PIXAPRO Li-ion580III M Camera Flash Instruction Manual

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the PIXAPRO Li-ion580III M camera flash. This flash unit utilizes the PIXAPRO wireless ONE System and 2.4GHz ratio transmission, offering compatibility with models such as HYBRID360 TTL, GIO1, ST-III, ST-III+, and ST-IV. It is designed to work with all DSLR camera brands, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony.

Key features of this camera flash include:

• GN60 (m ISO 100, @200mm), with adjustable power from 1/1 to 1/128 in 1/3rd stops.
• A professional 2600mAh lithium battery providing approximately 450 flashes and a 1.5s recycle time.
• Integrated 2.4GHz wireless transmission for transmitting and receiving signals.
• Support for high-speed sync, wireless remote control, multi-flash, and manual focus assist.
• Stable consistency and color temperature with even lighting.
• A user-friendly LCD display and control panel.

Warning

[Warning] Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp conditions.

[Warning] Do not disassemble. Repairs must be performed by an authorized maintenance center.

[Warning] Keep out of reach of children.

[Warning] Discontinue use if the product breaks open due to extrusion, falling, or strong impact, as touching internal electronic parts could cause electric shock.

[Warning] Do not fire the flash directly into eyes, especially at close distances, to prevent visual impairment.

[Warning] Do not use the flash unit near flammable gases, chemicals, or similar materials, as the strong light emission may cause fire or electromagnetic interference.

[Warning] Do not leave or store the flash unit if the ambient temperature exceeds 50°C, as this may damage electronic parts.

[Warning] Turn off the flash unit immediately in case of malfunction.

Conventions Used in this Manual

This manual assumes both the camera and flash power switches are turned on.

Page numbers are indicated by "p.**".

The following alert symbols are used:

• [Caution]: Provides supplemental information.
• [Note]: Indicates a warning to prevent shooting problems.

Contents

This section lists the manual's structure, including sections on Name of Parts, Battery, Attaching to a Camera, Using the Flash (covering Power Management, Flash Output, ZOOM, M Mode, Multi Mode, S1 Mode, S2 Mode, Hi-Speed Sync, Focus Assist Beam, Buzz Function, Wireless Flash Shooting, Sync Triggering, Sleep Function, Custom Functions), Protection Function, Advanced Application, Technical Data, and Maintenance.

Name of Parts

The PIXAPRO Li-ion580III M flash unit comprises several key components:

Body Components:

• 01. Catchlight Panel
• 02. Built-In Wide Panel (Retracted)
• 03. Flash Head
• 04. Optic Control Sensor
• 05. Focus Assist Beam
• 06. Battery Release Button
• 07. Sync Cord Jack
• 08. Hotshoe
• 09. Lock Ring
• 10. Battery Compartment

Control Panel Functions:

• 11. Display
• 12. MODE: Flash Mode Selection
• 13. ZOOM: Zoom Setting
• 14. GR/CH: Group/Channel Setting (long press)
• 15. MF/H: Focus Assist Beam / High-speed Sync (long press)
• 16. MENU: Flash Menu
• 17. Test Button/Flash Ready Indicator
• 18. Z: Wireless Setting Button
• 19. ON/OFF: Power Switch
• 20. Select Dial
• 21. SET: Set Button

LCD Panel Indicators:

The LCD panel displays various settings and status indicators:

• Mode indicators: Manual Flash Mode, S1 Slave Flash Triggering, S2 Slave Flash Triggering, Multi/Stroboscopic Flash Mode, High Speed Sync Triggering.
• Battery Level Indication: Displays battery status.
• Other indicators: <> Sound Beep Indication, Sleep Status, TX Transmitter Mode, RX Receiver Mode, <> Focus Assist Beam Indicator.
• Settings: Channel, Group, Zoom focal length.

What's in the Box:

• 1. Flash Unit
• 2. Li-ion Battery Pack
• 3. Battery Charger
• 4. Battery Charger Cable
• 5. Mini Stand
• 6. Protection Case
• 7. Instruction Manual

Separately Sold Accessories:

To enhance photography effects, the following accessories can be used with the PIXAPRO Li-ion580III M:

• ST-III, ST-III+, ST-IV TTL wireless flash triggers
• Mini softbox
• White & Silver Reflector
• Honeycomb
• Color gels
• Snoot

Battery

Features:

• The flash unit uses a Li-ion polymer battery with a long runtime and approximately 500 charge/discharge cycles.
• The battery features internal safety circuits to prevent overcharge, overdischarge, overcurrent, and short circuits.
• Full charging takes approximately 2.5 hours with the standard battery charger.

