AUTO METER VF

Minolta Auto Meter

Ambient Light Measurement Flash Measurement Analyze Function Calculation Function Memory Function Brightness Difference Function Custom Setting

For a full measure of creativity

The quadrant proportion display function which is compared with element of ambient light and flash light and the S/A/H functioln are installed
Ambient Light Measurement
The shutter speed can be specified in the range of 30 minutes to 1/8000 second. (selectable between 1, 1/2 and 1/3 stop increments). The measured value is displayed in the LCD window as digital and analog data. If the shutter speed is changed after measurement, the displayed measurement data is automatically changed according to the change in shutter speed. The Auto Meter VF covers a wide measurement range of EV -2.0 to 19.9 (for incident light measurement, according to ISO 100). When the Auto Meter VF is set to Cine mode, it can be used with cine cameras. (8 to 128 frames/sec., 10 stops)

Flash Measurement
For flash measurement, select Cord type or NonCord type according to measurement conditions. With the Cord setting, when the Sync Cord of the flashbulb is connected to the Sync terminal, the measured value can be displayed simply by pushing the measurement button. With the NonCord type, pressing the measurement button sets the Auto Meter to standby for measurement. When the flash is emitted, the Auto Meter takes the measurement.

Names of parts

q Receptor head Swivels 270 and accepts the Flat Diffuser. w Power button

e S/A/H (shadow / average / highlight) button Sets the Auto Meter VF's caluculation function; desired function is selected using the up/down dial. (Shadow / highlight available only for reflected-light measurements.) r MEMORY button Stores the present measurement in memory. Up to 10 measurements can be stored. t Data panel Easy-to-read to give you the information you need at a glance.

!3

r o t

y ISO button For setting the main ISO using the up/down dial. u Display-selector button Changes display units between f-number and EV readout.

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i MODE button Changes the measurering mode. o Measuring button !0 Up/Down control Adjusts shutter-speed and ISO values; shutter-speed renge: 1/8000 sec. -30min. in 1/3-stop increments (ambient); 1/500-1 sec. in 1/3-stop increments (flash); cine-speed range: 8-128 frames/sec.

!2

!1

!1 Battery chamber cover !2 Sync terminal !3 Accessory-receptor jack

AUTO METER VF

Analyze function
When taking measurements under mixed flash and ambient lighting, the Auto Meter VF measure the flash and ambient lighting almost simultaneously. The degree to which the flash light contributes to the overall exposure is then shown on the analog analyze scale in the display. The analyze scale is divided into four sections ( ). One section ( ) corresponds

Calculation function
Use the Auto Meter VF's caluculation functions to average measurements previously stored in memory or bias exposures when taking reflected-light measurements to reproduce highlights or shadows more accurately.

First reading

First reading

to a flash component of approx. 25%. For example, when three sections of the analyze scale are lit ( ), it indicates that the
Shadow biasing Highlight biasing

ratios of the flash light and ambient light are approx. 75% and approx. 25%, respectively. After taking a measurement, the shutter speed can be changed and the results will be recalculated. Slowing down the shutter speed causes ambient light to become more dominant in the exposure; speeding up the shutter speed increases the influence of flash lighting. The analyze scale lets you easily predict the results, so you can set the exposure to provide the results you want: mainly ambient light to eatch the mood, mainly flash light to overpower the ambient light, or something in between.
Analyze scale Ratio between flash and ambient light Flash light Ambient light Approx. Approx. 0% 100% Approx. Approx. 25% 75% Approx. Approx. 50% 50% Approx. Approx. 75% 25% Approx. Approx. 100% 0% Results Exposure is domimated by ambient light with virtually no infuence from flash light Ambient light is dominant, but flash light also has some influence. Ambient light and flash light contribute the same amounts to the exposure. Flash light is dominant, but ambient light also has some influence. Exposure is dominated by flash light with virtually no influence from ambient light A First reading B Second reading in memory Average exposure

25% of exposure is from flash.

50% of exposure is from flash.

75% of exposure is from flash.

Monitor function
Use the Auto Meter VF's brightness difference function to adjust lighting ratios or check the uniformity of background brightness
Flash light Ambient light Flash light Ambient light Flash light Ambient light

when taking product shots, portraits, etc. Simply measure your reference point, press the S/A/H button, and then measure other areas of the scene; the meter will display the brightness difference in terms of EV in 0.1EV increments.

