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RF60X
User Manual
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Cactus RF60X User Manual

User Manual
Wireless Flash RF60X
2
Table of Contents
2. Caution and Warnings 04
3. Major Specif ications 05
4. Package Contents 06
5. Nomenclature 07
7. Getting Started 08
8. On-camera Operation: 19 Local Mode
9. Wireless Flash: 21 Master and Slave Modes
10. Group Aliases 26
11. Advanced Operation 28
12. Personalizing the RF60X 44
13. Working with Cactus 50 Triggers
14. External Power 53
16. USB Connection 54
18. Troubleshooting 55
20. Warranty 62
3
1. Getting to Know your RF60X
Thank you for purchasing the Cactus Wireless Flash RF60X. The RF60X is u n i q u e a m o n g o t h e r  a s h e s available in the market. With a built­in transmitter and receiver, it not only receives wireless signals, but also functions as a commander to control other RF60X or RF60. The possibilities are endless!
This new RF60X features outstanding improvement from its predecessor:
– Exclusive! Cooling mode to prevent
RF60X from overheat cut-off;
– Quick full-power recharge time at
1.9 s ;
– Auto-focus assist light in sync
with other Cactus devices;
– Automatic wireless HSS support in
Slave mode for Canon, Fujif ilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax when working with V6 II; and Sony with V6 IIs transceiver.
Other features include:
– Built-in wireless commander and
receiver
– Remote control of power and zoom
levels
– Group control of up to four groups
with conf igurable Group Alias
– Optical slave with delay feature – High power up to Guide Number of
56 meters
4
– Compatible with Cactus V6 IIs,
V6 II and V6 Wireless Flash
Transceivers
– Multi- ash feature
2. Caution and Warnings
Before using the product, read the following instructions to ensure correct and safe use and to help prevent damage of the Cactus RF60X.
1. Turn OFF all your equipment
(Cactus units, cameras, etc.) before changing batteries or making a connection.
2. Remove batteries and switch off
t h e  a s h w h e n it i s n ot i n u s e.
3. Use only the batteries specif ied
in this instruction manual.
4. Do not permanently store the
product in a high temperature environment (i.e., under strong direct sunlight, near cooking stoves or oven).
5. T h e  a s h s h o u l d n o t b e s u b m e r g e d
in liquid or exposed to heavy rain unless it is properly protected.
6. Do not operate the device in the
presence of ammable gases or
fu mes.
7. D o n o t f ir e t h e  a s h d i r e c tl y
into the eyes of someone at close ra n ge.
8. D o n o t f ir e t h e  a s h d i r e c tl y at
the driver of a moving car.
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3. Major Specifications
– Guide Number (ISO 100):
Zo o m (m m)
24 28 35 50 70 80 105
GN (m eter)
33 34 38 45 51 54 56
GN (fe e t)
108 112 124 147 168 177 183
– Motor zooms: 24 mm – 28 mm – 35 mm
– 50 mm – 70 mm – 80 mm – 105 mm
– Power levels (22 in total):
1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128
1/2+0.3 1/4 +0. 3 1/8 +0.3 1/16 +0. 3 1/32 +0.3 1/64 +0.3 1/128 +0.3
1/2 +0.7 1/4 +0.7 1/8 +0.7 1/16 +0.7 1/32 +0.7 1/64 +0.7 1/128 +0.7
– Flash durations (t.5):
1/1,000 – 1/45,000 sec
– Modes: Local (L), Master (M), and
Slave (S)
– Working radio frequency: 2.4 GHz – Number of channels: 16 – Number of groups: 4 – Maximum wireless effective
distance: 100 meters (328 feet)
– Built-in optical slave – AF-assist light: 1W LED – Power input: 4 AA-sized batteries
Battery Type
Primary LR6 Alkaline 1.5V
Rechargeable
HR6 N i-MH 1. 2V
Flash Count
at Full Power
110 170
Recycle Time
at Full Power
2.5 s e c 1.9 s e c
– Color temperature at full power:
5600k +/- 200k
– Operating temperature:
-20°C to +50°C
– Dimensions: 205 x 83 x 61 mm – Net weight: 395 g
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4. Package Contents
X
Flash RF60X
Carrying Case FC-3
User Manual
Flash Stand FS-2
7
5. Nomenclature
x
WIDE ANGLE DIFFUSER
AND BOUNCE CARD
FRESNEL LENS
OPTICAL SENSOR
TRIPOD MOUNT
EXTERNAL POWER
CONNECTOR
CONNECTOR COVER
MOUNTING FOOT
CONNECTOR COVER
3.5 mm CONNECTOR
HOT SHOE CONTACT
BOUNCE ANGLE
IN DICATOR
LC D PANEL
MODE BUTTON
MENU BUTTON
- BUTTON
NEXT BUTTON
+ BUTTON
ON/OFF S W ITCH
TEST BUTTON/ FLASH-READY IN DICATOR
BATTERY COMPARTMENT DOOR
MULTI/HSS BUTTON
GROUP BUTTON
USB PORT
HOT SHOE
LOCKING WHEEL
AF-ASSIST
LIGHT
8
6. LCD Panel
7. Getting Started
Inserting Batteries
1. Using your thumb, press on the
battery compartment door and slide it open in the direction shown by the arrow.
