Paul c. buff Einstein e640 User manual

Every decade or two, a quantum leap occurs in ideas and technology that sets the stage

for years to come. While most are content to follow the leader and add a feature or two, a

few innovators take the lead with revolutionary advancements that redene the future state

of the art. Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ has a track record for such innovations, rst in 1986 with the

forerunner of the modern self-contained studio ash – the White Lightning™ Ultra ash unit

- then again in 2001 with the rst full-featured, affordable-yet-professional monolight for the

new masses of young digital photographers – the colorful little light that could, and did – the

AlienBees™ ash unit.

We are now pleased to present the most advanced integrated studio ash system ever

conceived – at any price - with performance and features far beyond any “professional”

monolight. After two years of intense design, evolution, blood, sweat, and tears, welcome to

the brave new future of studio lighting - Einstein™, and the companion Cyber Commander™

extreme integrated wireless control system. Proudly designed and manufactured in America.

EINSTEIN™

The Einstein™ E640 Flash Unit by Paul C. Buff, Inc.™

USER MANUAL / OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS

Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ • www.paulcbuff.com

2725 Bransford Avenue • Nashville, TN • 37204 • USA

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 • Local 615-383-3982

v.2/2013

[ 2 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

EINSTEIN™ SAFETY WARNINGS

Paul C. Buff™ Flash Units are designed for professional photographic use. As with all elec-

tronic equipment, users must observe all warnings and safety precautions. Carefully read all

operating instructions and safety instructions before use.

WARNING! HIGH VOLTAGE! Flash units contain high voltages and internal components that can store

dangerous voltages, even when the units are unplugged.

WARNING! Do not leave a ash unit unattended when it is turned on and / or in use. As with all electric

equipment, close supervision is necessary. Do not allow unattended children around this

equipment as potentially dangerous conditions may result. Turn the system OFF and unplug

the power cord when not in use.

WARNING! Do not operate or store a ash unit in or around water. Do not operate the units in wet,

damp or moist conditions, or in environments where water or other liquid could be dropped,

splashed, sprayed or spilled on the unit. High voltage equipment can cause electric shock

when operated in or near water. Your ash unit should only be used in dry, moderate condi-

tions where the equipment is protected from rain, dirt, sand and dust.

WARNING! Do not use any Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ equipment without permission in restricted areas.

WARNING! Do not operate a ash unit on or around ammable materials such as newspaper, carpet,

wood sawdust, gasoline, etc. Keep the unit away from re, ames, and heated surfaces.

WARNING! Do not cover the unit during operation. Air circulation must be permitted. Do not obstruct

ventilation holes by covering the unit while in use or by operating from inside a carrying bag.

WARNING! Do not insert any foreign objects into any ventilation holes. Do not carry or store a ash

unit together with necklaces, hair pins, nails, paper clips, or any other small metal objects.

WARNING! Do not use ungrounded power cords, power outlets or power strips. Paul C. Buff™ Flash

Units may only be connected to 3-wire grounded AC outlets to avoid shock hazard. Do not

connect the unit to an ungrounded outlet or to a two-wire extension cord or adapter that

eliminates the ground prong. Do not use any cords that have been damaged.

WARNING! Paul C. Buff™ ash units contain no user-serviceable parts. Never open, disassemble, or

attempt to repair any components. Only qualied technicians should service the system as

incorrect disassembly can create an electric shock hazard. Fingers and other foreign objects

must never be inserted or dropped inside any of the vents. If the unit has been dropped

or damaged, discontinue use and contact Customer Service. Do not attempt to make any

changes or modications as any modications made, outside of those performed or approved

by Paul C. Buff, Inc.™, may present hazardous conditions and void the warranty. The only

user-replaceable components are the unit’s ashtube and modeling lamp.

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 HERE TO HELP [ 3 ]

WARNING! Do not use adapters on the power cord to connect to power lines / outlets of incompatible

voltages. This can damage the unit. For use in international locations, see page 21.

WARNING! The faceplate can get very hot during use. While in use, the unit’s faceplate, ashtube(s),

modeling lamp(s) and faceplate accessories (such as reectors, grids and umbrella poles) can get very

hot to the touch, remaining hot even after the unit has been powered down. Heat is intensied when

the unit is used in down-angle positions and/or when used with accessories that trap heat

(such as closed softboxes). Disconnect the unit from its power source and allow ample time

for the equipment to cool down before touching any component or any accessories.

1. Always mount the ash unit on a light stand during use. Before attempting to operate the ash

unit, make sure that it is securely mounted to a light stand. We offer various light stands in

assorted sizes - visit our website to learn more (www.paulcbuff.com). The stand mount is

compatible with most standard light stands having top couplers up to 5/8-inch in size.

