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Starting with the Maxxum/Dynax/Alpha 7 a new flash metering technology (ADI)
was introduced. The camera can now base flash output on distance, aperture and
film speed. The distance information is provided by new lenses with the (D)
characteristic, even in MF mode. New guide number controlled flashes allow
distance-based flash exposure. As a result flash exposure is no longer fooled by
small, off-center subjects with very high or low reflectivity. The new system
also allows for pre-flash metering (using the 14 metering cells usually used for
ambient metering). ADI was introduced with the 7, but it's now implemented with
all newer bodies, including the lowly 3L. The camera automatically reverts to
4-segment TTL-OTF metering when it detects a situation that prohibits ADI (eg.
when no D lens is mounted).
More improvements were introduced with the 7 and the new flash units. Wireless
flash exposure is now possible up to the regular sync speed of the body (it was
limited to 1/60 with earlier bodies and flashes). HSS is now supported together
with wireless flash as well.
New flash units
2500(D)
This low-end flash replaces the old 2000xi. It has been updated to support ADI
and wireless flash. The guide number was increased to 25 meters (82 feet). The
flash covers an angle of view of 28mm, and it can tilt up between 0° and
90°, with a stop at 60°. It has a focus assist light.
3600HS(D)
The new mid-range unit, replacing the 3500xi, which now supports HSS, wireless
HSS and ADI. Flash coverage is 24mm to 85mm. It also comes with a wide-angle
diffusor for 17mm flash coverage. The guide number is 36 meters (118 feet).
5600HS(D)
The new top-of-the-line flash unit, replacing the 5400HS, with HSS, wireless HSS
and ADI support. The coverage is 24mm to 85mm, which can be extended to 17mm with
a built-in diffusor. It also tilts down by 10°. The guide number is 56 meters
(184 feet). A new external battery pack (EP-2) is available, but the old EP-1
works with this flash unit, too. Otherwise it's much like the 5400HS.
Macro Flash Controller MFC-1000
A new system of macro flashes was introduced. The core of the system is a new
controller that can be used both with the Ring Flash 1200 and the Twin Flash
2400. The flash tube unit of the Ring Flash 1200 is the same as that of the
1200AF-N Macro, so owners of the old flash only have to upgrade the controller.
The new controller has the new flash foot (the adapter included with the 1200AF-N
Macro is no longer required) and works on all cameras featuring the new shoe (ie.
all bodies except that of the first AF series). The new controller supports
TTL-OTF metering and manual flash with 1/1 to 1/64 power levels. It naturally
doesn't support ADI or wireless flash.
Macro Ring Flash R-1200
The Ring Flash R-1200 is essentially the same as the flash tube unit of the
1200AF-N Macro. It has four tubes (each can be turned on or off), focus lamps and
a coverage of 80° (horizontally and vertically). It is mounted in front of
the lens with adapters for 49mm and 55mm filter threads. An adapter for the 200mm
macro lens is available.
Macro Twin Flash T-2400
The Twin Flash T-2400 consists of two flash tube units with a guide number of 12
meters (39 feet) each, a holder that attaches to the front of the lens and
extensible arms that can be mounted between the flash units and the holder. There
are four mounting positions on the holder, and the flash units can be mounted
with or without the arms. The entire holder can be rotated around the lens.
Adapters for 49mm and 55mm filter threads are included, and a 72mm adapter (for
the 200mm macro lens) is available. Included are softboxes that mount in front of
the flash tubes. Each flash tube has a coverage of 45° (vert.) and 60°
(hor.). With wide-angle adapters the coverage can be increased to 60° and
78°. The controller can fire one or two tubes, and ratio flash between the
two tubes can be selected. There are no focus lamps. Instead, modeling flash at
40 Hz for 2 seconds is available.
