Canon Speedlite 244T
Introduction
The Canon Speedlite 244T is an automatic, electronic flash unit designed exclusively for Canon T-series cameras. It automatically sets both the shutter speed and aperture, simplifying flash photography. When the "P" indicator in the viewfinder begins to blink, attaching the unit to the camera and turning the main switch on will produce beautiful flash pictures.
Automatic Exposure
This flash features an automatic exposure system. A sensor measures the light reflected from the subject and automatically cuts off the flash emission once the subject has received the appropriate amount of light. Use this flash when the green "P" indicator starts to blink.
Nomenclature
The Canon Speedlite 244T includes the following components:
- ISO Film Speed Switch
- Infrared Light Emittor
- Sensor
- Flash Head
- Battery Chamber Cover
- Pilot Lamp
- Main Switch (OFF/ON)
Loading the Batteries
The Speedlite 244T requires two new size AA alkaline-manganese (LR6/AM-3) or Ni-Cd batteries. While carbon-zinc batteries can be used, their lifespan is shorter. For optimal performance in temperatures below 0°C (32°F), use fully charged Ni-Cd batteries.
To load batteries:
- Slide the battery chamber cover off.
- Load the batteries so their contacts are oriented as indicated by the diagram inside the battery chamber.
- Once batteries are loaded, slide the battery chamber cover back on while pressing the batteries down. Ensure the cover's tab fits into the corresponding groove on the flash body.
Note: Remove batteries if the unit will not be used for approximately three weeks or longer. When using Ni-Cd batteries, follow the manufacturer's instructions for recharging and be aware that terminal systems may vary by brand.
Setting the ISO Film Speed
Set the ISO film speed to correspond with the film currently in use. This flash is compatible with ISO 100 and ISO 400 film only. Other film speeds cannot be used. The number following "ISO" represents the equivalent ASA number.
Mounting the 244T on the Camera
Insert the Speedlite into the camera's accessory shoe. Push it in completely to ensure proper electrical contact.
Taking Flash Pictures
Follow these steps for taking flash pictures:
- Ensure the camera lens is set to the "A" mark and the camera is set to "PROGRAM" mode.
- Turn the main switch of the flash to "ON".
- Verify that the pilot lamp is lit. When the flash ready indicator [flash ready indicator] lights up, the shutter speed automatically switches to X-sync (1/60 sec).
- Compose the picture and focus on the subject.
- Press the shutter button halfway to activate the viewfinder information display. The picture can be taken when the flash ready indicator [flash ready indicator] and the "P" mark (for T50, T80 models) or the selected aperture value (for T70 models) are illuminated.
Note: When the shutter button is pressed halfway, the Speedlite emits near infrared rays, and an aperture is automatically selected based on the shooting distance and the subject's reflectivity.
Notes
- If the subject is too far from the flash, the green "P" (on T50/T80) or the T70 lens' full aperture value will blink rapidly (approximately 8 times per second) as a warning (the flash ready indicator [flash ready indicator] remains solid). Move closer to the subject until the "P" stops blinking. After finding a suitable shooting position, release your finger from the shutter button and re-focus the subject before taking the picture. Failure to release the shutter button after repositioning can lead to incorrect exposure, as exposure is set each time the shutter button is pressed halfway.
- The closest shooting distance is 0.5 meters (approx. 1.6 ft) with ISO 100 film and 1 meter (approx. 3.3 ft) with ISO 400 film.
- The flash's auto shooting distance range is extended when using ISO 400 film. This allows photography of subjects up to 11.4 meters (approx. 37.4 ft) away when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or larger.
- When using a lens with a maximum aperture of f/3.5 or smaller, the flash's auto shooting distance range will be reduced compared to using lenses with brighter apertures (f/2.8 or larger).
- Rapid continuous shooting is not possible when the 244T is mounted on T-series cameras.
Specifications
Type | Energy-saving flash with series control circuit; 3-aperture selection switch set automatically. |
Guide Number | 16 (ISO 100-m) or 26 (ISO 25 ft.) at full charge (30 secs after pilot lamp glows, with new batteries). |
Flash Coverage Angle | Covers a 35mm lens on the 35mm format. |
Recycling Time | 0.5-9 seconds with new alkaline-manganese batteries; 0.5-6 seconds with fully-charged Ni-Cd batteries. |
Number of Flashes | Max. flash output (30 sec firing intervals): 150 flashes with new alkaline-manganese batteries, 70 flashes with fully-charged Ni-Cd batteries. Min. flash output (10 sec firing intervals): 1,300 flashes with new alkaline-manganese batteries, 600 flashes with fully-charged Ni-Cd batteries. |
Color Temperature | Same as daylight. |
Automatic Flash Aperture | The flash automatically sets the aperture to f/2.8, f/4, or f/5.6 at the first stroke of the shutter button. |
Auto Shooting Distance Range | ISO 100: 0.5-5.7m (1.6-18.7 ft.); ISO 400: 1-11.4m (3.3-37.4 ft.). |
Outside of Auto Shooting Distance Range | If the subject is too far, T50's and T80's "P" mark or the T70 lens' full aperture value blinks rapidly at the first stroke of the shutter button. |
Film Speed Setting | ISO film speed indication (ASA 100 and 400). No ISO indication on the unit itself. |
Power Source | Two penlight (AA) alkaline-manganese (LR6, AM-3) or Ni-Cd batteries. |
Dimensions | 63 (W) × 86 (H) × 41.5 (L) mm (2-1/2" × 3-3/8″ × 1-5/8"). |
Weight | 140 g (4-15/16 oz.) without batteries. |
Subject to change without notice.
Company Information
Published by CANON INC. 7-1, Nishi-Shinjuku 2-Chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163, Japan.
Publication Number: PUB.C-II-110V, 1285B25. © CANON INC. 1982. CY8-6506-009.
Printed in Japan. Imprimé au Japon.
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