2. Remove the shipping cover before use. Remove the front black cover before turning the unit on.

3. Do not touch the ashtube or modeling lamp with your bare hands. When replacing the ashtube

or modeling lamp, never touch a tube or lamp with your bare ngers. Always turn the unit off,

unplug it from its AC power source, allow it to cool, and use a clean cloth or insulating gloves

to remove or replace a tube and/or lamp. Do not allow your nger oils to contact the lamps

as this can cause excess heat buildup and may cause premature ashtube or lamp failure.

4. Only use approved ashtubes and modeling lamps. The Einstein™ unit should only be used with

the original ashtube and modeling lamp or an approved replacement tube or lamp. Please

see our website (www.paulcbuff.com) to nd replacement ashtubes and modeling lamps.

5. Use care when traveling with or transporting your ash unit. Always use the shipping cover

provided to protect the ashtube, modeling lamp, and frosted dome cover. Use appropriate

packaging to protect the unit against bumps and jolts that may damage the components.

6. When not in use, Paul C. Buff™ Flash Units should be stored in moderate climate conditions between

32ºF and 140ºF (0ºC and 40ºC), protected from water, dirt, sand and dust. Modern elec-

trolytic capacitors normally have a long shelf life. However, if there is no charge applied for

long periods of time, they are more likely to have increased leakage current. This means the

capacitors may become warmer than normal until they stabilize, and the charge voltage may

sag more quickly during use, causing the units to recycle more frequently after ring. If you

need to store the unit for long periods of time (one year +), it is a good idea to occasionally

turn the units on at their lowest power setting, and slowly increase the power setting over a

period of 60 to 90 seconds while ring the unit using the TEST button after each increase.

EINSTEIN™ SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

[ 4 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

7. Paul C. Buff™ Flash Units are designed for use with Paul C. Buff™ accessories. While other manu-

facturers design ash equipment and accessories that may claim compatibility with Paul C.

Buff™ equipment, each manufacturer denes their own contacts and latching mechanisms

which may or may not be suitable for safe use with Paul C. Buff™ equipment. We cannot

guarantee or offer our warranty when our equipment is used with accessories made by other

manufacturers and cannot accept liability for damages that may be caused as a result.

8. Observe power requirements and use the appropriate power cord. The Einstein™ ash unit requires

a suitable AC power source, but may be used on various power lines worldwide, from 95 to

265 Vac with 50 or 60 Hz outlets. The unit accomodates different line voltages without the

need to change settings or modeling lamp type. For use in North America, the unit arrives

with a 15-foot power cord that has a standard IEC connector on one end and a grounded,

three-pronged male plug on the other. This power cord connects to the ash unit on its back

control panel and is then plugged into a suitable 120 Vac, 50-60 Hz power outlet. To use the

Einstein™ unit in other areas of the world with varying power outlet congurations, you will

simply need an IEC power cord with the correct plug conguration specic to that area. A

suitable cord can be purchased locally, found in electronic and computer stores.

9. When shooting in an environment where a suitable AC power source is not available, we recommend the

exclusive use of our Vagabond™ Portable Power Systems. The Vagabond™ systems are designed

specically for Paul C. Buff™ ash units and power packs, offering a convenient, lightweight,

self-contained portable power source. We currently offer Vagabond™ models in both 120V

and 230V models. Visit our website (www.paulcbuff.com) to learn more.

EINSTEIN™ SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS continued

EINSTEIN™ SPECIFICATIONS

Weight 4 pounds, 3.5 ounces (without power cord)

Dimensions

4.8” H by 4.8” W by 5.7” L (body dimensions without lamps

or mounting hardware); 7” H by 5.4” W by 7.8” L (overall

dimensions with lamps, dome and mounting hardware)

Power

operates from 95 to 265 Vac, 50/60 Hz with no lamp change

or user settings; supplied with 120V U.S. standard IEC

power cord (see page 21 for info on international use)

Flashpower 640 true wattseconds / joules at Full Power (maximum)

2.5 true wattseconds / joules at 1/256 Power (minimum)

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Flash Variability

(informal term)

9 f-stops in precise 1/10f digital steps (Full to 1/256 power);

voltage and IGBT time regulated to <1%; accuracy is +/-

1/10f from Full to 1/128 power, +/- 2/10f at 1/256 power

Recycle

1/10 to 1.7 second recycle at 120 or 240 Vac (may be red

before 100% recycle for speed shooting at reduced power);

switchable audible and visual recycle ready indicators

Modeling Lamp

250 Watt, 120 Vac bayonet-style quartz lamp supplied (no

lamp change needed when operating from 120 or 240 Vac);

proprietary voltage regulation for constant lumen output

over entire input voltage range (lamp cannot reach full

brightness at AC voltages below 115 Vac); model lumens

track ashpower typically within +/- 1/10f over entire range

Flash Duration

1/2000 second t.5 at Full Power; t.1 duration varies from

1/588 to 1/13500 second in Action Mode and 1/588 to

1/8000 second in Constant Color Mode (see page 12 for more)

Color Temperature 5600º K +/- 50º K over entire range in Constant Color Mode;

