1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Godox MF12-K2 Macro Flash Kit. This kit is designed for close-up photography, capturing intricate details of small subjects such as insects, flowers, and jewelry. It offers reliable wireless TTL control, a built-in rechargeable battery, and creative color filter options. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your MF12-K2 Macro Flash Kit.
2. What's in the Box
Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package:
- 2 × MF12 Macro Flash Units
- 2 × MF-11C Color Effect Filter Sets
- 2 × MF-11T Color Temperature Adjustment Filter Sets
- 2 × Cold Shoe Adapters and USB-C Cables
- 1 × Carrying Case
- 1 × MF-AR Adapter Ring
- 8 × Lens Adapter Rings (49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm)
Image: All components included in the Godox MF12-K2 Macro Flash Kit.
3. Product Overview
The Godox MF12 is a compact and powerful macro flash unit designed for precise illumination in close-up photography. Each MF12 unit features a built-in 3.7V/1700mAh lithium battery, providing approximately 500 full-power flashes per charge with a fast recycling time of 0.01 to 1.7 seconds. The units support TTL and Manual flash modes, as well as S1/S2 optical slave modes. They integrate with the Godox 2.4GHz wireless X system for reliable remote control.
Image: Two Godox MF12 flash units attached to a camera lens via the adapter ring.
Image: Detailed view of an MF12 flash unit, highlighting its compact design and controls.
4. Setup and Installation
4.1 Charging the Flash Units
Each MF12 flash unit has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery. Before first use, fully charge both units.
- Connect the provided USB-C cable to the USB-C port on the MF12 flash unit.
- Connect the other end of the USB-C cable to a USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port.
- The charging indicator will show the charging status. Once fully charged, the indicator will change.
Image: Illustration of the MF12's internal battery and USB-C charging capability.
4.2 Attaching to Camera Lens
The MF12 units can be mounted directly to your camera lens using the MF-AR adapter ring and appropriate lens adapter rings.
- Select the correct lens adapter ring (49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, or 77mm) that matches your camera lens filter thread size.
- Screw the selected lens adapter ring onto the front filter thread of your camera lens.
- Attach the MF-AR adapter ring to the lens adapter ring. Ensure it is securely fastened.
- Slide the MF12 flash units onto the mounting points of the MF-AR adapter ring. The units can be positioned at various angles for flexible lighting control.
Image: Universal lens compatibility with various adapter ring sizes.
Image: MF12 flashes configured for flexible multi-angle lighting control around a lens.
4.3 Connecting to a Wireless Trigger
The MF12 flashes operate with the Godox 2.4GHz wireless X system. For TTL functionality and advanced control, use a compatible Godox XPro, X2, X3, or X1 trigger (sold separately).
- Mount your Godox wireless trigger onto your camera's hot shoe.
- Power on the trigger and the MF12 flash units.
- Set the MF12 units to slave mode and assign them to a group and channel that matches your trigger's settings. Refer to your trigger's manual for specific pairing instructions.
- Ensure the trigger and flashes are on the same 2.4GHz channel and group for proper communication.
Image: Godox MF12 compatibility with Godox X1, X2, and XPro wireless triggers.
Image: The Godox 2.4G Wireless X System enabling control of multiple MF12 flashes.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Power On/Off
To power on the MF12 unit, press and hold the power button until the display illuminates. To power off, press and hold the power button again until the display turns off.
5.2 Flash Modes
The MF12 supports several flash modes:
- TTL (Through-The-Lens) Mode: The flash output is automatically adjusted by the camera's metering system for correct exposure. This mode requires a compatible Godox wireless trigger.
- Manual (M) Mode: Allows you to manually set the flash power output from 1/1 (full power) to 1/128. This provides precise control over lighting.
- S1/S2 Optical Slave Modes: These modes allow the MF12 to fire in response to another flash. S1 mode fires when it detects the first flash, while S2 mode ignores the pre-flash of a TTL system and fires on the main flash.
Image: MF12 display showing options for TTL/M flash mode and S1/S2 optical slave modes.
5.3 Wireless Control
The built-in 2.4G wireless X system allows for remote control of the MF12 units. You can assign flashes to 5 groups and choose from 32 channels to prevent interference and achieve precise lighting setups.
Image: A Godox XPro trigger wirelessly controlling MF12 flashes, displaying group and channel settings.
5.4 Using Color Filters
The MF12-K2 kit includes MF-11C Color Effect Filter Sets and MF-11T Color Temperature Adjustment Filter Sets. These filters can be attached to the front of the flash units to modify the light's color and temperature.
- MF-11C Color Effect Filters: Use these to add creative color accents to your macro subjects or background.
- MF-11T Color Temperature Adjustment Filters: These filters help you match the flash's color temperature to ambient light or create specific white balance effects.
Image: MF12 flashes demonstrating the use of color filters to produce blue and pink light.
Image: The MF-11C Color Effect Set and MF-11T Color Temperature Adjustment Set for creative lighting.
6. Maintenance
6.1 Cleaning
Regularly clean the flash units to ensure optimal performance. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
6.2 Battery Care
To prolong battery life:
- Avoid fully discharging the battery frequently.
- Charge the battery at least once every three months if not in regular use.
- Store the units in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
6.3 Storage
When not in use, store the MF12 units and accessories in the provided carrying case to protect them from dust and physical damage.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Godox MF12-K2 Macro Flash Kit, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
- Flash not firing:
- Ensure the flash units are powered on and fully charged.
- Verify that the wireless trigger is powered on and correctly mounted on the camera.
- Check that the flash units and trigger are set to the same group and channel.
- Confirm that the camera's hot shoe contacts are clean and free of obstruction.
- Inconsistent or partial exposure (especially with Panasonic Lumix cameras):
- Some camera models, particularly certain Panasonic Lumix cameras, may experience synchronization issues. Try disabling the synchronization setting on your Godox XPro trigger if available. This has been reported to resolve issues for some users.
- Ensure your camera's firmware and the flash trigger's firmware are up to date.
- Flash recycling time is slow:
- The battery level may be low. Recharge the flash units.
- High power settings will naturally result in longer recycling times. Reduce the flash power if faster recycling is needed.
- Flash units not responding to trigger:
- Check for potential radio interference. Try changing the channel on both the trigger and the flash units.
- Ensure the distance between the trigger and flashes is within the operational range.
If these steps do not resolve your issue, please contact customer support.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | GODOX |
| Model Number | MF12-K2 |
| Flash Type | Macro Flash |
| Compatible Mounts | Canon, Godox, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony Alpha |
| Connectivity Technology | Wireless (2.4GHz Radio Frequency) |
| Exposure Control Type | TTL |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/1200 to 1/34000 seconds |
| Light Sensitivity | 1/128 |
| Shooting Modes | Automatic, On, Off, High-Speed Sync, Fill Light |
| Battery Type | 1 D-cell battery (included, likely refers to the internal lithium battery) |
| Rechargeable Battery | Built-in 3.7V/1700mAh Lithium |
| Full Power Flashes per Charge | Approx. 500 |
| Recycling Time | 0.01 - 1.7 seconds |
| Water Resistance Level | Not water resistant |
| Color | Black |
| Country of Origin | China |
9. Warranty Information
The Godox MF12-K2 Macro Flash Kit comes with a 12-month product warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims. The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, unauthorized modifications, or normal wear and tear.
10. Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or warranty inquiries, please contact your retailer or visit the official Godox website. You can also find more information and resources on the Godox Brand Store on Amazon.