Yongnuo YN-622C User Manual

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The Other YN-622C User Guide

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The Other YN-622C User Guide

YONGNUO YN-622C E-TTL FLASH CONTROLLER

AND TRIGGER FOR CANON DSLR CAMERAS

Version 1.0

Clive D Bolton, 14 September 2012

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INTRODUCTION

What we know gets in the way of what we could know.

I have used Canon’s Flash Control menus for 5 years, appreciating being able to control remote flashes from the camera. Well, sort of. Canon has been using an optical pulse “wireless” command system for off-camera flashes, which works within a limited set of conditions.

Pixel released their King triggers to remove this limit, but their development was truncated. However, kudos to Pixel for pioneering this category of trigger/controller.

Now we have the Yongnuo YN-622C which seems to fulfil the promise of a full implementation of Canon flash technologies over a radio link. It seems that Yongnuo has not only achieved this objective, but has added a wide range of triggering and photographer-friendly capabilities.

Yongnuo have a range of hot-shoe flashes, with a reputation for unreliability. The design engineer for this device looks like single-handedly rescuing the brand.

The YN-622C is a transceiver type radio device designed to go between a camera and one or more off-camera flashes, to provide:

• E-TTL, FEC & HSS off-camera triggering

• Radio control of off-camera flashes from camera flash control menus

• General-purpose triggering

There is much (unnecessary) debate about the merit of TTL flash exposure versus Manual power levels. Each method has its place, and photographers who understand the technologies can get predictable results. The YN-622C is a tool for both approaches.

One part of Canon’s E-TTL is often misunderstood – Ratios. It is more than setting an FEC or EV adjustment on two flash groups. That still leaves distance, height, angle, relative powers, etc that can make a substantial difference. Canon’s ratio evaluates the actual contribution to the image of each group of flashes, and sets the level accordingly. It is much more accurate than the EV method. The YN-622C implements the genuine Canon technology in the camera.

The YN-622C does not provide for firmware updates by the user. Canon Wireless Master/Slave is not available, being replaced by the 622 procedures. The transceiver buttons are hard to find by touch, and are sensitive to accidentally changed settings. Only flashes in group C can be disabled remotely. It is not a significant list of drawbacks.

An examination of the case and internal components reveals a high-quality assembly. The case appears firm. I anticipate a good life expectancy.

Because the YN-622C is designed primarily to implement Canon technologies, a thorough knowledge of both camera and flash manuals is helpful. Each camera model has its own variations.

My verdict: versatile, complex, well-made, suitable for many jobs, and low-priced. Buy it.

The author has no association with the manufacturer other than as a paying customer. Some additional samples were received; thanks, Yongnuo. The main testing equipment was EOS 50D and 7D; Speedlites 580EX II, 430EX II and 550EX; Yongnuo YN-266C triggers; Pixel Soldier as a radio shutter release.

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CONTENTS

Introduction

Contents

Camera compatibility

Full Control Partial Control Sync Only

Flash compatibility

Full Control Partial Control Sync Only

Getting Started

Transmitter on Type A Camera Remote Flashes On-Top Flash PC-sync Flash Factory Reset Testing lighting setup First Shots

Transceiver Control Modes

Remote Control Mix Control

Canon Flash Control Menus

E-TTL Mode

Type A cameras Type B cameras Ratio Flash Exposure Compensation FEC Flash Exposure Lock FEL Flash Exposure Bracketing FEB

Manual Mode

Remote Manual On-flash Manual

Multi Mode (Stroboscopic)

YN Mix Mode

ETTL, Manual, Multi Settings

Shutter Synchronization Modes

First Curtain Second Curtain Fast-Shutter Sync Simple Trigger

Camera Features

Ambient-only Shot High-speed Continuous Shooting Live View Modelling Light

Flash features

Flash zoom / coverage LCD Display Pilot Indicator

622 Features

AF Assist beam Sleep Wakeup Status Indicator

Using Type B Cameras

Using Type C Cameras

Suggestions

Other Resources

Trouble Shooting

Specifications

Glossary

Hot-shoe, Hot-foot, Cold-shoe: The hot-shoe is the accessory fitting on top of camera and transceiver. The hot-foot goes into the hot-shoe, e.g. flash or transceiver bottom. A cold-shoe holds a hot-foot without making contact with the pins. Transmitter (TX, Controller): The transceiver when mounted on the camera hot-shoe. (Transceiver will still act as a Receiver to another transceiver on the same channel.) Receiver (RX, Slave): The transceiver when used to connect a flash by hot-shoe or by a PC-sync cable.

