1. Introduction
The Godox V1C is a high-performance round head TTL camera flash designed for Canon EOS series cameras. It offers studio-level soft and even light effects, making it suitable for various photography styles including portrait, travel, and still life. This flash supports advanced functions such as E-TTL II auto flash, manual flash, 1/8000s high-speed sync (HSS), Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC), Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB), Flash Exposure Lock (FEL), and second curtain sync.
Equipped with a powerful 7.2V/2600mAh lithium-ion battery, the V1C provides a rapid 1.5-second recycle time and approximately 480 full-power flashes. Its integrated Godox 2.4G Wireless X System ensures comprehensive wireless control and compatibility with other Godox 2.4G wireless X system transmitters. The flash head features a magnetic connector for quick attachment of various accessories, such as those found in the optional AK-R1 kit. The head can be rotated horizontally from 0° to 330° and vertically from -7° to 120°, enhancing flexibility for bounce flash and creative lighting setups. An adjustable LED modeling lamp (01 to 10 levels) is also built-in for pre-visualization of lighting effects.
2. Product Overview
The Godox V1C flash unit is designed for ease of use and versatility. It features a round flash head for natural light distribution and a clear LCD display for settings adjustment.
Figure 2.1: Godox V1C Round Head TTL Camera Flash main unit.
The flash is powered by a high-performance Panasonic Li-ion battery, providing extended usage and fast recycling.
Figure 2.2: Godox V1C with its high-performance Panasonic Li-ion battery installed.
The V1C is compatible with the Godox AK-R1 accessory kit, which includes various magnetic modifiers to shape and diffuse light. These accessories attach quickly and securely to the round flash head.
Figure 2.3: Components of the Godox AK-R1 accessory kit, including barn doors, snoot, dome, honeycomb grid, and color filters.
Figure 2.4: The Godox V1C flash shown with different light modifiers from the AK-R1 kit attached to its round head.
Figure 2.5: The Godox V1C flash demonstrating the use of color filters and a diffuser from the AK-R1 kit.
3. Setup
3.1 Battery Installation
- Ensure the flash unit is powered off.
- Locate the battery compartment on the side of the flash unit.
- Insert the 7.2V/2600mAh lithium-ion battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Close the battery compartment securely.
3.2 Mounting on Camera
- Slide the V1C flash onto your Canon camera's hot shoe mount.
- Secure the flash by rotating the quick-lock hot-shoe mechanism until it is firmly attached.
Figure 3.1: The Godox V1C flash securely mounted on a Canon camera's hot shoe, displaying its LCD screen.
3.3 Attaching Accessories (AK-R1 Kit)
The V1C's round flash head features a magnetic rim for quick attachment of Godox AK-R1 accessories. Simply align the accessory with the flash head and it will snap into place magnetically.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Power On/Off
Press and hold the power button to turn the flash unit on or off.
4.2 Flash Modes
The Godox V1C supports various flash modes:
- E-TTL II Auto Flash: Automatically sets flash output for correct exposure.
- Manual Flash: Allows manual adjustment of flash power output.
- Multi Flash: Fires a series of rapid flashes.
- High-Speed Sync (HSS): Enables flash synchronization at shutter speeds up to 1/8000s.
- Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC): Adjusts flash output for creative control.
- Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB): Takes multiple shots at different flash exposures.
- Flash Exposure Lock (FEL): Locks the flash exposure for a specific area.
- Second Curtain Sync: Fires the flash at the end of the exposure, creating motion trails behind the subject.
4.3 2.4G Wireless X System
The V1C features an integrated 2.4G Wireless X System for wireless control. It can function as a master or slave unit with compatible Godox transmitters and receivers. Refer to the specific wireless trigger manual for detailed setup and operation.
4.4 LED Modeling Lamp
The built-in LED modeling lamp can be adjusted from level 01 to 10 to assist in visualizing light patterns before taking a shot.
4.5 Flash Head Adjustment
The flash head can be rotated horizontally from 0° to 330° and tilted vertically from -7° to 120° for flexible light positioning and bounce flash techniques.
4.6 Recycle Time
The V1C boasts a fast 1.5-second recycle time at full power, ensuring you are ready for the next shot quickly.
Figure 4.1: Visual representation of the Godox V1C's fast 1.5-second recycle time, allowing for continuous shooting.
4.7 Light Distribution
The round flash head of the V1C provides a more even and natural light distribution compared to traditional rectangular flash heads.
Figure 4.2: A visual comparison illustrating the superior and more even light distribution of the Godox V1 flash at various zoom settings (28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 80mm, 105mm) compared to an ordinary headlamp.
5. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash unit. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by immediate drying. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners.
- Battery Care: Store the lithium-ion battery in a cool, dry place when not in use. If storing for extended periods, charge the battery to about 50% capacity. Do not expose the battery to extreme temperatures.
- Storage: When not in use, store the flash unit in its protective case in a dry, dust-free environment.
- Avoid Impact: Protect the flash from drops and strong impacts, which can damage internal components.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not fire. | Low battery, incorrect mode, flash not securely mounted, camera settings. | Charge or replace battery. Check flash mode (TTL/Manual). Ensure flash is firmly seated on hot shoe. Verify camera flash settings. |
| Long recycle time. | Low battery, high power output. | Charge or replace battery. Reduce flash power output. |
| Wireless connection issues. | Interference, incorrect channel/group settings, distance. | Change wireless channel/group. Ensure flash and trigger are within range and line of sight. Check for other 2.4G devices causing interference. |
| Flash output inconsistent. | Low battery, dirty contacts, environmental factors. | Ensure battery is fully charged. Clean hot shoe contacts on both flash and camera. Avoid extreme temperatures. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | V1C |
| Compatible Cameras | Canon EOS Series |
| Flash Modes | E-TTL II Auto Flash, Manual Flash, Multi Flash |
| High-Speed Sync (HSS) | Up to 1/8000s |
| Recycle Time | Approx. 1.5 seconds (at full power) |
| Full Power Flashes | Approx. 480 |
| Battery | 7.2V/2600mAh Lithium-ion |
| Wireless Function | Master, Slave, Off |
| Wireless Transmission Range | Approx. 100 meters (2.4G Wireless X System) |
| Flash Head Rotation | Horizontal: 0° to 330°, Vertical: -7° to 120° |
| LED Modeling Lamp | Adjustable 01-10 levels |
| Dimensions | 22.7 x 20.8 x 10.2 cm |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Included Components | Godox AK-R1 Kit |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Godox website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.