Profoto B2 250 AirTTL User manual

ProfotoB2250AirTTL
User´s Guide
This user guide is available in other languages at profoto.com/support
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Congratulations on your new
Profoto product!
Regardlessifyouchoseanewflashoranewlight-shapingtool,
know that almost half a century’s worth of experience was put
into its making.
If the years have taught us one thing, it is to never neglect a
single detail.We only put our name on a product in which we
have the fullest confidence. Before shipping, every one of our
products pass an extensive and strict testing program.Unless
it complies with the specified performance,quality and safety,
it is a no-go.
As a result,we are confident that your new Profoto product will
stay with you for years and help you grow as a photographer.
But getting the product is only the beginning of that journey.
Using it for light shaping is the real adventure.That is why we
takeprideinprovidingyouwithsuchawideassortmentoflight-
shaping tools, allowing you to shape the light in any way you
can imagine.
Thealmostinfinitepossibilitiesmightseembewilderingatfirst,
but we’re certain you will soon get the hang of it.
Still, I encourage you to sign up for our newsletter at www.
profoto.com/newsletter or visit our blog at www.profoto.com/
blogso that wecanshare ourexperience from almost50 years
of light shaping and hopefully inspire you to grow even further.
Enjoy your Profoto product!
Conny Dufgran,founder

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
Do not operate the equipment before studying the instruction manual and the accompanying safety.
Make sure that Profoto Safety Instructions is always accompanied the equipment! Profoto products
are intended for professional use! Generator,lamp heads, and accessories are only intended for indoor
photographic use. Do not place or use the equipment where it can be exposed to moisture, extreme
electromagneticfields,orinareaswithflammablegasesordust!Donotexposetheequipmenttodripping
or splashing. Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on or near the equipment.
Do not expose the equipment to hasty temperature changes in humid conditions as this could lead to
condensation water in the unit. Do not connect this equipment to flash equipment from other brands.
Glasscovershallbechangedif becomevisiblydamagedtosuchanextentthatitseffectivenessimpaired,
forexample by cracks or deep scratches.If unit is brokenit shouldbe sentto authorizedservicestation.
WARNING – Electrical Shock – High Voltage!
Mainspoweredgeneratorsshallalwaysbeconnectedtoamainssocketoutletwithaprotectiveearthing
connection! Only use Profoto extension cables! Do not open or disassemble generators or lamp heads!
Equipment operates with high voltage. Generator capacitors are electrically charged for a considerable
length of time after being turned off. The disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Batteries
(battery pack or batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as direct sunlight, fire,
orthe like.
Safety advices for Lithium-Ion batteries
Do not crush. Do not heat or incinerate. Do not short-circuit. Do not dismantle. Do not immerse in any
liquid,asthis may cause the batteryto vent or rupture.
Caution – Burn Hazard – Hot Parts!
Donottouchhotpartswithbarefingers!Modelinglamps,flashtubes,protectiveglass,andcertainmetal
parts emit strong heat when used! Do not point modeling lamps or flash tubes too close to persons.All
lampsmay on rare occasions explode and throw outhot particles!
NOTICE – Equipment Overheating Risk
Removetransportcapfromlampheadbeforeuse!Donotobstructventilationbyplacingfilters,diffusing
materials,etc.over inlets and outlets of the equipment ventilation or directly over glass cover,modeling
lamp,orflash tube!
Note about RF!
This equipment makes use of the radio spectrum and emits radio frequency energy.Proper care should
betakenwhenthedeviceisintegratedinsystems.Makesurethatallspecificationswithinthisdocument
arefollowed,especiallythoseconcerningoperatingtemperatureandsupplyvoltagerange.Makesurethe
device is operated according to local regulations.The frequency spectrum this device is using is shared
withother users.Interference cannot be ruled out.
Final Disposal
Equipment contains electrical and electronic components that could be harmful to the environment.
EquipmentmaybereturnedtoProfotodistributorsfreeofchargeforrecyclingaccordingtoWEEE.Follow
local legal requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical and
electronicequipment on the European market,when product lifehas ended!
General safety instructions

