Regardless if you chose a new flash or a new light shaping tool, know
that almost half a century’s worth of experience was put into its making.
If the years have taught us one thing, it is to never neglect a single
detail. We only put our name on a product in which we have the fullest
confidence. Before shipping, every one of our products passes an
extensive and strict testing program. Unless it complies with the
specified performance, quality and safety, it is a no-go.
As a result, we are confident that your new Profoto product will stay
with you for years and help you grow as a photographer. But getting the
product is only the beginning of that journey. Using it for light shaping is
the real adventure. That is why we take pride in providing you with such
a wide assortment of light shaping tools, allowing you to shape the light
in any way you can imagine.
The almost infinite possibilities might seem bewildering at first, but
we’re certain you will soon get the hang of it.
Still, I encourage you to sign up for our newsletter at www.profoto.
com/newsletter or visit our blog at www.profoto.com/blog so that we
can share our experience from almost 50 years of light shaping and
hopefully inspire you to grow even further. Enjoy your Profoto product!
Conny Dufgran, founder
B1X
3
www.profoto.com
Page 4
General safety instructions
B1X
4
Safety Precautions!
Do not operate the equipment before studying the instruction manual and the accompanying safety. Make
sure that Profoto Safety Instructions is always accompanied the equipment! Profoto products are intended
for professional use! Generator, lamp heads and accessories are only intended for indoor photographic use.
Do not place or use the equipment where it can be exposed to moisture, extreme electromagnetic fields or
in areas with flammable gases or dust! Do not expose the equipment to dripping or splashing. Do not place
any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on or near the equipment. Do not expose the equipment to
hasty temperature changes in humid conditions as this could lead to condensation water in the unit. Do
not connect this equipment to flash equipment from other brands. Do not use flash heads without supplied
protective glass covers or protective grids. Glass covers shall be changed if it has become visibly damaged
to such an extent that their effectiveness is impaired, for example by cracks or deep scratches. Lamps shall
be changed if they are damaged or thermally deformed. When placing a lamp into the holder ensure not to
touch the bulb with bare hands. Equipment must only be serviced, modified or repaired by authorized and
competent service personnel! Warning - The terminals marked with the flash symbol are hazardous live.
WARNING – Electrical Shock – High Voltage!
Mains powered generator shall always be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection! Only use Profoto extension cables! Do not open or disassemble generator or
lamp head! Equipment operates with high voltage. Generator capacitors are electrically charged for
a considerable time after being turned off. Do not touch modeling lamp or flash tube when mounting
umbrella metal shaft in its reflector hole. Disconnect lamp head cable between generator and lamp
head when changing modeling lamp or flash tube! The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as
disconnect device. The disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Batteries (battery pack or
batteries installed) shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Caution – Burn Hazard – Hot Parts!
Do not touch hot parts with bare fingers! Modeling lamps, flash tubes and certain metal parts emit
strong heat when used! Do not point modeling lamps or flash tubes too close to persons. All lamps may
on rare occasions explode and throw out hot particles! Make sure that rated voltage for modeling lamp
corresponds with technical data of user guide regarding power supply!
NOTICE – Equipment Overheating Risk
Remove transport cap from lamp head before use! Do not obstruct ventilation by placing filters,
diffusing materials, etc. over inlets and outlets of the equipment ventilation or directly over glass cover,
modeling lamp or flash tube!
Note about RF!
This equipment makes use of the radio spectrum and emits radio frequency energy. Proper care
should be taken when the device is integrated in systems. Make sure that all specifications within this
document are followed, especially those concerning operating temperature and supply voltage range.
Make sure the device is operated according to local regulations. The frequency spectrum this device
is using is shared with other users. Interference can not be ruled out.
Final Disposal
Equipment contains electrical and electronic components that could be harmful to the environment.
Equipment may be returned to Profoto distributors free of charge for recycling according to WEEE.
