Vivitar SF-3000 Digital Slave Flash Instruction Manual

Limited One Year Warranty

Vivitar warrants this quality product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. During this period, Vivitar will repair or replace the product at no charge for parts or labor.

Time Period of this Warranty

The warranty period starts from the date of the original purchase and expires on the first anniversary date of purchase.

What is Not Covered by this Warranty

This warranty does not cover defects resulting from accident, abuse, misuse, failure to operate according to instructions, neglect, immersion in or exposure to chemicals or liquids, extremes of climate, fungus, excessive wear, telecommunication damage, unauthorized disassembly, repair, or modification. It also does not extend to incidental or consequential damages arising from the purchase, use, or inability to use this product, even if Vivitar has been advised of such damages. Some jurisdictions may not allow these limitations.

What to Do When Service is Needed

1. Package the product: Carefully package the product and relevant accessories using ample padding materials and a sturdy mailing container to prevent transit damage.
2. Include in package:
   • Evidence of date and place of original purchase (e.g., a copy of your sales receipt).
   • A detailed description of your problem.
   • A sample exhibiting the problem, when possible.
3. Return item (insured):
   • In the U.S.: Vivitar, Attn: Technical Support, 195 Carter Drive, Edison NJ 08817
   • In the U.K.: Sakar UK, 2D S66th Parkway East, CV3 4PE, UK

Upon completion of service, the product will be returned shipping prepaid. Vivitar may levy a handling charge for the return of the product if it is deemed not faulty or the defect is due to wear and tear. This warranty grants specific legal rights, and you may have other rights that vary by location.

For more information, visit www.vivitar.com.

Technical Support

For technical support, visit www.vivitar.com to find manuals, software, and FAQs. You can also email support@vivitar.com or call for phone support:

• US: 1-800-352-2541
• UK: 0800217 6881
• For other locations, visit www.vivitar.com for your local toll-free number.

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Vivitar VIV-SF-3000 flash unit. This flash can be used for both direct hot shoe photography (when switched to Normal mode) and remote flash photography (when switched to "Slave On"). The flash features four slave modes to work with cameras that fire their built-in flash instantaneously or have single or multiple flash red-eye reduction systems. Consult your camera's instruction manual to determine your camera's flash system.

A Quick Look at Your Device

The Vivitar SF-3000 features the following components:

• Flashlight: The main light-emitting component.
• Sensor: Detects the flash from the camera or other master flash units.
• Battery Cover: Houses the batteries.
• Function Switch: Used to select operating modes (Normal, Slave On).
• Hot Shoe: Mounts the flash onto a camera's hot shoe.
• Battery Compartment: Holds 2 AA batteries.

Attaching the Bracket and Mounting the Slave Flash

To attach the flash:

1. Place the camera in one hand and the slave flash in the other.
2. Turn the camera upside down.
3. Adjust the mounting bracket to the width of your camera.
4. Slip the flash into the shoe of the mounting bracket.
5. Align the flash parallel to the direction of your camera.

A diagram shows the flash mounted on a camera via a bracket, with the flash positioned to the side of the camera body.

Remote Flash Photography (for cameras that do not have a built-in hot shoe)

To use the flash in remote mode:

1. Set the Mode Select Switch to the "Slave-On" position.
2. Set the Slave Mode Switch to one of the $51, 52, 53$, or $54$ positions to match your camera's flash system:
   • S1: Instant synchronization. Fires after sensing the first flash from the camera.
   • S2: Fires after sensing the second flash from the camera.
   • S3: Fires after sensing the third flash from the camera.
   • S4: Fires after sensing the fourth flash from the camera.
3. Wait for the Ready Light to glow, indicating the device is ready.
4. Switch your camera's flash to "On".
5. Point your camera towards the subject and take a picture after both flashes indicate readiness (Ready Lights should be glowing).

The Digital Slave Flash will automatically fire each time the camera's flash fires. Pressing the "Test" button while the Flash Ready Light is on will fire a test flash to confirm the unit is charged and ready.

You can also position the Digital Slave Flash separately to illuminate the subject from a different angle, acting as a secondary light source. This is useful for lighting shaded areas or as a fill flash in dark conditions.

A diagram illustrates the flash mounted on a camera with an adjustable bracket, allowing for angled positioning.

Hot Shoe Photography

This unit can be used directly mounted to your camera's hot shoe:

1. Set the Mode Select Switch to the "Normal" position.
2. Wait for the "Ready" light to glow.

A diagram shows the flash mounted directly onto a camera's hot shoe.

Inserting Batteries

Your Digital Slave Flash requires 2 AA batteries (not included). Insert the batteries into the battery compartment, observing the correct polarity. Close the battery compartment cover.

Replacing Your Batteries

If the Flash Ready Light does not glow within 30 seconds, the batteries are exhausted and must be replaced. It is recommended to remove the batteries when the flash units are not in use for extended periods.

A diagram shows AA batteries being inserted into the flash unit.