DIGITAL T TL MACRO FLASH
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Type C / N
Nissi n Jap an Lt d. , Tok yo
http: //www. nis si n-jap an.co m
Nissi n Mar ke tin g Ltd., Hong Kong
http: //www. nis si ndigi tal.c om
Design and Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
MF0611 REV. 1.2
Thank you for purchasing a Nissin product
Before using this flash unit, please read this instruction manual and refer
your camera owner’s manual carefully to get a better understanding of
proper operation to enjoy flash photography.
Nissin Macro Flash MF18 is a flash system for taking close-up photos of small
subjects using a flash to eliminate shadows, allowing you to enjoy photography.
This instruction manual is intended mainly for Canon or Nikon digital SLR, with
the latest TTL flash control system, and features Nissin’s original rotating color
display, easily guiding its operations.
It works automatically with Canon ETTL / ETTL II or Nikon i-TTL auto-flash
systems. The provided adapter rings make it available for use with different
lens. Please note that MF18 is not usable with other branded cameras for TTL
operation.
UNIQUE FUNCTION
A
B
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SIMPLE OPERATION
When attaching MF18 to the camera, the basic flash exposure operation is fully
controlled by the camera. It is the same idea as when you use the built-in
camera flash, but it is placed on the hotshoe of the camera instead of using the
built-in flash.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
MF18 provides advanced flash functions including 1st curtain synchronization,
Rear curtain synchronization and High speed shutter synchronization are
supported.
Compatible cameras
Please refer Nissin’s compatibility chart shown in its home page for details.
http://www.nissin-japan.com or http://www.nissindigital.com/download.html
The color display automatically rotates to allow
for easy operation in both the horizontal and
vertical positions.
1
m
2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
These safety instructions refer to important information on how to use this
product safely and properly. Please read the following instructions before using
the product.
WARNING
This sign refers the danger or serious damage.
The flash unit contains high voltage electric parts. Do not try to open or repair the flash unit. Return it back
to the repair service station or the store you bought it from.
Do not touch the inside parts from the opening when the unit was dropped or broken.
Do not shoot the flash directly to the eye at short distance. It may damage the eye.
When taking a flash picture, especially toward a baby, it is recommended to keep the flash unit at least 1
meter (3.3feet) away from the subject. Or use diffuser or bounce the light to the ceiling or to the wall to
soften its intensity.
Do not place the flash unit near any flammable gas, chemical or such liquids. It may cause fire or electric
shock.
Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands or use in the water. The flash unit carries high voltage inside and
it may cause an electric shock.
Do not shoot the flash unit directly at the driver of automobiles or such vehicles.
Do not set the flash window close to the human body and shoot, which may get burned.
Place the batteries correctly in position. Placing the batteries in wrong polarity may cause leakage,
exothermic heat or explosion.
CAUTIONS
This sign refers the damage or defect.
Do not leave or store the flash unit in the temperature over 40ºC, such as in the automobile.
The flash unit is not water resistance. Keep the unit away from rain, snow and humidity.
Do not use benzene, thinner or other alcoholic agents to clean the unit.
Do not use this flash unit with the cameras which are not recommended in compatibility list at official
website, otherwise it may damage the camera’s circuitry.
Remove the batteries when not in use for a longer period of time.
Do not have a heavy impact to the flash unit, nor throw it onto a hard surface floor.
When using the external power pack, read the safety instructions carefully and follow the operation manual.
3
Nomenclature
Lock ring
Foot lock pin
Hotshoe contacts
Release button
Mounting tabs
Expansion button
Release button
Adapter Rings x 6
52 / 58 / 62 / 67 / 72 / 77 mm
*49 / 55 / 82 mm (optional for purchase)
A
X-terminal
USB service port
External service box
B
Power Pack socket
Extra battery magazine
(optional for purchase)
LED lamp (4x)
Flash tube
Display screen
Set button
Pilot button
Select button
On/Off switch / Lock button
Select button
Battery magazine
4
MENU SCREEN FOR MAIN MODES
MF18 Flash Modes and Functions - to be set on the flash unit.
…
Full Automatic Mode
…
TTL Program Mode
…
Wireless Mode (Master)
m
…
Fine Macro Mode
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Full Automatic Mode
Flash light is fully controlled by the camera for the most proper exposure.
TTL Program Mode
Flash light is automatically controlled by the camera but the flash exposure
value can be compensated.
Wireless Mode (Master)
Master Mode - Selecting the desired manual power on the ring flash
(Group A and B) and controlling the slave flashes (Group A or C).
Fine Macro Mode
m
Setting the flash power from 1/128 to 1/1024 with 1/6 Ev steps.
…
Manual Mode
…
Custom Setting Mode
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page 15
page 18
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS
For Canon: Functions by Flash setting
FE. Lock
FE.
Flash exposure can be locked at the main subject while moving the framing.
