Quantum Instruments QFX5d-R, QFT5d-R User Manual
Qflash
®
“5d-R” series
Digital Flash
Models QFT5d-R, QFX5d-R
Operating Instructions
Quantum Instruments
Designed and manufactured in the USA
QFT5d-R-- powered by Quantum Turbo® batteries
QFX5d-R-- powered by Quantum Qpaq System
QFT5D INSTRUCTIONS 10/5/06 10:27 AM Page 1
M Open Flash (Test)
■ Option Button
L Down Button
Up Button J
Modeling Light ●
Set Button G
Mode Button I
Flash
Indicator
Reflector Lock
Ring
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Speaker
Flash indicator LEDs
On solid - Flash ready
Blinking - Flash recycling
Front curtain sync
Rear curtain syns
Reflector in normal
Bare bulb reflector
Reflector with diffusing disks,
wide angle dome, or soft box
Telephoto reflector
Auto sensor limit turned off
Flash Display Symbols
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Section Description
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Warnings
3.0 Advanced Features Summary
4.0 Features available with QTTL
(D, Dw, Dw-R series) Adapters
5.0 Getting Started
6.0 Basic Navigation
7.0 Common Features
8.0 Basic Options
9.0 Manual Mode Operation
10.0 Automatic Mode Operation
11.0 TTL and QTTL Mode Operation
12.0 Stroboscopic Mode Operation
13.0 Program Mode Operation
14.0 Wireless Qflash Operation
15.0 Wired Control Mode
16.0 Typical Lighting Situations
Qflash “5d-R” series flashes provide professional quality lighting for both
digital and film cameras. Quantum’s proprietary QTTL
®
Adapters dedicate
Qflash seamlessly to your camera. Many features of Qflash5d-R will
enhance your lighting control when used with non-dedicated/manual
cameras.
While powerful and extremely versatile, Qflash operation is intuitive and
straightforward. Advanced features for most lighting needs are accessible
as required.
We highly recommend reading this entire instruction manual.
Whether or not you require all of Qflash’s capability now, you will
want to know it exists when the need arises.
Series Qflash 5d-R adds wireless preflash TTL and wireless remote auto
to the Qflash features. These features apply when Qflash 5d-R is used in
combination with Dw-R series QTTL Adapters, FreeXWire receivers
FW7Q and FW8R, and transmitter FW9T or transceiver FW10w. If you
own FW10 transceivers, they can be upgraded to become FW10w.
Qflash 5d-R models used with Quantum’s proprietary Dw-R Adapters
allow you to create ratios with multiple remote Qflashes in the wireless
TTL mode. Older D and Dw series Adapters can be upgraded to become
Dw-R adapters.
See www.qtm.com for costs for these upgrades. D, Dw, or Dw-R series
QTTL adapters are optional for specific makes and camera models.
Please consult your dealer or www.qtm.com for the latest availability.
.
1. INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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• Disconnect external power before changing the flash tube, or
connecting or disconnecting to/from cameras, power packs,
or any other equipment.
• OPERATE ONLY WITH A FLASH TUBE IN THE SOCKET!!
• DO NOT TOUCH THE FLASH TUBE SOCKET WITH METAL
OBJECTS!!
• THIS IS A PROFESSIONAL INSTRUMENT. KEEPAWAY
FROM CHILDREN!!
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE FLASH UNIT! DANGEROUS
HIGH VOLTAGE INSIDE!!
• Repairs can be made only by a qualified Quantum service
representative.
2. WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS
The chart below summarizes the advanced features for various Qflash
series. A “U” means the Qflash model will have this feature when upgraded to series 5d-R. An “F” means this feature is available in the model
shown.
Feature Qflash Models (T and X types)
QF4d
QF5d QF5d-R
Wireless Control in Nikon/Canon
systems with Qnexus U U F
Wireless multiple ratio TTL- with
Dw-R Adapters & FreeXWire U U F
Wireless preflash TTL with digital cameras
-using Dw/ Dw-R Adapters and FreeXWire U F F
Wireless remote Auto / Auto Fill mode U F F
Zone control of FW7Q from panel of Qflash U F F
Flash ready indication in camera viewfinder F F F
Shutter speed control
(camera detects flash and sets shutter) F F F
Rear Curtain Sync F F F
Auto focus assist F F F
Auto Fill ratio F F F
3. ADVANCED FEATURES SUMMARY
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4. FEATURES AVAILABLE WITH QTTL
(D, Dw, Dw-R SERIES) ADAPTERS
Quantum’s QTTL®adapters provide a dedicated link between Qflash 5d-R
series and popular digital and film cameras.
Wireless multiple ratio TTL - with Dw-R series Adapters & FreeXWires,
remote Qflashes can be set to ratios of the camera’s TTL metering
system. For example, an on-camera flash could be set 1.6 stops down, a
main flash on the left to +1 stop, and a hairlight to –2 stops from the
camera TTL exposure.
