Ikelite DS125 User Manual
TTL
Full
1/2
1/4
1/8
Ready Light
Fuel
Gauge
3
2
1
Test
Off
On
On
w/Lite
IIKKEELLIITTEE DDSS112255 SSuubbssttrroobbe
TTL
Full
1/2
1/4
1/8
Ready Light
Fuel
Gauge
3
2
1
Test
Off
On
On
w/Lite
Battery
Compartment
Switch
Lock
e
IIKKEELLIITTEE DDSS112255 SSuubbssttrroobbee ____________________________________________________________________________ ##44006655
SSPPEECCIIFFIICCAATTIIOONNSS
Digital
Substrobe
WWeeiigghhtt::
EEnneerrggyy RRaattiinngg::
CCoovveerraaggee AAnnggllee::
WWiiddeesstt LLeennss::
GGuuiiddee NNuummbbeerr ((IISSOO 110000)) ffeeeett::
GGuuiiddee NNuummbbeerr ((IISSOO 110000)) mmeetteerrss::
FFiirriinngg MMooddeess::
CCoolloorr TTeemmppeerraattuurree::
PPoowweerr SSoouurrccee::
FFllaasshheess::
RReeccyyccllee TTiimmee::
DDeepptthh RRaattiinngg::
......................................................1.2kg (2.7 lbs.) with NiMH
..........................................110 watt-sec.
........................................90°
..............................................Nikonos 20mm or SLR 24mm
................64 surface, 32 underwater
............................................TTL/Auto, Manual, 1/2 M, 1/4 M, 1/8 M
..................................4900°K
............................................7.2-volt, 2.8 amp NiMH pack
......................................................250 full power
............................................1.0 seconds (full power)
............................................90m (300 feet)
100° with diffuser
Nikonos 15mm or SLR 20mm
with diffuser
............20 surface, 10 underwater
Slave featuring auto exposure
using optional DS Sensor #4100.5
Slave featuring 10-manual power settings
using optional EV-Controller #4100.6
DDSS112255
22
IIKKEELLIITTEE DDSS112255 SSuubbssttrroobbe
TTL
Full
1/2
1/4
1/8
Ready Light
Fuel
Gauge
3
2
1
Test
Off
On
On
w/Lite
Battery
Compartment
Switch
Lock
e
SSWWIITTCCHHEESS // FFUUEELL GGAAUUGGE
E
Thank you for purchasing an Ikelite SUBSTROBE. Ikelite brings 40 years of
underwater photographic and lighting experience to the strobe market. Ikelite
Substrobes are designed and built in the USA by Ikelite to suit both the professional
and the amateur photographer.
DDSS112255 SSUUBBSSTTRROOBBEE ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Ikelite DS125 strobe combines high intensity output and wide coverage angle
in a compact, versatile design. This strobe features 110 watt-sec. intensity and covers
a full 100° using the diffuser. Special soft-lite reflector provides rich reds, oranges, and
warmer flesh tones.
The Ikelite DS125 strobe is preflash compatible and operates with both traditional
film cameras and digital still cameras. Multiple firing modes are featured, including
TTL/Auto exposure. Add the optional Ikelite DS Sensor #4100.5 for wireless TTL/Auto
slave capability with select cameras or the Ikelite EV-Controller #4100.6 for 10-manual
power settings.
The DS125 electronics are safely sealed separately from the battery pack. The
industrial grade NiMH batteries recycle in an incredible 1.0 seconds and the NiMH pack
is easily interchangeable with a spare unit. When in the “
TTEESSTT
” position the fuel gauge
references the remaining battery capacity. Aim the DS125 and illuminate your subject's
colors with the built-in modeling light / night diving light.
OOVVEERRVVIIEEWW OOFF DDSS112255 FFEEAATTUURREESS ____________________________________________________________________________
• Separate power and firing mode switches.
• Interchangeable battery pack features industrial grade NiMH batteries.
• LED fuel gauge approximates the remaining battery capacity.
• Visual ready light indicates when strobe has recycled.
• Female Ikelite bulkhead connector accepts different camera sync cords, the Ikelite
DS Sensor #4100.5 or EV-Controller #4100.6.
• Exposure guide label references recommended exposure settings.
• Separate diffuser provides softer lighting and wider coverage angle.
• Strobe mount accommodates most Ikelite arm systems.
BBEECCOOMMIINNGG FFAAMMIILLIIAARR ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Before using the Ikelite Substrobe, please read this owners manual thoroughly and
retain for future reference. We recommend that you become familiar with the features
and functions of the Ikelite Substrobe before trying the camera and strobe in the water.
And if you have not done so, we suggest reading your camera owner's manual.
The DS125 features separate switches for power on/off and firing modes. The arrow
on the switch points to the selected position.
