Product Overview

Thank you for purchasing this NEEWER® product.

The FR1-N is an i-TTL speedlite flash designed for Nikon cameras. With i-TTL auto flash, you will automatically get the accurate amount of flash exposure for variable lighting conditions, thereby improving your overall shooting experience. The following features set it apart from the competition:

• Maximum flash output power of 76Ws, with 22 levels of dimming (1/1~1/128).
• Supports i-TTL automatic flash, manual and stroboscopic flash modes, second curtain sync, flash exposure compensation, and other i-TTL functions.
• Dot-matrix LCD screen for intuitive display and simplified operation.
• Stable output, high-speed continuous flash, consistent brightness and color temperature with even light distribution.
• Maintains all original camera manufacturer functionalities, allowing for unrestricted software upgrades.

Product Contents

• Ring Flash × 1
• Color Filters (4 colors) × 8
• Adapter Rings (different diameters) × 8
• User Manual × 1

Product Illustration

1. Flash Unit

This illustration shows the main flash unit. Key interfaces are indicated:

External power interface (CP-E4) ?, Hot shoe ?, PC socket (sync socket) ?, USB Type-C upgrade interface ?.

2. Control Panel

This section details the control panel of the flash unit. The buttons are:

Display screen ?, Function button 2 ?, Function button 1 ?, <> Menu button ?, <MODE> Flash mode selection ?, <> Test flash button ?, Battery cover ?, Function button 3 ?, Function button 4 ?, Power switch: Power On/Off ?, SET button: short press to select parameters ?, Dial: adjust parameter values ?, Hot shoe locking mechanism ?.

3. Ring Flash

This illustration shows the ring flash component. Key parts are:

Modeling Lamp ?, Adapter ring unlock button ?, Flash A ?, Flash B ?.

4. LCD Display Screen

(1) i-TTL Automatic Flash

This screen shows settings for i-TTL automatic flash mode. It displays:

Flash exposure compensation ?, i-TTL: Automatic flash ?, Flash ratio ?, RATIO: flash ratio setting ?, Flash group ?, A:B Flash A & B on ?, A Flash A ?, B Flash B ?.

The screen display is an example. The interface only displays the settings currently applied. The functions displayed above function buttons 1~4 are not fixed and will change according to the settings. The display screen lights up when operating buttons or the dial.

(2) M Manual Flash

This screen shows settings for Manual flash mode. It displays:

Manual flash power output ?, Modeling lamp on ?, Rear curtain sync ?, Audible prompt ?.

(3) RPT Stroboscopic Flash

This screen shows settings for RPT stroboscopic flash mode. It displays:

Number of flashes ?, RPT: stroboscopic flash ?, Flash frequency ?, Power output value ?, Normal shooting ?.

Safety Information

1. Please keep this product in a dry place.
2. This product is an electrical device. Children should not be left unsupervised.
3. Do not disassemble or modify the product.
4. Do not subject to a strong physical impact, crush the flash or expose it to fire. Do not place it in an environment exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
5. Do not stare directly at the flash when in use, as it may cause eye damage.
6. Do not use this product near chemicals, flammable gases, or other hazardous substances, as it may result in a fire or cause electromagnetic interference. Pay attention to relevant warning signs in these situations.
7. Do not use in humid or wet environments.
8. If any abnormality is found during operation, the power should be turned off immediately to identify the cause.
9. Failure to follow all steps and warnings in the manual will void the warranty.

Installation Instructions

1. Installing Batteries

Follow these steps to install batteries:

1. Open the battery compartment cover: Slide the battery compartment cover open in the direction shown in the illustration.

2. Install the batteries: Insert the batteries into the compartment respecting the positive (+) and negative (-) polarity markings located within the battery compartment.

3. Close the battery compartment cover: Slide the battery compartment cover closed in the direction shown in the illustration.

Battery Usage Precautions:

The batteries may get hot after multiple continuous flashes. Care should be taken to avoid burns. The flash unit still requires batteries even when using an external power source. Please note that in extremely rare cases, the AA/R6 type lithium batteries may become very hot during use. In the interest of safety, it is not recommended to use these types of batteries. When using alkaline batteries other than (AA/R6) batteries, irregularities in the shape of battery ends may cause poor contact. When replacing the battery, please use 4 new AA batteries or fully charged rechargeable batteries of the same brand. You can also use 5 AA/HR6 nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries. Do not mix new and old batteries, or mix different types or brands of batteries. When the battery level is low, the battery symbol < ? > will flash, prompting you to replace the battery as soon as possible.