Wireless preflash TTL with digital cameras - when using Dw or Dw-R
series QTTL Adapters, you can control Qflash exposure wirelessly with
your camera’s TTL exposure control system.
Rear curtain sync - If supported by your camera, the QTTL adapter can
fire Qflash in sync with the rear curtain. Rear curtain sync is selected by
a switch located on the back of the adapter.
Auto focus assist - If your camera requires an infrared focus assist, the
QTTL adapter will project a beam when the camera focuses.
Flash Sync speed control - If flash readiness is achieved, the camera’s
automatic system switches the shutter speed to the correct flash sync
speed.
Ready light - Flash readiness is established when the “Ready” indicator
appears in the Qflash display. If “flash ready” is supported by the camera,
then a flash symbol will appear in the viewfinder when Qflash is recycled
and ready.
Pre-flash TTL - Cameras that have advanced TTL metering systems
require a pre-flash to determine proper exposure. This pre-flash is supported by the QTTL adapters.
QTTL adapters support the features mentioned above only when the
camera connected also supports those features. Please see the list of
adapters available for cameras in the latest Quantum Price List or at
www.qtm.com.
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5.2 Reflectors and Bare Bulb
Reflectors are secured by the locking
ring near the base of the reflector.
Rotate the ring in the directions
shown in the diagram to loosen or
tighten the reflectors.
When inserting a reflector, first slowly rotate
it until the notch in the reflector “drops” fully
into head of the Qflash. Then tighten the
locking ring. If you do not let the reflector drop
fully into the Qflash before locking it, the reflector
may become loose during use.
Note to previous Qflash T, T2 ,X or X2 owners: There is no longer a “Wide”
position for the reflectors. The only position is “Normal”. For wide angle
coverage, use the included flat diffusers, or
optional QF67A wide angle or Soft Box
QF68 diffusers.
5.3 Bounce and Swivel Head
The head position is locked and can
be changed with a single button (see
diagram). Press and hold this button, then
adjust the head to the desired position. Release
the button, and slightly move the head until it
“clicks” and locks the head into the vertical and
horizontal planes.
5. GETTING STARTED
5.1 Inserting the Flash Tube
Match the red dot on the base of the flash tube with the red dot in the socket of Qflash. Push the flash tube in until it is seated snugly into the socket.
Excessive force is not required.
Replace the flash tube only with Quantum type QF30 or QF30uv for Qflash
model T5d / T5d-R. Qflash model X5d / X5d-R requires QF32 or QF32uv
flash tubes. Other flash tubes will not provide proper exposure, may not
work at all, or they may damage the Qflash.
Approx. Guide No. for ISO 200*
Reflector Angle QFT5d-R QFX5d-R
200Ws 400Ws
Normal QF60 55˚ 226ft / 72m 226ft / 72m 320ft / 100m
QF60 w/ flat diffuser 70˚ 128ft / 40m 128ft / 40m 180ft / 56m
QF67A Dome Diffuser
QF68 Soft Box 90˚ 128ft / 40m 128ft / 40m 180ft / 56m
QF69 Mini Soft Box
QF62Bs/g Bare Bulb Reflector
120˚ 90ft / 28m 90ft / 28m 128ft / 40m
QF63B Tele Reflector 20˚ 453ft / 143m 453ft / 143m 640ft / 202m
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5.4 Bracket Mounting
Qflash mounts with a 1/4-20 standard tripod thread to brackets, light stands, and tripods. Many brackets are made
especially for Qflash by popular bracket manufacturers.
Quantum has two optional brackets, models
QF70US and QF70E. The instructions below
describe mounting to both of these brackets
and to other manufacturers brackets, light
stands, and tripods.
Two types of 1/4-20 fasteners screw/knob and
a friction pad are supplied with Qflash. Place
the friction pad between Qflash and the bracket,
insert the knob/screw and tighten. (If the mounting
surface has a pad, the friction pad is not necessary).
Note: Brackets vary in thickness - always make sure that
the mounting knob/screw screws into Qflash at least two complete turns.
5.5 Connecting Qflash to a Camera
There are two ways to connect a Qflash to a camera- wired and wireless.
For wired connection use either of these methods:
• Connect a household two-prong sync cord (supplied) to the sync
connector of Qflash.
• Connect a QF series TTL adapter to the camera hot shoe.
• Connect a D, Dw, or Dw-R series QTTL adapter to the camera hot shoe.
• Connect a QF53 Hot Shoe sync to the camera.
For wireless connection
• Use the FreeXWire system. See Section 14 - Wireless Qflash Operation
Consult your dealer or www.qtm.com for the latest TTL and QTTL
adapter models.
Note: When using a household type (two-prong) sync cord, if you have
difficulty getting the flash to fire, Remove the two-prong plug from the
Qflash and reinsert it in the opposite direction. This changes the polarity
of the Qflash to match the polarity of the camera.
