1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the COMMANDER OPTICS E-TTL Flash Speedlite, Model TTL-613C-BB. This flash unit is designed to enhance your photography with versatile lighting control and broad compatibility with Canon EOS DSLR cameras. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure proper operation and to maximize the flash's capabilities.
2. What's in the Box
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- TTL Speed Light Flash Unit
- Hard Diffuser
- Mini Stand
- Soft Flash Pouch
- AA Battery Charger
- 4x AA Rechargeable Batteries
3. Setup
3.1 Battery Installation
- Locate the battery compartment on the side of the flash unit.
- Open the battery compartment cover.
- Insert the four provided AA rechargeable batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
- Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Figure 3.1: Battery compartment with AA batteries.
3.2 Mounting the Flash to Your Camera
- Ensure your camera is powered off.
- Slide the flash unit's mounting foot into your camera's hot shoe.
- Rotate the locking ring on the flash unit clockwise until it is securely fastened to the hot shoe.
- To remove, rotate the locking ring counter-clockwise and slide the flash out.
Figure 3.2: Flash unit mounted on a Canon DSLR camera.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Powering On/Off and Control Panel
Press the ON/OFF switch button to power the flash unit on or off. The LED backlit display will illuminate, showing current settings.
Figure 4.1: Flash control panel overview.
4.2 Adjusting the Flash Head
The flash head offers flexible positioning for various lighting scenarios:
- Horizontal Rotation: Rotate the flash head 0-270 degrees horizontally.
- Vertical Tilt: Tilt the flash head from -7 to -90 degrees vertically.
These adjustments allow for bounce flash techniques, directing light off ceilings or walls for softer, more natural illumination.
Figure 4.2: Flash head rotation and tilt flexibility.
4.3 TTL Flash Mode and Exposure Control
The E-TTL (Evaluative Through-The-Lens) system automatically measures the light and sets the flash output for optimal exposure. You can further refine exposure:
- Manual Flash Exposure Bracketing: Adjust flash exposure between ±3 steps using the control panel buttons. This allows for fine-tuning the light output to achieve desired effects.
- Manual Power Adjustment: For full manual control, select the manual mode and adjust the light output in 8 steps (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128).
Figure 4.3: TTL Flash Mode and exposure bracketing.
4.4 Using Diffusers and Reflectors
The included hard diffuser and built-in reflector help modify the light output:
- Hard Diffuser: Attaches to the flash head to soften and spread the light, reducing harsh shadows.
- Built-in Reflector: Pull out the small white card from the flash head to create a catchlight in subjects' eyes or to direct a small amount of light forward when bouncing.
- Wide Angle Diffuser: Pull out the wide-angle diffuser panel to spread the light for wider lens coverage.
Figure 4.4: Reflector and wide-angle diffuser in use.
4.5 Wireless Functionality
The flash supports wireless operation as both a Master and Slave unit, utilizing optical and 2.4G transmission. Refer to your camera's manual for specific wireless flash settings.
- Optical Transmission Range: Approximately 12-15m indoors and 8-10m outdoors.
4.6 High-Speed Sync (HSS)
The flash supports a sync speed of up to 1/8000s, allowing you to use flash at faster shutter speeds, which is useful for freezing fast motion or overpowering ambient light in bright conditions.
Figure 4.5: High-speed sync for freezing motion.
4.7 Manual/Auto Zoom
The flash features manual and auto zoom capabilities, adjusting the flash coverage to match the focal length of your lens. The flash range is 18-180mm.
Figure 4.6: Manual/Auto Zoom functionality.
4.8 Product Video Overview
Watch this video for a visual overview of the COMMANDER OPTICS E-TTL Flash Speedlite's features and capabilities.
Video 4.1: Versatile Commander Optics Flash for Canon Cameras.
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. Do not use strong detergents or solvents.
- Storage: When not in use for extended periods, remove the batteries to prevent leakage. Store the flash in a cool, dry place, preferably in its soft flash pouch.
- Battery Care: Always use the provided AA battery charger for the rechargeable batteries. Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Flash does not fire | Low or depleted batteries Flash not securely mounted Camera/flash settings incorrect | Recharge/replace batteries Ensure flash is firmly seated and locked in hot shoe Check camera and flash mode settings (e.g., TTL, Manual) |
| Flash output is too weak/strong | Flash exposure compensation set incorrectly Distance to subject too far/close ISO setting too low/high | Adjust flash exposure bracketing (±EV) or manual power Move closer/further from subject Adjust camera ISO setting |
| Communication error with camera | Poor contact between flash and hot shoe Incompatible camera model | Remove and re-mount flash, ensure secure connection Verify camera compatibility (refer to Section 1) |
| Flash overheats | Rapid consecutive flashes | Allow flash to cool down. Avoid excessive rapid firing. |
7. Specifications
- Model Number: TTL-613C-BB
- Brand: COMMANDER OPTICS
- Camera Flash Type: E-TTL (Through-The-Lens)
- Compatible Mountings: Canon EF, Canon EF-S (Compatible with Canon EOS DSLR Cameras including Rebel T3, T4, T6, T7, T1i, T2i, T3i, T4i, T5i, T6i, T7i, EOS 70D, 77D, 80D, 5D MARK II, 5D MARK III, 5D MARK IV, 6D, 6D MARK II, 7D MARK II, 1D, 1DX, and more)
- Flash Sync Speed: Up to 1/8000s
- Power Adjustment: 8 steps (1/1 to 1/128)
- Flash Exposure Bracketing: ±3 steps
- Horizontal Rotation: 0-270 degrees
- Vertical Tilt: -7 to -90 degrees
- Zoom Range: 18-180mm (Manual/Auto)
- Wireless Functionality: Master/Slave, Optical & 2.4G Transmission
- Batteries: 4 AA batteries required (included)
- Item Weight: 1.96 pounds
- Package Dimensions: 10.08 x 8.39 x 6.97 inches
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact COMMANDER OPTICS customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Service: Refer to the contact information provided on the COMMANDER OPTICS official website or your product packaging.
