Quantum Qflash Trio QF8 User manual

Qflash®Trio QF8
Shoe Mount Digital Flash
Operating Instructions
Quantum Instruments
Designed and manufactured in the USA

Shoe lock wheel
Auto Sensor
Auto Focus
Assist Light
USB
Flash Indicator
Power Cable Input
Reflector
Locking Ring
Reflector
Flash Tube

1
Flash Indicator
Reflector
Locking Ring
Release
Button
Reflector

Table of Contents
Section
1. Introduction
2. Warnings
3. Advanced Features Summary
4. Getting started
5. Basic Navigation
6. On Camera / Remote
7. Radio set up
8. Exposure Modes
8.1 QTTL Mode
8.2 AFILL / AUTO Mode
8.3 Manual Mode
9. Options
10. Operating Modes
10.1 Ez Mode
10.2 Advanced Multi
10.3 PreSet Mode
11. Customer service
1. INTRODUCTION
Quantum’s “Trio” series flash integrates camera dedication, Qflash
quality light, and Quantum’s FreeXWire radio technology. A Trio
mounted in a camera hot shoe wirelessly controls remote Trios in
multiple modes.
And, many features of the Trio will enhance your lighting control when
used with Qflash 5d-R and FreeXWire FW7Q, FW8R, FW9T, and
FW10w.
While powerful and extremely versatile, the operation of the Trio is
intuitive and straightforward. Many of the wireless modes will set the
Radio to Transmit (Tx) or Receive (Rx) automatically. We encourage
you to start pushing buttons and explore the operation of the Trio.
Older Qflash models will work with some of the Trio modes and can also
be upgraded to increase their compatibility with the new Trio. Visit
www.qtm.com to download instructions for using older model Qflashes
with the new Trio and information about upgrades.
Note : Trio models are dedicated to only one brand of camera. Example,
QF8N for Nikon, QF8C for Canon. Use only the Trio model for your
camera brand.
3

2. WARNINGS
WARNING : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT OPEN THE QFLASH. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
DISCONNECT EXTERNAL POWER BEFORE CHANGING THE FLASH
TUBE, CONNECTING OR DISCONNECTING TO/FROM CAMERAS,
POWER PACKS, OR ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT.
OPERATE ONLY WITH A FLASH TUBE IN THE SOCKET
DO NOT TOUCH THE FLASH TUBE SOCKET WITH METAL
OBJECTS
THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENT. KEEP AWAY FROM
CHILDREN
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
QFLASH TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
4
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
Qflash’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to the person.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating instructions accompanying the Qflash.

3. Advanced Features Summary
The chart below summarizes the advanced features for various Qflash
series. A “U” means the Qflash model will have this feature when
upgraded to series 5d-R. An “F” means this feature is available in the
model shown. An “N” means the feature is not available. Visit qtm.com
for upgrade procedures and costs.
4. Getting Started
4.1 Restoring Factory settings
You can restore the factory settings by the following method:
1. Turn Turbo OFF, connect Trio to Turbo.
2. Press and hold any button on the Trio.
3. Turn Turbo ON.
4. The Qflash will display a reset message and some soft key options
See section 9.1 for display of reset message.
RESET ALL - will restore all the factory settings.
KEEP P1 P8 - will keep your stored Program modes, but reset
everything else to factory settings.
EXIT –will exit the reset menu without changes
5
Feature
QF4d
QF5d
QF5d-R
Trio
Wireless Control in Nikon/Canon
systems with Qnexus
U
U
F
N
Wireless multiple ratio TTL
( Qf5d-R requires Dw-R Adapters
& FreeXWire)
U
U
F
F
Wireless preflash TTL
( Qf5d-R requires Dw-R Adapters
& FreeXWire)
U
U
F
F
Wireless remote Auto / Auto Fill
mode
U
F
F
F
Zone control of FW7Q from panel
of Qflash
U
F
F
F
Flash ready indication in camera
viewfinder
(camera detects flash and sets
shutter)
F
F
F
F
Shutter speed control
F
F
F
F
Rear Curtain Sync
F
F
F
F
High speed sync
N
N
N
F
Auto focus assist
F
F
F
F
Auto Fill ratio
F
F
F
F
Flash exposure lock
N
N
N
F

