Meike MK600 Speedlight Flash User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your Meike MK600 High Speed Sync TTL Speedlight Camera Flash. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the product to ensure optimal performance and to prevent damage.

The Meike MK600 is a versatile speedlight flash designed for DSLR cameras, offering various flash modes including TTL, High-Speed Sync (HSS), Manual, Multi, S1, and S2. It features a guide number of 60 (at 105mm, ISO 100) and a flexible flash head for bounce and swivel capabilities.

Figure 1: Front view of the Meike MK600 Speedlight Flash, showing the control panel and flash head.

2. Safety Information

• Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the flash unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Keep the flash unit dry. Do not expose it to rain, moisture, or high humidity.
• Avoid direct eye exposure to the flash. The intense light can cause temporary vision impairment.
• Use only recommended batteries (4 AA size batteries). Do not mix old and new batteries or different types of batteries.
• Remove batteries if the flash unit will not be used for an extended period.
• Keep out of reach of children.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

• 1 x Meike MK600 Speedlight Flash
• 1 x Flash Bag
• 1 x English and Chinese Manual

4. Product Features

The Meike MK600 Speedlight Flash offers a range of features for enhanced photographic lighting:

• Flash Modes: TTL, HSS (High Speed Sync), Rear Curtain Sync, Manual (M), Multi (Stroboscopic), S1, S2.
• Guide Number: 60 (at 105mm focal length, ISO 100 in meters/feet).
• Flash Coverage: 24-105mm (14mm with wide panel). Features Auto Zoom and Manual Zoom.
• Swinging/Tilting Flash Head: Allows for bounce flash photography. Rotation angles: Left-right ±180 degrees, Up-down -7 to 90 degrees.
• Controllable Slave Groups: 3 (A, B, and C).
• AF-Assist Beam: Aids in focusing in low-light conditions.
• Flash Duration: Normal flash: 1.2 ms or shorter; Quick flash: 2.3 ms or shorter.

Figure 2: Key features of the Meike MK600 Speedlight Flash.

5. Setup

5.1 Battery Installation

1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the side of the flash unit.
2. Insert four (4) AA size batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

5.2 Mounting to Camera

1. Slide the flash unit onto your camera's hot shoe mount.
2. Rotate the lock knob clockwise until the flash is securely fastened to the hot shoe. Do not overtighten.

5.3 Powering On/Off

• To power on, slide the ON/OFF switch to the 'ON' position. The LCD display will illuminate.
• To power off, slide the ON/OFF switch to the 'OFF' position.

6. Operating Instructions

Figure 3: Detailed view of the control panel and ports.

6.1 Flash Modes

Press the MODE button to cycle through the available flash modes:

• TTL (Through-The-Lens): Automatic flash exposure control. The flash output is determined by the camera's metering system.
• HSS (High Speed Sync): Allows the flash to synchronize with shutter speeds faster than the camera's normal sync speed, useful for freezing action or using wide apertures in bright light.
• Rear Curtain Sync: The flash fires just before the second curtain closes, creating a trail of light behind moving subjects.
• M (Manual): Manually set the flash output power from 1/1 to 1/128. Use the dial to adjust power.
• MULTI (Stroboscopic): Fires a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure, capturing multiple images of a moving subject. Set flash frequency and number of flashes.
• S1 (Optical Slave Mode 1): The flash fires in response to the main flash. Suitable for manual flash systems.
• S2 (Optical Slave Mode 2): The flash fires in response to the main flash, ignoring the pre-flash from TTL systems.

6.2 Zoom Control

Press the ZOOM button to adjust the flash coverage. You can select Auto Zoom, which matches the lens focal length, or manually set the zoom from 24mm to 105mm.

6.3 Bounce and Swivel

The flash head can be tilted upwards by 90 degrees and downwards by 7 degrees. It can also swivel horizontally 180 degrees to the left and 180 degrees to the right. This allows you to bounce the flash off ceilings or walls for softer, more natural lighting.

Figure 4: Flash head rotation angles for bounce and swivel.

6.4 Slave Function

When operating as a slave unit, the MK600 can be triggered by a master flash. Set the flash to S1 or S2 mode as described above. The AF-assist beam will blink to indicate it is ready to receive a slave signal.

7. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash unit. For stubborn dirt, use a slightly damp cloth and then dry thoroughly. Do not use solvents or abrasive cleaners.
• Battery Care: Always remove batteries when the flash is not in use for extended periods to prevent leakage. Use high-quality AA batteries.
• Storage: Store the flash unit in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the provided flash bag for protection.

8. Troubleshooting

• Flash not firing:
  • Check if the flash is securely mounted on the camera's hot shoe.
  • Ensure batteries are correctly inserted and have sufficient charge.
  • Verify the flash is powered on.
  • Check camera settings to ensure external flash is enabled.
• Flash overexposes/underexposes:
  • In TTL mode, check the camera's flash exposure compensation settings.
  • In Manual mode, adjust the flash power output.
  • Ensure the flash head zoom matches the lens focal length or is set appropriately.
• Flash does not sync with high shutter speeds:
  • Ensure HSS (High Speed Sync) mode is enabled on the flash and supported by your camera.
• Slave flash not triggering:
  • Ensure the slave flash is in S1 or S2 mode.
  • Verify the optical sensor on the slave flash is facing the master flash or receiving sufficient light.
  • Check for obstructions between the master and slave units.

9. Specifications

Figure 5: Detailed specifications of the Meike MK600 Speedlight Flash.

10. Warranty Information

Meike products are manufactured to high-quality standards. This product is covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. Specific warranty terms and duration may vary by region. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or contact Meike customer support.

11. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or service inquiries, please visit the official Meike website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the Meike brand store online.

Online Resources: Meike Brand Store on Amazon