Westcott FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger Quick Start Guide
Included Components & Overview
The FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger package includes: FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger, Removable Li-ion Battery, USB-A to USB-C Cable (other contents may vary).
The FJ-X3M unit is shown with the following labeled controls and indicators:
- Top: Wireless Signal Indicator (?).
- Left side: Group Selection Buttons, Charging Port, CH • Lock Button, Test Button, Control Pad.
- Bottom: Shoe Lock.
- Right side: Wired Sync Port, Sync • Menu Button, Power Button.
LCD Display
The FJ-X3 LCD display shows various settings and status indicators:
- Top bar: Channel and Lock status.
- Main area: Camera Brand (e.g., Canon), Group Icons (A, B, C, D) with settings (e.g., M 9.0, M 2.5, TTL +3.0, SLP 3.9).
- Status Icons: Charge, Battery Indicator (?), Sync Function (⚙️), Audible Beep (?), Continuous Capture (?), Bluetooth (?), Modeling Lamp (?).
- Settings Menu: Options include Camera, RT ID#, X-Sync, Auto-Off, Bluetooth, Screen Brightness, Power, Freeze, Display, Language, Reset, CH Scan, with current values displayed. For example, Language can be set to English, Español, or French.
Introduction
This guide covers setup, controls, and basic operation. For the complete User Manual, visit fjwestcott.com/documentation and navigate to the FJ-X3 section.
Warning
- Keep away from fire, water, and moisture. Do not submerge in water.
- Avoid drastic temperature changes before, during, and/or after use.
- Do not over-tighten the shoe lock wheel when mounting to a camera.
- Ensure the FJ-X3 is securely mounted before use.
- Surrounding RF interference may affect the communication performance of the FJ-X3.
- Do not attempt to modify any Westcott products. Contact Westcott for assistance.
- The maximum operating temperature is 14-104°F (-10-40°C).
Preparing Your Camera
The FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger is compatible with various camera models. Adjustments to camera settings may be required. Refer to your camera's user manual for specific details. Recommended settings include:
- Set Silent Shutter to OFF.
- Set E-Front Curtain to OFF.
- Set Wireless Mode to ON or OFF (camera brand/model dependent).
- Set Red-Eye Reduction to ON or OFF (camera brand/model dependent).
- Set Exposure Compensation to 0 (zero) in camera.
- Set White Balance to Daylight, 5500K, or Custom at 5500K (not Auto).
- For some camera models, set Sync type (Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, HSS) manually in the camera's Flash Menu before adjusting FJ-X3 Sync.
- Some camera models automatically adjust Sync to HSS when HSS is enabled and the native sync speed is exceeded.
- Ensure the camera's battery level is above 25%.
- Ensure the camera contacts are clean and the FJ-X3 is seated properly and aligned.
Getting Started
Charging the FJ-X3
- Locate the USB-C port.
- Plug the USB-A to USB-C cable into the FJ-X3.
- Plug the opposing end of the cable into any 5V power source.
- Estimated charging time is 3 hours.
Powering On & Off
- Power On: Long press and hold the Power button until the Westcott logo appears.
- Power Off: Long press and hold the Power Button until the screen turns off.
Test Fire
Press the Test button once to remotely test-fire the FJ Wireless flash. The wireless signal indicator LED will illuminate red when the Test button is pressed.
Trigger Settings Lock
- Long press and hold the CH | Lock button to lock current trigger settings. A green lock icon will appear on the display.
- Long press and hold the CH | Lock button again to unlock settings for adjustment.
Removing & Replacing the Battery
- Turn the FJ-X3 to the side with the battery cover. Locate the textured area and arrow on the battery cover.
- Apply slight pressure to the textured area and slide the battery cover in the direction of the arrow.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Remove the battery by inserting a finger into the half-circle cutout above the battery and leaning the battery forward, or turn the FJ-X3 over and gently shake the battery until it is removed from the battery bay.
- Reinsert the new battery by aligning the 3 contact points on the battery with those inside the battery bay. Angle the battery and gently insert it into the battery bay.
- Ensure the battery is seated flush by gently pressing into place.
- Reinstall the battery cover by laying it flat and covering 3/4 of the battery. Use the textured area to slide the battery cover towards the base of the FJ-X3 until it clicks into place.
Settings Menu
- Long press the SYNC | MENU button to access the Settings Menu.
- Use the side Group Selection buttons or the arrows on the Control Pad to select displayed screen options or scroll through options.
