Canon Macro Ring Flash / Macrolite
Overview: - Although Canon has designed many flash units of various power levels
and in their various form (shoe mount, bracket/handle flash) which were more specific
to normal picture taking situations, but when taking photographs at close-ups, ordinary
flash units usually performs miserably in getting proper exposures. A typical result
is they are simply too powerful and often overexpose (even at their lowest power
output settings). For close-up and macro photography, you can go for alternate Macro
Ring Lites ("lites" is a term Canon uses to distinguishing their own flash
units, others like Nikon termed their flash as "speedlights").
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The first series of these flash for macro photography is the Macro Ring Lite ML-1 set. It is an auto flash with two small flash heads located on either side of a mounting ring which attaches to the front of the lens. This typical design was used by most manufacturers back in those days (like the Olympus, Minoltas etc. but Nikon has quite a different concept those days ('70) with two types of flash designs, one with a circular ring flash (SM1/SM2) and a lens that has a built in auto flash for the Medical Nikkor). Anyway, the Canon ML-1 unit connects to the second part which is a small control box which mounts in the camera's flash shoe. The setup requires a separate power pack which can hold 8 x AA cells in either alkaline or NiCd. Ring Lite ML-1 does not offered TTL flash control but only limits to auto flash at its best and exposure calculation at close distance often requires user to compute exposure based on lens extension.
Canon Macrolite
ML-1 Set (Consists of Macrolite ML-11,
Wide Adaptor ML-11, Macrolite Adapters 55 and 52, Tightening Rings 55 and 52)
The Macrolite ML-1 was an electronic flash system designed especially for close-ups
with many older Canon cameras and lenses in the A and T series. It uses two symmetrical
flash tubes which may be fired simultaneously or individually to create different
effects. It also may be used with some lenses such as Canon FD 80-200 mm f/4 zoom
lens, with the FD 50 mm f/3.5 or FD 100 mm f /4 Macro lenses which is especially
useful in medical or dental photography.
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Technical Specification: - |
ML-1 Set was Canon's only offering
until debut of the Canon T90 where the system has upgraded the ML-1 with the newer
Macro Ring Lite ML-2. Appearance of the ML-2 has changed the form from the earlier
twin lights one a side design to a circular ring light design. It comes with a round
front section which attaches to the lens and contains two arc-shaped flash tubes.
It also comes with a separate battery storage as well as control module which mounts
onto the camera's hot-shoe. However, one big difference between the ML-1 and ML2
is, the latter provides full TTL flash control for easy close-ups at any magnification.
However, since the Canon T90 was the only Canon SLR camera with the A & T series
models that capable of providing TTL flash exposure control, the ML-2 set was more
like tailored for the T90 although it is usable with other Canon SLRs in auto/manual
flash control for macro-photography.
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Credit: Images courtesy of AMR camera & photographic ® who also operates a popular Ebay Store, trading many new and used photographic equipment. All images appeared herein are Copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.
Canon Macro Ring
Lite ML-2 Set
(Consists of Macro Ring Lite ML-2, Macrolite Adaptor 52B, Tightening Ring 52)
The Macro Ring Lite ML-2 is an automatic, TTL flash unit for close-up photography.
On its right and left sides are separate flash tubes, which can be fired together
or independently for extra lighting versatility. The ML-2 is also equipped with both
a low-intensity focusing lamp, for focusing in the dark, and a modeling light, to
check where shadow will fall.
Technical Specification: -
Type: Energy-saving flash unit with TTL series control circuit, Clip-on type
with direct contacts and lock.
Guide Numbers: (ISO 100, feet) 36 in Manual Hi mode; 18 in Manual Lo mode.
Flash Control System: TTL control system: i.e., the sensor inside the camera
body measures the light which passes through the lens and which is reflected from
the film plane. When the subject has received the proper amount of I light, the flash
output is automatically cut off. Fill-in flash is possible.
Pilot Lamp (red): Glows when flash is sufficiently charged. As soon
as it glows, the camera automatically switches to flash circuit. Starts blinking
when flash is fully charged. Also serves as the modeling light.
Auto Check Lamp (green): Glows for approx. 2 sec. after actual firing of flash when
subject is correctly exposed in the TTL AUTO mode.
Focusing Lamp: By pressing the focusing lamp, two small lamps between the
two main flash tubes light up for approx. 30 sec.
