Introduction
The Ultimaxx UM-DSF100 is a universal digital slave flash designed for use with various DSLR and SLR cameras. This instruction manual provides detailed guidance on setting up, operating, and maintaining your slave flash to ensure optimal performance.
Package Contents
- Ultimaxx UM-DSF100 Universal Digital Slave Flash
- Hot Shoe Flash Bracket
- Instruction Manual
Setup
1. Battery Installation
The Ultimaxx UM-DSF100 requires two (2) AA batteries (not included). To install:
- Locate the battery compartment cover on the side or bottom of the flash unit.
- Slide or open the cover.
- Insert two AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
2. Attaching the Hot Shoe Flash Bracket
The included hot shoe flash bracket provides a stable mounting point for the slave flash, allowing for flexible positioning. To attach:
- Align the base of the UM-DSF100 flash with the hot shoe mount on the bracket.
- Slide the flash onto the mount until it clicks into place or is firmly seated.
- Tighten the locking ring or screw on the bracket to secure the flash.
- The bracket can then be mounted to a camera's tripod socket or other compatible accessories using its screw mounts.
Image: Ultimaxx UM-DSF100 Digital Slave Flash with the hot shoe bracket attached, showing the back panel controls.
Operating Instructions
The back panel of the Ultimaxx UM-DSF100 features several controls and a guide table for manual operation.
Controls Overview
- Power Switch (ON/OFF): Located on the right side of the back panel. Slide to turn the flash on or off.
- READY Indicator Light: A small LED that illuminates when the flash is fully charged and ready to fire.
- TEST Button: Press this button to manually fire the flash and check its operation.
- Slave Mode Selector (S1, S2, S3): A slider switch to select the slave mode.
- S1 Mode: The flash fires in response to the first flash it detects from the master flash. This mode is suitable for cameras that do not use a pre-flash.
- S2 Mode: The flash ignores the pre-flash (metering flash) from the master flash and fires on the second flash. This mode is ideal for cameras that use a pre-flash for TTL metering.
- S3 Mode: An additional slave mode, typically for more advanced triggering scenarios or specific camera systems. Refer to your camera's manual for compatibility.
- Mode Select (Slave on, Normal): A switch to enable or disable slave functionality.
- Slave on: Activates the selected slave mode (S1, S2, or S3).
- Normal: Disables slave functionality. This setting is typically used if the flash is connected directly to a camera via a hot shoe (though this unit is primarily a slave flash).
Manual Exposure Guide Table
The back panel features a manual exposure guide table to assist in setting appropriate aperture values based on ISO and flash-to-subject distance. This table is a general guide and actual results may vary depending on lighting conditions and camera settings. The DIN values are also present on the physical unit but are less commonly used in modern photography.
| ISO | Flash-to-Subject Distance | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2m (4ft) | 1.7m (6ft) | 2.5m (9ft) | 3.5m (12ft) | 5m (17ft) | |
| 25 | f/5.6 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2 | f/1.4 |
| 50 | f/8 | f/5.6 | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| 100 | f/11 | f/8 | f/5.6 | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| 200 | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 | f/5.6 | f/4 |
| 400 | f/22 | f/16 | f/11 | f/8 | f/5.6 |
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash unit. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
- Battery Care: Remove batteries if the flash will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
- Storage: Store the flash in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Troubleshooting
- Flash not firing:
- Ensure batteries are correctly installed and charged.
- Check if the power switch is in the "ON" position.
- Verify the "READY" light is illuminated. If not, allow more time for recycling.
- Confirm the slave mode (S1/S2/S3) is correctly selected for your master flash setup.
- Ensure the "Mode Select" switch is set to "Slave on".
- Check for obstructions between the slave flash sensor and the master flash.
- Inconsistent firing:
- Ensure the master flash is strong enough to trigger the slave.
- Reduce the distance between the master and slave flash.
- Check for strong ambient light that might interfere with the slave sensor.
- Flash not compatible with camera:
- The UM-DSF100 is designed as a universal slave flash, compatible with most Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Panasonic, Olympus, Fujifilm, and Samsung DSLR cameras. However, specific TTL functionalities may not be supported as it operates in manual slave mode.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ultimaxx |
| Model Name | UM-DSF100 |
| Camera Flash Type | Slave |
| Compatible Mountings | Canon, Nikon, Other standard hot shoe mounts, Sony |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 seconds |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless |
| Wireless Technology | Optical Pulse, RF |
| Mount Type | Hot Shoe Mount |
| Exposure Control Type | Automatic, Manual, High-Speed Sync |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Power Source | 2x AA Batteries (not included) |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the contact details provided with your product packaging or visit the official Ultimaxx website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.