Hedler FP 250 User manual

Thank you for chosing a Hedler FP 250 and
your confidence in the Hedler Light System.
Please, read the following technical information
carefully before using the Light Unit.
Codes are given in <Brackets>.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Light Units of the HEDLER F range are designed for professional use. They are assembled by applying precision methods and tested individually
for function and quality. The Flashlight HEDLER FP 250 is provided with an integrated U-Bracket and a friction brake and a 5/8” Quick-Lock Light
Stand Attachment. After loosening the hex key screws by approx. 2 turns, the U-Bracket can be moved back and forth in its keyway for gravity
adjustment and can be turned for either right or left hand use. On its front side, the aluminium housing holds the glass cover. AdditionalIy there
is the QuickFit adapter (compatible with Uni-Adapt system) for attaching reflectors.
The Flashlight HEDLER FP 250 uses AC of 220 - 230 V and the modern Tungsten Lamps 75 W as a pilot light. The flash light source is a quartz-
flash bulb with daylight quality and a maximum power of 250 Ws.
FLASH OUTPOWER and FLASH FUNCTIONS
The flash light output power of the HEDLER FP 250 is adjustable by 4 f-stops. Reducing the flash light output power charging is automatically
done by the electronics, no manual flashing to unload the flash light unit is necessary.
Under maximum flash light output power, the longest flash duration lasts 1/850 second, and this allows the use of a 1/500 second as sync-time.
The „short“ 1/500 second is extremely helpful while photographing Portrait and Fashion: it can prevent „blurred“ photographs even when
working without a tripod. Please check your camera to find out which sync-time can be used; if you use a shutter speed shorter than your
camera´s sync-time while using flash lighting, your photographs will be darkened or underexposed on their longer side.
The HEDLER FP 250 can be flash fired with the sync-cord or Photocell. If you use more than one flash light unit, the synchronized flash firing
can be done in two ways:
a) one flash light unit will be connected to the camera by a sync-cord, which has to be plugged into the Socket SYNC. When shooting the
photograph, the camera triggers the sync-cord connected flash light unit and every other flash light unit with Photocell switched on will be
released synchronized;
b) connect an IR trigger to your camera and switch on the Photocell at every flash light unit that must/should be released synchronized; when
shooting the photograph, the IR trigger will be released by the camera, and every flash light unit (that receives a strong enough IR light impulse)
will be released synchronized. For technical and practical reasons, we recommend the IR or radio trigger flash release version.
To assess lighting and shadow ratio/impact the FP 250 is equipped with a 75 W pilot or modeling light. With switch 12 - PILOT SET set that
its LED is ON, the pilot light output power will change proportionally and continuously when flash light output power is changed. Set that its
LED is BLINKING the pilot light output power will also change proportionally when the flash light output power is changed, but in addition:
the pilot light will automatically turn-off during the re-/discharging time of the FP 250. After re-/discharging, the pilot light will automatically
turned on again to indicate readiness for flash firing (useable as an opitical flash firing control).
In certain circumstances, such as when the material has shiny surfaces or is deep/dark black, focusing the lens can be a problem. In such a
situation, the PILOT RANGE switch 13 can reduce the output power from 100% (LED is ON) or 50% (LED is BLINKING); this is only
effective if the PILOT SET switch 12 is set either that its LED is ON or BLINKING). Using the PILOT RANGE switch 13 does not change
the flash light output power setting!
The ACOUSTIC CONTROL switch 9 (LED ON or BLINKING), allows the successful control of different acoustic tone flash firing ready/
flash firing.
