AP-305N FLASH USER'S MANUAL
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FOREWORD Thank you for purchasing this product. This AP-305N camera flash applies to Nikon series cameras and is compatible with TTL autoflash. With this TTL compatible flash, your shooting will become simpler. You can easily achieve a correct flash exposure even in complex light-changing environments. This camera flash features: • GN 36 m. (ISO 100 ft) • Fully supported Nikon I-TTL camera flash. Workable as Master or Slave unit in a wireless flash group. • With built-in 2.
• Provides multiple functions including: manual flash, multi flash, HSS (up to 1/8000 s), second curtain sync, FEC, etc. • Support with firmware upgrade. WARNING • Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp conditions. • Do not disassemble. Should repairs become necessary, this product must be sent to an authorized maintenance center. • Keep out of reach of children. • Stop using this product if it breaks open due to extrusion, falling or strong hit.
• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes (especially those of babies) within short distances. Otherwise visual impairment may occur. • Do not use the flash unit in the presence of flammable gases, chemicals and other similar materials. In certain circumstance, these materials may be sensitive to the strong light emitting from this flash unit and fire or electromagnetic interference may result. • Do not leave or store the flash unit if the ambient temperature reads over 50°C.
Altura Photo TTL Camera Flash Conventions used in this Manual • This manual is based on the assumption that both the camera and camera flash’s power switches are powered on. • Reference page numbers are indicated by “p.**”. • The following alert symbols are used in this manual: The Caution symbol gives supplemental information. The Note symbol indicates a warning to prevent shooting problem.
CONTENTS 1 Foreword 2 Warning 7 Nomenclature 14 Attaching to a Camera 15 Power Management 16 Flash Mode: TTL Autoflash 21 Flash Mode: Manual Flash 24 Flash Mode: Multi Stroboscopic Flash 29 Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio (2.
CONTENTS 6 42 Other Applications 48 C.
NOMENCLATURE 1 BODY 1. Catchlight Panel 2 2. Built-in Wide Panel 3 3. Flash Head 4. Optic Control Sensor 5. Focus Assist Beam 6. Lock Ring 7 4 7. Battery Compartment 5 8.
9. USB Port 10. LCD Panel 11. Mode selection button 12. Zoom selection button 13. High-Speed Sync button 14. S1/S2 optic slave triggering selection button (in non-wireless mode) 15. Power switch 16.
CONTROL PANEL 17. Custom function setting button (reusable button, long press for 2 seconds) 18. Wireless selection button (reusable button, long press for 2 seconds) 19. Group/Channel button (reusable button, long press for 2 seconds) MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE 19 18 17 SET 21 20 20. Select Dial 21.
LCD PANEL 1.
2. M Manual Flash M: Manual flash Manual flash output 3.
4.
What’s in the Box of AP-305C? • Flash unit • Mini stand • Protection case 13
ATTACHING TO A CAMERA 1 2 3 1. Attach the Camera Flash. Slip the camera flash’s mounting foot into the camera’s hotshoe all the way. 2. Secure the Camera Flash. Rotate the lock ring on the mounting foot until it locks up. 3. Detach the Camera Flash. Rotate the lock ring on the mounting foot until it is loosened.
POWER MANAGEMENT Press Power Switch to power the flash unit on or off (long press the button for one second). Flash unit will enter sleep mode after a certain period of idle use. Pressing the camera shutter halfway or pressing any flash button will wake up the flash unit. Set as Master Slave – Will enter sleep mode after approx. 90 sec. Set as Slave Flash – Will enter sleep mode after approx. 60 min. (adjustable) C.Fn Disabling Auto Power Off function is recommended when the flash is used off camera. (C.
FLASH MODE: TTL AUTOFLASH This flash has three flash modes: TTL, Manual (M), and Multi (Stroboscopic). In TTL mode, the camera and the flash will work together to calculate the correct exposure for the subject and the background. In this mode, multiple TTL functions are available: FEC, HSS, second curtain sync, etc. Press Mode Selection Button and three flash modes will display on the LCD panel one by one with each pressing. TTL MODE Press Mode Selection Button to enter TTL mode.
