Dynalite Baja User manual

Brand: Dynalite

Model: Baja

Type: User manual

dynamic lighting

Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash

USER MANUAL

Introduction ......................................................................... 3

Safety Guidelines ................................................................ 4

Dynalite Legacy ................................................................... 5

Using Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash ................. 6

Getting Started .................................................................... 8

Flash Modes ......................................................................... 8

Adding/Removing Modiers ............................................ 10

In the Box ........................................................................... 10

Accessories ........................................................................ 10

Specs ................................................................................. 11

BRT ~ The Baja B-4’s Remote Control ............................. 12

Setting up the BRR-616 receiver

..................................... 13

Setting up the BRT-616 transmitter ................................ 13

High Speed Sync –Focal Plane Shutters & Sync ............ 14

What is High Speed Sync? ................................................ 14

Using Dynalite Baja B-4 HSS ............................................ 15

Introducon

Hi. I’m Kevin Ames and I don’t work for Dynalite. I am a working commercial photographer

with a studio in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a Dynalite user and have been for many years.

This is the part of the “normal” instruction booklet where you are congratulated for choosing

(insert what you bought here,) the nest blah-blah-blah and so on. I am not going there. Ever.

Rather than take that path, let me welcome you instead. If you are a rst time Dynalite

customer, thank you. You have joined a community of hard working pros and advanced

amateurs that understand how important dependable lighting gear is to their careers and

hobbies—yes to their passion--photography. A lot of us have decades of experience shooting

photographs lit with Dynalite.

Thanks to you too, if you are one of the established Dynalite users and have added this gear

to expand your lighting capabilities.

User’s guides have all of the personality of a box of bricks. I’d like to break out of that with

this one. I want it to be readable, understandable, conversational and even fun. All of the

information is here. In plain English. If I spoke Spanish it would be in plain Spanish as well. I

don’t. It isn’t. Continuing to step out of the technospeak I’ll explain the terms of each part and

what those terms mean. Personally I really hate having to search the web for what a ux-

capacitor is when the directions tell me to install it into socket B. What is socket B anyway?

I want this guide to be clear and complete. Turn the page and get started using your new

Dynalite B-4...

There are only a few important things to know about handling any electronic ash systems when it comes to doing it

safely. This section is hyper-important for you to be safe and stay well while using your Dynalite Baja B-4. Most of this is

common sense. Which we all know isn’t common at all. So, please read them anyway.

1. Water and electricity don’t mix well. When power packs,

heads, and their cables are operating they have a lot of high

voltage electricity in them. Using a Dynalite Baja B-4 that’s wet

or standing in water can cause very serious injuries like death.

Really.

2. The Baja ashtube gets outrageously hot while it is being

used. Avoid betting burned. Don’t touch the pyrex cover over

the ashtube. After shooting ten full power ashes in fast

succession, let the ashtube cool down for a couple of minutes.

Don’t look directly at the ashtube close up when you re it to

avoid possible damage to your eyes.

3. Never re the Baja B-4 with the protective cover over the

ashtube.

4. Don’t re the Baja B-4 near ammable liquids like gasoline or

gases like propane or natural gas.

5. Baja B-4 portable electronic ash units are lousy basketballs. It is

a really bad idea to use one if it has been dropped. Send it back

to Dynalite to be checked instead.

6. Only use the battery charger that comes with your Baja B-4

to recharge the battery. Once the battery is fully charged

disconnect the charging cord from the Dynalite Baja B-4. It’s

never a good idea to leave batteries charging indenitely.

Overcharging the Baja B-4’s battery can damage the cells;

possibly leading to an explosion. Don’t overcharge the battery.

7. Excessive heat can cause the battery to explode. Don’t leave

your Baja B-4 in direct sun for long periods of time. Let the unit

cool before using it.

8. Dynalite Baja B-4 portable electronic ash units have a lot of

electrical energy inside the case even when they are turned o.

Leave opening them to a qualied Dynalite technician or send

them back to Dynalite. There are no user xable parts inside, just

a lot of current waiting to shock those (like me and I’m guessing,

you) who don’t know what they are doing. Seriously.

Safety

The Dynalite Legacy

Dynalite began in 1971 when Paul Schwartz, an electronic engineer, teamed with photographer Ed Lambert and

silent investor John Poremba to create a rugged, dependable and portable electronic ash power pack and heads.

