4-105-930-11(1)

HVL-F58AM Operating Instructions

2008 Sony Corporation

English
Before operating the product, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture. Tape over lithium battery contacts to avoid short-circuit when disposing of batteries, and follow local regulations for battery disposal. Keep batteries or things that could be swallowed away from young children. Contact a doctor immediately if an object is swallowed. Immediately remove the batteries and discontinue use if. the product is dropped or subjected to an impact in which the interior is exposed. the product emits a strange smell, heat, or smoke. Do not disassemble. Electric shock may occur if a high voltage circuit inside the product is touched.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using your photographic equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read and understand all instructions before using. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children. Do not leave appliance unattended while in use. Care must be taken as burns can occur from touching hot parts.
Do not operate appliance with a damaged cord or if the appliance has been dropped or damaged- until it has been examined by a qualified serviceman. Let appliance cool completely before putting away. Loop cord loosely around appliance when storing. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not immerse this appliance in water or other liquids. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not disassemble this appliance, but take it to a qualified serviceman when service or repair work is required. Incorrect reassembly can cause electric shock when the appliance is used subsequently. The use of an accessory attachment not recommended by the manufacturer may cause a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons. Batteries may become hot or explode due to improper use. Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual. Do not install the batteries with the polarity (+/-) reversed. Do not subject batteries to fire or high temperatures. Do not attempt to recharge (except for rechargeable batteries), short or disassemble. Do not mix, batteries of different types, brands or ages.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION
Do not touch the flashtube during operation, it may become hot when the flash fires.

For customers in Europe

Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European countries with separate collection systems) This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local Civic Office, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
Notice for the customers in the countries applying EU Directives
The manufacturer of this product is Sony Corporation, 1-7-1 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo, 108-0075 Japan. The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is Sony Deutschland GmbH, Hedelfinger Strasse 61, 70327 Stuttgart, Germany. For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
For the customers in the U.S.A. CAUTION
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of following measures: Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Built-in bounce sheet enables you to create a highlight in the subjects eyes. Equipped with a wide, easy-to-see LCD panel. This flash unit supports flash coverage to a focal length of 16 mm by using a built-in wide panel when the flash is triggered. Corrects the white balance automatically using the color temperature information.* Adjusts the optimum flash coverage according to the image sensor size of the camera.*

page 36

page 13 page 34

page 28

page 32
* When Sony digital single-lens reflex camera (other than the DSLR-A100) is used.

Name of parts

A Built-in wide panel (page 34) B Flashtube C Wireless control signal receiver (page 54) D AF illuminator (page 72)
Remove the protective sheet from the front of the AF illuminator before use.
E Mounting foot (page 18) F Terminal cap (page 69, 71) G Bounce sheet (page 36)
H Bounce indicator (upper angle) (page 36) I LCD panel (page 13) J Control panel (page 12)
K Bounce indicator (side angle) (page 36) L Mounting-foot release button (page 19) M Battery-chamber door (page 15) N Mini-stand (page 57) * Tripod mount

Control panel

A TTL/M (MANUAL/MULTI) button (page 44, 48, 61, 66, 73) B MODE button (page 22) C TEST button (page 31) The status while the lamp is lit Amber: Flash ready Green: Proper exposure D Fn (function)/direction buttons (page 44, 48, 61, 64, 66, 74)
E POWER switch (page 20) F LCD illuminator button (page 24) G ZOOM button (page 32)