5.6 Powering Qflash
Before turning on any power to Qflash always make all electrical
connections first, both to the camera and to the power pack. Qflash
“T” models are powered by any Quantum Turbo Battery including Turbo
2x2, Turbo Compact, Turbo Z, and Turbo SC. Quantum “X” models are
powered by the Quantum Qpaq system.
Plug the Qflash power cable into the output connection of the appropriate
power pack. Turn on Turbo or Qpaq power. Normally Qflash will be powered up and ready to run.
If a “Check Turbo” or “Check Power” message appears on the Qflash
display, turn off the Turbo or Qpaq, wait one second, and turn it on again.
If the message appears again, the power pack needs recharging. If a
“Reset Flash?” message appears in the Qflash display press any button,
except the Mode I button, to resume operation.
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6. BASIC NAVIGATION
This Section explains how to maneuver your way around the
Qflash 5d-R
Very Important Tips
For consistent exposures with your digital camera and Qflash.
•Always do a custom white balance before shooting
• When shooting TTL use Aperture or Shutter priority or Manual
camera modes
• Set your metering area to center weight, partial metering
instead of matrix or multi-spot metering.
•Your Qflash provides 150 watt-seconds of power compared to
50 watt-seconds of a typical shoe mount flash. When shooting
6 ft. (2m) or closer, at ISO 200 or greater, with a wide open F/#,
you must always diffuse the light. Otherwise your subject will
be over-exposed.
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7. COMMON FEATURES
7.1 Flash Ready
The Flash Ready indicator will
blink while Qflash is recycling. It
will stop blinking once the flash
is ready to fire again, and the
speaker will beep.
If flash readiness is supported by the camera, then an LED or flash symbol will appear in the viewfinder when the flash is ready. Many cameras
will automatically switch the shutter to the camera pre-defined flash sync
speed.
7.2 Display, Speaker, and Indicator Lights
Qflash indicates the result of a flash exposure in Automatic and TTL/QTTL
modes via the Display, Speaker and Flash Indicator Lights. The signals
are shown in the table below:
Flash exposure Speaker/ Flash
condition Display Earphone Indicator Lights
Good exposure OK one beep rapid blink
Under/Over Undr or Over 3“beeps 3 blinks, pause,
3 blinks, pause…
No flash No Flash long steady beep long steady on
7.3 Sync Turn Off
If you are using Qflash as an on camera flash and want to disable the
flash for a few shots, you can use the ‘sync turn off’ feature. To prevent
Qflash from firing, press Mode I twice. The word ‘OFF’ will appear in the
display. To return to normal operation press any button (except Test M ).
Other Qflashes connected to this on-camera flash, whether by cable or
wirelessly, will fire (unless they also are turned off).
This feature will only prevent the flash from firing, it will not turn off the
Qflash or the Turbo. To completely turn off the Qflash the Turbo must be
turned off.
7.4 Rear Curtain Sync
When using a QTTL Adapter, Qflash can fire the flash with the rear curtain (if supported by your camera). Rear curtain sync is selected with the
switch located on the back of the QTTL Adapter. Set it to “R” for rear curtain, or “F” for front curtain. For some cameras rear curtain is controlled
through a menu on the camera itself. For these cameras leave the switch
in the “F” position. Consult your camera’s manual.
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7.5 Auto Focus Assist
The D/Dw/Dw-R series QTTL Adapters will project a beam whenever the
camera is having difficulty focusing due to low light conditions. A local
Qflash must be connected for this feature. Turn the auto focus assist
switch of the QTTL Adapter to on ( ).
Always turn the auto focus assist switch off (●) under any of the following
conditions:
When no Qflash is connected;
When using Qflash models, T, T2, X or X2. These models do not
support auto focus assist;
When using a QF50 or QF51 extension cables.
If the auto focus switch is not turned off for the above conditions, proper
operation cannot be assured.
8. BASIC OPTIONS
You can cycle through the option menus in this section by pushing
the Option ■ button. Then select an option to change by pressing the
Set G button until the option you want to change blinks. Then use the
Up J/Down L buttons to make the change.
Option Menu 1:
8.1 Flash Sensor Limit for Auto Mode
Flash sensor limit is an option that limits the distance that the sensor
“sees” when the Qflash is in Auto mode. This option is described in detail
in section 10.
Speaker
You may want the speaker off for sensitive shooting, or turn it on for audible confirmation of flash exposure. The earphone signals always sound
whether the speaker function is set on or off.
Flash Indicator Lights
The red Flash Indicators on four sides of Qflash give visual indication that
a flash fired, weather the exposure was good, over, under, or no flash, indicating that the flash did not fire. You can enable or disable the lights.
Reflector settings
Setting the reflector type is important so that the displayed distance, guide
number and f/# correspond to the reflector in use. The choices are NORM
(for the reflector supplied with Qflash), DIFF (for diffusers supplied with
Qflash, and optional QF67A wide-angle diffuser or softbox QF68), BBE
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