Nissin Di700A User manual

for Sony digital SLR and system cameras
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Thank you for purchasing a Nissin product
Before using this flash unit, please read this instruction manual and
refer your camera owner’s manual carefully to get a better
understanding of the proper operation to enjoy flash photography.
Nissin Di700A type Sony is designed for Sony digital SLRs, with the latest TTL
flash control system. Please note that Di700A Sony are not usable with other
branded cameras for TTL operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Please refer Nissin’s compatibility chart shown at its home page for details and
recent updates: http://www.nissin-japan.com or http://www.nissindigital.com
SPECIAL FEATURES
The Di700A features the use of a selector dial to quickly move through all settings
and can be easily operated by one finger-tip.
The Di700A with wireless flash shooting using Nissin Air System/ radio
transmission.
Flash protection function:
When the red LED lamp starts blinking, it means that flash is overheating.
The LED turns red when charging.
When the LED lamp turns green, the flash is charged and you can start to shoot.
Compatible cameras
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Remark: Nissin Air System (NAS) is designed for Nissin flash and
Nissin commander.

These safety instructions refer to important information on how to use this
product safely and properly. Please read the following instructions before
using the product.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
The flash unit contains high voltage electric parts. Do not try to open or repair the flash
unit. Return it back to the repair service station or the store where you bought it from.
Do not touch the inside parts from the opening when the unit was dropped or broken.
Do not shoot the flash directly to the eyes at short distance. It may damage the eyes.
When taking a flash picture, especially toward a baby, it is recommended to keep the
flash unit at least 1 meter (3.3feet) away from the subject. Or use diffuser or bounce the
light to the ceiling or wall to soften its intensity.
Do not place the flash unit near any flammable gas, chemicals or such liquids. It may
cause fire or electric shock.
Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands or use in the water. The flash unit carries high
voltage inside and it may cause an electric shock.
Do not shoot the flash unit directly at the driver of automobiles or such vehicles.
Do not set the flash window close to the human body and shoot, which may get scalded.
Place the batteries correctly in position. Placing the batteries in wrong polarity may
cause leakage, exothermic heat or explosion.
CAUTIONS
Do not leave or store the flash unit in the temperature over 40ºC/ 104ºF, such as in the
automobile.
The flash unit is not water resistance. Keep the unit away from rain, snow and humidity.
Do not use benzene, thinner or other alcoholic agents to clean the unit.
Do not use this flash unit with cameras which are not recommended in the compatibility
list at official website, otherwise it may damage the camera’s circuitry.
Remove the batteries when not in use for a longer period of time.
Do not have a heavy impact to the flash unit, nor throw it onto a hard surface floor.
When using the external power pack, read the safety instructions carefully and follow the
operation manual.
This symbol refers to the possibility of personal injury, death or property
damage if not followed as described.
This sign refers to conditions which may cause damage or defect.
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Names of the Components
Flash stand
Accessories: Flash stand, Pouch
7
3
6
5
4
2
8
17
10
11
12 13 14
9
18
16
15
1 Fill-in reflector
2 Light diffusing panel
3 Flash head
4 Remote/ Slave sensor
5 AF-assist light
6 Mounting foot
7 Hotshoe contacts
8 Power Pack socket
9 Display screen
10 Select dial
11 Set button
12 Release button
13 Pilot button (Test flash button)
14 On/Off switch (System lock button)
15 3.5mm sync socket
16 X-terminal
17 Battery magazine BM-02
18 Rotate lock
1
3

Inserting batteries
1. Remove the battery magazine and insert
4 x size AA batteries as shown in the
picture.
2. The battery compartment is specially
designed so that every battery is placed in
the same direction to avoid confusion in
poor lighting conditions.
3. +/- symbol is clearly marked in the battery
compartment.
4. Place the battery magazine back into the
body.
When the recycle time becomes longer
than 30 seconds, replace the batteries with
fresh ones or recharge the batteries
(rechargeable batteries).
NOTE
It is recommended to use all 4 batteries of the same brand and type, and
replace them all at the same time.
Wrong insertion of each battery would not make electric contact.
Usable batteries - Alkaline batteries, Lithium batteries or NiMH batteries.
Basic Operation
4