5600º K to 6300º K in Action Mode (see page 12 for more)

Slave Tripper ash-sensitive slave tripper (enabled or disabled via menu)

Reector / Accessory Mount

quick-release levers on both sides securely hold standard

Paul C. Buff™ / Balcar accessories and allow rotation with

improved gripping and ease of operation

Umbrella Mount top-mounted umbrella tube and clamp mounts umbrella

shafts up to 9mm (0.350”) diameter

Light Stand Mount reversible swivel mount with ratchet handle; mounts on light

stands with top couplers from 1/2” to 5/8”

Thermostatic Fan Cooling

high-velocity fan and ample cooling path directs air through

the electronics and past the lamp and tube for high volume

shooting; multiple overheat and overvoltage sensors

LCD Display backlit, high-res 2.4” color LCD display (320 x 240 pixels)

Camera Sync

1/8” (3.5mm) jack; or res from optional CSXCV Transceiver

/ Cyber Commander™ remote or third-party radio triggers

**The sync circuit is galvanically isolated from the AC line, high

volage circuitry and the control power supply, making it nearly

impossible to damage a camera even if the ash unit fails.**

[ 6 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

EINSTEIN™ DIAGRAM

1. The FUNCTION button is used to scroll between the individual screens on the LCD display to

select which screen is active for adjustment (each “screen” is a section of the display; all nine

screens are visible at all times). The screen actively selected for adjustment is highlighted in

blue. The unit defaults automatically to the Flash Adjustment Screen.

2. The ADJUST buttons are used to adjust the light’s various settings. Once a screen is high-

lighted for adjustment, the ADJUST buttons are used to raise or lower output (for the ashpower

and modeling lamp) or to scroll through the options for the setting.

3. The LCD Display is a backlit, high resolution, color screen that is divided into nine sections /

screens to display the current status of the various light settings.

4. The Sync Jack (1/8-inch / 3.5mm) is used for hardwired connection of the ash unit to your

camera using the provided ABSC sync cord.

Note:

Inserting a sync cord or dummy plug into the

jack does not disable the slave photo sensor, which is toggled on and off in a control screen.

5. The EASY SET button clears any programming and returns the unit to its default factory set-

tings. See page 8 for more details on EASY SET.

6. The TEST button allows you to test re (ash) the unit.

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 HERE TO HELP [ 7 ]

7. The Fuse Holder takes a user-replaceable SR5-F type 8A fuse. A backup is provided in the

event of a blown fuse. See page 20 for more details.

8. The POWER button turns the ash unit ON or OFF.

9. The Power Cord Jack is the connection point for the power cord. The unit arrives with a stan-

dard US cord (IEC connector to 3-prong North American plug), but you can use the unit in

countries with different outlet congurations by purchasing a standard IEC power cord with a

suitable plug for your location.

10. The Stand Mount Tightening Knob twists clockwise to secure your light stand’s top coupler

inside the stand mount. Twisting counter-clockwise releases the hold.

11. The Stand Mount accepts any light stand with a top coupler up to 5/8-inch in diameter.

12. The Ratchet Handle allows you to swivel the ash unit up or down, loosening for adjustment

and tightening to hold the desired position.

Note:

Pulling out on the handle allows you to alter its

position in order to make adjustments without hitting the housing.

13. The Quick-Release Levers (two spring-loaded levers, one on each side of the unit) cause the

faceplate holding ngers to contract so that accessories can be added or removed. The ngers

expand to hold accessories securely in place when the levers are released.

14. Four Holding Fingers (one in each corner of the faceplate) are used to securely hold compat-

ible faceplate-mounted accessories in place on the ash unit.

15. The Frosted Pyrex Dome ts over the ashtube and modeling lamp. It equalizes their effective

size and shape for modeling previews and also serves to reduce UV emission.

16. Four Spring Clips hold the frosted pyrex dome in place on the faceplate.

17. The CyberSync™ CSXCV Transceiver (optional, sold separately) drops into the receptacle on

the top side of the unit, allowing the unit to be remotely controlled by the Cyber Commander™

remote control (also sold separately). All of the Einstein™ parameters can be adjusted remotely

with the Cyber Commander™ and Transceiver setup.

18. The Umbrella Tightening Knob is used to hold an umbrella pole in place on the unit. The shaft

accepts umbrella poles up to 3/8-inch in diameter.

19. The Micro SD Card Slot is used for rmware updating. Updates can be downloaded from our

website and installed via a standard Micro SD Card plugged into this slot. See the Einstein™

page on our website (www.paulcbuff.com/e640.php) for rmware updates.

[ 8 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

INITIAL SETUP

1. Remove the shipping cover. The Einstein™ unit ships with a black shipping cover positioned on

the faceplate over the ashtube, modeling lamp, and frosted dome to protect these items in

transit. This opaque black cover must be removed before use. Any protective packing material

around the frosted dome must also be removed. To remove the cover, slide either of the quick-

release levers to retract the four faceplate ngers holding the cover.

