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[OM] A2 and flash. Was, Re: E-1 and T-flashes

Subject: [OM] A2 and flash. Was, Re: E-1 and T-flashes
From: Chuck Norcutt <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 08:52:22 -0500
Morgan said:
I tried out the A2 with a simple studio set-up, and I'm still working
things out.  There are more trade-offs here.  You can forget about 
really shallow DOF with a 7-50mm zoom and a tiny sensor.  The A2 is best 
at ISO 64 or 100, and f4 or 5.6  I can only dial my power pack down to 
100WS. So I need to physically cut the light output or use a ND filter 
on the A2.  I did notice by setting the shutter to 1/2000, I can exclude 
some of the output on the flash tubes, maybe 1/2 stop. I'm not sure why 
this happens.
----------------------------
ISO:  Don't know about the A2 but dpreview's review of the A1 noted that 
the sensitivity at ISO 100 was actually ISO 160.  Doesn't matter until 
you try to use external flash and meter.  The Schnozz and I both own 
A1's and have determined that the 160 at 100 sensitivity thing is real. 
   It also extends to the other ISO settings on the camera.  ISO 200, 
for example, is actually ISO 320. Whenever using an external meter it 
is always set for 2/3 stop higher ISO than the camera.

Flash power:  You need some Alien Bees.  They are infinitely variable 
through a range of 5 stops.  I have the B800's which are 320 watt 
seconds so they can be dialed down as low as 10 watt seconds or anywhere 
in between.  Great feature!  Incidentally, by my measurement, a T-32 is 
100 watt seconds at full power.  Dialing it down to its 1/4 power 
setting should give you 25 watt seconds.  I use two of them mounted on a 
bracket when shooting outdoors so I can get 25, 50, 100 and 200 watt 
seconds.  If I need a lot of power I can also use the B800's outdoors by 
attaching them to my battery/inverter rig.

Shutter speed:  Because the Minolta A1/A2 combine an electronic and 
mechanical shutter the camera is theoretically able to sync at any 
shutter speed.  In the section on radio and remote flashes, the user's 
manual warns, however, to make sure the shutter speed is never faster 
than the flash duration.  Flash duration time may be in your owner's 
manual.  Just a guess, but at 1/2000 second you may be approaching the 
flash duration and/or pushing the window on sync time with your studio 
flash.  The camera is probably not seeing the entire flash.

Chuck Norcutt



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