MEDALight F30 Camera Retro Mini Flash

1. Introduction

The MEDALight F30 is a compact, portable, and versatile retro-style mini camera flash designed to provide excellent fill light for various photography needs. Its universal single-point hot shoe ensures broad compatibility with many camera brands, while its built-in optical trigger modes offer flexible off-camera lighting solutions. This manual will guide you through the setup, operation, and maintenance of your F30 flash to help you achieve optimal photographic results.

2. Product Overview

2.1 Key Features

• Compact and Lightweight: Weighing approximately 66g, the F30 is designed for portability.
• High Brightness: Features a Guide Number (GN) of 15 (ISO100, meters).
• Adjustable Power: Offers 7-stop manual power adjustment from 1/64 to 1/1.
• Built-in Battery: Integrated 600mAh/3.7V (MAX 4.2V) battery for extended use.
• Type-C Charging: Convenient and fast charging via a Type-C port.
• Optical Trigger Modes: Supports S1 (synchronous) and S2 (anti-pre-flash) optical slave modes for off-camera triggering.
• Universal Hot Shoe: Compatible with most mainstream cameras featuring a single-point hot shoe, including Canon, FUJIFILM, Sony, Nikon, and Leica.
• Display: Equipped with a display for easy setting adjustments.
• High-Speed Synchronous (HSS): Yes.
• TTL: No.

2.2 Package Contents

Please check the package to ensure all items are present:

• 1 x MEDALight F30 Mini Flash
• 1 x Type-C Charging Cable
• 1 x Instruction Manual

3. Setup

3.1 Charging the Battery

1. Locate the Type-C charging port on the side of the flash unit.
2. Connect the provided Type-C charging cable to the flash unit.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to a suitable USB power source (e.g., USB wall adapter, power bank, computer USB port).
4. The charging indicator lights will show the charging status. A full charge takes approximately 1.5 hours.

3.2 Attaching to Camera Hot Shoe

1. Ensure both the camera and the flash unit are turned off.
2. Slide the F30 flash's hot shoe mount into your camera's hot shoe slot.
3. Tighten the locking ring on the flash unit to secure it firmly to the camera.
4. The F30 is compatible with universal single-point hot shoes found on most mainstream cameras.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Controls and Indicators

• Power Switch (ON/OFF): Located on the side of the unit to turn the flash on or off.
• Flash Power Indicator Lights (V/1, V/2, V/4, V/8, V/16, V/32, V/64): Indicate the current flash power setting.
• Test Flash Button: Triggers a test flash.
• Receiver Indicator: Lights up when the optical receiver is active.
• Flash Power Increase (+) / Decrease (-) Buttons: Adjust the flash output power.
• Optical Trigger S1/S2 Switch: Selects between S1 and S2 optical slave modes.
• Type-C Charging Port: For charging the internal battery.

4.2 Power On/Off

To turn the flash ON, slide the power switch to the 'ON' position. To turn it OFF, slide the switch to 'OFF'.

4.3 Adjusting Flash Power

The F30 operates in Manual (M) flash mode. Use the '+' and '-' buttons to adjust the flash output power. There are 7 stops available, ranging from 1/64 (lowest power) to 1/1 (full power). The flash power indicator lights will show the selected power level.

4.4 Optical Trigger Modes (S1/S2)

The F30 features built-in optical slave modes (S1 and S2) allowing it to be triggered wirelessly by another flash unit. These modes require at least two flash units to function (one main flash, and the F30 as an auxiliary flash).

• S1 Mode (Synchronous Trigger): In this mode, the F30 will fire simultaneously with the main flash. It is suitable for cameras that do not emit a pre-flash.
• S2 Mode (Anti-Pre-flash Trigger): In this mode, the F30 will ignore the main flash's pre-flash and trigger on the second flash (the actual exposure flash). This is ideal for cameras that use a pre-flash for TTL metering.

To activate, slide the S1/S2 switch to the desired mode. The receiver indicator will light up.

4.5 Sleep Mode

The F30 flash will automatically enter sleep mode after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power. To wake it up, press any button or trigger a flash.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash unit. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Storage: When not in use for extended periods, store the flash in a cool, dry place. Ensure the battery is partially charged (around 50%) before long-term storage to prolong battery life.
• Battery Care: Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. Recharge the battery regularly, even if not in use, to maintain its health.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Flash Not Firing

• Ensure the flash unit is turned ON.
• Check the battery level. Recharge if necessary.
• Verify the flash is securely mounted on the camera's hot shoe.
• If using optical trigger modes (S1/S2), ensure the main flash is firing correctly and the F30 is within range and line of sight.
• Test the flash using the test flash button to confirm it's functional.

6.2 Battery Not Charging

• Ensure the Type-C cable is properly connected to both the flash and the power source.
• Try a different Type-C cable or USB power adapter.
• Verify the power source is active and providing power.

6.3 Inconsistent Flash Output

• Check the selected flash power level.
• Ensure the battery is sufficiently charged. Low battery can affect flash consistency.
• Allow sufficient recycle time between flashes, especially at higher power settings.

7. Specifications

8. User Tips

• Versatile Lighting: Experiment with the 7-stop power adjustment to achieve different lighting effects for various scenes, from subtle fill to bright highlights.
• Off-Camera Creativity: Utilize the S1/S2 optical trigger modes with other flashes (like the F2) to create multi-light setups and achieve more dynamic and professional lighting.
• Extended Shooting: The 600mAh battery allows for over 300 flashes at full power. For prolonged shoots, carry a power bank to charge the flash via its Type-C port on the go.
• Indoor and Outdoor Use: The F30 is suitable for a wide range of environments, providing effective fill light for indoor portraits, outdoor daylight, or low-light conditions.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.