Minolta is pleased to introduce the Program Flash 5600HS(D); a high-powered and functional external flash unit designed for its AF SLRs. This new model provides a remarkable flash output performance in a compact body, highly reliable exposure precision, versatile remote flash photography, and superior operation which supports creative flash photography.
The 5600HS(D) provides remarkable flash output with the maximum guide number of 56 (at ISO100, in meters) in a compact body. Flash coverage is available from 24mm to 85mm focal lengths, and further extends to the 17mm focal length with a built-in wide-angle adapter. The 5600HS(D) assures highly reliable metering accuracy with the ADI (Advanced Distance Integration) flash metering in combination with Minolta's new lenses with distance encoder and the Dynax 7. It also supports versatile remote flash photography with Wireless/Remote High-speed Sync when the 5600HS(D) is used as an off-camera flash of the Dynax 7. The AF illuminator covers the Dynax 7's 9-point sensors in the wide focus area. Furthermore, the flash head tilts 10° downward for close-up photography.
Other high-performance features include High-speed Sync, Manual Flash Control, Multiple Flash, Wireless/Remote Off-camera Flash, Ratio Flash, and Modeling Flash. The five Custom Functions let the photographers customize operation to their specific needs. Finally, the new, slim and portable External Battery Pack EP-2, and existing EP-1 are optionally available for extended sessions.
Minolta is assured that the Program Flash 5600HS(D) will expand the horizon of flash photography.
Remarkable Output in a Compact Body
The 5600HS(D) provides a maximum guide number of 56 (in meters, ISO
100) with sufficient power to photograph subjects of 40m away (using the
AF 85mm f/1.4 G(D) with 85mm). In addition to auto power zoom with flash
coverage from 24mm to 85mm focal lengths, the 5600HS(D) incorporates
a built-in wide angle adapter to extend the coverage to the 17mm focal length.
Despite the powerful output, the flash head is made compact for better handling
comfort because it adopts a new zooming method that only moves the xenon
tube and the side reflector flaps. As a result, the volume of the flash
head is 20% smaller compared with that of the 5400HS.
New ADI Flash Metering (DiMAGE 7, 7i, 5)
When the 5600HS(D) is combined with Minolta's new AF lenses with
distance encoder and the Dynax 7, it offers newly developed ADI (Advanced
Distance Integration) flash metering. The ADI flash metering incorporates
guide number control in Minolta's superior TTL 4-segment flash metering,
further enhancing flash metering performance. With the ADI flash metering,
precise exposure is available virtually regardless of the background conditions
or the subject reflectance. The 5600HS(D) fires a pre-flash, the
returned reflection from the subject is interpreted by the 14-segment Honeycomb-Pattern
cell, and the data is factored in the calculation of final flash output,
further enhancing the precision in flash photography.
New Wireless/Remote High-Speed Sync
When combined with the Dynax 7, the 5600HS(D) provides Wireless/Remote
High-speed Sync. This newly developed function automatically allows a shutter
speed far beyond the limit of conventional sync speed in wireless/remote flash
photography. With it, the photographers can take the full advantage of a large-aperture
lens with a shallow depth of field in daylight photography while enjoying the
freedom to create unique and exciting images without usual tangle of accessory
cords or connectors.
Superior Operation
Rotating Flash Head
In addition to the bounce flash capability which rotates its flash head up to
90°vertically, 90° clockwise, or 180° counter clockwise, the 5600HS(D)
additionally tilts its head by 10° downwards for close-up photography. The flash
head locks at 0° and the data panel shows the bounce indicator whenever the
head is off the 0° position.
Hold Switch
The 5600HS(D) offers a function to prevent the current flash settings
from being accidentally changed. Turning the hold switch on the unit only
accepts test firing and data panel illumination while locking other flash
settings.
EL Lighting
The EL (electroluminiscent) data panel provides uniform lighting to ease
photographing in the dark.
Low-Battery Indicator
A low-battery indicator appears in the data panel when the remaining battery
power is low.
High-Speed Sync
The 5600HS(D) allows fully automatic flash sync with speeds all the way
up to 1/12000 seconds. With High-speed Sync, the photographers can take the
full advantage of a large-aperture lens with a shallow depth of field in daylight
flash photography.
Manual Flash Control
Manual Flash Control lets the photographers manually control the flash output
by selecting the aperture in the camera's M (Manual) mode. The exposure
depends on the lens aperture and subject distance. Combining the Manual
Flash Control with the six Power Level options gives the photographers more
freedom to control the flash output.
Multiple Flash
In Multiple Flash, the 5600HS(D) fires a stroboscopic sequence during
a single exposure. The photographers can select the flash frequency and
total number of flashes in the series to obtain special effects or produce
motion studies.
Wireless/Remote Off-Camera Flash (only DiMAGE 7i)
The 5600HS(D) provides the photographers with the ability to explore
the flexibility of wireless/remote flash. It offers freedom to create unique
and exciting images without usual tangle of accessory cords or connectors.
Ratio Flash
In Ratio Flash, the proportion of flash output can be controlled between
two or more devises. For example, the 5600HS(D) can be connected
with up to three additional 5600HS(D) or other dedicated flash units
with Ratio Flash capability, with the controlled flash output to produce
a 1:2 or 2:1 lighting ratio.
Modeling Flash
Modeling Flash enables the photographers to preview the effect that flash
position will have on the final image and remove unwanted or distracting
shadows before the exposure is made.
Custom Functions
The following five Custom Functions let the photographers customize operation
to their specific needs:
Power Sources
The 5600HS(D) is powered by four AA-size batteries, alkaline, Ni-MH,
or lithium. For extended sessions, additional power source is optionally
available from the slim and portable External Battery Pack EP-2, which
accepts six AA-size batteries. The 5600HS(D) can also be used with
the existing EP-1, which accepts six C-size batteries, providing shorter
recycling time.