LCD panel

A Zoom indicator (page 32) B Flash mode indicator (page 22, 61, 64, 66) C Flash-OFF indicator (page 22) D Power-level indicator (page 43, 48) E Zoom/Multiple-flash repetition display (page 32, 48) F mm indicator (page 32) G TIMES indicator (page 48)
H Bounce indicator (page 36) I Custom indicator (page 74) J High-speed-sync indicator (page 47) K Wide-panel indicator (page 34) L Low-battery indicator (page 16) M OVERHEAT indicator (page 17) N STANDBY indicator (page 21) O Wireless channel indicator (page 54) P Wireless controller indicator (page 54)
Q Wireless controller/remote indicator (page 54) R Flash-range/Multiple-flash frequency/flash-ratio display (page 27, 48, 66) S Ratio-flash indicator (page 66) T Operating indicator (page 78) U Flash-range-warning (near side) indicator (page 27, 43) V TTL indicator (page 43) W Manual-flash indicator (page 43)
X Multiple-flash indicator (page 48) Y Flash-range-warning (far side) indicator (page 27, 43) Z ft/m indicator (page 27, 43) wj Hz indicator (page 48)

Inserting batteries

The HVL-F58AM may be powered by : Four AA-size alkaline batteries* Four AA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries* * Batteries are not supplied. Always ensure that rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries are charged in the specified charger unit.
Open the battery-chamber door as shown.
Insert the batteries in the battery chamber as in the diagram.
Close the battery-chamber door.
Follow the reverse procedure when opening the battery-chamber door.

Checking Batteries

The indicator on the data panel blinks when the batteries are low. blinking Changing the batteries is recommended. The flash unit can still be used when the TEST button lights up in amber.
Only blinking Flash cannot be used. Insert new batteries.
If nothing appears on the LCD panel when the POWER switch is set to ON, check the orientation of the batteries.

OVERHEAT indicator

When the temperature of this unit rises at the time of continuous flash use or use in a high temperature environment, the flash suspends operation automatically. The OVERHEAT indicator blinks when overheating is detected. The flash operation is suspended until the temperature of the unit falls. Stop use of the flash unit for Approx. 10 minutes to allow the temperature of the unit to cool down.
Attachment and removal of the flash unit
Attaching the flash unit to the camera
While the flash unit is turned off, push the mounting foot firmly onto the camera until it stops.
The flash unit is locked in place automatically. If the built-in flash in the camera is protruding, lower it before attaching the flash unit.
Removing the flash unit from the camera
While pressing the mounting-foot release button 1, remove the flash unit 2.

Preparations 19

Turning on the power
Set the POWER switch to ON.
The power of the flash unit turns on. When the power of the flash unit is turned on, the LCD panel lights up.

To turn the power off

Set the POWER switch to OFF.

Power save mode

When the camera or flash unit is not used for three minutes, the flash unit changes to power save mode to save the batteries and STANDBY indicator appears on the LCD panel. During wireless flash photography (page 54), the flash unit changes to power save mode after 60 minutes. You can change the time until power save, or disable power save. (page 74) The flash unit turns into power save mode automatically when the POWER switch of the camera is set to OFF.*
* When Sony digital single-lens reflex camera (other than DSLR-A100) is used.

Changing the flash mode

Press the MODE button.

The indicator on the LCD panel changes as follows.* ( AUTO) t WL t t ( AUTO) t.
* When the camera is disconnected.
[ AUTO] lights up when the camera is set to Autoflash. Only [ ] lights up when the camera is set to Full-flash.

About flash mode

(Fill-flash mode) The flash unit always fires. AUTO (Auto flash mode) The flash unit is set to this mode when the camera is set to auto flash. WL (Wireless flash mode) This mode is used during wireless flash photography. (Un-full-flash mode) The flash unit does not fire.

Preparations 23

LCD panel illuminator
Illuminates the data panel at low-light levels.

Press the

button.
The LCD panel is illuminated for approximately eight seconds. This period is extended if the flash or camera is used during this time. Press the button again while the LCD panel is illuminated to extinguish the LCD panel illuminator.
Program auto flash (The basics)
Select the P mode on the camera. Press the MODE button to display [ AUTO] or [ ] on the LCD panel.
Press the shutter button halfway down and make sure that the subject is within the flash range.
See page 27 for details on the flash range.
When the flash unit is charged, press the shutter button to take a photo.
The flash unit is fully charged when the TEST button on the control panel is lit in amber. You can also confirm that the flash unit is fully charged by the lighting of the indicator in the camera viewfinder.
When the correct exposure has been obtained for the photo just taken, the TEST button on the control panel blinks in green.
The photo will be under-exposed because of a lack of luminescence if taken before charging is complete. Press the shutter button after making sure that charging is complete when using the flash unit with the self-timer. If your camera has an AUTO mode or Scene Selection mode, they are dealt with here as program auto. The flash mode selected (auto flash ( AUTO), fill-flash ( ), or un-full-flash ( )) depends on your camera. For details, refer to the operating instructions of your camera.

