Godox V8soiii Pioneering Li-ion Camera Flash Instruction Manual

V8SOIII Pioneering Li-ion Camera Flash
Instruction Manual

Before using this product:
Please read this user manual carefully in order to ensure your safety and the proper operation of this product. Keep for future reference.

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing this product.
This V8501I1 camera flash adopts Godox wireless X system and 2.4G ratio transmission, which is compatible with AD3601I-C, AD3601I-N, TT685C, TT685N, X1T-C, X1T-N, etc. Fit all DSLR camera brands e.g. Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.
This camera flash features

• GN60 (m ISO 100, @200mm). Adjust from 1/1 to 1/128 in 1/3rd stops
• Professional 2600mAh lithium battery offers 450 flashes and 1.5s recycle
• Built-in 2.4G wireless transmission to support transmitting and receiving
• High-speed sync, wireless remote control, multi-flash and manual focus assist
• Stable consistency and color temperature with good even lighting
• User-friendly LCD display & control panel

Warning

Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp conditions.
Do not disassemble. Should repairs become necessary, this product must be sent to an authorized maintenance center.
Keep out of reach of children.
Stop using this product if it breaks open due to extrusion, falling, or strong hit. Otherwise, an electric shock may occur if you touch the electronic parts inside it.
Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes (especially those of babies) within short distances. Otherwise, visual impairment may occur.
Do not use the flash unit in the presence of flammable gases, chemicals, and other similar materials. In certain circumstances, these materials may be sensitive to the strong light emitting from this flash unit, and fire or electromagnetic interference may result.
Do not leave or store the flash unit if the ambient temperature reads over 50°C. Otherwise, the electronic parts may be damaged.
Turn off the flash unit immediately in the event of a malfunction.

Conventions Used in this Manual

• This manual is based on the assumption that both the camera and camera flash’s power switches are powered on.
• Reference page numbers are indicated by “p.'”.
• The following alert symbols are used in this manual:

The Caution symbol gives supplemental information.
The Note symbol indicates a warning to prevent shooting problems.

Name of Parts

Body

Control Panel

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

LCD Panel

19. <M>Manual Flash Mode	26. < > Sleep Status
20. <S1>S1 Slave Flash Triggering	27. TX Transmitter Mode
21. <S2>S2 Slave Flash Triggering	28. RX Receiver Mode
22. <Multi>Multi/Stroboscopic Flash Mode	29. < > Focus Assist Beam Indicator
23. <> High-Speed Sync Triggering	30. Channel
24. < > Battery Level Indication	31. Group
25. <> Sound Beep Indication	32. Zoom focal length

What’s in the Box

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

Separately Sold Accessories

The product can be used in combination with the following accessories sold separately, so as to achieve the best photography effects: X1, X2, and XPro TTL wireless flash trigger, Mini softbox, White & Silver Reflector, Honeycomb, Color gels, Snoot, etc.

Battery

• Features 

1. This flash unit uses a Li-ion polymer battery which has a long runtime. The available charge-and-discharge times are 500
2. It is reliably safe. The inner circuit is against overcharge. over-discharge. overcurrent. and short circuit.
3. Take only 2.5 hours to fully charge the battery by using the standard battery charger.

• Cautions 

1. Do not short circuit.
2. Do not expose to rain or immerse into water. This battery is not waterproof.
3. Keep out of reach of children.
4. No over 24 hours’ continuous charging.
5. Store in dry. cool, ventilated places.
6. Do not put aside or into the fire.
7. Dead batteries should be disposed of according to local regulations.
8. If the battery had ceased using for over 3 months, please make a full recharge.
9. If do not use it for a long time, please charge the battery to approx. 60% before placing it.
10. It is recommended to use a brand-new battery after charging and discharging over 500 times or being used over 3 years.

• Loading and Unloading the Battery

1. To unload the battery. hold down the battery remove button and push the battery downward to take it out.
   
2. According to the triangle sign on the battery pack. insert it into the compartment until a white knob locks the battery with a click sound.

Battery Level Indication

Make sure the battery pack is securely loaded in the flash. Check the battery level indicator on the LCD panel to see the remaining battery level.

Attaching to a Camera

1. Attach the Camera Flash.
   • Rotate the Hotshoe fixing buckle to the left and insert the camera flash into the camera’s hot shoe.
2. Secure the Camera Flash.
   • Rotate the Hotshoe fixing buckle to the right until it locks up.
3. Detach the Camera Flash.
   • Press the button and rotate the Hotshoe fixing buckle to the left until it is loosened.