7.1
GROUP PANEL
OPERATING
MODES
CHANNEL
BEEP INDICAT OR
OPTICA L SLAV E
DELAY INDICATOR
BATTERY LEVEL
HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING
POWER LEVEL
POWER LEVEL INCREMENT
HSS SYMPAT H Y
MODE
TEXT AREA
SELECTION IN DICATOR S
ZOOM LEVEL
STATUS BAR
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2. Install the batteries.
Make sure the positive (+) and negative (-) battery contacts are properly oriented as shown in the compartment.
3. Slide the battery compartment
door in the direction shown by the arrow to close it.
Caution:
1. Use a new set of AA batteries of the same brand and type. When replacing batteries, replace all four at the same time.
2. AA-sized alkaline, Ni-MH, or lithium batteries can be used. Use only one type of batteries at a time. Do not mix battery types.
3. If you change batteries after
f iring many ashes continuously,
be aware that the batteries may be h ot.
4. For alkaline or lithium batteries, the battery level indicator on the LCD will show
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7.2
when around 50% of the battery power has been consumed, and
the indicator will blink when t h e  a s h d o e s n ot h a v e e n o u g h power to f ire. Replace batteries
immediately when you see the blinking signal. The indicator is not applicable to Ni- M H b at t er y.
5. When the ash is not in use, remove the batteries to prevent possible damage from battery corrosion.
Attaching the Flash to and detaching it from the Camera
1. T o att a c h th e  a s h, sl i d e t h e  a s h’s h ot s h o e m o u n ti n g fo o t a l l t h e w a y i nt o t h e c a m e r a’s h ot
sho e.
2. T o s e c u r e t h e  a s h, r o t a t e t h e
locking wheel on the mounting foot to the left until it locks.
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7.3
3. T o d e t a c h t h e  a s h, r ot ate th e
locking wheel on the mounting foot to the right until it is loosened.
Turning the Flash On
1. Switch the On/Off Switch to ON.
T h e  a s h s t a r t s c h a r g i n g.
2. C h e c k t h at t h e  a s h i s r e a d y.
- T h e  a s h -r e a d y i n d ic at or bl i n k s i n r e d, i n d ic a ti n g t h a t t h e  a s h is r e a d y for q u ick  a s h (s e e
S e c t i o n 1 2.4).
- O n c e f u l l y c h a r g e d, th e  a s h -
ready indicator stays red and the
 a s h i s r e a d y t o g iv e f u l l p o w e r
output.
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7.4
- Press the button to f ire a
t e st  a s h.
Caution:
1. W h e n t h e  a s h i s s w itch e d O N b ut
not used, after a certain period
of ti m e, t h e  a s h’s p o w er tu r n s
off automatically. However, the
 a s h s ti l l c o n s u m e s p o w e r a n d
batteries discharge over a long period of time, which may damage
t h e b a tt er y c o n t a c t s of t h e  a s h.
Therefore, s h u t of f t h e  a s h
p o w er if t h e  a s h i s n o t i n u s e.
2. The overheating protection of the
R F 6 0X m a y st o p t h e  a s h f r o m f iring after a number of full
power ashes have been f ired in
short intervals. The temperature warning signal will appear in the status bar of the LCD display. If this occur, allow a rest time of about 15 minutes
a n d t h e  a s h w i l l t h e n r e t u r n t o
nor m al.
3. T o pr e v e nt th e  a s h f r o m o v er -
heating, turn on the Cooling Mode (se e S ectio n 12.1).
Adjusting the Flash Head
B y p o i n ti n g t h e  a s h t o w a r d a w a l l or ceiling, the ash will bounce off
the surface before illuminating the subject. This will soften the shadows behind the subject for a more
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natural-looking shot. This is called
a bounce ash.
Tip: W h e n u s i n g b o u n c e  a s h, t r y t o
avoid hitting the subject with
d i r e ct  a s h l i g h t. M a k e s u r e t h e ash head is suff iciently angled
away from the subject.
T h e  a s h h e a d of t h e R F 6 0X c a n b e ti lt e d u p t o a v e r ti c a l a n g le of 90˚, w it h c lic k st o p s a t 30˚, 6 0˚, 75˚, a n d d o w n a t 15˚. Hor i z o n t a ll y, it c a n b e r o t a t e d u p t o 18 0˚ t o t h e r i g h t a n d 90˚ t o t h e le f t, w it h c lic k s t o p s a t 30˚, 6 0˚, 90˚, 1 20˚, 150˚ (r i g ht) a n d 30˚, 60˚ (left).
270˚
90˚
15˚
X
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7.5
Bounce Card and Wide Angle Diffuser
There is a bounce card and wide angle diffuser set built in the RF60X. The bounce card and wide angle diffuser can be used separately or at the same ti me.