4.2 Inserting the Flash Tube
Match the red dot on the base of the flash tube with the red dot in the
socket of Qflash. Push the flash tube in until it is seated snugly into the
socket. Excessive force is not required.
Replace the flash tube only with Quantum type QF30 or QF30uv for
Qflash model T5d / T5d-R. Other flash tubes will not provide proper
exposure, may not work at all, or they may damage the Qflash.
6
4.3 Reflectors and Bare Bulb
Reflectors are secured by the locking
ring near the base of the reflector.
Rotate the ring in the directions
shown in the diagram to loosen or
tighten the reflectors.
When inserting a reflector, first slowly
rotate it until the notch in the reflector
“drops” fully into head of the Qflash.
Then tighten the locking ring. If you
do not let the reflector drop fully into
the Qflash before locking it, the
reflector may become loose during
use.
Tighten Reflector
Locking Ring
The “normal” QF60 reflector is supplied with Trio. Other light
modifiers are available as options from your dealer.
Reflector / modifiers
Approx.
Angle
Guide No. for ISO 200
Normal QF60
55
150ft / 49m
QF60 w/flat diffuser
90
100ft / 30m
QF67A Dome diffuser
120
80ft / 26m
QF62Bs/g Bare Bulb
Reflector
180
62ft / 27m
QF63B Tele Reflector
20
322ft / 98m
QF 68 Soft Box
QF69 Mini Soft Box
170
62ft / 27m
RELEASE
BUTTON
4.4 Bounce and Swivel Head
The head position is locked and
can be changed with a single
button (see diagram). Press and
hold this button, then adjust the
head to the desired position.
Release the button, and slightly
move the head until it “clicks” and
locks the head into the vertical
and horizontal planes.

4.5 Connecting Trio to a Camera
Loosen Shoe lock until metal “foot” protrudes fully.
Slide Trio into
camera hot shoe.
Tighten shoe
lock wheel
4.6 Powering the Trio
Before turning on any power to Trio always make all electrical
connections first, both to the camera and to the power pack.
The Trio is powered by any Quantum Turbo Battery including Turbo,
Turbo 2x2, Turbo Compact, Turbo SC, Turbo AC and Turbo Z.
Plug the Trio power cable into the flash, then into the output connection
of the power pack.
If a “Check Turbo” message appears on the Trio display, turn off the
Turbo, wait one second, and turn it on again. If the message appears
again, the power pack needs recharging.
7
Very Important Tips
For consistent exposures with your digital camera and Trio.
●Always do a custom white balance before shooting
● When shooting TTL use Aperture or Shutter priority or
Manual camera modes (P mode gives inconsistent exposures)
● Set your metering area to center weight, partial metering
instead of matrix or multi-spot metering.

5. Basic Navigation
This Section explains how to maneuver your way around the Trio
8
When a setting is highlighted on the display the Left (-) and Right (+)
buttons will change that selection or setting.
Mode button
Choose between three
operating modes
1. BASIC
2. ADVANCED MULTI
3. PRE SETS
Fire
Test fire flash
Set button
Highlights the settings on the display
that you wish to change. Each time
you press the Set button it will cycle
through the available settings.
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
RCV R1 CH4
QTTL
FIRE OPT MAN AFILL
On Camera / Remote
1. X-Mit
2. RCV R1
3. RCV R2
4. RCV R3
Radio Status
1. OFF
2. Channels 0 –7
Opt
Change flash
options
Man
Light output is
controlled by fixed
power output of
flash.
Afill / Auto
Light output is
controlled by the
sensor located on
the front of Trio

6. X- MIT or RCV (Receive)
Press the SET button until the X –MIT / RCV setting is highlighted.
Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons, or
the soft keys located at
the bottom of the display
to select from one of the
following :
1. X-MIT –on camera / transmit
operation
2. RCV R1–remote group R1
3. RCV R2–remote group R2
4. RCV R3–remote group R3
Remote groups receive camera and exposure information from TRIO,
PILOT, or CoPilot in the hot shoe of the camera.
To create distinctive and unique lighting, each group may be set to a
different exposure setting.
Setting the exposure of each group can be done through the TRIO,
PILOT, or CoPilot in the hot shoe of the camera , or at the remote flash.
7. Setting the radio
Press the SET button until the Radio status setting is highlighted.
Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons to
choose from channels 0
through 7.
Note: The channel number
must be the same for all
your Quantum radio products
The ON / OFF soft key located on the bottom right of the display may be
used to quickly turn the radio on or off.
9
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
R1 REMOTE CH4
QTTL FILL +0
CAMERA R1 R2 R3
X - MIT
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
QTTL FILL +0
ON OFF
CH4
ON

8. Exposure Modes
Press the SET button until the Exposure Mode setting is highlighted.
Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons, or the
soft keys located at the
bottom of the display to
choose how the exposure
will be controlled.
QTTL
Uses the exposure system built into the camera. You may offset
exposure by 2 stops above or 3 stops below camera setting.
Use this mode if you want the camera to control the exposure.
See Section 8.1 for details.
AFILL / AUTO
Light output is controlled by the sensor located on the front of Trio.
Use this mode if you want the Trio sensor to control the exposure.
See Section 8.2 for details
MAN
Light output is controlled by fixed power output of flash.
Use this mode if you want the most accurate and repeatable exposures
possible
See Section 8.3 for details.
10
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X - MIT CH4
QTTL FILL +0
FIRE OPT MAN AFILL
QTTL