Flash range

Press the shutter button halfway down.
The flash range for the proper exposure is displayed on the LCD panel. Make sure that the subject is within this range and then take the photo.
The range that can be displayed on the LCD panel is from 1.5 m to 28 m (0.7 m to 28 m for downward bounce; see page 41). When the distance is beyond this range, or is lit on either side of the Flash range. Proper exposure is obtained at less than 1.5 m. Proper exposure is obtained from 1.5 m to 28 m or more. The flash range is not shown when using flash bounce above, with wireless flash, or when off-camera cables are used. When photographing beyond the lower limit of the flash range, the photo may be over-exposed even if the TEST button blinks in green, or the bottom of the picture may darken. Always photograph within the indicated flash range.

Applications 35

Bounce flash
Using the flash unit with a wall directly behind the subject produces strong shadows on the wall. By directing the flash unit at the ceiling you can illuminate the subject with reflected light, reducing the intensity of the shadows and producing a softer light on the screen.

Normal flash

Rotate the flash unit upwards or to the left and right while holding the camera firmly.
appears on the LCD panel.
The flash may be set to the following angles. Upwards: 45, 60, 75, 90, 120, 150 Downwards: 10 (see Close-up photography (downward bounce) page 41) Right: 30, 45, 60, 90 Left: 30, 45, 60, 90
When the flash is rotated upwards, the flash range is not displayed on the LCD panel. High-speed sync (page 47) is also cleared. When the flash is rotated upwards, the bounce indicator does not appear. Use a white ceiling or wall to reflect the flash. A colored surface may color the light. High ceilings or glass are not recommended.

Adjusting bounce angle

Simultaneously using direct light and bounced light from the flash unit produces uneven lighting. Determine the bounce angle with respect to the distance to the reflective surface, the distance from the camera to the subject, the focal length of the lens, etc.

Correct

Incorrect
When the flash is bounced upwards
Determine the angle in relation to the following table.
Focal length of lens Bounce angle
70 mm minimum 28 - 70 mm 28 mm maximum

75, 90

Using the bounce sheet
The bounce sheet creates a highlight in the subject's eyes and makes the subject look more vibrant. The bounce sheet is pulled out when the wide panel is pulled out. Push back the wide panel. When using the bounce sheet, set the bounce angle to 90 upwards.

Quick shift bounce

When shooting in the portrait position, you can set the same bounce flash as that used when shooting in the landscape position, and also use the control panel at proper direction.

90 sideways bounce

When the bounce angle is set to 90 sideways and 0 upwards while shooting in the portrait position, the top and bottom of the photo may darken. In this case, use the built-in wide panel or set the bounce angle to 0 sideways.
blinks on the LCD panel. When the zoom flash coverage is set to [A ZOOM] while using 90 sideways bounce, the coverage is adjusted automatically to the wide angle. In this case, the flash range is shorter than that for 0 sideways bounce.

Close-up photography (downward bounce)
Tilt the flash slightly downwards when photographing objects between 0.7 m and 1.5 m from the camera to ensure accurate illumination.
Rotate the flash downwards with holding the camera firmly.
The rotation angle is 10.
When photographing at a distance closer than 0.7 m, the flash will not be able to completely cover the subject and the bottom of the picture will be darker. Use an off-camera flash, Macro Twin Flash, or Ring Light. The downward bounce can be used only when the bounce angle is set to 0 or 90 sideways. The lenses with long length may obstruct the flash light.

