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In case the illumination was sufficient, “OK” appears for approx. 2 seconds on the LC display.
Simultaneously the AUTO OK light glows. The exposure OK indicator is activated in TTL mode only.
Indirect Flash Photography
The DÖRR DCF 50 Wi is fitted with a bounce and swivel head which allows
you to change the direction of the flash up to 300° horizontally and up to 90°
vertically. You can avoid direct flashing onto objects by positioning the flash
towards a reflection surface. This surface should be neutrally white (e. g. white
ceiling, white wall) as the light will be reflected in the color of the surface
flashed on. This leads to color distortions when using colored reflection surfaces.
Indirect flash photography offers you the following advantages:
• avoids harsh shadows
• avoids red-eye effect
• soft outlines and even illumination (particularly suitable for portraits)
• avoids disturbing light reflections off non-metallic surfaces, e.g. glasses
On the rear side of the flash you can read off the position of the bounce angle. When bouncing the
flash head, no flash range is indicated on the LC display as the light path length does not comply with
the distance to the object but with the distance: flash- reflecting surface- object. Please consider
that indirect flash photography reduces the flash range. In TTL mode the flash and the camera
automatically ensure proper dosage of the flash´s power output. With indirect flash photography the
power zoom function is inactive. Please select the focal length manually. Further the flash range, film
speed and aperture are not indicated on the LCD. Still, TTL flash control is active.
Indirect Flash Photography with Reflecting Plate
If you want to flash indirectly but no adequate reflection surface (white ceiling/white wall) is available,
you can use the built-in reflecting plate. The advantage in comparison to “regular” indirect flashing:
The distance flash ---> reflecting surface ---> object is shorter. The reflecting plate is integrated in the
flash head above the diffuser plate. To use it, slide it out until the stopper is reached. The flash head
must be tilted upwards.
Diffuser Plate
Especially with portraits a softer illumination is advantegous. Alternatively to indirect flashing this can
also be achieved by using a diffuser plate. The diffuser plate is integrated in the flash head beneath the
reflecting plate. To use it, slide it out until the stopper is reached and the diffuser plate flaps over the
reflector. Please consider that the flash range reduces when using the diffuser plate. In TTL mode the
flash and the camera automatically ensure proper dosage of the flash´s power output. The flash range
shown on the LCD may vary slightly.
Red-Eye Effect
With flash photography, the object´s eyes may appear red in a picture. This is caused by flash light
reflecting off the blood circulated retina. This phenomenon especially appears when the flash is
located close to the lens axis. Weak ambient light even supports the red-eye effect as the pupils will
widen. A secure method to avoid the red-eye effect is to use indirect flash photography. But even
with direct flashing, the design of the DÖRR DCF 50 Wi reduces the red-eye effect as the flash head is
located as far as possible from the optical axis. The larger the flash angle of incidence the lesser the
red-eye effect.
Long-Time Synchronization
To achieve a balanced light ratio between object and background in weak ambient light, a longer
exposure time is recommended. Thereby, the main object in the foreground is illuminated by the flash
while the background is adjusted to the brightness of the main object through a longer exposure time
(with “regular” flashing the background would disappear in the dark), Extended time synchronization
helps you to achieve great effects, e. g. by taking portraits at a fair ground or Christmas market with
an evening setting as background or in a neon-lit shopping center. To set your camera to a longer
exposure time of your choice, set your camera to shutter priority mode or to manual exposure control.
Some camera models allow for extended time synchronization also in program mode or aperture
priority mode. To avoid blurred pictures, the use of a DÖRR tripod is recommended.
High Speed Sync
Some objects require a shorter shutter speed then the camer’s x flash synchronization.
In these cases you can activite the High Speed Sync mode.
Flash for Nikon cameras:
depending on the camera model, the high speed sync mode can be activated
on the camera menue. Please refer to the camera’s user guide . No extra settings at the flash required.
Flash for Canon, Pentax-Samsung, Sony Alpha, Olymous-Panasonic cameras:
press the MODE and
ZOOM buttons firmly simultaneously. An “H” and “ON” symbol will blink on the LCD for 3 times. The
flash is now set to high speed sync mode- To return the normal TTL mode, press the MODE and ZOOM
buttons again simultaneously. An “H” and “OFF” will blink 3 times on the LCD.
Using the Flash with Daylight
Although on sunny days the light may be sufficient to restrain from using the flash, depending on the
position of the sun more or less unsightly shades may appear on faces and other objects. Also, shots
made with back light often cause underexposure of the the main object. Therefore, it is advisable to
use the flash also in sufficient daylight. Your pictures will show more intense colors and rich contrasts.
