NEEWER Z1-C TTL Li-ion Round Head Camera Flash

Foreword

Thank you for your purchase of a NEEWER product. This Z1-C camera flash has been designed with the Canon EOS series cameras in mind and is compatible with E-TTL II autoflash feature. Simplify your shoots with this E-TTL compatible flash which allows the user to obtain the correct flash exposure even in more complex environments with variable lighting levels. This camera flash features:

• The flash incorporates a round head light reflector design to achieve creative, even and soft light effects. It also features a 2W LED modeling light for fill light photography.
• Maximum flash power of 76Ws, 81 levels of dimming (1/1~1/256).
• Professional lithium battery for an optimal experience. 2600mAh Li-polymer battery with an autonomy of 480 flashes at full power, 1.5 seconds fast recharge.
• Compatible with Canon E-TTL II. Supports E-TTL auto flash, which can be used as the master or slave unit of a wireless multi-lamp flash system - making shooting easier and faster.
• Dot-matrix LCD panel: Clear display, easy to operate.
• Built-in 2.4GHz wireless transmission: Integrated transmitter and receiver with a large radius.
• Comprehensive range of functions for an optimal experience: Supports manual frequency flash mode, HSS/second curtain sync/FEC and other E-TTL II functions.
• Stable output: High speed continuous flash and color temperature with good even lighting.
• Updatable Firmware for total compatibility: Firmware will be upgraded as the camera is updated.

Precautions

• Always keep this product dry.
• Keep this product out of reach of children.
• Do not disassemble or modify the product.
• Do not subject to any form of physical shock. The product shouldn't be exposed to fire or an environment where the temperature exceeds 50 degrees.
• Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes which could result in visual impairment.
• Do not use the product near chemicals, flammable gases or other volatile substances which may cause fire or electromagnetic interference.
• Do not use in the rain or in damp conditions.
• Turn off the product immediately, if it appears to be operating abnormally, and try to troubleshoot the likely cause.
• Failure to comply with the recommendations and warnings listed in the manual will invalidate the warranty.

Package Contents

• Flash Unit X1
• Lithium Battery ×1
• USB Charging Base X1
• Mini Stand ×1
• USB Power Cord × 1
• Charger ×1
• Protective Case × 1
• Manual ×1

Note: Please use the original power adapter for charging. Do not use an adapter with an input voltage greater than 5V, otherwise the charger will be damaged.

Name of Components

Flash Body

1. Flash head
2. LED Modeling Lamp (01-10)
3. Wireless Sensor
4. Focus Assist Beam
5. Hotshoe
6. LCD Panel
7. Lithium Battery
8. Battery Eject Button
9. Hotshoe Attachment bracket

Diagram showing the NEEWER Z1-C flash unit with numbered components.

Control Panel

1. <MENU> Flash Menu Button/Lock Button
2. <> Wireless Selection Button
3. Select Dial
4. Set Button
5. ON/OFF Power Switch
6. <> Test Button / Flash Ready Indicator
7. <ZOOM> Focus Length Setting
8. <MODE> Mode Select Button
9. <> Modeling Lamp Setting
10. <+/-> Power Output
11. Function Button 1
12. Function Button 2
13. Function Button 3
14. Function Button 4

Diagram showing the control panel of the NEEWER Z1-C flash with numbered buttons and dials.

LCD Panel

• E-TTL Autoflash: Displays E-TTL II, Autoflash, Zoom display, Automatic, Manual, Focus length, Flash head, Flash exposure compensation (+3.0), Distance indicator display, Rear curtain synchronization, High speed sync, Battery level, Volume.
• The display will only show the settings currently applied.
• The functions displayed above function buttons 1 to 4, such as SYNC, FEB, and A/B/C/D, will change according to settings' status.
• Pressing a button or moving the dial will illuminate the LCD panel.

Flash Mode: E-TTL Autoflash

E-TTL Mode

Press <MODE> Mode Selection Button to enter E-TTL mode. Press the camera release button halfway to focus. The aperture and effective flash range will be displayed in the viewfinder. A pre-flash is fired moments before the shutter is released, and the flash receives camera information for the main flash.

FEC (Flash Exposure Compensation)

In FEC mode, the flash can adjust flash exposure compensation in 1/3-stop increments between ±3 stops. This feature is useful when the TTL system needs to be fine-tuned to accommodate the shooting environment.