Tip: The bounce card is useful in
bounce ash applications to direct some of the light toward the subject in order to create catch lights and/or soften strong shadows from the bounced light.
Using the Bounce Card
1. Poi nt th e  a s h h e a d u p w a r d b y 90°.
2. Pull out the wide angle diffuser. The bounce card will come out at the same time.
3. Push the wide angle diffuser back in. The bounce card will be ready for use.
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7.6
Using the Wide Angle Diffuser
1. Pull out the wide angle diffuser
and place it over the ash head as
shown. The bounce card will come out at the same time.
2. Push the bounce card back in.
T h e  a s h w i l l i l l u m i n a t e a t 18 m m
coverag e.
Choosing the Operating Mode
There are three operating modes in the RF60X, namely Local, Master, and Slave. Upon switching on the RF60X, press the button to choose the appropriate mode. The mode indicator turns in the following sequence:
Local Master Slave
Modes
Where to place
the R F60X?
With wireless
control?
on camera X
on camera √
off camera √
16
7.7
7.8
Setting the Channel and the Radio ID
When the RF60X units are in the Master or Slave mode, they need to communicate in the same RF wireless channel with each other.
To set the channel, press . Then press the button until <CH> (short form for channel) is displayed. Use the or button to select the RF channel. Press to go back to the main screen. The selected channel will be shown on the LCD pa nel.
To protect your setup from interferences by other Cactus devices, assign all your RF60X to a specif ic radio ID. Press , then press the button until <RAD ID> (short form for radio ID) is displayed. Use the or button to set the radio ID from 1 to 999. Set the same radio ID in all Cactus devices in your setup.
Navigating the Menu
There are a number of conf igurable menu options on the RF60X.
17
To change a menu option:
1. Press the button to access the f irst menu item.
2. Press the button to change the menu subject in the sequence.
3. Press the or button to see each option of a menu item. The conf iguration of the menu item will change immediately.
4. Press the button to leave and go back to the main screen, or press the button to change the menu to the next item in the seq uence.
Menu item and
corresponding options
Text shown
on LC D
Applicable
modes
L M S
AF-assist Continuous Mode
- Off
- On
AF CON
- OFF
- ON
√ √ √
AF-assist Power
- 0-9
AF PWR
- 0-9
√ √ √
Optica l Slave
- Off
- S1: Straig ht Triggering
- S 2: P r e -  a s h Ig n or e d
OPT SL
- OFF
- S1 (FIRST)
- S2 (MAIN)
√ √ √
Delay Timer
- 0-999 ms
- 1-99 sec
DELAY
- 0-999 ms
- 1-99 sec
√ √ √
Auto HSS
- Off
- On
AU HSS
- OFF
- ON
√
Coolin g Mode
- Off
- On
COOL
- OFF
- ON
√ √ √
Quick Flash
- Off
- On
QCK FL
- OFF
- ON
√ √ √
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Menu item and
corresponding options
Text shown
on LC D
Applicable
modes
L M S
Beep Feedback
- Off
- Fn1: Quick Flash
- Fn2: Full Charge
- Fn3: Insuff icient Power Warning
BEEP
- OFF
- Fn1 (QCK FL)
- Fn2 (READY)
- Fn3 (WARN)
√ √ √
LCD Backlight
- 15 sec
- 1 min
- 5 min
- Continuous
BK LGT
- 15 sec
- 1 min
- 5 min
- ON
√ √ √
Sleep Timer
- Off
- 3 min
- 5 min
- 15 min
- 30 min
- 60 min
SLEEP
- OFF
- 3 min
- 5 min
- 15 min
- 30 min
- 60 min
√ √ √
RF Cha nnel
- 1-16
CH
- 1-16
√ √
Radio ID
- 0-999
RAD ID
- 0-999
√ √
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8.1
8. On-camera Operation:
Local Mode
Set up the RF60X in Local mode
w h e n y o u w o r k w it h o n e  a s h o n th e c a m e r a’s h o t s h o e.
In the main screen, the power level is shown on the left while the zoom level is shown on the right. The selection indicator ► will be shown at either the power level or zoom level. Press the button to switch the selection indicator in order to adjust a setting of an item.
Adjusting the Power Level
To adjust the power level, press until the selection indicator ► is pointing to the power ratio value (i.e., the left f igure in the center row). Press to increase or to
decrease the power level.
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8.2
The power levels available for adjustment are:
1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128
1/2+0.3 1/4 +0. 3 1/8 +0.3 1/16 +0. 3 1/32 +0.3 1/64 +0.3 1/128 +0.3
1/2 +0.7 1/4 +0.7 1/8 +0.7 1/16 +0.7 1/32 +0.7 1/64 +0.7 1/128 +0.7
Adjusting the Zoom Level
To adjust the zoom level, press until the selection indicator ► is pointing to the zoom value (i.e., the right f igure in the center row). Press to increase or to decrease the zoom level.
The zoom levels available for adjustment are:
Zo o m (m m)
24 28 35 50 70 80 105
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