CULLMANN CUlight FR 36N User manual

FR 36N
for Nikon
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2928
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing this product.
This CUlight FR 36N camera ash applies to Nikon series cameras
and is compatible with TTL autoash. With this TTL compatible
ash, your shooting will become simpler. You can easily achieve
a correct ash exposure even in complex light-changing environ-
ments. This camera ash features:
• GN36 (m ISO 100, @105mm).
• Fully support Nikon i-TTL camera ash. Workable as Master or
Slave unit in a wireless ash group.
• With built-in 2.4GHz wireless remote system to support trans-
mitting and receiving.
• Provided multiple functions, include manual ash, multi ash,
HSS (up to 1/8000s), second curtain sync, FEC, etc.
• Support with rmware upgrade.
ForYour Safety
Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp
conditions.
This product contains high-voltage electronic parts. Touching
the high-voltage circuit inside it may result in electric shock.
Do not disassemble. Should repairs become necessary, this
product must be sent to an authorized maintenance center.
Stop using this product if it breaks open due to extrusion,
falling or strong hit. Otherwise, electric shock may occur if you
touch the electronic parts inside it.
Do not re the ash directly into the eyes (especially those of
babies) within short distances. Otherwise visual impairment
may occur. When taking pictures for babies, keep the ash unit
at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) away from them. Using bounce ash
to reduce light intensity is also recommended.
Do not use the ash unit in the presence of ammable
gases, chemicals and other similar materials. In certain
circumstances, these materials may be sensitive to the strong
light emitting from this ash unit and re or electromagnetic
interference may result.
Do not leave or store the ash unit in places where the
ambient temperature reads over 50°C (e.g. in automobile).
Otherwise the electronic parts may be damaged.
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CUlightTTL Camera Flash
Conventions used in this Manual
• This manual is based on the assumption that both the camera
and camera ash’s power switches are powered on.
• Reference page numbers are indicated by “p.**”.
• The following alert symbols are used in this manual:
The Caution symbol gives supplemental information.
The Note symbol indicates a warning to prevent shooting
problem.
Contents
Foreword ....................................28
For Your Safety ...............................29
Name of Parts ................................32
Body ........................................32
Control Panel..................................32
LCD Panel ....................................33
What’s in the Box of CUlight FR 36N? ..............34
Separately Sold Accessories .....................34
Attaching to a Camera.........................34
Power Management...........................35
Flash Mode: TTL Autoash .....................35
FEC: Flash Exposure Compensation.............36
High-Speed Sync ............................36
Second-Curtain Sync ...........................36
Flash Mode – M: Manual Flash ..................37
Flash Mode – Multi: Stroboscopic Flash..........38
Wireless Flash Shooting:
Radio (2.4G) Transmission .....................39
Wireless Settings ..............................39
Setting Master Unit’s Flash Mode .................40
Setting the Communication Channel ...............40
TTL: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Shooting .......40
M: Wireless Flash Shooting with Manual Flash.......42
Multi: Wireless Flash Shooting with Manual Flash ....42
Other Applications............................44
Auto Focus Assist Beam ........................44
Bounce Flash .................................44
Creating a Catchlight............................45
ZOOM: Setting the Flash Coverage
and Using the Wide Panel .......................45
C.Fn: Setting Custom Functions ................46
Protection Function ...........................47
Firmware Upgrade ............................48
Technical Data................................49
Troubleshooting ..............................50
Compatible Camera Models....................51
Maintenance .................................51
Declaration of Conformity .....................51
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Name of Parts
• Body
01. Catchlight Panel
02. Built-in Wide Panel
03. Flash Head
04. Optic Control Sensor
05. Focus Assist Beam
06. Hotshoe
07. LCD Panel
08. Lock Ring
09. Battery Compartment
10. USB Port
• LCD Panel
(1) TTL Autoash
Flash mode
(2) M Manual Flash
(3) Multi Flash
(4) Radio Transmission Shooting
• Master Unit
Flash exposure
compensation amount
Zoom: zoom display (Page 45)
TTL: TTL autoash
: High-speed
sync (Page 36)
Focus length (Page
45)
M: Manual ash
Manual ash output
Multi: Stroboscopic ash
Flash frequency
Number of ashes
Slave
Firing group
Master Channel
01
02
09
03
04
05
06
13
14
15
20
21
12
11
16
• Slave Unit
• Control Panel
11. <MODE > Mode Selection
Button
12. <ZOOM > Zoom Selection
Button
13. < SYNC> High-Speed Sync
Button
14. <SLAVE> S1/S2 Optic Slave
Triggering Selection Button
(in non-wireless mode)
15. < > Power Switch
16. < > Test Button / Flash
Ready Indicator.
20. Select Dial
21. <SET> Set Button
07
10
08
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• What’s in the Box of CUlight FR 36N?
