Canon USA introduces at PMA 2000 an advanced and versatile flash unit for macro photography available in any 35mm SLR system.
The new Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX provides professional photographers with full E-TTL flash capability -- when used with any EOS System camera that supports E-TTL metering -- and supports TTL auto flash plus manual flash exposure control on all EOS System cameras. Supplying a powerful Guide Number of 46 (ISO 100/ft.), the MR-14EX incorporates a host of new flash and metering features, including Flash Exposure Lock, high-speed sync, variable power manual flash, Wireless Remote functions, two independent flash heads and 7 Custom Functions for tremendous flexibility.
“While Canon has enjoyed great success with its line of EOS System cameras, much of that success has been built around the entire system, including our line of lenses and flash accessories,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manger , Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “From the outset, our goal is to provide photographers with a complete system of products that are compatible throughout the product line. The new Macro Ring Lite is just one example of how Canon is constantly striving to provide our customers with the most comprehensive selection of compatible products in the industry.”
Flash Exposure Lock / High-Speed Sync: With E-TTL compatible EOS cameras, photographers can utilize other functions beyond conventional flash photography, including Flash Exposure Lock and FP Flash. The Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) feature (a form of spot metering for flash) allows users to take a light reading from any given spot within the viewfinder, using the camera’s spot or partial metering modes. This virtually guarantees that the most critical area of a scene will be perfectly exposed, even if it is placed off-center for better composition.
In addition, the MR-14EX can be automatically synchronized to the camera’s maximum shutter speed using the FP flash (high-speed sync) feature. Photographers can now use higher shutter speeds and wider apertures outdoors in any lighting condition to achieve greater creative control.
Variable Power Flash: The new Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX mounts directly to Canon EF Macro lenses and features two flash tubes that can be used together or independently. When both flashes are fired in E-TTL and used together with the EOS-1v or EOS-3, lighting ratios can be set in ½ stop increments up to +/- 3 stops. This provides photographers with extensive creative control even in the most difficult lighting conditions, while offering tremendous exposure latitude for a wide range of subject matter.
Lighting ratios can also be controlled between the left and right tubes, even when the flash is placed in its manual mode, and users can select variable power settings over a 7-stop range down to 1/64th power. This feature is available with the Canon T90 SLR and all EOS cameras, even those that are not compatible with E-TTL.
Wireless Remote Functions: Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX is compatible with Canon’s exclusive E-TTL wireless autoflash system. Using this advanced technology, photographers can now set up unlimited numbers of 550EX Speedlite flash units around the subject. Similar to the wireless system in the EOS-3, the strategically placed off-camera 550EX flashes are fired in sync with the Macro Ring Lite with no need for connecting cords. In addition, photographers can adjust and maintain full control of lighting ratios via the LCD panel on the control unit, providing even greater lighting precision.
Custom Functions: The new Macro Ring Lite is also equipped with twin focusing lamps and a set of 7 Custom Functions that allow the user to modify flash operation for specific shooting conditions. Supported features include Flash Exposure Bracketing, Modeling Flash, and Wireless Flash control.
Pricing and Availability: The Canon MR-14EX flash requires 4 AA-size batteries and is equipped with a socket for optional external power supplies such as the Canon Compact Battery Pack CP-E2 to reduce recycling time and increase the number of flashes per set of batteries.
The Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flash unit will be available at USA dealers in March, 2000 and have a suggested list price of $750.
Other posts on Canon’s flashes
Canon Speedlite 550EX flash and wireless Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2
Canon Speedlite 420EX with E-TTL wireless system
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