Introduction
The Meike MK950C is a versatile TTL Speedlite camera flash designed for use with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. It offers advanced features such as TTL metering, high-speed synchronization, stroboscopic flash, and manual control, providing photographers with flexible lighting solutions. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and maintenance of your MK950C flash unit.
Key Features
- New Charging Socket for External Power Pack: Allows connection to an external power pack for faster recycling times.
- New PC Synchronous Port: Provides a standard PC sync connection for wired triggering.
- High-Speed Continuous Shooting: Supports 8FPS continuous shooting at 1/8 power output or below.
- Improved Power Saving Mode: Features an optimized power-saving function for extended battery life.
- Super Speed Charging Recycle: Achieves approximately 3-second recycle time after full power output with fresh batteries.
- Flexible Rotation: Flash head rotates vertically (0-90 degrees) and horizontally (0-270 degrees).
- Multiple Flash Modes: Supports TTL, Manual (M), Stroboscopic, S1, and S2 modes.
- Guide Number: GN58 (ISO 100, 105mm).
Product Overview
This diagram identifies key components: LCD display, Test button (PILOT), Mode button, Charging indicator, Adjustment buttons (left/right), SET button, Power ON/OFF, Zoom button, Reflector panel, Flash head, Wide-angle diffuser, Battery cover, PC terminal (for input), External power socket (connect SD-8A), Hot Shoe.
The flash unit features an LCD display showing current settings like TTL mode, Guide Number (GN 58), and Zoom (50mm). Control buttons include PILOT, MODE, ZOOM, ON/OFF, SET, and directional arrows.
Setup
1. Battery Installation
- Open the battery cover located on the side of the flash unit.
- Insert 4 x AA size batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH are usable) according to the polarity indicators inside the compartment.
- Close the battery cover securely.
Note: Batteries are not included with the flash unit.
2. Mounting the Flash to Your Camera
- Ensure both the camera and flash are powered off.
- Slide the flash's hot shoe into your camera's hot shoe mount until it clicks into place.
- Tighten the locking ring or lever on the flash unit to secure it to the camera.
3. External Power Pack Connection (Optional)
For faster recycle times, connect an external power pack to the dedicated charging socket on the flash unit. Refer to your external power pack's manual for specific connection instructions.
4. PC Sync Port Connection (Optional)
To use a wired PC synchronous line for triggering, connect one end of the PC sync cable to the PC terminal on the flash and the other end to your camera's PC sync port or a compatible trigger.
Operating Instructions
1. Powering On/Off
- To power on, press the ON/OFF button.
- To power off, press and hold the ON/OFF button.
2. Flash Modes
Press the MODE button to cycle through the available flash modes:
- TTL (Through-The-Lens): Automatic flash exposure control. The flash output is automatically adjusted based on the camera's metering.
- M (Manual): Allows manual control over flash output from 1/128s to 1s. Use the adjustment buttons to set the desired power level.
- Stroboscopic: Fires a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure to capture multiple images of a moving subject.
- S1/S2 (Optical Slave Modes):
- S1: The flash fires in sync with the first flash from a master flash.
- S2: The flash ignores the pre-flash from a master flash and fires in sync with the main flash.
3. Zoom Control
Press the ZOOM button to adjust the flash coverage. Use the adjustment buttons to change the zoom setting (e.g., 24mm, 50mm, 105mm) to match your lens's focal length.
4. Test Flash (PILOT)
Press the PILOT button to fire a test flash. This also serves as a charging indicator; it glows red when the flash is ready to fire.
5. Flash Head Rotation
The flash head can rotate vertically from 0-90 degrees and horizontally from 0-270 degrees, providing flexible lighting options for bouncing light.
The flash head can be rotated to bounce light off ceilings or walls for softer illumination:
- Vertical Rotation: 0 to 90 degrees.
- Horizontal Rotation: 0 to 270 degrees.
Gently adjust the flash head to the desired angle. Do not force the rotation beyond its limits.
6. Wide-Angle Diffuser and Reflector Panel
The diffuser plate can be extended to spread light evenly, eliminating dark corners. The image shows the flash with the diffuser plate in both retracted and extended positions.
Pull out the wide-angle diffuser and reflector panel from the flash head as needed:
- Wide-Angle Diffuser: Spreads the flash light over a wider area, ideal for wide-angle lenses or softening light.
- Reflector Panel: Creates a catchlight in the subject's eyes when bouncing the flash.
Maintenance
- Keep the flash unit dry. Do not expose it to rain or moisture.
- Clean the flash head and body with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
- Remove batteries when the flash is not in use for extended periods to prevent leakage.
- Store the flash in a cool, dry place, preferably in its protective bag.
- Avoid strong impacts or dropping the unit.
Troubleshooting
- Flash not firing:
- Check if the flash is powered on.
- Ensure batteries are correctly inserted and have sufficient charge.
- Verify the flash is securely mounted to the camera's hot shoe.
- Check camera settings to ensure external flash is enabled.
- Allow sufficient recycle time after a full-power flash.
- Flash output too bright/dark:
- In TTL mode, check camera's exposure compensation settings.
- In Manual mode, adjust the power output level.
- Ensure the flash zoom matches the lens focal length.
- Flash overheating:
- The flash has over-heat protection. If it overheats, it may temporarily stop firing. Allow it to cool down before further use.
- Avoid rapid, consecutive full-power flashes.
Specifications
Detailed specifications for the flash, including circuit design, guide number, flash modes, lighting times, recycle time, color temperature, external interfaces, wireless triggering distance, and additional features. The packing list includes the flash, mini stand, user's manual, and protection bag.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Circuit Design | Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) |
| Guide Number | 58 (ISO 100, 105mm) |
| Flash Mode | TTL, M, Stroboscopic, S1, S2 |
| Lighting Times | 100 - 1500 times (with alkaline batteries) |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 3s (AA alkaline cell used) |
| Color Temperature | 5600K |
| External Interface | Hot shoe, PC port, External charging port |
| Wireless Triggering Distance | 20-30m indoor, 10-15m outdoor |
| Additional Features | Sound indicator, Power saving mode, Overheat protection |
| Flash Control Output | 8 levels (1/128s - 1s) |
| Flash Duration | 1/200S - 1/20000S |
| Dimensions | 200 x 75 x 57mm |
| Net Weight | 365g |
| Power Source | 4 x AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) |
| Display | Yes |
| High-speed synchronous (HSS) | Yes |
| TTL | Yes |
Packing List
- Flash Unit (x1)
- Mini Stand (x1)
- User's Manual (x1)
- Protection Bag (x1)
User Tips
- For optimal performance and faster recycle times, use high-quality Ni-MH rechargeable AA batteries.
- Experiment with bouncing the flash off walls or ceilings using the rotating head for softer, more natural-looking light.
- When shooting portraits, extend the reflector panel to create a pleasing catchlight in the subject's eyes.
- In bright outdoor conditions, utilize High-Speed Sync (HSS) if your camera supports it, to use wider apertures and control ambient light.
- Practice with the manual mode to understand how different power levels affect your exposure and creative lighting.
Warranty and Support
For any issues, questions, or support regarding your Meike MK950C TTL Speedlite Camera Flash, please contact the seller or manufacturer's customer service. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.
