Bowens ESPRIT 2 125 User manual

Esprit 2 125 230V Instructions (BW-2055) BWL-0299/1
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 Old Road
Clacton-on-Sea Essex CO15 3RH
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
ESPRIT 2 125 230V
(BW-2055)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Esprit 2 125 230V Operating Instructions. Esprit 2 125 230V Operating Instructions.
2 7
Unit Specification
Unit Esprit 2 125
Stored Energy (Max) 125Ws
Charge Time (Full Power 230V) 0.9 secs.
Supply Voltage AC 190-250 VAC 50Hz
Voltage Stabilisation +/- 1%
Modelling Lamp Max 275W
Ready Indication 80%
Fuse 5A (F)
Sync Volts 15V
Modelling Power Control On/Off
Photocell Continuous
Guide Number – Full Power 50°Keylite, 100
ISO
41
Flash Duration (Full Power) T=0.5 1/2000
Flash Colour Temperature Apx. 5300K UV coated as std.
Flash Power Control Full to 1/4, 2 F stops fully variable
Recommended Modelling Lamp 250W 240V Halostar
250W 220V Halostar
275W 220/240V Photoflood
BW-1024
BW-1024/A
BW-1824
Flash Tube Assembly Clear
UV Coated
BW-1075
BW-1074
Dimensions L=318mm
W=145mm
H=145mm
Weight 2.2Kg
Due to our policy of constant product improvement Bowens International reserve the right to
change equipment specifications without notice.
1. Latch Knob
2. Photocell Cover
3. ‘Ready’ Indicator
4. Flash Power Control
5. Test/Open Flash
Fig.2
1. Fuse (+ Spare Fuse)
2. Mains Inlet
3. Modelling Lamp Control Switch
4. Sync Socket
5. Mains On/Off Switch
Fig.1
1
2
3
4
5
1
5
3
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Esprit 2 125 230V Operating Instructions. Esprit 2 125 230V Operating Instructions.
6 3
14. Operation
•Switch the unit ON, plug in the sync cord and connect to camera shutter at ‘x’
synchronisation. Alternatively, plug in Infra Red Receiver or Omnicell. Switch ON and
select modelling lamp ON or OFF and flash power required. When the unit is ready to
fire the green LED (Fig.2. 3) will light. Press Open Flash Pushbutton (Fig.2. 5) and
check that the unit operates correctly. The open flash button should also be pressed
after the flash power setting has been reduced, to ensure that the next flash is of the
required power.
15. Mounting
•Mount the Esprit 2 125 unit on selected support system. The mounting bush on the ‘L’
bracket allows for two possible ways of mounting to the stand / support (Fig.4). Method
B may be found useful if the light is required to point down.
1. General
Welcome to the world-wide family of Bowens flash equipment users, and
congratulations on selecting the Esprit 2 125. The Esprit 2 125 has been designed
using the latest technology, to produce a unit that is very simple to operate, small in
size and weight, yet has a powerful output.
2. Safety Notes
•The Esprit 2 125 must not be used in an environment where moisture or flammable
vapour is likely to come in contact with the unit.
•A fire hazard exists if flammable materials are placed in close proximity to either the
flashtube or modelling bulb when the unit is in use.
•The charging and modelling circuitry of the Esprit 2 125 is protected by a 5A 20mm fuse
mounted on the rear panel (Fig.1. 1). Disconnect the supply before changing the fuse.
Never replace with a fuse of a different rating. A spare 5A fuse is fitted in the fuse
holder.
•Switch off and disconnect supply before changing fuse, modelling bulb or flashtube.
•Do not restrict slots in case when in use.
•Care must be exercised when handling equipment that has been in use. The reflector
and front end of the unit can become Very Hot.
•Due to the high voltage / high energy used in Esprit 2 125, all servicing must be carried
out by an authorised Service Centre.
3. Contents Of Carton
•Esprit 2 125 230V with flashtube
•Sync. cord
•Instructions
4. Fitting the Modelling Lamp
•Switch off and disconnect from supply. Screw modelling lamp into ES lampholder in
the centre of the reflector.