Follow local legal requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical
and electronic equipment on the European market, when product life has ended!
www.profoto.com
Page 5
Table of Contents
General safety instructions .............................................................................................4
Technical data ...................................................................................................................22
B1X
5
www.profoto.com
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B1X
6
www.profoto.com
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Nomenclature
7
B1X
8
9
1
1. Handle
2. Tilt-lock knob
3. Stand adapter
4. Clamp screw
5. Reflector and Front glass
6
2
3
4
6. Zoom scale
7. Umbrella holder
8. Battery
9. Battery release button
5
7
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Page 8
B1X
10
8
10. USB port
11. Sync connector
13. LCD display
14. MODEL button
15. TEST button
www.profoto.com
11
12
12. IR-Slave eye
13
14
15
16
18
17
16. ENERGY/SETTINGS dial
17. READY button
18. SYNC button
Page 9
AIR
SLAVE
SYNC
BEEP
DIM
READY
%
FREE
PROP
MODEL
AUTO
FREEZE
!
2324
B1X
25
26
19. Modeling light setting
20. Ready signal setting
21. Sync/Air setting
22. Battery level indicator
27. Battery charger
28. Case (Bag XS)
22
9
192021
23. Light output setting
24. Freeze mode indicator
25. Temperature limit indicator
26. Automatic flash exposure
(TTL) indicator
27
28
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Page 10
Operation
B1X
Quick guide
For detailed operating instructions, see subsequent sections.
1. Charge the battery (see page 17).
2. Mount the battery (see page 17).
3. Remove the transport cap from the Reflector/Front glass [5].
4. Fit the Stand adapter [3] to a light stand and secure it with the
10
Clamp screw [4] (see page 18).
5. Adjust the tilt position of the flash by loosening the Tilt-lock knob
[2] (see page 18).
6. Switch on the unit by pressing and holding the TEST button [15]
(see page 11).
7. Select Freeze/Normal mode by pressing and holding the
ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] and then shortly pressing the TEST
button [15] (see page 11).
8. Select flash light output with ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] (see
page 12).
9. Release a test flash by pressing the TEST button [15].
10. Select Sync setting [21] with the SYNC button [18] (see page 13).
11. Select Modeling light setting [19] with the MODEL button [14] (see
page 15).
12. Select Ready signal setting [20] with the READY button [17] (see
page 15).
13. Mount Light Shaping Tools (see page 18).
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Page 11
Power on/off
1. To switch on the unit, press and hold down the TEST button [15]
until the Display [13] shows the settings information.
2. To switch off the unit, press and hold down the TEST button [15]
until the Display [13] is all black.
When the B1X is switched off, the current settings are stored and will
apply when the flash is switched back on again.
Note:
The B1X automatically turns into sleep after 30 minutes and shuts off completely after 60 minutes of inactivity
to save battery life. The auto power off after 60 minutes can be deactivated from any of the optional Air Remote
controls by pressing “HEAD” on remote. This will set the B1X into a deep sleep mode that will continue until the
battery is drained or until the B1X in reactivated by pressing “HEAD” on remote or by pressing any button on
the B1X.
The option to deactivate auto power off can be very useful if the lights need to be set up prior to a shoot in a place
where they later cannot be reached. Note that a fully charged battery will will drain in approximately 50 hours in
deep sleep mode (measured in room temperature).
Normal vs. Freeze
The B1X can operate in two modes to maximize the versatility in
different shooting situations.
• Normal mode: Optimized color temperature stability over the
entire energy range. Best option for most types of shots.
• Freeze mode: Optimized for shortest flash duration. Best option for
shots where the flash is used to freeze fast action.
Switch between Normal/Freeze mode by pressing and holding the
ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] and then shortly pressing the TEST
button [15]. When Freeze mode is selected, the Freeze mode indicator
[24] is shown on the Display [13].
B1X
11
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Page 12
See below overview of flash duration in Normal vs. Freeze mode.
B1X
Energy
(scale)
Energy
(Ws)
Flash duration
Normal mode
t0.1 (s)t0.5 (s)t0.1 (s)t0.5 (s)
Flash duration
Freeze mode
10.05001/4001/1,0001/4001/1,000
9.02501/6001/1,5001/1,2001/2,000
12
8.01251/8001/2,0001/2,1001/3,000
7.062.51/1,3001/2,5001/3,1001/4,500
6.031.81/1,8001/3,0001/4,0001/6,000
5.015.91/2,4001/4,0001/5,0001/8,000
4.081/3,3001/6,0001/5,9001/12,000
3.041/4,2001/8,5001/6,7001/16,000
2.021/6,0001/11,000 1/8,0001/19,000
Change light output (Energy)
The light output of the flash light is shown on the Display [13] in a relative
f-stop scale. The maximum energy (500Ws) is shown as 10.
