Introduction
The VILTROX JY-680 is a high-performance speedlight flashgun designed for use with standard hot shoe DSLR cameras, including Canon, Nikon, and Pentax systems. It offers a powerful guide number of 58 (at 105mm focal length, ISO 100) and supports various flash functions to enhance your photography.
This manual provides detailed instructions on the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your JY-680 speedlight. Please read it thoroughly before using the product to ensure proper and safe operation.
Key Features:
- Guide Number: 58 (ISO 100, 105mm)
- Flash Coverage: 24-105mm (14mm with wide panel)
- Swinging/Tilting Flash Head for bounce flash
- Manual Flash Ratio Output: 22 levels
- High-speed continuous shooting support (up to 8FPS at 1/8 power or below)
- Fast Recycle Time: Approximately 0.1-6 seconds
- Power Saving Mode
Setup
1. Unpacking and Contents Verification
Carefully unpack all items from the product box. Ensure the following components are present:
- VILTROX JY-680 Speedlight x 1
- Flash Stand x 1
- Carrying Bag x 1
- User Manual x 1 (This document)
- Warranty Card x 1
- Flash Diffuser x 1
2. Battery Installation
The JY-680 operates on four size-AA alkaline batteries. Ni-MH and Lithium batteries are also usable. Follow these steps to install batteries:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the side of the flash unit.
- Slide the cover open in the direction indicated by the arrow.
- Insert four AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as marked inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely until it clicks into place.
Note: For optimal performance and recycle times, use fresh, high-quality batteries.
3. Mounting to Camera
The JY-680 features a standard hot shoe mount for compatibility with most DSLR cameras.
- Ensure both the camera and the flash are powered off.
- Slide the flash's mounting foot into the camera's hot shoe slot.
- Once fully inserted, turn the locking knob on the flash's mounting foot clockwise to secure the flash firmly to the camera.
- To remove, turn the locking knob counter-clockwise and slide the flash out.
Figure 1: Front view of the VILTROX JY-680 Speedlight, showing the flash head and main body. This image illustrates the overall design and appearance of the flash unit when mounted.
Operating Instructions
1. Power On/Off
To power on the flash, press and hold the ON/OFF button until the LCD screen illuminates. To power off, press and hold the same button until the screen turns off.
2. Flash Modes
The JY-680 primarily operates in Manual (M) mode and supports Multi (stroboscopic) flash. Use the MODE button to cycle through available flash modes.
- Manual (M) Mode: In this mode, you manually set the flash output level. The output can be adjusted in 22 levels. Use the directional buttons (up/down) to increase or decrease the power output.
- Multi (Stroboscopic) Mode: This mode allows the flash to fire multiple times during a single exposure, creating a stroboscopic effect. Refer to the on-screen indicators for setting the frequency and number of flashes.
3. Flash Coverage (Zoom) Adjustment
The flash coverage can be adjusted from 24mm to 105mm to match the focal length of your lens. Use the ZOOM + and ZOOM - buttons to manually adjust the flash head's zoom position. A wide panel is integrated for 14mm coverage.
4. Bounce Flash Operation
The flash head can be tilted upwards and swiveled horizontally to allow for bounce flash photography. This technique involves directing the flash light towards a ceiling or wall to create softer, more natural-looking illumination.
- Tilting: The flash head can be tilted upwards up to 90 degrees.
- Swiveling: The flash head can be swiveled horizontally up to 180 degrees to the left and 90 degrees to the right.
Figure 2: Side view of the VILTROX JY-680 Speedlight, highlighting the control panel with MODE, ZOOM, ON/OFF, and directional buttons. This image shows the user interface for adjusting flash settings.
5. High-Speed Continuous Shooting
The JY-680 supports high-speed continuous shooting. When the flash output level is set to 1/8 or below, the flash can support continuous shooting at up to 8 frames per second (FPS).
6. Power Saving Mode
To conserve battery life, the flash unit will automatically enter a power-saving mode if no operation is performed for a certain period. The flash will automatically shut down sooner if left idle.
Maintenance
1. Cleaning
To clean the flash unit, use a soft, dry cloth. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water and then wipe dry. Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol or paint thinner, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
Keep the flash contacts on the hot shoe clean. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe them if they appear dirty.
2. Storage
When not in use for extended periods, remove the batteries from the flash unit to prevent leakage and potential damage. Store the flash in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity. Use the provided carrying bag for protection during storage and transport.
3. Battery Care
Always use fresh batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries. Dispose of used batteries responsibly according to local regulations.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not power on. | Batteries are dead or incorrectly installed. | Replace batteries with fresh ones, ensuring correct polarity. |
| Flash does not fire. | Flash is not securely mounted to the camera hot shoe; camera settings are incorrect; flash is in standby mode. | Ensure flash is fully inserted and locked on the hot shoe. Check camera flash settings. Power cycle the flash unit. |
| Long recycle time. | Batteries are low; high power output setting. | Replace batteries. Reduce flash power output. |
| Flash output is too weak/strong. | Manual power output is set incorrectly. | Adjust the manual power output level using the directional buttons. |
Specifications
- Compatible Camera: Type-A EOS camera, Type-B EOS camera (TTL autoflash is not supported by this model, operates in Manual/Multi modes)
- Guide Number: 58 (at 105mm focal length, ISO 100 in meters) / 190 (in feet)
- Flash Coverage: 24-105mm (14mm with wide panel)
- Swinging/Tilting Flash Head: Yes (bounce flash capability)
- Effective Flash Range (Normal): Approx. 0.5-7.5m / 1.6-98.4ft.
- High-Speed Sync: 0.5-15mm / 1.6-49.2 ft. (at 1/250 sec.)
- Transmission Range (Approx.): Indoors: 12-15m / 39.4-49.2ft.; Outdoors: 8-10m / 26.2-32.8ft.
- Master Unit Reception Angle: ±40° horizontal, ±30° vertical
- Effective Range (Approx. at center): 0.6-10m / 2.0-32.8ft.
- Effective Range (Approx. at periphery): 0.6-5m / 2.0-16.4ft.
- Internal Power: Four size-AA alkaline batteries (Ni-MH and Lithium batteries also usable)
- Battery Life (Approx. flash count): 100-700 flashes (with size-AA alkaline batteries)
- External Power: Compatible with compact battery pack CP-E4 (sold separately)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 76 x 137 x 117 mm / 3.0 x 5.4 x 4.6 in.
- Weight (Approx.): 405g / 14.3 oz.
Figure 3: Image illustrating the dimensions of the VILTROX JY-680 Speedlight, showing its height and width for reference.
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information
Your VILTROX JY-680 Speedlight comes with a Warranty Card. Please refer to the terms and conditions specified on the card for details regarding warranty coverage, duration, and claims process. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
Customer Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact VILTROX customer support. Contact information can typically be found on the VILTROX official website or on the Warranty Card included with your product.
For general inquiries or to explore other VILTROX products, you may visit the official VILTROX store online: VILTROX Official Store
