Opteka IF-980 User manual

lF-980 lntelligent Speedlight Flash
Instruction Manual
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Contact us:
email: [email protected]

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Thank you for purchasing this Speedlight flash.
Please read this rnanual carefullt befirre usc.
Safety Instruction
1. Do not trigger the Speecllight arountl flamt.nable gas (such as gasoliue an.l
solvents). There is a risk of Ire or electromirgnetic interfetcnce.
2. l)o not airn the Speedligh[ at c]rivers who are operating ve]ric1es,
such trs cars, br.rses, trains. I-.icvcles or motorcvcles.
3. Never trigeer the SpeedlighL clirectlv at someone's e,ves in c)ose rangc.
This ma1'caLlse permilrlcnt damage to thc retinars, cartsing serious visrrirl
disturbirnce, even blinclness. It is rccolrmended to keep the flash uuit at
least L meter (3.3 leer) awav frout your subject, or use the flirsh dill'tLser or
bounce to sotten the tlash itrtensill'.
4. Onl,v use the [ratteries listecl in this n:rarrual.
5. Net er place the b:rtteries in a high tentperatttrc environment such as dirc,:t1i'
in the sun or in a fire.
6. Do not disassenrble the Speedlight without Proltssional help.'L}ere call be
danger ofan electrical shocli ciue to high voltirge electronjc colllponents^ ured
in this llash.
7. \\rhen using lirst continLtous shooling uniler hr[] otLtput. please stop lbr l 5
minutes every l0 llashes.
8. Quick change in tenlperature \'viil cause \r4ror conr.lcnsaliotl.
9. Ner.er use clefectir.e batteries rvith this Speedlight.
Speedlight Features
1. E TTL/i-TTI. Flash Mode
2. Manual FIash
3. Multi Flash
,1. Wireless slave unit. Compatible with Canon and Nikon u,ireless flash
systems, recognizes T'1'L fiom camera system.
5. Slar.e Sl and 52 Mode
6. Flash control via camera (only on newer C--arnon carneras).
7. Rear Curtain Sync
8. Audio prompts
9. Power save function
10. Overheating protection
1i. Large 2.1" LCD Display
12. lvlanual and automatic zoom
13. Iull output recycling time of2.9 seconds
14. Support fbr high speed continuous shooting. When shooting with l/l6th power
and bekrw, it can support up to 12FPS

Nomenclature
Built-in reflector
wide
angle diffuser
Flash head
Head tilt angle scale
LCD screen
Battery
compartment
Thermovent
Flash sensor
External powerjack
Head rotation
angle scale
Wireless select
Synchronization
jack cover
Backlight switch/
Long press for
Custom Functions
Mode
selection buttons
Flash
Wake up key
Clear Settings
Rear Curtain Sync/Norma
flash cutover key
(Canon version)
Zoom button/
Wireless Settings
button
button
Select/Settings
button group
lnstallation foot
Hot-shoe contact
4

LCD Display Readout
(%bl)F asn rxposure Br
Setting the bounce direction
p"o
Th:is Speedlight can rotate 90 degrees upr,vards ar.icl 7 degrees down.
Horizontal rotation f}om lett to right and right to leli is 1 80 degrees eacir n atr
Rotating or tilting the speedlight to irr:e the ceiling or wal1 can restilt in ir r.nore
natural pleasir.rg looking image.
<E-nL> Canon TTL I\,4ode
<i-[D N kon TTL Mode
Power regu ation
frequency sett ng/TTL
Exposure Compensaiion
Light induct on mode
Flash mode
< ffi) > Rear Curtain Sync
< .@ )Buzzer switch
< lqEql >Custom function icon
Overheat ng protecton icon
Eleclricity display
@ ) Manual zoom
< @ >lutozoom
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Basic Operation
Installing the batteries
iilide thc battery cover down
lnserl tlre hatteries into the conrpartment, making
stLre the positive and negirtlve contacts are correctly
orientecl
Slide the battery cover back into place
Recommended Batteries (4x AA)
Alkaline manganese batteries (1.5v). This battery can meet medium power
demands and does not maintenance, but cannot be recharged.
Nickel-cadmium batteries ( 1.2v) This battery recycles quickly and can be
recharged, therefore it is economical
Lithium batteries (1.5v) This battery has large capacity and a low discharge rate.