2. Installing the Flash Unit on the Camera

Follow these steps to attach the flash unit to your camera:

1. Install the flash: Move the hot shoe locking mechanism to the left, and then slide the base of the flash into the camera hot shoe.

2. Secure the flash: Move the hot shoe locking latch to the right to lock the flash in place.

3. Removing the flash: Press the button on the latch and move the latch to the left to unlock the flash. Make sure the flash unit is turned off before removing it.

3. Installing the Ring Flash onto the Front of the Lens

Follow these steps to install the ring flash onto the lens:

1. Install the Adapter Ring: Use an adapter ring of the same diameter as the lens filter, and tightly screw it onto the lens filter thread.

2. Attach to the Front of the Camera Lens

Press the adapter ring unlock button on the ring flash, and attach it to the adapter ring on the front of the camera lens.

The product comes with adapter rings in sizes of: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, and 77mm.

This macro ring flash is designed specifically for macro lenses. When using non-macro lenses, the lens may rotate during focusing. It is recommended to use manual focus (MF) when using non-macro lenses. Autofocus (AF) may damage your lens.

4. Installing the Color Gels onto the Flash

Attach a pair of color gels to the corresponding positions on the flash unit.

Setting Flash Group / Ratio

You can set the flash ratio to adjust the flash output ratio between flash tubes A and B, or to enable only one of them to flash. This creates shadows on the subject, giving it a more sculpted appearance.

1. Setting the flash group

Short press function button 1 <RATIO>, the screen displays RATIO flash group. The available Flash Groups are:

Single Light Mode: RATIO A (A flash tube on), RATIO B (B flash tube on).

Dual Light Mode: RATIO A:B (Both A and B tubes on), RATIO OFF (Both A and B tubes on).

2. Set flash ratios

In Dual Light A:B mode, adjust the flash output ratio between tubes A and B. Press the function button 3 <Gr>, and the screen will display the flash ratio values. Use the dial to set the desired flash ratio. Flash ratio values are as follows: 8:1/4:1/2:1/1:1/1:2/1:4/1:8. When selecting RATIO OFF, both A and B tubes illuminate at equal power.

Flash Mode: i-TTL Automatic Flash Mode

The flash has three flash modes: auto flash (i-TTL), manual flash (M), and stroboscopic flash (RPT). When used in i-TTL mode, the flash will use your camera's metering system to read the light exposure from the subject and automatically adjust flash output to get even exposure of the subject and background. It features flash exposure compensation, second-curtain shutter sync, etc.

1. i-TTL Mode

By pressing the <MODE> button and setting the flash to <i-TTL>, you can activate the i-TTL mode. A pre-flash can be emitted just before the shutter is released, allowing the flash to receive information from the camera to perform the main flash.

2. Flash Exposure Compensation

The flash can adjust flash exposure compensation in increments of 1/3 stop within a range of ±3 stops. This feature is particularly useful for fine-tuning the i-TTL system to accommodate the shooting environment.

To set flash exposure compensation: Rotate the adjustment dial to set the exposure compensation value. "0.3" indicates a 1/3 stop, "0.7" indicates a 2/3 stop. To cancel flash exposure compensation, set the flash exposure compensation value to "0.0".

3. Second Curtain Sync

The use of a slow shutter speed creates the effect of a light trail behind the subject. To achieve this, the flash fires just before the shutter closes. Select REAR flash mode on your Nikon camera to enable rear-curtain flash sync.

Flash Mode: M Manual Flash

You can adjust the flash output between 1/128 power and full power in 1/3-stop increments. To achieve the correct flash exposure, use a handheld flash meter to determine the desired flash output.

1. Press the <MODE> mode selection button, and the screen will display <M>.

2. Press function button 3 <Gr> to select the flash output power, then rotate the adjustment dial to set the flash output power. Flash Output Power: 1/1~1/128, in ±0.3EV increments.

Flash Mode: RPT Stroboscopic Flash

Using the strobe flash to emit a series of rapid flashes, you can capture multiple images of moving objects in a single frame. You can set the flash frequency (flashes per second, expressed in Hz), flash count, and flash output.

1. Press the <MODE> selection button, and the screen will display <RPT>.

2. Rotate the adjustment dial to set the flash output power.

3. Press function button 2 <Times> to select the times of flashes, then rotate the adjustment dial to set the desired number.