OONN//OOFFFF SSWWIITTCCHH ________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OOFFFF::
The horizontal switch position is OFF. The adjacent tab locks the switch in the
OFF position. To unlock, slide the tab away from the switch. Always turn the Substrobe
OFF before opening the strobe.
OONN::
There are two ON positions. Rotating the switch clockwise to the first ON
position turns on the power to the Substrobe. Further rotation of the switch clockwise to
the second ON position turns on both the power to the Substrobe and the modeling light.
TTEESSTT::
Occasionally check the battery capacity by rotating the switch counterclockwise to the TEST battery position and referencing the fuel gauge on the side of the
strobe. The TEST battery position also turns ON the modeling light as a reminder that
the switch is in the TEST position.
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OPEN
RCD
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PL
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S.
A
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LO
C
K
OPENING THE LITE
Pull Out
Flip Up Rotate
SSWWIITTCCHHEESS // FFUUEELL GGAAUUGGE
E
FFUUEELL GGAAUUGGEE________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
When the switch is rotated to the TEST position, the fuel gauge on the side of the
strobe will display 0, 1, 2, or 3 red LED lights indicating the remaining charge in the
battery pack (see below). A fully charged NiMH pack will provide at least 250 full power
flashes and all 3 LED's should light. When no LED's are illuminated, then the battery
capacity is low and you may have less than 36 full power flashes remaining. For general
guidelines, refer to the following list:
• 3 LED’s - above 75%
• 2 LED’s - above 50%
• 1 LED - above 25%
• No LED - less then 25%
CCOONNFFIIDDEENNCCEE SSIIGGNNAALL ________________________________________________________________________________________________
The DS125 strobe features a confidence signal indicator light that will glow if the
strobe properly exposes the picture. The #3 LED on the fuel gauge will glow GREEN for
three seconds if the DS125 strobe quenches, indicating that the strobe has provided
proper exposure. This green confidence light illuminates only in the TTL exposure mode.
FFIIRRIINNGG MMOODDEE SSWWIITTCCHH______________________________________________________________________________________________
Multiple firing modes are featured: TTL/Auto and four manual power settings:
Full, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8.
TTTTLL//AAuuttoo
-
Thru-The-Lens/Auto Exposure:
The camera automatically signals the
strobe to turn off when the exposure is correct. The camera must feature compatible
TTL/Auto exposure to utilize this mode on the DS125 when connected directly to the
camera. (See “Compatible Cameras” and “TTL/Auto Exposure” sections). The TTL/Auto
firing mode MUST be selected when connecting the optional DS Sensor #4100.5 or
FFuullll
-
Full Power Manual Exposure:
EV-Controller #4100.6.
must select the correct exposure manually. Set the camera aperture based on the subject
The strobe fires at full power each time. You
distance (see "Exposure Guide" section).
11//22,, 11//44,, 11//88
manually balance the strobe output for available light. Select 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8 power
when the strobe-to-subject distance is fixed and the manual full power setting would
-
Manual Exposure Modes:
Select the appropriate power setting to
over-expose with the camera aperture you have selected. The difference between
ppoowweerr sseettttiinngg
is one full f-stop; moving from Full power to 1/2 power decreases the light
output by one full f–stop. Changing the power setting does not alter the coverage angle.
eeaacchh
OOPPEENNIINNGG AANNDD CCLLOOSSIINNG
G
55
66
D
S125
Modeling
Light
Flash
Tube
Flash
Diffuser
Protruding
Ear
Holes
for Lanyard
Tab
Cut-out
Hole for
Diffuser
Lanyard
DS125
Electrical
Pins
Bulb Holder Stem
(unscrew to remove)
OOPPEENNIINNGG AANNDD CCLLOOSSIINNG
G
Always turn the Substrobe OFF before opening the strobe.
OOPPEENNIINNGG TTHHEE SSTTRROOBBEE ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Turn the strobe OFF, and place the strobe face down on a flat surface.
Slide the locking lever out by either grasping the sides of the lever and pulling it out
OR use your thumb to apply slight pressure to the top of the lever and slide it out.
Flip the lever up and then rotate the lever counter-clockwise 90°. The internal
spring automatically pushes open the strobe. Lift the rear section off of the strobe front.
The rear section is the NiMH battery pack for the strobe.
The rear NiMH pack does NOT remain waterproof when removed from the strobe.
Therefore, we suggest keeping the open portion of the NiMH pack pointed down while
removing to eliminate the possibility of water droplets falling inside. The NiMH batteries
remain permanently secured inside the pack.
The front section of the DS125, which houses the main electronics, is safely sealed
separately from the NiMH pack. The front section will remain waterproof when the
NiMH pack is removed. However, avoid salt-water contact with the battery pins.
Damage/corrosion can cause short circuiting.
NiMH pack. We suggest storage of your strobe with the locking lever OPEN to allow
any hydrogen/air mixture
to escape.
