BUFF White Lightning X Series User manual

Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ • 2725 Bransford Ave. Nashville, TN 37204
toll free 1-800-443-5542 • local 615-383-3982 • paulcbuff.com
Thank you for purchasing a White Lightning™ X-Series Flash Unit!
Please contact our customer service team if you need assistance.
X-Series
WHITE
LIGHTNING™
The White Lightning™ X-Series Flash Units are manufactured
and directly sold by Paul C. Buff, Inc.TM In Nashville, Tennessee.
The X-Series™ includes models X800, X1600, and X3200. This
manualmayalsobeusedforoperationoftheretiredX2400model.
The White LightningTM X-Series Operation Manual
v. 8/2020

WARNING! To avoid potentially lethal conditions, connect this unit only to
a 3-wire grounded outlet. Do not operate with 2-wire extension cords or
use adapters to connect to ungrounded outlets.
WARNING! This unit contains high voltages and internal components,
which can store dangerous voltages even when the unit is unplugged.
WARNING! The unit contains NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS and
should not be disassembled except by a qualied technician. The only
parts you may replace yourself are the ashtube and the modeling lamp,
though caution must be taken here and the unit must be powered down
while these items are replaced.
WARNING! Before attempting to operate your ash unit, securely mount
the unit to a light stand.
WARNING! Always power down your unit and unplug it from the AC power
source before removing, adding or adjusting any accessories.
WARNING! Do not allow unattended children around studio ash equip-
ment as potentially dangerous conditions may result, including burns and
electrical shock hazards. Please be safe with your equipment!
Safety Precautions
For your safety, please note these warnings:
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POWER REQUIREMENTS:
As the X-Series units require an AC power source, each unit comes with a
15-foot power cord. This cord connects to the ash unit on the back control
panel with a standard IEC connector and then must be connected to a 120
VAC, 50-60 Hz power outlet. When shooting in an environment where a
suitable AC power source is not available, we recommend the exclusive use of
one of our VagabondTM Portable Power Systems. The VagabondTM Systems
are designed specically for Paul C. Buff, Inc.TM ash units and power packs,
offering a convenient, lightweight, self-contained portable power source at a
very low cost (please call us or visit our website for specic product details).
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The X-Series ash units are extremely precise, high power electronic photo-
graphic ash units. They are designed for professional studio use, as well as
demanding location work due to their compact, yet highly durable construc-
tion and extruded housing. The ashpower and modeling lamp intensity may
be adjusted over a stepless 5 f-stop power range, independently adjusted
on separate rear panel faders. The X1600 and X3200 may additionally be
switched between HIGH and LOW power modes to add another 2 f-stops and
to reduce the recycle and ash duration to 1/4 of the normal power.

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The unit delivers energy stored in its internal capacitor bank to a critically
matched, circular hard-glass ashtube designed for 5600K daylight
spectrum with low UV emission. This yields minimal ash duration while
maintaining energy conversion efcacy within 1/4 of an f-stop of the maximum
attainable from Xenon light sources of this type.
For wireless ring capabilities, each X-Series unit contains a sensitive built-in
slave tripper, which is disabled when a sync cord or blank “dummy” plug is
inserted into the sync jack.
Each unit arrives with a 250 Watt quartz modeling lamp. This long-life bulb is
encased in a large, frosted glass envelope to eliminate hot spots and pattern
errors that are common to small, clear-envelope household bulbs. The unit
offers highly accurate modeling, boasting “what-you-see-is-what-you-get”
modeling. This is a result of careful engineering of the ash and modeling
components with respect to polar patterns, specular content, and accurate
tracking of light ratios from both sources. With respect to tracking accuracy, the
units employ full voltage regulation of the ash circuits as well as the modeling
lamp circuits, allowing the system to maintain consistent ash and model ratios
under real-world powerline conditions. The modeling lamp may be set on
FULL power, adjusted with the rear panel fader over the same available range
as the ashpower, or turned completely OFF. The lamp may be additionally
set to indicate recycle, going out when the unit is red, then coming back on to
indicate when recycle is complete.
A full range of accessories are compatible with the X-Series units, as a
quick-release mechanism attaches the entire line of standard Paul C. Buff,
Inc.TM reectors and modifying accessories, while dual holders allow the
simultaneous use of umbrellas and counter weight shafts.
WHAT ARRIVES WITH EACH X-SERIES FLASH UNIT:
A Standard, User-Replaceable 250 Watt Modeling Lamp (part# Q250W)
• 250 Watt, 4600 Lumens Quartz Edison-base light bulb
• 3000 hour+ typical life expectancy
A14mm, 5600ºK Daylight-Balanced Flashtube (part# AWFT14MMUV)
• user-replaceable ashtube
• 250,000+ ashes typical life expectancy
A 7-inch (80º Beam Spread) Silver Field Reector (part# 7AB/R)
• recessed outer lip for snapping in our honeycomb grids
• pre-cut umbrella hole (ts standard poles up to 3/8-inch in diameter)
A Standard 15-foot Power Cord (part# UPC15)
A Standard 15-foot Sync Cord - 1/4-inch Stereo Plug to PC (part# SC)
A Black Polycarbonate Shipping Cover (part# 1060032)
A Set of Small Nylon Clips (for attaching gels and lters to the reector)

