User's Manual

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Multiple mechanical systems – cameras that have many changeable mechanically
interacting parts (film backs, motor drives, lens shutters) are likely to have different
lag times with different hardware combinations. A leaf shutter is in the lens so
changing lenses on a leaf shutter camera will change lag time. In some medium
format cameras having the film back loaded versus unloaded can make a significant
difference. For consistent results always use the same components (lens, body, and
film back combination for example) each time
Auto-focus and exposure computers – some auto-focus and exposure systems will
introduce widely varying lag times as lens travel and exposure calculations can take
unpredictable amounts of time. An electronic camera set to full manual generally
provides the most consistent lag times
Lag Time Measurement – /MENU A A C L (RECEIVE units only)
The first step to camera synchronization or equalization is measuring a camera’s lag time
(triggering delay). The MultiMAX can measure a camera’s lag time in most delay modes.
Knowing your camera’s lag time is critical for camera equalization, but can also be useful in
special effects, industrial, commercial, or other photography that requires critical trigger timing.
Using the information above set up your camera for best equalization performance. Attach
a MultiMAX (set for RECEIVE mode) to the camera as follows:
1. Place a MultiMAX in the camera’s hot shoe or attach a cable from the camera’s PC
terminal to PORT 1
2. Attach the cable from PORT 2 to the camera’s motor drive. If available, use a
Pre-Release cable
3. Press /MENU A A C for a standard delay mode where lag times can be measured
4. The screen should display “Set Delay Using A B C D L ▲▼ “ and show a numeric
value. Press TEST. The unit will trigger the camera and time the delay until a sync
pulse is sensed from the hot shoe or lens
5. Press TEST every few seconds to find the fastest and slowest lag times for the
camera. Usually the first press of TEST will yield a very different number from later
measurements. Ignore the first reading. 5 to 15 lag time measurements after the first
one should yield consistent results and give a gauge of the fastest and slowest times
6. Using steps 1 through 5, measure and record the fastest and slowest lag times for
each camera you wish to equalize. Subtract the fastest from the slowest and record
this number as the camera’s lag time variation
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