DDOO NNOOTT
disassemble the strobe or the
OO--RRIINNGG __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The o-ring is located on the inside rim of the NiMH pack. Keep the o-ring and the
sealing surfaces clean.
lubricate the o-ring. Never use spray lubricant because it may crack the plastic.
RREECCHHAARRGGEE TTHHEE BBAATTTTEERRIIEESS ____________________________________________________________________________________
See "NiMH Pack" section for recharging information.
DDOO NNOOTT
stretch the o-ring when cleaning. It is not necessary to
MMOODDEELLIINNGG LLIIGGHHT
T
CCLLOOSSIINNGG TTHHEE SSTTRROOBBEE ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Make sure the power switch has been rotated to the off position.
Place the front of the strobe face down on a flat surface. Check that the o-ring and
sealing surfaces are clean; make sure the o-ring is positioned properly inside the rim of
the NiMH pack. Place the locking lever in the open position (slide the lever out, flip the
lever up, and rotate the lever counterclockwise).
Align the front and rear sections of the strobe. Lower the NiMH pack onto the front
section of the strobe. Proper alignment of the two sections is extremely important to
avoid possible damage to the internal components.
To seal the strobe, simply press down slightly on the rear of the NiMH pack and
rotate the lever clockwise. Flip the lever down and then slide the lever in to the locked
position to properly seal the strobe.
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88
DS125
Charger
Socket
O'Ring
Electrical
Receptors
MMOODDEELLIINNGG LLIIGGHHT
T
NNiiMMHH BBAATTTTEERRYY PPAACCKK ##44006666..5
5
The modeling light is located in the center of the strobe front; it is ideal as an
aiming light and night diving light. The second ON position turns on both the power
to the Substrobe and the modeling light. Note that the TEST battery position also turns
ON the modeling light as a reminder that the switch is in the TEST position.
It is normal for the modeling light to flicker every few seconds as the strobe
capacitors recharge. The momentary power drain on the batteries causes the flickering
as the strobe recycles.
BBUULLBB ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The bright 7.2V krypton modeling light bulb #0042.34 draws the equivalent of
under 50 full power flashes per hour.
CCHHAANNGGIINNGG TTHHEE BBUULLBB ______________________________________________________________________________________________
The modeling light bulb is accessed from inside the front section of the strobe. Turn
the strobe off and remove the NiMH pack. Then unscrew the long stem securing the
bulb holder to the rear of the front section, and lift out the bulb holder. Tip the front of
the strobe up and the modeling light bulb will drop out of the strobe.
The o-ring on the bulb holder provides a waterproof seal for the front section. Keep
the o-ring clean. Use only enough lubricant to lightly cover the exposed portion of the
o-ring; wipe off any excess with a clean cloth.
To install the new modeling light bulb, tip the front of the strobe down and
carefully drop the bulb down into the center opening at the rear of the front section.
The bulb will drop into the reflector opening in the strobe. Then replace the bulb holder
in the front section and tighten to secure.
Rechargeable NiMH battery pack #4066.5 is compatible only with Ikelite's DS125
strobe. It is the only battery pack usable in the DS125. The rear section of the strobe
is the NiMH battery pack for the strobe. Additional NiMH packs (rear sections)
#4066.5 are available.
A fully charged NiMH pack provides at least
sub-C-cell industrial grade NiMH batteries (1.8Ah rating).
The NiMH pack does NOT remain waterproof when removed from the strobe.
Therefore, we suggest keeping the open portion of the NiMH pack pointed down
while removing to eliminate the possibility of water droplets falling inside. The NiMH
batteries remain permanently secured inside the pack.
NiMH pack or charger.
225500 ffuullll ppoowweerr ffllaasshheess
DDOO NNOOT
. It consists of six
T
disassemble the
CCHHAARRGGIINNGG TTHHEE NNiiMMHH PPAACCKK ____________________________________________________________________________________
Recharge the NiMH pack after each use.
shortens the battery life. Definitely recharge the NiMHs if the modeling light dims or if the
recycle time exceeds 8-10 seconds; batteries are nearly depleted. Store the NiMH pack fully
charged and recharge the pack for a few hours each month. In our application, the NiMHs
should NOT develop a memory. Fully discharging the NiMHs or allowing the NiMHs to
completely lose a charge does far more damage than any risk of NiMH memory.
DDOO NNOOTT
fully discharge NiMHs as this
AAIIMMIINNGG TTHHEE SSTTRROOBBEE ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Use the modeling light to aim the strobe. Look thru the camera's viewfinder, and
aim the strobe so that the modeling light shines in the center of your picture area. If
your subject distance greatly changes, you should recheck the positioning of the strobe.
When using auto-focus cameras, the modeling light may be required in low light
levels to illuminate your subject to allow the camera to auto focus.
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