Profoto Acute2 head User manual

Acute2 manual Profoto, Stockholm, Sweden.

Warning
Profoto generators and lamp heads are parts of a complete
professional lighting system. Please read the instruction
manual carefully before use. Flash tubes and modelling
lamps emit considerable heat and may cause injury if not
handled properly.
Note, always unplug the lamp cable from the generator
before changing the modelling lamp or flash tube.
• Under no circumstances are generators or heads to be
opened.High voltage is inside the equipment.
• Do not touch hot metal parts.
• Do not obstruct ventilation
• Do not connect flash heads with the protective cap in place
When using the flash, do not place filters, diffusing mater-
ials, or any other obstructions directly onto the glass cover,
flash tube or modelling lamp.
Never position the light extremely close to people.
When mounting umbrellas, do not touch the flash tube or
modelling lamp with the metal shaft – risk of high voltage.
Never connect accessories of other brands without consult-
ing an authorised service station.
Service only to be performed by an authorised repair station!
Always use a grounded mains outlet.
Note! Under no circumstances is any part of the equipment
to be opened! The equipment is not user-serviceable and
there is dangerous high voltage inside!

Contents
Thanks! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
The Acute2 System Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Acute2 head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Acute2 twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The flash heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Acute2 head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Acute2 twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Acute2 ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Brief instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Energy distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Energy distribution Acute2 twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Energy control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Gas generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Troubleshooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
The Acute2 system consists of the following products:
Generators:Acute2 1200, Acute2 2400
Heads: Acute2 head, Acute2 twin, Acute2 ring
All Profoto reflectors and accessories fit the Acute2 system.
3

Thanks for showing us your confidence by investing in an Acute2 system. For more than
three decades we have sought the perfect light. What pushes us is the conviction that we can
offer even the most demanding photographer yet better tools.
Before our products are shipped we have them pass an extensive and strict testing pro-
gram. We check that they pass the quality and capacity levels the most demanding photog-
raphers require. For this reason our flash equipment is the standard in most rental studios
in New York and Tokyo and the most rented flash all over the world. The system consists
of a variety of generators built and designed to meet the demands of the most demanding
photographers on this planet. Yet the most important thing is the light you create and it is
then essential that the system offers freedom to create your own light. The Acute2 heads in
particular offer you this possibility . The light source, both the flash tube and the modelling
light, is placed high and free in the flash head. This makes it easier for you to adjust the light
and use your creativity. The reflectors are moveable and lock easily into place. By moving
the position of the reflector you can get a higher or lower concentration of light in the center
or more of a flood light. This is not new, of course. Our flash heads have always been designed
that way. What is new, however, is our new glass cover, which is designed to increase preci-
sion. The Acute2 head and the Acute2 twin are supplied with a frosted and UV-coated cover
glass, which together with the flash tube, produce a colour temperature adapted to daylight
colour film. There are glass covers with varying filtration, for greater diversity.
The whole Acute2 system is modular. Every single reflector and accessory creates its
special light and the unique Profoto focusing system offers you a possibility to create your
own light with only a few different reflectors.
Thanks!
4

”A photographer’s tools are a natural part of the crea-
tive process. Like a painter’s brush, an artist’s chisel or
a musician’s instrument, their form and design should
reflect their function, they should have the right feel, and
they should be aesthetically pleasing”.
Profotos founders Eckhard Heine och Conny Dufgran,
At ”Photokina”,Cologne, Germany 1968
5

6
Acute 2
Acute2 1200 Acute2 2400
Acute2 Flash Extension Cable
Acute2 twin
Acute2 head
Softlight
Reflector Silver
Honeycomb
Grid
ProZoom
Pattern
Holder &
Pin Set
Iris
Diaphragm
Heat absorbing
filter Slide
holders
60x60 24x36
ProFocus
ProBox
White
Transparent Silver
5 and 7 foot
Reflector
Glass
Kit
ProGlobe
w/Chimera
Barn Doors
for ProFresnel
Softlight
Reflector white
ProGlobe
w/clips
ProFresnel
Adapter
Plate
Disc
Reflector
Narrow
Beam travel
Reflector

