The White Lightning X-Series Flash Units
Operating Instructions
(White Lightning Models X800, X1600, X3200, and the retired X2400 Model)
WARNINGS:
To avoid potentially lethal conditions, connect this unit only to a 3-wire grounded outlet. Do not operate with 2-wire extension cords or use adapters to connect to ungrounded outlets. This unit contains high voltages and internal components which can store dangerous voltages even when the unit is unplugged. The unit contains NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS and should not be disassembled except by a qualified technician. The only parts you may replace yourself are the
flashtube and the modeling lamp, though caution must be taken here as well and the unit must be powered down while these items are replaced.
Before attempting to operate your flash unit, securely mount the unit to a light stand. Do not allow unattended children around studio flash equipment as potentially dangerous conditions may result including burns and electrical shock hazards. Please be safe with your equipment!
As the units require an AC power source, each unit comes with a 15-foot power cord. This cord connects to the flash unit on the back control panel with a standard IEC connector, and then must be connected to a 120VAC, 50-60Hz power outlet. When shooting in an environment where an AC power source is not available, we recommend the exclusive use of the Vagabond Portable Power System (see specific product for details). The Vagabond is designed specifically for Paul C. Buff, Inc. flash units, to provide a convenient, lightweight, self-contained portable power source at a very low cost. In addition, the Vagabond's internal battery can be recharged from any source of commercial AC power nearly anywhere in the world. Multiple Vagabond units may be purchased for the price of a single generator or high power true sine wave inverter system. Should you decide not to use the Vagabond Portable Power System, please contact our Technical Department for information about using generators, inverters or transformers to power your X-Series units.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
The X-Series flash units are extremely precise, high power electronic photo flash units. They are designed for professional studio use, as well as demanding location work due to their compact, yet highly durable construction and extruded housing. The flashpower and modeling lamp intensity are continuously variable over a 5 f-stop stepless range, independently adjusted on separate rear panel faders. The X1600 and X3200 may additionally be switched between HIGH and LOW power modes to add another 2 f-stops, and to reduce the recycle and flash duration to 1/4 normal.
The unit delivers energy stored in its internal capacitor bank to a critically matched circular hard-glass flashtube designed for 5600ºK daylight spectrum with low UV emission. This yields minimal flash duration while maintaining energy conversion efficacy within 1/4 of an f-stop of the maximum attainable from Xenon light sources of this type. Optional 5200ºK color-corrected tubes may be used as well. This unit contains a flash-sensitive built-in slave tripper which is automatically disabled when a plug or dummy jack is inserted into the camera sync jack.
The modeling lamps may be set on FULL power, or adjusted via the rear panel fader over the same range of power that the unit produces. The modeling lamp may also be turned completely OFF. The lamps may be additionally set to indicate recycle, going out when the unit is fired, then coming back on to indicate when recycle is complete. The X-Series units come with a 250 Watt quartz bulb, that is a long life bulb encased in a large frosted glass envelope to eliminate hotspots and pattern errors common to small, clear-envelope household bulbs. The unit offers highly accurate modeling, boasting “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” modeling. This is a result of careful engineering of the flash and modeling components with respect to polar patterns, specular content, and accurate tracking of light ratios from both sources. With respect to tracking accuracy, only White Lightning units employ full voltage regulation of the flash circuits as well as the modeling lamp circuits. This allows our system to maintain consistent flash/model rations under real-world powerline conditions.
A full range of accessories are compatible with the X-Series units, as a quick-release mechanism attaches the entire White Lightning range of reflectors and modifying accessories, while dual holders allow the simultaneous use of umbrellas and counter weight shafts. For our full line of accessories offered, please refer to the product catalog that came with your light, or to our website at www.white-lightning.com.
Each X-Series Flash Unit comes with our standard 250 Watt modeling lamp, a 5600ºK daylight-balanced flashtube, our 7-inch silver field reflector, 15-foot power and sync cords, a black polycarbonate shipping cover, small nylon clips (for attaching gels and filters), and your Owner’s Operation Manual.
The Back Control Panel offers you clear control of the flash unit’s features, conveniently labeled and collectively located, for simple and quick manipulation.
Slider Control of Flashpower
The flashpower is independently adjusted with the top slide fader (marked with lightning bolts on either side). With this slider, you can adjust the flashpower over a full 5 f-stop range, from Full down to 1/32nd of the total power. The slider adjusts the flashpower steplessly, in whole f-stop increments and everywhere in between.