Remote Flash: A flash connected to a Receiver, by hotshoe or by cable. On-top flash: A hot-shoe flash mounted on the Transmitter. It has some special features. 622: a convenient abbreviation for a YN-622C Transceiver.

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CAMERA COMPATIBILITY

Full control (Type A cameras)

Uses Camera Flash Control menus. Provides ETTL & FEC, Manual levels, HSS and SuperSync to 1/8000s, channels, groups, zoom.

• 1D III, 1Ds III, 1D IV

• IDX is not yet tested.

• 5D II, 5D III, 7D

• 40D, 50D, 60D

• 450D XSi, 500D T1i, 550D T2i, 600D T3i, 650D T4i

• 1000D XS, 1100D T3

On a small number of early units there was a glitch with the transmitter mode for ID series. Advise the reseller if required for 1D series.

Partial Control (Type B cameras)

Control by camera buttons (ETTL with FEC; HSS); Flash buttons (Manual output levels)

• 1D, 1D II, 5D

• 10D, 20D, 30D

• 300D D-Rebel, 350D XT, 400D XTi

There was a manufacturing glitch with the transmitter mode for ID series on a small number of early units. Advise your reseller if required for 1D series.

Sync only (Type C cameras)

Standard hotshoe - Synchronised Fire!

• Supports single-contact hot-shoe cameras.

FLASH COMPATIBILITY

Full control

Remote control using Flash Control menus; ETTL & FEC; HSS, Manual levels

• Canon 600EX-RT, 600EX, 580EX II, 430EX II, 270EX II, 320EX

• Yongnuo YN-568 C

• Yongnuo (No HSS) YN-465 C, YN-467 II C, YN-468 II C, YN-565EX C, YN-565 II C

• Nissin Di866 II

• [Possibly also Metz AF-48, AF-50, AF-56]

Partial control

ETTL and FEC/FEB/Ratio work from camera buttons. On-flash settings are required for Manual and Multi/Stroboscopic; 1st, 2nd, HSS sync.

• Canon 580EX, 550EX, 430EX

• Yongnuo YN-560 C

• [Possibly also Sigma]

Sync only

Synchronised up to 1/8000S, limited by camera and strobe, else synchronised to maximum 1/250s

• Other hotshoe flashes, including single-contact flashes.

• Various studio strobes

Caution

The 622 can withstand only 6 volts on the trigger contact of its hotshoe. The PC-sync connection can withstand 300 volts.

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GETTING STARTED

Important

• Keep transceivers dry and out of explosive situations.

• Turn off power on camera, transceivers and flashes before connecting.

• Check that all equipment is installed correctly in the hot-shoe.

• Batteries – camera, flash, 622s – are critical. Recharge or replace as required.

• Transceiver settings are saved automatically, including channel, lighting group and AF-

assist firing. Some E-TTL parameters will not be saved, such as group fire ratio.

Transmitter on type A Camera

Install a 622 on the camera’s hot-shoe:

• Back the locking ring up to the transmitter case to withdraw the locking pin..

• Mount the 622 in the camera’s hot-shoe. Press the foot firmly forward to ensure all contacts

are made securely.

• Clamp the locking ring onto the hot-shoe. The locking pin will engage.

Set up transmitter using camera menus:

Keep the transmitter in Remote Control mode (the default mode). Flashes will comply with the settings in the camera’s Flash control / External flash function menu.

• Set Flash firing to Enable.

• Select External flash function setting and set desired flash mode, zoom setting etc.

• Enable wireless function and set firing group, fire ratio or flash output. (If the Wireless

function is disabled, the firing group consists of All (A+B+C), and all groups of flashes use the same global settings.

• Set a channel for the transmitter (CH1-CH4 only).using the Wireless function menu.

Remote Flashes

Install each flash on the hot-shoe of a Receiver:

• Loosen the locking ring or lever on the flash to withdraw the locking pin.

• Mount the flash on the 622. Press the foot firmly forward to ensure all contacts are secure.

• Tighten the flash’s locking ring or lever.

• Mount the 622 direct on a mini stand, or on a light stand using a cold shoe adapter.

