Inspiration strikes VS-570N for Nikon WIRELESS TTL FLASH User’s Manual
Copyright © 2016 Gradus Group. Bolt and other names of Bolt products are trademarks of Gradus Group. Other product and corporate names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.
Introduction Thank you for choosing the Bolt VS-570N Wireless TTL Flash. This advanced digital flash unit puts creative control in your hands with a broad range of automatic and manual features. It can be used as both an oncamera flash and a wireless slave flash.
Contents Overview ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6–9 Warnings ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10–11 Installing Batteries ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 Mounting the Flas
Using Rear- or Second-Curtain Synchronization ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 27 Using Your VS-570N as a Wireless Master or Slave �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������28-29 Using the VS-570N as a Wireless Master ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30-35 Using Your VS-570N as a Wireless TTL Slave ��������������������������������������������
2 15 1 3 45 60 75 VS-570N 9 16 18 11 10 17 14 19 20 8 13 12 4 5 7 6 6 | Overview
Overview 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Flash head Reflector panel Diffuser panel Battery compartment cover Wireless sensor (optical) Mounting foot Mounting foot lock Mode button Up button Down button Zoom position button Ready light / Test button Power switch Automatic exposure confirmation light 15. Flash head position indicator 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.
21 22 H S 27 23 24 TTL GROUP A GROUP B 25 26 M GROUP C 32 EV+ EV- 28 8 | Overview 29 30 31
Wireless TTL Master Settings 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.
Warnings Before using your VS-570N, please read the following safety notices carefully and thoroughly to ensure safe use, and to help prevent damage to your flash or injury to yourself or others. • Do not fire the flash at close range directly into the eyes of people or animals. This can cause damage to the retina and may even lead to blindness. • To avoid overheating and damaging your flash unit, please wait for at least 10 minutes after 20 continuous flashes at full power.
• Do not clean the VS-570N with agents containing corrosive or flammable substances such as paint thinner, benzene, or nail polish remover. • This product is not water resistant. Keep it away from rain, snow, humidity, and general moisture. • Should the VS-570N get damaged, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. If touched, they may generate an electric shock or cause a malfunction. Promptly remove the batteries and take the product to an authorized service center for repair.
Installing Batteries The VS-570N can be powered by four AA batteries of several types: • Lithium (1.5V) • Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) (1.2V) • Alkaline (1.5V) Note: For the fastest recycle times and longest battery life, lithium or Ni-MH batteries are recommended. To install batteries, make sure the VS-570N is turned off and follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. Press on the battery compartment cover and slide it in the direction of the arrow to remove it.
Mounting the Flash To mount the flash on your camera, make sure the VS-570N is turned off and follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 1 Turn the mounting foot lock counterclockwise to loosen it. Slide the mounting foot all the way into your camera’s hot shoe. Turn the mounting foot lock clockwise until snug. Do not overtighten.
To dismount the flash from your camera, make sure the VS-570N is turned off and follow these steps: 1. 2. Turn the mounting foot lock counter-clockwise to loosen it. Slide the mounting foot out of your camera’s hot shoe. Mounting the VS-570N on the included stand: You can mount the VS-570N on the included stand in the same way you would mount it on your camera.
Turning on the Flash and Firing a Test To turn the flash on, simply slide the power switch to the On position. When the flash is ready to fire, the Ready light will glow red. If the flash is mounted on your camera, a flash icon will also appear in the camera’s viewfinder. To fire a test flash, press the Ready light / Test button. Automatic power-saving function: After 3 minutes of inactivity, the flash will automatically enter powersaving mode to conserve battery life.
Extended Interface You can connect your VS-570N to an external power source or PC sync via the extended interface on the side of the flash. External power source: An external power source, such as the Bolt Cyclone Battery Pack, can greatly increase the battery life of your flash and reduce the recycle time in between flashes. Note: When using an external power source, the AA batteries must still be in the flash in order to operate.
Using the Automatic TTL Flash Mode When the VS-570N is mounted on a compatible camera, it can set the appropriate flash level automatically, in conjunction with the camera’s through-the-lens (TTL) metering system. To use the automatic mode, mount the flash on the camera and follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. 4. Each time you turn the flash on, it will be in automatic mode. This will be confirmed by the TTL mode indicator on the LCD.
Using High-Speed Sync You can use shutter speeds higher than your camera’s top flash sync speed with the VS-570N by activating high-speed sync in automatic TTL mode. High-speed sync lets you use shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000 second. This is especially useful when using large apertures in bright situations or when freezing motion. High-speed sync is set automatically in your camera. Consult your camera’s manual for more information about this feature.
