DiMAGE Z3 with Maxxum 2500 Program Flash

[Linda Bowers]

I sent a question in to Minolta, and I have not heard back from them yet. Can anyone help a newbie like me? Below are the questions I have for using the 2500 Flash with my DiMAGE Z3 camera.


FirstName:

Linda


LastName:

Bowers


Email:

[email protected]


Question:

I purchased a Minolta DiMAGE Z3 camera in November 2004. I was unhappy with the built in flash range of the camera, so I purchased a Minolta Maxxum Program Flash 2500D. I need some help with using the flash. The instruction manual does not have instructions for the Z3 model. I am a beginner when it comes to photography. I need to know the following things: 1. One of the buttons on the back of the flash is labeled ADI and TTL. I am assuming TTL means through the lens. What is the ADI button for? Which setting do I use for the Z3 -- ADI, TTL or both?? 2. For what settings on the camera can I use the flash with -- Automatic, Portrait, Sports Action, Landscape, Sunset, Night time, Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Program?? 3. Which flash modes can I use with 2500D -- Auto, Auto Red Eye, Fill Flash, Slow Sync.?? I would appreciate any help and advice you can give me since this is all so new to me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[KM_krazy]

Linda Bowers wrote:

I sent a question in to Minolta, and I have not heard back from them yet. Can anyone help a newbie like me? Below are the questions I have for using the 2500 Flash with my DiMAGE Z3 camera.


FirstName:

Linda


LastName:

Bowers


Email:

[email protected]


Question:

I purchased a Minolta DiMAGE Z3 camera in November 2004. I was unhappy with the built in flash range of the camera, so I purchased a Minolta Maxxum Program Flash 2500D. I need some help with using the flash. The instruction manual does not have instructions for the Z3 model. I am a beginner when it comes to photography. I need to know the following things: 1. One of the buttons on the back of the flash is labeled ADI and TTL. I am assuming TTL means through the lens. What is the ADI button for? Which setting do I use for the Z3 -- ADI, TTL or both?? 2. For what settings on the camera can I use the flash with -- Automatic, Portrait, Sports Action, Landscape, Sunset, Night time, Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Program?? 3. Which flash modes can I use with 2500D -- Auto, Auto Red Eye, Fill Flash, Slow Sync.?? I would appreciate any help and advice you can give me since this is all so new to me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

ADI is Minolta's. . .advanced distance. . .something :P
I THINK (I don't have a z3) that you can use your flash in just about any mode. . .as far as I know anyway.
hope that helps,
Max

[hfc1]

Disclaimer: I don't have the Z3 and 2500D. I had an A1 and 3600HSD for a short time and am considering between Z3 and A200 now.

Regarding ADI:
When used in combination with Minolta's D series lenses and Advanced Distance Integration (ADI) compatible camera bodies such as the Maxxum 4, Maxxum 5 and Maxxum 7, (in this case the Z3) the new Minolta Program/Maxxum Flash 2500 (D) uses the sophisticated ADI metering system for controlling flash exposures. With conventional flash metering, dark or highly reflective subjects can deceive the metering system and cause over or underexposure. To reduce influence from subject or background reflectance, ADI metering uses distance information from Minolta D series lenses (in this case the Dimage) with TTL (through the lens) metering to control the flash output.

Regarding what modes you can use:
Page 43 of the camera manual says you can use auto flash with Auto, DSP, and Program. You can't and don't need red-eye reduction.

I beleive the 3600, and may be 2500, doesn't have onboard sensor so it can't use the A, or S mode.

[Michael R. Habel]

Does anyone know if the 2500D Program Flash has a Focus Assist Lamp on it? If so is it compatible with the Dimage Z's???:?So far as I know it does not. bad Minolta!!!



I don't know what kind of budget your on hfc1, but I'd go for the A2 or even the A200 over the z3 every time. Thing is the z3 is like what €300.00(EUR), the A200 is about twice as much. I'd say if I were you I'dforget about the z3 and it's over hyped Anti-Shake, and look more closely at the z2. Why?!?! Well, for starters there's a hacked Firmware for the z2 that will let you shoot in RAW mode. Imagine no more Immage noise, and for half the price of the A2 / A200. Ok so your sacrficeing the Anti Shake Tech big deal!!! I only wished I knew about that one beforeI bought my z1 though...

[hfc1]

One important improvement to me is the elimination of the LCD view switcher from Z2 to Z3. I saw a Z2 at a retail store and the view switcher was stuck.