Manual flash (M)

Normal TTL flash metering automatically adjusts the flash intensity to provide the proper exposure for the subject. Manual flash provides a fixed flash intensity irrespective of the brightness of the subject and the camera setting. Manual flash can only be used when the camera is in the M mode. In other modes, TTL measuring is selected automatically. As manual flash is not affected by the reflectivity of the subject, it is convenient for use with subjects with extremely high or low reflectivity.

TTL flash metering

Manual flash metering
Select the M mode on the camera.
Press the TTL/M button to display panel.
The modes change in the following order. , ,

on the LCD

Press the g or G button to select the power level to be set.
The power level is changed in following order. 1/1 t 1/2 t 1/4 t 1/8 t 1/16 t 1/32
When the shutter button is pressed halfway down, the distance at which the proper exposure is obtained appears on the LCD panel.
Proper exposure is obtained at less than 1.5 m.
Proper exposure is obtained at more than 28 m. In manual flash photography, if the power level is set at 1/1 then the flash will go off at full power. The power level range (e.g. 1/1 t 1/2) corresponds to the aperture range (e.g. F4 t 5.6). The flash range check indication of the TEST button (blinks in green) does not work after a photo is taken with the manual flash. Using custom functions, manual flash may be selected without changing the camera to the M mode (page 74).

TTL flash

Manual flash provides a fixed flash intensity irrespective of the brightness of the subject and the camera setting. TTL* flash measures the light from the subject that is reflected through the lens. TTL metering also has a P-TTL metering function, which adds a pre-flash to TTL metering, and an ADI metering function, which adds distance data to the P-TTL metering. This flash unit defines all P-TTL and ADI metering as TTL flash and is displayed on the LCD panel.

11 When the flash is fully charged, press the shutter
button to take the photo.
The distance at which the proper exposure is obtained with a single flash is displayed on the LCD panel. To prevent shaking, the use of a tripod is recommended during multiple flash photography. Test flash will flash at the selected frequency/number/level while the TEST button is being pressed if [TEST1] is selected in the custom setting. When [TEST3] or [TESTM] is selected, the flash three times or the four second modeling flash has priority. The use of custom settings allows the camera to be set up for multiple flash photography without selecting the M mode (page 74).
Maximum number of continuous flashes
The maximum number of continuous flashes during multiple flash photography is limited by the charge in the battery. Use the following values as a guide. With alkaline batteries
Flash frequency (Hz) Power level 1/8 1/16 1/14

100 100*

*100 signifies more than 100.
With nickel-metal hydride batteries (When using 2500 mAh)
Flash frequency (Hz) Power level 1/8 1/16 1/100
100 100* 100* 70 100* 100* 100* 100*
The maximum number of flashes varies with the type of battery and its condition. If an External Battery Adaptor FA-EB1AM (optional) is used, the maximum number of flashes increases beyond the values given above.

Wireless flash mode (WL)

Photographs taken with the flash unit attached to the camera are flat as shown in photo 1. In such cases, remove the flash unit from the camera and position it to obtain a more three-dimensional effect as shown in photo 2. And by using 2 or more flash units, you can create more detailed light conditions as shown in photo 3. When taking this type of photograph with a single lens reflex camera, the camera and the flash unit are most commonly connected by a cable. This flash eliminates the need for a cable to transmit signals to the flash unit by using the light of the flash itself as a signal. The correct exposure is determined automatically by the camera.

Wireless flash

Wireless flash (Lighting ratio control mode)

Wireless Flash Range

The wireless flash uses a light signal from the flash as a trigger to operate the offcamera flash unit. Follow the points below when positioning the camera, flash, and subject. Photograph in dark locations indoors. If you rotate the flashtube using the bounce-flash function (page 36) so that the wireless control-signal receiver points toward the camera, it will be easier for the flash to receive signals from the camera. Place the off-camera flash within the gray area in the following diagram.
Distance between flash and subject (see Table 2)
Distance between camera and subject (see Table 1)