Note:

Do NOT replace the

shipping cover on a hot light. Allow the light to fully cool before installing the shipping cover.

2. Place the ash unit on a light stand. Place the Einstein™ unit on a standard light stand with the

stand’s top coupler placed inside the Einstein™ stand mount. Secure the hold by twisting the

stand mount tightening knob on the Einstein™ unit clockwise. Loosen the ratchet handle to

swivel the ash unit up or down. The handle has a ratchet action: pulling out on the handle

allows you to alter its position in order to make adjustments without hitting the housing.

3. Connect the supplied power cord. Connect the provided power cord into the power cord jack

on the back panel of the ash unit, then plug the cord into a 120 Vac or 240 Vac, 50 or 60 Hz

outlet, or to a Vagabond™ system. The Einstein™ unit will automatically sense the voltage and

frequency. Press the POWER button to turn the unit on.

Note:

When the Einstein™ unit is turned

off, it’s actually in STANDBY mode and can be turned on remotely by a Cyber Commander™

remote if it is tted with a CSXCV CyberSync™ Transceiver (both optional accessories, sold

separately - see page 18 for more details).

4. Begin in EASY SET Mode. The recessed EASY SET button allows instant setup for most users.

Pressing this button clears any special programming and sets the Einstein™ unit to the following

parameters (how the unit is shipped from the factory):

Model Mode = TRACK Flashpower: The modeling lamp tracks the ashpower output

(brightening or dimming automatically as the ashpower is adjusted up or down) for a

“What You See Is What You Get” modeling preview.

Recycle / Ready Indication = BOTH (Audible and Visual Recycle Indication): Recycle indication

is provided by an audible beep and by the modeling lamp dimming during recycle,

then restoring brightness when recycle is complete.

Color / Action = COLOR Mode: The emitted color temperature is held constant at 5600ºK

plus or minus 50ºK at any power setting or input voltage. See page 12 for more details.

Slave Eye Status = ON: The slave eye ash sensor is turned on.

Channel / Frequency: The optional CSXCV CyberSync™ Transceiver, if present, is set to

Frequency 1 and Channel 1. The CSXCV is sold separately, part of the CyberSync™

remote control system - see page 18 for more details.

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 HERE TO HELP [ 9 ]

5. Sync your camera. With your camera synced to the Einstein™ ash unit, pressing your camera

shutter will trigger simultaneous ring. For a hardwired sync, use the provided ABSC sync cord

(1/8-inch to PC-connection). Connect the 1/8-inch miniplug on the sync cord to the sync jack

on the back panel of the Einstein™ unit, then connect the cord to your camera’s PC jack or hot

shoe adapter. When the cord is rst connected, the unit should ash. Your camera can also be

synced to the unit using our optional CSXCV CyberSync™ Transceiver (sold separately, used

in conjunction with the CyberSync™ Cyber Commander™ or CST Transmitter). To learn more

about the CyberSync™ system, visit our website (www.paulcbuff.com/cybersync.php). See

page 18 for more details on using the CyberSync™ remote control system.

PRELIMINARY TESTING: With the Einstein™ unit turned on, operating the up and down ADJUST

buttons should increase or decrease both the ashpower and the modeling brightness by 1/10f

per click. If you hold either button in, the output will scroll.

DISPLAY FUNCTION: As you adjust the power using the ADJUST buttons, you should see the ash

and model bargraphs on the LCD display go up or down correspondingly. Since EASY SET

defaults the modeling lamp to track the ashpower, both bars should move in unison. If you

press the TEST button at any power, the unit should ash and the modeling lamp should dim.

When the unit is recycled, the modeling lamp will return on (at its previous brightness level) and

the audible recycle indicator beep will sound.

remove the shipping cover place on a light stand connect power cord

EASY SET mode connect supplied sync cord optional CyberSync™ use

[ 10 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

NAVIGATING EINSTEIN™ PARAMETERS

With the EASY SET button, most simple Einstein™ shoots are plug-and-play, not requiring pa-

rameter adjustments other than ashpower. For more advanced shoots, all parameters may be

easily manipulated using the different screens on the LCD display.

The LCD display is divided into nine sections / screens. The actively selected screen is high-

lighted in blue, beginning with the default Flash Adjustment Screen. Pressing the FUNCTION button

will sequence through the screens. If no adjustments are made for 10 seconds, the display will

revert to the default state with the Flash Adjustment Screen active. Regardless of which screen is

selected, the ashpower and modeling lamp bargraphs are always visible in the left column of

the display. These bargraphs indicate the power, relative to full power, in 1/10f increments. The

white bargraph (indicated by the lightning bolt symbol) displays the ashpower and the yellow

bargraph (indicated by the bulb symbol) displays the modeling lamp output. As adjustments are

made, both the bargraphs and the digital parameters in the Flash Adjustment Screen and Model

Adjustment Screen will update.