Use the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] to change the energy level of
the flash light:
• Turn the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] to change the energy level
in 1/10 f-stop increments.
• Press and turn the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] to change the
energy level in 1 f-stop increments.
The TEST button [15] is illuminated when the unit is fully charged and
ready to flash.
Press the TEST button [15] to release a test flash.
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Page 13
Select Sync setting
The current sync setting is shown in the Sync/Air setting section [21]
on the Display [13]:
Wireless sync settings:
• AIR: The built-in Profoto Air receiver is activated. The B1X is set to
be triggered and/or controlled from any of the optional Profoto Air
transceivers offered by Profoto.
• SLAVE: The built-in IR-Slave eye [12] is activated. The flash will
slave sync if another flash is fired or an IR signal is detected.
Cable sync only:
• Blank: When the Sync setting shows blank, the B1X can only be
synced with cable.
Activate/deactivate the wireless sync settings by briefly pressing the
SYNC button [18]. To toggle between the wireless sync options, press
and hold the SYNC button [18].
Air (and TTL) operation
When ‘AIR’ is selected in the Sync/Air setting section [21] on the Display
[13], the B1X is set to be triggered and/or controlled from any of the
optional Profoto Air transceivers offered by Profoto. The B1X supports
all available Air accessories offered by Profoto including those listed
in the table below.
1. Activate Air by following the instructions to Select Sync Setting.
2. When Air is activated, press and hold down the SYNC button [18]
until the channel and group setting in the Sync/Air setting section
[21] is blinking and then release the button.
3. Press and turn the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] to change the
channel.
4. Turn the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] to change the group.
Note:
There are eight different channels (1-8) that can be set, and each channel has 6 groups (A-F). All lights set to the
same channel will be synced together. Groups are used to remotely control individual lights or groups of lights on
the same channel when a set-up is made with more than one light.
B1X
13
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Page 14
Air Accessories compatible with B1X (For detailed operation
B1X
instructions refer to user guide of respective accessory).
Optional
Profoto Air
Usable features in combination with B1X
500 AirTTL
accessories
Flash
14
sync
Remote
control
TTL
(Automatic
flash setting)
HSS (High
Speed
Sync)
Air Remote TTL*XXXX
Air Remote*XX
Air Sync*X
Air USB**X
*Optional Camera mounted transmitters. Check Profoto.com for TTL supported cameras.
** Dongle for using Profoto Air Studio Software
Slave Sync operation
When ‘Slave’ is shown in the Sync/Air setting section [21] on the
Display [13], the B1X unit senses the flash release, as well as IR signals
from most IR sync transmitters.
1. If the Sync/Air setting section [21] is blank, press the SYNC button
[18] once to activate wireless sync. ‘AIR’ or ‘Slave’ is now displayed.
2. Ensure that ‘Slave’ is displayed. If not, press and hold the SYNC
button [18] until ‘Slave’ is displayed.
Cable Sync operation
Sync via cable is possible in all sync modes. Connect a sync cable from
the camera or flash meter to the Sync Connector [11] on the B1X unit.
www.profoto.com
Page 15
Modeling light settings
The current setting is shown in the Modeling light setting section [19]
on the Display [13].
1. Press the MODEL button [14] to turn the modeling light on or off.
2. With the modeling light on, press and hold down the MODEL
button [14] to toggle between ‘PROP’ and ‘FREE’:
• PROP: The modeling light intensity is automatically adjusted
to be proportional to the selected energy level of the flash light.
• FREE: The modeling light intensity is manually set,
independent from the energy level of the flash light.
3. If ‘FREE’ is selected: With the modeling light on, press and hold
down the MODEL button [14] until the percentage value is blinking.
Turn the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] to change the percentage
value. After a few seconds, the display will stop blinking and the
new value will be set.
Note:
When dimmed the LED modeling light is pulsing and this may trigger some lightmeters. The recommendation is
to turn the modeling light to full power or to turn it off when a lightmeter is used.
Ready signal settings
The current setting is shown in the Ready signal setting section [20]
on the Display [13]:
• BEEP: The unit beeps when it is ready to flash again.
• DIM: The modeling light is turned off after flashing, and is turned
on when it is ready to flash again.