For details, see Combination of camera, off-camera flash and controller. You can use several off-camera flashes at the same time. In this manual, controller means the flash unit attached to a camera, and offcamera flash means the flash unit removed from a camera for use. Combination of camera, off-camera flash and controller
Types Camera*1 Off-camera flash*1 Controller*2

[1]With built-in flash

Sony digital single lens reflex cameras with built-in flash
HVL-F58AM/HVLF42AM/HVL-F56AM/ HVL-F36AM HVL-F58AM*3/HVLF42AM HVL-F58AM/HVLF42AM/HVL-F56AM/ HVL-F36AM HVL-F58AM /HVLF42AM*6 HVL-F58AM/HVLF42AM/HVL-F56AM/ HVL-F36AM
Cameras built-in flash HVL-F58AM: [CTRL1] mode*4
[2]Without built-in flash
Cameras without built-in flash
HVL-F58AM: [CTRL2] mode*4*5 HVL-F58AM: [CTRL1] mode*4 HVL-F58AM: [CTRL2] mode*4*5
[3]-(1) Control up DSLR-A700 [3]Lighting to 3 groups ratio [3]-(2) control Control of Supported camera 2 groups
For details about cameras and flash units that is not listed above, see the operating instructions supplied with each product. When using DSLR-A100/A200/A300/A350, this flash unit cannot be set to controller mode. If the flash unit is already set to controller mode, the setting is canceled automatically. For other cameras, see the operating instructions supplied with each camera. Set the wireless control/remote mode to [RMT].
This flash unit has two wireless control modes, [CTRL1] and [CTRL2]. The wireless controller indicator on the LCD panel is displayed as follows. [CTRL1] mode: [CTRL+] When using HVL-F58AM/HVL-F42AM as off-camera flash, select this mode. [CTRL2] mode: [CTRL] When using HVL-F56AM/HVL-F36AM as off-camera flash, select this mode. When you change the controller mode, set [C03] in the custom setting (page 74). When using DSLR-A700, this flash unit cannot be set to [CTRL](CTRL2). If the flash unit is already set to [CTRL], the setting is canceled automatically. For other cameras, see the operating instructions supplied with each camera. HVL-F42AM used as off-camera flash is included in the [RMT] group.
[1] Wireless flash photography with built-in flash of the camera
Use only an off-camera flash unit, using the light from the built-in flash as a signal.
Built-in flash Flash unit
Attach the flash unit to the camera and turn the power of the flash unit and camera on. Set the camera to wireless flash.
The setting method differs depending on the camera used. For details, refer to the operating instructions of your camera. When the camera is set to wireless the flash is also set to wireless automatically, and WL is displayed on the LCD panel. The flash channel information is transmitted to the camera. The light level can be changed even for the wireless flash mode. For details, refer to page 74.

Attach the controller to the camera, and turn on the power of the camera, controller, and off-camera flash. Set up the camera with the controller and the offcamera flash.
The test-flash method differs depending on the camera used. For details, refer the operating instructions of your camera. If the test-flash does not work, change the position of the camera, flash and subject, or point the wireless control-signal receiver towards the camera. Moreover, make sure that the wireless channel of the off-camera flash is set to the same channel as the controller.
Connecting camera and flash by cable
Using the off-camera cables FA-CC1AM (optional) allows photography with flash units separate from the camera. Up to four flash units can be connected together. Being able to take photographs without having to consider the positioning of the flash unit provides considerable freedom to create a variety of shadow effects on the subject.
Flash units with accessory terminals can be connected directly.
Remove the terminal cap. Plug the cable into the accessory terminal.
In this mode, ADI metering will be canceled and Pre-flash TTL metering will be used automatically (page 43). High-speed sync in the P mode cannot be used when the flash is connected with the off-camera cable FA-CC1AM (optional). All the flash units are at the same power level. During photography with off-camera cable, the wireless controller mode is canceled automatically and you cannot use the flash photography with lighting ratio control.
Using external battery adaptor
You can use an External Battery Adaptor FA-EB1AM (optional) as an external power supply.
Remove the terminal cap. Insert the plug of connection cable into the external power terminal.

