Polaroid PL144-AZ User manual

Brand: Polaroid

Model: PL144-AZ

Category: Camera flashes

Type: User manual

Introduction

Your Polaroid flash is designed to give today’s digital photographer a new level of control and creativity. Thanks to its sophisticated technology it will seamlessly integrate with the latest

digital cameras as well as many older ones. This means you’ll be able to “focus” on creativity, secure in the knowledge that your Polaroid flash has the features and flexibility to “make

light” of even the most demanding of situations and environments.

To make sure you get the most out of your flash, please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with its operation by reading this manual.

…And thank you for trusting the Polaroid brand for your pictures!

USER GUIDE FOR

POLAROID

PL144-AZ FLASH UNIT

A) LOADING THE BATTERIES

1 Make sure the power switch is at the "OFF" position

2 Slide the battery compartment cover forward so it swings open

3 Insert batteries following the "+/-" markings inside the compartment (for best results,

use fully charged batteries or fresh alkaline batteries, mixing old and new batteries may

affect operation)

4 Close the compartment cover and slide it back so it locks in place

B) MOUNTING YOUR POLAROID FLASH ON YOUR CAMERA

1A FOR SONY CAMERAS, hold the flash so the display is facing you, then press the

locking button on the bottom of flash’s mounting shoe and slide it forward into your

camera’s accessory shoe (while holding down the button), once its in place, release

the locking button to lock the flash into the accessory shoe

1B FOR CANON, NIKON, PENTAX, OLYMPUS, & PANASONIC CAMERAS, insert the

mounting foot of the flash into camera accessory shoe and press "LOCK" to lock the

flash in place

2 After the flash is properly positioned in the camera’s accessory shoe, tighten the

locking ring by turning it to the left until it no longer turns easily and the flash feels

firmly mounted.

3 Slide the power switch to the “ON” position

C) TESTING YOUR POLAROID FLASH

As with any high performance technology product, it’s always a smart idea to make sure your

Polaroid flash is in optimal working order before using it. To do so, follow these three simple steps:

1 Turn on the unit by sliding the power switch to the “ON” position

2 Wait about 3 to 5 seconds for the “READY/TEST” light to illuminate. Once it does, it

means your flash is ready for use.

3 Press the “READY/TEST” button which will cause the flash to fire and confirm your flash

is ready for use.

CONGRATULATIONS, You’re Now Ready To Begin Shooting!

NOTE: : When you turn on your flash you should hear a high pitched ‘whistling’ sound for about

3 to 5 seconds as well as a slight gear-like sound. These are the sounds of the flash charging up

and its auto-zoom control engaging with the flash head—both these sounds are normal and no cause

for concern.

D) REMOVING YOUR POLAROID FLASH FROM YOUR CAMERA

1 Slide the power switch on the flash to the “OFF” position

2A FOR SONY CAMERAS: With the front of the flash away from you press and hold down the lock

button on the flash’s mounting shoe while gently pulling the flash towards you until its out of the

camera’s accessory shoe

2B FOR CANON, NIKON, PENTAX, OLYMPUS & PANASONIC CAMERAS: Press both sides of

the Lock/Release button towards the directions as indicated then pull the flash off backward

3 Once you can no longer easily turn the locking ring, remove the flash from your camera’s

accessory shoe by carefully sliding it towards you

NOTE: Always make sure your flash is off before you insert or remove it from your camera

E) USING YOUR POLAROID FLASH

1 SHOOTING IN FULL-AUTO MODE

Because your flash is designed for seamless fully automatic integration with your Canon, Nikon, Sony,

Olympus, Panasonic, or Pentax digital camera, taking great flash photos is as simple as pressing your

flash’s “MODE” button until “TTL” is visible on the display—as this indicates your camera will

automatically be controlling key flash features like sync speed (which varies by model), and Through The

Lens (TTL) functions including, Zoom, Auto-focus (AF) and light metering—much like it would for a

built-in flash. To override this fully automated “Pre-Programmed” operation simply select another one of

your camera’s shooting modes e.g.; Manual, Aperture or Shutter Priority, etc.

Once you choose your shooting mode simply depress the shutter release button at which point the

advanced TTL sensing technology in your flash will calculate the ideal amount of light needed for picture

perfect results.

After your picture has been taken, the "OK" symbol on the display will blink quickly to confirm

correct exposure.

2 SHOOTING IN MANUAL MODE

Because it fires the flash at full power (Guide No. 45 (ISO 100/m)), the “Manual” setting is ideal for use

when photographing distant objects as well as sporting events and large groups or areas where

maximum lighting coverage is needed. To use “Manual Mode” simply press the “Mode” button until

the display displays an “M”. To see the optimal flash to subject distance in the display simply fire

the flash.

