FocusFoto CY-20

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FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 Universal Hot Shoe On-Camera Flash Speedlite

Model: CY-20

Brand: FocusFoto

Introduction

The FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 is a compact and portable hot shoe on-camera flash speedlite designed to provide auxiliary lighting for various digital and traditional cameras. It features a universal hot shoe mount, an adjustable lamp head, and a 2.5mm PC sync port for versatile use. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your CY-20 flash unit.

Key features include:

  • Adjustable lamp head with up/down angle of 0-45-60-75-90 degrees.
  • Compact and portable design with a 2.5mm PC sync port.
  • Flash index of GN20m (ISO100, DIN21).
  • Illuminating angle of Horizontal 60°, Vertical 40°.
  • Compatible with most digital and traditional cameras, excluding Minolta and Sony anti-intercalation shoe mounts.

Product Components and Overview

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your CY-20 flash unit:

  • Adjustable Lampholder: The flash head, which can be tilted for bounce flash or direct illumination.
  • Hot Shoe Holder: The base of the flash unit that slides into your camera's hot shoe.
  • Battery Door: Provides access to the battery compartment.
  • Testing Switch: A button to manually test the flash output.
  • Hot Shoe Lock: Secures the flash unit to the camera's hot shoe.
  • Prepare Indicator Lamp: Illuminates when the flash is charged and ready to fire.
  • Power Switch: Turns the flash unit on or off.
  • In-phase Jack (PC Sync Port): A 2.5mm port for connecting to cameras or triggers via a PC sync cable.
FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash mounted on a DSLR camera
Figure 1: The FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash unit mounted on a DSLR camera, showing its compact size and hot shoe connection.
Back view of FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash showing controls and exposure chart
Figure 2: Rear panel of the CY-20 flash, displaying the exposure calculation chart, power switch, test button, and ready indicator lamp.

Setup

1. Battery Installation

  1. Locate the battery door on the side of the flash unit.
  2. Open the battery door.
  3. Insert two 1.5V AA batteries into the compartment, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside.
  4. Close the battery door securely.
Side view of FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash with battery door open
Figure 3: The battery compartment of the CY-20 flash with the door open, ready for battery insertion.

2. Mounting on Camera

  1. Ensure your camera is turned off.
  2. Slide the hot shoe holder of the CY-20 flash into your camera's hot shoe mount.
  3. Secure the flash by tightening the hot shoe lock.
  4. The CY-20 is compatible with most standard hot shoe mounts, including Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Olympus, and Pentax. It is not compatible with Minolta and Sony anti-intercalation shoe mounts.
Rear view of FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash mounted on a DSLR camera
Figure 4: The CY-20 flash securely mounted on the hot shoe of a DSLR camera, viewed from the rear.

3. PC Sync Port Connection (Optional)

For cameras without a hot shoe or for off-camera flash setups, you can use the 2.5mm in-phase jack (PC sync port) to connect the flash. Connect a compatible PC sync cable from the flash to your camera's PC sync terminal or a remote trigger.

Operating Instructions

1. Powering On and Charging

Slide the power switch to the "ON" position. The prepare indicator lamp will illuminate when the flash is fully charged and ready to fire. The back time interval (recycle time) is approximately 7 seconds.

2. Testing the Flash

Press the "TEST" switch to manually fire the flash. This is useful for checking flash operation or for pre-flashing to ensure proper light output.

3. Exposure Calculation

The CY-20 flash operates manually. To determine the correct aperture setting for your shot, use the following formula and the exposure chart located on the back of the flash unit:

Index (GN) = Aperture (F) × Distance (L)

Where:

  • GN (Guide Number): The flash index, which is 20m (at ISO100, DIN21) for the CY-20.
  • F (Aperture): The f-number you need to set on your camera.
  • L (Distance): The distance in meters between your camera and the main subject.

Example: If your camera's photonasty (ISO sensitivity) is ISO100/DIN21, and the distance to your main subject is 5 meters, then the approximate aperture required is F/4 (20 = F × 5, so F = 4).

You can also use the exposure chart on the flash unit by determining the distance to your subject and your camera's ISO, then finding the corresponding aperture number.

4. Camera Shutter Adjustment

For cameras with an inter-mirror shutter, you can adjust to any shutter speed. For cameras with a focal plane shutter, you should generally adjust to the "X" speed profile (typically 1/60s). Always refer to your camera's instruction manual for specific flash synchronization speed recommendations.

5. Adjustable Lampholder

The flash head can be adjusted upwards to angles of 0, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees. This allows for bounce flash photography, where the light is directed off a ceiling or wall to create softer, more natural illumination. The adjustable lamp holder is ideal for both color and black-and-white photography and can also serve as an auxiliary light source.

FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash head tilted upwards
Figure 5: The CY-20 flash head tilted upwards, demonstrating its adjustable lampholder feature for bounce flash.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash unit, follow these maintenance guidelines:

  • Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the flash unit. For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water. Do not use strong detergents or solvents.
  • Battery Care: Remove batteries from the flash unit if it will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage and damage.
  • Storage: Store the flash in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
  • Handling: Handle the flash unit with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts, as this can damage internal components.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your CY-20 flash, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Flash does not power on.
  • Batteries are dead or inserted incorrectly.
  • Power switch is off.
  • Replace batteries with fresh ones and ensure correct polarity.
  • Slide the power switch to "ON".
Flash does not fire when camera shutter is pressed.
  • Flash not fully charged (ready indicator not lit).
  • Flash not securely mounted on hot shoe.
  • Incorrect camera settings (e.g., flash disabled).
  • PC sync cable not properly connected (if used).
  • Wait for the ready indicator lamp to light up.
  • Ensure the flash is fully seated and the hot shoe lock is tightened.
  • Check your camera's flash settings.
  • Verify PC sync cable connection.
Flash fires but light output is too weak/strong.
  • Incorrect aperture setting.
  • Subject distance is too far/close.
  • ISO setting is too low/high.
  • Adjust aperture based on the exposure calculation formula or chart.
  • Move closer or further from the subject.
  • Adjust camera ISO sensitivity.
Loud capacitor whine.Normal operation for some flash units during charging.This is often normal. If the sound is excessively loud or accompanied by other malfunctions, contact support.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
ModelCY-20
Flash Index (GN)20m (ISO100, DIN21)
Color Temperature5600K (for sunlight)
Illuminating Beam (Horizontal)60°
Illuminating Beam (Vertical)40°
Power Source2 x 1.5V AA batteries (Not Included)
Back Time Interval (Recycle Time)Approx. 7 seconds
Flash Continuous Time1/1000s (manual)
Product Dimensions (L×W×H)65 × 60 × 98 mm (2.56 x 2.36 x 3.86 inches)
Item Weight100g (3.53 ounces)
Compatible MountingsNikon, Pentax, Panasonic, Olympus (Standard Hot Shoe)
Camera Flash TypeHotshoe
Included ComponentsFlash unit only

Warranty and Support

Specific warranty information for the FocusFoto YINYAN CY-20 flash unit is not provided in this manual. For details regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions, please refer to the product packaging or contact the retailer where you purchased the product.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond what is covered in this manual, or inquiries about replacement parts, please contact FocusFoto customer service. Contact information can typically be found on the manufacturer's official website or on the product packaging.

© 2024 FocusFoto. All rights reserved.

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