HEDLER Systemlicht GmbH Heerstrasse 112 D-65594 Runkel / Lahn www.hedler.com
Telefon + 49 - (0) 6482 918 100 Telefax + 49 - (0) 6482 918 111 eMail [e-mail]
Flashlight FP 250
HEDLER®
Systemlicht
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Handmade in Germany

HEDLER Systemlicht GmbH Heerstrasse 112 D-65594 Runkel / Lahn www.hedler.com
Telefon + 49 - (0) 6482 918 100 Telefax + 49 - (0) 6482 918 111 eMail [e-mail]
Flashlight FP 250
HEDLER®
Systemlicht
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HEDLER Systemlicht GmbH Heerstrasse 112 D-65594 Runkel / Lahn www.hedler.com
Telefon + 49 - (0) 6482 918 100 Telefax + 49 - (0) 6482 918 111 eMail [e-mail]
Flashlight FP 250
HEDLER®
Systemlicht
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# LED Description
1 Photocell
2 Sync cord socket 6,3 mm
3
0
1
Main switch HEDLER FP 250
HEDLER FP 250 is switched off
HEDLER FP 250 is switched on
4 Flash bulb fuse FF 4 A - please refer to page 4: Necessary precautions and To replace the fuse FF 4 A (flash
bulb): ALWAYS use FF 4 A Replacement Fuses supplied by Hedler Systemlicht GmbH
5 Power cord socket - use only a power cord that is supplied by Hedler Systemlicht GmbH to put your HEDLER FP 250
into operation
6 Digital Indicator - 1/10 f-stop graded - to adjust the flash output power very precisely between two flash lights
7 Test switch - flash firing manually, refer to page 1 for further information about function
8
off
on
blinking
Photocell switch
Photocell is switched off
Photocell is switched on; the FP 250 will only be released if it receives a strong enough light or IR light impulse
Photocell is switched on and ignores some camera´s metering pre-flash; the FP 250 will be released when the
camera´s main flash is released (if the main flash is released not later than 1/500 seconds after the pre-flash
was released)
9
off
on
blinking
Acoustic Control switch
Acoustic Control is switched off
Acoustic Control is switched on - a repeated tone is followed by one longer tone which indicates the FP 250 is ready
for flash release after changing the flash light output power or after successfully releasing a flash
Acoustical control is switched on - one single tone indicates the FP 250 is ready for flash release after changing the flash
light output power or after successfully releasing a flash
10
and
11
Flash light output power control button plus and minus - allows the variable setting of the flash units power over 4
f-stops
Example:
• the digital indicator of your HEDLER FP 250 shows 3, your light meter indicates f-stop 8 and 3/10 (=f-stop 9)
• for your actual lighting idea you need f-stop 11 and 3/10 (=f-stop 13)
• press the flash light output power control plus button until the digital indicator shows 4 instead of 3
• please do another light metering
• your light meter should display approx. f-stop 11 and 3/10
Please note:
Because of your Studio situation (colour of the wall, size, reflections, etc.) and the combination with additional flash
light units, it may happen that a changing of the flash light output power (which will be displayed additionally by the
digital indicator) does not lead to the expected f-stop increase/decrease. This is not an error of the system but the
result of the conditions within the situation. In that case please adjust the flash light output power rotary control until
light metering shows the needed f-stop value.
12
off
on
blinking
Pilot Set switch (=Modeling light switch)
Pilot light is switched off (prevents possible reflections on shiny materials caused by the pilot light)
Pilot light is switched on + adjusted proportionally to flash light output power without flash re-/discharging indication
Pilot light is switched on + adjusted proportionally to flash light output power with flash re-/discharging indication (if
the flash light unit has to be re-/discharged after changing the flash light output power or after flash firing the pilot light
is automatically turned off until the FP 250 is ready for flash firing)
13
off
on
blinking
Pilot Range switch (Pilot light output power additional function)
Pilot light output power additional function is switched off
Pilot light output power additional function is switched on - pilot light output power is set to 100% without changing
the actual flash light output power setting
Pilot light output power additional function is switched on - pilot light output power is set to 50% without changing the
actual flash light output power setting
14 Wing bolt incl. friction brake - open the wing bolt by a counter-clockwise turn and the tilting of the FP 250 can be
adjusted to your required lighting angle. Always secure the wing bolt and friction brake with a clockwise turn to avoid
unwanted movement or damage to the HEDLER FP 250 and/or injury to the user
15 Spring-secured pre-locking - is used to prevent unwanted disconnecting from a light stand or a wall boom with a 5/8“
male adapter; to disconnect you must press the pin and lift the complete light unit at the same time
16 5/8” Quick-Lock Light Stand Attachment - allows use with every secure and sufficiently strong light stand (ALWAYS
check the light stand´s maximum load capicity) with 5/8“ male adapter
17 Wing bolt - open the wing bolt by a counter-clockwise turn and the horizontal rotating of the FP 250 can be adjusted
to the required position. ALWAYS secure the wing bolt with a clockwise turn to avoid any unwanted movement of the
FP 250 around the horizontal axis (if connected to an upright standing light stand)

HEDLER Systemlicht GmbH Heerstrasse 112 D-65594 Runkel / Lahn www.hedler.com
Telefon + 49 - (0) 6482 918 100 Telefax + 49 - (0) 6482 918 111 eMail [e-mail]
Flashlight FP 250
HEDLER®
Systemlicht
Please, disconnect the Hedler Light Unit from the
power supply when exchanging lamp and/or fuse.
!
NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
Never obstruct the housing´s cooling (intakes or exhausts) in any way when the HEDLER FP 250 is in use. Always keep a minimum distance of
100 cm between the safety glass (or accessories) and any combustible materials when the HEDLER FP 250 is in use. Never use the HEDLER
FP 250 near any inflammable liquids, gases, materials or explosives that may be ignited by heat or spark. HEDLER FP 250 are designed for
professional use and should be used with professional care. The manufacturer will not assume responsibility for damage caused by unprofessional
or otherwise careless use of this equipment.