Di700A has an energy saving power off function
Reset setup Option
To save battery energy, the power is automatically turned off (switch
to stand-by mode), in A mode, TTL mode & Manual Power mode, in
about 2 minutes of idle use; in SD mode, SF mode & Wireless
remote mode, in about 5 minutes of idle use.
While Di700A is in the stand-by mode a Pilot button blinks every 2
seconds showing the flash unit is in stand-by mode. To turn on
Di700A again, press the camera’s shutter button halfway or press
any button of the flash unit.
In case Di700A is not in use for over 60 minutes, the unit is
completely turned off.
To turn on Di700A again hold On/Off switch for 1 second.
Press the Set button for 5 seconds to reset the setup menu
The flash will be automatically reset to the factory default “A” mode.
Basic Operation
5

6
Mounting Di700A on the camera
Removing Di700A from the camera
Press the unlock button and slide the mounting
foot of Di700A off the hotshoe of the camera.
Slide the mounting foot of Di700A into the
hotshoe of the camera.
Make sure that the mounting foot will lock
(with a “click”) when it has been inserted
completely.
1.
2.
2
1

Turn on the flash unit
For a test flash, press the Pilot button.
When using the test flash as an open flash,
please note that the reference guide number
in this case is G.No.10 (ISO 100).
To turn off the flash unit manually, press the On/Off
switch for 1 second.
Press the On/ Off switch and Pilot
button turns red, showing the unit is
turned on.
In a few seconds, the Pilot button
turns green. The Di700A is ready to
shoot.
MENU SCREEN
Di700A Flash Mode and Functions
Flash light is fully controlled by the camera for
the most proper exposure.
Full Automatic Mode
TTL Program Mode
Manual Setting Mode
Slave Digital
Slave Film
Wireless Remote Mode - Optical Transmission
…
…
…
…
…
…
Flash light is automatically controlled by the
camera but the flash exposure value can be
compensated.
Manual Mode -Selecting the desired manual
power on the flash unit.
Placing multiple numbers of flashes (slave flash) off camera and controlling the creative TTL
lighting or Manual power output.
Using a Nissin Flash (master/ slave) with a NAS shooting function makes it easy to shoot with
advanced wireless multiple flash lighting, in the same way as normal ADI/ P-TTL (Sony) autoflash
shooting.
Wireless Remote Mode - Radio Transmission (NAS)
Rotate the dial to select a function.
Set
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*For details on setting the master unit functions, see the Nissin commander’s instructions.
NAS

Shooting Di700A automatically
Set Di700A to the camera’s hotshoe and press the on/off switch to
power on.
Rotate the dial to “A” mode then press the Set button.
Di700A is now set for the camera’s automatic flash control system.
Press the shutter button of your camera halfway to focus the subject.
Press the on/ off switch once again to lock this condition on your
flash. (Press it again to release the lock)
Take the picture. Di700A is fired and the result is immediately
shown on the camera’s LCD display.
When you change the focal length, the power zoom flash head of
Di700A responds without delay and immediately sets its position to
match the lens focal length you selected.
The flash illumination coverage of Di700A responds to the lens focal
length of 24mm to 200mm (35mm film camera standard).
In all of the camera's shooting modes listed above, Di700A will fully
work in TTL (ADI/ P-TTL) automatic-flash system.
Shutter speed, aperture and flash mark ( ) are indicated in
camera’s view finder.
8
(Full Auto), (Program), (Shutter priority),
S
A(Aperture priority), (Manual),
Sunset, Night view
Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Moving-subject,

