Fotoquantum FQM 250 User manual

Brand: Fotoquantum

Model: FQM 250

Category: Photo studio flash units

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

FQM 500

FQM Series

Key Features of FQM Flash 250/500W Series

• Light weight, Compact and Easy to Operate

• Clear Digital Display to show accurately the power level

• CMOS Chip Technology

• Bowens Adapter can fit various accessories

• Output Control range full to 1/32 (6 stop points)

• Precision light output

• Flash shot times counting function

• Fast recycling time and flash dueration

• Overheating warning function

USER GUIDE

Table of Contents

Description Page

Safety Notes

Content of Carton

Preparing Your Flash For Use

Power Supply Connection

Light Holder with umbrella Hole

Operating the modeling lamp

Triggering the flash

Audible Beep Settings

Flash Output

Changing the flash Tube

Changing the fuses

Overheating Protection

Flash Capacitor Preventative Maintenance

Specifications

Thanks for selecting this compact flash unit. Please read these instructions

carefully and keep them for your reference. FQM Series is a powerful, self

contained AC powered, electronic flash unit.

This flash provides flexibility in positioning and ease of use.

Please make sure that you are completely familiar with the operations and features of your

new flash before using.

Safety Notes

• Do not use your flash in an environment where moisture or flammable vapour could come

in contact with the unit.

• A fire hazard exists if flammable materials are placed close to either the flash tube, or the

modelling lamp when the flash unit is in use.

• Do not restrict air vents while in use.

• Always switch off and isconnect from the main power before changing fuse, modelling lamp

or flash tube.

• Avoir placing cables where they can be tripped over. Protect from heavy, sharp or hot object,

which may cause damage. Replace damaged cables immediately.

• Never use a unit with damaged covers, mouldings, flash tubes or modelling lamp. If the unit

is dropped or damaged in any way always have it checked before using it for work.

• Use a blower brush or clean facial tissue to remove dust and moisture from the modelling

lamp and the flash tube. Do not apply any fluids to the modelling lamp or the flash tube.

• Turn the power off, and unplug the power cord if the flash is not going to be used

for a while.

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

• Do not flash 8 times in a minute at full.

• We recommend charging the flash unit for 2 hours prior to initial use and after

an extended period of inactivity (2 to 3 weeks).

• Due to the high voltage circuity inside the unit, do not attempt to disassemble the

flash yourself.

• Keep out of reach of children.

Content of carton

• 110c-120v or 220v-240v Flash unit with flash tube

• 75W modelling lamp

• Standard Reflector (with or without standard reflector)

• Protective cover

• Power Cable

• 4.5V Sync. Cable

• User Guide

1/ Preparing Your Flash for Use

1-1 Select a stand or support system of suitable weight and dimensions to ensure stable

operation of the unit.

1-2 Install Reflector/ Protective Cap and Modelling Lamp

• Note: Take care when fitting or removing reflectors or softboxes not to

damage the flash tube assembly. The flash tube is very delicate, avoid

unnecessary handling of the flash tube. Always switch off and disconnect from

the main supply before fitting and changing reflectors.

• Ensure the flash is switched off and disconnected from main supply.

Insert the modelling lamp into the socket.

• This unit has built-in soft-start circuitry to ensure longer modelling lamp

life.

• Pull the cap off and set aside. Install the modelling lamp by insert it into the

socket. CAUTION: Do not touch the lamp with your bare hands. Oil residue

from your fingers can cause the surface of the lamp to heat unevenly and

explode. Use white cotton gloves or clean cloth. Install the reflector where the

protective cap was before. Align the three pegs on the reflector with the three

slots, press the refletor and rotate clockwise until it locks in place. To remove,

push the latch back towards the rear of the unit, and rotate reflector anti

clockwise.

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

2/ Power Supply Connection

• Use only the main leads supplied to connect to the main power.

• Before plugging the power cord into the wall socket, make sure that

the power switch is set to the OFF (“0” position).

Flash Power Regulator

Modelling Lamp ON/OFF

Photocell (Slave)

Photocell (Slave) Button ON/OFF

Ready Flash Beeper Button ON/OFF

Test Button

LED Display

Sync Cord Input

Fuse

Umbrella holder

Main Power Switch

Power Cable Input

3/ Light Holder with Umbrella Hole

• An umbrella with a handle diameter of 8-10mm can be firmly secured in the umbrella

holder. Do not over tighten the screw of the umbrella holder to avoid squashing the shaft

of the umbrella.