Modeling Light: By pressing the pilot lamp, the two main flash tubes flash on
and off for approx. 5 sec. Only one tube can be flashed on and off by illumination
changeover switch.
Flash Head: Two main flash tubes are used on left and right sides. One tube flash
is possible by illumination changeover switch. Attached to lens by lens filter thread
or through exclusive adapters.
Save-Energy Function: Operates by setting the main switch to "SE" position.
When the main switch is left ON and the flash is not used for approx. 5 minutes,
power to the flash unit is automatically cut off.
Film Speed: Film speed set on the T90 is automatically transmitted to flash.
Power Source: 4 x "AA" size Alkaline or Ni-Cd batteries
Dimensions: Control Unit - 2-15/16 x 2-3/8 x 4-3/16 in. Flash Unit
- 4 x4-3/4 x 13/16 in.
Weight: Control Unit - 8-5/16 oz. Flash Unit - 4-9/16 oz.
Download:- Instruction Manual for Canon ML-2 Macrolite, courtesy of Christian Rollinger
When Canon diverted the FD system to the EOS, the ringlight has also been upgraded as Macro Ring Lite ML-3. Physically the Canon macro flash upgrade looks similar to earlier model, but it was now designed to accept adapter for mounting it onto EOS lenses. Although specifically designed for the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Mac and EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lenses can be used with some other EF lenses for lesser magnifications.
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Macro Ring Lite ML-3 Set |
Multiple flash is also possible with combination of Speedlite 480EG, 420EZ, 430EZ, 300EZ or 540 EZ. However, A-TTL is not always working, normal TTL is safer. The number of connecting cord must be within a combined length less than 29ft.
Technical Specification:-
Type: Automatic, ringlight flash with TTL metering capability, thyristor-type
circuitry. Special lens-mounted automatic electronic flash system for close-up photography
Construction: Two-part construction consisting of flash unit (two lamps) and
control unit with built-in power source
Guide Number: (ISO 100, feet) 36 or 11 (in metre)
Film Speed:- ISO 6-6400 auto set according to camera settings
Recycling Time: (with both flash heads) 0.2-13 seconds w/alkaline batteries,
0.2-6 seconds w/Ni-Cd batteries
Number of Flashes: (TTL Auto Mode) approx. 100-1000 w/alkaline batteries, more
than approx. 45-450 w/Ni-Cd batteries
Flash Duration: 1.5ms or less
Auto Aperture:- read above
Pilot Lamp: (red) Glows when flash is sufficiently charged
Focusing Lamp: When focusing lamp switch is depressed, two small lamps glow for
approx. 20 seconds
Auto Check Lamp: (green) Glows for approx. 2 seconds after firing of flash to verify
correct auto/TTL exposure
Auto Bounce:- No
Flash Coverage: 80 degrees (when used for non-macro illumination, for 35mm format
covers angle of view of 28mm lens); Compact-Macro EF 50mm f/2.5 with EOS Cameras;
Canon FD 50mm f/3.5 Macro; Canon FD 100 mm f/4 Macro; Canon FD 200mm f/4 Macro
Flash Control System: TTL off the film plane with compatible cameras. Provided
with auto flash adjustment system when using fill-in flash.
Working distance/Flash coupling Range: - approx. 20mm to 4m from front of
flash elements
Flash Head: - Two main flash tubes on left and right hand side. One tube is possible
by illumination changeover switch.
Energy Saving: - 5 minutes auto off
Color Temperature: Daylight
Power Source: Four "AA" alkaline or NiCd batteries
Dimensions (WXHXD): Control Unit: 215/16'X23/8' X43/16" (74X60.5X106.5mm)
Flash Unit: 43/,6'x47/,"X'5/,,* (106X123X24.5mm)
Weight: Control Unit: 77 oz. (225g) (without batteries) Flash Unit:
47 oz. (140g)
Download:- Instruction Manual for Canon ML-3 Macrolite, courtesy of Christian Rollinger
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Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX |
Transistor Pack E Set *Battery magazine
Pre-shoot preparation of several magazines stocked with new batteries ensures hassle
free in long session flash photography when a large number of shots are to be taken.
Consists of Battery Magazine TP and Connecting Code ET, and holds six A-size batteries.
