Lencarta SmartFlash 200 User manual

1
Thank you for purchasing the Lencarta SmartFlash 200
The Lencarta SmartFlash 200 is a compact studio flash unit suitable for mains powered studio
photography. It accepts the entire range of light modifying accessories with the S-type
bayonet fitting.
Features:
1. Consistent power and colour temperature output
2. Stepless power control over a 4 f/stop range (full power to 1/16
th
power)
3. Illuminated back panel
4. Fan cooled to enable constant use
5. Wide choice of light modifiers can be fitted to expand creativity
6. 200 J (Ws) of power
7. Flash ready beep
8. Can be triggered by wire sync, IR flash trigger or radio wireless trigger
Using your flash head
1. Do not dissemble the flash unit. The Lencarta SmartFlash 200 is a precision
instrument. It contains high voltage components. Unauthorised tampering with the
unit is dangerous and will void its warranty.
2. Do not leave the unit unattended when switched on.
3. To avoid risk of overheating, switch off the unit once the current studio session is
complete.
4. Do not use non-approved modelling lamps. Always use modelling lamps of the
correct wattage to prevent damage.
5. Do not leave the modelling lamps switched on when using restrictive lighting
tools such as honeycombs or spotlights. It will overheat and may be damaged.
6. Always switch off the unit when fitting or removing modelling lamp or cables.
7. Always remove the protective head cap before operating the unit.
8. Use only indoors, in a dry, ventilated environment.
9. Keep the flash tube and modelling lamp clean. Gently remove any dirt with alcohol.
10. Do not touch the flash tube with bare hands.
11. Fire the flash at least once every two months to prolong its lifespan.
12. Do not expose the unit to rain, vapour or excessive dust. Keep it away from
sources of fire and heat, including strong direct sunlight. Do not leave the unit in a car
in hot weather.
13. When working under high humidity, turn on the modelling lamp to dissipate any
condensation that may have gathered on the flash tube before using the flash
Setting up your flash head
1. The flash unit arrives with a protective cap fitted. The protective cap is designed to
protect the delicate flash tube during transit and we strongly recommend that you
keep this cap on whenever the flash unit is not in use. You must remove the
protective cap when using the flash unit.

2
To remove the protective cap, rotate the accessory release at the side of the unit,
near the front.
2. Screw the modelling lamp in to the lamp holder.
3. Plug into the mains and switch on. Both the switch and the illuminated back panel will
light up to indicate that the unit is ready for use.
The control panel
There are just 2 control buttons, cell and model. Press the ‘model’ button to switch the
modelling lamp either on or off.
Press the ‘cell’ button to switch the photo-electric sensor on or off. When it is switched on, the
flash sensor will ‘see’ the flash from another flash unit and will fire instantaneously. Each
button is illuminated when switched to the ‘on’ position.
The flash sensor is located on the top of the flash unit and must be left uncovered. Flash
sensors work by detecting a sudden increase in the level of light – the flash from another flash

3
head – and so will only work reliably in normal lighting conditions, i.e. they will occasionally
not work if the sensor is exposed to direct sunlight or if a nearby flash head has its modelling
lamp shining directly on to the sensor. In these conditions it may be necessary to shield the
sensor from direct, unwanted light (or to switch off unnecessary modelling lamps).
The other control is the large knob in the centre, which controls the power of the flash. The
flash power can be set anywhere between full and 1/16
th
power.
The ‘synch’ socket is used to synchronise the firing of your flash with the opening of your
camera shutter. Simply plug in the synch cord or radio receiver. The maximum (shortest)
shutter speed that can be used with flash varies according to the model of camera. Do not
exceed this speed and be prepared to use a slower shutter speed if necessary, because
some cameras can only achieve their stated maximum speed with hotshoe flashes, not with
studio flashes.
And finally there is the ‘Test’ button. This is used to test the flash and to fire it manually. It’s a
very good idea to use the test button after reducing power, to ensure that unwanted stored
power is dumped immediately and doesn’t affect the next shot.
Replacing the lamps
The modelling lamp has a standard E27 (Edison Screw) fitting. Spare lamps are available
from stock and you may wish to keep a spare or two in stock. SmartFlash heads are supplied
with 150 watt modelling lamps, but because of the efficient cooling fan it is also safe to use
them with Lencarta 250 watt modelling lamps, which are available from the Lencarta website.
The flash head must be unplugged from the mains before removing or replacing the modelling
lamp.
Replacing the fuse
A 5A fuse is fitted next to the mains socket to protect the unit from voltage spikes. In the
unlikely event of your SmartFlash 200 flash unit failing to operate when switched on, replacing
the fuse may resolve the problem. You must replace the fuse with another 5A fuse of the
same physical size. The fuse holder can be removed with a slotted screwdriver or a suitable
coin.
The
flash tube
is user replaceable,
which means that you can replace it
simply by pulling out the old one and
replacing it with a new one.
But our flash tubes very rarely fail
and you are very unlikely to need to
replace a flash tube unless it has
been damaged by accident.
The flash tube must never be
touched with bare fingers, because
grease from skin will substantially
shorten the life of the tube. Grease
can be removed with the help of
alcohol.

4
Using umbrellas
Fitting other light shaping tools
To attach any accessory other than an umbrella, simply locate the bayonet lugs into the
corresponding bayonet sockets on your flash head, press gently against the spring pressure
and rotate clockwise until it clicks into place. When fitting large or heavy light shaping tools,
for example beauty dishes and softboxes, you may find it easier to lay the light shaping tool
face down on a carpeted surface and to then fit the head to it.
These instructions are simple because the process of setting up and using your lights is
simple. But please remember that if you have any queries or problems we welcome your
questions, which will be answered by an experienced professional photographer.
Any type of light modifying umbrellas may be used with the
SmartFlash 200 flash head.
Open the umbrella, pass its shaft through the slot in the standard
reflector and into the umbrella tube. The umbrella tube contains a
spring clip to hold the umbrella in place, and firm pressure is
needed to insert the umbrella shaft.
Different creative effects are available, depending on the type of
umbrella and the degree to which the light fills the umbrella as well
as the distance between the umbrella and the subject.
To remove the accessory, twist and hold the release catch shown just
behind the reflector to the left, Be careful not to damage the flash tube or
modelling lamp when fitting or removing the accessory. This is especially
important when fitting/removing large or heavy tools such as beauty dishes
and softboxes.