Set the camera’s shooting mode, select focal length and take pictures
with Di700A on your camera.
Di700A is a supplement to help you in taking a creative and live
picture. Almost all tasks are automatically done by the camera and
you just control the camera only.
Mode Shutter
Speed
Aperture
Setting
Control on
the camera
Automatic Automatic Automatic
Automatic Automatic Automatic
Manual Automatic
Automatic Manual
Manual Manual
Any available shutter
speed can be set
Any available f-stop
can be set
Any available shutter
speed / f-stop can be set
Synchro Terminal
Di700A is equipped with a Synchro terminal (X terminal) to connect
an off-camera cable. This allows photography with flash units
separate from the camera. This feature can be applied in Manual
mode only.
9

TTL flash power compensation is provided in 9 steps by half Ev
increments for -2.0, -1.5, -1.0, -0.5, 0, +0.5, +1.0, +1.5 and +2.0 Ev.
To set the Flash power compensation
level rotate the dial to the power level
you desire.
When Di700A shows no level indication LED turned on, the flash
power compensation level is at even (0 Ev) level as default value.
Take a picture and the subject is shown with required lighting
effect by keeping the background exposure level as originally
expected.
On some cameras, the TTL flash power compensation setting is
provided in its menu mode. When setting the TTL flash power
compensation on your camera, any compensation which is also
set on the Di700A will be counted in addition to the compensation
you selected in the camera’s menu mode. ( i.e. Having a +1 com-
pensation set on the flash and a +1.3 compensation set in the
camera would yield a total compensation of +2.3 EV.)
With the latest TTL flash control system, the flash power level is
always automatically controlled by the camera for the most
appropriate exposure. If you wish, if you can soften or weaken the
flash light, or give more light to the subject without changing the
environmental or background exposure effect. The Di700A can make
it possible to quickly adjust the exposure for each particular flash
picture as needed.
TTL flash power compensation
Joy of Flash Photography
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5
+0.5
+1.0 +2.0 +1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
Rotate the dial to “TTL” mode then
press the Set button.
Set Di700A to the camera’s hotshoe and
press the on/off switch to power on.
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Press the on/ off switch once again to lock this condition on your
flash. (Press it again to release the lock)

You can select the power by rotating the dial, from the left to
right, 1/128 – 1/64 – 1/32 – 1/16 – 1/8 – 1/4 – 1/2 – 1/1 (Full)
power.
Select your desired F--stop and / or shutter speed. Point the
subject and press the shutter.
Set the camera shooting mode to either [ A ] or [ M ].
Rotate the dial to “M” mode then press the Set button.
Set Di700A to the camera’s hotshoe and press the on/off switch to
power on.
In some occasions, or for special expression, you may need your
own flash exposure instead of the automatic controlled exposure.
You can set Di700A for non-automatic flash mode, and select the
desired flash power from 8 different levels
Manual Exposure Flash
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5
+1.0 +2.0
+1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
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Press the on/ off switch once again to lock this condition on your
flash. (Press it again to release the lock)

You can select the power by rotating the dial, from
the left to right, 1/128 – 1/64 – 1/32 – 1/16 – 1/8 –
1/4 – 1/2 – 1/1 (Full) power.
You can select the power by rotating the dial, from
the left to right, 1/128 – 1/64 – 1/32 – 1/16 – 1/8 –
1/4 – 1/2 – 1/1 (Full) power.
You can select the group by rotating the dial then
press Set button.
Control the power compensation (RMT-M) by
rotating the power dial.
Press the on/ off switch once to lock this condition
on your flash. (Press it again to release the lock)
Press the Set button to leave the group.
Wireless Remote Flash
Di700A has a wireless remote flash system as a slave unit. You can enjoy
creative flash photography with multiple lightings from the various directions. 3
slave modes are provided, Slave Digital (SD) for digital pre-flash system; Slave
Film (SF) for analogue flash system and Wireless Remote for wireless remote.
All channels and with groups RMT-TTL/ RMT2-TTL/ RMT-M may be used.
SD: In this mode, Di700A synchronizes to the
pre-flash system. The master flash is to be set at
TTL (ADI/ P-TTL) mode.
SF: In this mode, Di700A synchronizes to the
traditional single flash system. The master flash is to
be set at manual mode. Studio lighting system
synchronizes to this mode. This mode is also
available for open flash, and for a standard flash in
the market.
Wireless Remote - Optical Transmission : In this
mode, Di700A synchronizes to the wireless remote
flash system. For remote All channels and with
groups A=RMT-TTL/ B=RMT2-TTL/ C=RMT-M
digital flash.
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5
+0.5
+1.0
+2.0 +1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5
+1.0 +2.0 +1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
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Press the on/ off switch once to lock this condition
on your flash. (Press it again to release the lock)
Press the on/ off switch once to lock this condition
on your flash. (Press it again to release the lock)
NOTE
Wireless slave *** A = RMT-TTL
*** B = RMT2-TTL
*** C = RMT- M
SF
SD
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5 +1.0 +2.0
+1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5
+0.5
+1.0 +2.0
+1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5 +1.0 +2.0 +1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
-2.0 -1.5
-1.0
-0.5 +0.5
+1.0 +2.0 +1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
Set
RMT-TTL mode
RMT2-TTL mode
RMT-M mode

