1. Product Overview
The Meike MK430 is a versatile TTL Speedlite shoe mount flash designed for use with Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras. It features a high guide number, multiple flash modes, and a rotatable head for flexible lighting options.
2. Setup
2.1. Battery Installation
- Open the battery compartment cover located on the side of the flash unit.
- Insert four (4) AA size batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH are usable) according to the polarity indicators inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Note: Batteries are NOT included with the flash unit.
2.2. Mounting to Camera
- Ensure your camera is turned off.
- Slide the flash unit onto 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.
2.3. Compatibility
The Meike MK430 TTL Speedlite is compatible with:
- Canon EOS Digital DSLR Cameras: 5D II, 6D, 7D, 50D, 70D, 77D, 80D, 550D, 600D, 650D, 700D, Rebel T7i, T6i, T6s, T6, T5i, T5, T4i, T3i, SL2, T100.
- Nikon DSLR Cameras.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1. Control Panel Overview
- LCD Display: Shows current settings and flash status.
- PILOT Button: Press to test fire the flash.
- MODE Button: Cycles through flash modes (TTL, MULTI, M, S1, S2).
- ZOOM Button: Adjusts the flash coverage (manual zoom) or enables auto zoom.
- ON/OFF Button: Powers the flash unit on or off.
- SET Button: Confirms selections or enters sub-menus.
- Adjustment Buttons (<Left>, <Right>): Navigate menus or adjust values.
3.2. Power On/Off
Press and hold the ON/OFF button to power the flash unit on or off.
3.3. Flash Modes
Press the MODE button to cycle through the available flash modes:
- TTL (Through-The-Lens): Automatic flash exposure control.
- MULTI (Stroboscopic Flash): Fires a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure to capture multiple movements.
- M (Manual): Allows manual control over flash output.
- S1 (Optical Slave Mode 1): Triggers the flash when it detects another flash firing (non-TTL).
- S2 (Optical Slave Mode 2): Triggers the flash when it detects another flash firing, ignoring the pre-flash of a TTL system.
3.4. Adjusting Flash Output (Manual Mode)
In Manual (M) mode, use the adjustment buttons to set the flash output from 1/128 to 1/1 power.
3.5. Zoom Function
Press the ZOOM button to switch between manual and auto zoom. The flash coverage ranges from 24mm to 105mm (14mm with wide panel).
3.6. Bounce Flash and Rotation
The flash head can be rotated vertically from 0 to 90 degrees and horizontally from 0 to 270 degrees, allowing for bounce flash photography to soften shadows and create more natural-looking light.
3.7. Wireless Triggering
The flash supports wireless triggering with an indoor range of 20-30 meters and an outdoor range of 10-15 meters.
3.8. Additional Features
- FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation): Adjusts the flash output to fine-tune exposure.
- AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing): Takes multiple shots at different exposures.
- First-Curtain Sync: Flash fires at the beginning of the exposure.
- Second-Curtain Sync: Flash fires at the end of the exposure, useful for capturing motion trails.
4. Maintenance
- Keep the flash unit dry. Do not handle with wet hands.
- Clean the flash head and body with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using solvents or harsh chemicals.
- Remove batteries if the flash will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
- Store the flash in its protective bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
5. Troubleshooting
- Flash not firing:
- Check if the batteries are correctly installed and have sufficient charge.
- Ensure the flash is securely mounted on the camera's hot shoe.
- Verify the flash is powered on.
- Check camera settings to ensure external flash is enabled.
- Incorrect exposure:
- Adjust Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) in TTL mode.
- In Manual (M) mode, adjust the flash output power.
- Ensure the flash head is pointed correctly (e.g., not blocked).
- Slow recycle time:
- Replace old or depleted batteries with fresh ones.
- Use high-quality Ni-MH rechargeable batteries for faster recycle times.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Model | MK430 |
| Flash Type | Professional Speedlite |
| Circuit Design | Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) |
| Guide Number | 42 (ISO 100, 105mm) |
| Flash Mode | TTL, MULTI, M, S1, S2 |
| Color Temperature | 5600k |
| Flash Time | 1/200s - 1/20000s |
| Flash Coverage | 24-105mm (14mm with wide panel) |
| Dimensions | 165 x 74.6 x 59.2mm |
| Net Weight | 252g (approx. 275g with packaging) |
| Vertical Rotation Angle | 0-90 degrees |
| Horizontal Rotation Angle | 0-270 degrees |
| Power Supply | 4 x AA size batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH) |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 4s (using AA alkaline battery) |
| Additional Features | FEC, AEB, Manual Zoom, Auto Zoom |
| Wireless Triggering Distance | 20-30m (indoor), 10-15m (outdoor) |
| Flash Control | 8 levels of output control (1/128 - 1/1) |
7. User Tips
- For optimal performance and faster recycle times, use high-quality rechargeable Ni-MH batteries.
- Experiment with bounce flash by rotating the flash head towards a ceiling or wall to achieve softer, more diffused lighting.
- Practice with different flash modes (TTL, Manual, S1/S2) to understand their effects and choose the best mode for various shooting scenarios.
- Always ensure the flash is securely mounted to your camera to prevent accidental detachment.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact the manufacturer or your point of purchase. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
