Digital camera accessories

[areginato]

Hello.  I'm not totaly new to photography, but up untill 6 months ago, I mostly just used various point and shoot (film and digital) style camera's.

6 months ago, I found a Kodak Z7590 camera and I tell you, I've been bitten by the bug and just haven't been able to put it down.  I've gotten so hooked that I've slowly started buying accessories (I've got various lens cleaning kits, a wide and telephoto lens, and dozens of filters, tripod, etc).  I've also got very comfortable at using the camera in manual mode (basicly it's the only mode I use now).  

Anyways, on the weekend my Uncle who used to be a heavy amature photographer gave me a Hanimex TX36 flash unit he no longer uses (he got out of photography a few years ago, and this is his last peice of equipment).  However, he didn't give me any info on how to use the flash, and the manual I found very confusing.  I don't think I'm using the correct settings (though I'm no longer over saturating and undersaturating the pictures like I was), and am a bit confused on how to relate it to the camera settings (or vise versa).

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi areginato and welcome to the Q&A Board! So glad you're enjoying digital photography so much.

I can't find much info on the Hanimex TX36 flash unit. Is it a dedicated slave flash? If not, but it can be used as a slave flash, there is usually a button to switch it into slave mode. It should go off when the Kodak built-in flash is triggered.

Remember, both flashes will go off. If your camera has flash output setttings, to increase or decrease the strength of the flash, try changing that for improved lighting of a subject.

Also check the camera manual for any special instructions about how to use it with a slave flash.

If you give us some more insights about your use of it, perhaps we can give more specific help.

Related reading - slave flashes

http://www.digicamhelp.com/accessories/external-flashes/slave-flash.php

[areginato]

Hi ShutterbugGail;

The flash is an older standalone unit, and is hooked up to the camera PC sync port (I verified the PC Sync voltage didn't exceed 6V as per Kodak documentation).  I guess that the closest flash unit I can find some information on is the Sunpak 622 (very simular capabilities, though the controls are vastily differant).  It's more or less a manual controlled flash that can automaticly determine if the settings are correct for use when one hits the test button.

I can easily set and mach the ISO (ASA) ratings between the camera and flash, as well as setting the distance (via the yellow/green/orange/manual distance selector).  I also have figured out how to get the flash to check the settigns.  But from there I get lost on adjusting my F-stops, timing, and the flashes power output.

[ShutterbugGail]

I had hoped moderator Deb would be around to help answer this question. The other mods, including myself, are not familiar with using a sync cord and are not familiar with that flash.

Give your question a try at Dpreview, in either the Lighting Technique or Kodak Talk forums. I'm sure someone there will be able to offer some guidance.

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/

[areginato]

Thanks for the assitance though.  I try the form you posted.  I'll also try to get in touch with my Uncle again.

[Deb]

Hi there, Hmmmm .... I haven't run a manual flash in quite a while. (Given the kind of photography I generally do, I rarely use flash.) But you'll need to get an exposure reading to determine your light output for the desired aperture I do believe and then adjust the flash accordingly. That's about all I can remember. (For instance, the Canon Speedlite has a dial to change the amount from 1/128 power to 1/1 full power incrementally.) Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Bork]

Since he doesn't have a book of directions for the unit, he'll have to hunt and peck.  He should start with the camera set to front curtain, Shutter at 1/30 and flash at full output.   If the shot is blurred set the camera at 1/60.  If still blurred go to 1/125.  Pick the setting that produces the steadiest shot.  Next, work on the aperature to set the best exposure using the shutter speed that worked the best.  The distance will determine the f stop, thus the little guide you put on the flash unit.  Usually, if the camera aperature is set to auto, the camera will read the flash output and you won't have to mess with the f stops.  The biggest problem will be with the flash sync, that's why he'll have to start at 1/30 and go from there.  Or......he can get buy some flash powder and go that route.  

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi Bork,

We welcome you to the Q&A Board!

The information is very helpful. Thanks so much for sharing!

Love your humor too.  

Flash powder:

Used in the early days of photography, a mixture of metallic magnesium with an oxidizing agent that, when ignited, produces a bright flash of light.

Source: http://www.photographytips.com/page.cfm/2011