Turn Receiver on and set Channel and Group:

• Slide Receiver power switch to [ON]. The channel and group indicators light briefly. The Status indicator turns steady red. It is normal for the flash to fire once when turning the 622 on or off.

• Set Receiver to the same channel as the Transmitter, using [CH SET]. The channel indicator will light for several seconds to indicate the current channel. Quickly press [CH SET] again to change the channel.

• Set the lighting group (A, B or C) for each flash using [GP SET] to produce the desired lighting control.

Turn Flash on

• Check that each flash indicates ready.

• Press Pilot/Test on the flash.

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On-Top Flash

A flash can be installed on the transmitter on top of the camera. It behaves much like a Remote flash, but there are differences:

• Supports E-TTL, Manual levels and Multi (stroboscopic) modes.

• The On-top flash is always in Group A. The flash output is the same as other Group A

flashes.

• The zoom setting is not controlled by the camera menu. It must be separately set on-flash as auto or as a manual level. The zoom setting of the On-top flash can be different than offcamera flashes.

• E.g. Set the On-top flash zoom to Auto, so that it zooms with the lens. Using the camera flash control menu, set Manual zoom 24mm – 110mm so that off-camera flashes keep a constant setting.

• It can provide an AF-assist beam additional to the Transmitter’s AF-assist beam, if that is enabled.

PC-sync Flash

First curtain, Second Curtain and Fast Shutter (Supersync) syncs are available.

Factory Reset

If a transceiver seems erratic:

• Disconnect the 622 then turn it on.

• Hold down [CH SET] plus [GP SET] at the same time.

• The Status indicator will wink red-green alternately 3 times, then stay red.

• Release the buttons. Factory defaults will be set.

Testing the Lighting Setup

The setup can be tested to ensure that all devices are powered up and that the communication is working. In addition, actual lighting outputs can be metered if manual levels are being used.

• The [Test] button can awaken the flashes and test whether they can be triggered.

• The test works through both hot-shoe and PC-sync cable.

• If the flash does not wake, manually awaken it.

• Use the PC-sync port to connect a flash which does not have the awakening function.

• All 622s (transmitter or receiver mode) on the same channel as the test unit will be

addressed, and those flashes in the “Test Group” will be fired.

• An on-top flash will also fire if Group A is included in the test group.

• All the indicators go out when flash fires.

• Testing group is different than type A camera’s Firing group, which controls ratios and

levels.

Testing selected flashes

• To select a testing group, hold down [Test] and repeatedly press [GP SET] to cycle through the seven testing groups.

• To test all flashes, select All (A+B+C).

• When the desired testing group is shown, release [Test]. The flashes in the selected group

will fire a test flash.

Using a Light Meter

• Set Manual levels (or Multi), either by Flash Control menus or by on-flash settings.

• The test fire will be at the level as it is displayed on the LCD of the flash.

• The test button will not change the setting of the flash.

• If Remote control is being used, press half-shutter to ensure that settings are applied

• E-TTL will produce a pre-flash, which may confuse the light meter.

• Trigger with any 622 on the same channel.

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First Shots

With the 622 transmitter in Remote Control mode, press [MENU] on the camera, and select Flash Control / External flash function setting.

• The 622 transmitter will flash red and green to indicate transmitting, and the 622 Receivers will flash green and green. They will stay in a live update state until the menu session ends.

• Select flash mode as E-TTL II mode.

• When the off-camera flash settings match the camera’s menu, the AF-assist beam of the

receiver will wink twice to show that the change is successful. If the parameter which has been changed isn’t supported by the flash (such as hi-speed sync), this function will be abnormal.

• Half-shutter to focus, and on the flash screen the aperture and effective range etc. will be displayed.

• The AF-assist beam of the transmitter may assist focusing.

• Ensure that the subject is in the effective flash range, and fully press shutter button to

shoot.

• Enable the Wireless function menu to enable firing group control.

TRANSCEIVER CONTROL MODES

Remote Control Mode

• Type A camera.

• Camera menu settings take priority. Default mode. The Flash Control menus enforce

settings on flashes.

Mix Control Mode

• Type A and B cameras.

• E-TTL / Manual / Multi flash modes may be mixed.

• Flash settings take priority. Set settings manually on each flash

• By default, the 622 is in Remote Control. Change by holding down the [CH SET] button

until the channel indicator winks 3 times. Repeat to cancel Mix mode.