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Slider Control of Flashpower
The ashpower is independently adjusted with the top slide
fader (marked with lightning bolts on either side) over a
complete 5 f-stop range, from Full down to 1/32nd of the
total power. The slider adjusts the ashpower steplessly, in
whole f-stop increments and everywhere in between.
Slider Control of Modeling
The modeling lamp output is independently adjusted with the
lower slide fader (below the ashpower slider, marked with
light bulbs on either side) over the same full 5 f-stop range.
Modeling Lamp Control (MODEL)
The white “MODEL” button is the ON / OFF switch for the
modeling lamp. When depressed, the modeling lamp will
be turned ON; when released, the modeling lamp will be
turned OFF. The lamp must be turned on before the READY
feature may be used.
Modeling Lamp Recycle Indicator (MODEL = READY)
The black “READY” button is the ON / OFF switch for the
modeling lamp recycle status indicator feature. When
depressed, the lamp will visually indicate the unit’s recycle
status by dimming after each ash (as the unit recycles).
When the modeling lamp comes back on, this indicates
that the unit has recycled and is ready to ash again at the
indicated settings. With the switch released, the lamp will
remain on at the output level indicated through the shoot.
Recycle Indicator Ready Light
The “READY” light shines green to indicate that the unit is
recycled and ready to ash at the indicated settings.
THE X-SERIES
CONTROL PANEL:
The Control Panel on the X-Series
ash unit offers you clear control
of the unit’s features, conveniently
labeled and collectively located for
simple and quick manipulation.
Note: The Blue “RANGE” Switch
that allows the unit to switch from
High Power to Low Power mode
is only available on the X1600
and X3200 models (NOT on X800
models).

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Test Flash
The red “TEST” button allows you to test ash your unit.
Range Switch *on the X1600, X2400 and X3200 units only
The blue “RANGE” button switches the unit from High Power
(Full) to Low Power (1/4) mode. When in High Power mode,
the unit is using all of its capacitors and the ashpower slider
will adjust the output over a stepless 5 f-stop range from Full
down to 1/32 power. When in Low Power mode, the unit is
using only 1/4 of its capacitors and the ashpower slider will
adjust the output over a stepless 5 f-stop range from 1/4
down to 1/128 power. As the modes overlap, there is a total
of 7 f-stops available. When in Low Power mode, the ash
duration and recycle time is decreased by a factor of 4, and
the modeling lamp will be set to dimmed to 1/4 of its power.
The unit will test ash itself whenever you switch the range.
Remote Control Jack
This standard RJ-11 connector jack accepts the four-con-
ductor telephone cords provided with each Paul C. Buff,
IncTM remote control for remote operation of functions.
Slave Tripper (SLAVE cell)
The unit contains a sensitive built-in slaver tripper, which
res the unit whenever it “sees” the light from another ash
unit or from an infrared signal. The slave tripper can be dis-
engaged by plugging a sync cord or a blank “dummy” jack
into the sync jack.
Sync Jack
The sync jack allows you to connect the unit to your camera
with the provided sync cord (PC-connection). When a sync
cord or blank “dummy plug” is connected, the slave tripper
is disengaged and the unit will only re from the connected
camera (or remote control, if connected). The X-Series
trigger / sync voltage is under 6 volts.
Dump Light
The “DUMP” light indicates the unit’s charge / overcharge
status. This light shines red when the unit is charged to a
higher ashpower than what is selected (when the ash-
power is changed from a higher to a lower setting). To avoid
overexposing the next frame, wait for the “DUMP” light to
go out (the unit will automatically dump the excess charge).
Depending on the power adjustment made, the automatic
dump may take up to one full minute, but you can instantly
dump this charge by pressing the “TEST” button to ash the
unit.

