1. Introduction
This manual provides instructions for the proper use and care of your Ultimaxx Digital Slave Flash with Bracket, Model UM-DSF100. This device is designed to provide supplementary lighting for various DSLR camera systems, operating as a remote slave flash. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your product.
Image 1.1: Ultimaxx Digital Slave Flash and included Metal Hot Shoe Flash Bracket.
2. What's in the Box
Verify that all items are present in the package:
- Ultimaxx Digital Slave Flash (Model UM-DSF100)
- Metal Hot Shoe Flash Bracket
- Instruction Manual (this document)
3. Setup
3.1 Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the side of the slave flash unit.
- Slide the battery compartment cover open.
- Insert two (2) AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Image 3.1: Rear view of the slave flash with the battery compartment open, showing battery insertion.
3.2 Attaching the Flash to the Bracket
- Slide the hot shoe foot of the slave flash into the hot shoe receiver on the metal bracket.
- Tighten the locking ring or screw on the flash unit to secure it to the bracket.
3.3 Attaching the Bracket to a Camera or Stand
The metal bracket can be mounted to a camera's hot shoe or a light stand with a standard 1/4"-20 screw mount.
- For Camera Hot Shoe: Slide the bracket's hot shoe foot into your camera's hot shoe and tighten the locking mechanism on the bracket.
- For Light Stand: Use the 1/4"-20 screw on the bracket to attach it to a compatible light stand or tripod.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Powering On/Off
Locate the "POWER" switch on the back of the flash unit. Slide it to "ON" to power on and "OFF" to power off. The "READY" indicator light will illuminate when the flash is charged and ready to fire.
Image 4.1: Rear panel of the slave flash, displaying the power switch, test button, and mode selection.
4.2 Slave Modes
The Ultimaxx Digital Slave Flash offers three slave modes, selectable via the "Mode Select" switch:
- S1 Mode (Normal Slave): The flash will fire in response to the first flash it detects from a master flash. This mode is suitable for master flashes that do not use a pre-flash for exposure metering.
- S2 Mode (Pre-flash Cancel Slave): The flash will ignore the first pre-flash from a master flash and fire on the second, main flash. This mode is ideal for master flashes that use a pre-flash system (e.g., TTL flashes).
- S3 Mode (Advanced Pre-flash Cancel Slave): This mode is designed for more complex pre-flash systems, attempting to ignore multiple pre-flashes and fire on the main flash. Experimentation may be required to determine compatibility with specific master flash systems.
4.3 Manual Settings
The flash operates in manual mode. The guide number and exposure chart on the back of the unit provide guidance for setting your camera's aperture based on ISO and distance. Adjust your camera's ISO and aperture settings according to the chart for desired exposure.
Example: If your ISO is 100 and the subject is 3.5 meters (12 feet) away, the chart suggests an aperture of f/4.
4.4 Test Button
Press the "TEST" button to manually fire the flash. This is useful for checking flash operation and light output before shooting.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the flash. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, remove the batteries to prevent leakage and store the flash in a cool, dry place.
- Handling: Avoid dropping the flash or subjecting it to strong impacts, as this can damage internal components.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not power on. | Batteries are dead or incorrectly inserted. | Replace batteries or check polarity. Ensure power switch is "ON". |
| Flash does not fire in slave mode. | Incorrect slave mode selected; master flash pre-flash interference; insufficient light from master flash. | Try switching between S1, S2, and S3 modes. Ensure the optical sensor on the slave flash is facing the master flash. Verify master flash is firing. |
| Flash output is too weak or too strong. | Incorrect camera aperture or ISO settings; subject distance is too far/close. | Adjust camera aperture and ISO according to the manual guide number chart. Reposition the flash closer or further from the subject. |
| Flash is incompatible with camera hot shoe. | The slave flash is designed for optical triggering, not direct hot shoe communication with the camera for firing. | This flash functions as an optical slave and does not communicate electronically with the camera's hot shoe. It is intended to be triggered by another flash. The bracket allows for off-camera placement or mounting to a camera's hot shoe for stability, but the flash itself is triggered optically. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ultimaxx |
| Model Number | UM-DSF100 |
| Camera Flash Type | Hotshoe (for mounting), Optical Slave (for triggering) |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless (Optical Pulse) |
| Compatible Devices | Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Samsung, Fujifilm, Olympus, Pentax (as optical slave) |
| Exposure Control Type | Automatic (via optical sensor, manual output) |
| Flash Sync Speed | Up to 1/250 second |
| Battery Life (Average) | 5 hours |
| Power Source | 2x AA Batteries (not included) |
| Color | Daylight |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Built-In Media | Metal Hot Shoe Flash Bracket |
8. Warranty & Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the Ultimaxx official website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
Note: Specific warranty terms and conditions may vary by region and retailer.