Paul designed the original electronics including the non-arching connectors that allow heads to be added or

removed from a powered up pack safely. That circuit was so robust that, while it has been updated with modern

technology, it remains the basis for every pack Dynalite makes today. While the insides of Dynalite packs and heads

have evolved, the control layout has been mostly the same for over three decades. A photographer buying a new

pack today knows it will work the same way one that has been in the studio for twenty years or more.

Dynalite was instantly popular with location photographers. Whether the subject was a celebrity or politician

destined to grace a magazine cover or an ocean side beach resort showcasing its architectural interior elegance,

Dynalite was likely on the scene. Photographers across the country adopted the super light packs that easily stood

up to the rigors of the road. Whether piled in the back of a van or checked as luggage on airlines, Dynalite gear

stood up to the abuse travel wreaks on equipment that can be delicate.

Realizing that photographers want powerful, lightweight electronic ash systems Dynalite is proud to continue its

legacy of innovation with the new Baja B-4.

dynamic lighting

The Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash

1. Flash Power Control Dial — Turn it clockwise to increase the power output. Moving the dial

counter clockwise lowers the power.

2. Modeling Light Power Control Dial

3. RPT Button engages C or HSS modes. Press and release for C mode. It also cycles the C

mode for ve, ten or fteen stroboscopic ashes. Press and Hold for HSS (High Speed Sync.)

4. Mode controls the ash duration. This button switches between Normal mode and T mode--

short duration ashes

5. Cell Button switches the ash tripping sensor on or o.

6. Sound Button toggles an audible tone when the Dynalite Baja B-4 is fully charged.

7. Test Button res the ash without having to take photograph with the camera.

8. Power Switch turns the Baja unit on or o.

9. 1/4 inch sync cord socket for wired or Pocket Wizard sync with a camera.

10. Charging Socket

11. Battery Power Level Indicator

12. Battery Status — Bottom Amber = Charging, Middle Amber = Empty, Top Amber = Battery

Fully Charged

13. Main Display shows Power Output Setting, Short Duration Setting, Stroboscopic Mode

selected. Red LED lights show (top to bottom) RPT, Mode, Cell, Sound and Test

14. BRR616 — 6 group 16 channel receiver included with the Dynalite Baja B-4

15. Remote Trigger Sensor detects the ash from another Dynalite Baja, head or speedlite to

re the unit’s ash.

16. Easy Carry Handle

17. Battery Cover Release

18. Accessory Release

19. Umbrella Socket — Push the umbrella’s shaft into the socket. No tightening knob needed.

20. L.E.D Modeling Light — Note that the light is always on when Baja is powered up.

The Dynalite Baja B-4 is a self contained

400 watt / second portable monolight

ash. Powered by an internal Lithium

Ion rechargeable battery and controlled

with the optional BRT616 or BRT616c

radio transmitters, there are no cords

or cables to clutter a set in the studio or

at a location.

The Baja B-4 is light in weight while

remaining strong in features including

adjustments in one tenth of a stop

increments over a six f/stop range, high

speed sync, short duration ash and

stroboscopic ash modes.

Flash Power Control Dial

Remote Trigger Sensor

Easy Carry Handle

Accessory Release

Modeling Light

Power Control Dial

Power Switch

1/4 Inch Sync Cord Socket

Charging Socket

Battery Power

Level Indicator

Main Display

HSS Receiver

Battery Status

3. RPT Button

4. Mode Button

5. Cell Button

6. Sound Button

7. Test Button

Battery Cover Release

Accessory Release

Umbrella Socket

L.E.D. Modeling Light

Geng Started

Dynalite Baja Portable Electronic Flash units ship with a hard plastic cover that

protects the ashtube. Press the Accessory Release (18) at the top front of the

unit then twist the ashtube cover counterclockwise. When it stops after about an

eighth of a turn, pull the cover away from the unit.

Charging the Baja

Connect the charger’s output cord to the Charging Socket (10.) Plug its AC cord to

110 / 240 volt outlet. Turn the Power Switch ( 8 ) O.

The indicator light on the charger glows Red while the Baja is charging. It turns to

Green when the battery is full.

Fully charge the battery before using your Dynalite Baja B-4. This takes about three

and a half hours. When the battery is fully charged; the Battery Status (12) will show

Full. The Dynalite Baja’s battery can be augmented by connecting the charger to

the Charging Socket (10) while the unit is being used increasing the number of full

power ashes to 800.

Flash Modes

The Dynalite Baja B-4 oers four ash modes: Normal, High Speed Sync (HSS) Short

Duration and Stroboscopic. Here’s a detailed explanation of each one.