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CANON FLASH CONTROL MENUS

The camera’s flash control menus are the main interface for using the 622s. Finding details about the Canon menus can be hard, so this section might help. The menus change interactively as selections are made. The 622 controls or disables some menu items, and different cameras have menu variations. For 5D III, 650D and other new models, select the optical pulse transmission menu instead of the wireless function.

Starting menu item

• Flash Control (or External Speedlite Control)

First menu

• Flash Firing Enable or disable the 622 transmitter.

• External flash func.setting 622 is identified as an external flash.

• External flash C.Fn setting FEB auto cancel – locked Enabled.

FEB sequence – locked. AF-assist beam firing – Enabled or Disabled.

• Clear ext. flash C.Fn set. ***

External flash function menu

• Flash mode E-TTL II, Manual, MULTI. (TTL, Auto external, Manual external disabled.)

• Shutter sync 1st curtain, 2nd curtain (if Wireless Disabled), Hi-speed

• FEB 6 stops in range -6 to +6. Interacts with FEC.

• FEC Flash FEC -2 to +2 (later cameras -3 to +3). Interacts with on-flash settings.

• E-TTL II Evaluative, Average

• Zoom Auto, 24 28 35 50 70 80 105mm (later cameras 200mm)

• Wireless Enable, Disable

• [INFO] Clear Speedlite settings. ***

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Wireless Settings

• Wireless Function Enable, Disable

• Master flash Enable, Disable. On-top flash will emit preflash and focus-assist, but

not exposure flash

• Channel 1 to 4

Firing Group, in E-TTL II flash mode

• A+B+C All E-TTL capable flashes will pre-fire for a combined exposure evaluation..

• A:B Set a lighting ratio from 8:1 to 1:8, using E-TTL, C is not settable and not

fired.

• A:B C Lighting ratio 8:1 to 1:8, plus C with exposure comp. -3 to + 3 stops

Firing Group, in Manual flash mode

• A+B+C All remotely-controllable flashes use Group A, 1/1 to 1/128 in 1/3 stops.

Setting repeated on earlier menu page.

• A:B Group A output 1/1 to 1/128

Group B output 1/1 to 1/128 Group C not set or fired

• A:B C Group A output 1/1 to 1/128

Group B output 1/1 to 1/128 Group C output 1/1 to 1/128

Flash mode Multi

• Flash Output 1/128 to 1/4. 1/1 or 1/2 not available.

• Frequency 1 to 100 Hz

• Flash Count - - Firing until shutter closes, or battery or lamp fails.

1 to 100 Max determined by Output and Frequency.

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E-TTL MODE

Automatic Adjustable Metering

Type A cameras

Camera menus or buttons

• All (global), A:B (ratio), A:B C (ratio + FEC)

• FEC +/- 2 stops, with on-flash FEC settings adding to the result.

• E-TTL modes Evaluative or Average

• E-TTL Flashes emit a pre-flash

Type B cameras

Camera buttons

• All (global), no Canon ratio.

• FEC +/- 2 stops, with additive on-flash FEC setting

• E-TTL modes Evaluative or Average

• E-TTL Flashes emit a pre-flash

Ratio

Canon’s lighting ratio becomes available through the Firing Group settings, when Wireless mode is enabled. This is the true professional multi-preflash “effective reflected light” ratio, not an approximation.

• Ensure that the light output requirements are within the capability of the flashes, possibly by increasing ISO, changing distance to subject, etc.

• Flashes with different maximum outputs can be mixed.

A:B Firing Group

• Set the lighting ratio from 8:1 to 1:8 (in 1/2-stop increments)

• A “normal” subject exposure will be calculated.

• This total exposure can be adjusted by the over-all FEC setting.

• The effective reflected light from group A flashes (including on-top flash) and group B

flashes will be evaluated by the camera and transmitted to the flashes by the 622.

• Group C does not fire.

A:B C Firing Group

• Set A:B ratio as above.

• Set an FEC (-, 0 or +) for flashes in Group C.

Flash Exposure Lock (FEL)

• Canon FEL is implemented.

Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC)

The over-all flash exposure can be adjusted using the camera button, camera flash control menu, and the on-flash setting.

• FEC can be set in 1/3-stop increments within 2 or 3, depending on camera.

• The total compensation is the flash FEC setting plus the camera menu setting. For

example, if the camera menu is set to -2, and the flash is set to +1, then exposure compensation will be -1.