THE LCD DISPLAY

A. The Flash Adjustment Screen: When this screen is active, the ADJUST buttons are used to raise

or lower ashpower at 1/10f per click (holding either button scrolls the ashpower up or down).

At any ashpower setting, the digital numerical display in the screen indicates all ash data:

the current ashpower relative to full power, the color temperature, the t.1 ash duration, the

EU number, and the wattseconds. As adjustments are made, the data will change and the

ashpower bargraph will move up or down accordingly. If the modeling lamp is set to track

the ashpower, the numerical data in the Model Adjustment Screen will change and the modeling

lamp bargraph will move up or down as well.

B. The Model Adjustment Screen: This screen allows modeling lamp adjustment in either the

independent adjustment mode or tracking mode. In the independent adjustment mode, the

ADJUST buttons may be used to raise or lower the modeling brightness. The digital display of

watts and f-brightness relative to full (250 W) will update.

C. The Model Mode Screen: When this screen is active, you may select between the four modeling

lamp modes by pressing the ADJUST buttons.

On (Full Power): the modeling lamp remains at full brightness

Independently Adjustable: the modeling lamp is adjusted independently of ashpower

Track Flashpower: the lamp tracks the ashpower

Off: the modeling lamp is off

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The Flash Adjustment Screen (A):

-1.0f: current ashpower,

relative to full power

5725 K: color temperature

‘2050 t.1: t.1 ash duration (in

fractions of a second)

EU 5.7: EU number

320 WS: ashpower output in

true wattseconds

The Model Adjustment Screen (B):

-1.0f: current modeling

lamp output, relative

to full power

125 W: modeling lamp output

in watts

When the modeling lamp is set to track the ashpower,

there is a provision in the Model Adjustment Screen to offset

the lamp brightness, setting the output higher or lower

(not exceeding the normal minimum or maximum for the

installed lamp), while still maintaining the tracking feature.

The bargraphs will still move in unison, but with an offset

between the bars. This feature is useful when the light is

used with other lights having lower wattage lamps, and it is

desirable to maintain a constant ratio of model brightness

to ashpower for accurate previews. For example, if an

Einstein™ unit is used with an AlienBees™ B1600 unit

(640 Ws, 150 W lamp), it would be advantageous to set

the Einstein™ unit such that its lamp also produces 150

W when set to 640 Ws.

D. The Recycle / Ready Indicator Screen: In this screen, the

ADJUST buttons set the recycle indication behavior.

Audible: an audible beep sounds to indicate that

recycle is complete; the lamp does not dim during

recycle as this might be disconcerting to models

Visual: the modeling lamps will dim during recycle,

then restore brightness when recycle is complete

Both: both indicators are activated

Neither: both indicators are disabled; the ready

status will be indicated only on the back LCD

display (indicated by the Recycle / Ready Indicator

Screen turning from red to green)

When the ashpower is lowered, the Einstein™ unit

automatically dumps excess voltage. The screen turns

red during dump, then back to green when ready.

E. The Slave Eye Status Screen: In this screen, the slave

status is set with the ADJUST buttons.

On: the slave eye is on, causing the Einstein™ unit

to ash simultaneously whenever it “sees” the

ash from another unit (still active whether or not

the sync jack is in use)

Off: the slave eye is turned off

[ 12 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

F. The Action / Color Screen: In this screen, the ADJUST buttons are used to change the mode

between Action Mode and Constant Color Mode (more details in the following section).

G. Channel Screen and H. Frequency Screen: In these screens, the ADJUST buttons are used to set

the channel and frequency of the optional CyberSync™ CSXCV Transceiver, if present. Each

ash unit / transceiver in the setup should be set to its own unique channel. All ash units /

transceivers should be set to the same frequency (see page 18 for more details).

IGBT ADVANTAGES

Even the most expensive professional monolight ash units usually control ashpower by

varying the voltage applied to the ash capacitors. This simple and inexpensive method has

three distinct limitations to the achievement of truly professional performance:

1. The range of power reduction is typically limited to 1/8 to 1/32 power, often resulting in an

inability to achieve low aperture settings with close lighting techniques.

2. As power is reduced, the ash duration becomes longer - typically twice as long at minimum

power relative to maximum power. The median t.1 ash duration of the ten most popular pro

monolights ranges from 1/200 second to 1/400 second – too slow for sharp freezing of action

in sports, dance and other rapid movement shots (see graphs on page 15).

3. Color temperature typically varies by 75ºK to 80ºK per f-stop of power reduction, resulting

in about 400ºK color difference between minimum and maximum power. The Einstein™ unit

employs proprietary advanced digitally controlled IGBT technology to control ashpower.

This results in an extreme range of power reduction (1/256 power) in precise 1/10f stops. As

power is reduced, the t.1 ash duration also decreases dramatically instead of increasing. This

technology allows the Einstein™ unit to maintain a constant color temperature throughout

the entire 256:1 power range.

