Calumet DFM 3 User manual
Instruction Manual
DFM 3
Digital flashmeter CF0300 0807
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Battery compartment
and cover
Socket to connect
the synchronizing
cable
Measuring button M
Buttons to adjust
the values
Swivel head
Display
Buttons to select
the required
function
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Contents Page
1 Display ...................................... 5
1.1 The display and its elements....... 5
1.2 Duration of display....................... 6
2 The functioning of the DFM 3 6
2.1 Preparations................................. 6
2.2 Incident and reflected light
measurement…………………….. 7
3 The individual functions…….... 9
3.1 Setting the film speed . ................ 9
3.2 Measuring functions.................... 9
3.2.1 Flash readings........................... ..10
3.2.2 Multiple flash... .......................... ...10
3.2.3 Shutter priority mode................... .11
3.2.4 Contrast measurement ... ........ ....11
3.2.5 Aperture priority mode.. ............ ...12
3.2.6 Exposure value EV.. .................. ..12
3.2.7 CINE scale (frames per second).. 13
Page
3.3 Measurements outside the
measuring range....................... 14
3.3.1 Display outside the display range.14
3.4 Setting and measuring
correction values......................... 15
3.4.1 Setting correction values............. 15
3.4.2 Measuring correction values....... 16
3.4.3 Canceling correction values...... 16
3.4.4 Important remarks concerning
correction values......................... 17
4 Servicing and repairs............... 18
5 Technical data............................ 19
Brief instructions
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Your DFM 3 is an exposure meter with digital display from Calumet. It measures ambient light and flash
and it covers a wide measuring range with great accuracy.
A wealth of knowledge in the area of light metering, based on many decades of experience in the
manufacture of exposure meters, is now being made available to the user in the simplest manner
possible due to microprocessor technology.
As a result of its precise calibration, the DFM 3 measures with high accuracy and operation is
exceptionally simple and convenient.
Features characterizing the DFM 3:
•Swivel head
•Measurement modes: incident and reflected light
•Measuring flash (with cord or noncord) with indication of the level of ambient light
•Microprocessor controlled
•Digital LCD display in tenths of stops
•Analog contrast display in half stops
•Storage of settings and readings
•Programmable exposure correction combinations of a given reading
•Recall of all possible shutter speed/aperture combinations of a given reading
•Aperture or shutter priority pre-selection
•Extremely convenient to measure flash
•Covers the entire CINE scale (frames per second), including the TV standard 25 and 30 f.p.s.
•Warning when range is exceeded
•Automatic battery check
•Auto off
•Suitable for analog and digital photography
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1 Display
1.1 The display and its elements
1 Functions
•Flash measurement
•Ambient light measurement with shutte
r
priority
•Ambient light measurement with
aperture priority
•Ambient light measurement with
read-out of exposure values (EV)
•Entering the correction values
•Setting the film speed
2 Digital display of film speed ISO / DIN
3 Display identification f for aperture
4 Display identification EV for
exposure value
5 Analog aperture scale
6 Left-hand digital display
•Aperture f
•Exposure value EV
•Correction values
•Multiple flash
•Film speed in DIN
7 Display identification t for exposure time
8 Warning sign BAT for battery check
9 Display identification / for fractions of a
second
10 Right-hand digital display
•Exposure time t
•Exposure extension factor
•CINE (frames per second); symbol
Film speed in ISO
11 Unit symbol m = minutes
12 Unit symbol s = seconds
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1.2 Duration of display
If for approximately two minutes none of the buttons of the DFM 3 is pressed, the meter will be
switched off automatically. The measuring and setting values stored in the memory will be maintained.
•The stored values can be recalled by depressing the function or value buttons
•New measurement is instantly possible when the metering button is depressed.
The values of the last meter reading are stored until a new meter reading is taken.
The DFM 3 is fitted with separate memories for continuous light and flash measurement.
2 The functioning of the DFM 3
2.1 Preparations
Battery
The DFM 3 operates with a 1.5 V AA-type battery (alkaline-manganese battery). Since the meter’s
power consumption is minimal, the battery will last for a long time. When the battery’s capacity becomes
exhausted, the BAT symbol appears on the display as a warning that the battery has to be replaced at
the earliest possible opportunity. Measurements cease to be possible if the display only indicates BAT.
The battery must be immediately replaced.
To change the battery open the battery compartment of the DFM 3. Remove the exhausted battery and
insert the new one. Ensure correct polarity "+" and "–" ! Push back the battery compartment cover.
Battery changing deletes all stored values.
