Metz MECABLITZ 194 Analog Camera Flash

Introduction

Please read the operating instructions of your electronic flash device carefully before using it, so you can take full advantage of all the features this device offers.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR “METZ MECABLITZ 194”

1. On/Off switch
2. Connection for mains charging plug
3. Indicator lamp for flash readiness
4. Aperture disc
5. Swivel foot
6. Manual release
7. Connection tar synchronizing cable
8. Plug from mains charging plug
9. Plug-in type synchronizing cable
10. Synchronising plug
11. Plug for flash unit foot
12. Mains charging plug
13. Voltage selector
14. Switch for light capacity

Before using your electronic flash unit for the first time, please read thro·ugh the ope­rating instructions carefully so that you will be able to make full use of all the advantages offered.

Preparing for flashlight

Before using the Mecablitz for the first time and after extensive periods of non-use, the unit should be connected to the mains for about 30 minutes to build up the power in the flash capacitor.

• Swivel Foot
  By means of the swivel foot (6) the Mecablitz can be mounted on the viewfinder shoe of the camera either vertically or horizontally. To swivel the unit the shoe should be pulled out slightly and repositioned over the casing edge. It will engage correctly again at the extreme position. When taking wide-angle photographs the rectangular reflector opening must coin­cide with the photograph (vertical or horizontal). A connecting rail is available as an accessory for fitting between the camera and Mecablitz, for use on cameras without a viewfinder shoe.
• Synchronizing connection
  • On cameras with synchronizing connections in the viewfinder shoe, the synchronization is produced automatically by attaching the Me­cablitz to the camera. In this case, the syn­chronising cable has to be drawn out of the swivel foot.
  • The synchronizing cable is employed for  ca­meras without a synchronizing contact in the viewfinder shoe. The plug (10 or 11) is inserted in the connection (7) in the swivel foot and the other synchronizing plug is fitted in the synchronizing connection on the camera.
  • Please pay attention that the synchronizing lever on your camera is set at X or the contact X is employed

Operation

• Switching the unit on
  The unit is switched on at the On/Off switch (1) located at the back of the Mecablitz; a red mark is then visible. When the indicator lamp (3) illuminates the Mecablitz is ready for service. The flash can be tripped with the manual release (5), e. g. for a trial flash.
• Operating at full and reduced capacity
  If full capacity is not required, e. g. with high film sensitivity or closeups you can change from full to reduced capacity by means of a switch (14). Advantages: Short recycling time and more flashes.
• Adjusting the aperture
  The aperture of the camera is adjusted as under: Set the sensitivity of film on the aper­ture disc (4) to· the respective arrow marking. The mark stands for full capacity, and the mark for reduced capacity. The aperture to be fixed can be seen opposite the distance.

Examples:

• Given: 21-DIN film, full light output, distance 5 m. Determined: at 5 m – aperture 8.
• Given: 23-DIN film, reduced light output, distance 7 m. Determined: at 7 m – aperture 4.

Guide Numbers for Corresponding Film Sensitivity

For information only, it’s easier with the aperture dial.

Setting the Camera for Flash Photos

• Shutter speed: It is immaterial which shutter speed you select with iris diaphragm shut­t!3rs, although 1/100 second is recommended. In the case of cameras with a focal plane shutter the position is different. In this case, the shutter has to open the full picture area during the period of the flash. The focal plane shutter is generally set between 1/20 and 1/50 second. The instructions given by the camera maker should be observed.
• Method of synchronizing: The synchronizing lever should be positioned at X or the syn­chronising contact marked X employed.
• Distance: The distance is set at the camera in the usual manner.

Maintenance

Charging the NC accumulator

• The mains charging plug (12) is provided for charging the NC accumulator. First of all check that the voltage selector (13) on the mains charging plug is set for the correct voltage. The slot of the voltage selector in­dicates the voltage it is set at. If it is not correct, re-adjust at the nipple with the help of a screwdriver. Then insert the plug (8) in the connection (2) of the Mecablitz. (On/ Off switch must be in the Off position.) Then insert the mains charging plug in the socket. During charging the lamp (3) illuminates.
  If the NC accumulator is completely dischar­ged – when the time between flashing and lighting up of the indicator lamp is more than 30 seconds – about 16 hours of charge is re­quired. In case of partial discharge, the char­ging time is appro·priately less. As guidance for the correct charging time, one can assume 20 minutes charge per flash. Overcharging of the NC accumulator is not detrimental pro­vided it is not carried out all too long.
• In order to keep the Mecabl itz at its full opera­ting capacity it should be given about 30 mi­nutes charge after being out of service for some time (about 3 months). This builds up the flash capacitor again.

Mains operation
Connect the Mecabl itz to the mains in the same manner as for charging (On/Off switch in the Off position). When the indicator lamp illuminates the unit is ready for flashing.

Accessories for all units on request: Leather carrying  case

Camera connecting rail

• examples for adjustment
• sensitivity
• aperture
• reach of the flash
• guide number according to film sensitivity
• flash duration about
• illumination about
• Flash sequence to DIN 19011
• Number of flashes to DIN 19011
• per charge about

FAQ

How do I know when the Mecablitz is ready to flash?
When the control lamp (3) lights up, the Mecablitz is ready to flash.

What should I do if the NC battery is completely discharged?
If the NC battery is completely discharged, it takes 16 hours to charge. You can calculate about 20 minutes per flash as a guide for the correct charging time.

How do I set the correct aperture on the camera?
The aperture is set on the camera as determined on the aperture dial. It can also be calculated from the guide number and distance.

Documents / Resources

Metz MECABLITZ 194 Analog Camera Flash [pdf] Instruction Manual 194, MECABLITZ 194 Analog Camera Flash, MECABLITZ 194, Analog Camera Flash, Camera Flash, Flash

References

• User Manual