Two operating modes are provided – ACTION Mode and CONSTANT COLOR Mode. In Action Mode,

the t.1 ash duration shortens rapidly from 1/588 seconds at full power to 1/13,500 seconds at

minimum power for incredible action freezing capability, but the color temperature increases

as power is reduced. In Constant Color Mode, the t.1 ash duration drops less rapidly, to a

minimum of 1/8000 second, while maintaining a constant color temperature of 5600º K (+/-

50º K) throughout the entire power range. The internal processor controls the accuracy and

repeatability with very high precision (see the chart on page 13 and graphs on page 15).

ACTION Mode: In Action Mode, the color temperature rises as power is reduced, but the t.1 ash

duration is minimized even further for maximum action stopping capability where absolute

color consistency is secondary to motion freezing. At 1/2 power in Action Mode, the t.1 ash

duration is approximately 1/2000 second and the color temperature is approximately 5750º K

(absolute values of ash duration and color temperature are indicated on the rear LCD display).

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 HERE TO HELP [ 13 ]

CONSTANT COLOR Mode: In this mode, the emitted color temperature is held constant at 5600º K,

plus or minus 50º K at any power setting or input voltage. At full power, the t.5 ash duration is

1/1600 second and the t.1 time is 1/568 second. As power is reduced to 1/2 power the color

remains constant, while the ash duration decreases to 1/1351 second t.1 (note that with IGBT

control, the t.5 spec is no longer meaningful, so only the t.1 ash duration appears on the rear

LCD display). As power is further decreased, the color temperature remains constant and the

t.1 ash duration falls ultimately to 1/8000 second at the lowest power settings.

f-stop Flash Duration (sec.) Color Temp. (ºK)

Full 1/568 5600º K

-0.5f 1/1220 5650º K

-1f 1/2041 5750º K

-2f 1/4464 5950º K

-3f 1/6050 6150º K

-4f 1/10417 6350º K

-5f 1/11050 6450º K

-6f 1/11765 6450º K

-7f 1/12579 6400º K

-8f 1/13514 6400º K

ACTION MODE: CONSTANT COLOR MODE:

EU Numbers: When lights with different wattsecond ratings are mixed in a studio, terms like

“1/4 power” or “-3f” don’t tell the user how much light one unit outputs compared to another.

In order to allow a direct comparison between lights of different ratings, several European

manufacturers have instituted a numbering system that directly compares lights in 1/10f

increments without requiring calculations or wattsecond math conversions. The EU Number

denes a 6400 Ws power level as EU10.0, and each 1/10 f-stop change is represented by a

one digit change in the decimal. Thus, EU9.9 is 1/10f less power than EU10.0. A full f-stop

change is a one digit change before the decimal point. If your main light is EU6.4 and your ll

is EU5.3, you quickly know your ll light is 1.1f less powerful than your main light.

f-stop Flash Duration (sec.) Color Temp. (ºK)

Full 1/568

5600º K

+ / - 50º K

-0.5f 1/926

-1f 1/1351

-2f 1/2174

-3f 1/3226

-4f 1/4098

-5f 1/5000

-6f 1/5814

-7f 1/6579

-8f 1/8000

EU9.0 3200 Ws EU6.0 400 Ws EU3.0 50 Ws EU0.0 6.25 Ws

EU8.0 1600 Ws EU5.0 200 Ws EU2.0 25 Ws EU-1.0 3.13 Ws

EU7.0 800 Ws EU4.0 100 Ws EU1.0 12.5 Ws EU-2.0 1.56 Ws

[ 14 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

CONVENTIONAL FLASH VS. IGBT CONTROL

Conventional Variable Voltage Control: Figures 1 and 2 show the ash waveform from a conven-

tional variable voltage monoash. As power is reduced, both the t.5 and t.1 ash durations

become longer as power is reduced. Note that even beyond the t.1 point the ash continues

to trail off slowly, adding motion blur. The color temperature drops as power is reduced.

EinsteinTM E640 IGBT Control: In Figures 3 and 4 below, notice the ash abruptly shuts off at

whatever point is needed to produce the desired output. The t.1 ash durations can be as fast

as 1/13,500 second at low power, producing crisp action freezing. But the color temperature

rises as power is reduced. This depicts the EinsteinTM Action Mode. In the Constant Color

Mode, the EinsteinTM processor compensates by adjusting both the shutoff time and the

voltage such that a constant 5600ºK color is achieved. The ash duration drops less rapidly

as power is reduced, but still produces very short t.1 times (1/8000 second at minimum

power) and extremely sharp action freezing. See the graphs below and on the following page.