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Table of Contents
General safety instructions........................................................................................4
Nomenclature...........................................................................................................7
Operation................................................................................................................11
Quick guide ...............................................................................................11
Power on/off..............................................................................................11
Set light output in manual mode (Energy level) ..........................................11
Select Sync setting....................................................................................12
Modeling light............................................................................................13
Select Freeze/Normal mode.......................................................................13
Select Ready signal ...................................................................................14
Turn On/Off lamp head...............................................................................14
Wrong exposure alarm...............................................................................14
Quick burst................................................................................................14
TTL............................................................................................................14
HSS...........................................................................................................15
Handling.................................................................................................................16
Battery status and charging.......................................................................16
Battery mounting.......................................................................................16
Stand mounting.........................................................................................16
Mounting Profoto Light Shaping Tools ........................................................17
Lamp head connection ..............................................................................17
Extension cable connection........................................................................18
Replacement of protective glass, flash tube, modeling light LED ................18
Other......................................................................................................................19
Temperature limit indicator........................................................................19
Check Firmware ........................................................................................19
Upgrade Firmware.....................................................................................19
Technical data ........................................................................................................20
Regulatory information ...........................................................................................22

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Nomenclature
1. Lamp head outlet 1
2. Lamp head outlet 2
3. IR-Slave eye
4. TEST button
5. LCD Display
6. SYNC button
7. SET button
8. ON button
9. MODEL button 1
10. MODE button
11. READY button
12. MODEL button 2
13. ENERGY/SETTINGS dial 1
14. ENERGY/SETTINGS dial 2
15
16
17
18
19 20
15. Sync connector
16. USB port
17. Battery
18. Battery charging connector
19. Battery CHECK button
20. Battery release button
1
2
3
4
5
678
9
10
11
12
13
14

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21. Group setting 1
22. Automaticflashexposureindicator(TTL)
23. Group setting 2
24. Light output setting (visible only when
lamp head is connected)
25. Sync/Air setting
26. Battery level indicator
27. Modeling light setting 1
28. Mode setting
29. Ready signal setting
30. Modeling light setting 2
31. Temperature limit indicator
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32. Lamp head plug
33. Protective glass
34. Umbrella holder
32
33
34

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35. Stand attachment screw
36. Tilt-lock handle
37. Clamp screw
38. Stand adapter
39. Profoto Battery Charger 2.8A
37
36
35
38

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40. Profoto Car Charger 1.8A (optional)
41. B2AirTTL Extension Cable 3m (optional)

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Operation
Quickguide
For detailed operating instructions,see subsequent sections.
1. Charge the battery (see page 16).
2. Mount the battery (see page 16).
3. Remove the protective cap from the B2 lamp head.
4. Mount the B2 lamp head on a traditional light stand or any special equipment (see
page 16).
5. Connect the B2 lamp head to the B2 generator (see page 17).
6. Switch on the B2 unit by pressing the ON button [8] (see page 11).
7. Select Sync setting with the SYNC button [6] (see page 12).When using the wireless
Airsetting,makesuretosetthe samechannel onboth generator andremote control.
8. Set the flash light output of the connected lamp head with the corresponding
ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [13] or [14] (see page 11). Note that the flash light output is
set automatically when theTTL function is used.
9. Release a test flash by pressing theTEST button [4] (see page 7).
10. Turn on/off the modeling light of the connected lamp head by the corresponding
MODEL button [9] or [12] (see page 13).
11. Select Freeze/Normal mode by pressing the MODE button [10] (see page 13).
12. Select Ready signal setting with the READY button [11] (see page 14).
13. Mount Light ShapingTools (see page 17).
Power on/off
To switch on/off the B2 unit,press and hold the ON button [8] for 1 second.
When the B2 unit is switched off, the current settings are stored and will apply when the
unit is switched on again.
TheB2unitautomaticallygoesintosleepmodeafter30minutesandshutsoffcompletely
after one hour of inactivity to save battery life.
Setlightoutput in manual mode (Energylevel)
The output of the flash light is shown in a relative f-stop scale in the light output setting
section [24] on the display.The maximum energy (250Ws) is shown as 10.0.
To change the energy level of the connected flash light, use the corresponding ENERGY/
SETTINGS dial [13] or [14].The setting can also be done on the optional Air Remote TTL,
Air Remote orAir USB.