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Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)

• Set FEB in 1/3-stop increments within 2 or 3.

• The zero point for FEB is adjusted by the global FEC setting.

• The sequence of FEB is fixed at 0 - +, even when the on-flash setting is different.

• The FEB function will be automatically cancelled after three shots are taken.

• An E-TTL flash which does not support FEB can also be used.

MANUAL MODE

Remote Manual Levels

Type A camera menus can remotely control Mk II Speedlites and YN flashes.

• All (global), groups A and B, or A, B and C.

• Power levels 1/1 to 1/128, by Group

• E-TTL Flashes do not emit a pre-flash

All Flashes (Global setting)

• Set Flash Mode to Manual.

• Set Flash Output as required, 1/128 to 1/1 power level, in 1/3-stop increments.

• Either, Set Wireless function to Disable, or Enable with Firing Group A+B+C.

Two and three lighting groups

• Set Flash Mode to Manual.

• Ignore Flash Output: it will repeat group A setting.

• Set Wireless function to Enable.

• Set Firing Group to A:B (C will not fire) or A:B C.

• Set each Group Output as required, 1/128 to 1/1 power level, in 1/3-stop increments.

• On-top flash will fire at group A level, if Master Flash is enabled.

On-Flash Manual Levels

Type A, B or C cameras can trigger flashes where the output level has been set on-flash.

• Flash connected by PC-sync cable.

• Power levels set on individual flash.

• E-TTL Flashes do not emit a pre-flash

MULTI (STROBOSCOPIC) MODE

Usage is similar to Remote Manual and On-flash Manual. Stroboscopic mode is particularly effective with a highly-reflective subject against a dark background. Consider using a tripod, remote switch and external battery pack.

• Set Flash Mode to Multi.

• Set desired Flash output, Frequency and Flash count, as provided by the camera.

• Flash Count x Hz = minimum shutter duration.

• Limit rapid use and allow at least 15 minutes rest between frequent bursts.

• E-TTL Flashes do not emit a pre-flash

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YN MIX MODE

ETTL, Manual, Multi

Creative lighting scenarios can be implemented by switching the 622 system to “Mix” mode. Type A and B cameras may be used.

• Hold down [CH SET] on the transmitter for several seconds until the channel indicator winks 3 times then stays lit.

• If the transmitter’s channel indicator stays lit, the system is in Mix mode, not Remote Control mode.

• Return to Remote Control mode by holding down [CH SET] for several seconds.

Settings

• The Flash mode of the transmitter will be fixed at E-TTL.

• Set each flash (including on-top flash) to different flash modes, E-TTL, Manual and Multi.

The settings of the flash take priority.

• The camera can set only FEC, FEB, Ratio and Shutter sync.

• If the shutter sync is set by the camera menu, the on-flash setting is invalid. A type B

camera defaults to hi-speed sync.

• The camera’s zoom setting is disabled.

• Any flash set to E-TTL will emit a preflash. If its mode is Manual or Multi, it won't.

SHUTTER SYNC MODES

First Curtain (Front Curtain)

• The “normal” flash sync.

• ETTL, Manual and Multi Flash modes

Second Curtain (Rear Curtain)

The flash fires right before the shutter closes, giving the appearance of forward motion.

• A long shutter speed or bulb needs to be used.

• The camera will disable this mode, unless “Wireless flash” menu is disabled.

• ETTL and Manual Flash modes, off-camera

Fast-Shutter Sync

High-Speed (HSS or FP)

• ETTL and Manual Flash modes, syncs with all shutter speeds up to 1/8000th Sec

• The camera must support HSS.

• If the hot-shoe flash does not support HSS, the max sync speed is 1/250S or less.

Supersync (Flash Burn)

• Works with many hotshoe and studio flashes, up to 1/8000th Sec

• Connection only through PC-sync port. A PC-sync cord required.

• Max. 300v trigger voltage.

• Set camera’s shutter sync as Hi-speed sync.

• Use manual exposure or shutter-priority mode

• For type C camera, the max PC sync speed is 1/250s or less.

• A flash on the hot shoe and another connected to the PC-sync port can be used at the

same time.

Simple Trigger

• Single-contact camera & single-contact flash triggering (max sync speed is 1/250s)

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CAMERA FEATURES

Ambient-only shot

• Turn off transmitter. 622 settings are remembered when powered up again.