Figure 2: Variable Voltage at Half Power

100%

50%

10%

t.5

1/1600

t.1

1/470

Figure 4: IGBT Control at Half Power

100%

50%

10%

t.1

1/2050

Figure 3: IGBT Control at Full Power

100%

50%

10%

t.1

1/588

t.5

1/2000

Figure 1: Variable Voltage at Full Power

100%

50%

10%

t.5

1/2000

t.1

1/588

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POWER VARIABILITY RANGE (Wattseconds)

640 320 160 80 40 20 5 2.5

t.1 FLASH DURATION (Seconds) VS. POWER SETTING

COLOR TEMPERATURE VS. POWER SETTING

FULL 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 1/256

1/10000

1/3000

1/1000

1/300

1/100

6000º K

5500º K

5000º K

Color Temperature

(Kelvin)

Flash Duration

(fractions of 1 second)

Total Range in

True Wattseconds

(Graphs on pages 14 and

15 derived from published

specications and/or lab

testing by Paul Buff)

EXPECTED OUTPUT

Full Power (640 Ws)

with the 8.5” High-Output Reector f22 +1/10 at 10 feet (GN 234)

Full Power (640 Ws)

with the 11” Long-Throw Reector f32 +6/10 at 10 feet (GN 394)

Full Power (640 Ws)

with a softbox f8 +7/10 at 10 feet (GN 102)

Readings taken at ISO100 in a 14’ x 14’ room with grey walls and oor. For details on expected output readings and mea-

surements takes with other accessories and at other power settings, see our website (www.paulcbuff.com/output.php).

FULL 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 1/256

[ 16 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

USING ACCESSORIES

All Paul C. Buff™ accessories are sold separately.

Visit

our website (www.paulcbuff.com) to learn more

and see our full line of compatible accessories

and light modiers.

Remote Controls: The Einstein™ unit includes a

slot for the CyberSync™ CSXCV Transceiver

for use with the Cyber Commander™ remote

control to provide complete wireless ring and

parameter adjustment. With this setup, the Cyber

Commander™ unit can be used to remotely

power on an Einstein™ unit that is plugged into

a power source. The unit may be used with all

CyberSync™ transmitters and receivers (see

page 18 for more). Einstein™ may not be used

with the LG4X wired remote control or older Paul

C. Buff™ remotes incorporating the telephone

cord connection. The unit is compatible with

most other third party triggering receivers (such

as the PocketWizard®). A 1/8-inch to 1/8-inch

non-attenuated mini male mono cord such as

our CSSC is required to connect the receiver to

the Einstein™ unit. The Einstein™ is additionally

compatible with the PocketWizard® PowerMC2

for use with the PocketWizard® system.

Softboxes and Reectors: The Einstein™ faceplate

with the standard BUFF™ / Balcar mount has

four holding ngers that expand and contract

to hold various reectors as well as speedrings

for softbox attachment. While the Einstein™ unit

does not arrive with a particular reector, for

general use we recommend the 8.5HOR 8.5-inch

high-output silver reector. The unit is compat-

ible with our full line of reectors, beauty dishes,

the LiteMod™ mainframe and associated acces-

sories, and our foldable softboxes, octaboxes

or stripbox as well as retired models of Paul C.

Buff™ softboxes.

Paul C. Buff™ CSXCV Transceiver

PocketWizard® PowerMC2

Paul C. Buff™ Einstein™ faceplate

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 HERE TO HELP [ 17 ]

When using softboxes by other manufacturers,

you will need to get a Paul C. Buff™ compat-

ible speedring. When mounting accessories to

the faceplate, ensure that all four holding ngers

are within the opening and that the quick-release

levers have returned rmly to the open position.

Failure to do so can result in the unintended

release of the modier from the light.

Note:

The Einstein™ unit mounts all accessories

that t previous Paul C. Buff™ lights except the

obsolete WL130, WL5,000 and WL10,000 models.

The PLM™ System and Umbrellas: The Einstein™

unit has an umbrella shaft that runs along the top

length of the unit housing, tting standard umbrella

poles up to 23/64” (approx. 9mm) in diameter. It

may be used with the PLM™ system (both current

and previous models) as well as retired Paul C.

Buff™ umbrellas. The PLM™ system’s on-axis

speedring mount may be used as well.

Light Stands: The Einstein™ unit must be securely

mounted to a light stand for use. The stand mount

is compatible with most standard light stands

having top couplers up to 5/8-inch and may be

used on our full line of Paul C. Buff™ light stands.

Travel Gear: One Einstein™ unit can be carried in

our PCBBAG Paul C. Buff™ single-light carrying

bag (with the shipping cover, either the 7” or 8”

reector, cords and room for other small acces-

sories).

Note:

The PCBAG is for around-town travel

only; it is not suitable for airline travel. For consid-

eration of travel cases from other manufacturers,

the unit’s dimensions are 7” height x 5.4” width x

7.8” length (with lamps, dome and shipping cover

in place; mounting hardware attached).

If you need help or have questions about using

a particular accessory with your Einstein™ ash

unit, contact our Customer Service team for

assistance.