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TheTEST button [4] is illuminated when the B2 is fully charged and ready to flash.
To release a test flash,press theTEST button [4].
Note that the flash light output is set automatically when shooting in TTL mode with the
optionalAir RemoteTTL.
SelectSyncsetting
The current sync setting is shown in the Sync/Air setting section [25] on the display.
Wireless sync settings:
• AIR:Thebuilt-in ProfotoAir transceiverisactivated.TheB2 is set tobe triggered and/
or controlled from any of the optional ProfotoAir transceivers offered by Profoto.
• SLAVE:The built-in IR-Slave eye [3] is activated.The flash will slave sync if another
flash is fired or if an IR signal is detected.
Cable sync only:
• Blank:When the Sync/Air setting section [25] is blank,the B2 can only be synced via
a cable.
To select sync setting,press the SYNC button [6].
Air(andTTL) operation
When‘AIR’ is shown in the Sync/Air setting section [25],the B2 is set to be triggered and/
or controlled from any of the optional Profoto Air transceivers offered by Profoto.The B2
supportsallavailableAiraccessoriesofferedbyProfoto,includingthoselistedinthetable
below.
1. ActivateAir by pressing the SYNC button [6] until‘AIR’ is displayed.
2. Toviewthecurrentchannelsetting,presstheSETbutton[7]once.Thechannelsetting
is displayed with a blinking value.
3. Whilethechannelsettingisblinking,turntheENERGY/SETTINGSdial2[14]tochange
the channel.
4. To change the group, press the SET button [7] until the group settings [21] and [22]
are blinking.
5. Turn the corresponding ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [13] or [14] to change the group of
the lamp head.
NOTE:
There are eight different channels (1-8) that can be set, and each channel has 6 groups (A-F).All lights set to the
same channel will be synced together.Groups are used to remotely control individual lights or groups of lights on
thesame channel when a set-up is madewith morethan onelight.
TheTTLfunction can only be enabled in groupA-C.

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AirAccessoriescompatiblewiththeB2 (Foroperating instructions,referto theuserguide
of respective accessory).
Optional Profoto Air
accessory
Usable features in combination with B2 250AirTTL
Flash sync Remote control TTL (Automatic flash
setting)
Air RemoteTTL* X X X
Air Remote** X X
Air Sync** X
Air USB*** X
*Optionalcamera mounted transceiver.Check Profoto.comforTTL supported cameras.
**Optionalcamera mounted transceiver.
***Dongle for using ProfotoAir Software.
SlaveSyncoperation
When ‘SLAVE’ is shown in the Sync/Air setting section [25], the B2 unit senses the flash
release,as well as IR signals from most IR sync transmitters.
To activate slave sync,press the SYNC button [6] until‘SLAVE’ is displayed.
CableSyncoperation
Syncviacableispossibleinallsyncmodes.Connectasynccablefromthecameraorflash
meter to the Sync Connector [15].
Modelinglight
To turn on/off the modeling light on a lamp head,press the corresponding MODEL button
[9] or [12].
The modeling lights are automatically turned off after a settable period of inactivity (1-30
minutes).
1. To set the timer,press the SET button [7] until‘SETTIMER’ is displayed.
2. Turn the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial 2 [14] to change the time.
SelectFreeze/Normalmode
The B2 unit can operate in two modes to maximize the versatility in different shooting
situations.
• Normal mode: Optimized color temperature stability over the entire energy range.
Best option for most types of shots.
• Freeze mode:Optimized for shortest flash duration. Best option for shots where the
flash is used to freeze fast action.The color temperature might deviate and become
slightly bluer.The flash duration increases when two lamp heads are used.
Toggle between Freeze and Normal mode by pressing the MODE button [10].

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SelectReadysignal
The current setting is shown in the Ready signal setting section [29]:
• BEEP:The unit beeps when it is ready to flash again after recharging.
• DIM:The modeling light is turned off after flashing,and is turned on when the unit is
ready to flash again.
• DIMBEEP:The modelinglightis turnedoffafter flashing.Themodelinglight isturned
on and the unit beeps when it is ready to flash again.
• Blank:No ready signal.
To select the ready signal setting,press the READY button [11].
TheTEST button [4] is always turned off after flashing,and is illuminated when the B2 is
ready to flash again.
Turn On/Off lamp head
To turn off the lamp head, press the corresponding MODEL button [9] or [12] for one
second.The lamp head’s light output setting [24] will show ‘- -’ when the lamp head is
turned off.To turn on the lamp head press the MODEL button once more.
Wrongexposurealarm
If a flash is released before the unit is ready,there will be a long beep and the display will
blink.These signalsindicate thatthe flash light does not fully correspond to thesetvalue.
The B2 will always flash even if the set light output cannot be met,as the image may still
be usable if the catch of the moment was perfect.
Note that the sound alarm only will be activated when the Ready signal is set to‘BEEP’ or
‘DIM BEEP’.
Quickburst
Quickburst isan automaticallyactivated functionthat allows aseries(burst) offlashes to
befiredatafasterpacethantheB2canrecharge,withoutlosinglightoutput.Thefunction
isonlyactivewhenthelightoutputissettolessthanfull.Thelengthoftheburst,innumber
offlashes,dependsontherepetitionrateandthesetlightoutput.Thelowerthelightoutput
is set,the more bursts can be triggered.Thanks to this feature,the B2 can trigger several
flashes on lower power output without triggering the“Wrong exposure alarm”.Note that
the accuracy of the light output is slightly less precise when Quick burst is active. Quick
burst is indicated by blinking energy settings.
TTL
Profoto B2 can automatically set flash energy for a perfect exposure. The optional Air
Remote TTL merge camera and flash into one and controls the flash fully automatically
without manual metering.Compatible cameras can be found on Profoto.com.

