
Dedicated auto and manual flash with bounce head for Canon and Pentax manual focus SLRs (plus Pentax AF or digital – see below)
- Guide number 30m or 100ft
- Tilting head for bounce flash
- Two auto exposure modes
- Full power manual option
- Auto power saving feature
- Illuminated control panel
- Dedicated for Canon FD
- Dedicated for Pentax MF
- Works on Pentax AF and
digital with restrictions - Includes copy instructions
- Includes 4x AA batteries
This flash unit is powerful, versatile, and can be used with many cameras with a standard hot shoe including 35mm, medium format and even digital models. It has a low, safe trigger voltage of 6.5v, which is suitable for most modern electronic and digital cameras as well as older types. Plus, it offers dedicated auto operation with many Canon and Pentax manual focus SLR cameras, setting the shutter speed automatically and displaying flash ready in the viewfinder with suitable models. This also works on newer Pentax AF and digital SLRs, but with restrictions. The flash is in fully working order, used condition, supplied with instructions (copy) and Alkaline batteries. Please read the full description for more important information.
The flash head can tilt up to 90 degrees vertically for bounce flash, which gives softer, more natural lighting than direct flash, reduces the chance of redeye, and spreads the light over a wider area for wide angle lenses. The flash covers lens down to 35mm (or the equivalent on other formats), and wider lenses can be used with bounce flash.
This is a powerful flash unit with a guide number of 30m (100 feet) at ISO 100. This gives a theoretical maximum range of up to 15m (50ft) with an f/2 lens, but as always actual range will depend on the conditions. Auto or manual exposure control, with two auto ranges. This gives a choice of settings (f/4 or f/8 with ISO 100) for auto shots to suit the subject, with ranges up to 7.5m (25ft) and 3.7m (12ft) respectively. The auto sensor on the front of the flash remains pointed at the subject even if the flash is tilted, retaining auto exposure for bounce flash. Thyristor circuitry for reduced recycling times (or to keep up with auto winders) and more flashes per set of batteries at close distances. Full power manual operation is also available. Ready light and test button provided.
Very comprehensive control dial on the rear includes film speeds from ASA (ISO) 25 to 400 (DIN 15 to 27 for German users), apertures from f/2 to f/32 and distances from 1 to 15 meters (3 to 50 feet). The dial lights up for easy reading in the dark – useful for a flash unit. Power is supplied by 4x standard AA batteries, which are inexpensive and easily obtainable. Disposable alkaline (supplied) or rechargeable NiCd or NiMH types can be used. Auto power saving system shuts down if the flash isn't used, to save battery power. Captive battery cover can't be easily dropped or lost. This independent Miranda 1590CD flash is nicely made (in Japan), measures around 125mm (5") tall on the camera, and weighs only 275g (9.6oz) without batteries.
A very useful flash unit, especially for Pentax and Canon users.
Condition: Excellent++ (8/10)
This flash is in fully working order and used condition. It charges and fires correctly, plus dedicated features have been tested on suitable Canon and Pentax cameras. Cosmetically it shows the usual scratches and scrapes here and there in the plastic finish, and it rattles slightly. The battery cover is loose when the compartment is empty but holds securely, and the contacts are slightly marked but have been cleaned and work fine. The instructions are a copy (in English) but legible.
No cracks or splits, and overall it's in good shape.
Includes instructions (copy) and 4x Alkaline AA batteries.
Pictures in this listing show the actual flash offered for sale.
Compatibility
This flash is multi-dedicated for Canon and Pentax, and works on other cameras as follows:
Canon manual focus
Dedicated auto flash works on the Canon A-1, AE-1, AE-1 Program, AT-1, AV-1, AL-1, F-1N, T50, T70, T80 and T90, setting the shutter speed automatically when charged and showing flash ready status in the viewfinder (except on the AT-1). The aperture is set manually (aperture priority auto mode is recommended where available). Please note that it's NOT suitable for TTL, shutter priority or program modes. It works on the Canon EF-M with shutter speed and aperture set automatically when charged (red auto mode only), and flash ready status shown in the viewfinder. The flash can be used on non-dedicated SLRs such as the EF, FTb, T60 and similar models with a hot shoe fitting, in auto or manual flash modes with shutter speed and aperture set manually on the camera. NOTE It's NOT recommended for Canon EOS cameras as the dedicated features are not compatible, and some models only accept trigger voltages up to 6v.
Pentax manual focus, AF or digital
The flash can be used with any Pentax SLR cameras with a hot shoe. Dedicated auto flash works on models including the Pentax A3, ME Super, ME-F, MG, MV, MV-1, MZ-M, Program A, P30N, P30T, P50, Super A and LX, SFX series, Z-series, MZ-series and *ist AF, 645 models, the *ist D series, K-series, 645D and 645Z digital, plus the related Samsung GX-1S, GX-1L, GX-10 and GX-20. The shutter speed is set automatically when the flash is charged, and flash ready status is shown in the viewfinder. Please note that this flash is not compatible with TTL or program flash modes. On AF and digital cameras you need to set the aperture manually (Av mode works well), and then the flash adjusts its output automatically depending on the distance. It works on the original Pentax P30 (P3), but only in manual mode as this camera doesn't support aperture priority. Auto or manual (non-dedicated) flash modes work on older Pentax cameras with a hot shoe such as the ME, MX, K series, Spotmatic II, F, Electro Spotmatic, ES and ESII.
Other cameras including digital
Not recommended for cameras with dedicated flash control (using a hot shoe with more than one contact), other than those listed above. The flash will work fine on many other cameras with a standard (single contact, non-dedicated) hot shoe, with the shutter speed and aperture set manually on the camera in M mode, and exposure controlled by the flash depending on the distance. Suitable cameras include the Panasonic FZ10, FZ20 and FZ30, Fujifilm S20, S602 (and Pro), S7000, S9500, S9600, S100FS, S200EXR, HS10 (down to 35mm zoom), etc.
The trigger voltage is a low, safe 6.5v which is well within the ISO 10330 standard of 24v, and only the most voltage-intolerant cameras such as some Canon EOS specify up to 6v.


