Bowens ESPRIT 250 User manual

ESPRIT 250
(BW-1070)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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1. Sync Socket
2. Mains Inlet
3. Fuse (+ Spare Fuse).
4. Mains On/Off Switch
5. Modelling Lamp Control
Switch
1. Latch Knob
2. Flash Power Control
3. ‘Ready’ Indicator
4. Photocell Cover
5. Test/Open Flash
6. Modelling Control

Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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1. General
Welcome to the world-wide family of Bowens flash equipment users, and
congratulations on selecting the latest compact flash in our range. The Esprit
250 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
i. The Esprit 250 must not be used in an environment where moisture or
flammable vapour is likely to come in contact with the unit.
ii. 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.
iii. The charging and modelling circuitry of the Esprit 250 is protected by
a 5A (F) 20mm fuse mounted on the rear panel (Fig.1. 3). 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.
iv. Switch off and disconnect supply before changing fuse, modelling bulb
or flashtube.
v. Do not restrict slots in case when in use.
vi. Care must be exercised when handling equipment that has been in use.
The reflector and front end of the unit can become Very Hot.
vii. Due to the high voltage/high energy used in the Esprit 250, servicing
must be carried out by a qualified, authorised Service Centre.
3. Contents Of Carton
1. Esprit 250 with flashtube
2. Sync. Lead
3. Mains Lead
4. 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: A 275W Photoflood (BW-1824) or 250W Halostar (BW-1024) lamp is
recommended for the Esprit 250. It is recommended that lamps purchased
under a Bowens stock code number are used as replacements only. The
manufacturer will not accept liability on the use of any other lamp.

Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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5. Power Supply Connections
240V AC 50Hz Use mains lead supplied to connect to mains supply.
6. Mains On/Off Switch
The green illuminated On/Off switch (Fig.1. 4) 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.
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 250 Watt Seconds (joules) gives a guide
number of 60 using a 50°Keylite reflector and 100 ISO film. Half and quarter
power settings are marked on the panel by round dots and figures.
Rotating the control (Fig.2. 2) 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. 4)
will light. When the unit has charged to the level set by the flash power
selector (Fig.2. 2) the green ready LED (Fig.2. 3) will light. Your Esprit 250 is
now ready to fire.
Note:- The Esprit 250 synchronising circuit is inhibited until the unit is 100%
charged, unlike some other manufacturer's equipment that can be fired when
only 80% charged. This ensures that every flash is identical.
9. Synchronisation
Open Flash: For testing or multiple flash applications the Open Flash
Pushbutton (Fig.2. 5) can be used. The Esprit 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 Esprit.
Sync Socket: The standard quarter inch jack type socket on the rear panel of
the unit (Fig.1. 1) may be used for direct connection to a camera set to ‘x’
synchronisation. Two Esprit 250 flash units may be connected together using a
‘y’ connector. An Infra Red Receiver or Omnicell may also be plugged into
this socket.
10. Modelling Lamp Control
With the modelling lamp control switch (Fig.1. 5) in the central position the
modelling light is OFF. With the switch set to ‘Intermittent’ the modelling
light will go out when the unit is flashed and come back on when the unit
comes to ready. This enables the photographer to see from the camera position
that all Esprit units in use have fired. With the switch set to ‘Continuous’ the
modelling light remains on all the time. The modelling light may be varied in
ratio with the flash power output by aligning the indicator line on the
modelling output control knob (Fig.2. 6) with that of the flash control (Fig.2.
2).

Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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11. Fuse (Fig.1. 3)
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 bulb. A spare fuse is supplied in the fuse holder. Always
switch OFF the Esprit 250 before changing the bulb or fuse.
12. Fitting / Removing A Reflector
A range of reflectors is available for the Esprit 250. 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 ‘Spill Kill’ (BW-1885) should be fitted and the
umbrella inserted through the hole in the mounting bracket on the Spill Kill
and locked into 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 flashtube assembly out of the unit. To replace the flashtube,
holding 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. Wind the Trigger
wire around the flashtube support.
14. Operation
Mount the Esprit 250 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.
Fit the reflector and connect to supply.
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

Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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to fire the green LED (Fig.2. 3) will light. Press Open Flash Pushbutton (Fig.2.
5) and check that the unit operates correctly.

Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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Bowens Esprit 250 Operating Instructions.
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Unit Specification.
Stored Energy (Max) 250Ws
Charge Time (Full Power 240v) 1.4 secs.
Supply Voltage AC 190-250 VAC 50Hz
Voltage Stabilisation +/- 1%
Modelling Lamp 275W Photoflood or 250W
Halostar
Ready Indication 100% of charge
Fuse 5A (F)
Sync Volts 15v
Guide Number - Full Power 50°
Keylite, 100 ISO 60
Flash Duration (Full Power)T 0.5 1/1100th
Flash Colour Temperature Approx. 5300K UV coated
Flash Power Control Full to 1/4
Modelling Power Control Independent & Fully Variable
Dimensions DIA. 145mm, LEN. 362mm
Weight 2.9Kg (6lb 6oz)
Due to our policy of constant product improvement Bowens International reserve the
right to change equipment specifications without notice.

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Esprit 250 Instructions: (BW-1070) BWL-0172/5
BOWENS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
355 OLD ROAD
CLACTON-ON-SEA ESSEX CO15 3RH
Tel: [phone]
Fax : [phone]