4. Press function button 3 <Hz> to select the flash frequency, then rotate the adjustment dial to set the desired frequency.

Maximum Strobe Flash Count

Calculating Shutter Speed:

When using the stroboscopic flash setting, the shutter should remain open until the flash stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed, and then set it on the camera.

Number of Flashes / Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed

For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the flash frequency is 5Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds.

*To prevent overheating and damage to the flash head, do not perform continuous stroboscopic flash shooting for more than 10 times in a row. After 10 flashes, allow the flash to cool for at least 15 minutes. If you attempt to perform continuous stroboscopic flash shooting more than 10 times, the flash may automatically stop to prevent overheating. If that happens, please allow the flash to cool for at least 15 minutes.

*Subjects with strong reflections are more effectively captured against a dark background using stroboscopic flash.

*It is recommended to use a tripod and remote switch.

*Stroboscopic flash cannot be set when the flash output is at 1/1 or 1/2.

*The 'bulb' mode can also be used during stroboscopic flash.

Other Applications

1. External Power Interface

This flash unit comes with an external power port which is compatible with the flash battery pack CP-E4 for an external power supply. This alternative power source increases the number of flashes and shortens the recycle time. When using an external power source, the RF1-N flash also needs to have batteries installed.

* CP-E4 battery pack needs to be purchased separately.

2. Modeling Lamp

Press the function button 4 <LED> to turn the modeling lamp on or off.

3. Sync Cable Triggering

Using a sync cable to connect the camera or trigger to the flash will allow you to achieve flash synchronization with the shutter.

4. Test Flash

Press the <?> button to perform a flash test.

5. Sleep Mode

The flash unit enters sleep mode after a period with no operation. Press the <?> button or any button on the control panel to wake up the device.

6. Beep

Press the <?> button to enter the custom function menu settings, and enable or disable the beep.

Beep Sound Definitions:

Beep - Beep Beep Beep: Recycling not complete/overheating alert

Beep (long): Fully charged

Beep - Beep Beep Beep: Low power and imminent shutdown

Firmware Upgrade

This device supports firmware upgrades via the USB port, with the latest software announcements and instructions available on the official website.

* The product is not supplied with the required USB-C cable for updating the device. Please purchase separately.

* Product firmware upgrades require support from the Neewer Firmware program software. Before upgrading firmware, please download and install the "Neewer Firmware Update" and then select the appropriate firmware file.

* Please refer to the latest electronic version of the user manual for any firmware upgrades.

Setting Customizable Functions

1. Press the <> button to access the custom function menu.

2. Rotate the dial to select an option.

3. Press the <SET> button to choose a setting.

4. Rotate the dial to adjust the setting.

5. Press <> or function button 4 <> to exit.

Please refer to the following table to customize the function settings.

Protection Function

1. Overheat Protection

To prevent the flash head from overheating resulting in damage, do not perform rapid continuous flashes exceeding 30 times at 1/1 power. After 30 continuous flashes, allow the flash to cool for at least 10 minutes.

If you continue to trigger the flash further after exceeding 30 continuous flashes, the internal overheat protection function may be activated, resulting in a recycling time of over 7 seconds. If this occurs, let the flash cool for approximately 10 minutes, and it will return to normal.

Number of continuous flashes to activate overheat protection:

Other Protections

To ensure the safety of the device, the system will continuously monitor the device and activate certain safety mechanisms to protect it. The following indicator symbols are provided for your reference:

• LCD Display E1: Warning Message: Flash recycling system malfunction; unable to recycle flash. Please restart device. If the issue persists, please contact your technical support team, or an accredited professional.
• LCD Display HOT: Warning Message: Device temperature is too high; flash use restricted. Please stop using device for 10 minutes.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues, please refer to this troubleshooting guide.

1. Flash does not fire

• Flash is not securely mounted on the camera. → Securely mount the flash on the camera's hot shoe.
• Dirty electronic contacts between flash and camera. → Clean the contacts.

2. Power automatically shuts off

When there is no operation for 90 seconds, the automatic power-off function activates. → Press any button or the test flash button to wake up.

3. Dark corners or shadows/white shadows in photos

The RF1-N is a macro ring flash designed for use with macro lenses. If not using a macro lens, adjust the camera lens focal length to >50mm.

Factory Reset

Simultaneously press and hold both <RST> buttons until the screen displays "RESET" to complete.

Specifications