Paul C. Buff™ CSXCV Transceiver

PocketWizard® PowerMC2

Paul C. Buff™ Einstein™ faceplate

umbrella mount

light stand mount

Paul C. Buff™ PCBBAG carrying bag

[ 18 ] EINSTEIN™ by Paul C. Buff

USING EINSTEIN™ WITH THE CYBERSYNC™ SYSTEM

For complete wireless ring and full parameter adjustment, the Einstein™ unit can be used with

the CyberSync™ CSXCV Transceiver and the Cyber Commander™ remote control. With this

setup, the Cyber Commander™ unit can also be used to remotely power on an Einstein™ unit

that is plugged into a power source. For complete information about the optional CyberSync™

system, visit our website (www.paulcbuff.com/cybersync.php).

Setting up the Einstein™ unit with the Cyber Commander™ remote: Unlike setting up vintage Buff™

lights in the Cyber Commander™ remote, it is not necessary to perform the tedious “Spec

Lights” and “Light Settings” steps required by lights that communicate via CSR+ or CSRB+

receivers. The EinsteinTM / CSXCV combination allows all of the EinsteinTM unit’s back panel

settings to automatically be transferred to the Cyber CommanderTM remote. Acquiring this

information and recognizing EinsteinTM units is accomplished by using one of the methods

detailed below.

Note:

Below, there are two instruction sets for setting up EinsteinTM ash units

with the Cyber Commander™ remote. The rst set (NEW SETUPS) starts the setup process from

scratch, erasing any programming already made in the Cyber Commander™ remote. Any

information erased will have to be reprogrammed, including light specications and names. To

keep existing light information programmed in your Cyber CommanderTM remote, please follow

only the steps in the second section (EXISTING SETUPS).

Einstein™ and CyberSync™ NEW SETUPS: Use these instructions to set up the Einstein™ unit as

part of a new setup with no existing lights - this will erase any information already programmed

in the Cyber Commander™ remote!

1. Using the FUNCTION and ADJUST buttons on the EinsteinTM unit’s back panel, ensure that the

unit is set to a unique channel not shared by any other light / CyberSyncTM receiver, and set

to the same frequency as your Cyber CommanderTM remote.

2. Enter the Cyber CommanderTM remote’s setup menu by scrolling to the right with the right

joystick. In the setup menu, use the right joystick to highlight and select OPEN MEMORY.

3. Using the left joystick, select STUDIO in the lower left corner. Your screen should now read

OPEN ALL FROM STUDIO, followed by SYNC CYBER COMMANDER FROM STUDIO LIGHTS.

4. Press in on the right joystick. SYNC CYBER COMMANDER FINISHED OPENING should appear.

5. The EinsteinTM unit is now dened as Einstein 640 and the remote is set with all parameters

for the unit as they appear on its back panel. No further action is required. Any parameter

changes should now be made with the Cyber Commander™ remote as any changes made

on the back panel will be overridden by the settings in the Cyber Commander™ remote.

Note:

All non-digital Paul C. Buff™ ash units (White LightningTM, AlienBeesTM, and Zeus™

units) will require the specication process as outlined in the Cyber CommanderTM manual.

Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 HERE TO HELP [ 19 ]

Einstein™ and CyberSync™ EXISTING SETUPS: Use these instructions to set up the Einstein™ unit

as part of an existing setup with ash units that have already been programmed and specied

in the Cyber Commander™ unit - already programmed lights will remain unaltered.

1. Using the FUNCTION and ADJUST buttons on the EinsteinTM unit’s back panel, ensure that the

unit is set to a unique channel not shared by any other light / CyberSyncTM receiver, and set

to the same frequency as your Cyber CommanderTM remote.

2. Enter the Cyber CommanderTM remote’s setup menu by scrolling to the right with the right

joystick. In the setup menu, use the right joystick to highlight and select OPEN MEMORY.

3. Using the left joystick, select the CHANNEL corresponding to the channel number you

have set on the new Einstein™ unit that you are about to recognize. By opening new lights

individually, one light channel at a time (instead of using OPEN FROM STUDIO), you will avoid

losing any programming already performed for existing lights. Your screen should now read

OPEN CH(XX) FROM STUDIO, followed by SYNC CYBER COMMANDER FROM STUDIO CHANNEL (XX).

4. Using the right joystick, press in. Almost immediately, SYNC CYBER COMMANDER FINISHED

OPENING should appear.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to add other new Einstein™ ash units to the existing setup.

6. Each EinsteinTM unit is now dened as an Einstein 640 and the remote is set with all parameters

for each unit as they appear on each back panel. No further action is required. Any parameter

changes should now be made with the Cyber Commander™ remote as any changes made

on the back panel(s) will be overridden by the settings in the Cyber Commander™ remote.

Note:

Once you have completed the process of adding new lights, it’s always a good idea to

store the new or revised setup to one of the 52 available storage locations for future reference.

See your Cyber Commander™ manual for details on storage locations and saving setups.