Setting flash exposure compensation: Press <+/-> button, turn Select Dial to set amount (e.g., "0.3" for 1/3 step, "0.7" for 2/3 step). Press Set button to confirm.

FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing)

FEB (Flash surround Exposure) automatically changes the flash output in 1/3rd stops from -3 to +3. When using this function, the camera will record three photos with different flash outputs (correct exposure, underexposure, and overexposure). This function helps obtain correct exposure which is key when shooting moving objects or when environmental lighting is more complex.

Setting FEB: Press function button 2 <FEB> to display the <FEB> icon and highlight the FEB amount. Turn Select Dial to set amount (e.g., "0.3" for 1/3 step, "0.7" for 2/3 step). Press Set button to confirm.

Press Set Button again to confirm the setting. The FEC and FEB settings are displayed on the LCD panel.

FEL: Flash Exposure Lock

FEL can lock the correct flash exposure setting for any part of the scene. With <ETTL> displayed on the LCD panel, press the camera's <FEL> button. If the camera does not have the <FEL> button, press the <*> button.

Steps for FEL: 1. Bring subject into focus. 2. Press the <FEL> button. Aim the center of the viewfinder at the subject, and then press the <FEL> button. The camera flash will fire a preflash and the required flash output for the subject is memorized. "FEL" will show in the viewfinder for 0.5 seconds. Each time the <FEL> button is pressed, a preflash will be fired and a new flash exposure setting will be locked.

If the subject is too far away and underexposed, the < > icon will flash in the viewfinder. Please approach the subject and try Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) function again.

Flash exposure lock cannot be set if <ETTL> is not displayed on the LCD.

Flash exposure lock may not work effectively if the subject is too small.

HSS: High Speed Sync

High Speed Sync (FP flash) enables the flash to synchronize with all camera shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

Setting HSS: Press Function Button 1 <SYNC> so that <H> displays. Check that <H> is displayed in the viewfinder.

If the shutter speed is set to equal or slower than the camera's maximum flash sync speed, <H> will not appear in the viewfinder.

With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the effective flash range.

To return to normal flash, press < SYNC > button again. Then <H> will disappear.

Multi flash mode cannot be set in high-speed sync mode.

Over-temperature protection may be activated after 15 consecutive high-speed sync flashes.

Second-Curtain Sync

With a slow shutter speed, you can create a trail of light following the subject. The flash fires right before the shutter closes.

Setting Second-Curtain Sync: Press Function Button 1 < SYNC > so that < > displays.

M: Manual Flash

The flash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power to 1/256th power in 1/10th stop increments. To obtain a correct flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output.

Setting Manual Flash: Press <MODE> button so that <M> is displayed. Turn the Select Dial to set the flash output rating. Press Set Button again to confirm the setting.

S1/S2 Mode

S1 Optical control unit setting: In M manual flash mode, the S1 function can be used and the flash unit can function as an optical S2 secondary flash. It will fire synchronously when the main flash fires, the same effect as that obtained by the use of radio triggers. This helps the photographer create multiple lighting effects.

S2 Optical control unit setting: In M manual flash mode, the S2 function can be used and the flash unit can function as an optical S2 secondary flash. In this mode, it will ignore the pre-flash emitted by the TTL flash and will only fire in response to the second flash from the main unit.

Note: S1 and S2 optical triggering is only available in M manual flash mode.

Multi: Stroboscopic Flash

The term stroboscopic flash relates to a rapid series of flashes being fired. It can be used to capture multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph.

You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output.

Calculating the Shutter Speed:

During a stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until the firing stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed and set it with the camera: Number of Flashes / Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed. For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds.

To avoid overheating and deterioration of the flash head, do not use the stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession. After 10 times, allow the camera flash to rest for at least 15 minutes. If you try to use the stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession, the flash may stop flashing automatically. This is to protect the flash head. Should this happen, please allow the camera to rest for 15 minutes.

Stroboscopic flash is most effective with a highly reflective subject against a dark background.

It is recommended to use a tripod and a remote control.

A flash output of 1/1 and 1/2 cannot be set for stroboscopic flash mode.

Stroboscopic flashes can be used with the "bulb" function.

If the flash count is displayed as --, the flash will fire continuously until the shutter release or the battery is exhausted. The number of flashes will be limited as shown in the table below.

Setting Stroboscopic Flash: Press <MODE> button for <MULTI>. Press Function Button 1 <Times> to select number of flashes, turn Select Dial. Press Function Button 2 <Hz> to select flash frequency, turn Select Dial. Turn Select Dial to set flash output. Press SET Button to confirm.