Locking Flash Exposure In automatic TTL mode, you can lock the flash output level that is optimal for specific elements of your scene by using the flash exposure lock (FV Lock) on your camera. To lock flash exposure, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. Position the element of your scene that you want to be correctly exposed in the center of your viewfinder. Press the FV Lock button on your camera. The flash will fire a test shot and lock its output level. Reframe your image as desired and take the shot.
To apply flash exposure compensation, press the up or down buttons on the flash to increase or decrease flash exposure by 1/3 stop—up to 3 stops total. The LCD will display EV+ or EV- next to the exposure value to indicate whether it is increased or decreased. Using the Manual Flash Mode You can also set the VS-570N’s flash output level manually for greater creative control over your images. Seven manual settings are available: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64.
2. 3. 4. 5. Set the exposure settings you want to use on your camera. The highest shutter speed available will be your camera’s flash sync speed. To use higher shutter speeds, switch to automatic TTL mode and activate high-speed sync (see Using High-Speed Sync on page 18). Take a test shot, and check the exposure on your camera’s LCD. Adjust your camera’s exposure settings and the light output level of the flash as needed. Press your camera’s shutter-release button to take the picture.
The available zoom positions are 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 85mm, and 105mm. Automatic zoom control: When you turn the VS-570N on, the zoom mode indicator on the LCD will show an A to indicate that it is in automatic mode and at the default 35mm position. When you press the shutter-release button on your camera halfway to initiate communication between the camera and the flash, the flash zoom will adjust to match the lens focal length and the closest zoom setting will be displayed on the LCD.
Note: Manual zoom can also be used to achieve special effects, such as using the 105mm setting with a wideangle lens to produce a vignette. Using the flash with wide-angle lenses: When you have a lens wider than 24mm mounted on your camera, you can use the built-in diffuser panel to give the flash an angle of coverage equivalent to that of an 18mm lens. To use the diffuser: 1. 2. Pull the diffuser and reflector panels out of their slot in the flash head.
Using the Autofocus-Assist Light Camera autofocus systems can have difficulty locking onto a subject in dim light. When the ambient light level is low, the VS-570N will emit a red autofocus-assist beam when you press your camera’s shutter-release button halfway to autofocus. The camera will then be able to autofocus by locking onto the projected light. Note that the autofocus-assist light is only available when your camera’s autofocus system is set to AF-A or AF-S. It is not available when AF-C is selected.
The VS-570N flash head can be tilted up at 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-degree angles to the lens. It can also be swiveled horizontally 180 degrees to the left and 120 degrees to the right. 45 60 75 When bouncing your flash, you may need to adjust your exposure settings, since the level of light falling on your subject will be reduced. The farther away the bounce surface and your subject are, the more illumination will be reduced.
Creating catchlights: Catchlights are the reflections that appear in people’s eyes in photographs. Without catchlights, eyes can have a dull, lifeless look. To create catchlights in your subjects’ eyes when bouncing your flash, follow these steps: 1. 2. Position the flash head at the 90-degree angle (pointing straight up) to bounce your flash off the ceiling or an overhead reflector. Pull the built-in reflector and diffuser panels all the way out of their slot in the flash head.
Using Rear- or Second-Curtain Synchronization When you photograph a moving subject with a slow (1/30 second or longer) shutter speed and a flash, the flash will freeze the moving subject and the long exposure will cause motion blur and light trails to appear in the image, especially in low light.
Using Your VS-570N as a Wireless Master or Slave The VS-570N is equipped with advanced wireless flash functions, allowing you to fire the flash remotely while still maintaining full TTL or manual control. In addition, it can be set to multiple channels and groups, giving you unlimited creative lighting possibilities.
Channels: Master and slave flash units exchange data through channels. On the VS-570N, four channels (1, 2, 3, 4) are available. You can select the channel you prefer for communication between the master and remote flash units. You can use this option to prevent your remote units from being triggered by the master unit of another photographer working with the same type of system nearby.
Using the VS-570N as a Wireless Master The VS-570N offers optical wireless TTL and manual master flash modes, enabling you to set and control all functions of your wireless slave flash units from the VS-570N. Three flash groups (A, B, and C) are available, with independent control over all three groups. For example, you can set one group to TTL mode and another to manual mode. In wireless TTL master mode, the VS-570N lets you remotely control your slave flashes while maintaining automatic TTL functionality.
Setting the Master Flash Setting the VS-570N as a wireless master involves pressing the Mode button to advance from one setting to the next, as well as using the up and down navigation buttons to adjust or enable the settings. 1. 2. 3. 4. Enable wireless master mode. Make sure the VS-570N is in TTL mode. Press and hold the Mode button until the wireless master summary screen appears. For more information on this, refer to Wireless Master Summary Screen on page 34. Turn the master flash on or off.
