Notes on use

In addition to this Help Guide, please read “Before use” or “Notes on use” in the Operating Instructions/Startup Guide.

While photographing

  • This flash unit generates strong light, so it should not be used directly in front of the eyes.
  • Do not use the flash 20 times in succession in order to prevent heating and degradation of the camera and flash unit.
    When the flash power level is 1/32 (camera shutter speed of less than 1/250), the maximum times the flash units are capable of flashing in succession are as follows:
    • HVL-F60RM: 40 times
    • HVL-F60RM2: 200 times
    • HVL-F46RM: 60 times
    Stop using the flash unit and let it cool down for 20 minutes or more (HVL-F60RM/HVL-F60RM2) or for 10 minutes or more (HVL-F46RM) if the flash is triggered up to the limit for the number of times in succession.
  • During wireless photography, this flash unit may fire unexpectedly because the unit is unable to receive communication signals from an off-camera flash due to its location. In such a case, change the location of the off-camera flash or the wireless channel setting.
  • Do not put this flash unit with the camera attached in the bag, etc. It may result in a malfunction of this flash unit or the camera.
  • Do not carry this flash unit with the camera attached. It may result in a malfunction.
  • Do not use the flash near people when rotating the flashlamp during bounce photography. The flash light may damage the eyes, or the hot flashlamp may cause a burn.
  • When rotating the flashlamp, be careful not to catch your fingers in the rotating part. You may be injured.
  • When closing the battery chamber door, press it firmly in while sliding it fully across. Be careful not to injure yourself by catching your finger in the battery chamber door when closing it.

Batteries

  • The battery level displayed on the LCD panel may be lower than the actual battery capacity, due to temperature and storage conditions. The displayed battery level may be restored to the correct value after the flash has been used a few times.
  • Nickel-metal hydride batteries can lose power suddenly. If the low-battery indicator starts blinking or the flash can no longer be used while taking pictures, change or recharge the batteries.
  • Do not use lithium-ion batteries in this flash unit as they may prevent the flash unit from delivering full performance.
  • The flash frequency and number of flashes provided by new batteries may vary from the values shown in the table, depending on the time elapsed since manufacture of the batteries.
  • Remove the batteries only after turning the power off and waiting several minutes, when changing the batteries. The batteries may be hot, depending on the battery type. Remove them carefully.
  • Remove and store the batteries when you do not intend to use the camera for a long time.

Temperature

  • The flash unit may be used over a temperature range of 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F).
  • Do not expose the flash unit to extremely high temperatures (e.g. in direct sunlight inside a vehicle) or high humidity.
  • To prevent condensation forming on the flash, place it in a sealed plastic bag when bringing it from a cold environment into a warm environment. Allow it to reach room temperature before removing it from the bag.
  • Battery capacity decreases at colder temperatures. Keep your camera and spare batteries in a warm inside pocket when shooting in cold weather. The low-battery indicator may blink even when there is some power left in the batteries in cold weather. Batteries will regain some of their capacity when warmed to normal operating temperature.

Do not use/store the product in the following places

  • In an extremely hot, cold or humid place
    In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the flash unit may become deformed and this may cause a malfunction.
  • Storing under direct sunlight or near a heater
    The flash unit may become discolored or deformed, and this may cause a malfunction.
  • In a location subject to rocking vibration
  • Near strong magnetic place
  • In sandy or dusty places
    Be careful not to let sand or dust get into the product. This may cause the product to malfunction, and in some cases this malfunction cannot be repaired.

Safety

To avoid hazards, such as a fire or an electrical shock, observe the following.

  • Do not carry around or store this flash unit along with metal objects, such as coins and hairpins.
  • Do not attempt to disassemble this unit, or make an alteration or a short circuit on this flash unit.
  • Do not use this flash unit when it is wrapped.
    Heat build-up may cause deformation of the flash unit or a fire.
  • Do not use this flash unit in a place subject to explosive or combustible gas.
  • If use of this flash unit causes radio interference with other devices, stop using the wireless functions.
    Radio interference may cause malfunctions, resulting in incidents.
  • Place this flash unit on a stable place.
    Placing the flash unit on a wobbling table or a tilted surface may cause the flash unit to fall off, resulting in injuries.
  • Before attaching this flash unit to a camera, make sure that the flash unit is not powered.
    Attaching the powered flash unit to a camera may cause malfunctions or unexpected flashes, resulting in eye damage by strong light.

Maintenance

  • Remove this unit from the camera. Clean the flash with a dry soft cloth. If the flash has been in contact with sand, wiping will damage the surface, and it should therefore be cleaned gently using a blower. In the event of stubborn stains, use a cloth lightly moistened with water or tepid water, and then wipe the unit clean with a dry soft cloth. Never use strong solvents, such as thinner or benzine, as these damage the surface finish.
  • If fingerprints or particles are stuck to the flashlamp, we recommend that you wipe it clean with a soft cloth.