Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash
USER MANUAL
dynamic lighting
Introduction......................................................................... 3
Safety Guidlines .................................................................. 4
Dynalite Legacy ................................................................... 5
Using Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash................. 6
Getting Started.................................................................... 8
Flash Modes......................................................................... 8
Adding/Removing Modiers............................................ 10
In the Box........................................................................... 10
Accessories ........................................................................ 10
Specs ................................................................................. 11
Introducon
Hi. Im Kevin Ames and I dont work for Dynalite. I am a working commercial photographer
with a studio in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a Dynalite user and have been for many years.
This is the part of the normal instruction booklet where you are congratulated for choosing
(insert what you bought here,) the nest blah-blah-blah and so on. I am not going there. Ever.
Rather than take that path, let me welcome you instead. If you are a rst time Dynalite
customer, thank you. You have joined a community of hard working pros and advanced
amateurs that understand how important dependable lighting gear is to their careers and
hobbies—yes to their passion--photography. A lot of us have decades of experience shooting
photographs lit with Dynalite.
Thanks to you too, if you are one of the established Dynalite users and have added this gear
to expand your lighting capabilities.
Users guides have all of the personality of a box of bricks. Id like to break out of that with
this one. I want it to be readable, understandable, conversational and even fun. All of the
information is here. In plain English. If I spoke Spanish it would be in plain Spanish as well. I
dont. It isnt. Continuing to step out of the technospeak Ill explain the terms of each part and
what those terms mean. Personally I really hate having to search the web for what a ux-
capacitor is when the directions tell me to install it into socket B. What is socket B anyway?
I want this guide to be clear and complete. Turn the page and get started using your new
Dynalite B-4...
3
Safety
There are only a few important things to know about handling any electronic ash systems when it comes to doing it
safely. This section is hyper-important for you to be safe and stay well while using your Dynalite Baja B-4. Most of this is
common sense. Which we all know isnt common at all. So, please read them anyway.
1. Water and electricity dont mix well. When power packs,
heads, and their cables are operating they have a lot of high
voltage electricity in them. Using a Dynalite Baja B-4 that’s wet
or standing in water can cause very serious injuries like death.
Really.
2. The Baja ashtube gets outrageously hot while it is being
used. Avoid betting burned. Dont touch the pyrex cover over
the ashtube. After shooting ten full power ashes in fast
succession, let the ashtube cool down for a couple of minutes.
Don’t look directly at the ashtube close up when you re it to
avoid possible damage to your eyes.
3. Never re the Baja B-4 with the protective cover over the
ashtube.
4. Don’t re the Baja B-4 near ammable liquids like gasoline or
gases like propane or natural gas.
5. Baja B-4 portable electronic ash units are lousy basketballs. It is
a really bad idea to use one if it has been dropped. Send it back
to Dynalite to be checked instead.
6. Only use the battery charger that comes with your Baja B-4
to recharge the battery. Once the battery is fully charged
disconnect the charging cord from the Dynalite Baja B-4. It’s
never a good idea to leave batteries charging indenitely.
Overcharging the Baja B-4’s battery can damage the cells;
possibly leading to an explosion. Dont overcharge the battery.
7. Excessive heat can cause the battery to explode. Dont leave
your Baja B-4 in direct sun for long periods of time. Let the unit
cool before using it.
8. Dynalite Baja B-4 portable electronic ash units have a lot of
electrical energy inside the case even when they are turned o.
Leave opening them to a qualied Dynalite technician or send
them back to Dynalite. There are no user xable parts inside, just
a lot of current waiting to shock those (like me and Im guessing,
you) who dont know what they are doing. Seriously.
4
The Dynalite Legacy
Dynalite began in 1971 when Paul Schwartz, an electronic engineer, teamed with photographer Ed Lambert and
silent investor John Poremba to create a rugged, dependable and portable electronic ash power pack and heads.
Paul designed the original electronics including the non-arching connectors that allow heads to be added or
removed from a powered up pack safely. That circuit was so robust that, while it has been updated with modern
technology, it remains the basis for every pack Dynalite makes today. While the insides of Dynalite packs and heads
have evolved, the control layout has been mostly the same for over three decades. A photographer buying a new
pack today knows it will work the same way one that has been in the studio for twenty years or more.
Dynalite was instantly popular with location photographers. Whether the subject was a celebrity or politician
destined to grace a magazine cover or an ocean side beach resort showcasing its architectural interior elegance,
Dynalite was likely on the scene. Photographers across the country adopted the super light packs that easily stood
up to the rigors of the road. Whether piled in the back of a van or checked as luggage on airlines, Dynalite gear
stood up to the abuse travel wreaks on equipment that can be delicate.