Hydrogen Orygen Cell (1.5v) This battery is also known as OXYRIDE. Its capacity
is larger and its service life is about 1.5 times that ofalkaiine batteries. It is
applicabie fbr use wrth electronic products witl'r high porver consumption.
Ifan external acceleration pou.er box, battery or power pack is iu use, please
place 4x AA btrtteries into the Speedlight to supp\, atlditional pou,cr. If the
Speecllight is not going to be used for a long tiit'te, please rerlove the batter:ies.
Attaching to the camera
Rotate the lock ring counter clocklvise to loosen
Slide ti're speediight ntount into the camera'.s hot shoe
Rotate the lock ring clockwise to tighten the flash onto
the camera's hot shoe.
Do not forcibly pull the flash out ofthe hot shoe without loosening first. This may
cause damage to the flash and/or camera.
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Powering On
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Iw Prcss and hold the Pou,er button (ON/OFF) for two
seconcls to turn on/oI1 the Speediight. In order to save
battery pol,er and ar.oid battery drain, the default settings
are as tbllows:
The Speedlight will automatically go into hibernation mode after being inactive for
60 seconds. To wake, press any button on the Speedlight. When the Speedlight is
not used for more than 30 minutes, the flash will shut down automatically.
Ifthe Speedlight is not going to be used for a long period oftime, it is
recommended to turn offthe flash and remove the power source (batteries or
power pack). After the Speedlight capacitor is fully charged, the SPeedlight PILOT
button lights up, indicating that the Speedlight is ready to be triggered.
Charge indicator status
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Extended Interface
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I \- -1/ Provide additional power by connecting an external power
NJ f@- ,p supply such as a banery pack.
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PC svnc cord connection prot ides svnchronization between
the canrera and flash lvithout use ofa hot shoe.
TTL Flash
Set the camerai shooting mode to P (Program Automatic Exposure) or
A (Automatic). When fully automatic, the flash will make photography
become as simple as P and A mode under normal automatic exposure.
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Setting flash compensation in E-TTL
and i-TTL mode
Push the mode button until the
LCD displays @ Cunon
l[i-TTLll Nikon
Set the flash exposure compensation
value-
Select the settings button(RIGHT) to increase the power value sequentially.
Select the settings buttonILEFTI to decrease the power yalue
The compensation values are:
0EV++0.3EV++0.78V++1.OEV++ 1.3EV++ 1.7EV-. . . . ++3.OEV
0EV+-0.38V+-0.78V+- 1.0EV+_ 1.38V-_ 1.7EV+. . . . -J.oEV
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Using E-TTL & i-TTL in Shooting Modes
Iusi set the camera's shooting rtoclc to <AY/A>(aperture priority AE),
<TY/S>(shutter priorit,v) or <l'I> (manual) and vou can use
F. T1 L/i'TTi- autoflash
If you use the .<DEP> or <A-DEP> shooting mode, the result will be the
sarne as using <P>(Progrirm) mode.
Flash Sync Speeds and Apertures Used
l/X sec. is the camera's rnaximum flash sync speed.
Wtt Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)
Push the Up/Dorvn keys to set your desi red exposure brackcting value
'l1le FEB has a range of 0-3.0
TV
Select this mode when you want to set the shutter speed manually.
The camera will then automatically set aperture matching the
shutter speed to obtain a standard exposure. Ifthe aperture display
blinks, it means that the background exposure will be under or
overexposed.Adjust the shutter speed until the aperture display
stops blinking.
AV
Select this mode when you want to set the aperture manually.
The camera will then automatically set the shutter speed to match.
If the background is dark like a night scene, a slower shutter speed
wiil be used to obtain a standard exposure ofboth the subject and
background. Standard exposure of the main subject is obtained with
the flash, while a standard exposure ofthe background is obtained
with a slow shutter speed. Since a slow shutter speed is being used
for lowJight scenes, using a tripod is recommended. If the shutter
speed display blinks, it means that the background exposure will be
over or under exposed. Adjust the aperture value until the shutter
speed display stops blinking.
NT
Select this mode when you want to set both the shutter speed and
aperture manually. Standard exposure ofthe main subject is obtained
with the flash. The exposure ofthe background is obtained with the
shutter speed and aperture combination you set.