Cautions:

• [Warning] Do not short circuit the battery.
• [Warning] Do not expose the battery to rain or immerse it in water; it is not waterproof.
• [Warning] Keep batteries out of reach of children.
• [Warning] Do not charge continuously for over 24 hours.
• Store batteries in dry, cool, ventilated places.
• [Warning] Do not place batteries near fire.
• Dispose of dead batteries according to local regulations.
• If the battery has not been used for over 3 months, perform a full recharge.
• If storing the battery for an extended period, charge it to approximately 60% before storage.
• It is recommended to use a new battery after 500 charge/discharge cycles or 3 years of use.

Loading and Unloading the Battery:

1. To unload, hold down the battery release button and push the battery downwards.
2. To load, align the triangle sign on the battery pack with the compartment and insert until a white knob locks it with a click.

Battery Level Indication:

The LCD panel displays the remaining battery level:

Attaching to a Camera

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

1. Attach the Camera Flash: Rotate the hotshoe fixing buckle to the left and insert the camera flash into the camera's hotshoe.
2. Secure the Camera Flash: Rotate the hotshoe fixing buckle to the right until it locks securely.
3. Detach the Camera Flash: Press the release button and rotate the hotshoe fixing buckle to the left until it is loosened.

Using the Flash

1. Power Management:

Use the ON/OFF Power Switch to turn the flash unit on or off. For extended periods of non-use, switch the unit off. The flash unit features a Sleep Function that automatically activates after a period of inactivity. Refer to Custom Functions for Sleep Function settings.

2. Flash Output:

Flash output can be adjusted from 1/128th power to 1/1 full power in 1/3 stop increments. Use a hand-held flash meter to determine the optimal flash output for correct exposure. The Select Dial is used to adjust power. The table below illustrates stop changes:

Figures displayed when reducing flash output level:

Figures displayed when increasing flash output level:

When "OFF" is displayed, it signifies that flash output and firing are disabled.

3. ZOOM: Setting the Flash Coverage:

The flash coverage can be adjusted to match lens focal lengths from 20mm to 200mm. Press the <ZOOM> button and rotate the Select Dial to change the flash coverage. Ensure the coverage matches the focal length to avoid dark peripheries in the image.

4. M Mode: Manual Mode

Press the MODE Selection Button <MODE> to enter M mode. In this mode, the flash can be mounted on the camera hotshoe or a trigger hotshoe for firing. Adjust the flash power output before shooting. The flash fires synchronously when the camera shutter is pressed. Slave triggering is not available in M mode.

5. Multi Mode: Stroboscopic Flash

Press the MODE Selection Button <MODE> to enter Multi mode for stroboscopic flash. This mode fires a rapid series of flashes, useful for capturing multiple images of a moving subject. You can set the firing frequency (Hz), number of flashes, and flash output.

Setting Procedure:

1. Press the <MODE> button until "Multi" is displayed on the LCD.
2. Press the <SET> button to select the item to be adjusted; it will blink.
3. Rotate the Select Dial to set the desired number.

Calculating the Shutter Speed:

During stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until firing stops. Use the formula: Number of flashes / Firing frequency = Shutter speed. For example, 10 flashes at 5 Hz requires a shutter speed of at least 2 seconds.

[Note] Stroboscopic flash is most effective with reflective subjects against dark backgrounds. Using a tripod and remote switch is recommended. Flash outputs of 1/1 or 1/2 cannot be set for stroboscopic flash. Stroboscopic flash can be used with "bulb" mode.

Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes:

[Caution] To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head during stroboscopic flash, do not use stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession.

6. S1 Mode: S1 Slave Triggering Mode

Press and hold the <MENU> button for 2 seconds to enter the custom menu. Press the <SET> button to select "OS", then use the Select Dial to choose OFF/S1/S2. In S1 mode, the flash acts as a slave flash, synchronizing with a master flash. This mode is suitable for manual flash environments.

7. S2 Mode: S2 Slave Triggering Mode

Similar to S1 mode, press and hold <MENU> for 2 seconds, select "OS", and choose OFF/S1/S2. S2 mode is used with TTL master flashes. It ignores the master flash's "preflash" and fires only in response to the actual flash, making it suitable for TTL environments.

8. Hi-Speed Sync Triggering

To enter Hi-Speed Sync (<H>) mode, long-press the <MF/H> button for 2 seconds. To exit, press the MODE Selection Button or long-press <MF/H> again. This mode allows synchronization with high shutter speeds (up to 1/8000s), ideal for fill-flash portraits. [Note] Hi-speed sync mode requires compatible triggers (ST-III, ST-III+, ST-IV) and is not available when the Li-ion580III M is mounted directly on the camera.

[Caution] To prevent overheating during high-speed sync, the over-temperature protection function will activate after 10 continuous high-speed flashes, increasing recycle time by 10 seconds. Allow a 10-minute rest period if this occurs.