Using the Flash

1. Power Management
   Use ON/OFF Power Switch to power the flash unit on or off. Turn off if it will not be used for an extended period of time. This flash unit has Sleep Function and will enter into sleep status when there is no operation for a long time. For the Sleep Function settings, see the following instruction.
2. Flash Output
   • Flash output can be varied from 1/128th power to 1/1 full power in 1/3 stop increments. To obtain a correct flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output.
   • Adjust the power output by rotating Select Dial. The following table makes it easier to see how the stop changes in terms of off/ stop when you increase or decrease the flash output:

Figures displayed when reducing flash output level map

Figures displayed when inc easing flash output level
When “OF” is shown on the LCD display, it means no flash output, and flash firing is turned off.
3. ZOOM: Setting the Flash Coverage
The Flash Coverage can be set to match the lens focal length from 20 mm to 200 mm. Press <ZOOM> button and rotate Select Dial <> to change the flash coverage.
When setting the flash coverage, make sure it covers the lens focal length so that the picture will not have a dark periphery.

M Mode: Manual Mode

Press MODE Selection Button <MODE> to enter M mode. In this mode, you can set the flash unit onto your camera hot shoe or your trigger hot shoe for firing. Before shooting, adjust the flash power output. When the camera’s shutter is pressed, the flash will fire synchronously. Slave triggering mode is not available in M mode.

Multi-Mode: Stroboscopic Flash

Press Mode Selection Button <MODE> to enter Multimode (Stroboscopic flash). With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to capture multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph. You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per sec expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output. For setting procedures, see the following:

1. Press the Mode Selection Button <MODE> so that “Multi” is displayed.
   
2. Press Set Button <SET> to select the item to be set. The item blinks.
   
3. Rotate Select Dial <0> to set the desired number.
   

Calculating the Shutter Speed
During the stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until the firing stops. Use the provided formula to calculate the shutter speed required to capture the full sequence of flashes: Number of flashes Firing frequency = Shutter speed For example. if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 sec.
Note:

• Stroboscopic flash is most effective with a highly reflective subject against a dark background.
• Using a tripod and a remote switch is recommended.
• A flash output of 1/1 or 1/2 cannot be set for stroboscopic flash.
• Stroboscopic flash can be used with “Bulli.

Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes:

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

6. S1 Mode: S1 Slave Triggering Mode

• Press the <MENU> button for 2 seconds to enter the custom menu and press the <SET > Button to choose OS. Then. turn the Select Dial to choose OFF/S1/S2.
• In 51 mode. the flash unit can function as a slave flash for creating multiple lighting effects. It is respectively applied to the manual flash environments.
• In 51 mode. the flash unit will fire synchronously when the master flash fires. the same effect as

S2 Mode: S2 Slave Triggering Mode 

• Press the <MENU> button for 2 seconds to enter the custom menu and press the <SET> Button to choose OS. Then. turn the Select Dial to choose OFF/S1/S2.
• In S2 mode. the flash unit can function as a slave flash for creating multiple lighting effects. It is applicable when using a TTL master flash.
• In S2 mode, the flash unit will ignore a single -preflash- from the master flash and will only fire in response to the second. actual flash from the master.

Hi-Speed Sync Triggering

• To enter mode. long press <MF button and hold for 2 seconds.
• To exit mode. press Mode Selection Button or long-press efilFillt> button and hold for 2 seconds again.
• In < hi> hi-speed sync triggering mode. you can use a hi-speed sync trigger to have your flash unit synchronized with all shutter speeds of cameras (max. 1/8000 second. up to your camera). This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

Note: Iiiepeed sync triggering mode rs effective oily when the Rash unit is used together wan the (Wowing Rash triggers. (Tr1 wireless fin’) trigger X1. X2. UM/

• Fespeed sync triggering mode is not avolable when 1/850111 is ‘ranted onto the camera.

To avoid overheating or deteriorating the Rash head during high-speed sync Rash. the overtemperature protection function we be activated automatically after 10 continuous high-speed Rashes and the cycle time becomes 10 Seconds ‘anger.

Custom Function–Focus Assist Lamp

• Under poorly-lit or low. contrast conditions. you can press <MF:SH> button to turn on the focus assist beam in order to make it easier to autofocus.
  
• The beam will automatically be put out for certain seconds after the last pop is fired. The time between the Last fire and the auto-shutdown of the focus assist beam is called No-Flash Time. The time is user adjustable and set to 10 seconds by default.
• Press < MENU > button to enter Custom Function. Then press the ‘SET’ button to enter “FC’ mode. The LCD panel displays ‘FC’ (Auto-shutdown of focus assist Lamp) and ‘No-Flash Time’. Rotate Select Dial < > to set a desired time for the flash. Press <> button to return.

Buzz Function

• To turn the buzz function on or off. press the <MENU> button to enter Custom Function.
• Then press the SET button to enter -pp- mode. The LCD disptaystiTmeans buzz is turned on while OF means buzz is turned off,
• When the buzzer is turned on. < <It > is shown on the LCD display.

Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio (2.4G) Transmission

• V85011I has 2.4G radio transmission (Master/Slave)
• Wireless mode setting: Press the < > wireless setting button to set TX or RX mode.
• Channel setting: Long press <GRCH> button and hold for 2 seconds until the figure beside the CH is blinking. Turn the Select Dial to choose the channel from 1 – 32.
• Group setting: Short press <GRICH> button to select group. In TX or RX mode, groups can be selected from A/BIC/D/E.
• ID Setting: Press the <MENU> button to enter the menu. Then. Press the SET button to choose an ID and turn the select dial to select ID from OFF. 01 to 99.
• As V8501I1 adopts the Godox wireless X system, it is compatible with the XPro series. X2T series. X1T series.07600111.V86011series. TT685 series.V8601I1 series.V1 series. 17585 senes.V350series. TT350 series.TT600 series. MS series. DPIII series. SKIT seriesAD36011 series. AD1200Pro.AD400Pro. ADI00Pro. AD200. AD600Pro series.AD200Pro. AD300Pro. etc.

12. Sync Triggering
The Sync Cord Jack is a 492.5mm plug. Insert a trigger plug here and the flash will be fired synchronously with the camera shutter,

Custom Function – Sleep Function

• This product is equipped with Sleep Function to avoid battery drain when the flash unit is idle.
• Press the <MENU> button to enter the sleep Function Mode. Press the SET button to enter the “SL” adjustment.

The LCD panel displays “SL” (Sleep) and “Sleeping Time’. Idle time before entering Sleep Mode is 10 minutes by default. Rotate Select Dial to set a desired time for the flash or to turn off Sleep Function. Press <MENU> button to return.

• When the flash enters sleep mode, the LCD panel displays a “” icon.
• To wake up the flash unit, press any button on the flash unit, press the camera release button, or press the trigger TEST button.

Note: The idle time before entering Sleep Mode is recommended to be set short. This can ensure longer battery life.

Custom Function – Sleep Function

Custom Function Signs	Function	Settings & Description	Operation
SL	Sleeping Setting	Time Ti Settable Time: <3> 3 minutes <10> 10 minutes <30> 30 minutes <60> 60 minutes <OF> OFF	1.Press <MENU> button to enter Custom Functions. 2. Turn the Select Dial <> to adjust the sleeping time. 3.Press <MENU> buttonto return. ‘Press any button can wake up the flash. ‘ The idle time before entering Sleep Mode is recommended to set short. This can ensure longer battery life.
FC	Auto Power OFF Time Setting of Auto Focus Assist	<10>10 seconds <20>20 seconds <30>30 seconds	1.Press <MENU> button to enter Custom Functions. 2.Press <SET> button to enter FC states. 3.Turn the Select Dial < > to adjust. 4.Press <MENU> button to return.
BP	Buzz Setting	<ON> On <OF> Off	1.Press <MENU> button to enter Custom Functions. 2. Press the <SET> button to enter by state. 3. Turn the Select Dial <> to adjust. 4.Press <MENU> button to return.
BL	Backlight Selling	Backlight can be set as follows: <ON>: Always lighting <12>: Off in 12 sec <OF>: Off	1.Press <MENU> button to enter Custom Functions. 2. Press the <SET> button to enter by state. 3.Turn the Select Dial < > to adjust. 4.Press <MENU> button to return.
OS	Optic Slave Mode	<OF> Off <sl> S1 mode <S2> S2 mode	1.Press <MENU> button to enter Custom Functions. 2.Press <SET> button to enter OS states. 3.Turn the Select Dial <> to adjust. 4.Press <MENU> button to return.

• Display all functions: press and hold down the MENU and MODE button, then, turn the flash on to check the display.
• Software version checking: press and hold down the SET button, then, turn the flash on to check the number of versions.

Protection Function

1. Over-Temperature Protection

• To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire more than 30 continuous flashes in fast succession at 1/1 full power. After 30 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 minutes.
• If you fire more than 30 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner over-temperature protection function may be activated and make the recycling time over 10 seconds. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 10 minutes, and the flash unit will then return to normal.
• When the over-temperature protection is started,? is shown on the LCD display.

A number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection:

A number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode:

2. Other Protections
The system provides real-time protection to secure the device and your safety. The following lists prompt for your reference:

Advanced Application

• Bounce Flash
  By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is called bounce flash. To set the bounce direction, hold the flash head and turn it to a satisfying angle.

• If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak and result in underexposure.
• The wall or ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reflectance. If the bounce surface is not white, a color cast may appear in the picture.

Creating a Catchlight

With the catchlight panel, you can create a catchlight in the subject’s eyes to add life to the facial expression.

1. Point the flash head upward by 90°.
   
2. Pull out the wide panel. The catchlight panel will come out at the same time.
   
3. Push the side panel back in.
   • Push in only the wide panel.
   • Follow the same procedures as for bounce flash.
   • Point the flash head straight ahead and then upward by 90°. The catchlight will not appear if you swing the flash head left or right.
   • For the best catchlight effect, stay 1.5m/4.9ft away from the subject.