Shutter speed

Shutter speed

Shutter speed

Analyze scale

While pressing measuring button

Memory
The Auto Meter VF's memory has space for two separate readings. Both stored data and current measured data are displayed simultaneously on the analog scale. Memory markes also indicate the number of readings you have stored. This feature makes it easy to analyze the contrast range of your subject or lighting ratio or to view several separate readings in relation to one another.
Reference point value Difference for other measured point

Custom Settings
Whenever necessary, you can specify the shutter speed stops (1, 1/2 or 1/3-stop), F No. display mode (F number + 10-level intermediate value display, or F number direct reading display) and exposure correction value (EV -10 to 10).

Specifications
Digital exposure meter for measurement of ambient light and flash light Incident: Spherical Diffuser, Flat Diffuser (Optional accessory) Reflected: Viewfinder 5 (Optional accessory), 40 Reflected Light Attachment (Optional accessory) Photoreceptive element: Silicone photocell Measurement mode: AMBI: Ambient light measurement CORD: Flashlight measurement with the Sync Cord NON.CORD: Flashlight measurement without the Sync Cord Measuring range (ISO 100): Ambient light For incident light measurement: EV 2.0 to 19.9 For 40 Reflected Light Attachment: EV 2.5 to 24.4 For Viewfinder 5: EV 2.5 to 24.4 Flashlight For incident light measurement: FNo. 1.0 to 128 + 0.9 stop For 40 Reflected Light Attachment: FNo.1.0 to 90 +0.9-stop For Viewfinder 5: FNo.1.0 to 90 +0.9-stop Repeatability: 0.1 EV Calibration constant: For incident light measurement: C = 330 (Spherical Diffuser), C= 250 (Flat Diffuser) For reflected light measurement: K = 14 Display range: F number: FNo. 1.0 to 128 + 0.9 stop (0.1-stop) EV value: 17 to 40.8 (0.1-stop) Shutter speed: For ambient light: 30 min. to 1/8000 sec. (1, 1/2 or 1/3-stop) For flashlight: 1 to 1/1000 sec. (1, 1/2 or 1/3-stop) Frame rate: 8 to 128 frames/sec. (10 types) ISO sensitivity: 3 to 8000 (1/3-stop) Exposure difference display: 10 to +10 (0.1-stop) Analog scale: F No. 1.0 to 90 (1/2-stop) Analyze scale: Ratio between flash and ambient light 0 to 100%(25%-stop) Other functions: Analyze function, Memory function, Exposure calculation function(S/A/H), Monitor function, and Indication correcting function (10 to +10, 0.1-stop) Power supply: One AA alkaline battery Battery life: Approx. 50 hours : continuous reading in AMBI Operation temperature range: 10 to 50C, Relative humidity 85% or less. (at 35C, no condensation) Storage temperature range: 20 to 55C, Relative humidity 85% or less. (at 35C, no condensation) Miscellaneous: Connection plug for external light-receiving device (with cap), Sync terminal Dimensions (W x H x D): 59 x 147 x 26 mm (2-5/16 x 5-3/4 x 1 in.) Weight: 125 g (4.4 oz) without battery Standard accessories: Spherical Diffuser, Strap, Case Note: The performance and appearance of the product described in this document are subject to change without notice. Type: Receptor method:

Optional Accessories
Flat Diffuser This diffuser is used to measure the lighting ratio between main and auxiliary light sources to determine illuminance values, and to take exposure readings for flat surfaces such as paintings.

Viewfinder 5 Viewfinder 5 feature 5 angles of acceptance respectively, and enable spot metering of subjects from a distance . The meter can thus be used to accurately measure small areas of a scene.

Reflected-Light Attachment II The reflected-light attachment has 40 angle of acceptance, which corresponds to the angle of view seen with a 50mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera.

Mini Receptor For photomacrography and close-up work, this remote receptor plugs into the socket on the meter's receptor head. The Mini Receptor can be used to measure incident light in places that are otherwise inaccessible to the meter's receptor head. Sync Cord III The Sync Cord III is a 5-meter long cord that connects to the meter, flash unit, and camera's sync terminal simultaneously, making possible meter-flash and camera-flash synchronization without changing connection.

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