• When the shutter button is fully pressed, the flash will fire a preflash that the camera will use to calculate exposure and flash output the instant before the photo is taken. Display “Hi”: When the flash output value is up to the maximum value, “Hi” will be displayed and blinking for 3 seconds. Adjust the camera’s parameters if underexposure appears. Display “Lo”: When the flash output value is up to the minimum value, “Lo” will be displayed and blinking for 3 seconds.
Setting FEC: ZOOM MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE SYNC SLAVE SET MODE ZOOM SYNC SET SET • Press the SET Button and the flash exposure compensation amount will be highlighted on the LCD panel. • Turn the Select Dial to set the amount. - “0.3” means 1/3 step, “0.7” means 2/3 step. - To cancel the flash exposure compensation, set the amount to “+0”. • Press button again to confirm the setting.
HIGH-SPEED SYNC High Speed Sync (FP flash) enables the flash to synchronize with all camera shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits. Choose the < > button: • Press the button to turn on high-speed sync function. • Set the Nikon camera high-speed sync to 1/320s (auto FP) or 1/250s (auto FP) • With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the effective flash range. • Multi flash mode cannot be set in high-speed sync mode.
SECOND-CURTAIN SYNC With a slow shutter speed, you can create a light train following the subject. The flash fires right before the shutter closes. • Set Nikon camera to Rear mode.
FLASH MODE: MANUAL FLASH The flash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power to 1/128th power in 1/3rd stop increments. To obtain a correct flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output. MODE MODE ZOOM SYNC ZOOM SYNC SLAVE SLAVE SET SET • Press button so that is displayed. • Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output amount.
In high-speed sync mode, the adjustable flash range is 1/16~1/1. Flash Output Range The following table makes it easier to see how the stop changes in terms of f/stop when you increase or decrease the flash output. For example, when you decrease the flash output to 1/2, 1/2-0.3, or 1/2-0.7, and then increase the flash output to more than 1/2, 1/2+0.3, 1/2+0.7, and 1/1 will be displayed. Figures displayed when reducing flash output level 1/1 1/1-0.3 1/1-0.7 1/2+0.7 1/2+0.3 1/2 1/2-0.3 1/2-0.7 1/4-0.
In the M mode, achieved. high-speed sync and second curtain sync functions can be • Optical S1 Secondary Unit Setting In M manual flash mode, press the button so that this flash can function as an optic S1 secondary flash with optic sensor. With this function, the flash will fire synchronously when the main flash fires, the same effect as that by the use of radio triggers. This helps create multiple lighting effects.
• S1 and S2 optic triggering and off camera high-speed mode are only available in M manual flash mode. MULTI STROBOSCOPIC FLASH With stroboscopic flash mode, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to capture multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph. You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output.
MODE MODE MODE ZOOM SYNC ZOOM SLAVE SYNC SLAVE ZOOM SYNC SET MODE SLAVE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE SET SET SET • Long press the button for 2 seconds so that is displayed. • Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output. • Set the flash frequency and flash times. - Press the SET Button to select the flash frequency. Turn the Select Dial to set the number. - Press the SET Button again to select the flash times. Turn the Select Dial to set the number.
Calculating the Shutter Speed During stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until the firing stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed and set it with the camera. Number of Flashes/Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds. To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not use stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession.
• Stroboscopic flash is most effective with a highly reflective subject against a dark background. • Using a tripod and a remote control is recommended. • Stroboscopic flash can be used with “bulb mode”. • If the number of flashes is displayed as “--”, the firing will continue until the shutter closes or the battery is exhausted. The number of flashes will be limited as shown by the following table.
Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes: Flash HZ Output 28 1 2 3 4 5 6-7 8-9 10-19 20-50 60-90 1/4 6 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1/8 14 14 6 4 3 3 3 2 2 2 1/16 30 30 30 20 10 8 5 3 3 3 1/32 60 60 60 50 50 40 12 5 5 5 1/64 90 90 90 80 80 70 60 20 10 10 1/128 90 90 90 90 90 90 80 70 30 20
WIRELESS FLASH SHOOTING: RADIO (2.4G) TRANSMISSION • You can set up three slave groups for TTL autoflash shooting. With TTL autoflash, you can easily create various lighting effects. • Any flash settings for the slave units on the master flash in TTL mode will be automatically sent to the slave units. So the only thing you need to do is to set the master unit for each slave group. There is no need to operate the actual slave units at all during the shooting.
• Even with multiple slave units, the master unit can control all of them via wireless. • In this user manual, “master unit” refers to the camera flash on a camera and “slave unit” will be controlled by the master unit. 1. WIRELESS SETTINGS You can switch between normal flash and wireless flash. For normal flash shooting, be sure to set the wireless setting to OFF. Master Unit Setting ZOOM SYNC SET 30 SLAVE Long Press the button for 2 seconds so that < > is blinking.
Slave Unit Setting ZOOM SYNC Long Press the button for 2 seconds so that < > is blinking. Turn the Select Dial until the < > is displayed on the LCD panel, which means the slave unit. SLAVE SET 2.
• Press the Button to choose the group from M/A/B/C. Then, press the Button so that the master unit can work in OFF/TTL/M flash mode. Choose one of them as the flash mode of master unit. • Press the Button for 2 seconds to switch to Multi mode. 3. SETTING THE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL If there are other wireless flash systems nearby, you can change the channel IDs to prevent signal interference. The channel IDs of the master unit and the slave unit(s) must be set to the same.
ZOOM ZOOM SYNC SYNC SLAVE SLAVE SET SET • Long press the Button for 2 seconds until the channel IDs is blinking. Turn the Select Dial to choose a channel ID from 1 to 16. • Press the button to confirm.
4. TTL: FULLY AUTOMATIC WIRELESS FLASH SHOOTING Autoflash Shooting with One Slave Unit MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE SET • Master Unit Setting: - Attach a AP-305N camera flash on the camera and set it as the master unit. (Page 30) - A/B/C can be set as TTL mode independently. • Slave Unit Setting: - Set the AP-305N that to be controlled as the wireless slave unit.
- The slave unit can be set as A/B/C. • Check the communication channel: - If the master unit and slave unit(s) are set to a different channel, set them to the same channel. (Page 32) • Position the camera and flashes: - Position the camera and flashes as the picture shows. (Page 39-41) • Check the flash operation: - Press the master unit’s Test Button < >. - Then, the slave unit will fire. If not, adjust the slave unit’s angle toward the master unit and distance from the master unit.
5. M: WIRELESS FLASH SHOOTING WITH MANUAL FLASH This describes wireless (multiple shooting) using manual flash. You can shoot with a different flash output setting for each slave unit (firing group). Set all parameters on the master unit. ZOOM MODE ZOOM SYNC SYNC SLAVE SLAVE SET SET • Setting the flash mode to : Press the Button to set the flash to M mode. • Setting flash output: Turn the Select Dial to set the flash output of the groups.
• Taking the picture: Each group fires at the set flash ratio. 7. MULTI: WIRELESS FLASH SHOOTING WITH MANUAL FLASH MODE ZOOM SYNC SLAVE SET • Setting stroboscopic flash: Long press the button for 2 seconds so that is displayed. Long press the button for 2 seconds again to exit.
• Setting flash output/flash frequency/flash times: - Setting the flash output/flash frequency/flash times of the groups in the M mode. Setting the multi flash mode. (Page 24-25) - A, B, and C group can only control the ON/OFF of the slave unit by pressing the Button. Using a flash (master/slave) with a radio transmission wireless shooting function makes it easy to shoot with advanced wireless multiple flash lighting, in the same way as TTL autoflash shooting.
Slave/Master Unit's Positioning and Operation Range Autoflash Shooting with One Slave Unit: Transmission distance is about 30 m.