Applications 71

AF illuminator
In low-light or when subject contrast is low, when the shutter button is pressed halfway down for Auto Focus, the red lamp on the front of the flash unit will light. This is the AF illuminator used as an aid in Auto Focus.
The AF illuminator operates even when [ ] is displayed on the LCD panel. The camera AF illuminator does not operate while the flash AF illuminator is operating. The AF illuminator does not operate while Continuous AF is used in focusing mode (when continually focusing on a moving subject). The AF illuminator may not operate if the focal length of the lens is greater than 300 mm. The flash unit will not operate when removed from the camera.
Reset to the default settings
Press the MODE and TTL/M buttons together for three seconds.

Most flash functions return to their default settings.
Item Flash on/off Flash coverage (zoom) Flash mode (TTL/M/MULTI) Wireless flash (WL) Lighting ratio Power level in TTL/M (LEVEL) Power level in multiple flash (LEVEL) Frequency in multiple flash (Hz) Repetition in multiple flash (TIMES)
Default settings On ( Auto or ) Auto zoom (105 mm) TTL RMT 1:1:1 1/1 1/10

Page 43, 66 43, 48 48

Custom setting is not reset.

Custom setting

The various flash settings may be changed as necessary. The following eight items may be changed. HSS setting (on/off) Wireless channel setting (channels 1 to 4) Wireless controller mode setting (1/2) Recording mode in which manual flash or multiple-flash may be set (M mode only/all modes) Test-flash setting (once/3 times/4 seconds) Time to power save (30 seconds/3 minutes/30 minutes/none) Time to power save when using wireless flash (60 minutes/none) Flash range units (m/ft)
Performing the custom setting
The custom setting is changed as follows.
Press the Fn button for three seconds while the POWER switch is set to ON.
The first item (HSS setting) is displayed.
Press the g or G button to select the item.
For details on the each setting, refer to Changing the custom setting (page 78).
Press the Fn button to finish the custom setting.
The LCD panel returns to the original display. When a setting other than the default setting is selected in C03, C04, C06 or C07, remains on the LCD panel. The selected settings are maintained even if the flash unit is switched off or the battery is removed.
Select with the f button or F button

C01. HSS setting

Select with the g button or G button
C02. Wireless channel setting

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 4
C03. Wireless controller mode setting

Control 1

Control 2
C04. Recording mode in which manual flash or multiple-flash may be set

M mode only

All modes

Remove the batteries only after turning the power off and waiting several minutes, when changing the batteries. The batteries may be hot, depending on the battery type. Remove them carefully. Remove and store the batteries when you do not intend to use the camera for a long time.

Temperature

The flash unit may be used over a temperature range of 0 C to 40 C. Do not expose the flash unit to extremely high temperatures (e.g. in direct sunlight inside a vehicle) or high humidity. To prevent condensation forming on the flash, place it in a sealed plastic bag when bringing it from a cold environment into a warm environment. Allow it to reach room temperature before removing it from the bag. Battery capacity decreases at colder temperatures. Keep your camera and spare batteries in a warm inside pocket when shooting in cold weather. The low-battery indicator may blink even when there is some power left in the batteries in cold weather. Batteries will regain some of their capacity when warmed to normal operating temperature. This flash unit is not waterproof. Be careful not to bring it into contact with water or sand when using it at the seashore, for example. Contact with water, sand, dust, or salt may result in a malfunction.

Maintenance

Remove this unit from the camera. Clean the flash with a dry soft cloth. If the flash has been in contact with sand, wiping will damage the surface, and it should therefore be cleaned gently using a blower. In the event of stubborn stains, use a cloth lightly dampened with a mild detergent solution, and then wipe the unit clean with a dry soft cloth. Never use strong solvents, such as thinner or benzine, as these damage the surface finish.
Additional Information 83

Specifications

Guide number Normal flash (ISO100) Manual flash/35mm-format
Power level 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Flash coverage setting (mm) 16* 17 11.9 8.4 5.9 4.2 3.29 20.8 14.7 10.4 7.4 5.31 21.8 15.4 10.9 7.7 5.36 25.1 17.8 12.6 8.9 6.42 29.6 20.9 14.8 10.5 7.48 34.2 24.2 17.1 12.1 8.58 41.0 29.0 20.5 14.5 10.3
* When the wide panel is attached.