8.1 QTTL exposure
QTTL mode uses the exposure system built into the camera. You may
offset exposure by 2 stops above or 3 stops below camera setting.
8.1.1 On Camera
To adjust the exposure press the SET button until the FILL setting is
highlighted.
Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons to
adjust the exposure up
(brighter) or down (darker).
Advanced feature
To control the exposure of other remote groups, press the SET button
until the RATIO FLASH setting is highlighted.
Use the soft key located at
the bottom left of the display
to turn on the ratio feature.
Once the ratio flash feature
is turned on you can control
the exposure of remote groups
R1 and R2.
By adjusting R1 and R2 you
can create distinctive and unique
lighting.
To adjust R1 / R2, press the SET button until their exposure value is
highlighted, then use the Left (-) and Right (+) buttons to adjust the
exposure up (brighter) or down (darker).
11
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
QTTL FILL +0
+0
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
QTTL FILL +0
ON OFF
OFF
MULTI TTL
FLASH OFF
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
QTTL FILL +0
R1 QFL +1
R2 QFL -1
ON OFF
ON
MULTI TTL
FLASH OFF
MULTI TTL
FLASH ON

Use with QLINK
Press the SET button until R1 or R2 are highlighted. Use the soft keys
located at the bottom of the display to select the remote flash type.
Remote flash types:
QFL –Remote flash is a Qflash.
800 –Remote flash is a NIKON SB800 with a QLINK adapter.
900 –Remote flash is a NIKON SB900 with a QLINK adapter.
CAN –Remote flash is a Canon flash with a QLINK adapter.
8.1.2 Remote Groups
Select R1, R2 or R3 Remote Group. Remote groups are used for setting
the mode and exposure of remote flashes independent of each other.
Mode and exposure of a Remote Group can be controlled by a TRIO,
Pilot or CoPilot located in the hot shoe of the camera.
If you choose, you may set the mode and exposure of the remote flash
yourself and simply use the TRIO, Pilot or CoPilot located in the hot
shoe of the camera to trigger the remote flash. This is the default setting
of the TRIO.
For remote groups in QTTL exposure mode, exposure adjustment is
done through the TRIO, PILOT, or CoPilot in the hot shoe of the camera.
.
12
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
RCV R1 CH4
QTTL
FIRE OPT MAN AFILL

8.2 AFILL / AUTO exposure
Light output is controlled by the sensor located on the front of the TRIO.
8.2.1 On Camera
F/number, ISO are sent to the
flash from the camera.
To adjust the exposure
press the SET button until
the FILL setting is
highlighted.
Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons to
adjust the exposure up (brighter) or down (darker).
Auto Sensor Limit
Light output is controlled by the sensor located on the front of the TRIO.
This sensor reads the light that is reflected from the subject. When the
subject has no background, someone standing in an open field, The
sensor will tend to overexpose the subject.
Sensor limit will correct this by instructing the flash to read only objects
within the limit set by you. To set the sensor limit press the SET button
until the sensor limit is highlighted.
Use the softkeys located under the display to select desired the sensor
limit, or to turn the sensor limit off.
13
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
AUTO FILL +0
SENSOR LIMIT OFF
NORM 1.5 –14 FT
FIRE OPT MAN QTTL
+0
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X - MIT CH4
AUTO FILL +0
SENSOR LIMIT OFF
NORM 1.5 –14 FT
5 10 15 -20 OFF
14
SENSOR LIMIT OFF

Advanced feature
The default setting of the TRIO
uses the F/number and ISO
information from the camera.
It is possible to override the
camera settings and enter an
independent F/number and ISO.
To override the default setting
set the F-ISO to FLASH in the
options menu.
8.2.2 Remote Groups
Select R1, R2 or R3 Remote Group. Remote groups are used for setting
the mode and exposure of remote flashes independent of each other.
Mode and exposure of a Remote Group can be controlled by a TRIO,
Pilot or CoPilot located in the hot shoe of the camera.
If you choose, you may set the mode and exposure of the remote flash
yourself and simply use the TRIO, Pilot or CoPilot located in the hot
shoe of the camera to trigger the remote flash. This is the default setting
of the TRIO.
For remote groups in AFILL exposure mode, exposure is controlled by
the sensor located on the front of the TRIO. F/number and ISO
information from the camera is sent to the Remote TRIO wirelessly from
the TRIO, PILOT, or CoPilot in the hot shoe of the camera. For AFILL
exposure mode set the F-ISO option to CAMERA.
For remote groups in AUTO exposure mode, exposure is controlled by
the sensor located on the front of the TRIO. F/number and ISO
information is set by the user. For AUTO exposure mode set the F-ISO
option to FLASH.
14
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
AUTO F16 ISO100
SENSOR LIMIT OFF
NORM 1.5 –14 FT
FIRE OPT MAN QTTL
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
RCV R1 CH4
AUTO FILL +0
SENSOR LIMIT OFF
NORM 1.5 –14 FT
FIRE OPT MAN QTTL