Shutter Speed Setting Aperture Setting
PSet automatically (1/60 sec.-1lX sec.) Automatic
TV/S Set manually (30 sec.-llX sec.) Automatic
AV/r\ Set automatically (30 sec.-llX sec.) M anuai
MSet manually (bulb, 30sec.-tlX sec.) Manual
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You can take up to three shots utile
autorratically changlng the output for etrch
\h()l ilp lo: I sl,rp. in I .lrrl 'lilp iil.rcrncrrt..
(I/2 stop increnents if tlre c:rmera oniy
supports 1/2 slop incrernents). 'lhis is l<nown
:rs F'EB or Flash Exposure Bracketing. To set
IrEIl, set the camera's drive mode to single
shot arncl ensure that the flash is ready to fire before shooting.
FEB icon
12
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Flash Exposure Lock (FEL)
Ifthe camera supports flash exposure lock: connect the flash in TTL mode.
The Flash exposure lock setting locks the correct flash exposure for any part ofthe
scene. When in TTL mode, press the FEL button on the camera. If there is no FEL
button, press the * button. For Nikon cameras press the FV button.
Manual Flash Mode M
When you neecl a manual exposure, set the mode to M to set the power output of
the flasl'r betweer.r 1/128 and 1/1 full power, This flash unit has 8 leve1s of power
output which are indicated on the LCD screen when in M mode.
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Setting the Mode
Push tbe lVlode button until the display
shows @l .
Power Setting
Use the 1eft ancl right keys to adjr,rst the
po$.er settings:
u1 112 tl1 U8 tlt6 ll32 tl64lllz8
Use the Up and dorvn keys to fine
tune the flash output
0EV-+0. 3EV-+0. 7EV
OEV- O.3EV- O.7EV
Stroboscopic Flash mode (Multi)
In Multi mode, you can lire a session oi quick llashes; the speedlight can
shoot multiple images of moving objects in a photo. Y()Lr can set the flash
frequency (number offlashes per seconcL is rlisplaved n'ith Hz), the number
of flashes and flash output. DtLring repeated multi modc, :r single exposure
can create a strobe eilect of mtLltiple exposulres. This mocle is olten used
when shoolinB rttovirrg oLricct'.
To prevent overheating and clarmage, clo not use lilc strobe brrrst more than
10 times in a rou.at full output. Please allorv thc flash to cooi ofl'for 15
minutes before use. Continuous use mali callse ll'ie flash to stop functioning
to prevent or.erheirting. Use new or tully charged bltteries to operate the
flash in this mode.
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Select the flash mode
Press (MoDE) until the LCD
displayslffil.
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Frequency Setting
Press the settings groupt MIDDLE key
to set the flicker rate.
Press the LEFT or RiGHT key to set the
lrequency. The available flash frequency
isl-199h2.
Press the MTDDLE key to confirm.
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Setting the number of flashes
PtLsh the settings group's middle key until the @ displav blinks.
Push the 1eft or riglrt kevs to set the nunber offlashes, rarnging from I 40.
After 1.611 set your r.aiues, press the rnidclle ke,v once again to confirm your choice.
Exposure power setting
Press the setting group's niddle key until ttre [llrEB]l clisplay blinks.
Flaslr outptLt porver and nurber offlirshes available
Flash power Ut28 l/64 tl32 1 l16 1/8 U4
Flash number 140 t-20 t-12 1-8 I4 L-2
Wireless Flash Mode
When using multiple speedlights u,ith the wileless flash feature, you can create
various lighting effects with the same ease of use as ir regular'I'TL autoflash.
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C mode is restricted for use N mode is restricted for use
with Canon v.ireless signal; n ith Nikon ller.note flash signal;
ignores N signal interference. ignores C signal interference.
1. Set the speedlight to lvireless flash mocle by pressing the rvireless select key.
The flash will change between the SLAVE C/SLAYE N/Sf /S2 rnodes ars well as
normal flash mode. These lirur nocles irct as a slave unit to the master flash being
used to create dillerent lightning ellects.
2. The Master Unit.
The master speedliglrt settings including tlash exposure compensation, flash
exposure bracketing, exposr,rre lock, tn:rnuail flash stroboscopic flash and
information settings *.ili be automaticall,v transferrecl to this speedlight.
Channel Settings
To change the channel, press the ZOONI ke1' tu'ice r-rrttil the uutlber Lrelow t chl. r
begins to flash. Press the Left or Right ke,v to select vour n ireless channel. Press
the micldle key to confirm and save your changes.