Using the Wide Panel

Pull out the built-in wide panel to enlarge the flash lighting range, so as to get a more softened and natural lighting effect.

Pull out the side panel and place it over the flash head as shown. The flash coverage will then be extended to 14 mm.

• The catchlight panel will come out at the same time. Push the catchlight panel back in.

The Reason & Solution of Not Triggering in Godox 2.4G Wireless

1. Disturbed by the 2.4G signal in the outer environment (e.g. wireless base station, 2.4G wife router, Bluetooth, etc.) – To adjust the channel CH setting on the flash trigger (add 10+ channels) and use the channel which is not disturbed. Or turn off the other 2.4G equipment in working.
2. Please make sure that whether the flash has finished its recycle or caught up with the continuous shooting speed or not(the flash ready indicator is lightened) and the flash is not under the state of over-heat protection or other abnormal situation. – Please downgrade the flash power output.
3. Whether the distance between the flash trigger and the flash is too close or not – Please turn on the “close distance wireless mode” on the flash trigger ( < 0.5m): X2 & X1 series: press the test button and hold on, then turning it on until the flash ready indicator blinks for 2 times. XPro series: Set the C.Fn-DIST to 0-30m.
4. Whether the flash trigger and the receiver end equipment are in the low battery states or not -Please replace the battery(the flash trigger is recommended to use 1.5V disposable alkaline battery).

Technical Data

Maintenance

• Shut down the device immediately should the abnormal operation be detected.
• Avoid sudden impacts and the product should be dedusted regularly.
• It is normal for the flash tube to be warm when in use. Avoid continuous flashes if unnecessary.
• Maintenance of the flash must be performed by our authorized maintenance department which can provide original accessories.
• This product, except consumables e.g. flash tube, is supported with a one-year warranty.
• Unauthorized service will void the warranty.
• If the product had failures or was wetted, do not use it until it is repaired by professionals.
• Changes made to the specifications or designs may not be reflected in this manual.

FCC Warning

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: 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 a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements. The device can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.
*RF warning: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
IC statement: This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

This equipment complies with Industry Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

Warranty

Dear customers, as this warranty card is an important certificate to apply for our maintenance service, please fill in the following form in coordination with the seller and safe keep it. Thank you!

Note: This form shall be sealed by the seller.
Applicable Products
The document applies to the products listed on the Product Maintenance Information (see below for further information). Other products or accessories (e.g. promotional items, giveaways, additional accessories attached, etc.) are not included in this warranty scope.

Warranty Period
The warranty period of products and accessories is implemented according to the relevant Product Maintenancelnformation. The warranty period is calculated from the day(purchase date) when the product is bought for the first time, And the purchase date is considered as the date registered on the warranty card when buying the product.
How to Get the Maintenance Service
If maintenance service is needed, you can directly contact the product distributor or authorized service institutions. You can also contact the Godox after-sale service call and we will offer you service. When applying for maintenance service, you should provide a valid warranty card. If you cannot provide a valid warranty card, we may offer you maintenance service once confirmed that the product or accessory is involved in the maintenance scope, but that shall not be considered as our obligation.
Inapplicable Cases
The guarantee and service offered by this document are not applicable in the following cases:

1. The product or accessory has expired its warranty period;
2. Breakage or damage caused by inappropriate usage, maintenance, or preservation, such as improper packing, improper usage, improper plugging in/out external equipment, falling off or squeezing by an external force, contacting or exposure to the improper temperature, solvent, acid, base, flooding, and damp environments, etc;
3. Breakage or damage caused by the non-authorized institutions or staff in the process of installation, maintenance, alteration, addition, and detachment;
4. The original identifying information of product or accessory is modified, alternated, or removed;
5. No valid warranty card;
6. Breakage or damage caused by using illegally authorized, nonstandard, or non-public released software;
7. Breakage or damage caused by force majeure or accident;
8. Breakage or damage that could not be attributed to the product itself.

Once met these situations above, you should seek solutions from the related responsible parties and Godox assumes no responsibility. The damage caused by parts, accessories, and software beyond the warranty period or scope is not included in our maintenance scope. The normal discoloration, abrasion, and consumption are not the breakages within the maintenance scope.
Maintenance and Service Support Information
The warranty period and service types of products are implemented according to the following Product Maintenance Information:

Godox After-sale Service Call
0755-29609320-8062

GODOX Photo Equipment Co., Ltd.
Add: Building 2, Yaochuan Industrial Zone, Tangwei Community, Fuhai Street, Baoan District, Shenzhen, China
Tel: +86-755-29609320(8062)
Fax: +86-755-25723423
E-mail: [email protected]
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