1. Flash unit 2. Mini stand 3. Protection case 4. Diffuser 5. Instruc-
tion manual
• Separately Sold Accessories
The product can be used in combination with the following
separately sold accessories:
1. CUlight 2.4 GHz Trigger Kit RT 500N & RR 500N
2. CUlight 2.4 GHz Transmitter RT 500N
3. CUlight 2.4 GHz Receiver RR 500N
4. CUlight Softbox Kit with Flashgun Holder SB 40-40 Kit
5. CUlight Softbox Kit with Flashgun Holder SB 60-60 Kit
6. CUlight Light Stand LS 2000 (216 cm)
7. CUlight Light Stand LS 2500 (308 cm)
Attaching to a Camera
1Attach the Camera Flash. • Slip the camera ash’s
mounting foot into the
camera’s hotshoe all the
way.
2Secure the Camera Flash. • Rotate the lock ring on
the mounting foot until it
locks up.
3Detach the Camera Flash. • Rotate the lock ring on the
mounting foot until it is
loosened.
Power Management
Use Power Switch to power the ash unit on (Long press
the button for one second) or off. Turn off if it will not be used
for an extended period of time. Setting as a master ash, it will
turn the power off automatically after a certain period (approx.
90 seconds) of idle use. Pressing the camera shutter halfway
or pressing any ash button will wake up the ash unit. Setting
as a slave ash, it will enter sleep mode after a certain period
(adjustable, 60 minutes by default) of idle use. Pressing any ash
button will wake it up.
C.Fn
Disabling Auto Power Off function is recommended
when the ash is used off camera. (C.Fn-ST, Page 46)
Flash Mode:TTL Autoash
This ash has three ash modes: TTL, Manual (M), and Multi
(Stroboscopic). In TTL mode, the camera and the ash will work
together to calculate the correct exposure for the subject and the
background. In this mode, multiple TTL functions are available:
FEC, HSS, second curtain sync, etc.
* Press < MODE > Mode Selection Button and three ash modes
will display on the LCD panel one by one with each pressing.
TTL Mode
Press < MODE > Mode Selection Button to enter TTL mode. The
LCD panel will display < TTL >.
•Press the camera release button halfway to focus.
•When the shutter button is fully pressed, the ash will re a
preash that the camera will use to calculate exposure and ash
output the instant before the photo is taken.
Display “HI”: When the ash output value is up to the maximum
value, “HI” will be displayed and blinking for 3 seconds. Adjust
the camera’s parameters if underexposure appears.
Display “Lo”: When the ash output value is up to the minimum
value, “Lo” will be displayed and blinking for 3 seconds. Adjust
the camera’s parameters if overexposure appears.
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FEC: Flash Exposure Compensation
With FEC function, this ash can adjust from -3 to +3 in 1/3rd
stops. It is useful in situations where minor adjusting of the TTL
system is needed based on the environment.
Setting FEC:
1Press the SET Button and the ash exposure
compensation amount will
be highlighted on the LCD
panel.
2Turn the Select Dial to set the amount.
•“0.3”means 1/3 step,
“0.7”means 2/3 step.
•To cancel the ash expo-
sure compensation, set
the amount to “+0”.
3Press < SET> button again to conrm the setting.
High-Speed Sync
High Speed Sync (FP ash) enables the ash to synchronize with
all camera shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to
use aperture priority for ll-ash portraits.
Choose the < > button:
1. Press the <SYNC> button to turn on high-speed sync function.
2. Set the Nikon camera high-speed sync to 1/320s (auto FP) or
1/250s (auto FP).
•With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the
shorter the effective ash range.
•Multi ash mode cannot be set in high-speed sync mode.
•Over-temperature protection may be activated after 15
consecutive high-speed sync ashes.
•Try to avoid using high-speed sync ash, which will cut
short ash tube’s lifetime.
Second-Curtain Sync
With a slow shutter speed, you can create a light train following
the subject. The ash res right before the shutter closes.
•Set Nikon camera to Rear mode.
M: Manual Flash
The ash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power to 1/128th
power in 1/3rd stop increments. To obtain a correct ash expo-
sure, use a hand-held ash meter to determine the required ash
output.
1Press < MODE> button so that <M> is displayed.
2Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired ash
output amount. In
high-speed sync mode, the
adjustable ash range is
1/16~1/1.
Flash Output Range
The following table makes it easier to see how the stop changes
in terms of f/stop when you increase or decrease the ash output.
For example, when you decrease the ash output to 1/2, 1/2-0.3,
or 1/2- 0.7, and then increase the ash output to more than 1/2,
1/2+0.3, 1/2+0.7, and 1/1 will be displayed.