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FRONT VIEW DIAGRAM
Circuit Breaker Reset Button
The “RESET” button allows you to reset the circuit breaker if
it is tripped from excessive, rapid use. Pressing this button
in will reset the circuit breaker.
ON / OFF AC Power Switch
The Power Switch, located above the Power Cord Jack, is
the main ON/OFF switch for the ash unit.
Power Cord Outlet
Each X-Series unit is supplied with our 15-foot AC Power
Cord to connect the unit to a 120 Vac, 50-60 Hz power source.
The power cord is plugged into this outlet (with a standard
IEC Connector), then into a a grounded power outlet. The
ash units will not function properly if the ground is defeated.
For safety, using a surge protector is recommended when
multiple ash units are plugged into a single outlet.
umbrella screw
dual umbrella holes
holding ngers (4)
ashtube
modeling lamp
faceplate release lever
(expands and contracts the
four holding ngers)
positioning handle
stand mount
tightening screw
light stand brass stud

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X-SERIES FEATURES
Built-in Cooling Fan
While the units incorporate axial-ow thermodynamics to reduce heat build-up,
each unit also has a built-in, forced air cooling fan to prevent overheating. The
thermostatically-controlled fan automatically comes on when temperatures
rise from extended use (at 104º F).
Warning Alarms
Each unit contains audible warning alarms to indicate overheat and misre.
If the unit’s temperatures reach higher levels where the internal components
may be threatened, the unit will produce a periodic tone. Continued use will
increase the urgency of this tone. Should the overheat alarm sound, it is best
to power down your unit and allow it to cool. If the ash unit is triggered but
fails to re properly, the misre alarm will sound for one second. If this alarm
sounds, rst check your ashtube to ensure that it has not broken or come
loose. If either alarm res and you are unable to correct the problem, please
contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-443-5542.
The Housing
The units are housed in aircraft-grade aluminum extrusions with molded poly-
carbonate rear bezels. Our swivel stand mount is attached to the housing
(with a tightening knob to attach your unit securely to a light stand) and an
adjustment arm to change the position and direction of the unit.
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Remove the shipping cover.
Your ash unit arrives with a black polycarbonate shipping cover in place. You
must remove this cover prior to operation. The cover is held in place with
four ngers on the faceplate of the unit, which are used to hold accessories as
well (such as reectors and softbox speedrings). To remove the cover, slide
the silver faceplate release lever to the left. This will cause holding ngers
on the faceplate to contract, allowing you to pull the shipping cover straight off
of the faceplate. Releasing the lever will allow the holding ngers to expand
back into the holding position.
2. Securely mount your ash unit to an appropriate light stand.
The black swivel mounting bracket allows you to afx your unit to any of our
light stands. Once you have expanded the footprint of the stand to its stable
position, set the unit on top of the stand and allow the brass stud to slide inside
the opening. Use the black knob on the mounting bracket to tighten the screw
and secure the position. Use the black positioning handle on the bracket to
adjust the direction and angle of the ash unit. Once your unit is securely
mounted and positioned, you may then adjust the height of the stand. See the
images on the following page to learn more.