If you’d like to use your flash at less than full power, simply tap the “Mode” key lightly (while staying in

“Manual” mode) as this lets you choose from five pre-set power levels including 1/1,1/2,1/4,1/8

and 1/16th

F) SPECIAL FEATURES—Designed To Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Polaroid Flash!

1 AUTO-FOCUS "AF" ASSIST

Designed to assist your camera’s auto focus system in low

light situations by projecting a beam of red light on your

subject. To activate this handy feature, press lightly on

your camera’s shutter release.

2 AUTO/POWER ZOOM

Your Polaroid flash is equipped with a unique Auto/Power zoom feature

which will automatically “Zoom” the flash in conjunction with the focal

length setting of your zoom lens.

When this feature is engaged (by gently pressing the shutter

halfway) the flash will automatically adjust from its 35mm default

setting to reflect the focal length your zoom lens is set to. This will

be indicated in your flash’s LCD which will automatically indicate the

following focal lengths 24,28,35,50, 70 & 80mm.

NOTE: Whenever your flash head is not directly facing the subject

(e.g. when it’s in bounce or zoom modes) the setting defaults to the

equivalent of a 50mm focal length.

3 MANUAL ZOOM

Because your Polaroid flash is designed to deliver the most creative

options possible, you can override the auto zoom by simply pressing

the “ZOOM” key on the flash and choosing from one of the six

preset focal lengths which will be indicated on the display

4 BOUNCE, SWIVEL & EFFECT LENSES

Your Polaroid flash offers numerous built-in features to creatively enhance your pictures as well as

eliminate the sometimes harsh unflattering lighting created by “Head-On” flash photographs

A) Bounce Flash: To bounce the flash, simply tilt the head from

its “normal” 90° angle to any of the preset increments up

to 180°. For best results bounce should be used in areas

with lightly colored ceilings of normal height

B) Swivel Flash: The ability to rotate the flash clockwise or

counter clockwise makes it Ideal for creating dramatic

effects and highlights

C) Reflection and Diffusion Lenses: These indispensable parts of any pro’s arsenal are

conveniently “built into” your flash and slide over the flash head whenever you need to

create or enhance a mood

5 REMOTE AUTO SLAVE MODE

Thanks to its built in wireless sensor, your Polaroid flash can also be used as a remote slave unit by simply

sliding the “Slave” mode switch to the “S” position. When in “Slave” mode the flash fires at full (1:1) power

every time it senses another flash firing. To adjust the power output (e.g.: When shooting in situations

requiring multiple slave units) lightly tap the “Mode” key as you would during normal “Manual” shooting.

6 SLEEP MODE

To conserve power and extend battery life your Polaroid flash is designed to automatically go into “Sleep”

mode 3 minutes after the last time it was fired or powered “On”. When in “Sleep” mode, the display will

indicate an “OFF” message. To take it out of “Sleep” mode simply press any of the buttons under the

display and begin shooting. Despite the fact “Sleep” mode will conserve power, always turn off your flash

when you’re done using it.

7 FRONT AND REAR CURTAIN SYNCHRONIZATION

While your Polaroid flash supports front and rear curtain synchronization. This is usually controlled through

your camera. When Rear Curtain Sync is selected, the flash fires right before the camera’s rear curtain

closes, when used in conjunction with a slow shutter speed the result is streaming light trails behind the

subject. Before selecting Front or Rear Mode please check your camera’s manual

GETTING STARTED

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR POLAROID FLASH

Type PE

Type N, OP, S

Type C

1. LC Display

2. Auto Check Indicator

3. Mode Indicator

4. Beeper Indicator

5. Power Level Setting

6. Flash Range Distance Bar

7. Power Off Indicator

8. Zoom Position

9. Film Speed Indicator

10. F-Stop Indicator

11. Mode Selector

12. Film Speed Selector

13. F/Stop Selector

14. Beeper on/off

15. Zoom Selector

16. Back Light

17. Ready / Test

18. Power ON/OFF Switch

19. Slave Mode Switch

20. Auto OK

21. Mode Indicator (N only)

Type S

Mounting

foot

Slave sensor

Flash head

Reflecting

plate

Mounting Foot

Diffuser

AF Red Light

Battery

compartment

cover

NOTE: Your flash includes a reflecting plate and diffuser—both of which are

conveniently housed in the unit . To use, simply slide them out.