Figures displayed when reducing ash output level 
1/41/2
1/1
1/1-0.3
1/2+0.7
1/1-0.7
1/2+0.3
1/2-0.3
1/4+0.7
1/2-0.7
1/4+0.3
······
······
 Figures displayed when increasing ash output level
In the M mode, high-speed sync and second curtain sync
functions can be achieved.
Optical S1 Secondary Unit Setting
In M manual ash mode, press the <SLAVE > button so that
this ash can function as an optic S1 secondary ash with optic
sensor. With this function, the ash will re synchronously when
the main ash res, the same effect as that by the use of radio
triggers. This helps create multiple lighting effects.
Optical S2 Secondary Unit Setting
Press the < SLAVE> button so that this ash can also function as
an optic S2 secondary ash with optic sensor in M manual ash
mode. This is useful when cameras have pre-ash function. With
this function, the ash will ignore a single “preash” from the
main ash and will only re in response to the second, actual ash
from the main unit.
•S1 and S2 optic triggering and off camera high-speed
mode are only available in M manual ash mode.
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Multi: Stroboscopic Flash
With stroboscopic ash, a rapid series of ashes is red. It can be
used to capture a multiple images of a moving subject in a single
photograph.
You can set the ring frequency (number of ashes per sec.
expressed as Hz), the number of ashes, and the ash output.
1Long press the < MODE > button for 2 seconds so that
<Multi> is displayed.
2Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired ash
output.
3Set the ash frequency and ash times.
•Press the SET Button to
select the ash frequency.
Turn the Select Dial to set
the number.
•Press the SET Button
again to select the ash
times. Turn the Select Dial
to set the number.
Calculating the Shutter Speed
During stroboscopic ash, the shutter remains open until the
ring stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed
and set it with the camera.
Number of Flashes / Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed
For example, if the number of ashes is 10 and the ring frequen-
cy is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds.
•To avoid overheating and deteriorating the ash head, do
not use stroboscopic ash more than 10 times in succes-
sion. After 10 times, allow the camera ash to rest for at
least 15 minutes. If you try to use the stroboscopic ash
more than 10 times in succession, the ring might stop
automatically to protect the ash head. If this happens,
allow at least 15 minutes’ rest for the camera ash.
•Stroboscopic ash is most effective with a highly reec-
tive subject against a dark background.
•Using a tripod and a remote control is recommended.
•Stroboscopic ash can be used with“bulb”.
•If the number of ashes is displayed as “--”, the ring
will continue until the shutter closes or the battery is ex-
hausted. The number of ashes will be limited as shown
by the following table.
Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes:
Wireless Flash Shooting:
Radio (2.4G)Transmission
•You can set up three slave groups for TTL autoash shooting.
With TTL autoash, you can easily create various lighting effects.
•Any ash settings for the slave units on the master ash in TTL
mode will be automatically sent to the slave units. So the only
thing you need to do is to set the master unit for each slave group
without any operation for the slave units at all during the shooting.
•This ash can work in TTL / M/ Multi /OFF ash modes when
set as a master unit.
The CUlight FR 36N ash unit is fully compatible with other items
from the CULLMANN CUlight product range.
As a master unit, CUlight FR 36N can control the following slave
unit models: CUlight FR 60N, CUlight RR 500N
As a slave unit, CUlight FR 36N can be controlled by the follow-
ing master unit models: CUlight FR 60N, CUlight RT 500N
•Even with multiple slave units, the master unit can control
all of them via wireless.
•In this user manual, “master unit” refers to the camera
ash on a camera and “slave unit” will be controlled by
the master unit.
1. Wireless Settings
You can switch between normal ash and wireless ash. For
normal ash shooting, be sure to set the wireless setting to OFF.
Master Unit Setting
1Long Press the < SYNC > button for 2 seconds so that
< > is blinking. Turn the
Select Dial until the < >
is displayed on the LCD
panel, which means the
master unit.
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Slave Unit Setting
1Long Press the < SYNC > button for 2 seconds so that
< > is blinking. Turn the
Select Dial until the < >
is displayed on the LCD
panel, which means the
slave unit.
2. Setting Master Unit’s Flash Mode
1Press the < SLAVE> Button to choose the group from
M/A/B/C. Then, press the
<MODE > Button so that
the master unit can work
in OFF/TTL/M ash mode.
Choose one of them as the
ash mode of master unit.
2Press the < MODE > Button for 2 seconds to switch to
Multi mode.
3. Setting the Communication Channel
If there are other wireless ash systems nearby, you can change
the channel IDs to prevent signal interference. The channel IDs of
the master unit and the slave unit(s) must be set to the same.
1Long press the < SLAVE> Button for 2 seconds until
the channel IDs is blinking.
Turn the Select Dial to
choose a channel ID from
1 to 16.
2Press the < SET> button to conrm.
4.TTL: Fully Automatic Wireless
Flash Shooting
Autoash Shooting with One Slave Unit
2Slave Unit Setting •Set the CUlight FR 36N
that to be controlled as
the wireless slave unit.