8.3 MAN exposure
Light output is controlled by fixed power output of flash
To adjust the exposure press the SET button until the power setting is
highlighted.
Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons to
adjust the power up
(brighter) or down (darker).
Shooting in Manual exposure
F/number and ISO information come from the camera. To set the flash
for a correct exposure, adjust the power setting until the distance shown
on the flash matches the distance to the subject.
Advanced feature
The default setting of the TRIO uses the F/number and ISO information
from the camera. It is possible to override the camera settings and enter
an independent F/number and ISO.
To override the default settingset the F-ISO to FLASH in the options
menu.
8.2.2 Remote Groups
Select R1, R2 or R3
Remote Group. Remote
groups are used for setting
the mode and exposure
of remote flashes i
ndependent of each other.
Mode and exposure of a
Remote Group can be
ontrolled by a TRIO, Pilot
or CoPilot located in the hot
shoe of the camera.
If you choose, you may set the mode and exposure of the remote flash
yourself and simply use the TRIO, Pilot or CoPilot located in the hot
shoe of the camera to trigger the remote flash. This is the default setting
of the TRIO.
15
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
X –MIT CH4
MAN 1/32+
NORM 14 FT
FIRE OPT AFIL QTTL
1/16+
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
RCV R1 CH4
MAN 1/32+
NORM 14 FT
FIRE OPT AFIL QTTL

9. Options
Press the OPT (options) soft key to enter the options set up menu. To
exit the set up menu press the MODE/OK or SET buttons
There are three options menus. Use the LEFT (-) or RIGHT (+) 
arrows to select option menu 1, 2 or 3.
Use the softkeys located below the display to change the option shown.
Option Menu 1
9.1 Flash
Turning this option on will lock out the buttons and prevent any
accidental changing of settings. To unlock the Trio Press the outer two
soft keys when prompted.
9.2 P1 –P8
Turning this option on will prevent any changes to the Presets P1 –P8.
9.3 Speaker
You may want the speaker off for sensitive shooting, or turn it on for
audible confirmation of flash exposure.
9.4 AF
Auto focus assist light option.
16
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
OPTIONS MENU
1 2 3 
AF
F LASH P1-P8 OFF OFF

Options Menu 2
9.5 Feet / Meters
Change the distance shown in display.
9.6DL
The back light of the display can be set to one of the following.
AUTO : The back light will come on whenever any button is pressed.
This includes the shutter button of the camera
ON : The back light will be on all the time.
DARK : The back light will come on, and stay on, whenever a darkened
room is entered.
9.7 Flash indicators
The green Flash Indicators on either side of the Trio give visual
indication that a flash fired, weather the exposure was good, over, under,
or no flash, indicating that the flash did not fire. You can enable or
disable the lights.
9.8F/ISO
F/number and ISO comes from the camera or is set on the flash by the
user.
Options Menu 3
9.9 AUTO CAL
Adjust the calibration of the Auto mode from the factory setting.
9.10 MAN CAL
Adjust the calibration of the Manual mode from the factory setting.
9.11 STUDIO Flash
Use TRIO with studio remotes.
9.12 Reset
Reset the TRIO to factory defaults.
17

10. Operating Modes
There are three operating modes for the TRIO. To change the
operating mode of the TRIO, press the MODE button and then
select the operating mode.
EzPro
This is the default operating mode for the TRIO. Set your
desired exposure mode, QTTL, AFILL/AUTO, or MANUAL.
Select whether the flash will be used ON CAMERA or as a
REMOTE.
PreSet
The TRIO, allows you to store up to eight of your favorite settings
for quick recall.
P1-P4 Softkey –Scroll through presets P1 toP4
P5-P8 Softkey –Scroll through presets P5 to P8
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MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
PRE SET 1 CH4
QTTL FILL +0
FIRE OPT P1-P4 P5-P8

Advanced Multi
This operating mode is used to control the expose modes of all
remote Qflashes. With Advanced Multi you can mix the modes
of remote Qflashes and create distinctive lighting patterns.
Exposure mode of TRIO in hot shoe
Exposure mode of R1 Remote
Exposure mode of R2 Remote
To change any setting or exposure mode, press the SET button until the
setting you want to change is highlighted. Use the Left (-) and
Right (+) buttons to adjust the highlighted setting up or down.
When changing the settings or exposure mode for a remote flash, the
information is sent wirelessly to the remote.
19
MODE
/OK
SET
+
-
ADV MULTI CH4
LOCAL TTL +0
R1 QFL AUTO F5.6
R2 QFL MAN 1/18+
FIRE OPT