• Use the supplied mini stand to position the slave unit. • Before shooting, perform a test flash and test shooting. • The transmission distance might be shorter depending on the conditions such as positioning of slave units, the surrounding environment and weather conditions. Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting You can divide the slave units into two or three groups and perform TTL autoflash while changing the flash ratio (factor).
A • Auto Shooting with Two Slave Groups. B C A • Auto Shooting with Three Slave Groups.
OTHER APPLICATIONS Auto Focus Assist Beam In poorly-lit or low-contrast shooting environments, the built-in auto focus assist beam will automatically light on to make it easier for autofocus.The beam will illuminate only when auto focus is difficult, and will cut out as soon as AF is achieved. The AF assistant will only work in when the AF-S is selected on the camera. 42 Position Effective Range Center 0.6 - 4 m Periphery 0.6 - 2.
Bounce Flash By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is called bounce flash. -7 -90 270 To set the bounce direction, hold the flash head and turn it to a satisfying angle.
• If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak and result in underexposure. • The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reflectance. If the bounce surface is not white, a color cast may appear in the picture. Creating a Catchlight With the catchlight panel, you can create a catchlight in the subject’s eyes to add life to the facial expression.
• Point the flash head upward by 90°. • Pull out the wide panel. The catchlight panel will come out at the same time. • Push the wide panel back in. - Push in only the wide panel. - Follow the same procedures as for bounce flash. • Point the flash head straight ahead and then upward by 90°. The catchlight will not appear if you swing the flash head left or right. • For best catchlight effect, stay 1.5 m/4.9 ft away from the subject.
ZOOM SYNC SET SLAVE • In Manual Zoom mode, press the button. • Turn the Select Dial to change the flash coverage. • If is displayed, the flash coverage will be set automatically. • If you set the flash coverage manually, make sure it covers the lens focal length so that the picture will not have a dark periphery. • When the low battery indicator is displayed, the ZOOM can not be adjusted, it will constantly be 24 mm.
The catchlight panel will come out at the same time. Push the catchlight panel back in. When pull out the wide panel, the ZOOM will constantly be 14 mm. The button will not work. Low Battery Warning If the battery power is low, < > will appear and blink on the LCD panel. Please replace the battery immediately. When the low battery indicator is displayed, the ZOOM can not be adjusted, it will constantly be 24 mm.
C. FN: SETTING CUSTOM FUNCTIONS The following table lists the available and unavailable custom functions of this flash. C.Fn Custom Functions Custom Function Signs 48 Function Setting No.
• Press the button for 2 seconds until C. Fn menu is displayed. • Turn the select dial to select the custom functions. • Press the button and the setting No. blinks. • Turn the select dial to set the desired number. Pressing the button will confirm the settings. • Press the button to exit.
PROTECTION FUNCTION Overheating Protection • To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire more than 30 continuous flashes in fast succession at 1/1 full power. After 30 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 minutes. • If you fire more than 30 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner over-temperature protection function may be activated and makes the recycling time over 10 seconds.
Power Output Times 1/1 1/2 (+0.3, +0.7) 1/4 (+0.3, +0.7) 1/8 (+0.3 , +0.7) 1/16 (+0.3, +0.7) 15 20 30 Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode. 40 Power Output Level Number of Flashes 1/1 1/2 + 0.7 1/2 + 0.3 1/2 1/4 (+0.3, +0.7) 1/8 (+0.3 , +0.7) 1/16 (+0.3, +0.7) 1/32 (+0.3, +0.7) 1/64 (+0.3, +0.7) 1/128 (+0.3, +0.7) 30 40 50 60 100 200 300 500 1000 Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection.
Other Protections The system provides real-time protection to secure the device and your safety. The following lists prompts for your reference: Prompts on LCD Panel 52 Meaning E1 A failure occurs on the recycling system so that the flash cannot fire. Please restart the flash unit. If the problem still exists, please send this product to a maintenance center. E3 The voltage on two outlets of the flash tube is too high. Please send this product to a maintenance center.