Normal

Normal is the mode used most often. It provides a six f/stop range of power in one

tenth of a stop increments from 1.0 (lowest power) to 7.0 (six f/stops brighter.) The

chart below shows the power ratings on the Main Display (13) (top row) with the

watt / second (w/s) output for each setting (middle row) and the color temperature.

f/stop range of power 1.0 2.0 30. 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0

watt/sec output 6 w/s 12 w/s 25 w/s 50 w/s 100 w/s 200 w/s 400 w/s

color temperature 5420ºk 5480ºk 5560ºk 5600ºk 5590ºk 5500ºk 5500ºk

Main Display

High Speed

Mode Button

Flash Control Dial

Test Button

Power Switch

Charging Socket

Battery Status

High Speed Sync (HSS)

Digital Single Lens Reex cameras have focal plane shutters. These allow for amazingly fast

shutter speeds – up to 1/8000th of a second in most modern cameras. The high speed is

achieved by using a thin slit formed by the rear shutter starting to close before the rst curtain

is fully open. This limited the fastest shutter speed to between 1/160 & 1/250th of a second

depending on the camera model. Both Canon & Nikon oer speedlites that can synchronize

with those thin slits. Good news! The Baja can too with its optional BRT616c transmitter that

enables high speed sync with most Canon DSLR cameras. Nikon will be added soon.

Learn how to use the Baja B-4’s HSS feature beginning on page 14.

Short Duration

Short Duration or t mode shortens the ash duration to stop motion. Use this mode for

freezing action like a drop hitting a saucer full of milk or for pouring liquids. Enter this mode by

pressing the Mode button. The Main Display now shows a digital t followed by a number. t.1 is

the fastest duration and lowest power output while t.7 is the longest duration and the highest

power output. Change the duration by turning the Flash Control Dial. The chart below shows

the settings (top row) the speeds (middle row) and the color temperature (bottom row.)

setting t.1 t.2 t.3 t.4 t.5 t.6 t.7

speed 1/12,800s 1/6,400s 1/4,000s 1/2,500s 1/1,s250 1/640s 1/500s

color temperature 6200ºk 5700ºk 5500ºk 5450ºk 5450ºk 5300ºk 5300ºk

The Dynalite Baja stores extra power in the Short Duration mode. After switching back to

Normal mode, discharge the Baja two or three times with the Test button.

Stroboscopic (C-Mode)

Stroboscopic Mode oers three preset ash rates ve, ten and fteen ashes in one second.

Begin by setting the Flash Power Control Dial (1) to one of these Normal mode settings: 1.0 to

1.9 or 2.0 to 2.9 In the t-modes use t-1 or t-2 then press the rpt button (3) for Stroboscopic

mode. The Main Display (13) will show C.1 or C.2 The rst press is ve ashes in one second,

the second press is ten ashes in one second and the third press is fteen ashes in one

second. C.1 is a lower power setting than C.2. The ash duration and color temperature for C.1

or C.2 are similar to those of t.1 and t.2 in the chart above.

High Speed

Mode Button

Test Button

Power Switch

Charging Socket

Adding / Removing Modiers

The Dynalite Baja B-4 uses the very popular Bowens style accessory mount. Reectors, speed

rings, snoots and many other modiers are available either directly from Dynalite or from

other manufacturers.

Press the Accessory Release (18) at the front of the Dynalite Baja B-4 back toward the Easy

Carry Handle (16), twist the cover clockwise an eighth of a turn to remove it. Mount a modier

by twisting it counter clockwise until the tab locks it in place.

In the box...

Here are all the goodies that come installed in or with your new Dynalite Baja B-4 Battery Powered Flash.

• Protective Flashtube Cover

• Pyrex Flashtube Protector (installed)

• Lithium Ion Battery

• AC Battery Charger with Power Cord

• BRR616 Radio Receiver

• External Battery Charging Cable

Accessory Release

Easy Carry Handle

Accessories...

• BRT616 Radio Transmitter controls up to 6 groups Dynalite Baja B-4 ashes on one of 16 channels.

• BRT616c Canon HSS Radio Transmitter adds High Speed Sync for Canon DSLRs. Nikon version coming soon.

• B4-Li Battery The Dynalite Baja B-4 delivers ve hundred full power ashes on a single charge. An extra battery

doubles that. Spare batteries are good!