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When the B2 is operated together with any of the optional Profoto Air Remote TTL
transceivers in TTL mode, a TTL supported camera controls the light output for correct
exposure by changing the energy level setting of the B2.If the camera requires an output
outside the range of the B2,the B2 will beep to indicate this.
The automatic flash exposure indicator [22]‘AUTO’ is lit every time the flash output is set
automatically by the camera.The indicator is lit for fifteen seconds after receiving aTTL
flash command from the remote.
HSS
Profoto B2 supports HSS - High Speed Sync with the optional Air Remote TTL enabling
shutter time faster than the fastest x-sync of the camera. For compatible cameras, visit
Profoto.com.
Duringa HSSflash,the flashis pulsingtoget aconstantlight outputduring thetimewhen
the shutter is open.HSS can for example be used to limit the influence of ambient light in
bright conditions or to freeze action.
Note that frequent use of HSS will have an impact on the life-time of the B2 flash tube.

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Handling
Batterystatus and charging
Thebatterystatusisindicatedbythebatterylevelindicator[26]onthedisplay.Thebattery
status can also be checked by pressing the CHECK button [19] on the battery pack. See
also section Technical data.
For optimal performance,the battery should be fully charged prior to usage.The battery
can be charged while in use and from any charge level. Only use the Profoto Battery
Charger2.8A ortheProfotoCarCharger1.8A.DonotusetheProfotoBatteryCharger4.5A,
as it may decrease the battery lifetime.
Ifthebatteryhasnotbeenusedforalongtime,theProfotoBatteryCharger2.8Ashouldbe
used.The Profoto Car Charger 1.8A should not be used in this case.
1. Connectthebatterychargertothebatterychargingconnector[18]onthebatterypack.
2. Check that the battery charger indicates that charging is in progress.
3. Whenthebatterychargerindicatesthatthechargingiscompleted,itisrecommended
to disconnect the battery charger from mains power and from the battery pack.
For increased battery lifetime,do not leave the battery uncharged for a long time.
Batterymounting
1. To mount the battery, fit the battery pack in place and push firmly until the battery
pack locks in place. Make sure there is a “click” sound, indicating that the battery
pack is properly secured.
2. To dismount the battery,first switch off the B2 unit. Press the battery release button
[20] and pull out the battery pack.
Standmounting
The B2 lamp heads can be mounted on a traditional light stand,using the supplied stand
attachment. As an alternative, the stand attachment can be removed and the lamp
head can be mounted on a special grip or stand,a camera flash bracket or other special
equipment for more convenient use.
Mounting on a traditional light stand:
1. Fit the stand adapter [38] to a light stand and secure it with the clamp screw [37].
2. The lamp head can be directed upwards/downwards when the tilt-lock handle [36]
isloosened.Fastenthetilt-lockhandle[36]whenthelampheadiscorrectlydirected.
Mounting on a special stand/grip or camera flash bracket:
1. Unscrew the stand attachment screw [35] and remove the stand attachment.
2. Thread the lamp head onto the special equipment.
Note that the thread size of the B2 lamp head is 3/8” and that a thread adapter may be
needed for other grips and brackets.

