1. Introduction
The Nissin MF18 Macro Ring Flash is designed for professional macro photography, offering precise control and soft, diffuse light. This manual provides instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your MF18 flash unit for Nikon cameras.
- Intuitive Color LCD: Features a bright, easy-to-read display for clear numerical values.
- Powerful Output: Guide number of 16 (m) for achieving significant depth of field in close-up photography.
- Precise Power Control: Offers Manual power from 1/1 to 1/64 (1/3 EV steps), Fine Macro power from 1/128 to 1/1024 (1/6 EV steps), and TTL compensation from -3.0 to +3.0 (1/3 EV steps).
- LED Modeling Lights: Four built-in LED lights assist with focusing in low-light conditions.
- High-Speed Sync (HSS): Supports shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second for wider apertures in bright light.
2. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- Nissin Digital MF18 Macro Ring Flash Unit
- Anodized aluminum adapter rings for lenses with filter sizes: 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, and 77mm
- Protective case
- User Manual (this document)
3. Setup
3.1. Battery Installation
The MF18 requires 4 AA batteries. Ensure correct polarity when inserting the batteries.
- Locate the battery compartment on the control unit.
- Open the battery compartment cover.
- Insert 4 AA batteries, matching the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
3.2. Mounting the Control Unit to the Camera
Attach the control unit to your camera's hot shoe.
- Slide the control unit's mounting foot into the camera's hot shoe.
- Secure the unit by tightening the locking mechanism on the control unit.
3.3. Attaching the Ring Flash Head to the Lens
The MF18 comes with various adapter rings to fit different lens filter sizes.
- Select the appropriate adapter ring for your lens's filter thread size (52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, or 77mm).
- Screw the chosen adapter ring onto the front filter thread of your camera lens.
- Align the ring flash head with the adapter ring and gently push it until it clicks into place. Ensure it is securely attached.
Image: The Nissin MF18 Macro Ring Flash control unit mounted on a camera hot shoe, with the ring flash head attached to the lens. This illustrates the complete setup.
3.4. Connecting the Flash Head to the Control Unit
Connect the coiled cable from the ring flash head to the control unit.
- Insert the connector from the ring flash head's coiled cable into the designated port on the control unit.
- Ensure the connection is firm to prevent accidental disconnection during use.
Image: A close-up view of the connection ports on the Nissin MF18 control unit, including the flash head connection port and a USB port.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1. Powering On/Off
Press and hold the power button on the control unit to turn the flash on or off. The color LCD will illuminate upon power-on.
4.2. LCD Display and Navigation
The MF18 features an intuitive color LCD display. Use the control buttons to navigate through menus and adjust settings. The screen automatically rotates for easier viewing when the camera is rotated.
4.3. Flash Modes and Power Control
The MF18 offers several flash modes for versatile lighting control:
- TTL Mode: Automatic flash exposure control, compatible with Nikon's i-TTL system. Adjust compensation from -3.0 to +3.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps.
- Manual Mode: Manually set flash power from 1/1 (full power) to 1/64 in 1/3 EV steps.
- Fine Macro Mode: For extremely precise light control, power can be set from 1/128 to 1/1024 in 1/6 EV steps. This is ideal for very close-up subjects.
4.4. LED Modeling Lights
The four built-in LED modeling lights can be activated to assist with focusing in dim environments. Press the dedicated button to toggle the modeling lights on or off.
4.5. High-Speed Sync (HSS)
When enabled, HSS allows the flash to synchronize with shutter speeds up to 1/8000 second. This feature is useful for shooting with wide apertures in bright ambient light to achieve shallow depth of field.
4.6. Adjusting Flash Head Position
The ring flash head can be adjusted to spread the light wider or to prevent vignetting with certain lenses. Press the release buttons on the sides of the flash head to expand or contract its diameter.
Image: The Nissin MF18 ring flash head shown in both its compact and expanded configurations, demonstrating its adjustable design.
Image: The Nissin MF18 Macro Ring Flash head with its LED modeling lights illuminated, providing continuous light for focusing.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash unit. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
- Battery Care: Remove batteries if the flash will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
- Storage: Store the flash in its protective case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Handling: Avoid dropping the flash or subjecting it to strong impacts.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not power on. | Dead or incorrectly inserted batteries. | Replace batteries with fresh ones, ensuring correct polarity. |
| Flash does not fire. |
|
|
| Images are too dark/bright (TTL mode). | Incorrect flash exposure compensation. | Adjust flash exposure compensation on the MF18 or camera. |
| Vignetting (dark corners) in images. | Flash head not expanded sufficiently for the lens. | Expand the ring flash head using the side release buttons. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | MF18 |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon (This model is specifically for Nikon) |
| Guide Number | 16 (m) |
| Exposure Control Type | TTL, High-Speed Sync |
| Flash Sync Speed | Up to 1/8000 seconds (HSS) |
| Power Control (Manual) | 1/1 to 1/64 in 1/3 EV steps |
| Power Control (Fine Macro) | 1/128 to 1/1024 in 1/6 EV steps |
| TTL Compensation | -3.0 to +3.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps |
| Color Temperature | 5600 Kelvin |
| Number of Batteries | 4 AA batteries required |
| Item Weight | 0.45 Kilograms |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired (for flash head), Optical Pulse (for wireless) |
| Built-In Media | Adapter rings for 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm lenses |
8. Warranty
The Nissin MF18 Macro Ring Flash comes with a 2 Year parts and Labor warranty. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, refer to the official Nissin website or contact customer support.
9. Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact Nissin customer support. Visit the official Nissin website for contact information and additional resources.
Nissin Website: www.nissindigital.com