User Manual

lag times if triggered while awake versus asleep. Cameras usually have more consistent
lag times if they are kept awake or Pre- Triggered. The camera will also respond more
quickly, but will consume batteries at a faster rate. Pre-Trigger cables are available from
PocketWizard for many cameras
- Camera batteries Ð lag times may begin to drift or slow down as the camera’s
batteries fade, especially in primarily mechanical cameras. Fresh batteries are
recommended for equalization
- Temperature and humidity Ð as these factors change, the mechanical parts of a
camera may move differently thus affecting lag time. A temperature increase may
decrease lag time as the camera’s internal lubricants are warmed and flow more freely
or vice versa
- Horizontal vs vertical orientation Ð as a camera is moved through these orientations
various mechanisms, especially shutters in focal plane cameras, will be affected
by gravity making them move differently thus affecting lag time. In general, do not
change a camera’s orientation during equalization
- Multiple mechanical systems Ð 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 Ð 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 Ð */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 II 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 II (set for RECEIVE mode) to the camera as follows:
1. Place a MultiMAX II in the camera’s hot shoe or attach a cable from the camera’s PC
terminal to PORT
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