Photoflex FlexFlash SB–FLXFLSH400W User manual

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FlexFlash Instruction Manual • Models SB–FLXFLSH400W, SB–FLXFLSH200W, SB–FLXFLSHE400W, SB–FLXFLSHE200W
Rev 7/18/13

Flash tube
Modeling lamp
Accessory release button
Repositionable swivel handle
Slave sensor
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FlexFlash Comes with:
Protective Lamp Cover Seven Inch Reflector Power Cord Sync Cable Spare Fuse stored
inside Fuse Drawer
1

Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 1
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Contents
Safety Precautions ...............................................page 2
Setting up the FlexFlash with Accessories ..........page 2 – 3
FlexFlash Operation..............................................page 4 – 6
Data Sheet ...........................................................page 7
The FlexFlash™ by Photoex is a monobloc, self-contained ash
unit. The power supply and ash head are in one unit, making it
easier to use for location shooting than oor-generator power-
pack type strobes. The FlexFlash utilizes 90 - 260v AC auto
voltage detection for worldwide use.
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS AND PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE USING YOUR FLEXFLASH STROBE.
Safety Precautions
Make sure the power is turned off and the power cord is NOT
plugged into a power receptacle when removing or inserting the
modeling lamp or the ashtube.
Do not touch the ashtube with bare hands. The salts and oils
on your skin will degrade the glass envelope creating a risk of
exploding the ash tube. Use gloves whenever removing or
inserting the ash tube.
Do not use the FlexFlash with a broken ashtube or modeling light.
If the FlexFlash has been dropped or damaged, refer to
Photoex for service before using.
Do not insert screwdrivers or other objects into the housing.
There is risk of electrical shock.
Connect power cord only to 3 pin grounded outlets.
Do not alter the power cord. Removal of ground pin will create an
unsafe environment for using the FlexFlash.
Do not remove the power cord when the power is on as this can
be hazardous.
Do not perform any internal service to the FlexFlash. Please refer
to Photoex for service.
Avoid load imbalance of the strobe head and SoftBox when
mounted on a light stand.
The cover is in place when the
FlexFlash unit is shipped. Before
using the FlexFlash for the rst
time, with the power cord discon-
nected, remove the lamp cover
and install the modeling lamp
which is packaged separately.
The modeling lamp may be left
in the unit after use, however be
sure to allow the lamp to cool
prior to attaching the protective
cover. Figure 2
Notice that the lamp cover has
three square blocks around the perimeter of its base. To put the
lamp cover back in position, line these blocks up with the
corresponding notches in the front collar of the strobe head.
Place the lamp cover blocks into the collar notches, then rotate
the cover clockwise 1/16 turn until the cover locks into position. For
increased lamp protection, we recommend always leaving the lamp
cover in position until you are ready to turn on the FlexFlash unit.
Using Reectors
The FlexFlash includes a seven inch multipurpose reector which
is good for use with umbrellas or by itself for direct lighting
applications. The reector will also accept the seven inch grids
(sold separately, SKU: SB-SFGRIDS). The reectors or any
S-type accessories attach to the FlexFlash in the same manner as
the lamp cover. Notice that the reector has three square blocks
around the perimeter of its base. To put the reector in
position, line these blocks up with the corresponding notches in
the front collar of the strobe head. Push the reector blocks into
the collar notches, then rotate the
reector clockwise about 1/16
turn until it locks into position.
To remove the reector, press
the release button on the top of
the FlexFlash to disengage the
locking mechanism and rotate the
reector counter-clockwise about
1/16 turn; then carefully pull the
reector away from the strobe
unit; avoid contact with ash tube
or modeling lamp. Figure 3
Using SoftBoxes
The FlexFlash can be used with SoftBoxes using the Photoex
Strobe connector SC-B9017TR, which will t all Photoex Soft-
Boxes. To ensure the safest assembly and protect the modeling
lamp and ash tube, it is recommended that the assembled
SoftBox and connector be placed on a clean oor or carpet.
Attach the Flexash to the connector by pushing it down into the
connector, then rotate it clockwise until it locks into place.
To remove the connector and SoftBox assembly, press the
release button on the top of the FlexFlash to disengage the
Setting up the FlexFlash with Accessories
Installing the Modeling Lamp
The FlexFlash comes with a cover
to protect the ashtube and
modeling light. To remove the
lamp cover, press the button on
the top of the FlexFlash to dis-
engage the locking mechanism.
Rotate the lamp cover counter-
clockwise 1/16 turn. Carefully pull
the lamp cover away from the
strobe unit. Figure 1
2

