YONGNUO YN968S III Speedlite Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The YONGNUO YN968S III is a high-performance speedlite designed for Sony cameras, offering advanced flash capabilities including TTL, Manual, Multi, and wireless modes. It features a powerful guide number of GN60, High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s, and an integrated LED light for focus assistance and video lighting. This manual provides detailed instructions for proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your YN968S III speedlite.

1.1 Key Features

• High Guide Number: GN60 (ISO100, 200mm) for powerful illumination.
• High-Speed Sync (HSS): Supports shutter speeds up to 1/8000s.
• TTL Flash: Automatic flash control for Sony cameras.
• Multiple Flash Modes: TTL, Manual (M), Multi (Stroboscopic).
• Wireless System: Built-in RF wireless trigger system and optical S1/S2 slave modes.
• Adjustable Zoom: Auto and manual zoom from 20mm to 200mm.
• Integrated LED Light: Adjustable brightness for focus assist or continuous lighting.
• Multi-Directional Head: Swivel and tilt head for bounce flash techniques.

1.2 Package Contents

• YONGNUO YN968S III Speedlite Body
• Flash Tube (pre-installed)
• Mini Stand
• Protective Bag
• Instruction Manual (this document)

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety precautions before using this product to prevent injury to yourself or others and damage to the product. Keep this manual for future reference.

• Do not disassemble or modify the speedlite. High voltage components are present inside.
• Keep the speedlite away from water and moisture. Do not operate with wet hands.
• Avoid direct eye exposure to the flash. The intense light can cause temporary vision impairment.
• Use only compatible batteries (AA size). Do not mix old and new batteries, or different types of batteries.
• Do not operate the speedlite in environments with flammable gases or liquids.
• Ensure the speedlite is securely mounted to the camera or stand to prevent accidental drops.
• Turn off the speedlite and camera before attaching or detaching the flash.

3. Component Identification

Familiarize yourself with the main parts of your YN968S III speedlite.

Figure 3.1: YONGNUO YN968S III Speedlite. This image shows the overall design of the flash unit, including the flash head, control panel, and battery compartment area.

Figure 3.2: Hot Shoe Mount. This view highlights the metal hot shoe contacts and locking mechanism used to attach the speedlite to a camera.

3.1 Main Parts

• Flash Head: Contains the flash tube and LED light. Can be tilted and swiveled.
• Control Panel: LCD screen, function buttons, and dial for settings adjustment.
• Hot Shoe: Connects the speedlite to the camera's hot shoe.
• Battery Compartment: Holds 4 AA batteries.
• External Power Port: For connecting an external power pack (optional).
• PC Sync Port: For wired synchronization with cameras or triggers.
• USB Port (Type-C): For firmware updates.

4. Setup

4.1 Battery Installation

1. Open the battery compartment cover located on the side of the speedlite.
2. Insert four (4) AA-size batteries according to the polarity indicators (+/-) inside the compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Note: Use high-quality alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries for optimal performance and recycle times.

4.2 Mounting on Camera

1. Ensure both the camera and speedlite are powered off.
2. Slide the speedlite's hot shoe into the camera's hot shoe slot until it clicks into place.
3. Rotate the locking ring or lever on the speedlite's hot shoe clockwise to secure it firmly to the camera.
4. To detach, rotate the locking ring/lever counter-clockwise and slide the speedlite off.

4.3 Powering On/Off

• Power On: Press and hold the power button (usually marked with ON/OFF) for a few seconds until the LCD screen illuminates.
• Power Off: Press and hold the power button again until the LCD screen turns off.
• The speedlite may enter sleep mode after a period of inactivity to conserve battery. Press any button to wake it up.

5. Operating Modes

5.1 TTL Automatic Flash Mode

In TTL (Through-The-Lens) mode, the speedlite automatically determines the optimal flash output based on the camera's metering system. This is ideal for quick and accurate exposure in various lighting conditions.

• Press the MODE button repeatedly until "TTL" appears on the LCD screen.
• The flash output will be automatically adjusted by the camera.
• Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) can be adjusted via the camera or speedlite to fine-tune exposure.

5.2 Manual Flash Mode (M)

Manual mode allows you to set the flash output power manually, from full power (1/1) down to 1/128 power, in 1/3 stop increments. This provides precise control over lighting.

• Press the MODE button until "M" appears on the LCD screen.
• Use the dial or arrow buttons to adjust the flash output power.
• A test flash can be fired using the TEST button to check the light output.

5.3 Multi (Stroboscopic) Flash Mode

Multi mode fires a series of rapid flashes during a single exposure, creating a stroboscopic effect. You can set the flash frequency (Hz), number of flashes, and flash output.

• Press the MODE button until "MULTI" appears.
• Adjust the flash output, frequency (Hz), and number of flashes using the control dial/buttons.
• Note: This mode requires a slow shutter speed on the camera to capture multiple flashes.

5.4 Wireless Flash Modes (RF, S1/S2)

The YN968S III supports both radio frequency (RF) wireless triggering and optical slave modes (S1/S2).

• RF Wireless: The speedlite can act as a master or slave unit in a YONGNUO RF wireless system. Refer to the specific wireless trigger's manual for detailed setup.
• S1 Mode: The flash fires in response to the first flash from a master flash. Suitable for manual flash systems.
• S2 Mode: The flash ignores the pre-flash of a master TTL flash and fires in response to the main flash. Suitable for TTL flash systems.
• To select S1/S2 mode, press the MODE button until "S1" or "S2" appears.

5.5 High-Speed Sync (HSS)

HSS allows the speedlite to synchronize with camera shutter speeds faster than the camera's native flash sync speed (e.g., 1/250s). This is useful for shooting with wide apertures in bright conditions.

• HSS is typically activated automatically when the camera's shutter speed exceeds the sync speed while the flash is in TTL or M mode (if supported by the camera).
• Look for the HSS indicator on the speedlite's LCD or camera's display.

5.6 LED Light Function

The integrated LED light can be used for focus assistance in low light or as a continuous light source for video.

• Press the LED button to turn the LED light on/off.
• Use the control dial or specific buttons to adjust the brightness of the LED light.

5.7 Zoom Function

The flash head's zoom position can be set automatically or manually to match the lens focal length, optimizing light coverage.

• Auto Zoom: When attached to a compatible camera, the speedlite will automatically adjust its zoom position to match the lens's focal length.
• Manual Zoom: Press the ZOOM button (if available) or navigate through the menu to manually set the zoom position (e.g., 20mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, 105mm, 200mm).

6. Maintenance

6.1 Cleaning

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the speedlite body.
• For stubborn dirt, slightly dampen the cloth with water and then wipe dry. Do not use organic solvents or strong cleaning agents.
• Clean the hot shoe contacts with a clean, dry cloth or cotton swab to ensure good electrical connection.

6.2 Storage

• Remove batteries if the speedlite will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
• Store the speedlite in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Use the provided protective bag to prevent dust and scratches.

6.3 Battery Care

• Always use fresh, high-quality batteries.
• Do not mix different types of batteries or old and new batteries.
• Dispose of used batteries responsibly according to local regulations.

7. Troubleshooting

8. Specifications