•Note: It is recommended that a Photoflood or Halostar bulb with a maximum wattage
of 275W is not exceeded for the Esprit 2 125 unit. The manufacturer will not accept
liability on the use of any lamp with a greater wattage than 275W.
5. Power Supply Connections
•230V AC 50Hz Use the mains lead supplied to connect to the mains supply.
6. Mains On/Off Switch
•The green illuminated On/Off switch (Fig.1. 5) on the rear panel controls the power to
both the flash and the modelling lamp. Setting the switch to 1 turns the unit ON and 0
turns the unit OFF.
Fig.4

Esprit 2 125 230V Operating Instructions. Esprit 2 125 230V Operating Instructions.
4 5
7. Flash Power Selection
•The flash power output is variable over two f-stops from full to one quarter (1/4) power.
The full stored energy of 125-Watt Seconds (joules) gives a guide number of 41 using a
50°Keylite reflector and 100 ISO film. Half and quarter power settings are marked on
the panel by moon phases, and figures.
•Rotating the control (Fig.2. 4) from full to half and half to quarter, gives a reduction in
output equivalent to 1 f stop for each step.
8. Charge
•When first switched ‘ON’ the green illuminated ON/OFF switch (Fig.1. 5) will light. When
the unit has charged to the level set by the flash power selector (Fig.2. 4) the green
ready LED (Fig.2. 3) will light. Your Esprit 2 125 is now ready to fire.
9. Synchronisation
•There are several ways to trigger the Esprit 2 125.
•Open Flash: (Fig.2. 5)
For testing or multiple flash applications the Open Flash Pushbutton can be used.
•Sync Socket: (Fig.1. 4)
The standard quarter inch jack type socket on the rear panel of the unit may be used for
direct connection to a camera set to ‘x’ synchronisation. Two Esprit 2 flash units may be
connected together using a ‘y’ connector. An Infra Red Receiver or Omnicell may also
be plugged into this socket.
•Photocell: (Fig.2. 2)
The Esprit 2 125 has a built in photocell enabling the unit to be triggered by the flash
from any other flash unit or a small camera mounted flash gun. The photocell is
mounted behind the red transparent cover on the top of the Unit and is continuously on.
10. Modelling Lamp Control
•With the modelling lamp control switch (Fig.1. 3) in the down position, the modelling
light is continuously ON.
11. Fuse (Fig.1. 1)
•The modelling and flash circuitry is protected by a single 5 amp (F) 20mm fuse mounted
on the rear panel. Never replace the fuse with one of a different rating. As the fuse may
blow when the modelling lamp fails always check the fuse when replacing the bulb. A
spare fuse is supplied in the fuse holder. Always switch OFF the Esprit 2 unit before
changing the bulb or fuse.
12. Fitting / Removing A Reflector
•A range of reflectors is available for the Esprit 2 125 unit. To fit, slide the neck of the
reflector over the front of the unit. Align the three pegs on the reflector with the three
slots in the retaining ring. Press down and turn clockwise to lock.
•To remove reflector, press Latch Knob (Fig.2. 1), turn the reflector fully anti-clockwise
and withdraw.
•If an umbrella is to be used a ‘Wide Angle Reflector’ should be fitted and umbrella fitted
through the mounting hole in the mounting bracket on the Wide Angle Reflector and
locked in position with the knurled screw.
•Note: Take care when fitting / removing reflectors not to damage the flashtube
assembly. The flashtube is very delicate, avoid unnecessary handling of the glass tube.
Always switch off and disconnect from mains supply before fitting / changing the
flashtube assembly.
Warning High Voltage
Do not touch the flashtube assembly for thirty minutes after
disconnecting from supply.
13. Replacement Of Flashtube
•Ensure that the unit is switched off and disconnected from the mains supply and then
wait thirty minutes before touching / removing flashtube. Remove the protective cap and
unwind the twisted Trigger wire from the flashtube support.
•Gently pull the flashtube assembly out of the unit. To replace the assembly, hold the
flashtube as shown in Fig.3 and taking care to support both legs of the tube. Gently but
firmly, push the flashtube into position, and wind the Trigger wire around the flashtube
support. Always replace with the correct flashtube assembly, BW-1074 for UV coated or
BW-1075 for clear.
Fig.3