-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5
+1.0 +2.0
+1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5
+1.0 +2.0
+1.5
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5
+0.5
+1.0 +2.0 +1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
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Wireless Remote - Radio Transmission (NAS)
Using Di700A with a NAS shooting function makes it easy to shoot with
advanced wireless multiple flash lighting, in the same way as normal ADI/
P-TTL autoflash shooting.
Once Di700A linked to NAS, function are control directly by the NAS master.
User only need to select the group on Di700A
You can select the group by rotating the dial then press the Set button.
Press the on/ off switch once to lock this condition on your flash. (Press it again to
release the lock)
To leave the group, press the Set button.
-2.0 -1.5 -1.0
-0.5 +0.5 +1.0 +2.0
+1.5
1/128 1/64 1/32 1/16 1/8 1/4 1/2 1/1
Set Set
Wireless Remote Flash
NOTE
The Nissin commander attached to the camera is called master unit.
Di700A will be switched to Radio Transmission Mode (2.4GHz transmission)
once connecting to NAS Commander, all functions will be controlled through
NAS Commander. Otherwise, Optical Transmission mode will be enabled by
default.
NAS: TTL mode NAS: Manual mode NAS: Zoom position
NAS

Switch Di700A on and while the ready lamp is on, rotate the dial
and press Set button to select desired mode.
Setting slave flash Di700A
When flash is set to SD or SF mode, the of flash power level is
indicated by the lighted LED’s. Rotate the dial to select different
flash power levels of 1/128 – 1/64 – 1/32 – 1/16 – 1/8 – 1/4 – 1/2
– 1/1 (Full) power.
The power you selected is memorized and remains unchanged.
When the flash is set to the Wireless mode, the power level will be
controlled by the Master flash. The remote works on all channels
and with groups RMT-TTL/ RMT2-TTL/ RMT-M.
Set slave flash at any place and direct the flash head as you
desire. Slave sensor may not respond to the master flash in a
poor sensing situation such as extremely bright condition.
Use the flash stand included. Place Di700A on to the flash
stand which can be placed either on a flat surface, or on the
tripod by the screw.
NOTE
Metal type accessory shoe is not recommended since it may give electric
damage on the electrical contact of the flash hotshoe.
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Di700A supports shutter speeds up to 1/8,000 second.
In A, M, TTL mode:
Enable on Di700A
ON: Press and hold Pilot button in 3 seconds.
Pilot button starts blinking twice.
OFF: Press and hold Pilot button in 3 seconds to cancel the
setting .
In Wireless Remote Mode - Optical Transmission:
Enable High-speed sync on Master Unit.
In Wireless Remote Mode - Radio Transmission (NAS)
Enable High-speed sync on Commander (please refer to NAS
Commander user’s manual).
High-speed mode use higher flash energy. To protect the flash
from overheat. The recycling time will be extended to a minimum
7 seconds.
To reset the flash unit to
another mode, press the
mode select button for TTL
and or Manual mode.
Energy saving system for stand-by mode will not work when it's in
slave mode.
Automatic shut off function is however in effect. It automatically
turns-off when not in use for over 60 minutes.
The zoom setting position is
automatically set for the focal
length of 35mm while using
Di700A as a slave unit.
Set the camera for flash shooting mode. Point at the subject and
shoot. The slave flash will synchronize to the master flash and
gives additional lighting from the different direction you desired.
Shooting the subject
HSS High-Speed Synchronization
15