Slider Control of Modeling
The modeling lamp output is independently adjusted with the lower slide fader, below the flashpower slider (marked with light bulbs on either side). With this slider, you can adjust the modeling lamp output over the same full 5 f-stop range, from Full down to 1/32nd of the total power. The slider adjusts the modeling lamp output steplessly, in whole f-stop increments and everywhere in between.
Modeling Lamp Control (MODEL)
The white “MODEL” button is the ON/OFF switch for the modeling lamp. When depressed, the modeling lamp is turned ON, and when released, the modeling lamp is turned OFF. The modeling lamp must be turned on before its output is adjusted by the modeling lamp slider.
Modeling Lamp Recycle Indicator (MODEL = READY)
The black “READY” button is the ON/OFF switch for using the modeling lamp as a recycle status indicator. When this switch is depressed, the modeling lamp will visually indicate the unit’s recycle status by dimming after each flash (as the unit recycles). When the modeling lamp comes back on, this indicates that the unit has recycled and is ready to flash again at the indicated settings. With the “READY” switch released, the modeling lamp will remain on, at the output level indicated, through the shoot.
Recycle Indicator Ready Light
The “READY” light is located below the black “READY” button. This light indicates the unit’s recycle status. When the light shines green, the unit is recycled and ready to flash at the indicated settings.
Test Flash
The round red “TEST” button allows you to test flash your unit. Pressing this button will fire the flash unit, and cause any other flash units in your setup to fire as well, as long as there slave trippers are not disengaged with a sync cord or blank dummy jack. The test flash button may be used to dump any excess charge that has stored when your unit is quickly changed from a higher to a lower power setting, and it may be used for meter readings as well.
Range (Quarter Power Switch)
on the X1600, X2400 and X3200 units only
The blue “RANGE” button switches the unit from Full Power to Quarter Power mode. Pressing this button in sets the unit to Full Power (High Power), and releasing the button sets the unit to Quarter Power (Low Power). When in Full Power mode, the unit is using all of its capacitors, and the flashpower slider will adjust the output over a stepless 5 f-stop range from Full down to 1/32nd of the total power. When in Quarter Power mode, the unit is using only one of its capacitors, and the flashpower slider will adjust the output over a stepless 5 f-stop range from 1/4 down to 1/128th of the total power. As the Full Power mode and Quarter Power modes overlap, there is a total 7 f-stop power range available. When in Quarter Power mode, the flash duration and recycle time is decreased by a factor of four, and the modeling lamp will be set to dimmed to 1/4 of its normal power. Please note that the unit will test flash itself whenever you switch the Power Range to or from Full and Quarter Power modes.
The Remote Control Jack is located below the white “MODEL” button, on the lower left side of the Control Panel. Plugging a Paul C. Buff, Inc. Remote Control unit (or compatible control system) into this jack will cause the unit’s flashpower and modeling lamp to be externally controlled, ignoring the positions on the sliders. The RJ-11 Connector Remote Jack accepts four-conductor standard telephone cords (provided with each Paul C. Buff, Inc. Remote Control).
Slave Tripper (SLAVE cell)
The unit contains a highly sensitive built-in slaver tripper, which fires the unit whenever it “sees” the light from another flash unit. The slave tripper can be disengaged by plugging a sync cord or a blank “dummy” jack into the sync jack.
The Sync Jack on the unit’s Control Panel allows you to connect the unit to your camera with the provided sync cord. Each X-Series unit arrives with a standard 15-foot sync cord (1/4-inch stereo plug to PC-connection). The 1/4-inch stereo plug fits in this Sync Jack, allowing for a hardwire sync connection. When connected, the built-in slave tripper is disengaged, and the unit will only take its cue to fire from the connected camera.
The “DUMP” light is located below the red “TEST” button. This light indicates the unit’s charge/overcharge status. This light shines red to indicate that the unit is charged to a higher flashpower than what is selected. This occurs when the flashpower is changed from a higher to a lower setting. To avoid overexposing the next frame, wait for the “DUMP” light to go out (the unit will automatically dump the excess charge). Depending on the change made, the automatic dump may take up to one minute, but you can instantly dump this charge by pressing the “TEST” button.