Wireless Flash Shooting: Wireless (2.4G) Transmission

When the camera's shooting mode is set to a fully automatic mode or an Image Zone mode, the operations explored in this chapter are not available. Please set the camera's shooting mode to P/Tv/Av/M/B (Creative Zone Mode).

The Z1-C attached to the camera is called the transmitter unit, and a Z1-C that is wirelessly controlled is called the receiver unit.

Using a flash (transmitter/receiver) with a radio transmission wireless shooting function makes it easy to shoot with advanced wireless multiple flash lighting, in the same way as E-TTL II autoflash shooting. The basic relative position and operation range are as shown in the picture. You can then perform wireless E-TTL II autoflash shooting by setting the transmitter unit to <ETTL>.

Positioning and Operation Range (Example of wireless flash shooting): Diagram showing transmitter and receiver positions and approximate range.

Use the supplied mini stand to position the Receiver unit.

Perform a test flash and test shot before shooting.

The transmission distance might be shorter depending on the conditions such as the positioning of the Receiver units, the surrounding environment and weather conditions.

Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting

You can split the slave unit into two or three groups and shoot E-TTL II Auto Flash while changing the flash ratio (focus). In addition, each flash group (up to four groups) can be set and shot with different flash modes.

Auto flash shooting with two slave groups. Diagram showing two groups (A, B) of flashes.

Auto flash Shooting with three slave groups. Diagram showing three groups (A, B, C) of flashes.

Shooting with a Different Flash Mode set for Each Group. Diagrams illustrating E-TTL II, Manual flash, and Automatic external flash metering for different groups.

The flash mode Settings shown above are only used as examples.

Wireless Settings

You can switch between normal flash and wireless flash. For normal flash, be sure to set wireless Settings to "off".

Transmitter (Master) Unit Setting

Diagram showing transmitter unit settings: MODE, ZOOM, CH, ID, BEEP, Ver 2.0. Steps: Press <> button so that <MASTER> displays on the LCD panel.

Receiver (Slave) Unit Setting

Diagram showing receiver unit settings: ETTL, ZOOM, CH, SLAVE. Steps: Press <> button so that < (())> and < SLAVE > displays on the LCD panel.

Turn off Master unit flash

When the Transmitter (master) unit is set to OFF, only the Receiver (slave) units will fire a flash.

Diagram showing master unit settings: MENU, RST, ZOOM, ON/OFF, LIGHT, FEB, LCD, MASTER, Ver 2.0. Steps: Press <MENU> Button to enter custom <MASTER> Settings. Set Transmitter to ON/OFF to control the On/Off of the Transmitter unit. Even if the master unit is disabled, it will still fire a preflash in order to transmit wireless signals. After adjusting the settings, press function button 4 to exit.

Setting the communication channel

If there is more than one wireless flash system nearby, you can change the communication channel to prevent signal interference. Ensure that the channel of the transmitter and receiver units are matching.

Diagram showing C.Fn settings: SCAN, CH, ID, BEEP, Ver 2.0. Steps: Press <MENU> Button to enter CH custom settings. Turn the Select Dial to choose a channel from 1 to 32. Press the SET button to confirm.

Wireless ID Settings

In addition to changing the wireless communication channel to avoid signal interference, you can also change the wireless ID to prevent interference. Set the channel and the wireless ID of the transmitter unit and the receiver unit to the same values. Go to C.Fn ID and choose wireless ID from 01 to 99. Select OFF to disable the wireless ID.

Diagram showing C.Fn settings: SCAN, CH, ID, BEEP, Ver 2.0. Steps: After setting, press function button 4 to exit.

Scan for a free, unused channel

To avoid the issue of interference by using the same channel(s) already in use by others, use this function: enter the C.Fn settings and find the SCAN option. When setting it to START, it will scan from 1% to 100%. The 8 spare channels will be displayed after the scan is completed.

Diagram showing C.Fn settings: SCAN, CH, ID, BEEP, Ver 2.0. Steps: After setting, press function button 4 to exit.

E-TTL: Automatic wireless flash photography

Note: The transmitter (master) unit and the receiver (slave) unit must have the same wireless ID, channel and group before the flashes can be fired wirelessly.