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MountingProfotoLight Shaping Tools
Thebuilt-inreflectoroftheB2lampheadscreatesawideandevenlightspreadwithahigh
output. In addition, the B2 lamp heads are compatible with more than 150 light shaping
tools,which can be used to shape its already beautiful light into almost any light you can
imagine.
Alltoolswith standard reflector mount (rubber collarwith clasp)
The Softbox speedring and most reflectors are equipped with Profoto’s unique clamp
mechanism,which makes them easy to mount on the lamp heads.
1. Unlock the clasp on the speedring or external reflector.
2. Slide the speedring or reflector onto the lamp head.
3. Secure by locking the clasp on the rubber collar.
Umbrellamounting
Umbrellasaresimplymountedbyslidingthe umbrellashaftinto theumbrellaholder [34].
The diameter of the holder is designed for 8 mm shafts.
1. Slide the umbrella shaft into the umbrella holder [34].
2. Afterafewcentimeters,therewillbemorefriction.Continuetoslidetheumbrellashaft
a few more centimeters into the umbrella holder [34].
Lampheadconnection
Attention!Always remove the protective cap from the lamp head before use.
With Profoto’s lamp head connection, heads can be connected and disconnected safely
even if the generator is switched on.
1. Lift the protection lid of the lamp head outlet and align the two white square dots on
the lamp head plug (male),with the white dot on the B2 panel.
2. Push the plug (male) all the way into the generator socket (female).
3. Secure by turning the ribbed locking ring on the lamp head plug clockwise.

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Extensioncableconnection
The extension cable is connected in the same manner as the lamp head.
1. Firstalignthetwowhitesquaredotsonthelampheadplug(male),withthedot onthe
extension connector (female).
2. Push the plug (male) all the way into the connector (female).
3. Secure by turning the ribbed locking ring on the lamp head plug clockwise.
To protect the connectors of the extension cable, it is appropriate to connect the plug to
the outlet of the cable.
Replacementofprotective glass,flash tube,modeling lightLED
Forreplacementoftheprotectiveglass,flashtubeormodelinglightLED,contactyourlocal
dealer or distributor for professional service.

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Other
Temperature limit indicator
Thetemperaturelimitindicator[31]islitiftheB2hasreachedatemperaturelevelthathas
activated the built-in over-temperature protection.When this occurs the performance is
limited until the temperature level is back to an acceptable level.
CheckFirmware
1. Press both model light buttons [9] and [12] while turning on the generator [8].
2. The current firmware version is shown on the display [5] (for example:A7).
UpgradeFirmware
We recommend that you regularly look for firmware upgrades on Profoto.com.
With a personal account at My Profoto,you can register your product and be sure you get
noticed when important firmware updates are released. Create an account at Profoto.
com/myprofoto to register and update your product.
UpgradeoffirmwareismadeviatheUSBport[16]ontheB2unit,followingtheinstructions
provided on Profoto.com. You can always contact your local dealer or distributor for
professional service.

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Technical data
Max Energy 250Ws
Energy range f-stop 9 f-stop (2.0-10.0 ; 1/256-1/1)
Energy rangeWs 1.0-250Ws
Energy control increments Dials are progressive,turning the dials quickly
will result in larger energy change and vice
versa.
Recycling time 0.03-1.35 s (Quick burst up to 20 flashes/
second)
Modeling light LED 9W (Equivalent of 50W Halogen)
Mode control Freeze(shortest flash duration) or Normal (color
balanced) mode
Flash duration Normal mode (t0.5) 1/9300 s (1Ws) - 1/1,000 s (250Ws)
Flash duration Freeze mode (t0.5) 1/15000s (1Ws) - 1/1,000 s (250Ws)
Energy stability Normal mode ±1/20 f-stop flash to flash
Energy stability Freeze mode ±1/20 f-stop flash to flash
Color stability Normal mode ±150 K over range; ±20 K flash to flash
Color stability Freeze mode ±800 K over range; ±50 K flash to flash
Light spread with built-in reflector 70 degrees
Guide number @ 2 m,100 ISO with
Magnum reflector
32 2/10
Battery Model:Exchangeable Li-Ion battery 4S1P
Type:PCA1322-0000
Battery voltage Nominal voltage:14.4V
Charge voltage:16.8V
Battery Energy / Capacity 21.6Wh /1.5Ah
Battery operating temperature
range
Charge:0 °C to +45 °C (32 °F to +113 °F)
Discharge:-10 °C to +50 °C (14 °F to +122 °F)
Battery capacity Up to 215 full power flashes
Battery life 300 charge cycles (80% capacity left)