Figure 4
Figure 5 Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
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locking mechanism, while rotating
the connector counter-clockwise
1/16 turn. Carefully pull the
FlexFlash away from the SoftBox
assembly; avoiding contact with
the ash tube or modeling lamp.
Figure 4
Using Umbrellas
The Tilt Swivel Mount has a pass hole with an umbrella tightening
screw for the umbrella shaft. The FlexFlash accepts both 8mm
USA and 7mm European shaft sizes.Figures 5 & 6
Placing the FlexFlash on a LiteStand
Back out the knob at the bottom
of the swivel to allow enough
room for the top of your LiteStand
to be inserted into the swivel.
Make sure that the stud is fully
inserted into the receiver and secure
the assembly to the LiteStand
post by hand tightening the set
screw, turning clockwise. Make
sure that the tightening handle on
the swivel is securely tightened to
prevent unwanted tilt. Figure 7
Positioning the Light
Height Adjustment – Use the
LiteStand telescoping sections
to get the desired height for the
light.
Angle Adjustment – the tilt swivel
mount will allow for about 170º
angle rotation. Use the lockable
handle on the swivel to make this
adjustment. Unlock the tilt handle
by turning counterclockwise,
freely adjust your angle. Once you
have the desired position, tighten
the handle securely by rotating
clockwise. Figure 8
Note: The tilt handle is spring loaded so that it can be pulled
outward and repositioned after tightening.
3

FlexFlash Operation
A. Main power switch
B. Slave sensor/Pre-Flash control button
C. Flash power adjustment buttons
D. Power on indicator light
E. Audible recharge indicator on/off button
F. Test/discharge button
G. Modeling light function button
H. Modeling light power adjustment buttons
I. Sync cord input
J. AC power cable input
K. Fuse holder drawer (one extra held inside)
L. Modeling lamp fuse holder
M. Slave sensor
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The Rear Control Panel
The rear control panel of the FlexFlash is where all adjustments are made for operating the features of the
strobe unit. The Buttons will control navigation and selections shown on the LCD display.
A
M
C
D
L
B
G
JKI
H
F
E
4

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The rear control panel of the FlexFlash allows all
of the operating features of the ash to be
controlled from this one area. Below is a more
detailed description and instruction for use for
each of these features.
A. Main Power Switch - Make sure the switch
is turned off (O) when plugging in the power
cord and when removing or installing a
ash tube or modeling light.
B. [Photocell] Slave Sensor – There are three
user selectable options for this feature:
a. Slave sensor off. Use this setting to
prevent another photographer’s ash from
triggering your unit, when you are using a
sync cord or wireless trigger.
b. Slave sensor on. Use this setting to trigger
your unit with another ash.
c. Pre-Flash Recognition. Use this setting,
following the instructions below to set
pre-ash recognition when using a TTL Flash
to trigger your unit.
c.1. Push the eye icon
button on the rear instrument
panel until you land on the
eye on the LCD display,
then hold the button down for
four seconds. The LCD screen
will show a decimal display.
c.2. For manual pre-ash
setting, use the power up
or down buttons to set the
number of pre-ashes for
your camera.
c.3. For automatic pre-ash recognition, follow the
steps below to set the FlexFlash to recognize how
many pre-ashes your camera uses:
Step c.3.1. Push the eye icon
and when you land on the eye
on the LCD display, hold it
down for four seconds.
Step c.3.2. The LCD screen will
show a decimal display. Using the
down arrow go to the 00 setting.
The display will blink indicating it is
ready to automatically sense the camera’s pre-ash.
Step c.3.3. Take a test picture with
your camera to train the FlexFlash.
After the shot is taken, the FlexFlash
will display the number of pre-ashes
used by your camera. The FlexFlash will be set to
remember your camera’s pre-ash, even after the
FlexFlash is powered off.
C. Flash power adjustment buttons
The power level can be set for
decimal display using 1/10th step
adjustments 2.0 – 6.0; or the
power can be set for a fractional
display using 2/10 step adjustments
1/64 – 1/1. To change the display
format from fractional to decimal,
turn off the power, then re-power
the unit on while holding down
both up and down power
control buttons.
D. Power Indicator Light
This light will be green when the
unit is powered on. It will turn red
indicating the unit is in power save
mode when the unit is left inactive
for 20 minutes.
Note: The unit can be taken out of power save mode
by ring a ash to awaken it.
E. Audible Alert On/Off Button
The FlexFlash can be set to sound an
audible alert (a beep,) when the ash is fully
charged and ready for the next exposure.
F. Test/Discharge Button
Pressing this button will discharge the unit
by ring the ash.
Digital Display
Fractional Display
5