Using Automatic Wireless Flash with a Single Receiver Unit

Diagram showing transmitter unit (MASTER) and receiver unit (SLAVE) settings for E-TTL. Steps: Press function button 1/2/3/4 (corresponding A/B/C/D) to adjust to TTL mode. Press function button 2 (corresponding to B) to select group B, and then press function button 2 again to select TTL/M/-- option (turn the dial to adjust power and set flash output power), as shown in the picture.

(1) Transmitter Unit Setting

Attach a camera Z1-C flash on the camera and set it as the transmitter unit. Set it to ON to flash. (Page 15)

A signal transmitter can also be used as the master control unit. The transmitter can control the ZOOM value of the Z1-C, but the ZOOM must be set to auto mode.

(2) Receiver Unit Setting

Mount the Z1-C camera flash as the wireless Receiver Unit.

M: Manual Wireless Flash Shooting

Shooting with manual flash with no line (multi-flash) allows you to set different flash outputs for each slave unit (flash group) for shooting. All parameters need to be set on the master control unit.

Setting <M> Flash Mode

You can directly operate the Receiver unit to manually set the manual flash or stroboscopic flash.

Diagram showing receiver unit settings for Manual flash. Steps: 1. Setting the Receiver unit. 2. Setting flash mode to <M>. Press <MODE> button so that <M> displays. 3. Set the manual flash output. Press the function button 1/2/3/4 <A/B/C/D>, Turn the Select Dial to set the flash output of the groups. Press the Set Button to confirm.

Taking pictures: Each group fired at the set flash ratio.

Press the depth-of-field preview button on the camera to fire a modeling flash.

If the auto power off of the slave unit has kicked in, press the test button on the Master unit to trigger a flash button enables the slave unit. Please note that the flash cannot be tested during the camera's metering time.

It is possible to modify the amount of time before the slave unit automatically powers off.

It is also possible to set so that the autofocus assist transmitter does not flash when the slave unit has finished powering up.

Other Applications

Sync Triggering

The Sync Cord Jack is a 2.5mm connector. Insert a trigger plug here and the flash will be fired in sync with the camera shutter.

Modeling Flash

If the camera has a depth-of-field preview button, pressing the button will trigger a one-second continuous flash, a feature known as a 'modeling flash'. You can see the lighting effect and lighting balance on the subject with the modeling flash, whether you are shooting with no lines or with a normal flash.

Do not fire the modeling flash for more than 10 consecutive times. If you fire the modeling flash 10 consecutive times, allow at least 10 minutes' break for the camera flash to prevent overheating or damage to the flash head.

EOS 300 and Model B cameras do not support the modeling flash feature.

Auto Focus Assist Beam

In low-brightness or low-contrast shooting situations, the flash's built-in autofocus assist lamp turns on to make autofocusing easier. When focusing is difficult, the red autofocus assist light comes on.

To turn off the autofocus function, set "AF" to "OFF" in C.Fn.

If the user finds that the assisted focus light is not on when using it, it is because the camera is already accurately focused.

Bounce Flash

By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is commonly known as a 'bounce flash'.

Position the flash head to set the bounce direction. Diagram shows a range of -7 to 120 degrees.

If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak and result in underexposure.

The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reflectance. If the bounce surface isn't white it will result in "off color" photos.

ZOOM: Set the flash coverage

The flash coverage can be set automatically or manually. It can be set to match the lens focal length from 28mm to 105mm. In auto zoom, the focal length changes with the camera's zoom lens to provide the best flash effect.

In Manual Zoom mode, press the <ZOOM> button. Turn the Select Dial to change the flash coverage. If < > is displayed, the flash coverage will be set automatically. If you set the flash coverage manually, make sure it covers the lens focal length so that the picture will not have a dark periphery.

C.Fn: Setting Custom Functions

Use the Customize function to complete settings according to the following chart.

Restore factory settings

Long press the two <RST> buttons at the same time. "RESET" will appear on the screen to indicate that the factory settings have been restored.

Control using the Camera's Menu Screen

Mount the flash directly onto the Canon EOS camera to control the flash using the camera's menu screen. Please refer to the camera instructions for details.

1. Setting Camera Flash Functions

The following flash functions can be set according to different flash modes:

• Flash mode: E-TTLII, Manual, Multi
• Shutter sync: First-curtain sync, Second-curtain sync
• FEB: ±3 stops in 1/3 stop increments (Manual FEC and FEB can be combined.)
• FEC: ±3 stops in 1/3 stop increments
• Flash firing: Use <FEL> button or <*> button

2. Custom Functions of Camera Flash

C.Fn-00, C.Fn-01, C.Fn-03, C.Fn-08, C.Fn-10, C.Fn-20, C.Fn-22, 7 in total.