Realizing that photographers want powerful, lightweight electronic ash systems Dynalite is proud to continue its
legacy of innovation with the new Baja B-4.
dynamic lighting
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The Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash
Flash Power Control Dial Turn it clockwise to increase the power output. Moving the dial
The Dynalite Baja B-4 is a self contained
400 watt / second portable monolight
ash. Powered by an internal Lithium
Ion rechargeable battery and controlled
with the optional BRT616 or BRT616c
radio transmitters, there are no cords
or cables to clutter a set in the studio or
at a location.
The Baja B-4 is light in weight while
remaining strong in features including
adjustments in one tenth of a stop
increments over a six f/stop range, high
speed sync, short duration ash and
stroboscopic ash modes.
1.
counter clockwise lowers the power.
Modeling Light Power Control Dial
2.
RPT Button engages C or HSS modes. Press and release for C mode. It also cycles the C
3.
mode for ve, ten or fteen stroboscopic ashes. Press and Hold for HSS (High Speed Sync.)
Mode controls the ash duration. This button switches between Normal mode and T mode--
4.
short duration ashes
5. Cell Button switches the ash tripping sensor on or o.
Sound Button toggles an audible tone when the Dynalite Baja B-4 is fully charged.
6.
7. Test Button res the ash without having to take photograph with the camera.
Power Switch turns the Baja unit on or o.
8.
9. 1/4 inch sync cord socket for wired or Pocket Wizard sync with a camera.
10. Charging Socket
11. Battery Power Level Indicator
Battery Status Bottom Amber = Charging, Middle Amber = Empty, Top Amber = Battery
12.
Fully Charged
13. Main Display shows Power Output Setting, Short Duration Setting, Stroboscopic Mode
selected. Red LED lights show (top to bottom) RPT, Mode, Cell, Sound and Test
14. BRR616 — 6 group 16 channel receiver included with the Dynalite Baja B-4
15. Remote Trigger Sensor detects the ash from another Dynalite Baja, head or speedlite to
re the unit’s ash.
16. Easy Carry Handle
17. Battery Cover Release
Accessory Release
18.
19. Umbrella Socket Push the umbrellas shaft into the socket. No tightening knob needed.
20. L.E.D Modeling Light Note that the light is always on when Baja is powered up.
6
Accessory Release
Battery Cover Release
Accessory Release
18
18
20
17
L.E.D. Modeling Light
16
HSS Receiver
Main Display
Battery Power
Level Indicator
Easy Carry Handle
13
11
Remote Trigger Sensor
15
14
12
3. RPT Button
4. Mode Button
5. Cell Button
6. Sound Button
7. Test Button
3
4
5
6
7
1
Flash Power Control Dial
2
Modeling Light
Power Control Dial
9
10
8
Power Switch
19
Umbrella Socket
Battery Status
1/4 Inch Sync Cord Socket
Charging Socket
7
Geng Started
Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash units ship with a hard plastic cover that
protects the ashtube. Press the Accessory Release (18) at the top front of the
unit then twist the ashtube cover counterclockwise. When it stops after about an
eighth of a turn, pull the cover away from the unit.
Charging the Baja
Connect the chargers output cord to the Charging Socket (10.) Plug its AC cord to
110 / 240 volt outlet. Turn the Power Switch ( 8 ) O.
The indicator light on the charger glows Red while the Baja is charging. It turns to
Green when the battery is full.
Fully charge the battery before using your Dynalite Baja B-4. This takes about three
and a half hours. When the battery is fully charged; the Battery Status (12) will show
Full. The Dynalite Bajas battery can be augmented by connecting the charger to
the Charging Socket (10) while the unit is being used increasing the number of full
power ashes to 800.
Main Display
High Speed
Mode Button
Flash Modes
The Dynalite Baja B-4 oers four ash modes: Normal, High Speed Sync (HSS) Short
Duration and Stroboscopic. Heres a detailed explanation of each one.
Normal
Normal is the mode used most often. It provides a six f/stop range of power in one
tenth of a stop increments from 1.0 (lowest power) to 7.0 (six f/stops brighter.) The
chart below shows the power ratings on the Main Display (13) (top row) with the
watt / second (w/s) output for each setting (middle row) and the color temperature.
f/stop range of power 1.0 2.0 30. 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0
watt/sec output 6 w/s 12 w/s 25 w/s 50 w/s 100 w/s 200 w/s 400 w/s
color temperature 5420ºk 5480ºk 5560ºk 5600ºk 5590ºk 5500ºk 5500ºk
8
Battery Status
Flash Control Dial
13
12
10
1
4
7
Test Button
8
Power Switch
Charging Socket
High Speed Sync (HSS)
Digital Single Lens Reex cameras have focal plane shutters. These allow for amazingly fast
shutter speeds up to 1/8000th of a second in most modern cameras. The high speed is
achieved by using a thin slit formed by the rear shutter starting to close before the rst curtain
is fully open. This limited the fastest shutter speed to between 1/160 & 1/250th of a second
depending on the camera model. Both Canon & Nikon oer speedlites that can synchronize
with those thin slits. Good news! The Baja can too with its optional BRT616c transmitter that
enables high speed sync with most Canon DSLR cameras. Nikon will be added soon.