Fill-in flash and Light diffusing panel
For short distance or portrait flash photography, if the light is not
too sharp or too strong to the subject. Use fill-in reflector flash or
diffuse the light.
If the subject is close (within 2 meters), turn the
flash head 90° upward and pull out the fill-in
reflector as shown in the picture.
Take a picture as usual. A blink of fill-in flash
freshens up the subject in natural image.
This technology is also useful to
eliminate the shadow on the subject
under the tree.
For portrait photography, pull out the light diffusing panel and place
it over the flash window as shown in the picture. The diffusing
panel makes the flash light soften and creates a lively color effect
on the subject.
Since the light diffusing panel expands the lighting area, it
covers the range of 16mm focal length lens.
This small blink of flash is also useful
when taking a picture of a baby without
scaring him.
16

Bounce lighting
When lighting a subject in front of
the wall, an unnecessary sharp
shadow may appear on the wall
behind the subject resulting in a
disappointing picture. Bounce the
light off the ceiling or wall to soften
the light on the subject, and the
shadow will fade.
Press the rotate lock to turn the flash head up and down. It turns
upward to 45° >60° >75° >90° and downward to 7°
Press the rotate lock to tilt the flash head sideway to left 30°
>60° >90°>120°>150° >180° or to right 30° >60° >90° >120°
>150° >180°.
Or mixing it upward/downward/ sideways, you can set it in
multiple directions as shown.
When the flash head stays at turning or tilting position, the zoom
setting position of Di700A is automatically set at the position for
a 50mm focal length lens.
The wall or ceiling in this case should be a flat surface and white
color is preferable. Colored ceiling or wall may reflect its color on
the subject.
AF assist light emitter
Under a low light condition, or in a dark place, the AF assist light
will automatically emit the beam and illuminate the subject, so that
the camera can easily focus on the subject in darkness. The beam
is however not shown in the picture.
17

External Power Pack Socket
18
When using an external power source, the number of
flashes is increased and the recycling time is shortened.
The following external power packs are available as an
option.
Di700A is automatically turned off when repeating flash continuously
over 20 to 30 times to protect the flash circuitry from overheating. It
will automatically recover after 15 minutes of inactivity. The pilot
button will blink in the red color every 1.5 seconds.
Please note that the basic operation is controlled by the main
batteries(battery magazine) in the flash unit and when the main
batteries are exhausted, the flash control system does not work.
Replace the batteries when recycle time becomes longer than 30
seconds by main batteries only.
Sony FA-EB1AM
Nissin Power Pack PS300
about 3.8 seconds
Nissin Power Pack PS 8 0.8 seconds
0.8 seconds

Focus the subject.
Pre-flash is fired to pre-set the correct light
amount for the main subject.
Remarks: FEL only works on P, A, S & M
mode.
(It depends on different type of camera, please check you camera
instruction manual.)
When the back ground of the main subject is too bright, the
camera’s exposure reading system adjusts the flash light intensity
for such back ground condition and it results in the main subject
being underexposed. Or in case the main subject is not placed in
the center of the viewfinder, the flash picture may result in the aimed
targeted subject being under or over exposed.
You can lock the correct flash exposure for the targeted subject in
such a condition. This flash exposure pre-set remains locked in,
even if you change the aperture or zoom the lens in and out. This
mode can only be set on the camera.
Flash Power Lock
Flash Exposure Level Lock FEL Lock
Aim the viewfinder center over the main
subject and press [ FEL ] button on some
cameras.
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