Lock
1st curtain synchronization
The flash fires immediately after the first curtain has fully opened.
High speed shutter synchronization
Flash synchronizes to the faster shutter speed than regular synchronization speed.
Rear curtain synchronization
The flash fires just before the rear curtain closes. A moving subject will appear with
such moving marks behind.
For Nikon: Functions by Camera setting
Fv. Lock
Fv.
Flash exposure can be locked at the main subject while moving the framing.
Lock
1st curtain synchronization
The flash fires immediately after the first curtain has fully opened.
High speed shutter synchronization (FP)
Flash synchronizes to the faster shutter speed than regular synchronization speed.
Rear curtain synchronization
The flash fires just before the rear curtain closes. A moving subject will appear with
such moving marks behind.
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Manual Flash Mode
Setting the flash power from 1/1 (Full) to 1/64 with 1/3 Ev steps.
Custom Setting Mode
Variety of custom settings is available for own default value.
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6
BASIC OPERATION
Mounting MF18 on the Camera
Inserting batteries
Usable batteries - Alkaline batteries, Lithium batteries, NiMH batteries.
1.
Remove the battery magazine and insert
4 x size AA batteries as shown in the
picture.
2.
The battery magazine is specially
designed so that every battery is placed in
the same direction to avoid the confusion
in poor light condition.
+/- symbol is clearly marked at the battery
3.
compartment.
x 4
Place the battery magazine back into the
4.
body.
When the recycle time becomes longer
than 20 seconds, replace the batteries
with fresh ones or recharge the batteries
(rechargeable batteries).
!
NOTE
It is recommended to use all 4 batteries in same brand and type, and
replace them all at the same time.
Wrong insertion of each cell would not make electric contact.
Turn off the power switch of both MF18
1.
and the camera
2.
Loosen the lock ring of MF18 so the
hotshoe mounts easily.
Slide the mounting foot of MF18 into the
3.
hotshoe of the camera from the back.
Turn the lock ring to opposite direction
4.
and tighten it.
Screw the adapter ring that is the same
5.
size as the lens onto the front thread of
the lens.
Attach the flash head to the adapter.
6.
Press the release buttons on top and
bottom of the flash head to insert the four
mounting tabs on the inside of the flash
head correctly into the groove on the
adapter ring.
After the flash head is attached, pull it
7.
lightly to make sure the tabs are inserted
into the groove correctly.
7 8
Expansion of the Flash Head
After the flash head has been attached, should you experience vignetting due
to the flash covering a part of the lens, it is recommended that the flash ring
be expanded to its wide position. This should eliminate the dark corners on
the image. (It is also depending on the angle of view).
Remark: This Macro flash is preferable to apply on macro lens. For zoom lens, please adjust the
suitable position to prevent the dark corners.
Press the expansion buttons on the sides
1.
of flash head.
2.
The flash head is expanded. It is possible
to expand one side if necessary.
3.
To close the expansion, push it lightly
back to the original position.
Modeling LED lamps function
The modeling LED lamps with light ratio control, makes it easy to focus on
the shooting subject. The brightness reflects flash power ratio setting of side
A and B; therefore, the desired effect can be previewed.
To switch on the modeling LED lamps,
1.
press set for 2 seconds.
2.
The LED lamps switch off temporarily
Set
when the flash fires, then switch on again
for the next shoot. The icon ( ) is
indicated on the screen.
3.
To switch off the modeling LED lamps,
press set for 2 seconds.
Set
MF 18 has energy saving double power off function.
1.
Removing MF18 from the Camera
Loosen the lock ring and slide the mounting foot of MF18 off the hotshoe of
the camera. Make sure to turn the lock ring all the way to completely clear
the lock pin off the hooking slot on the hotshoe. Press the release button on
the flash head and remove. Screw the adapter ring off the front thread of the
lens.
Turn on the flash unit
Press the on/off switch. Main screen appears.
The pilot lamp blinks red showing the unit is charging.
In a few seconds, the pilot lamp turns green.
The display screen automatically turns off in about 30 seconds after the
setting job is terminated.
For a test-flash, press the pilot lamp.
To turn off the flash unit manually, press the on/off switch and hold it for 2
9 10
seconds.
The power is automatically turned off (to stand-by mode), in about 30
seconds of idle use on the camera or after the last setting is made. To
save the battery energy, you can select the display-off setting from the
custom setting. In this case, the display screen turns off in about 8
seconds of idle use.
While MF18 is in the stand-by mode, display screen turns off and the
pilot lamp blinks every 2 seconds showing the flash unit is in stand-by
mode.
To turn on MF18 again, press the camera’s shutter button halfway or
press any button of the flash unit.
2.
In case the MF18 is not in use over 30 minutes, the unit is completely
turned off. To turn on MF18 again, take the first step of turning the flash
unit on.
The mode and the value set on the flash unit before turning off is
memorized and returns in the same condition when switched on again.
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