This tutorial shows the basic set up for wireless flash with the α 7 series.
We are using the HVL-F20M as a control flash and the HVL-F60M as remote flash.
First, mount the control flash firmly and tighten the lock ring.
A symbol will show up, indicating the camera has recognised the flash.
There are two ways to set the flashes into wireless mode.
You can switch it on directly on the flash itself.
Your remote flash must read “remote”, not “control”.
Alternatively, the mode can be set in the camera’s menu.
When using the HVL-F20M, make sure your remote flash is set to channel 1.
Once the remote flash is set, a red light is flashing to indicate the wireless mode.
Press the AEL button to check if both flash units are communicating.
If so, the flashes will fire and the HVL-F60M will make a beeping sound.
The mini stand that comes with the flash features a tripod thread,
so you can use it with your studio equipment.
Now we will show you some examples of how different flash positions affect the image.
First, full frontal flash, creating harsh shadows and flat illumination.
With the flash coming from above, the puppet appears more 3-dimensional.
Lighting from the back, the puppet appears in a dramatic image.
Even with this basic set up, you can already achieve some elaborate and creative lighting.
Flash ratio is the more advanced version of the wireless flash usage.
The control flash not only triggers the remote flashes, but also illuminates the subject at a given ratio.
You can set the the flash ratio using the control flash's menu.
For the basic wireless, you can use a variety of flashes as controller, including built-in flashes of A-Mount cameras.
For the wireless flash ratio, you need external flashes for example the HVL-F60M.
We use the F60M as control flash and the F43M and another F60M as remote flashes.
Insert the flash all the way and make sure to lock the flash with the lever.
After the camera recognises the flash, an icon appears on the camera.
You need to put the flash into “wireless control+” mode.
Via the Fn button you can choose between TTL ratio and manual ratio.
The next step is to put our two remote flashes into the remote setting.
To do so, press the mode button and select “Wireless Remote.”
Alternativley, you can press the Fn button to access the quick navi and select the wireless indicator.
Make sure all flashes are using the same channel.
One flash is set to “remote 1” and the other is set to ”remote 2.”
You can even allocate multiple flashes in one group.
Up to three groups are supported.
Place the camera and flashes within a one to five meter radius of the subject.
You can test the communication by pressing the AEL button.
The control flash emanates a test flash,which is answered by the remote flashes.
Communication will work even if there is no line of sight, but when the signals can bounce off walls.
By pressing the Fn button on the control flash, you can access the control display.
Use the up and down arrows to adjust the ratio. From dash - no light - to sixteen.
Here are some examples of how different flash ratios affect the picture.
The left number indicates the relative output from the control flash.
The centre and the right number from the remote flashes.