APS-C format

Power level 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 Flash coverage setting (mm) 16* 17 11.9 8.4 5.9 4.2 3.31 21.8 15.4 10.9 7.7 5.36 25.1 17.8 12.6 8.9 6.42 29.6 20.9 14.8 10.5 7.48 34.2 24.2 17.1 12.1 8.52 36.8 26.0 18.4 13.0 9.58 41.0 29.0 20.5 14.5 10.3
HSS flat flash (ISO100) Manual flash/35mm-format
Shutter speed 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/8000 1/12000 Flash coverage setting (mm) 16* 6.7 4.7 3.3 2.4 1.7 1.2 0.11.8 8.4 5.9 4.2 3.0 2.1 1.12.9 9.1 6.4 4.6 3.2 2.3 1.14.8 10.5 7.4 5.2 3.7 2.6 1.17.3 12.2 8.6 6.1 4.3 3.1 2.19.5 13.8 9.8 6.9 4.9 3.5 2.22.4 15.9 11.2 7.9 5.6 4.0 2.8
Shutter speed 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 1/8000 1/12000 Flash coverage setting (mm) 16* 6.7 4.7 3.3 2.4 1.7 1.2 0.12.9 9.1 6.4 4.6 3.2 2.3 1.14.8 10.5 7.4 5.2 3.7 2.6 1.17.3 12.2 8.6 6.1 4.3 3.1 2.19.5 13.8 9.8 6.9 4.9 3.5 2.20.9 14.8 10.5 7.4 5.2 3.7 2.22.4 15.9 11.2 7.9 5.6 4.0 2.8

Frequency/Repetition

Alkaline Frequency (sec) Repetition (times) Approx. 0.1 - 5 Approx. 100 or more Nickel hydride (2500 mAh) Approx. 0.1 - 3 Approx. 200 or more
Repetition is the approximate number of times that are possible before a new battery is completely dead.
Continuous flash performance AF illuminator
Flash control Dimension (Approx.) Mass (Approx.) Power requirements Recommended batteries Included items
40 flashes at 5 flashes per second (Normal flash, light level 1/32, 105 mm, nickel-metal hydride battery) Autoflash at low contrast and low brightness Operating range (with a 50 mm lens attached to DSLRA700) Central area: 0.5 m to 10 m Peripheral areas : 0.5 m to 3 m Flash control using pre-flash, TTL direct metering W 77 H 147 D 106 mm (3 1/7/1/4 inches) 440 g (15.6 oz) (excluding the batteries) DC 6 V Four AA-size alkaline batteries Four AA-size rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries Flash unit (1), Mini-stand (1), Case (1), Set of printed documentation
Functions in these operating instructions depend on testing conditions at our firm. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademark

is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Printed on 70% or more recycled paper using VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)-free vegetable oil based ink.

