Leica L-E, Instructions Manual, Page: 147 / 184

general information on flash exposure metering and control / Compatible flash units / 143
geNeRAL INFORMATION ON FLASh exPOSURe
MeTeRINg AND CONTROL
The Leica M9 determines the required flash power by
firing one or more pre 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 filters
and changes to the aperture setting) are automatically
taken into account.
COMPATIBLe FLASh UNITS
The following flash units, when used on the Leica
M9, are capable of all the functions described in this
manual:
• The Leica SF 58 system flash unit (order no.
14 488). with a maximum guide number of 58 (in
the 105mm setting), an automatically controlled
zoom reflector (with coded Leica M lenses, see p.
110), an optional second reflector and many other
functions, it is both powerful and versatile. Thanks
to its permanently attached flash foot with appro ­
priate additional control and signal contacts, which
automatically transfer a range of data and settings,
it is very easy to use.
• The Leica SF 24D system flash unit (order no. 1 4 444).
Its compact dimensions and design tailored to this
camera make it the ideal accessory. Like the Leica
SF 58, it has a permanently attached flash foot with
all the required contacts and is extremely easy to
operate.
• Flash units which satisfy the technical requirements
for System Camera Adapter (SCA) System 3000,
are fitted with the SCA-3502/3501 adapter 1 and
allow guide number control.
1
when using the SCA­3502 adapter (from version 4) the white
balance (see p. 126) can be set to Auto for correct color repro­
duc tion – this is done automatically with the snapshot profile.
Flash measurement cells
Other commercially available flash attachments with
standard flash foot
2, 3 and positive center contact,
and which are fired by the center contact (X-contact,
1.20a), can also be used. we recommend the use of
modern thyristor-controlled electronic flash units.
2
If flash units not specifically designed for the Leica M9 are used,
the camera white balance will not be automatically adjusted, and
the setting should be used (see p. 126). As a result, to ensure
correct color reproduction you should not use the snapshot profile
in such cases.
3 The aperture specified on the lens must be manually set on the
flash unit.
1.20a