• Or, use type A camera menu Flash Firing – Disable.

High-speed Continuous Shooting

• Trigger keeps up with camera. (Tested at 6.5 fps.)

• Flash battery pack is recommended to maintain flash output. Consistency.

Live View

• Silent Mode must not be enabled, as Canon then prevents flash from firing.

Modelling Light

• Works as designed. All flashes fire, including on-top flash.

FLASH FEATURES

Flash Zoom (Flash Coverage)

Canon provided a flash head zoom to provide lighting just wide enough to cover the lens’s field of view. Consider the zoom as a light modifier, for efficiency or artistic reasons, or because the flashes may be off-camera and lens zoom is irrelevant. The 622 provides more flexibility than Canon’s implementation. This may be affected by Canon’s rules - Wide panel extended: 14mm; Head in Bounce on Auto: --mm; Head in Bounce on Manual: as set; Auto-adjust for sensor size enabled.

Zoom Lock

An individual flash under remote control can have its zoom setting locked so that it is not controlled by the camera’s zoom menu setting.

• Hold down [CH SET] on a 622 Receiver for several seconds until the channel indicator stays lit. (This is the same as setting mix control on a transmitter.)

• Adjust the flash zoom setting with the flash control panel (automatic or manual).

• Hold down [CH SET] for several seconds to cancel. The channel indicator will go out.

Zoom and Remote Control

• Remote Control – camera zoom settings apply. Auto; Manual 24 to 105mm (or 200mm).

• With automatic setting, focal length of the flash may change with lens focal length.

• With manual setting, focal length of the flash supports manual setting within 24-105MM.

Zoom and Mix Control

• The camera’s zoom menu setting is disabled.

• Set each flash’s zoom setting on-flash – Auto, Manual 24 to 105mm (or 200mm).

LCD display

• Flash zoom, focal length, ISO, shutter speed, FE Lock, HSS indicators change with settings.

Pilot Indicator

• Individual test fire works.

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622 FEATURES

AF-Assist Beam

When using Autofocus under low-light, the AF-assist beam of the Transmitter will be emitted automatically to make it easier to autofocus. An on-top flash which has an AF-assist beam function can also emit at the same time.

• The AF-assist beam can be enabled or disabled by the custom function setting of the camera.

• The LED laser provides a bright, clear pattern with a good range.

• Neither a 622 Receiver nor an off-camera flash on the receiver will emit the beam.

Sleep Wakeup

• On ½ shutter or [Test].

• Flash must be mounted on hot-shoe, not PC-sync cord.

• Flash must have a wake-up facility.

Status Indicator

• Power-up/self-test/initializing - red flash for several seconds, plus selected CH and GP indicators.

• Standby - steady red.

• Battery low – press half-shutter; Status will wink Red/Green quickly.

• 622 Transmitter communicating – green wink.

• 622 Receiver communicating – red wink.

USING TYPE B CAMERAS

As there is no flash control menu, some functions will be restricted.

• Install a 622 in the camera’s hot-shoe, so that it auto-selects Transmitter mode.

• Enable Mix control mode on the transmitter. ([CH SET] for several seconds.)

• Use [CH SET] to set the communication channel.

• Press half-shutter. The Status indicator winks green. Press [GP SET] to set firing groups to

be used.

• Set the required flash mode (E-TTL, Manual, Multi) using the flash’s control panel.

• E-TTL mode supports automatic flash, including FEC and FEB. It defaults to hi-speed sync.

• Manual (M) mode requires flash output to be manually set on-flash. It defaults to hi-speed

sync.

• Multi mode requires several parameters to be set on-flash.

USING TYPE C CAMERAS

Manually set the Flash Output

• Set the Transmitting group(s) for the 622 transmitter. Hold down [Test] and repeatedly press [GP SET] to cycle through the seven groups. When the desired group is shown, release [Test]. This is the same procedure as selecting a testing group for the [Test] button.

• Set the Flash mode to Manual (M) using the flash’s control panel.

• Does not support hi-speed sync or other E-TTL functions.

• Max speed sync is 1/250s or less.

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SUGGESTIONS

Augmented ambient

A common practice for indoor event photographers is to use flashes in diagonally opposite corners, set to bounce light off the ceiling. The 622s make it easy to place two flashes in manual mode for augmenting ambient, and another flash on-top in E-TTL mode for subject fill.