Clear All Flash Custom Functions

Flash function settings screen. Flash C.Fn settings screen. Clear Speedlite Settings.

Screen view taken from the EOS-1D Mark III.

Protection Function

Over-Temperature Protection

To prevent the flash head from deteriorating and overheating, it is recommended not to fire more than 30 continuous flashes in fast succession at 1/1 full power. After 30 continuous flashes, pause the use of the flash for at least 10 minutes.

If you fire more than 30 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner over-temperature protection function may be activated. The recycling time will be longer (over 10s). If this occurs, the use of the device should be paused for at least 10 minutes for the flash unit to operate as normal.

Other Safety Functions

The system provides real-time protection to secure the device and your safety. The following lists prompts for your reference:

• E1: A fault has developed with the flash's recycle system so that the flash cannot fire. Please restart the flash unit. If the problem still exists, please send this product to a maintenance center.
• E2: The system becomes overheated. Please stop using the flash for a period of 10 minutes.
• E3: The voltage on two outlets of the flash tube is too high. Please send this product to a maintenance center.

Technical Data

Troubleshooting

1. The Camera Flash does not fire

• The camera flash is not attached securely to the camera. →Attach the hot shoe base mount of the flash securely to the camera.
• The electrical contacts of the camera flash and camera are dirty. →Clean the contacts.
• << or >> is not displayed in the viewfinder of camera. →Wait until the flash is fully recycled and the flash ready indicator lights up. →If the flash ready indicator lights up, but << or >> is not displayed in the viewfinder, check whether this flash unit is securely attached to the camera hotshoe. →If the flash ready indicator does not light up after a long period of time, check whether the battery power is sufficient. If the battery is low (low battery voltage icon flashes on the flash screen), please replace the battery immediately.

2. Auto power off

• After 90 seconds of idle operation, auto power off will have activated if the flash is set as Transmitter (Master). →Press the shutter button halfway or press any flash button to wake up.
• After 60 minutes (or 30 minutes) of idle operation, the flash unit will enter sleep mode if it is set as Receiver (Slave). →Press any flash button to wake up.

3. Auto zoom does not work.

• The camera flash is not attached securely to the camera. →Attach the camera flash's mounting base to the camera.

4. The flash exposure is underexposed or overexposed.

• There was a highly reflective object (e.g. glass window) in the picture. →Use FE lock (FEL).
• You used high-speed sync. →With high-speed sync, the effective flash range will be shorter. Make sure the subject is within the effective flash range displayed. Use Manual Flash mode. →Set the flash mode to ETTL or modify the flash output.

5. Photos have dark corners or only parts of the target subject are illuminated.

• The focal length of lens exceeds the flash coverage. →Check the focal length that has been set. This flash unit has the flash coverage between 28 and 105mm, which fits medium-format cameras.

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution: Any changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by manufacturer could void your authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

ISED Statement

English: This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• (1) This device may not cause interference.
• (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

The digital apparatus complies with Canadian CAN ICES - 3 (B)/NMB - 3(B).

French: Cet appareil contient des émetteurs/récepteurs exempts de licence qui sont conformes aux RSS exempt é s de licence d'Innovation, Sciences et Développement é conomique Canada. L'exploitation est soumise aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) Cet appareil ne doit pas provoquer d'interfé rences. (2) Cet appareil doit accepter toute interf é rence, y compris les interf é rences susceptibles de provoquer un fonctionnement indé sirable de l'appareil. l'appareil num é rique du ciem conforme canadien peut 3 (b)/nmb 3 (b).

This device meets the exemption from the routine evaluation limits in section 2.5 of RSS 102 and compliance with RSS 102 RF exposure, users can obtain Canadian information on RF exposure and compliance.

cet appareil est conforme à l'exemption des limites d' é valuation courante dans la section 2.5 du cnr - 102 et conformité avec rss 102 de l'exposition aux rf, les utilisateurs peuvent obtenir des donn é es canadiennes sur l'exposition aux champs rf et la conformit é.

This equipment complies with Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d'exposition aux rayonnements du Canada é tablies pour un environnement non contrôlé .

RF Exposure Statement

This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 0cm between the radiator & your body.

Cet équipement doit être installé et utilisé à une distance minimale de 0 cm entre le radiateur et votre corps.