Seacam SEAFLASH 100 digital User manual

silver
SEAFLASH 100
digital
Canon / Nikon
Manual

1
Overview
Trademark Information
CANON is a registered trademark of CANON INC.
NIKON is a registered trademark of NIKON CORPORATION.
SEACAM is a registered trademark of SEACAM.
Thank you for your confidence in our products. This manual has been written care-
fully to help you enjoy your high quality products. Read these instructions thoroughly
before use and keep it handy when using them. Take a few moments to familiarize
yourself with the functions and handling. If you read the manual carefully nothing
shall keep you away from taking excellent underwater pictures.
This manual provides complete operating instructions for your SEAFLASH 100
digital
and can be found in electronic format on the CD enclosed. For information on viewing
the instructions see “manuals“.

2
Warnings 3
Controls and Parts 4
Compatible Cameras 5
General Description 6
Battery Pack Management 7
1. General
2. Battery Recharge
3. Battery Maintenance
Shooting Modes 11
1. e-TTL, i-TTL, film-TTL
2. Manual
3. Slave
4. Dual Flash Operation
5. 2nd Curtain Flash Operation
Pilot Light 15
S.O.S. Safety Mode 16
Display Error Codes 16
Maintenance 17
Accessories 18
1. Standard accessories
2. Accessories System
3. Flasharm System
Connections 24
Technical Details 28
Environmental Information 29
Warranty 30
General 31
Contents

3
Never try to open the unit – the internal high voltage is potentially lethal. The unit may
be serviced only by authorised service centres.
Shooting a flash close to eyes can seriously injure them.
Use only the original power adapter and TTL cable which are delivered with the flash.
Never connect two flashes together to a digital camera in a different way than the one
recommended in this manual. Not strictly following the correct connections can result
in a damage of the strobes and the camera.
Never connect the flash to a camera that is different from the type listed in this manual.
Before using the flash with a camera not listed in this manual contact SEACAM.
Never connect a power adapter or battery charger to the synchro connector.
Do not remove the accu pack from the battery container if the unit is still switched on!
Never use this flash together with a different flash brand. Enquire first about its
compatibility and special connections. Not following this can result a damage of the
unit or the camera.
Never shoot the flash directly into the lens of a digital camera. It can damage the
camera picture sensor.
Use the flash always following the directions of this user manual.
Not paying attention to the recommendations of this user manual can cause damage
to this unit or to the used camera.
Never exceed the maximal depth rate. It will cause the structural damage of the unit.
Sicherheitshinweise

4
The SEAFLASH 100
digital
is fully controlled by a micro processor. Some of the signi-
ficant advantages of using a micro controller are the possibility of managing digital
communication on a serial bus with a digital camera and the possibility of easily
updating the firmware in order to guarantee compatibilities with future generation
digital picture cameras (if possible).
In order to improve battery life and to make the battery management very fast, easy
and safe for the user a lot of attention was given to the battery pack electronics.
This user manual contains important information. By reading it carefully you will learn
about the many advantageous features of the flash which will help you take great
pictures.
CANON or NIKON type
On the back plate of the flash, a white or black segment is visible in the middle.
By the colour of this segment you can understand if the unit is prepared for
CANON or NIKON systems. A white line is for CANON, A black one is for NIKON.
General Description

5
Control panel
1 Power switch and mode
selector TTL/MAN
2 Ready light indicator
3 Battery compartment
4 Synchro socket
5 TTL system identification
Front
6 Macro protection ring –
removable for wide angle
7 Slave sensor
8 Bulb / Reflector
9 Pilot light LED
Battery pack
10 Power adapter socket
11 Recharger LED indicator
3
2
4
1
9
6
8
75
Controls and Parts
12 minus (–) Battery pin
13 plus (+) Battery pin
10
11 12
13

