Hexar AF- Flash Guide# Programming

[naren]

I have heard that there is some way to re-program the Hexar such that the P Mode works properly with a flash of different guide number from the one it came with (HX-14?)

I came across this information and online "how-to" some time back and tried it unsuccessfully. Has anyone here been successful with it? Thanks.

 

[ridinhome]

Naren - see Joe Buechler's comment from May 25, 1998; 10:07 P.M. in this link:

http://photo.net/photo/hexar.html

 

[k__43]

yeah works .. is a pain in the arse to remember when you are out with the camera and no manual around.
The GN automatic is actually brilliant once set up.

piece of advice .. put the manual on your smartphone if you use one. Helped me out.

 

[daveleo]

Press the "select" button and turn the main switch from "off" to "P".

While holding the "select" button down, press the UP or DOWN buttons until the desired flash GN (meters) appears in the display panel. When the setting is completed, the display will read "PFL".

Turning the main switch back to "off" cancels this mode. The same GN however can be reset manually by simply holding down the "select"button while turning the main switch back on.

 

[matt_mcg2]

If I recall correctly, only some Hexars can do it. Depending which firmware version you have, and whether you've gone through one of those complicated key sequence 'hacks' to re-enable the disabled features.

My black Hexar has the silent mode, for example, but not the GN flash capability.

 

[naren]

Yeah, I found the write up again just after my post and tried it and it did not work... as matt says.. depends on the firmware "and whether you've gone through one of those complicated key sequence 'hacks' to re-enable the disabled features.

Mine is a black Hexar with the silent mode so I wouldn't expect there were any disabled features to hack or key sequences other than what's posted for inputting the guide number... Any last thing I should try, or just be resigned to buying another Hexar when I can?? Btw how high a guide # can you input? Thanks.

 

[daveleo]

hello again

mine is the the Silver Hexar, (I do not have the "silent mode") and I never had to go through any strange coding to get this to work. The steps I posted above are as written in my user manual.
I think the max GN = 64m (but don't have the manual in front of me).

 

[k__43]

If I recall correctly, only some Hexars can do it. Depending which firmware version you have, and whether you've gone through one of those complicated key sequence 'hacks' to re-enable the disabled features.

My black Hexar has the silent mode, for example, but not the GN flash capability.

I had a black hexar and was able to set the GN, I'm totally sure this works.

 

[Mablo]

Matt has a point. The flash hack doesn't work on all Hexars. At least it didn't with mine.

 

[tonal1]

Press the "select" button and turn the main switch from "off" to "P".

While holding the "select" button down, press the UP or DOWN buttons until the desired flash GN (meters) appears in the display panel. When the setting is completed, the display will read "PFL".

Turning the main switch back to "off" cancels this mode. The same GN however can be reset manually by simply holding down the "select"button while turning the main switch back on.

This worked on my "Silver".