Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the VILTROX Vintage Z1 Pro Camera Flash. This compact and versatile flash unit is designed to provide enhanced lighting for your photography, featuring a retro aesthetic combined with modern functionality. It supports TTL auto flash, manual flash, high-speed sync (HSS), and optical slave modes, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios. This manual provides detailed instructions on how to set up, operate, and maintain your flash unit.
Product Features
- 1/8000s High-Speed Sync (HSS): The Vintage Z1 Pro supports a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s, allowing you to shoot with wide apertures in bright daylight conditions for beautiful bokeh and natural-looking portraits.
- TTL Automatic & Manual Flash Modes: Equipped with TTL auto mode for automatic exposure adjustment, simplifying shooting for beginners. Manual (M) mode offers 7 levels of output adjustment from 1/1 to 1/64, with fine-tuning in 1/3 stop increments for precise lighting control.
- Retro Design with Circular Color Touch Screen: Features a vintage-inspired design with a highly visible circular color LCD touch screen. Supports intuitive touch and dial operations for mode switching and settings adjustment. Customizable startup screen is also available.
- 24Ws High Output & Approx. 1 Second Recycle Time: Provides 24Ws of high power, suitable for indoor and outdoor photography, including night portraits. A fast recycle time of approximately 1 second ensures quick consecutive shots. Maintains a stable color temperature of 6000±200K for natural illumination.
- Ultra-Lightweight (136g) & Type-C Charging: Weighing only about 136g, it is highly portable. Supports Type-C charging, allowing for power bank compatibility. Compatible with major camera brands including Sony, Canon, Nikon, and Fujifilm, making it ideal for travel and daily use.
Parts Identification
Familiarize yourself with the components of your VILTROX Vintage Z1 Pro flash unit:
1. Power Dial, 2. Power Switch, 3. Touch Screen, 4. Pre-flash Button (Return Indicator Light), 5. Locking Ring, 6. Flash Head, 7. Light Sensor, 8. Charging Indicator Light, 9. Type-C Port, 10. Light Sensor Switch (S1/S2), 11. Hot Shoe. Note: Hot shoe design may vary depending on camera model.
Setup
1. Attaching the Flash to Your Camera
- Ensure both the camera and flash are powered off.
- Slide the flash unit's hot shoe (11) into your camera's hot shoe mount.
- Rotate the locking ring (5) clockwise to secure the flash firmly in place.
- To remove, rotate the locking ring counter-clockwise and slide the flash off.
2. Charging the Battery
The Vintage Z1 Pro has a built-in 3.7V/800mAh lithium-ion battery. Use the provided USB-C cable to charge the unit.
- Connect the USB-C cable to the Type-C port (9) on the flash unit.
- Connect the other end of the cable to a USB power adapter (not included) or a power bank.
- The charging indicator light (8) will illuminate during charging.
- A full charge takes approximately 70 minutes. The charging indicator will change or turn off once charging is complete.
The flash unit features a Type-C port for convenient charging, allowing connection to various USB power sources.
Operating Instructions
1. Powering On/Off
Slide the Power Switch (2) to the 'ON' position to power on the flash. Slide it to 'OFF' to power off.
2. User Interface and Display
The Vintage Z1 Pro features an intuitive touch screen (3) and multi-dial for easy navigation and settings adjustment.
The display shows operation status (yellow for normal, red for high temperature), flash output level, sync mode, connection status, and battery level.
The 2.5D curved glass touch screen supports intuitive swipe operations and allows for customizable startup screens and easy-to-read information display.
3. Multi-Dial Operation
The Power Dial (1) is used for various adjustments:
- Rotate the dial to adjust flash output.
- Short press the dial to switch between operation modes.
- Double press the dial to toggle HSS sync on/off.
- Long press the dial to enter screen brightness adjustment mode, then rotate to adjust brightness.
The dial provides quick access to flash output, mode switching, HSS toggle, and screen brightness adjustments.
