Re: flash for stereo-realist

[P3D Gabriel Jacob <jacob@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Miss Momi inquires,
 
>>Got a Vivitar flash today... got it set up on the camera 
>>just fine, but then i realized i don't know what shutter speed
>>to use!  The manual has details for setting the speed when using
>>the flash to "fill" in outside light, but nothing for indoors, i
>>assume since it's supposed to be automatic with modern cameras.
>>
>>Should i use 1/150 of a second?  Or something slower?  Oh, this
>>is the maroon setting - ASA 100 at f11.  What if i use f8 (blue
>>setting?)

Dr.T replies,

>These appear to be the automatic settings in your flash.  For
>subjects at 8 feet and beyond I would use the f8 setting which gives
>longer range.  For closer objects, especially 6 ft or closer I would
>use the f11 setting which is more forgiving in terms of focusing.

Dr.T's info above works fine in the manual mode but not sure how this
would work if done in automode. The reason being is that with my Vivitar
flash the automode (blue) suggests only one f stop to be set. 

Thus if one is using ASA 100 film the blue setting is one of two automodes.
The other being the red line for farther distances. To read this off the
rather confusing chart on the back of the flash, just read where the blue
line stops at the max distance indicated. This will be the max distance
the flash can illuminate. Everything within this range up to the max 
distance will be properly exposed. Directly (above the end of blue line
indicating max distance) above, read the f stop required to set the camera
on. If the distance the camera to subject is beyond the blue range use
the red automode and set f stop accordingly. Your model flash might not
have a guide on the back of it, in which case refer to the instruction
sheet table. 

With my flash for example using ASA 100. On the blue setting, everything
within 20 feet will be exposed with f/4. But personally I prefer using
the manual mode whereby higher f stops can be used and increased depth
of field and or sloppy focusing tolerated. ;-)

Gabriel


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