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G. Modeling Light Function Button
This button will allow navigation through
the modeling light options such as:
Proportional
Sets the modeling light output to match the intensity
of the ash power setting.
Free
Allows independent adjustment of the modeling light
to use the unit as a continuous light and not a strobe.
Maximum
Sets the modeling light to its maximum power,
remaining at that level regardless of the power setting
for the strobe.
H. Modeling light power adjustment buttons
These two arrow buttons will adjust the
modeling power up or down when the
modeling lamp is set to Free.
I. Sync Cord Input
The included sync cord (MiniPhone 1/8
inch / 3.5mm) plugs in here and the other
end (PC Connector) plugs into your
camera’s PC port. Wireless remote triggers
will also plug into this port using the same
miniphone plug to the wireless trigger.
Note: Some cameras do not include a PC plug for
use with sync cables, however adapters are
usually available for cameras that have a hot
shoe for an external ash.
J. AC Power Cord Input
A power cord is supplied for each
FlexFlash unit. Use only the cord
supplied. Do not remove the power cord
when the power is on as this can create a
hazardous situation.
K. Fuse Drawer
The fuse drawer is easily opened with a
at-head (standard) screwdriver. Inside
you will see one fuse in use and an extra
fuse stored behind it.
L. Modeling Lamp Fuse Receptacle
The fuse holder is easily removed using a
at-head (standard) screwdriver and
pushing in while giving a counter-
clockwise twist.
6

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• Warranties only cover manufacturer’s defects and workmanship
• We reserve the right to inspect all merchandise returned (end users and dealers) for
warranty fulfillment.
• All returns must be accompanied by a receipt showing date of purchase.
• Freight must be paid by the customer or dealer.
• Warranties are valid only from date of Original Purchase.
Customer Support [phone]
email: [email protected]
Corporate Office [phone] • FAX [phone]
97 Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA 95076
©2013 Photoex, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Photoex, FlexFlash and the Photoex logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Photoex and/or its afliates in the U.S. and other countries.
FlexFlash Strobe Datasheet Model 200 watt/second Model 400 watt/second
Domestic Item Number SB –FLXFLSH200W SB –FLXFLSH400W
Export Item Number SB –FLXFLSHE200W SB –FLXFLSHE400W
Flash Power 200 w/sec 400 w/sec
Flash Power Adjustments:
Decimal Display 1/10th step, 2.0 – 6.0 1/10th step, 2.0 – 6.0
Fractional display 2/10 step, 1/64 – 1/1 2/10 step, 1/64 – 1/1
Recycle time Domestic .5 – 2 seconds 1 – 2 seconds
Recycle time Export .5 – 2 seconds 1 – 2 seconds
Modeling Lamp 110volt/220volt Halogen 120 watt JDD Halogen 120 watt JDD
Color Temperature 5600 +/- 290 kelvin 5600 +/- 290 kelvin
Flash Trigger Infrared Cell, (slave) Infrared Cell, (slave)
Sync Cord, Manual Sync Cord, Manual
Ready Light Indication Yes Yes
Audible Confirmation on/off Yes Yes
Cooling Fan Automatic Temperature Activated Automatic Temperature Activated
Circuit Protection 110/220volt 5 x 20 style, 6.3 amp 5 x 20 style, 6.3 amp
Sync Voltage 5 volts 5 volts
Sync Input 1/8 inch / 3.5mm 1/8 inch / 3.5mm
7
Size (with protective cap) 13 x 6 x 5 inch / 330 x 150 x 125mm 13 x 6 x 5 inch / 330 x 150 x 125mm
Weight (pounds/kgs) 4.80lbs / 2.17kg 5.35lbs / 2.42kg
(incl. power cable & reflector) (incl. power cable & reflector)
Sync Cable 1/8 inch / 3.5mm – PC 1/8 inch / 3.5mm – PC
Power Cable USA / South America Nema 5 – 15 three prong Nema 5 – 15 three prong
Power Cable Europe Shuko style Shuko style
Flash Duration 1/1200 s 1/800 s
Maximum Sync Speed 320th optical / 250th radio or wired 320th optical / 250th radio or wired
Power Dump Automatic Automatic
Working condition 90-260V AC 50/60Hz 90-260V AC 50/60Hz
Temperature 0-40° C 0-40° C
Humidity 80% 80%
PHOTOFLEX®1 Year WARRANTY