Circuit Breaker Reset
The “RESET” button, located below the Remote Jack, allows you to reset the circuit breaker if it is tripped from excessive, rapid use. Pressing this button in will reset the circuit breaker.
ON/OFF AC Power
The Power Switch, located above the Power Cord Jack, is the main ON/OFF switch for the flash unit.
Power Cord Jack
Each X-Series unit is supplied with a standard 15-foot AC Power Cord. This cord connects the flash unit to a 120 Vac, 50-60 Hz power source. The power cord is plugged in to the standard IEC Connector on the Control Panel, then plugged into a suitable AC power source. The power cord may only be connected to a 3-pronged, grounded power outlet. The flash units will not function properly if the ground is defeated. For safety, using a surge protector is recommended when multiple flash units are plugged into a single outlet.
White Lightning flash units incorporate axial-flow thermodynamics to reduce heat build-up. Additionally, all X-Series flash units have a built-in, forced air cooling fan that allows extended, all day shooting sessions, and prevents overheating.
The X-Series units contain audible warning alarms for overheat and misfire. If the unit’s internal temperatures are raised to excessive levels where the internal components are threatened, the unit will produce a periodic tone. Continued use will increase the urgency of this tone. Should the overheat alarm sound, it is best to power down your unit, and allow it to cool.
If the flash unit is triggered but fails to fire properly, a misfire alarm will sound for one second. If this alarm sounds, first check your flashtube. Ensure that it is not exhausted or broken, and check to see if it has come loose from its setting.
If either alarm fires, and you are unable to correct the problem as described, please contact our Technical Services Department at 1-800-443-5542.
The Power Supply and Flash Capacitors
Using precision voltage regulation and well-designed internal thermodynamics, White Lightning flash units produce consistent and correct output levels. The precision regulator continuously monitors the back panel control settings, the status of the back panel switches, and the remote control input to determine the correct amount of energy to be applied. As White Lightning flash units require AC power, each unit comes with our heavy-duty 15-foot power cord, with a three-wire grounded plug to connect to a standard 120 Vac, 50-60 Hz power outlet. An optional 25-foot extended power cord is available separately, if needed.
The Housing
White Lightning flash units are housed in aircraft grade hard aluminum extrusions, featuring molded polycarbonate rear bezels and shipping covers. Rounded corners are used throughout the packaging for safety and ease of handling. Our swivel bracket stand mount is attached to the housing, fitting most light stands up to 5/8-inch. With a tightening knob to attach your flash unit securely, and an adjustment arm to change the position and direction of the unit, this solid aluminum-cast stand mount is designed to withstand heavy tightening and bending stress.
The close correlation between the flashtube and the modeling lamp in several parameters allows us to offer WYSIWYG (What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get) modeling. With matched intensity ratios, matched light patterns and diffusion, the output of the modeling lamp will match the pattern of light you will see on film. The X-Series flash units arrive with our standard 250 watt, 4600 lumens quartz modeling lamp. These are standard bulbs with a medium Edison-type base, and each has a 3000+ hour lifespan. As all bulbs become exhausted by use, the user may simply, quickly and inexpensively replace ours, with replacement bulbs in various wattages.
Plug your units into suitable, grounded 3-pronged AC power outlets. If more than three units are fired simultaneously, you might need more than one power circuit to avoid tripping building circuit breakers. It is recommended that you set the
“Model=Ready” button to the IN position to minimize power usage. For battery operated power, we offer the Vagabond unit, designed specifically for Paul C. Buff, Inc. flash units. (See www.white-lightning,com or your product catalog for details.)
To begin using your units, make sure that they are attached to appropriate light stands. Once you have them positioned and turned on, you can adjust the power according to your needs and your flash meter readings. With the built-in slave trippers, it is only necessary to wire one unit in your setup to your camera, as any other X-Series lights in your studio will reliably fire via their built-in slave cell.
Remove the shipping cover. Your flash unit arrives with the flashtube and modeling lamp in place, protected by the black polycarbonate shipping cover. You must remove this cover prior to operation. The cover is held in place with fingers on the front faceplate of the unit, which are used to hold accessories as well, such as reflectors and softbox speedrings. To remove the cover, slide the silver lever on the bottom of the faceplate. This will cause holding fingers on the unit’s faceplate to contract, allowing you to pull the shipping cover straight off of the faceplate. Releasing the lever will allow the holding fingers to expand back into the holding position.