7
The Acute2 series
The system chart shows how the wide Profoto
line of accessories fit together with generators
and heads. Reflectors and heads can be combined
in a number of varieties. The common denomi-
nator is the lamp head diameter, which is the
base of the Profoto line of products. The lines
indicate the possible combinations that Profoto
equipment offers.
ProGas
Zoom Reflector
7”Grid Reflector
7”Grid
FilterHolder
40x40 cm
Filter
Cassette
5°, 10°&
20°Grid
Snoot
Grid & Filter
Holder
Barn Doors
Magnum Reflector
Pro Tube
10°Honey-
comb Grid
Close-up
Reflector
Softlight
Reflector
Power Cable
Acute2 ring
Narrow
Beam
Reflector
13”
Bell Reflector
Narrow
Beam travel
Reflector
BarnDoor

Acute2 head
8
1. UV reduced flash tube
2. Umbrella holder
3. Manoeuvre system with locking lever
4. Stand adapter 16mm (5/8")
5. Acute2 Glass Cover, frosted, UV-coated
6. Halogen modelling lamp, 250W, Mini-can E11 socket
7. Locking springs
8. Zoom reflector
1
6
7
5
8
2
4
3

Acute2 twin
9
1. UV reduced flash tubes
2. Umbrella holder
3. Manoeuvre system with locking lever
4. Stand adapter 16mm (5/8")
5. PB/Twin Glass Cover , frosted, UV-coated
6. Halogen modelling lamp, 500W, Mini-can E11 socket
7. Locking springs
8. Magnum Reflector
1
6
7
5
3
4
2
8

The flash heads
10
All Profoto lamp heads are designed for maximum light shap-
ing purposes. The light source (both the flash tube and the mod-
elling lamp) is mounted high and free in the flash head. This
makes it easier for you to adjust the light and use your creativity.
The flash head has a built in holder for the umbrella.
The reflectors lock easily into place and by moving the reflector
different types of light shaping is achieved. All Profoto reflec-
tors and accessories fit the Acute2 heads.
A UV-reduced quartz flash tube is included with all Acute2
heads. The flash tube has two metal pins. When removing a
flash tube, pull it straight out of the sockets. When inserting
a new flash tube, check that the trigger wire clasps properly
around the flash tube (please see mounting instructions in pack-
age).
In case the head overheats the modelling light automatically
switches off. When the temperature has dropped sufficiently the
modelling light will switch on again.
NOTE!
Always unplug the lamp cable from the generator before chang-
ing modelling lamp or flash tube.

11
The Acute2 head is fan cooled and it has an automatic voltage
selector for the fan. The dimmer controlled modelling light is
powered directly from the mains and it is therefore important
to check that the rated voltage for the lamp corresponds with
the mains supply. A 250 W E11 Mini-can halogen lamp is
included in standard deliveries. The Acute2 head is supplied
with a frosted UV-coated glass cover and a Zoom reflector.
Combined with the UV-reducing quartz flash tube the frost-
ed glass cover offers the recommended colour temperature
for daylight type film. Distinctive colour temperature adjust-
ments can be obtained by combining glass covers with differ-
ent coatings. The following glass covers are available:
10 15 33 Glass Cover, frosted, UV-coated (standard)
10 15 35 Glass Cover, frosted, extra UV-coated, -300°K
10 15 34 Glass Cover, frosted, uncoated
10 15 37 Glass Cover, clear, UV-coated
10 15 39 Glass Cover, clear, extra UV-coated, -600°K
10 15 36 Glass Cover, clear, uncoated
10 20 02 250W, 120V Halogoen, Mini-Can
10 20 13 250W, 240V Halogen, Mini-Can
Acute2 head

