92Using the Optional VFL-1 Video Flash LightYou can also use the optional VFL-1 Video Flash Light with stronger flash. The procedurefor selecting the flash mode is the same as for the built-in flash. For instructions onconnection and use, refer to the instruction manual of the VFL-1. Do not fire the flash close to people’s eyes. Do not fire the flash at persons while they are driving. Do not fire the flash with the flash bulb covered with your hand. The practical range of the flash is approx. 1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.6 ft.); 1 to 4.5 m (3.3to 14.8 ft.) with the VFL-1. The range depends upon the recording condition. The range of the flash decreases in continuous shooting mode. For the red-eye reduction mode to be effective, the subject needs to look at theassist lamp (MVX45i) or flash (MVX40i/MVX40). The degree of reductiondepends upon the distance and on each individual.When the VFL-1 is attached, the VFL-1 fires a pre-flash for red-eyereduction. The flash will not fire in the following cases:- When you press the EXP button in (auto) or (red-eye reduction, auto)mode.- When recording movies.- When (auto) or (red-eye reduction, auto) is selected and a shutterspeed of 1/2000 is set in CAMERA mode.- During auto exposure bracketing. When (flash on) is selected and a shutter speed of 1/2000 is set in CAMERAmode, the shutter speed becomes set to 1/1000 and the flash fires. We recommend not using the flash when the optional Wide-converter or Tele-converter is attached. Their shadows appear on the screen. The flash mode cannot be selected when exposure is locked, or after the firststill image in Stitch Assist mode. The red-eye reduction mode cannot be used in stitch assist mode. When the optional VL-3 Video Light or the VFL-1 is attached, thebuilt-in flash does not fire when the POWER switch of the VL-3 or the VFL-1 isset to a position other than OFF. About the AF-Assist Lamp:While the PHOTO button is pressed halfway, the assist lamp may light up asAF-assist lamp responding to the brightness of the subject to enable thecamcorder to focus more accurately.- The camcorder may not be able to focus even though the AF-assist lamp islighting.- The AF-assist lamp lights up brightly. Consider turning off the AF-assist lampin public places such as in restaurants or theaters.