Printed in Japan

HVL-F58AM
The Sony HVL-F58AM Flash Unit delivers flexible lighting control for (alpha) DSLR photographers. The innovative new Quick Shift Bounce system allows the flash to pivot 90 degrees left and right to maintain a proper lighting position, even when shooting vertically. The HVL-F58AM can also wirelessly control up to three groups of flashes, and Wireless Ratio Control allows users to specify luminosity ratios for each group. Additionally, the HVL-F58AM features an effective range of more than 45 feet (14.5m) and a fast, 5 second recharge time. A built-in wide panel and bounce sheet provide an even greater degree of creative control.
The HVL-F58AM Flash Unit is designed specifically for Sony (alpha) DSLR cameras. Delivers high-illumination output in a compact, lightweight body, with an effective range of more than 45 feet (14.5m) and guide number 58. (Guide number measures the illumination capability of the flash; the higher the number, the higher the light output. Tested at ISO100, 105mm). The innovative Quick Shift Bounce system allows the HVLF58AM to orbit 90 degrees left and right, allowing you to maintain horizontal light distribution even when shooting vertically. In addition to pivoting side-to-side, the flash unit can also tilt down 10 degrees or back 150 degrees, ensuring customers the lighting freedom they need to capture that perfect shot. Wireless Ratio Control allows customers to wirelessly control up to three groups of flashes, as well as specify the luminosity ratio for each group, so they can enjoy multiple-flash lighting techniques without the need for special equipment or tedious exposure settings. The HVL-F58AM Flash Unit recharges approximately 55% faster than the previous Sony entry-level accessory flash (HVLF56AM), so customers will be ready to catch the next great moment. And because it features a quiet recycle charge, theres no whine to distract them from their subject.
Auto White Balance compensation allows for more accurate white balance in flash photography sending color temperature information from the HVL-F58AM to the camera, where it is incorporated into the cameras white balance settings. Modeling light capability allows the HVL-F58AM to pulse, helping photographers determine where shadows will fall before taking the picture, so they can alter lighting or subject positioning as necessary. Stroboscopic lighting control lets the HVL-F58AM fire multiple times during a single exposure, allowing customers to capture stroboscopic images where moving subjects are frozen several times in the frame. solder is used for soldering. ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) metering enables the HVL-F58AM to work more effectively with lenses equipped with distance encoders -combining TTL (through-the-lens) flash metering with guide number control calculated automatically according to the distance to the subject, the ambient light and the pre-flash reflectivity of the subject. Conventional flashes only work well at shutter speeds from 1/125 to 1/250 of a second. The Sony HVL-F58AM Flash Unit provides High-Speed Synchronization mode that enables flash sync with shutter speeds from 1/500 to 1/4000 of a second to catch fastmoving subjects.

The HVL-F58AM automatically adjusts flash for focal-length settings from 24mm to 105mm -and a built-in, slide-out wideangle panel increases wide-angle coverage to 16mm. The HVL-F58AM features a slideout bounce sheet built into the flash head, and can be used in portraits and other bounced light shots to direct light at a subjects pupils to deliver more lively expression. The large, easy-to-see LCD display and intuitive button layout make it easy to configure the HVLF58AM for a variety of shooting needs. The HVL-F58AM comes with a mini-stand that can stand on its own or be mounted to a tripod or lighting stand for increased wireless freedom. Folds up for easy storage.
Change angles and keep shooting with Quick Shift Bounce

Specications

General
Material: Poly-carbonate plastic

Operating Conditions

Operating Temperature: (+32 to +104F (+0 to +40C) Storage Temperature: (-4 to +140F (-20 to +60C) Flash Effective Range: GN58 = up to 58 meters (190 ft) at ISO100 with 105mm lens Flash Mode(s): Control: Bounce angles: Upward - 90 degrees; Downward - minus 10 degrees;; Left/ Right (Front/Back) - 180 degrees Flash Modes: Automatic Light Control
Battery Type: AA Alkaline /AA NiMH - requires 4

Dimensions

Weight: 15.6 oz (440 g) Measurements: (WHD) 3-1/8 x 47/8 x 4-1/4" (77 x 147 x 106 mm)

Supplied Accessories

Case Mini Stand Color: Black UPC Code: 027242730250
As your subject moves you easily change positions to capture the action from different angles, you can take multiple vertical and horizontal photos far more quickly so theres less chance of missing your shot.
2008 Sony Electronics, Inc. Sony, the Sony logo, alpha, and the alpha symbol are trademarks of Sony.
Please visit the Dealer Network for more information at www.sony.com/dn Sony Electronics Inc. 16530 Via Esprillo San Diego, CA 92127 1.800.222.7669 www.sony.com Last Updated: 06/12/2008