6
The SEAFLASH 100
digital
is suitable for CANON or NIKON cameras. It is compatible
with digital / film cameras in e-TTL, i-TTL, film -TTL and in manual mode.
CANON
The SEAFLASH 100
digital
is compatible with CANON digital / film cameras in e-TTL,
film-TTL and in manual mode. By using digital cameras all the special functions as,
+/– flash compensation, automatic AF light, pre exposure lamps, automatic standby,
etc. are supported.
NIKON
The SEAFLASH 100
digital
is compatible with NIKON digital / film cameras in i-TTL,
film-TTL and in manual mode. By using digital cameras all the special functions as,
+/– flash compensation, automatic AF light, pre exposure lamps, automatic standby,
etc. are supported.
Compatible Cameras

7
The SEACAM removable NiMH battery pack is located under the battery container
cap (3).
Open – unlock the cap by turning the knob from the “lock” to the to the “open”
position and pull it out. When a battery pack is inserted the cap will pop out by itself.
Close – turn the knob to the ”open” position. Now hook the small latch at the cap into
the back plate, press it down and turn the knob from the “open” to the to the “lock”
position.
Information
Maintain / check the o-ring when opening and grease the sealing surface regularly.
Close the battery container cap always completely to avoid forgetting it in stressful
situations!
ATTENTION!
Never charge the battery back inside the battery container! Always prevent
water or moisture from entering into the battery container or into the batteries.
Close the battery container (3) before using the flash underwater. If no synchro
cable is connected, close also the synchro socket (4) with the protection cap.
Feature
The battery container is completely sealed. In case water enters due to an incorrect
battery cup positioning or an o-ring failure, the electronic will not be flooded. Only
battery pack and battery contacts can be damaged and will have to be replaced.
Battery Pack Management

8
The battery pack is made of selected high current capable NiMH batteries. It is equip-
ped with a built-in electronic circuit to make battery management easy, fast and safe.
The battery fits only in one position into the battery container. To charge the battery
pack pull up the metal ring and remove it from the container.
ATTENTION!
Do not remove the accu pack from the battery container if the unit is still
switched on!
During normal use the flash micro processor checks the battery status permanently
and advises the user by beeping when it‘s close to being completely discharged. The
flash stops and automatically switches off when the battery is fully discharged in order
not to damage it.
1. General
A fully recharged battery pack can achieve approx. 250 lamps at max power.
When the battery is low, the ready flash indicator start to blink every minute for
4 seconds and an audible alarm is emitted.
When the battery is completely discharged a continuous alarm is emitted. After
30 seconds the unit automatically shuts off in order not to damage the battery.
If the flash is completely discharged and you try to switch it on again, the flash can
start a series of on / off cycles without switching it on completely. Simply remove the
battery pack and recharge the battery.
Do not leave the battery inside the flash when flash is not in use in order to avoid a
slow and thorough battery discharge.
Battery Pack Management

9
2. Battery Recharge
Prior to the first use the battery must be fully charged before disconnecting it from
the power supply.
The battery can be recharged also if it is not fully discharged.
ATTENTION!
For charging the battery pack has to be removed from the battery container!
After connecting the power adapter to the power adapter socket (10), the charge
process starts and the control LED (11) starts to blink.
When the charging cycle ends the control LED (11) is permanently lit and the battery
enters into trickle charge. It can now be disconnected from the power supply (not
necessary).
It takes approximately 3 hours for the empty battery pack to fully charge.
If an error is detected by the microprocessor, the charging process is stopped
immediately and the control LED (11) starts to blink at a high frequency. In this
case disconnect the power adapter, wait for the battery to cool down. If the control
LED (11) recommences blinking at a high frequency the battery might be defective
and must be serviced or replaced.
IMPORTANT!
For all new NiMH batteries or for battery packs stored for a long time, a few full
charge / discharge cycles (3 – 4) are necessary to refresh the batteries for perfect
conditions.
A car / boat power adapter 12 – 14 V is available as an accessory.
Battery Pack Management