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3. Attach your accessories.
Reectors: To attach any of our reectors to the faceplate of your ash unit,
you will use the faceplate lever to expand and contract the holding ngers
in the same manner used to remove your shipping cover. When you slide
the lever to the left, the holding ngers will contract, allowing you to place
your reector around the ngers. When the lever is released, the ngers will
expand to hold the reector securely in place. For proper tting, ensure that
all four ngers are holding the inside of the reector.
Softboxes and Octaboxes: The speedring of your assembled softbox will t
on the faceplate in place of the reector, attached and removed as the reec-
tors are, with the holding ngers.
Umbrellas: You may use an umbrella with the standard 7-inch reector or
bare-bulb. Line up the hole in the reector with either of the dual umbrella
holes in the unit’s housing. The umbrella pole ts through either hole and is
then tightened in place with the black screw.
Honeycomb Grids: To use our 7-inch grids you will need either the standard
7-inch reector (included with the ash unit) or the UMF LiteMod Unit
Mainframe. With either reector attached, you can snap one grid directly into
the recessed outer lip.
Gels / Filters: Our gels / lters may be used with the UMF LiteMod Unit
Mainframe (sliding into the frame using the GELH Gel Holders) or with the
UBR Background Reector or standard 7-inch reector. With the reectors,
you can use the provided self-adhering nylon clips for attachment.
Please see the individual accessories for a complete description of use and
attachment, or call us should you need assistance.
4. Connect your power cord and turn the unit ON.
The provided 15-foot power cord connects to the ash unit on the back control
panel, then plugs in to a 120VAC, 50-60Hz power outlet. With the power cord
connected, turn your unit on. The green READY light indicates that your unit
is powered and ready to re.
Note: The X-Series stand mount ts light stands with 5/8-inch or smaller studs.

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5. Connect your sync cord to your camera.
The 1/4-inch male stereo plug on one end of the provided sync cord plugs in
to the sync jack on the back panel of the unit; the other end of the cord will
connect to your camera’s PC outlet. When the cord is plugged into the sync
jack, the ash unit will re. This ash will indicate that the sync cord is detected,
and that the unit will take its cues to re from your connected camera.
**If your specic camera does not have a PC outlet, we offer a hot shoe
adapter that ts in the standard ISO hot shoe of most cameras to enable PC-
connection (part# HSA, sold separately on our website).
6. Adjust your positioning and ashpower settings.
The output settings that you choose will vary based on your subject, your envi-
ronment and your desired effects. The positioning will vary as well, depending
on the coverage, distance and intensity required. The modeling lamps will
help you to determine positioning as they will show you exactly where your
light will hit, matching the specularity of the source with any modifying acces-
sories. With your ash unit powered ON and connected to your camera, you
are ready to take a meter reading of the light, adjust your camera settings, and
begin shooting.
METERING
When using ash units and various light modifying techniques, the best way
to ensure a proper exposure is to use a high quality, dedicated ash meter.
There are several manufacturers who offer excellent meters, allowing you to
enter the specic settings that you’ve chosen for a shot, and read the amount
of light present. You can connect the provided sync cord directly to a hand-held
meter, and select the “cord” option for the meter’s re signaling. Once you
have entered the appropriate lm speed (ISO) and shutter speed into the
meter, you are ready to take a reading. The meter’s “test” or “re” button will
re the unit(s) in your setup, and indicate the appropriate settings so that you
may set your camera controls accordingly. A reading from the camera position
or from the subject position may be used to determine an overall average
scene reading. Depending on the subject, you may additionally want to take
spot meter readings. With these readings, you can set your camera’s controls
appropriately for the amount of light present, considering the aperture and
shutter speed needed for the specic effect desired. Once you have taken
your reading, made necessary adjustments, and set your camera’s controls,
you can remove the sync cord from the meter and return it to your camera.
You are now ready to shoot.
Note: When metering for a correct exposure, you cannot rely on your
in-camera meter, as it cannot detect the light that will be produced by the
ash unit(s) when red. Additionally, your camera may employ a Through-The-
Lens Meter (TTL) which can inadvertently trip your unit’s built-in slave tripper,
causing the unit to prematurely ash.