4. Flash Modes
The Vintage Z1 Pro offers several flash modes to suit different photographic needs:
TTL Auto Flash Mode (A Mode)
In TTL mode, the flash automatically adjusts its output based on the camera's metering system, ensuring correct exposure. This mode is ideal for beginners or situations requiring quick adjustments.
Achieve balanced and natural lighting easily, even for novice users, by letting the flash automatically determine the optimal output.
Manual Flash Mode (M Mode)
In M mode, you manually control the flash output. This provides precise control over lighting for advanced users.
- Output can be adjusted from 1/1 (full power) to 1/64.
- Fine adjustments are available in 1/3 stop increments.
- Maximum output is 24Ws.
Manually set the flash power from 1/1 to 1/64, with precise 1/3 stop adjustments for creative control.
High-Speed Sync (HSS)
HSS allows the flash to synchronize with shutter speeds faster than the camera's normal sync speed, up to 1/8000s. This is useful for overpowering ambient light or using wide apertures in bright conditions.
- Supports HSS, front-curtain sync, and rear-curtain sync.
- In HSS mode, output is compatible from 1/1 to 1/16.
Utilize HSS for shutter speeds up to 1/8000s, allowing for creative control over depth of field in bright environments.
Optical Slave Modes (S1/S2)
The Z1 Pro features S1 and S2 optical slave modes, enabling wireless multi-light setups without a dedicated trigger.
- S1 Mode: The flash fires in sync with the main flash.
- S2 Mode: The flash automatically detects and ignores the TTL pre-flash, then fires in sync with the main flash.
Use S1 or S2 mode for off-camera flash synchronization with other flash units.
5. Using the Diffuser
The included diffuser can be attached to the flash head (6) to soften the light output, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more natural look.
Attach the diffuser to achieve softer, more even lighting for your subjects.
Maintenance
- Keep the flash unit dry. Do not expose it to moisture or rain.
- Clean the flash head and body with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners.
- Store the flash in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Avoid dropping or subjecting the flash to strong impacts.
Troubleshooting
- Flash not firing: Check if the flash is securely mounted on the hot shoe and the locking ring is tightened. Ensure the flash is powered on and the battery is charged. Verify camera flash settings.
- Incorrect exposure: In TTL mode, ensure your camera's exposure settings are appropriate for the scene. In Manual mode, adjust the flash output (1/1 to 1/64) as needed.
- Overheating warning (Red indicator): If the red indicator light appears, the flash may be overheating. Allow it to cool down before further use. Reduce flash power or frequency of use.
- Flash not syncing with high shutter speeds: Ensure HSS mode is enabled on the flash and supported by your camera.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | VILTROX |
| Model Number | Vintage Z1 Pro |
| Compatible Mount | Universal Hot Shoe |
| Camera Flash Type | Speedlight |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/8000s |
| Communication/Connection Interface | Hot Shoe, Wireless, Optical Pulse |
| Guide Number | 12 |
| Number of Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion Battery |
| Color Temperature | 6000K |
| Hardware Interface | USB-C |
| Item Dimensions (D x W x H) | 6.9 x 7.4 x 5.1 cm |
| Color | Silver |
| Compatible Devices | Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Ricoh GR3, Leica |
| Exposure Control Type | Automatic, Manual |
| Included Components | Vintage Z1 Pro Flash, Diffuser |
| Item Weight | 136 grams |
| Average Battery Life | 70 minutes |
Package Contents
The box includes the Vintage Z1 Pro flash unit, a diffuser, and a manual (QR code version).
Warranty and Support
VILTROX JAPAN Official Store provides genuine warranty and prompt customer support for VILTROX products. Please ensure your purchase is made from the VILTROX JAPAN Official Store for valid warranty service.
For detailed warranty information and support, please refer to the official VILTROX website or the comprehensive user manual:
- Official Website: www.viltrox.com
- Full User Manual (PDF): Download PDF Manual