10
3. Battery Maintenance
As for all NiMH battery it‘s advised to fully discharge the battery when possible before
recharging. To discharge the battery, leave it inside the flash and switch it on, turning
on the pilot lamp. The flash will automatically shut off when the battery is empty. If
battery performance is low, it will increase after a few full discharge/recharge cycles.
If the battery pack is left inactive for a short period of time it can be fully recharged
and will reach its maximum energy level.
IMPORTANT!
To avoid batteries overcharge never try to recharge a fully charged battery pack!
ATTENTION!
Never perform a series of full power shoots to discharge batteries. This will
decrease flash lamp life and can also result in a flash damage.
Never short circuit any battery terminals – it will damage the battery pack!
Battery Pack Management

11
Three different shooting modes are available, they are selectable with the main
knob (1): TTL, Manual, Slave.
1. e-TTL, i-TTL, film-TTL
The energy delivered by the flash is calculated by the camera to obtain the correct
exposure. Set the main know (1) to ON/TTL.
When the flash delivers a full power lamp the user is advised of the possible underex-
posure by an audible beep and blinking of the ready LED.
2. Manual Mode
The user can choose the flash energy between 5 different steps.
Information
With digital cameras no pre lamp is emitted.
3. Slave Mode
In slave mode the flash is triggered by the slave sensor (7) placed inside the reflector
without a synchro cable. This sensor is very sensitive and allows working with a
certain distance between the main flash and the slave flash.
To enter slave mode, turn the main switch (1) to SLAVE position and then back again
one step within two seconds. The ready LED (2) will change colour from red to yellow
to indicate the Slave mode. Then select the power required between the available
levels.
Shooting Modes

12
ATTENTION!
In slave mode no TTL is available.
If a digital camera is connected to the synchro socket, the Slave mode is auto-
matically inhabited and the light sensor (7) will not work.
4. Duale Flash Operation
There are different ways of operating two strobes with a digital camera. It is very
important to note the information below to achieve perfect functionality without
damaging your camera. Please read the following information very carefully!
Important – for CANON users!
e-TTL use with CANON cameras requires S6 sockets on the flash and the camera.
(with all the six wires connected to both strobes). Set both units to TTL mode.
When the unit is connected to the camera, it automatically detects the camera
transmission protocol. This is an easy method of using two flash devices in e-TTL
or in manual mode.
If you want to shoot only one flash, just switch off the unused flash device.
Important – for NIKON users!
For i-TTL use with NIKON cameras S6 sockets on the flash and the camera are
recommended. Connect the main flash (master) always to the left socket – the
second flash (slave) to the right socket.
Shooting Modes

13
Feature
If two strobes are used you have to use the dedicated SEACAM-NIKON digital
dual strobe connector (S-N DDSC). This circuit has to be placed inside the
camera housing and needs an S6 socket as the master. To be more flexible
SEACAM always recommends two S6 sockets.
ATTENTION!
Use only SEAFLASH 100D in dual TTL flash mode!
When using two flash devices, the master controls the slave. The master is directly
connected to the camera (with all six wires connected to the camera). It calculates
the required energy for the correct exposure and transmits the information by the TTL
cable to the slave.
The master can operate in TTL (A) or MAN mode, while the slave should always be
left in the TTL (A) mode. If different energy levels are required from the two strobes,
in i-TTL mode, the user has to adjust the distance of the two flashes from the subject
to achieve the desired effect. In manual mode the user can switch both flash devices
to MAN and then manually select the desired energy level steps.
Feature
When setting the slave to TTL (A) the slave always follows the main strobe in
manual mode. If you need different manual settings you have to adjust the devices
separately.
Shooting Modes

14
IMPORTANT!
SEACAM suggests using two SEAFLASH 100
digital
only with the S-N DDSC
circuit installed. This system has been fully tested and has been proven to work
well. Using different flashes from the ones suggested can result in a damage of the
camera and flash devices. Before connecting different flash brands enquire about
their compatibility.
5. 2nd Curtain Flash Operation
The SEAFLASH 100D electronic is prepared to use the 2nd curtain flash.
NIKON – This function is working in any mode.
CANON – To activate this mode you have to set the Slave Mode with the main
power switch (1).
ATTENTION!
On rare occasions during normal use the digital camera can lose the communi-
cation with the flash. If this happens, switch the camera and the flash off and on
again in order to reset the communication between the units. If the problem occurs
repeatedly check and clean the camera hot shoe, the strobe connectors and wires.
Wires plugs and sockets must be absolutely dry to be working flawlessly. Water
inside the connectors can stop the data transmission and TTL working mode.
Shooting Modes

