Pocket Wizard MultiMAX Owner's Manual - Equalization Adjustments
Equalization Adjustments
With all the variable factors above it may seem that performing the math necessary for
equalization is daunting. Here are some techniques for fine- tuning or adjusting equalization
times without using specific math:
On some 35mm cameras you can gauge timing without using film. If your camera allows
triggering with the film back open you can verify synchronization visually.
1. Perform the steps above to get basic equalization started
2. Point the flash at a blank wall
3. On the camera NOT attached to the flash, set the shutter speed to 1/60
4. Open that camera’s back
5. Point the camera at the same wall as the flash
6. As the camera and flash are being triggered look through the shutter plane through
the lens at the light from the flash hitting the wall. CAUTION: MAKE SURE the flash is
set to a comfortable level for your eyes!
7. Note the shape of the light burst. If it is a perfect bright circle then the camera is in sync.
If the circle is dark or has a hard line running along one edge then the camera is not in
sync. The hard line is the shutter in motion while the flash is still generating light
8. Adjust the shutter speed up or down until you see a perfect circle
Î
The delay time setting screen is instantly active. While in numeric entry mode you
can adjust the delay up or down and the displayed value will be executed on the next
trigger. Using the “through-the-back” method above or by shooting film, Polaroid,
or digital you can adjust the delay and view the results to more suit your specific
camera’s timings.
The mathematical formulas used thus far are designed for equalizing at 1/125. The final
offset number (0.0025 for example) may need to be adjusted when attempting to equalize
at faster shutter speeds or slower ones with wide lag variation cameras. The offset number
tries to move the flash burst to the middle of the exposure to compensate for drifting lag
time. Experiment with different offsets to fine tune your shutter speed, flash duration, and
camera timing combinations. Too long or short of an offset and you limit a camera’s ability
to get the exposure if the lag drifts, even by a small amount.
Î
Visit www.pocketwizard.com for more information on camera specific equalization
techniques. As more information becomes available it will be posted there.