light output can be controlled by selecting the power ratio from 1/1 to 1/16. If multiple flashes are set as slaves, you must consider the light amount to get the correct exposure.
Warning -17- • The flash unit does not function on camcorders. • Misfiring sometimes occurs when the power switch is turned on and off continuously. If it happens, power off the flash unit for few seconds before switching it on again. The flash unit will then work as normal. • Do not leave or store the flash unit in temperature exceed 40°C. This might adversely affect the internal structure or performance of the flash unit. Particularly, do not leave the flash unit in the automobiles during summer.
Limited One Year Warranty Vivitar warrants this quality product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During the period, Vivitar will repair or replace the product at no charge for parts or labor. TIME PERIOD OF THIS WARRANTY The time period of this warranty starts from the date of the original purchase and expires on the first anniversary date of purchase.
WHAT TO DO WHEN SERVICE IS NEEDED STEP 1. Package the product and relevant accessories carefully, using ample padding materials and a sturdy mailing container to prevent damage in transit. STEP 2. Include in package: a) Evidence of date and place of original purchase (for example, a copy of your sales receipt). b) Detailed description of your problem. c) When possible, a sample evidencing the problem. STEP 3.