Enter HSS by pressing the
+ button on the BRT616c transmitter. Next, power on the Baja, then
hold down the rpt button (3) until the main display (13) reads H.1. Adjust the Flash Control Dial
(1) for H.1 - H.7.
Short Duration
Short Duration or t mode shortens the ash duration to stop motion. Use this mode for
freezing action like a drop hitting a saucer full of milk or for pouring liquids. Enter this mode by
pressing the Mode button. The Main Display now shows a digital t followed by a number. t.1 is
the fastest duration and lowest power output while t.7 is the longest duration and the highest
power output. Change the duration by turning the Flash Control Dial. The chart below shows
the settings (top row) the speeds (middle row) and the color temperature (bottom row.)
setting t.1 t.2 t.3 t.4 t.5 t.6 t.7
speed 1/12,800s 1/6,400s 1/4,000s 1/2,500s 1/1,s250 1/640s 1/500s
color temperature 6200ºk 5700ºk 5500ºk 5450ºk 5450ºk 5300ºk 5300ºk
The Dynalite Baja stores extra power in the Short Duration mode. After switching back to
Normal mode, discharge the Baja two or three times with the Test button.
Stroboscopic (C-Mode)
Stroboscopic Mode oers three preset ash rates ve, ten and fteen ashes in one second.
Begin by setting the Flash Power Control Dial (1) to one of these Normal mode settings: 1.0 to
1.9 or 2.0 to 2.9 In the t-modes use t-1 or t-2 then press the rpt button (3) for Stroboscopic
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mode. The Main Display (13) will show C.1 or C.2 The rst press is ve ashes in one second,
the second press is ten ashes in one second and the third press is fteen ashes in one
second. C.1 is a lower power setting than C.2. The ash duration and color temperature for C.1
or C.2 are similar to those of t.1 and t.2 in the chart above.
9
Easy Carry Handle
Adding / Removing Modiers
The Dynalite Baja B-4 uses the very popular Bowens style accessory mount. Reectors, speed
rings, snoots and many other modiers are available either directly from Dynalite or from
other manufacturers.
Press the Accessory Release (18) at the front of the Dynalite Baja B-4 back toward the Easy
Carry Handle (16), twist the cover clockwise an eighth of a turn to remove it. Mount a modier
by twisting it counter clockwise until the tab locks it in place.
In the box...
Here are all the goodies that come installed in or with your new Dynalite Baja B-4 Battery Powered Flash.
Protective Flashtube Cover
Pyrex Flashtube Protector (installed)
Lithium Ion Battery
AC Battery Charger with Power Cord
BRR616 Radio Receiver
External Battery Charging Cable
16
Accessory Release
18
Accessories...
BRT616 Radio Transmitter controls up to 6 groups Dynalite Baja B-4 ashes on one of 16 channels.
BRT616c Canon HSS Radio Transmitter adds High Speed Sync for Canon DSLRs. Nikon version coming soon.
B4-Li Battery The Dynalite Baja B-4 delivers ve hundred full power ashes on a single charge. An extra battery
doubles that. Spare batteries are good!
10
BRT616c
HSS Transmitter
for Canon
Specs
400 w/s of Portable Strobe Power
• 550-800* Shots @ Full Power
• 6 ƒ-stop Range
• 1/10 ƒ-stop adjustment
3.7 Recycle Time
High Speed Sync
Fast Flash Duration Mode
Stroboscopic Mode
Digital Display Screen
16 Channel Wireless Control
AC/DC Power Options
Model Baja B4
Flash Power (w/s) 400 w/s
ƒ-Stop (Max) (ISO 100, RSH 165H, m) 32
Variable Range of Flash 6.0 ƒ-stops in 1/10 stop increments
Color Temperature 5500(±200)
Flash Duration (0.5ft) @ min:max 1/12800 : 1/500
Recycling Time 3.7 sec
Modeling Lamp 5W LED
Flash Count (Full Battery @ Max Power) 550-800* (*while charging)
Weight 6.1lbs
Dimensions (L x W x H, inches) 13.5 x 4.75 x 8.625
Battery Power Rechargeable 11.1V 8.8 Li-ion
*800 ashes with A/C charger plugged into the Baja
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1050 Commerce Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 • 800.722.6638 • 908.687.8800 • ash@dynalite.com • dynalite.com
All photographs: ©2014Kevin Ames • kevin@amesphoto.com • kevinamesphotography.com
dynamic lighting
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