BRT616c

HSS Transmitter

for Canon

Model Baja B4

Flash Power (w/s) 400 w/s

ƒ-Stop (Max) (ISO 100, RSH 165H, m) 32

Variable Range of Flash 6.0 ƒ-stops in 1/10 stop increments

Color Temperature 5500(±200)

Flash Duration (0.5ft) @ min:max 1/12800 : 1/500

Recycling Time 3.7 sec

Modeling Lamp 5W LED

Flash Count (Full Battery @ Max Power) 550-800* (*while charging)

Weight 6.1lbs

Dimensions (L x W x H, inches) 13.5” x 4.75” x 8.625”

Battery Power Rechargeable 11.1V 8.8 Li-ion

*800 ashes with A/C charger plugged into the Baja

Specs

• 400 w/s of Portable Strobe Power

• 550-800* Shots @ Full Power

• 6 ƒ-stop Range

• 1/10 ƒ-stop adjustment

• 3.7 Recycle Time

• High Speed Sync

• Fast Flash Duration Mode

• Stroboscopic Mode

• Digital Display Screen

• 16 Channel Wireless Control

• AC/DC Power Options

BRT ~ The Baja B-4’s Remote Control

Dynalite’s BRT (Baja Radio Transmitter) system has two components. The BRR-616 receiver is

included with every Baja B-4. The BRT-616 transmitter for normal sync speeds that comes with Baja

B-4 kits and the optional BRT-616c or BRT-616n transmitters for both normal and high speed sync

operation with Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras respectively.

The BRT system can control six groups of Baja B-4 ashes on any one of sixteen

channels. Let’s explore how to use this versatile remote control.

Groups Choose the group of a Baja B-4 ash by pressing the Flash Group Selector button

(B) on its BRR-616 receiver until the Flash Group Display (A) shows the desired group. I

use group 1 for the main source of illumination, 2 for the ll, 3 for a hair light and 4 for the

background light.

The BRT system controls six sets or fewer of Dynalite Baja B-4 ash units. A group can have

one or several Baja B-4s in it. Each group’s power output can be set individually. When two

or more Baja B-4s are in the same group their power increases or decreases identically.

Changing the power of individual lights--a main light and a hair light for example--requires

them to be in separate groups. Lights in a group can be set manually to dierent power

settings. The power on each one can be raised or lowered proportionally in one tenth of a

stop increments.

Channels The BRR-616 receiver’s channel selector (C) and the BRT-616 (c or n)

transmitter’s channel selector (H) must be on the same channel (1 through 16.)

Sometimes other photographers are working with their Baja’s in the same place

as another photographer. The BRT system provides sixteen dierent channels so

several photographers can work together without interference. Multiple channels

also means that a photographer can have multiple setups each on their own

channel.

Flash Group Display

Power Indicator

Channel Selector

Flash Fire Button

Flash Fire Indicator

Flash Group Selectors

Flash Group Selector

Baja Unit On / O

Flash Power Buttons

Seng up the BRR-616

Step one: Insert a BRR-616 receiver into the slot at the top of the Dynalite Baja B-4

(14.)

Step two: Choose a channel by rotating the Channel Selector (C) a number 1 to 16.

Step three: Press the Flash Group Selector button (B) until the Flash Group Display (A)

shows the desired group number 1 through 6.

Step four: Turn the Baja B-4’s Flash Power Control Dial (1) to the desired ash output.

The range is six stops in one tenth of a stop steps. 1.0 is the lowest power. 7.0 is the

maximum power,

Step ve: Repeat steps one through four to set up additional Baja B-4s. Remember

that assigning a light to a group allow its power to be adjusted separately from Baja

B-4s in other groups.

Using the BRT-616

Step one: Turn the Baja B-4’s Power Switch (8) to the “On” position. The Baja B-4’s

group shows in the BRR-616 Flash Group Display (A). Its Power Indicator (D) glows blue

with a pulsing red light.

Step two: Match the channel on the BRR-616(s) by turning the Channel Selector (H) to

that number.

Step three: Choose the group by pushing its number on the Flash Group Selectors (E).

Step four: Press the BRT-616’s “On” button. The Baja B-4(s) in the selected group, have

their indicator LEDs, Main Display (13) and modeling lamp, light up.

Step ve: Adjust the group’s power setting by pressing the + or - Flash Power Buttons

(F). Each press increases or decreases the power by one tenth of a stop.

Step six: Power up other groups by rst pushing the Flash Group Selector number (E)

then press the “On” button (G). Set each group’s power as described in step ve.