Specifications*

Guide Number (ISO 100):

Motor zooming reflector:

Power Source:

Flash Duration:

Recycling Time:

Number of Flashes:

Color Temperature:

Dimensions:

Net Weight:

45(m)/148(ft) at 85mm position

24-28-35-50-70-85mm

4x 1.5V AA size alkaline batteries

1/1,000-1/20,000 second

0.5 - 9 seconds

80 times with fresh alkaline batteries

Daylight

Approx. 72 x 100 x 125 mm

Approx.270 grams (w/o batteries)

*Specifications are subject to change without further notice.

• The flash unit is not designed to work with camcorders

• Misfiring will sometimes occur when the power switch is turned on and off repeatedly. If it happens, power off the flash unit for a few

seconds before switching it on again. The flash unit should then work as normal

• Do not leave or store the flash unit in temperatures exceeding 40°C. This might adversely affect the internal structure or performance of

the flash unit. Particularly, do not leave the flash unit in the automobiles during summer.

• Remove the batteries if you do not intend to use the flash unit for a long period of time.

• The flash unit is not water-resistant. Rain and humid weather may cause irreparable damages to the flash.

• The flash unit is composed of very sophisticated electronic parts. Therefore it should be protected against shocks, falls or other

improper handling.

• The flash unit contains a high voltage condenser. Do not try to open the housing or repair the flash yourself

• As is the case will all high quality technology products, do not clean the surface or internal areas with any liquids, oil-based solutions,

detergents or strong solvents as these solvents may damage to the flash and void your warranty

Polaroid and Polaroid & Pixel are trademarks of PLR IP Holdings, LLC, used under license. All other trademarks are the property of the respective owner, who has not sponsored, endorsed or approved this product. PLR IP Holdings, LLC does not manufacture this product or provide any Manufacturer's Warranty or support.

For warranty information and technical support please call 1-800-226-6534 or visit www.polaroid.com

Distributed by: C&A Licensing, LLC, 2 Bergen Turnpike, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

Warranty Card

Limited Warranty: C&A Licensing LLC (”C&A”) warrants this product to the original consumer only and is not transferable. This warranty covers products that fail to function properly UNDER NORMAL USAGE, due to

defects in material or workmanship. Your product will be repaired or replaced at no charge for parts or labor for a period as outlined below (the “Warranty Period”) from your date of purchase. You will be responsible for shipping

the product to C&A or its authorized servicer for warranty support.

Warranty Period

1 year limited warranty: NON-CARBON FIBER TRIPODS, CARD READERS, CASES, CLEANING ACCESSORIES, TRIGGER REMOTES, CORDS, FLASH UNITS, LED LIGHTS, BATTERY GRIPS, REPLACEMENT BATTERIES, LENS

EXTENSION TUBES

5 year limited warranty: CARBON FIBER TRIPODS, ALL TERRAIN TRIPOD, LENS CAP, WHITE BALANCE CAPS, CAMERA FILTERS AND LENSES

What is Not Covered by Warranty

All other situations, including but not limited to damages or malfunctions not resulting from defects in material or workmanship and damages or malfunctions from other than normal use, including but not limited to, repair by

unauthorized parties, tampering, modification or accident.

What To Do When Service Is Required

When returning your defective product (postage pre-paid) for service, your package should include:

1. Copy of original bill of sale

2. A detailed written description of the problem

3. Your return address and telephone number (Daytime)

4. The defective product

5. Mail to: C&A Licensing LLC, 2 Bergen Turnpike, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660

-You may also visit www.polaroid.com for further assistance if necessary or call our technical support department toll free at 1-800-226-6534

THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE EXPRESSLY DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY

IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL APPLY AFTER THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PERIOD STATED ABOVE, AND NO OTHER EXPRESS

WARRANTY OR GUARANTY GIVEN BY ANY PERSON, FIRM OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT SHALL BE BINDING ON C&A. THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY WITH

RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT AND C&A IS THE EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDER FOR THE PRODUCT. REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER. IN NO EVENT

WILL C&A, ITS MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS OR PLR IP HOLDINGS, LLC BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (SUCH AS,

BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS, SAVINGS, DATA OR RECORDS) RELATED TO THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT AS STATED HEREIN, NO OTHER WARRANTIES SHALL

APPLY. NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, CONSUMER’S RECOVERY AGAINST C&A SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT SOLD BY C&A. THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT

EXTEND TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL CONSUMER WHO PURCHASED THE PRODUCT AND IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or allow limitations on warranties, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

This Warranty gives you specific rights, and you may have other rights, which vary from state to state.