- Additional menu options are available by pressing the down arrow on the Control Pad.
- Press the center button on the Control Pad to select the green highlighted option.
- Press the Control Pad arrows to adjust the setting.
- Press the Control Pad center button or a Group Selection button to confirm the setting.
- Long press the SYNC | MENU button to exit the Settings Menu.
Mounting the FJ-X3 to a Camera
Hot Shoe Mount
- With the FJ-X3 screen facing you, turn the Shoe Lock dial to the right.
- Gently slide the FJ-X3 into the camera's hot shoe.
- Turn the Shoe Lock dial to the left to lock it into place. Do not overtighten.
2.5mm PC Port Connection
The 2.5mm port (output only) can initiate wired synchronization with third-party flashes, triggers, and light meters that offer a sync port (input). Cables are sold separately.
NOTE: The Westcott FJ-XR Wireless Receiver (#4701) is equipped with a 3.5mm plug, adding FJ Wireless Communication to third-party strobes with a 3.5mm sync port (input).
Hot Shoe Mounting the FJ-X3 M with an Adapter for Sony Cameras (#4706)
- Slide the Adapter for Sony Cameras (sold separately) into the camera's hot shoe with the release button facing the back of the camera.
- Once the adapter is mounted, loosen the FJ-X3 M's Shoe Lock dial and slide the FJ-X3 M onto the Adapter for Sony Cameras.
- Turn the FJ-X3 M Shoe Lock dial to the left to lock it into place. Do not overtighten.
Updating Firmware
The FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger features a USB-C port for firmware updates and charging. Future updates may enhance performance and modify menu options.
The FJ-X3's firmware version is displayed on the start-up screen. To update, visit fjwestcott.com/firmware and follow the instructions provided with the firmware download.
IMPORTANT
- If the FJ-X3 does not display as an external device after connecting to a computer, disconnect the USB cable from both devices and restart the computer and the firmware update process.
- It is recommended that the firmware update installation process be completed only when the connected computer's power level is greater than or equal to 25%. Loss of power during this process could render the FJ-X3 inoperable and require professional repair.
- Removing the USB cable from the FJ-X3 without properly ejecting the device from your computer could render the trigger inoperable and require professional repair.
- Copying firmware from your computer to the FJ-X3 may take several minutes and may halt the copying process. If this occurs, close the copy progress window and try again. Further issues may require the computer to be restarted.
Warranty
Westcott's warranty obligations for this product are limited to the following terms.
The F.J. Westcott Co. ("Westcott") warrants this Westcott branded product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of retail purchase from Westcott or an authorized retailer by the original end-user purchaser ("Warranty Period"). If a defect arises and a valid claim is received within the Warranty Period, Westcott will, at its option and to the extent permitted by law, either (1) repair the defect at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts, or (2) exchange the product with a new product or one manufactured from new or serviceable used parts that is functionally equivalent to the original product. This Limited Warranty applies only to products manufactured by or for Westcott identified by the Westcott trademark, trade name, or logo.
This warranty does not apply to: (a) damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, flood, fire, earthquake, mold, or other external causes; (b) damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Westcott; (c) a product or part modified to alter functionality or capability without Westcott's written permission; or (d) cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents, and broken plastic.
Disclaimer: By purchasing, borrowing, and/or using this product for any event, public or private, the customer accepts all responsibility and releases Westcott and its associates from any and all liability for manufacturer's defects, malfunctions, or misuse that may lead to unforeseen injuries or complications. Westcott is not responsible for any potential or incurred damage caused by failure to properly mount, hang, or store the product, including damage to cameras, electronics, electrical equipment, buildings, building materials, personal injury, death, disability, fire damage, or any other unmentioned damage.
Please contact Westcott's Repair Department for a Return Authorization Number ("RMA") before requesting warranty service. The RMA must be clearly written on the outside of the box, to the left of the shipping label. Items sent without pre-authorization or that do not fall under the limited warranty will be returned at the sender's expense.
Contact Information:
Phone: 419-243-7311
Email: service@fjwestcott.com
Shipping: F.J. Westcott Co, 1425-B Holland Rd. Maumee, OH 43537
Register your new gear online at fjwestcott.com/register.
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Westcott products are manufactured to high standards and comply with applicable government safety regulations. Product modifications may occur. Actual products may differ from images. Made in China. ©F.J. Westcott Co. All rights reserved. J1022