Acute2 twin
12
The Acute2 twin is used to obtain even shorter flash duration,
very quick recycling or to fire 4800 Ws out of one single head.
An Acute2 twin has two flash tubes. As the flash duration is
shorter at low power switch settings, and as only half of the
desired power is used in each tube, consequently shorter flash
duration is obtained.
If you require shorter flash duration and you for example need
1200 Ws, you connect the Acute2 twin to the B sockets on the
Acute2 1200 generator and fire 600 Ws from each tube. The
flash duration is shorter than if a standard Acute2 head is used.
The flash duration at 1200 Ws with an Acute2 head is 1/560
while it is only 1/1000 with an Acute2 twin.
If, on the contrary, you require faster recycling, you power the
Acute2 twin with 2 Acute2 generators. The recycling is faster
since each generator need to recharge less energy.
To get 4800 Ws from one head you connect the Acute2 twin to
two Acute2 2400 generators.
Flash duration and recycling for an Acute2 twin at a certain
power setting - for example 1200 Ws - compares with a Acute2
head powered with 600 Ws.
Since the modelling light is powered from the mains
supply it is important to check that the rated voltage for
the modelling lamp corresponds with the mains supply.
The modelling light is a 500W Halogen with a Mini-can socket
(E11). The flash tube has two metal pins. When removing a
flash tube, pull it straight out of the sockets. When inserting
a new flash tube, check that the trigger wire clasps properly
around the flash tube (please see mounting instructions in
package).
10 15 18 Glass Cover, frosted, UV-coated (standard)
10 15 19 Glass Cover, frosted, extra UV-coated, -300 gr K
10 15 20 Glass Cover, frosted, uncoated
10 15 21 Glass Cover, clear, UV-coated
10 20 07 500W, 120V, Halogen, Mini-can
10 20 15 500W, 240V, Halogen, Mini-can

The Acute2 ring is an entirely mobile source of light. The
interior diameter of 100mm provides plenty of space for pro-
fessional camera lenses. Since the camera holder can be tilted
forward and backwards, as well as upwards and downwards,
most cameras can be attached. The Acute 2 ring gives a
shadowless light and it makes an excellent source of light in
cramped areas, such as the interior of an automobile. Many
fashion photographers also use the Acute 2 ring to find new
angles and capture details. The ring flash provides a very
distinct, directed light, but can be complemented by a soft light
reflector, which increases the light source, thereby producing a
soft light with little shadow.
For close-ups, there is a reflector that focuses the light 50 cm
in front of the camera lens.
The maximum charge is 9600 Ws/minute. This means 4 flashes
a minute at 2400 Ws, 8 flashes at 1200 Ws, 16 flashes at
600 Ws, etc.
Changing flash tube is only to be done at a professional
service station.
Mounting the reflector:
•Remove the two ridged screws fixating the camera holder.
•Remove the four ridged nuts holding the outer and inner
reflectors together.
•Run the lamp cable through the outer reflector and let the
reflector slide into position.
•Reassemble the outer and inner reflectors using the ridged
nuts.
•Reassemble the camera holder using the two ridged
screws.
Acute2 ring
13
10 06 42 Softlight Reflector Ring
10 06 43 Close-Up Reflector Ring

Nomenclature
14
1. Power On/Off
2. Modelling Light Dimmer for Group A
3. Modelling Light Dimmer for Group B
4. Modelling Light Control Max/Dim/Off
5. Ready Lamp & Test Button
6. Fast/Slow Recharging and Amp. draw
Button
7. Voltage Selector Mains Supply
8. Mains Frequency Selector
9. Sound Switch
10. Slave (Photocell) Switch On/Off
11. Photocell and IR
12. A-Switch
13. A+B/A<->B Switch
14. B-switch
15. Bracket Dial
16. Sync Input
15
16
4
7910 11
14 15
12 13
68
23
14