A second shooter can use the same channel and share the lights, but be warned: either camera will trigger all 622s, both on-top and off-camera flashes. Hearing you on-top flash zooming in response to another camera’s lens shift can be disconcerting.

Batteries

Alkaline batteries start at 1.5 volts and hold their voltage until the very end. Rechargeables at 1.2 volts are already 20% down, and approaching the threshold for the 622. Alkaline characteristics are well suited to this type of device, with a 60-hour standby time. (NiMH are great for flash batteries, being capable of a rapid discharge into the capacitor.)

Battery Orientation

Flashes are often used in low light. It can be hard to read the embossed polarity markers at the bottom of the recess. Use a silver marker pen to highlight the two [+] markers.

Camera’s Custom Menu

Set up the Flash Control menu as a Custom Menu item, and make the Custom Menu the first one up.

Umbrella Mount

A home-made mount.

Wireless Mode Setting

Keep this setting at Enabled, and disable it only when 2nd curtain sync is required.

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OTHER RESOURCES

Getting the Most from Speedlites

Pt 1 (10 pages), Syl Arena, Canon Europe

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/getting_the_most_from_speedlites.do

Two excellent books:

Speedliter’s Handbook: Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites, Syl Arena, Peachpit Press Mastering Canon EOS Flash Photography, N K Guy, Rocky Nook

Large thread on POTN:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1212530

Thread on Talh Photography:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=435002

Yongnuo’s Company Store on eBay:

http://stores.ebay.com/hkyongnuophotoequipment

Dan Kinzie’s video review:

http://youtu.be/NTUuFGTHskY

Elv’s Review:

http://flashhavoc.com/yn622c_review/

Eduardo Frances’ review:

http://www.lightingrumours.com/quick-hands-on-with-the-yongnuo-yn-622c-2786

Sven Bluege’s review

http://www.svenbluege.de/blog/reviews/138-review-yongnuo-yn-622

User Manual online:

http://www.yongnuoebay.com/sm/yn622c.pdf

The Other YN-622C User Guide

14/09/2012 Page 17 of 18

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Fails to power on or automatically shuts down

• The batteries are installed incorrectly or are exhausted. The device will power down automatically before the battery is fully depleted to avoid being over-discharged.

• Install a fully charged battery according to the battery compartment indicators.

• Battery level low indicator – half-shutter, and Status LED will wink Red/Green quickly.

The flash doesn't fire

• Ensure the power of all devices are fully charged, and flash is recycling in time.

• Check the connection between the 622 and camera, and 622 and flash.

• Ensure that the indicators show matching channels and lighting groups.

• Check that flash is not in overheating protection, or ongoing zoom adjustment, or in sleep

status.

• Use the Pilot button to test the flash.

Can't access the external flash function menu

• The transmitter is not installed correctly. Re-seat.

• The contacts of the hot shoe are dirty. Clean both sets of contacts, including the rails

• The battery is exhausted. Replace.

The on-top flash doesn't fire

• Enable the Master Flash firing in the wireless menu setting.

Can't set the flash zoom via camera menu

• When the Mixed Control mode has been set in the transmitter, or zoom locking has been set in the receiver, zoom can't be set via camera menu.

• The Zoom setting of the on-top flash needs to be set separately.

Unable to set channel 5, 6, 7 via camera menu

• The camera can only set channels 1 to 4. Set other channels using [CH SET]..

E-TTL underexposure or overexposure:

• Suggest enabling wireless flash function when using E-TTL flash mode, and adjust the position of the flash, use FEC/FEL function, check flash’s effective range.

• It may overexpose when E-TTL and manual flash are used at the same time; the manual flash suits being used as a backlight.

Can’t disable selected firing groups

With canon cameras, you can only disable group C by selecting "firing group" to A:B. Group A/B is always fired no matter whether you select "ALL", "A:B", "A:B:C" or disable Wireless function.

Aperture, distance are not displayed on the flash when half pressing the shutter

• Set compatible flash mode/shutter sync with the flash on the transmitter.

Flashes are emitting an unwanted pre-flash

• If the flash’s mode is E-TTL, it will emit a preflash. If the flash’s mode is Manual or Multi, it won't.

The Other YN-622C User Guide

14/09/2012 Page 18 of 18

Yongnuo YN-622C User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual