Leica M Instruction Manual page 192

FLASh OpERATION
The Leica M determines the necessary flash power by firing one or
more ranging flashes, fractions of a second before taking the actual
picture. Immediately after this, at the start of exposure, the main
flash is fired.
All factors that influence the exposure (such as picture filter and
changes to the aperture setting) are automatically taken into account.
COMpATIBLE FLASh UNITS
The following flash units, when used on the Leica M, are capable of all
the functions described in this manual, including TTL flash metering:
• The Leica SF 58 system flash unit (order no. 14 488). With a
maximum guide number of 58 (in 105mm setting), an automatically
controlled zoom reflector (with coded Leica M lenses, see p.
147), automatic short synchronization with shutter speeds faster
than / s for HSS flash (see p. 194), an optional second
1
180
reflector, and many other functions, it is both powerful and
versatile. Thanks to its permanently attached flash foot with
additional control and signal contacts, which are used to
automatically transfer a range of data and settings, it is very easy
to use.
• The Leica SF 24D system flash unit (order no. 14 444). The ideal
solution thanks to its compact dimensions and design geared to
the camera. Like the Leica SF 58, it has a permanently attached
flash foot with all contacts and is also very easy to operate.
• Flash units that satisfy the technical requirements for System 3000
System Camera Adaption (SCA), are fitted with the SCA-3502-M5
adapter , allow guide number control, and are HSS compatible (see
1
p. 194).
Other commercially available flash attachments with standard flash
foot and positive center contact, and fired by the center contact (X
2
contact, 19) can also be used. We recommend the use of modern
thyristor-controlled electronic flash units.
When using the SCA-3502-M5 adapter, white balance (see p. 165) can be set to
1
Automatic for correct color reproduction.
However, if flash units not specially designed for the Leica M are used and do not
2
automatically adjust the white balance on the camera, the
used (see p. 165).
190
setting should be