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Equalization Adjustments
With all the variable factors above it may seem that performing the math necessary for
equalization is daunting. Here are some techniques for fine- tuning or adjusting
equalization times without using specific math:
On some 35mm cameras you can gauge timing without using film. If your camera
allows triggering with the film back open you can verify synchronization visually.
1. Perform the steps above to get basic equalization started
2. Point the flash at a blank wall
3. On the camera NOT attached to the flash, set the shutter speed to 1/60
4. Open that camera’s back
5. Point the camera at the same wall as the flash
6. As the camera and flash are being triggered look through the shutter plane
through the lens at the light from the flash hitting the wall. CAUTION: MAKE
SURE the flash is set to a comfortable level for your eyes!
7. Note the shape of the light burst. If it is a perfect bright circle then the camera is
in sync. If the circle is dark or has a hard line running along one edge then the
camera is not in sync. The hard line is the shutter in motion while the flash is
still generating light
8. Adjust the shutter speed up or down until you see a perfect circle
ë The delay time setting screen is instantly active. While in numeric entry mode
you can adjust the delay up or down and the displayed value will be executed on the
next trigger. Using the “through-the-back” method above or by shooting film, Polaroid,
or digital you can adjust the delay and view the results to more suit your specific
camera’s timings.
The mathematical formulas used thus far are designed for equalizing at 1/125. The
final offset number (0.0025 for example) may need to be adjusted when attempting to
equalize at faster shutter speeds or slower ones with wide lag variation cameras. The
offset number tries to move the flash burst to the middle of the exposure to
compensate for drifting lag time. Experiment with different offsets to fine tune your
shutter speed, flash duration, and camera timing combinations. Too long or short of
an offset and you limit a camera’s ability to get the exposure if the lag drifts, even by a
small amount.
ë Visit http://www.pocketwizard.com/
for more information on camera specific
equalization techniques. As more information becomes available it will be posted
there.