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Self-checking routine
The microcomputer performs a self-checking routine as soon as the
battery has been inserted. Every possible display segment appears
in the display during this routine. The duration of the self-checking
routine is approximately 10 seconds, but it can be interrupted by
pressing any button. The factory programmed basic settings are
automatically displayed as soon as the self-checking routine has been completed.
Basic values
ISO: 100/21 ° f: 5.6 COR: 0/ 1.0 EV: 12 t: 1/125 Flash: f 5.6 1/60
2.2 Incident and reflected light measurement
The features and measuring capabilities provided by the DFM 3 are ideally
suited for the dedicated amateur and the professional photographer.
The swivel head will rotate through 180 degrees. This feature allows the
photographer to read the values measured in the display, while the
measuring head is directed towards the subject or light source.
When you remove the diffuser dome, reflected light and contrast
measurements can easily be taken.
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Measurement by the incident method is far more accurate and reliable to establish the correct
exposure setting than the calculating of a mean value obtained with the reflected light measurement in
your camera. In the latter case, the reading depends upon the range of contrasts of the subject.
However, there is not always a uniform distribution of bright and dark areas of equal importance within
the subject. Incident light measurement is also imperative with inaccessible subjects.
For this purpose it is necessary to select a point that has the same lighting level as the subject. And
then a meter reading is taken that lies parallel with the projected connecting line between the actual
subject and the camera. This very convenient method of light metering at a point with the same lighting
level is highly recommended for outdoor shots. The measurement is performed with a complete 180°
turn in front of the camera so that the reading is taken with the meter pointing towards the camera, i.e.
opposite the actual picture shooting direction.
Incident light measurement, i.e. with diffuser, also gives a precise reading of the brightness range of the
lighting. Both kinds of lighting – flash and ambient light – are measured with great accuracy by the
incident light method with diffuser.
In addition to this, the DFM 3 also offers the reflected light measuring method. In this mode the diffuser
dome must be taken off and the meter is pointed from the camera towards the subject. The meter now
only measures with angle of 25 degrees the light reflected by the subject. Consequently, the reading
always depends upon the inherent brightness of the subject!! This means that inherently brighter
subjects are not precisely measured and therefore rendered darker. If readings are to be taken
exclusively by the reflected light measuring method, then it is advantageous for the professional to use a
grey card (18 % reflection) in this mode. The reflected light method is used to measure the subject
contrast which is displayed by the DFM 3 on its analog scale (see Section 3.2.4 Contrast measurement,
page 11).
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3 The individual functions
3.1 Setting the film speed
•Select ISO with the function buttons
•Set the required ISO value with the value buttons
(display left: DlN value, right: ISO value)
Once the film speed has been set, it is transferred to the memory
of the DFM 3 and maintained when the meter is set to any operation
function. It remains visible on the top right-hand side in the digital display.
Any change of the film speed directly influences the stored paired aperture and shutter speed values.
The selected film speed is retained in the memory until it is changed in the described manner.
3.2 Measuring functions – Ambient light measurement
Select the required ambient light function with the corresponding function buttons.
•Shutter priority in function t: a reading is taken for the corresponding aperture
(see Section 3.2.3 Shutter priority mode – Ambient light measurement, page 11)
•Contrast measurement in function t: (see Section 3.2.4 Contrast measurement, page 11)
•Aperture priority in function f: a reading is taken for the corresponding shutter speed
(see Section 3.2.5 Aperture priority mode, page 12)
•Exposure value measurement in function EV:preselect the shutter speed and the
aperture is given as an analog value (see Section 3.2.6 Exposure value EV, page 12)
•CINE (frames per second) in function t:
(see Section 3.2.7 CINE scale (frames per second), page 13)
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3.2.1 Flash readings
Readings can be taken with or without synchronizing cable. When
used in conjunction with a synchronizing cable the flash is triggered by
pressing the M button–the flash is automatically triggered and measured.
•Select with the function buttons
•Adjust the desired synchronizing speed with the value buttons.
Sync range from 1 s to 1/1000 s (including 1/90 s)
•Press the measuring button M.
DFM 3 is operable for metering for a period of 45 s (meter
readiness prevails as long as F remains visible in the display)
•Trigger the flash
The measured aperture (total of flash and ambient light) appears
in the left digital display, and as a flashing mark on the analog aperture scale. The aperture for the
share of ambient light is additionally indicated on the aperture scale (in our example f/8).
3.2.2 Multiple flash
Occasionally the light output from a single flash may not be sufficient to
enable you to work at the aperture desired. In that case, simply
push the top value button until the desired f/number appears in the
display. The digital display of the time tdisappears and the number of
flashes required is indicated (e.g.: F4 = 4 flashes).
The DFM 3 will calculate up to a maximum of 10 flash sequences.
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