COMMANDER OPTICS PZ-ETTL-CN-D Speedlite Flash User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the COMMANDER OPTICS PZ-ETTL-CN-D Speedlite Flash. This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective operation of your new flash unit. Please read this manual thoroughly before use and retain it for future reference.

2. Safety Information

To prevent injury to yourself or others and damage to your equipment, read all safety precautions before using this product. Keep this manual accessible for quick reference.

• Do not disassemble or modify the flash unit.
• Keep the unit dry. Do not expose to rain or moisture.
• Do not touch the flash tube immediately after firing, as it can be hot.
• Use only specified batteries. Incorrect battery types may cause leakage or explosion.
• Keep out of reach of children.

3. Package Contents

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• COMMANDER OPTICS PZ-ETTL-CN-D Speedlite Flash
• Soft Flash Pouch
• Hard Diffuser
• Mini Stand
• AA Battery Charger
• 4 x Rechargeable AA Batteries

Figure 3.1: Speedlite Flash and included accessories.

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components and controls of your Speedlite flash.

Figure 4.1: Front view of the Speedlite flash with control labels.

Key Features:

• Versatile Compatibility: Designed for Canon Rebel EOS DSLR, Full Frame, and Mirrorless Cameras.
• Adjustable Flash Head: 0-270-degree horizontal rotation and -7 to -90-degree vertical tilt for flexible lighting angles.
• Intelligent Lighting Control: 8 steps of light adjustment (1/1 to 1/128) and Manual Flash Exposure Bracketing (±3 steps).
• Wireless Functionality: Master and Slave unit options with optical and 2.4G transmission.
• Built-in Diffuser and Reflector: For softer, more natural-looking light.

5. Setup

5.1 Battery Installation

The flash unit requires four (4) AA batteries. Rechargeable AA batteries and a charger are included.

1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the side of the flash unit.
2. Insert four AA batteries according to the polarity indicators (+/-) inside the compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Figure 5.1: Battery installation in the Speedlite flash.

5.2 Mounting to Camera

To attach the Speedlite flash to your Canon camera's hot shoe:

1. Ensure both the camera and flash are powered off.
2. Slide the flash's mounting foot into the camera's hot shoe until it clicks into place.
3. Rotate the lock ring on the flash unit clockwise to secure it firmly to the camera.
4. To remove, rotate the lock ring counter-clockwise and slide the flash out.

Figure 5.2: Speedlite flash mounted on a Canon camera.

6. Operating Modes

6.1 Power On/Off

Press and hold the ON/OFF button to power the flash unit on or off.

6.2 E-TTL Mode (Automatic Flash)

In E-TTL mode, the flash automatically determines the optimal flash output based on the camera's metering system. This is the recommended mode for most general photography.

1. Attach the flash to your camera and power both on.
2. Press the MODE button until "E-TTL" is displayed on the LCD screen.
3. The flash is now ready to fire in automatic mode.

6.3 Manual (M) Mode

Manual mode allows you to set the flash output power manually, from 1/1 (full power) to 1/128 power.

1. Press the MODE button until "M" is displayed.
2. Use the Selection/Setting Button Group to adjust the flash power level.
3. Take a test shot and adjust power as needed for desired exposure.

6.4 Wireless Modes (Master/Slave)

The flash supports both Master and Slave modes for off-camera flash photography using optical or 2.4G transmission.

• Master Mode: Allows the flash to control other compatible slave flash units.
• Slave Mode: Allows the flash to be triggered by another master flash unit or the camera's built-in flash.

Refer to the on-screen menu for specific settings related to optical or 2.4G wireless communication and channel selection.

6.5 Bounce and Swivel Head Adjustment

The flash head can be rotated horizontally (0-270 degrees) and tilted vertically (-7 to -90 degrees) to bounce light off ceilings or walls for softer illumination.

1. Gently hold the flash head and rotate or tilt it to the desired angle.
2. Ensure the head locks into position at common angles.

Figure 6.1: Adjustable flash head for bounce and swivel.

6.6 Using the Built-in Diffuser and Reflector

The flash includes a built-in wide-angle diffuser and a reflector card to modify light quality.

• Wide-Angle Diffuser: Pull out the small white panel from the flash head to spread light more evenly, ideal for wide-angle lenses.
• Reflector Card: Pull out the larger white card behind the diffuser to create a catchlight in subjects' eyes or to slightly bounce light forward when bouncing off a ceiling.

Figure 6.2: Built-in diffuser and reflector card in use.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Cleaning

• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the flash unit.
• For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen the cloth with water and wipe gently.
• Do not use organic solvents or strong cleaning agents.
• Keep the flash tube and sensor clean for optimal performance.

7.2 Storage

• Remove batteries if the flash will not be used for an extended period.
• Store the flash in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Use the included soft pouch for protection during storage and transport.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

COMMANDER OPTICS products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official COMMANDER OPTICS website. Please have your model number (PZ-ETTL-CN-D) and purchase date ready when contacting support.

No official product videos were provided in the product data. For visual guides, please refer to the COMMANDER OPTICS official website or support channels.