• DIM BEEP: The modeling light is turned off after flashing. The unit
beeps and the modeling light is turned on when it is ready to flash
again.
• Blank: No ready signal.
B1X
15
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Page 16
Use the READY button [17] to select the Ready signal setting:
B1X
• Press the READY button [17] to turn ‘BEEP’ on or off.
• Press and hold down the READY button [17] to turn ‘DIM’ on or off.
Wrong exposure alarm
When a flash is released before the unit is ready, there will be a long
beep and the display will blink. These signals indicate that the flash light
does not fully correspond to the set value. The B1X will always continue
to flash even if the set light output cannot be met as the image may still
be usable if the catch of the moment was perfect.
16
The sound alarm is partially deactivated when BEEP is deactivated. If
BEEP is deactivated the sound alarm will only go off if B1X is used in TTL
operation and cannot keep up with the camera in sequence shooting.
Quick burst
Quick burst is an automatically activated function that allows a series
(burst) of flashes to be fired at a faster pace than the B1X can recharge,
without losing light output. The function is only active when the light
output is set to less than full. The length of the burst, in number of
flashes, depends on the repetition rate and the set light output. The
lower the light output is set, the longer bursts can be triggered. Thanks
to this feature, the B1X can trigger up to 20 flashes per second on lower
power output without triggering the “Wrong exposure alarm”. Note that
the accuracy of the light output is slightly less precise when Quick burst
is active.
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Page 17
Handling
Battery mounting
1. To mount the battery, fit the battery pack into the B1X unit and push
firmly until the battery pack locks in place. Make sure there is a
“click” sound, indicating that the battery pack is properly secured.
2. To dismount the battery, first switch off the B1X unit. Press the
Battery release button [9] and pull out the battery pack.
Note!
To prevent damage to battery and/or the B1X housing it is recommended to always remove the battery during
transport. Transport damages are not covered by Profoto warranty.
Battery charging and maintanence
For optimal performance, the battery should be fully charged prior to
usage. The battery can be charged from any charge level. Only use the
Profoto Battery Charger 2.8A, Profoto Battery Charger 4.5A, or Profoto
Car Charger 1.8A.
If the battery is to be stored for a longer period it should be charged
half-full before storing. Never store an empty battery for a longer period
as it may go into a deep discharge state that can damage the cells.
After storing a battery for more than 6 months without using, it is highly
recommended to check the charge level on the battery. If less than
2 of the built-in battery level indicators lights up, the battery should
again be charged to half full before further storage. Always use Profoto
Battery Chargers 2.8A or 4.5A to charge an empty battery that hasn´t
been used for a longer period. The Car Charger 1.8A should not be used
in this case.
1. Dismount the battery.
2. Connect the battery charger to the battery pack.
3. Check that the battery charger indicates that charging is in
progress.
4. When the battery charger indicates that the charging is completed,
it is recommended to disconnect the battery charger and remove
the battery from the charger.
B1X
17
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Page 18
Stand mounting
B1X
1. Fit the Stand adapter [3] to a light stand and secure it with the
Clamp screw [4].
2. The B1X unit can be directed upwards/downwards when the Tiltlock knob [2] is loosened. Fasten the Tilt-lock knob [2] when the
unit is correctly directed.
Mounting Profoto Light Shaping Tools
The B1X’s built-in reflector creates a wide and even light spread with a
18
high output. In addition, the B1X is compatible with more than 120 light
shaping tools, which can be used to shape its already beautiful light
into almost any light you can imagine.
All tools with standard reflector mount (rubber collar with
clasp)
Most reflectors are equipped with Profoto’s unique clamp mechanism,
which makes them easy to mount and allows you to shape the light by
simply sliding the reflector back and forth along the zoom scale [6].
1. Unlock the clasp on the reflector.
2. Slide the reflector onto the B1X. Use the zoom scale [6] to place the
reflector in the desired position.
3. Secure by locking the clasp on the reflector.
Umbrella mounting
Umbrellas are easily mounted by sliding the umbrella shaft into the
Umbrella holder [7]. The umbrella shaft diameter must be between 7
mm and 8 mm in order to fit. When an umbrella is used, it is not possible
to mount an external reflector at the same time.