Transistor Pack E Set *Ni-Cd pack This set consists of a more cost
efficient rechargeable Ni-Cd pack TP, Ni-Cd charger TP and Connecting Code ET. Recharging
takes approximately 15 hours.
Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 This pocket-size, lightweight external battery
holds six AA batteries and has a convenient tripod socket. This is useful when shooting
at remote places when other options of power source is not easily accessible.
Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX w/E-TTL
The Macro Twin Lite is different from the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX as it uses a twin heads design, something like the first generation Canon ML-1 (top of this page). Except the flash head is moveable and in terms of performance and capabilities, it makes a world of difference. I am not sure why is the change but probably Canon thinks they need to provide users with an alternative rather than a flat evenly distributed flash light for serious close-up, nature, and macro photography as twin heads may able able to permit user with a control over light ratio for modeling light and other TTL flash manipulation of visual effect.
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The two separate flash heads can be swiveled around the lens, can be aimed separately, and even removed from their holder and mounted off-camera. It is a fully workable E-TTL compatible flash and works with all EOS bodies - except for which types of flash function the respective EOS camera can perform; for an example, when using with the Canon EOS-1N, only A-TTL or normal TTL is offer, with the EOS-1V or digital SLRs, E-TTL is enabled and even allows Wireless E-TTL flash control with one or more 550EX and/or 420EX "slave units". It also provides easy ratio control of each flash head's output, over a six-stop range. Further, it even has 9 custom function which expands the capabilities in many aspects during setup and shooting. |
Features/Highlights: -
Twin-head macro flash unit, for directional lighting in close-up photography with
full E-TTL automatic flash control. Each head can be rotated around lens in an 80°
arc, swiveled inward or outward over a 90° arc, and swiveled up and down over
a 90° arc. Each head is removable, and has both a standard shoe-mount and 1/4-20
female tripod socket at the base to facilitate mounting off-camera. Powerful guide
number (72 ft/22m) allows smaller apertures and greater depth-of-field when necessary.
Full E-TTL automatic flash control with compatible EOS bodies E-TTL features include
FE Lock, FP (high-speed) sync, ratio control of A:B flash heads over a six-stop range,
and Wireless E-TTL control of off-camera 550EX and/or 420EX Slave Units. Incandescent
focusing lamps, and two different types of 1-second modeling flash allow easy focusing
and previewing of lighting effects. Mounts directly onto Canon EF Macro lenses: EF
50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro, EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, and MP-E
65mm f/2.8 1 5x Macrophoto. Attaches with accessory ring Macro Lite Adapter 72C to
EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro.
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Technical Specification for Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX in brief: - |
Remarks: -E-TTL controls: Flash +/- exposure
compensation, Flash Exposure Bracketing, FE Lock, FP sync, and Ratio Control of left:right
(A:B) flash tubes over a 6-stop range (8:1 1:8 lighting ratios), and Wireless E-TTL
with off-camera 550EX and/or 420EX Slave Units; Setting Method: Illuminated LCD panel
on Controller Unit (similar to 550EX Speedlite)
Manual flash exposure mode: Variable from full (1/1) 1/64 power; Ratio Control
of left:right (A:B) flash tubes from 1/1 to 1/64 power is possible
Custom Functions: Nine Custom Functions on MT-24EX, in addition to any in
camera); set on MT-24EX Controller LCD panel.
Modeling Flash: One-second burst at 70Hz in E-TTL or Manual flash modes, showing
ratios With C.Fn 4-1 (on MT-24EX), uniform one-second burst at 70Hz with any EOS
body by pressing Controller Unit's test button
Relative: -Canon Macro photography lenses: Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact MACRO with Life Size Converter EF | EF 100mm f/2.8 MACRO | EF 180mm f/3.5L MACRO | MP-E65mm f/28 MACRO Photo Lense
Relative: - Canon FD Macro Lenses 20mm 35mm 50mm 100mm 200mm or older S.S.C. range of macro lenses + Main Index Page on Canon FD lens Resources
Selective Canon TTL Flash Models:- 160E
| 200E | 300EZ
| 300TL
| 420EZ
| 430 EZ
| 480EG | 540EZ
| Macrolites | Other non-TTL Canon flash models
Flash Photography:- Part
1 | 2
| 3 | 4 - Canon
540EZ site
Suggestive weblink:- Canon Flash Resources at Photonotes.org or Bob Atkin Flash FAQ section
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