FIRMWARE UPGRADE This flash supports firmware upgrade through the USB port. Update information will be released on our official website. USB connection line is not included in this product. The USB port is a standard Micro USB socket. Common USB connection line is applicable. Checking the version: Press the Button and the turn the flash on. Then, the firmware update version (e.g. Version 1.0 will read U-1.0) will be displayed on the LCD panel.
TECHNICAL DATA Model AP-305N Type Compatible Cameras Please reference to compatible camera models (page 59) Guide No. (1/1 output @ 105 mm) 36 m (ISO 100 ft) Flash Coverage 24 to 105 mm Auto zoom (Flash coverage set automatically to match the lens focal length and image size) Manual zoom Swinging/tilting flash head (bounce flash): 0 to 270° horizontally and -7° to 90° vertically Flash Duration (t0.
Exposure Control Exposure control system TTL autoflash and manual flash Flash exposure compensation (FEC) Manual. FEB: ±3 stops in 1/3 stop increments (Manual FEC can be combined.) Sync mode High-speed sync (up to 1/8000 seconds), first-curtain sync, and second-curtain sync Multi flash Provided (up to 90 times, 99 Hz) Wireless Flash (2.4G radio transmission) Wireless flash function Master, Slave, Off Controllable slave groups 3 (A, B and C) Transmission range (approx.
Power Supply AA batteries Ni-MH batteries (recommended) or 2*LR6 alkaline batteries Recycle time (Approx.) 0.1-2.2 seconds (eneloop Ni-MH batteries of Panasonic). Red LED indicator will light up when the flash is ready. Full power flashes Approx. 210 (2500mA Ni-MH batteries) Power saving Power off automatically after approx. 90 seconds of idle operation.
TROUBLESHOOTING If there is a problem, refer to this Troubleshooting Guide. The Camera Flash cannot be charged. • The battery is installed in the wrong direction. - Install the battery in the correct direction. • The camera flash’s internal battery is exhausted. - If < > appears and blinks on the LCD panel, replace the battery immediately. The Camera Flash does not fire. • The camera flash is not attached securely to the camera. - Attach the camera’s mounting foot securely to the camera.
• The electrical contacts of the Camera Flash and camera are dirty. - Clean the contacts. The power turns off by itself. • After 90 seconds of idle operation, auto power off took effect if the flash is set as master. - Press the shutter button halfway or press any flash button to wake up. • After 60 minutes of idle operation, the flash unit will enter sleep mode if it is set as slave. - Press any flash button to wake up. Auto zoom does not work. • The camera flash is not attached securely to the camera.
The flash exposure is underexposed or overexposed. • You used high-speed sync. - With high-speed sync, the effective flash range will be shorter. Make sure the subject is within the effective flash range displayed. • You used Manual Flash mode. - Set the flash mode to TTL or modify the flash output. Photos have dark corners or only parts of the target subject are illuminated. • The focal length of lens exceeds the flash coverage. - Check the flash coverage you set.
COMPATIBLE CAMERA MODELS This flash unit can be used on the following Nikon camera models: - D800 - D3000 - D7000 - D200 - D700 - D3100 - D7100 - D70S - D5600 - D3200 - D7200 - D810 - D5500 - D3300 - D7500 - D610 - D5200 - D3400 - D300 - D90 - D5100 - D3500 - D300S - D750 - D5000 - Coolpix P900 - Coolpix P1000 - Z7/Z6 This table only lists the tested camera models, not all Nikon series cameras. For the compatibility of other camera models, a self-test is recommended. Rights to modify this table are retained.
MAINTENANCE • Shut down the device immediately should abnormal operation be detected. • Avoid sudden impacts and the product should be dedusted regularly. • It is normal for the flash tube to be warm when in use. Avoid continuous flashes if unnecessary. • Maintenance of the flash must be performed by our authorized maintenance department which can provide original accessories. • This product, except consumables e.g. flash tube, is supported with a one-year warranty.
FCC WARNING Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