5. 6. Choose the master flash mode. Choose whether to use the VS-570N as a wireless master in TTL or manual mode. Press the Mode button and then use the up or down navigation buttons to select TTL or Manual. Set EV or power output for the master flash. A. B. In TTL mode, press the Mode button and then use the up or down navigation buttons to adjust EV from -3.0 to +3.0.
1. 2. 3. Turn the group on or off. After setting EV or power output for the master flash or previous flash group, choose whether you want the next flash group to fire as part of the exposure. Press the Mode button so the flash on/off selector and group indicator appear onscreen. Use the up or down navigation buttons to select on or off. Choose the group’s flash mode. Choose whether you want the group to fire in TTL or manual mode.
5 1 2 H TTL GROUP A 3 GROUP B 6 34 | Wireless Master Summary Screen 7 GROUP C 8 4
Wireless Master Summary screen 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Using the VS-570N as a Wireless TTL Slave You can set the VS-570N as a wireless TTL slave for both the Nikon and Canon TTL systems. To set the flash to function as an automatic TTL slave, follow these steps: 1. 2. 3. Make sure the master flash or controller on your camera is turned on and set to automatic TTL mode. Select the appropriate group and channel on the master unit. Consult the master’s manual to find out how to set it.
4. Use the up or down navigation buttons to select the channel and group. The flash will cycle through channel 1, groups A through C; then channel 2, groups A through C; and so on. A. When using a single slave flash, set it to the same group and channel as the master. B. When using multiple slave flashes, select the same group and channel for all units in the same light position.
Using Your VS-570N as a Wireless Manual Flash For even greater creative control, you can set the output levels of your remote flash units manually. Using the optical slave feature, the VS-570N can be set to fire whenever it detects a signal from the master flash. This works optically—when the VS-570N “sees” another flash firing, it will instantaneously fire along with it.
automatically by the camera. If the slave flash is not set correctly, it may be triggered by the pre-flash and fire before the camera’s shutter opens. In order to ensure that the VS-570N fires at the correct time, there are three different slave modes available: modes 0, 1, and 2. To select the correct slave mode, follow these steps: 1. 2. Make sure the flash is in slave mode. Press the Up and Down buttons to cycle through the slave mode options on the LCD. A. B.
Positioning Remote Flash Units You can create a professional lighting setup by positioning remote units singly or in groups to function as main, fill, accent, and other lights. Metering your scene with a handheld light meter and setting your light ratios to achieve specific looks will give you a professional level of creative control.
• The wireless sensors are located on the front of the VS-570N. Make sure that sensor is facing the master flash and that there is no obstruction between the two units. • When photographing outdoors or in bright ambient light, the sensors can be overwhelmed by ambient light, which will lower their sensitivity. • To avoid creating interference between flash units, using more than three in a single group is not recommended.
Upgrading the Firmware on the VS-570N In order to ensure compatibility with future cameras, the VS-570N’s firmware may be updated. This can be done to ensure proper communication with new cameras, or to add new features. Visit www.boltflashes.com/firmware to check if a new firmware version has been released. Follow the online instructions to upgrade. Troubleshooting Problem Solution The flash is stuck in the camera hot shoe. Make sure that the mounting foot lock is released.
Problem Solution The flash is set up as a wireless TTL slave but won’t fire. • Make sure that the master flash is within the transmission range and the wireless sensor on the slave is pointing toward the master flash. Remove any obstructions in the line of sight between the two. (Page 40) • The ambient light may be too high. (Page 40) The flash is set up as a manual (optical) slave, but the light is not noticeable in the picture. Make sure that the flash is set to the appropriate slave mode.
Specifications Type: On-camera and wireless TTL automatic and manual flash Compatible cameras: Nikon cameras with i-TTL flash system support. Guide number (at 50mm focal length, ISO 100): 141 feet / 43 meters Flash coverage: 24mm–105mm (18mm with diffuser panel) Flash duration: 1/1,000–1/20,000 second High-speed synchronization: Yes Flash recycle time: 0.
Dimensions: Approx. 2.5˝ × 3.9˝ × 4.7˝ (65 × 100 × 120 mm) Weight: Approx. 9.2 oz.
FCC notices for customers in the U.S.A. Tested to comply with FCC Standards for home or office use. FCC Statement 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.
One-Year Limited Warranty This BOLT product is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer use for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date or thirty (30) days after replacement, whichever occurs later.
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