15
A 3 W power LED (9) generates a very bright pilot light. This light beam of 10°
allows an easy and perfect setting of the flash. The Power LED has an output of about
180 lm, equal to a 10 W halogen bulb.
The pilot light is switched on and off with the main switch (1). Because of the dual
function of the knob there is a trick to switch it on and off. Turn the main knob from
the ON position one step forward and back within 2 seconds it will switch on the pilot
light. Repeating this switching you can turn off the pilot light again.
Feature
When the flash is connected to a digital camera the automatic pilot light feature
is available. The pilot light turns on automatically when the camera auto focus
system needs more light to work. During flashing the pilot light is switched off
automatically.
With CANON digital camera you have to set the AF selector to S and select the single
shooting mode.
With NIKON digital camera you have to set the to AF selector to S or M. No automatic
function in C.
IMPORTANT!
The automatic auto focus assisting light will work only if the AF-illumination is
activated in your camera menu. If you don’t like this function deactivate it.
Pilot Light

16
For security reasons, to call attention your flash is equipped with a true S.O.S. function.
With the power switch (1) in the SOS position a true S.O.S. light signal is generated.
This feature can also be used to test the flash.
ATTENTION!
Use the S.O.S. signal only when really needed and never use it to discharge the
battery.
If an error is recognized by the flash micro processor, like an internal too high tempe-
rature, or an internal malfunction, an audible alarm is emitted and all the activities of
the flash are stopped. Turn off the unit, allow the unit to cool down before switching it
on again. If an error state is always active, the unit will need to be serviced.
ATTENTION!
Never leave the flash unprotected in the sun or a hot place!
S.O.S. Safety Mode
Display Error Codes

17
Rinse your flash using fresh water after every dive in the sea and dry it carefully. Clean
with a mild cleaner and lubricate the threads regularly.
S6 and N5 sockets require particular care and attention. Make sure that the contacts
are given regular inspection that the plugs are clean and o-rings slightly lubricated.
S6 socket
The S6 plug is a very safe and sturdy plug in system. Its contact system is very precise
and secure, combined with a 4 time o-ring sealing system which is easy to maintain.
Plug in – tighten the nut – ready to go!
N5 socket
Pay attention when plugging it in; hold it at the anti-kink sleeve of the spiral cord,
completely pull the movable nut back and tenderly press the plug in as soon as tongue
and groove click into place. Then tighten the nut.
ATTENTION!
If no TTL cable is connected, close the synchro socket (4) with the protection cap.
IMPORTANT!
Keep all connections dry. Apply our contact oil regularly, which reduces corrosion
and increases lifetime enormous. Grease o-rings as usual!
Maintenance

18
1. Standard Accessories
The flash is supplied with following accessories as standard:
• Exchangeablebatterypack
• Powersupply
Input: 100 – 240 V, ~ 1.5 A, 50/60 Hz
Output: 12 – 14 V, 1.5 A
• Macroprotectionring,removableforwideangleshots
• Synchrocable
• Protectioncapforsynchrosocket
• Sparepartsandmaintenanceset
• Neoprenebagfortheaccupack
• Usermanual
2. Accessories System
Optional accessories available:
• DIFFUSOR To get softer light from your strobe – mount the diffusor instead of
the macro protection ring.
• MACROFILTER For shooting shy animals – these filters are reducing the bright-
ness of your pilot light – available in red and frost.
• SNOOT To shape the light of your strobe you can mount the 3-part extendable
snoot. You are able to get 3 different spots of light.
• SWITCHEXTENSIONExtending the control switch for an easy use in cold water.
• NEOPRENE COVER Protecting your entire flash.
• NEOPRENE DOME COVER Front dome protection.
• CAR-/BOATPOWERADAPTER12–14V For mobile charging.
Accessories