Meike MK-14EXTN Macro TTL Ring Flash User Manual

1. Introduction

The Meike MK-14EXTN Macro TTL Ring Flash is designed to provide uniform, shadow-reducing illumination for macro photography. Its ring-shaped flash tube mounts directly to your camera lens, ensuring even light distribution around the subject. This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your MK-14EXTN ring flash.

2. Package Contents

Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Meike MK-14EXTN LED Macro TTL Ring Flash Unit (x1)
• Adapter Ring Set (52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm) (x1)
• Leather Carrying Bag (x1)
• English User Manual (x1)
• Warranty Card (x1)

Figure 2.1: An overview of the Meike MK-14EXTN Macro TTL Ring Flash system, displaying the main control unit, the circular flash head, and various lens adapter rings for different lens diameters.

3. Safety Information

• To prevent battery leakage and potential damage, please remove the batteries from the flash unit if it will not be used for more than one week.
• Avoid continuous rapid firing. If the flash unit becomes noticeably warm or emits an unusual odor, discontinue use immediately and allow it to cool down for at least 10 minutes. This flash does not have automatic safety interrupts found in more expensive units.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the flash unit. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Installation

The MK-14EXTN requires four (4) AA/LR6 alkaline batteries for operation. For optimal performance and recycling times, high-quality rechargeable Ni-MH batteries are recommended.

1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the control unit.
2. Insert four AA/LR6 batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

4.2 Mounting the Flash Unit

The flash unit consists of two main parts: the control unit and the ring flash head.

4.2.1 Attaching the Control Unit to the Camera

1. Slide the control unit's hot shoe mount into your camera's hot shoe.
2. Tighten the locking wheel on the control unit to secure it firmly to the camera's hot shoe.

4.2.2 Attaching the Ring Flash Head to the Lens

The ring flash head attaches to your camera lens via an adapter ring. A set of 7 adapter rings (52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm) is included to accommodate various lens filter thread sizes.

1. Determine the filter thread size of your camera lens. This is usually printed on the front of the lens or on the lens cap (e.g., ⌀58mm).
2. Select the appropriate adapter ring from the included set.
3. Screw the chosen adapter ring onto the front filter thread of your lens.
4. Align the ring flash head with the adapter ring and gently push it onto the ring until it clicks into place. Ensure it is securely attached.

Note: Some users have reported that the ring flash head may feel slightly loose or spin on certain adapter rings. If this occurs, a thin rubber band placed flat in the channel of the adapter ring before attaching the flash head can provide additional friction and stability. Also, verify the fit of the 77mm adapter ring, as some units may have a slightly oversized ring.

Figure 4.1: The Meike MK-14EXTN Macro TTL Ring Flash attached to a camera, showcasing its compact design and the ring light positioned around the lens.

Figure 4.2: A detailed view of the included lens adapter rings, ranging from 52mm to 77mm, which allow the ring flash to be mounted on lenses of different filter thread sizes.

Figure 4.3: Detailed images showing the battery compartment for four AA/LR6 batteries and the metal hot shoe mount for secure attachment to a camera.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Power On/Off

Press and hold the power button on the control unit to turn the flash on or off. The LCD display will illuminate when the unit is powered on.

5.2 Flash Modes

The MK-14EXTN offers three primary flash modes:

• Manual Mode: Allows you to manually set the flash output power.
• TTL Mode (i-TTL compatible): The flash automatically adjusts its output based on the camera's metering system for balanced exposure.
• Multi Mode: Fires a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure, useful for capturing multiple movements of a subject.

Use the 'MODE' button on the control unit to cycle through these modes.

Figure 5.1: The flash control unit highlighting the selectable operating modes: Manual for full user control, TTL for automatic exposure, and Multi for stroboscopic effects.

5.3 Flash Ratio Control

The ring flash head consists of two independent flash tubes (left and right). You can adjust the output ratio between these two tubes from 1:8 to 8:1 in 1/2-stop increments. This allows for creative lighting effects, emphasizing one side of the subject over the other.

5.4 Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC)

In TTL mode, you can manually adjust the flash exposure compensation in 1/3-stop increments to fine-tune the flash output for desired results.

Figure 5.2: The control panel of the flash unit, illustrating the interface for manual power adjustments with 8 levels and 3 fine-tuning increments for precise brightness control.

5.5 AF Assist Lamp

The built-in LED AF assist lamp helps the camera achieve focus in low-light conditions. It has a coverage of approximately 40˚ top and bottom, and 45˚ left and right, and remains on for approximately 20 seconds.

5.6 Recycling Time

The flash recycling time is approximately 0.1 to 5 seconds, depending on the power output and battery condition. Fresh batteries and lower power settings result in faster recycling.

5.7 External Power Source

The MK-14EXTN is compatible with external compact battery packs such as the Canon CP-E4 (or equivalent) for extended shooting sessions and faster recycling times.

5.8 Compatible Cameras

This flash unit is compatible with Nikon i-TTL cameras, including but not limited to:

• Nikon D7000, D5000, D5100, D3200, D3100, D3000
• Nikon D3 series, D800, D700, D2 series, D300 series, D200, D90, D80s
• Nikon D70 series, D60, D50, D40 series, F6
• Nikon COOLPIX: COOLPIX8800, COOLPIX8400, COOLPIX P5000, COOLPIX P5100, COOLPIX P6000

6. Maintenance

• Keep the flash unit clean by wiping it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners.
• Store the flash unit in its carrying bag when not in use to protect it from dust and physical damage.
• As mentioned in the safety section, remove batteries for long-term storage to prevent leakage.

7. Troubleshooting

• Flash not firing: Check battery levels. Ensure the flash is securely mounted on the camera's hot shoe and powered on. Verify the camera's flash settings are enabled.
• Incorrect exposure: In TTL mode, adjust Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC). In Manual mode, adjust the power output. Ensure the flash-to-subject distance is within the effective range.
• Ring flash head loose on lens: If the ring flash head spins freely on the adapter ring, try placing a thin rubber band in the adapter ring's channel before attaching the flash head to increase friction.
• Overheating: If the flash unit becomes hot or emits an odor, immediately power it off and allow it to cool down for at least 10 minutes before resuming use. This is crucial to prevent damage.
• Black banding in photos: This may occur at very high shutter speeds (above 1/200s) if the camera's High-Speed Sync (Auto-FP) mode is not properly engaged or supported by the flash in all scenarios.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Your Meike MK-14EXTN Macro TTL Ring Flash comes with a warranty card included in the package. Please refer to the warranty card for specific terms and conditions regarding coverage and duration.

For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact Meike customer service through their official channels. Keep your purchase receipt and warranty card as proof of purchase.