Step seven: If you haven’t already, mount the BRT-616 on the DSLR camera’s hot shoe.

Set the camera’s shutter speed to it’s sync speed or slower setting. Canon and soon

Nikon photographers can work at shutter speeds faster than sync by using HSS (High

Speed Sync) with their Baja B-4s. Details on how are on the next page.

1/4000th of a second at f/4.0 ISO: 160

Canon 1Dx / Sigma 120-300 f/2.8

Dynalite Baja B-4 in HSS mode

High Speed Sync

Focal Plane Shutters & Flash Sync

Modern DSLR cameras use focal plane shutters to achieve speeds up to 1/8000th of a second.

These shutters work ne with electronic ash at or below their sync speed. Sync settings range

from 1/160th to 1/250th of a second depending on make and model. For shutter speeds above

the sync speed, the secondary curtain starts closing the shutter before the front curtain is fully

open. The resulting slit or space between the two curtains paints the sensor with light allowing

very fast shutter speeds. Higher speeds have narrower spaces between the two curtains. At these

high speeds, the frame is never fully open. Photographing with electronic ash at shutter speeds

faster than sync results in a partially exposed frame. The remainder is black. The higher the shutter

speed, the wider the black bar and the thinner the portion of the frame that receives ash will be.

What is High Speed Sync (HSS)?

High Speed Sync allows ash to expose the entire sensor at shutter speeds faster than the camera’s

sync speed—even up to 1/8000th of a second. Higher speeds control ambient light in a photograph.

The higher the shutter setting the darker the ambient becomes. HSS is great for darkening

backgrounds even on sunny days.

This is a representation of the cutting eect made by focal plane shutters at speeds higher than sync with ash.

Dynalite Baja B-4 HSS

Dynalite’s Baja B-4 currently has High Speed Sync for Canon DSLR cameras using the

BRT616c transmitter available from a Dynalite Baja dealer. The BRT616n for Nikon will

be available soon. The receiver that came with the Baja B-4 is HSS ready. Follow this

step-by-step guide to use the Baja B-4’s HSS.

Step one: Turn the Baja B-4’s Power Switch (8) to the on position. The HSS Receiver (14)

will display the number 1.

Step two: Press the On button on the BRT616c (n). The Baja B-4’s Main Display,

indicator lights and modeling lamp will light.

Step three: Hold down the RPT (3) button on the back of the Baja until the ash res.

The Main Display (13) shows H.1. This setting is for most full frame cameras.

Press the RPT button again to move into the h.1 mode for most cropped

sensor cameras. If you’re unsure which sensor your camera

has, start with one H mode. If it doesn’t work use the other

one.*

Step four: Press and hold the + button on the BRT616c (n)

until the indicator ashes amber. Mount the BRT616c (n) on

the camera. Press the Test button. If the Baja B-4 does not

re it is in HSS mode. The Dynalite Baja B-4 is ready to light a

scene at above sync shutter speeds.

Note: The Baja B-4 will not re if the shutter is set at sync or

a longer shutter speed. On most cameras when the Baja B-4 is

in HSS mode it will only re when the camera is set to shutter

speeds faster than the camera’s sync speed.

Metering: When the Baja B-4 and BRT616c (n) transmitter

are in HSS mode, ashmeters must be set in non-cord mode.

The Baja B-4 can only be test red by releasing the camera’s

shutter. The BRT616c (n)’s test button will not re the Baja B-4

when they are in HSS mode.

Power: HSS mode requires that the ash duration be longer

than the shutter speed. The Baja B-4 will provide fewer ashes

per charge at a lower brightness than when photographing in

the standard mode.

Exposure compensation: As the shutter speed gets faster, the light needed to

properly expose an HSS photograph increases. Adjust the Baja B-4’s Flash output by two

numbers per full stop faster shutter speed. For example, if the exposure is correct at

H.1 for 1/500th of a second, at 1/1000th the power must be upped to H.3.

*If HSS doesn’t work with speeds above sync, switch to the other H mode.

3. RPT Button

HSS Receiver

Main Display

Use H.1 with most full frame DSLR cameras

The h.1 setting is for most cropped sensors.

Power Switch

BRT616c (n)

1050 Commerce Avenue, Union, NJ 07083 • 800.722.6638 • 908.687.8800 • [email protected] • dynalite.com

dynamic lighting

Dynalite Baja User manual

Brand: Dynalite

Model: Baja

Type: User manual

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Dynalite Baja User manual

Dynalite Baja User manual

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