1. Slide the umbrella shaft into the Umbrella holder [7].
2. After a few centimeters, there will be more friction, then continue to
slide the umbrella shaft a few more centimeters into the Umbrella
holder [7].
www.profoto.com
Page 19
Replacing the Front glass
The Front glass [5] can be replaced with an optional front glass or a
glass dome. The optional dome enhances the “zoom effect” slightly
when using any of the classic Profoto “zoomable” reflectors. The dome
is however not recommended for any of the Profoto OCF light shaping
tools including the OCF Zoom and OCF Magnum reflectors.
1. Switch off the B1X and remove the battery.
2. Wait five minutes to allow the unit to be fully discharged and cooled
down.
3. Gently remove the Front glass [5] by pushing the springs holding
the glass gently to the sides.
4. Carefully fit the front glass/glass dome in place. Make sure that all
springs holding the glass are back in position and securely holding
the front glass/glass dome.
Changing flash tube and Model Light LED
For replacement of the modeling light LED or Model Light LED, contact
your local dealer or distributor for professional service.
B1X
19
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Page 20
Other
B1X
TTL
Profoto B1X supports TTL when used with any of the optional Air
Remote TTL. With a TTL remote mounted in the camera hotshoe, you
may select to let the camera control the flash output fully automatically
without manual metering. Note that TTL is selected/activated on the
remote, not on the flash.
If the camera requires a flash output outside the range of the B1X, the
20
B1X will blink the energy setting on the LCD Display [13] and produce a
long beep to indicate this (it will only beep if the ready signal is turned
on).
The automatic flash exposure indicator [26] ‘AUTO’ is lit every time the
flash output is set automatically by the camera. The indicator is lit for
10-15 seconds after receiving a TTL flash command from the remote.
Important:
Profoto is continuously releasing firmware upgrades to improve and expand TTL compatibility with more camera
brands and the latest camera models. Register your profoto products on profoto.com/myprofoto to get access
to the latest upgrades and to get noticed when new upgrades are available. Find more info on the optional TTL
remotes and a list of compatible cameras on Profoto.com.
HSS
Profoto B1X supports HSS (High-Speed Sync) if used with any of the
optional Air Remote TTL tranceivers. HSS enables shooting with flash
at a faster shutter speed than the fastest external flash sync speed
(x-sync) of the camera. This option can be extremely useful to limit the
influence of ambient light when shooting in bright conditions.
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Page 21
Depending on your camera brand, HSS is either selected on the remote
or in the camera menu, not on the flash. In the LCD Display [13] of the
B1X a “[ ]”symbol will be visible a couple of seconds after every flash
when HSS mode is used.
Note:
* When HSS is activated, the flash will provide a constant light output during the time when the camera shutter is
open. This means that at a constant HSS flash light output, the flash exposure will change if the camera shutter
speed is changed. It also means that the flash duration will be the same as the camera shutter speed, regardless
if Freeze or Normal mode has been selected on the flash.
* Frequent use of HSS will have an impact on the life-time of the B1X flash tube.
Temperature limit indicator
The temperature limit indicator [25] is lit if the B1X has reached a
temperature level that has activated the built-in over-temperature
protection. When this occurs the performance is limited until the
temperature level is back to an acceptable level.
Check Firmware
1. Switch off the B1X.
2. Press and hold the ENERGY/SETTINGS dial [16] and then press
and hold the TEST button [15] until the B1X switches on.
3. The current firmware version is shown on the Display [13] (for
example: A7).
Upgrade Firmware
We highly recommend that you look for firmware upgrades before you
start using your new B1X.
To access the latest free upgrades you create your personal account
on profoto.com/myprofoto. Once you have an account we highly
recommend you to register your products. By registering your product
you are making sure that you will get noticed when a new upgrade for
your product is available.
Upgrade of firmware is made via the USB port [10], following the
instructions provided in the upgrade application downloaded from
profoto.com/myprofoto. You can always contact your local dealer or
distributor for professional service with each upgrade.
B1X
21
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Page 22
Technical data
B1X
General specifications
Max energy500 Ws
Energy range f-stop9 f-stop (2.0-10.0 ; 1/256-1/1)
Energy range Ws2.0-500 Ws
22
Energy control increments1/10 or full f-stops
Recycling time0.1-1.9 s
Modeling light typeLED
Modeling light max output2500 lumens (eqvivalent to a 130W