Maxxum/Dynax Flash System

Minolta Flash Units

Feature	Program Flash 5400xi	Program Flash 5400HS	Program Flash 3500xi	Macro Flash 1200 AF Set-_N
Exposure Control	TTL off the film metering, manual	TTL off the film metering, manual	TTL off the film metering, manual	TTL off the film metering
AF illuminator	Focus Assist LED 0.5-9m	Focus Assist LED 0.5-9m	Focus Assist LED 0.5-9m	-
Coverage	24-105mm	24-105mm	28-105mm	macro ring
Guide Number	54m	54m	35m	12m
Wireless Controller	*	*	*	-
Bounce Head	90° bounce 270° pivot	90° bounce, 270° pivot	90° bounce	-
Remote Off Camera TTL	*	*	-	-

Flash Accessories

Flash Accessories	Program Flash 5400xi	Program Flash 5400HS	Program Flash 3500xi	Program Flash 2000xi	Macro Flash 1200 AF Set -_N
Triple Connector TC-1000	*	*	*	*	-
Cable CD	*	*	*	*	-
Extension Cable	*	*	*	*	-
Off-Camera Shoe OS-1100	*	*	*	*	-
Off-Camera-Cable OC-1100	*	*	*	*	-
Flash Shoe Adapter FS-1100	-	-	-	-	*
Ni-Cad Charger NC-2	*	*	*	-	*
Wireless Remote Flash Controller	*	*	*	-	-
External Battery Pack EP-1 Set	*	*	-	-	-
Bounce Reflector III Set	*	*	-	-	-
Bounce Reflector IV Set	-	-	*	-	-

Minolta's High Speed Flash Sync

With the introduction of the 700si and the simultaneous release of the Program Flash 5400HS, Minolta released a major breakthrough in flash technology, that is flash synchronisation at all speeds up to the maximum shutter speed of the camera of 1/8000th sec. With the later release of the 600si this technology was again incorporated and provided for high speed sync (HSS) up to 1/4000th sec.

With all Minolta models that provide HSS capabilities (at this point only the 700si and 600si) when used in conjunction with the Program Flash 5400HS's you can take flash pictures automatically in all modes and at any shutter speed. The camera automatically selects HSS mode when shutter speeds are 1/200 sec or faster. This allows you to shoot in back-lit situations using wider apertures than possible with a conventional flash at the camera's x-sync. (Note: HSS is also possible with the Sigma EF430 Super)

HSS is significantly different to normal flash technology. A conventional flash discharges in a single moment, exposing the entire film at one time just after the first curtain opens completely. HSS flash is a high frequency (50kHz) pulse that starts before the shutter opens and stops after the shutter closes. This flash pulse resembles a constant light source, so HSS can synchronise with shutter speeds faster than the camera's x-sync. When the shutter speed exceeds the camera's x-sync the 5400HS switches from conventional flash to HSS flash. As it calculates the necessary amount of prelighting you can shoot automatically in full exposure mode even with HSS flash lighting.

HSS is also supported by 800si and the new Dynax 9.

Minolta 5400HS Program Flash

High Speed Synchronization Sequence

The Maxxum 700si measures the subject the instant that it is triggered by the eye-start system or when the shutter release button is lightly depressed. HSS (high speed flash synchronization) is automatically activated when the shutter speed is faster than 1/200 second; in this case, the HSS symbol appears in the viewfinder.
The shutter is released.
The 5400HS emits a short pre-flash to meter the subject.
The camera calculates the flash output for correct exposure.
The mirror flips up.
The 5400HS flash fires.
The shutter opens, however, at a speed greater than 1/200 second, it does not expose the entire frame at once. Instead, it travels as a slit over the film. Even illumination is achieved by the high frequency flash pulses of the 5400HS flash. This gives the impression that the photograph was lit by continuous light.
When the exposure is completed the 5400HS turns itself off.

Limitations of HSS:

As with everything, however, HSS has a price. In this case, it is a noticeable reduction in the flash range. The 5400HS reaches maximum output in automatic or manual modes when the zoom head is set at 105mm. A guide number of 177' (54 meters) can be expected only if the sync speed of 1/200 sec. is not exceeded. Under the same conditions with HSS at a shutter speed of 1/200 sec. (only slightly faster than 1/200 sec.), a drastic reduction in guide number is apparent - it is reduced by almost two thirds with the high frequency pulse.

We could list all of the Guide numbers here with shutter speed and focal length as the variables. However, this information is contained in the 5400HS Owners Manual. Suffice it to say, the Guide number drops dramatically at higher shutter speeds, especially with wide angle lenses.

The practical applications of HSS mode are therefore some what limited. Frankly, you'll need wide aperture telephoto lenses and faster film to get true value from HSS beyond 1/250 sec. We consider an ISO 400 film and a fast portrait lens most useful for exploiting the advantages of high speed sync flash.

Other Limitations:

HSS will not operate in bounce flash or in wireless TTL flash. If the 700si determines that the light conditions are too dark for HSS to be effective, shutter speeds faster than 1/200 sec will not be usable.

Nevertheless, you will definitely appreciate HSS capability in out door photography, primarily when shooting people pictures.

Program Flash 3500xi

For exceptionally versatile performance the Program Flash 3500xi offers advanced features such as remote off camera control and ratio control. The 3500xi features a guide number of 35 in meters (at 105mm and ISO 100), tilts a full 90-degrees and automatically zooms (like the 5400HS) to adjust flash coverage for focal lengths from 28mm to 105mm. For more control, the flash can also be zoomed manually to 28mm, 50mm or 105mm.

Macro Flash 1200AF Set-N

This set will provide your Dynax 9xi with versatile illumination for macro shooting in medical, scientific and hobby photography. Four individually selectable flash tubes set at right angles to each other can be rotated around the lens and fired separately or in combination to control or eliminate shadowing. Note that the 1200AF requires the supplied (hence the 'N' deisgnation) FS-1100 shoe adaptor to work with iISO equipped cameras, ie: starting with the i-series.

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