Please pay attention to the following safety notes:
- Always disconnect the HEDLER FP 250 from the power supply before performing any kind of maintenance work on the unit.
- Never use a defective HEDLER FP 250. Never use a HEDLER FP 250 with a defective power cord.
- Never use a HEDLER FP 250 with a defective glass cover. Replace a defective glass cover immediately.
- Always use the HEDLER FP 250 in combination with a steady and secure standing light stand. Always work within the
light stand´s load capicity, especially if you are using, or plan to use, large and/or heavy folding reflectors.
- Never use a HEDLER FP 250 unattended.
- Never use the HEDLER FP 250 outdoors nor in exceptionally humid conditions.
- Never use the HEDLER FP 250 for any reason other than photographic or cinematic lighting.
- Always keep the HEDLER FP 250 out of reach of children. This is not a toy, the FP 250 is unsuitable for use by children.
GLASS COVER, LAMPS and FUSES
To replace the glass cover, first allow the HEDLER FP 250 to cool down. Then unhook the spring hooks of the glass cover and remove
the glass cover. Take care to avoid a physical contact between the flash bulb and the glass cover while removing/replacing the glass cover. As
an replacement, use only the original Hedler glass cover. Replace the glass cover, and hook each of the spring hooks into its own respectively
appropriate opening of the glass cover.
To replace the flash bulb, the HEDLER FP 250 has to be sent in to Hedler Systemlicht GmbH directly or via the Hedler dealer in your country.
For safety reasons, the flash bulb is secured by screws inside the flash light unit´s housing and cannot be replaced by the customer.
To replace the lamp, first allow the HEDLER FP 250 to cool down. Then unhook the spring hooks of the glass cover and remove the glass cover.
Take care to avoid a physical contact between the flash bulb and the glass cover while removing/replacing the glass cover. Make sure that the lamp
has cooled off, before anti-clockwise screwing it out of the socket. Screw the new lamp clockwise into the socket, observing instructions by the
lamp manufacturer. Replace the glass cover, and hook each of the spring hooks into its own respectively appropriate opening of the glass cover.
Make sure that the spring hooks are in their correct position and the glass cover is secured in its position before switching on the HEDLER FP 250!
To replace the fuse F 4 A (flash bulb) open the fuse holder lid (located betweeb main switch and power cord socket) and remove the old fuse
and replace it with the correct Hedler fuse. To close the lid, press it downwards.
Accessories
It is recommended to use Hedler Light Units only in combination with an original HEDLER Leaf Barndoor or one of the HEDLER accessory
reflectors. This permits adjusting the light beam to the requirements of any situation. In addition to the reflectors MaxiNorm, MaxiSun, MaxiBrite,
MaxiSpot 65 and 130 or the MaxiSoft Folding reflectors, 4-Leaf Barndoor, Reflex Umbrellas and Honeycombs are available. Please ask for our
catalogue with information about light shaping or visit our website. On the web you´ll find the latest news, hints as well as lighting examples.
ATTACHING and DETACHING REFLECTORS
Interchangeable reflectors with bayonet ring can be attached in the following way: place the rim of the ring into the guide grooves of the upper
studs and the round opening over the cone-shaped bolt, and lock it by a turn to the left. To attach the rotatable Leaf Barndoors or a MaxiSoft
Folding Reflector, place the rim of the ring into the guide grooves of the upper studs, and then push the complete reflector towards the Quick-
Fit´s cone-shaped bolt until the ring locks in the bolt´s groove. Detach the reflector by lifting the Quick-Fit´s handle, moving the lower side of
the reflector away from the light unit´s housing, and then lifting the reflector´s ring out of the guide grooves of the upper studs.
HEDLER WARRANTY
All Hedler equipment is fully guaranteed against any material or manufacturing defects for three years after date of purchase. Parts made out of
glass, glass covers, Tungsten Halogen lamps and Flash bulbs are not covered by this warranty.
MAINTENANCE and REPAIR
Used under normal professional conditions, Hedler Flash Lights require no maintenance. If repair is required, please, contact your dealer, the
authorized distributor in your country or the Hedler factory directly. Please note, that a pre-dismantled Light Unit could cause increased repair
costs.
APPROVAL and UL STANDARDS for SAFETY
The Hedler FP 250 Light Unit is not SEV Standard tested, sign Schweiz HD 504.
The Hedler FP 250 Light Units does not have the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Standards for Safety sign for the USA and Canada.
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