15
17 19 20
17. Flash head socket (group A)
18. Mains connection
19. Flash head socket(group B)
20. Flash head socket(group B)
Brief instructions
•Check that the voltage you have selected on generator
corresponds with the mains supply voltage
•Check that the modelling lamp has the correct voltage
•Connect flash head/s
•Connect the mains supply cable
•Choose recycling time
•Switch on the POWER
•Switch on modelling light (MOD. LIGHT)
•Choose energy distribution
•Adjust the modelling light
•Press the ready lamp/test button for flash
•Connect sync cable
18

16
Warning!
Never use ordinary household extension cords to extend the
length of the power cable. They may overheat. Contact your
Profoto distributor for proper equipment.
Connecting lamp heads
One, two or three lamp heads can be connected to the sockets
marked A, B and B (15). When connecting the lamp plug,
align the white dots on the plug with the white dot on the
generator panel. Secure by turning the locking ring on the
plug clockwise.

17
Energy distribution
The energy can be controlled over a 6 f-stop range or 7 when
using 2 heads connected to the B sockets. The energy output
through the outlets A (17) and B (19,20) is controlled by the
A+B / A<->B switch (13), the
switches A and B (12+14) and the dial BRACKET (15).
The nominal energy of the flash unit is divided equally into
two groups, A and B, and the two groups can either be
combined or separated with the A+B / A<->B switch (13).
The energy in group A is controlled by the A-switch (12) and
the energy in group B is controlled by the B-switch (14).
In each group the energy can be halved or quartered.
Please see panel for details.
Below you will find detailed description on how to control
the energy if you use one, two or three Acute2 heads or if
you use a Acute2 twin.
Always start with settin g the BRACKET dial(15) to max,
the A- and B switch at full and the A+B / A<->B switch
(13) in position A+B. You now have maximum energy.
Full f-stop changes are done with the A- or/and B-switch.
Fine adjustments or further f-stop reductions are done with
the BRACKET dial.
(12) (13) (14)
(15)
(17) ( 19) (20)

18
One head
1. Connect the head to socket A.
2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<->B
switch to position A<->B.
3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or
quartering the energy with the A-switch.
4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further
reduce the energy by two f-stops.
Two heads
Symmetrical light distribution
1. Connect the two heads to the B sockets.
2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<->B
switch to position A<- >B.
3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or
quartering the energy with the B-switch.
4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further
reduce the energy by two f-stops.
Asymmetrical light distribution
1. Connect one head to the A socket and one head to one
of the
B sockets.
2. Set the A+B / A<->B switch in position A<->B.
The energy for the two heads is now individually controlled.
3. Reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or quarte-
ring the energy with the A-switch for the head connected to
the A-socket.
Energy distribution

19
4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce
the energy by two f-stops.
Three heads
Symmetrical light distribution
1. Connect one head to each socket
2. Set the A+B / A<->Bswitch in position A+B. The energy for
the two groups is now added and then equally divided between
the connected heads.
3. Reduce the light output by reducing the energy with A- and B-
switch.
5. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further
reduce the energy by two f-stops.
Asymmetrical light distribution
1. Connect one head to each socket
2. Set the A+B / A<->Bswitch in position A<->B. The energy
for the two groups is now individually controlled.
3. Reduce the energy for the head connected to socket A by one or
two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the A-switch.
4. Reduce the energy for the heads connected to sockets B by one
or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the
B-switch. The energy in group B is equally divided between the
two heads.
5. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further
reduce the energy by two f-stops.

20
Energy distribution Acute2 twin
One generator
1. Connect the head sockets to the two B sockets on the
generator.
2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<->B
switch to position A<->B.
3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or
quartering the energy with the B-switch.
4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further
reduce the energy by two f-stops.
Two generators
1. Connect the head socket to socket A on each generator.
2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<-> B
switch to position A<->B on both generators.
3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or
quartering the energy with the A-switch on both generators.
4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further
reduce the energy by two f-stops on both generators.