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AUTOMATIC VS. MANUAL CAMERA MODES
The automatic mode is a setting on your camera that allows the camera to
use its internal meter to automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed
for a shot based on the prescribed ISO setting, and the available light. When
using studio ash units, you cannot leave your camera in automatic mode, as
its internal meter will not be able to detect the light that will be emitted by your
ash units, and will thus be set to an inaccurate shutter speed and aperture
opening, causing your picture to be overexposed.
Manual exposure is a camera mode which is non-automatic and requires
the photographer to set their own ISO, aperture, and f-stop for each shot.
This mode does not rely on the camera’s internal metering system, but rather
requires you to take a reading with a separate ash meter to determine correct
settings. When using external ash units, your camera should be adjusted
manually.
RECOMMENDED LONG TERM USE
For the X-Series X800 and X1600, up to 400 full power shots per hour may
be used. This will increase at lower power settings, and excess use will be
identied by the unit’s overheat alarm. With the X3200, up to 240 full power
shots per hour may be used, also increasing with lower power settings. Always
power down then unplug your unit when not in use.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What will trigger the built-in slave tripper?
A: Our built-in slave tripper is sensitive to both visible and infrared ashes
of light and will be triggered by conventional ash. It will in fact, be triggered
by any light ash that it “sees.” One ash unit in your setup will reliably re all
of the other ashes, allowing wireless ring. The slave cell will be tripped by an
on-camera conventional ash and an infrared slave as well. The slave may be
inadvertently tripped by ashes from other photographers in the area and / or
other infrared signals or pre-ashes as well.
Q: Can the built-in slave tripper be turned off?
A: Yes.The internal slave sensor is automatically disabled when a sync cord
or blank dummy plug is inserted in the sync jack. With the sync cord inserted,
the unit will only take its cue to re from your camera. To disengage the slave
tripper without connecting it to your camera, you can simply insert a blank
“dummy plug” into the sync jack. (A dummy plug is simply a 1/4-inch blank
stereo plug and you can order these from us should you need any.)

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Q: Should I be concerned about the sync voltage?
A: Digital camera users are often concerned about the sync / trigger voltage
as units with high voltages can be unsafe for the camera. The X-Series Flash
Units, however, use a low sync voltage (under 6 volts) which is safe for use
with a hot shoe adaptor or PC sync connector. Some ash units, especially
cheap or old units, use sync voltages as high as 50-60 volts which can damage
some cameras. Most digital cameras can accept up to 6 volts synced. You can
check your camera’s manual to conrm its maximum allowable sync voltage.
Q: My X-Series unit does not re. All I hear is a ‘clicking’ sound. The
ready light comes on and the modeling lamp works, but there is no ash.
What does this mean?
A: If the ready light comes on, and you hear a faint click when you push the
test button, the most likely problem is an exhausted ashtube. Flashtubes
become exhausted based on use, and a new ashtube should x the problem.
Q: I’m having problems with my supplied sync cord tting into the light
and the PC connection on my camera. Did I get the wrong cord?
A: The sync cord supplied with your ash unit is a 15-foot cord, with a 1/4
inch stereo plug on one end, and a PC connector on the other end. To insure
a proper connection, you must push both the PC connection and stereo plug
in fully, until they cannot be pushed in any further. Simply pushing the stereo
plug in one more “click” solves many problems of this nature. However, given
manufacturing tolerances, it is only natural to get an occasional “minus” sync
cord mating up with a “plus” camera PC connector, and vice versa. A PC
connector set requires a tight t to prevent misres, and there are slight size
differences occasionally noted between a camera manufacturer’s PC outlet,
and cord manufacturer’s PC cord. While this is rare, if you feel that your cord
simply won’t match, please contact us.
**If your specic camera does not have a PC outlet, we offer a hot shoe
adapter that ts in the standard ISO hot shoe of most cameras to enable PC-
connection (part# HSA, sold separately on our website).
If you have other questions, please contact us! You can call us on our toll
free line at 1-800-443-5542 or on our local line at 615-383-3982. We’re here
Monday through Friday, from 9:00am until 5:00pm, CST. You can email us as
well at [email protected].

ABSOLUTE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ offers a 60-Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee. If, for
any reason, you are not satised with the equipment that you have purchased
from Paul C. Buff, Inc.™, you may return your equipment within 60 days for a
complete refund minus the cost of shipping.
WARRANTY
Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ offers a 5-Year Factory Warranty on all White Lightning™
X-Series (X800, X1600 and X3200) ash units. The obligation of Paul C. Buff,
Inc.™ is limited to the repair or replacement of products that have become
defective under normal use, as outlined in the manual. The warranty does not
apply to the ashtubes or modeling lamps as these become exhausted based
on normal use (except in the unusual case of an unexpected manufacturer’s
defect). Should you experience any difculties, please contact us so that we
can assess your predicament and let you know if we need to bring in your unit
for repair.
This product was Made in the USA by Paul C. Buff, Inc.TM
2725 Bransford Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37204
Toll Free Customer Service Line: 1-800-443-5542
Local: 615-383-3982 Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]
www.PAULCBUFF.com