Securely mount your flash unit to an appropriate light stand. The black swivel mounting bracket allows you to affix your unit to any of our light stands. Once you have expanded the footprint of the stand to its stable position, set the unit on top of the stand, allowing the brass stud on the stand to slide inside the mounting bracket opening. The black knob on the mounting bracket will turn the screw to tighten around the stand’s brass stud to secure a tight, stable attachment. The black arm on stand mount may then be used to adjust the direction of the flash unit. (Once your unit is securely mounted and positioned, you may then adjust the height of the stand.)
Attach your accessories. (You can use the unit bare bulb at this time as well, if desired.)
Reflectors: To attach any of our reflectors to the faceplate of your flash unit, you will use the lever to expand and contract the holding fingers in the same manner used to remove your shipping cover. When you slide the lever, the holding fingers will contract, allowing you to place your reflector around the fingers. When the lever is released, the fingers will expand to hold the reflector securely in place. For proper fitting, ensure that all four fingers are holding the inside of the reflector.
Softboxes: The speedring of your assembled softbox will fit on your faceplate in place of the reflector, attached and removed as the reflectors are, with the holding fingers.
Umbrellas: You may use umbrellas with the standard 7-inch reflector provided, or bare-bulb. To use an umbrella with the reflector, you will need to line up the hole in the reflector with one of the holes in the unit’s housing. The umbrella pole fits through the hole in the reflector, then through the hole in the top of the unit’s housing, and is tightened in place with the black screw. (There are two umbrella holes in the unit housing; either may be used.)
Honeycomb Grids: To use our honeycomb grids, you will need either the standard 7-inch reflector provided or the UMF LiteMod Unit Mainframe. With either the standard reflector or Mainframe reflector attached, you can simply snap one grid directly into the recessed outer lip of either reflector.
Gels/Filters: Gels and filters may be used either with the UMF LiteMod Unit Mainframe, the UBR Background Reflector or with our standard 7-inch reflector. To use gels and filters with the Mainframe, you will slide them into the attached frame using the GELH Gel Holder. To use gels and filters with the standard or background reflectors, you can use the provided nylon clips for attachment. These clips will adhere to the reflector, holding a gel over the reflector to modify the output of the light.
(Please see the individual accessories for a complete description of use and attachment.)
Connect your power cord. This provided 15-foot cord connects to the flash unit on the back control panel, then plugs into a 120VAC, 50-60Hz power outlet. With the power cord connected, turn your unit on. The green OK light indicates that your unit is powered and ready to fire.
Connect your sync cord to your camera. The 1/4-inch stereo plug end of the provided sync cord plugs in to the sync jack on the back panel of the unit, and the other end of the cord will connect to your camera with its PC connection. When the sync cord is plugged into the sync jack, the flash unit will fire. This flash will indicate that the sync cord is detected, and that the unit will take its cues to fire from your connected camera.
Adjust your positioning and flashpower settings. The output settings that you choose will vary based on your subject, your environment, and your desired effects. The positioning will vary as well, depending on the coverage, distance and intensity required. The modeling lamps will help you to determine positioning, as they show you exactly where your light will hit, matching the specularity of the source with any modifying accessories.
With your flash unit powered on and connected to your camera, you are ready to take a meter reading of the light, adjust your camera’s settings, and begin shooting.
When using flash units and various light modifying techniques, the best way to ensure a proper exposure is to use a quality dedicated flash meter. There are several manufacturers who offer excellent meters, allowing you to enter the specific settings that you’ve chosen for a shot, and read the amount of light present. You can connect the provided sync cord directly to a hand-held meter, and select the “cord” option for the meter’s fire signaling. Once you have entered the appropriate film speed (ISO) and aperture or shutter speed into the meter, you are ready to take a reading. The meter’s “test” or “fire” button will fire the unit(s) in your setup, and indicate the appropriate settings so that you may set your camera controls accordingly. A reading from the camera position or from the subject position may be used to determine an overall average scene reading. Depending on the subject, you may additionally want to take spot meter readings. With these readings, you can set your camera’s controls appropriately for the amount of light present, considering the aperture and shutter speed needed for the specific effect desired. For example, if you are shooting a portrait, you may want to use a lower speed film with less grain, such as ISO 50 or ISO 100. For shooting a sports event, you may want to use very fast shutter speed to stop the action. Depending on your needs, you can take a reading, then adjust the output of your flash units accordingly until the reading indicates settings that fit within your desired range. Once you have taken your reading, made necessary adjustments, and set your camera’s controls, you can remove the sync cord from the meter and return it to your camera. You are now ready to shoot.