Group Settings
To change the group, press the ZOO.lvI key three titres until you see ,AlBlC
flashing. Press the Left or Right key to set yottl' group. Press the middle key to
conhrm and save your cl-r:rnges.
IZOOMl Zoomsettings
Efi{rIrL @Press the ZOOM butbn to change the
focal length.
Press the Leli and l{ight keys to select
the irppropriirte lbcal Iength.
After selecting 1.our focal length, press the
ZOOM burton:rgain to confirm.
The riglrt key increarses the lbca1 length sequentially.
The left key decreirses the focal length sequentially.
Zotxl settings are ars fbllows:
MIV MIV IV Ml\l N,l IV M
18 24 28 50 7A 85 105 135 180
16

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Slave Flash Mode Sl and 52
When an ol1 camera fltrsh is needed, vori ciilr set the flasl.r to S1 or 52 slave nlode.
When using these mocles, rotate the fl:rsh heacl so lhe setlsor is facing towards the
master flash.
To set this mode, press tlre r'vireless select buttou rrntil Sl or 52 diqlla,r's.
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To change the power output in 51 and 52
mode, press the Left and Right keys.
IcOn: 1./ 128-1 / 64-l / 32-*' -1 / |
The Up and Down keys will fine tune the
flash output.
Icon: 0EV-+0. 3EV'-+0. 7EV
The S1 and 52 modes are suitable tirr the role ofofFcatnera flash lo create a
variety oflighting elTccts. They are suitirt-'le fbr rnrnual llash and l"fl ilash
operation. In these two modes, sctiil)g the potvcr outptlt is thc slt.tle ls itl
M (manual) mode, r,iar the LEFT IIIGHT UP DOI{N and MIDDLE kevs.
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Slave C mode indicates that it is receiving lvireless flash signals from
Canon 7Dl60D/T3i ciunera, as weil as 580lrx IV600F]X and ST-F,2 flash.
Slave N it.rdicates that it is receiving instruciions front lhe Nikon cirmer;rs
as weli as 58-900/800/700 and SU 800 flirsh systcms. Slave C/N supports
4 channels, 3 dillerent groups, 'f'I L, manual irnd stroboscopic flash
modes. Use this mode by rotating the flash head tolirrds the ruaster
speedlight. When working in slave modc, the focirl length is not
controlled bv the mirster flash, it will need to be adjustcd mirnually. the
flash output is controiled by tire rnasler unii and r,vill clisplay
receivecl infbrmartion.
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SI Mode
51 Mode is suitable for manual flash
operation. In S1 Mode, the flash syncs with
the master flash, similar to the effect of
using a radio flash trigger. To use this mode
properly, your rnaster flash should be set on
manual operation and neither be used with
pre flash TTL nor red-eye reduction mode.
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52 Mode
52 Nlode is suitable for use with TTL flash
node, also klolvn as the 'pre flash cancel
model This rnode can ignore the TTL
pre-flash and synchronizes with the master
flash, alkxvrng the use ofTTL mode on the
master 11ash.
If S1 or 52 mode is not synchrontzir.rg with tlte master flash, please
make sure that the flash mode of the master t-uit is correctly set.
Please avoid the follorving situations rvhen using the S1 52 rnode:
The master flash set in red-eye reduction mode.
The master flash using the remote flash mode (Nikon) or u,ireless flash
mode (Canon); using ST-E2 as a llash controller
D Rear Curtain Sync
ln rear curtain sync mode, the flash lires right before the shutter closes. You car.t
create a light trail follolving yoru subject with a slou, shutter speed.
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Canon
Under E-TTL or M Mode, push the Rear
Curtain Sync button to set the rear curtain
sync mode.
Nikon
Set the rear curtain sync mode on the
camera's menu. There is no display on
the speedlight.
Note: To properly use the rear curtain sync mode, please make sure
your camerat flash mode and shutter speed are correctly set.
Bounce Flash
Wtren the flash head is aimed towards the wall or ceiling, the flash will reflect
offthat surface. By bouncing the flash, it can illuminate and reduce the shadows
around your subject, resulting in a more natural, pleasing photograph.
High Speed Burst Mode
This speedlight is capable ofhigh speed burst mode, up to 12FPS. Simply set your
camera's drive mode to burst and shoot.
The amount offlashes fired depends on your power available. Please use fresh
batteries when operating in high speed burst mode.