9. Custom Function--Focus Assist Lamp

The focus assist beam can be activated by pressing the <MF/H> button in low-light or low-contrast conditions to aid autofocus. The beam automatically turns off after a set "No-Flash Time." This time is adjustable via the Custom Function menu (FC mode), with a default of 10 seconds. The LCD panel displays "FC" and "No-Flash Time" during adjustment.

10. Buzz Function

To enable or disable the buzz function, access Custom Function via the <MENU> button, then select "bp" mode. "ON" activates the buzz, while "OF" deactivates it. An indicator <> appears on the LCD when the buzzer is on.

11. Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio (2.4G) Transmission

The Li-ion580III M supports 2.4GHz radio transmission as Master/Slave. Use the <Z> button to set TX (transmitter) or RX (receiver) mode. Channels (1-32) and Groups (A-E) can be set via the <GR/CH> button. ID settings (OF, 01-99) are available in the menu. This flash is compatible with various PIXAPRO wireless ONE System triggers and flashes.

The transmission distance is approximately 100 meters.

12. Sync Triggering

The Sync Cord Jack (2.5mm) allows for synchronous firing with the camera shutter when a trigger plug is inserted.

13. Custom Function - Sleep Function

The Sleep Function conserves battery by automatically turning off the flash after a period of inactivity. Access this via the <MENU> button, then select "SL" mode. The "Sleeping Time" can be set to 3, 10, 30, or 60 minutes, or turned OFF. The LCD displays a "?" icon when the flash is in sleep mode. Press any button, the camera release button, or the TEST button to wake the flash.

[Note] Setting a shorter idle time for sleep mode is recommended for better battery life.

14. Custom Function - Sleep Function (Details)

[Display all functions: Press and hold MENU and MODE, then turn on the flash. Software version checking: Press and hold SET, then turn on the flash.]

Protection Function

1. Over-Temperature Protection:

To prevent overheating, avoid firing more than 30 continuous flashes at 1/1 power. Allow at least 10 minutes rest after 30 flashes. If more flashes are fired in short intervals, the over-temperature protection may activate, increasing recycle time. If the "?" symbol appears on the LCD, allow a 10-minute rest period.

Number of flashes that activate over-temperature protection:

Number of flashes that activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode:

2. Other Protections:

The system includes real-time protections. Prompts on the LCD panel indicate:

• E1: Recycling system failure; restart the flash or send for maintenance.
• E2: Excessive heat; allow a 10-minute rest time.
• E3: High voltage on flash tube outlets; send for maintenance.
• E9: Firmware upgrade errors; use the correct upgrade method.

Advanced Application

Bounce Flash:

Point the flash head towards a wall or ceiling to bounce the light. This softens shadows for a more natural look. Adjust the bounce direction by holding the flash head and tilting it. The flash head can tilt 330° horizontally and -7° to 120° vertically.

[Caution] If the surface is too far, the bounced flash may be weak. Use plain white surfaces for best results; colored surfaces may cast a color.

Creating a Catchlight:

Use the catchlight panel to add a catchlight to the subject's eyes for a more lively expression.

1. Point the flash head upward by 90°.
2. Pull out the wide panel; the catchlight panel will extend with it. Push the wide panel back in.

[Note] For the best catchlight effect, position yourself approximately 1.5m (4.9ft) from the subject. Ensure the flash head is pointed straight ahead and then upward by 90°; side-to-side movement will prevent the catchlight effect.

Using the Wide Panel

Pull out the built-in wide panel to enlarge the flash lighting range for softer, more natural lighting. Extend the panel over the flash head; this increases the flash coverage to 14mm. The catchlight panel will extend simultaneously. Push the catchlight panel back in.

Reasons & Solutions for Flash Not Triggering

• 2.4GHz Signal Interference: Adjust the channel setting on the flash trigger or turn off other 2.4GHz devices (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth).
• Flash Not Ready: Ensure the flash has completed its recycle cycle, is not in continuous shooting mode, and is not under over-heat protection. Consider reducing flash power output.
• Distance Issues: If the flash trigger and flash are too close, enable "close distance wireless mode" on the trigger. For ST-III+/ST-III, hold the test button while powering on until the ready indicator blinks twice. For ST-IV, set C.Fn-DIST to 0-30m.
• Low Battery: Replace batteries in the flash trigger and receiver equipment. Use 1.5V disposable alkaline batteries for triggers.

Technical Data

Maintenance

• Shut down the device immediately if abnormal operation is detected.
• Avoid sudden impacts and dust the product regularly.
• The flash tube may become warm during use; avoid continuous flashes unnecessarily.
• Maintenance must be performed by authorized maintenance departments using original accessories.
• The product is supported by a one-year warranty (excluding consumables like flash tubes). Unauthorized service voids the warranty.
• If the product malfunctions or gets wet, do not use it until professionally repaired.
• Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it must not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any received interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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 residential installations. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used according to instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to correct it by reorienting/relocating the receiving antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer or technician.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.