Note: When metering for a correct exposure, you cannot rely on your in camera meter, as it cannot detect the light that will be produced by the flash unit(s) when fired. Most cameras employ a Through-The-Lens Meter (TTL), which takes light readings by sending out a pre-flash or infrared sensor in order to detect the amount of available light. While this reading has not way of detecting the flash, the signal may also inadvertently trip your unit’s built-in slave tripper, causing a premature flash.
The automatic mode is a setting on your camera that allows the camera to use its internal meter to automatically adjust the aperture and shutter speed for a shot based on the prescribed ISO speed of your film, and the available light. When using studio flash units, you cannot leave your camera in automatic mode, as its internal meter will not be able to detect the light that will be emitted by your flash units, and will thus be set to an inaccurate shutter speed and aperture opening, causing your picture to be overexposed. Furthermore, when in automatic mode, many cameras have TTL metering which will send out an infrared signal to read the light, and that signal may inadvertently trip your unit’s built-in slave tripper.
Manual exposure is a camera mode which is non-automatic, and requires the photographer to set their own aperture and f-stop for each shot. This mode does not rely on the camera’ s internal metering system, but requires you rather to take a reading with a separate flash meter to determine correct settings. When using external flash units, your camera should be adjusted manually.
When shooting, bracketing is taking several photographs of the exact same scene and setup with different exposure settings both above and below the target setting indicated by the flash meter. As different brands of meters vary in their readings for a “correct” exposure, bracketing both above and below the indicated settings will ensure that you get a properly exposed picture. If, for example, the indicated exposure for a setup is f5.6 with a shutter speed of 1/60 second, you can bracket for one stop less at f8, and one stop more at f4.
RECOMMENDED LONG TERM USE:
For the X-Series X800 and X1600, up to 400 full power shots per hour may be used. This will increase at lower power settings, and excess use will be identified by the unit’s overheat alarm. With the X3200, up to 240 full power shots per hour may be used, also increasing with lower power settings. Always power down then unplug your unit when not in use.
MODELING LAMPS AND FLASHTUBES:
Should you need to replace your modeling lamp, first unplug your unit from its power source. Wait at least five minutes for your flash unit’s internal capacitors to fully discharge, and your unit to completely cool. As your modeling lamp is a standard Edison-type screw in bulb, you can simply unscrew your existing bulb, and replace it with a new one. It is best to use a cloth or gloves so that your finger oils do not touch the bulb, as this may adversely affect its performance. To purchase replacement modeling lamps, call us at 1-800-443-5542.
To replace your flashtube, you will also need to turn your unit off and unplug it from its power source. You will also need to wait 5 minutes to allow the internal capacitors to fully discharge, and the unit to completely cool. You will need to unscrew the modeling lamp to get to the flashtube, which you then pull straight up and out of the unit. To install the new tube, hold the glass part in your hands, and line up the three metal legs with the corresponding sockets on the unit. The tube is inserted by gently pushing down on all areas until it is seated snugly. It is best to use a cloth or gloves to replace the flashtube as well, so that your finger oils do not touch the lamp, as this may adversely affect its performance. When your tube is installed correctly, your OK light will come on when you power up your unit. For questions on flashtube replacement, or to purchase replacement tubes, call us at 1-800-443-5542.
Your White Lightning X-Series flash units are covered by a 60 Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee and a limited 5 Year Factory Warranty. During the period of your warranty, Paul C. Buff, Inc. will repair or replace any X-Series unit which becomes defective during normal operation. This warranty does not apply to model lamps, flashtubes, or flash capacitors which have been exhausted as a result of heavy commercial use, or to units which have been physically damaged by the customer. Please contact Paul C. Buff, Inc. if you are having any difficulties with your unit, so that we may properly assess your repair needs, and provide you with the correct shipping procedures before returning your unit for repair. Do not attempt to fix your unit on your own. To contact Technical Support, call us at 1-800-443-5542.
For any comments, questions, or repair needs, please contact Paul C. Buff Inc. by phone or e-mail.
This product was made in the USA by:
Paul C. Buff, Inc.
2725 Bransford Ave.
Nashville, TN 37204
e-mail: sales@white-lightning.com