19 20 .

Audio Prompt
Different audio prompts wrll alert,vou the diflirent rvorkirg conditions of the
tpeedlight so you cJn fo.u.,,n \otrr Ph(,loqlnllr\.n
Long press the Custom Functior settitlg\ bulton 'j- Lo ttlrn the audio
prompts on or off.
LCD Backlight
On first use, the LCD backlight srvitch lviil turn the backlight on, \\rhen the
flash is in standby mode, the speecllight ancl bacl<light rvilJ irtttomatically
turn offto save pourer irnd prevent acciclen{:rl clischarge.
Set position and operating range:
Canon Carneras Menu Access (only cr.r newer Canon models)
lhe I'lash menlr may be accessed:ln camera fur E-TTL functionality. In the flash
control rnenu, "External Flash Function Settings" and "External Flash Custom
Settings" ciur be used to sct the flash parameters, such as switching E-TTL mode,
narnual flash rnocle, multiplc tlash nrode (X,lulti), rvireless flash settings,
exposure bracketing, exposllrc colrpensation, tbcal length and advanced options.
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Prompt Guide
1 Long beep: Call back completed
2 Short beeps: Flasi-r boot/flash t'eady
2 Long beeps: Flasl-r call back lncomplete
3 Short beeps: 30 minutes inirctive, llash
clor.n irutomatically (porver save)
4 Short beeps: I-ow battery shutdown
Contirluous beeping indicates :rn overhealiug tlash. Ihe dispia,v rvill
shou thc overhc.rtirtg prol(ctiorl icrtll.
21 22 i

Custom Functions Settings
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Using the wide angle diffuser
Attach the wide angle diffuser to the flash head. The flash will be
diffused, resulting in a very soft light output, reducing shadows.
The effect will be the same whether the camera is in portrait or
landscape mode. Tilt the flash head 1 1-60 degrees for best results.
You can set your shooting preferences through the
custom functions menu.
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Use the Up and Down Keys to set your options.
lustom
F'unction No Function Set ID Settitrgs and
descriptions
C.Fn-01 0
I off
C.Fn-03 Flash exposurc
brackcting
{ut0 canccl
0
Iofl
C.Fn-04 l,lash e\posure
breckeling
sequencc
00-.-- r
I
C.Fn-O8 ,{l:assist be 0
lir in,. 1off
C.Fn-14 1off
Note: Fn nnmber of00 - 13 options can be
accesscd throush thc camera mcnu of
"External flirsh custom function Settings"
to set up; The Numbers ibr: 00, 02, 05, 06,
07, 09, I 0^ I 1, I 2. I 3 option has been
disablcd. (lnlernai Canon c:rmcras menu)
Using the built-in reflector
Use the built-rn reflector carcl to make prortririls iook more irlive, sirarp and
capture catch lights in vour subjects e,ves as lvell as avoicling oler exposing
your subject.
0

Rotate the flash head
up 90 degrees
diffuser panel and
reflector card.
Push the wide angle
panel back in and
leave the reflector
card in place.
Using the built-in wide panel
When using the flash less than 2m (6.5 feet) away from your subject, use
the built-in wide angle diffuser for more natural results. This panel can also
be used to shoot with a wide-angle lens.
Specifications
Circuit Design: Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)
Guide Number: 85m (278ft)
Flash Coverage: 18-180mm
Manual and Automatic Zoom
Rotating and tilting flash head
F1ash Modes: TTL, Manual, FEB, Slave C/N, S1, 52, Multi
Wireless Trigger: Wireless induction flash lighting
Tilt Angle: -7 to 90 degrees
Rotation Angle: 0 180 degrees Ieft and right
Slave Channel and Groups: 4 Communication Channels (1,2,3,4) 3 Groups (A,B,C)
Color Temperature: 5500k
Flash duration: 1/200 - 1/20000 second
Flash control: I I 128- I I 1 Step Length is 0.3EV Total of 22 fi ne tune options
Peripheral interface: Hot shoe, PC port, External power port
Recycle Time: 2.9s at full output
Power:4x AA Alkaline ceil, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery
Additional Functions: PC synconization, Power saving mode, Overheating protection
Size: 200 x 75 x 57mm
Weight:3759
Accessories
Carrying Case
Mini Flash Stand
Wide Angle Diffuser
Instruction Manual
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