(Page 40)
•The slave unit can be set
as A/B/C.
3Check the communica- tion channel
•If the master unit and slave
unit(s) are set to a different
channel, set them to the
same channel. (Page 40)
4Position the camera and ashes
•Position the camera and
ashes as the picture
shows. (Page 43)
5Check the ash operation •Press the master unit’s
Test Button< >.
•Then, the slave unit will
re. If not, adjust the slave
unit’s angle toward the
master unit and distance
from the master unit.
•The slave unit might be out of order or re an unwanted
ash due to the nearby wi routers or other 2.4G equip-
ments. If in this case, please adjust the ash’s channel or
turn off the 2.4G equipments.
1Master Unit Setting •Attach a CUlight FR 36N
camera ash on the
camera and set it as the
master unit. (Page 39)
•A/B/C can be set as TTL
mode independently.
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5. M:Wireless Flash Shooting
with Manual Flash
This describes wireless (multiple shooting) using manual ash.
You can shoot with a different ash output setting for each slave
unit (ring group). Set all parameters on the master unit.
1Setting the ash mode to < M>
•Press the < MODE >
Button to set the ash to
M mode.
2Setting ash output •Turn the Select Dial to set
the ash output of the
groups.
3Taking the picture •Each group res at the set
ash ratio.
6. Multi:Wireless Flash Shooting
with Manual Flash
1Setting < Multi > strobo-
scopic ash.
•Long press the < MODE >
button for 2 seconds so
that <Multi > is displayed.
Long press the < MODE >
button for 2 seconds again
to exit.
2Setting ash output/ash frequency/ash times.
•Setting the ash output/
ash frequency/ash
times in the A group. Set-
ting the multi ash mode.
(see Page 38)
•B and C group can only
control the ON/OFF of the
slave unit by pressing the
<MODE > Button.
Using a ash (master/slave) with a radio transmission wireless
shooting function make it easy to shoot with advanced wireless
multiple ash lighting, in the same way as TTL autoash shooting.
The basic relative position and operation range are as shown in
the picture. You can then perform wireless TTL autoash shooting
just by setting the master unit to < TTL >.
Slave/Master Unit‘s Positioning and Operation Range
Autoash Shooting with One Slave Unit
•Use the supplied mini stand to position the slave unit.
•Before shooting, perform a test ash and test shooting.
•The transmission distance might be shorter depending
on the conditions such as positioning of slave units, the
surrounding environment and weather conditions.
Transmission distance is about 30m.
Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting
You can divide the slave units into two or three groups and
perform TTL autoash while changing the ash ratio (factor). In
addition, you can set and shoot with a different ash mode for
each ring group, for up to 3 groups.
•Auto Shooting with Two Slave Groups
•Auto Shooting with Three Slave Groups
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4544
Other Applications
Auto Focus Assist Beam
In poorly-lit or low-contrast shooting environments, the built-in
auto focus assist beam will automatically light on to make it easier
for autofocus. The beam will light up only when autofocus is dif-
cult and get out as soon as the autofocus becomes correct.
If you want to turn off the auto focus assist beam, set the “AF” to
“OFF” on the C.Fn settings.
Position Effective Range
Center 0.6~4m
Periphery 0.6~2.5m
Bounce Flash
By pointing the ash head toward a wall or ceiling, the ash will
bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can
soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking
shot. This is called bounce ash.
To set the bounce direction, hold the ash head and turn it
to a satisfying angle.
•If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced ash
might be too weak and result in underexposure.
•The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high
reectance. If the bounce surface is not white, a color
cast may appear in the picture.
•Point the ash head straight ahead and then upward by
90°. The catchlight will not appear if you swing the ash
head left or right.
•For best catchlight effect, stay 1.5m/4.9ft away from the
subject.
Creating a Catchlight
With the catchlight panel, you can create a catchlight in the
subject’s eyes to add life to the facial expression.
1Point the ash head upward by 90°.
2Pull out the wide panel. The catchlight panel will come
out at the same time.
3Push the wide panel back in.
•Push in only the wide
panel.
•Follow the same proce-
dures as for bounce ash.
ZOOM: Setting the Flash Coverage
and Using the Wide Panel
The ash coverage can be set automatically or manually. It can be
set to match the lens focal length from 24mm to 105mm. Also,
with the built-in wide panel, the ash coverage can be expanded
for 14mm wide-angle lenses.
In Manual Zoom mode, press
the < ZOOM > button.
•Turn the Select Dial
to change the ash
coverage.
•If < AU > is displayed, the
ash coverage will be set
automatically.
•If you set the ash coverage manually, make sure it
covers the lens focal length so that the picture will not
have a dark periphery.
•When the low battery indicator is displayed, the ZOOM
can not be adjusted, it will constantly be 24mm.
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