• When the standard reflector is used, fit the umbrella in the hole of the reflector.

4/ Operating the modelling lamp

To turn the modelling lamp “ON” and “OFF” press the touch button B (Fig. 1).

5/ Triggering the Flash

5-1 Test Button

The simplest way to trigger the flash to press the TEST button F (Fig. 1). This is useful

when you need to discharge the power built up in the flash unit, for example just before

replacing the flash tube.

5-2 Sync Connection

The sync jack H (Fig. 1) on the flash may be used for direct connection to a camera set

to “X” synchronization. A radio slave receiver may also be plugged into the socket.

5-3 Photocell

The photocell C (Fig. 1) is located behind the red transparent cover on the top and

at the back of the unit. It enables the unit to be triggered from another flash unit,

IR remote trigger or small on-camera flash. Switch the photocell ON of OFF

using the switch D (Fig. 1) on the control panel. The photocell is ON when the

Grenn LED Number 1 is lit. To disable press switch D (Fig. 1) again until

LED is off.

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

Fig. 1

Displayed

Power

Fractional

Equivalent

(full)

(minimum)

NOTE: The photocell is very sensitive but some experimentation with

positioning may be necessary to ensure reliable trigger, particularly if the

cell is not the direct line of sight of the triggering flash unit. Avoid directly

illuminating the photocell from a continuous light source (such as celling

lights or windows) since this can prevent correct operation. Very high

cellings can also affect the operation of the photocell.

6/ Audible Beep Settings

• Push the Beeper Button E (Fig. 1) to “ON” to give a short beep when the unit is ready to fire,

to provide an audible “Ready confirmation”.

NOTE: Turning the switch E (Fig. 1) OFF will allow the modelling lamp to turn off the automatically

while the flash is fired.

7/ Flash Output

• The flash power output is variable over a 5 f-stops range (6 f-stops) from full to 1/32 in 1/10 f-stop

increments using two power regulator adjustment buttons A (Fig. 1) on the rear panel.

• The control has a minimum setting of 1.0 and a maximum setting of 6.0. Pressing the two regulator

adjustment buttons A (Fig. 1) will change the value by 0.1 f-stop /to give you a total of 50 values).

E.g. if the current value shown is 5.6 then to reduce the power by 1 f-stop just reduce it to 4.6.

The following table shows the whole decimal numbers and equivalent fractional power ration:

8/ Changing the Flash Tube

8-1 Discharge the Flash Unit

• The charge in the flash unit must me discharged before removing the flash tube.

To discharge the flash unit:

1. Make sure the Flash unit is ON.

2. Push the red "TEST" button F on the rear panel of the Flash.

3. Immediately turn off the power switch on the rear panel of the Flash. Do not

allow more than ½ seconf bewteen pressing the “TEST” button and the power

switch.

4. Remove power cord from power source before removing the flashtube. It is

recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before touching/removing the flash

tube.

Note: Use white cotton gloves or a clean cloth or glove to prevent fingers from

touching the flash tube.

8-2 Remove old Flash Tube

• First, remove the reflector. Then, using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth,

remove the modelling lamp. You will need to emove the retention spring wrapped

around the top of the flash tube. With needle-nose pliers, unhook the retention

spring loop. Using white cotton gloves or clean cloth, grip the base of the

flashtube on each side. Carefully pull the flash tube from the flash unit.

8-3 Install New Flash Tube

• Make sure the power switch is off and the power cord is disconnected

from the source. Locate the two flash tube pin sockets above the

modelling lamp socket. Using white cotton gloves or clean cloth,

push the pins off the flash tube into the sockets using firm,

even presurre at the base of the flash tube. With needle,

nose pliers, hook the retention spring over the hook

above the flash tube. Re-insert the modelling lamp

using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth.

Re-install the reflector.

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

55 73

0.5 ~ 1.8s

0.8 ~ 2.1s

0.8 ~ 2.3s

1 ~ 3.0s

0.9kg 1.1kg

250W 500W

Power cord (4m), Sync cord (4m), Modelling lamp 75w,

Flash Tube, Protective Cover, User Guide

9/ Changing the fuses

• A 4A fuse is mounted at the bottom of the flash unit.

• Turn off the disconnect the power supply before changing the fuse.

Never replace with a fuse of a different type or rating. A spare 4A fuse

is fitted in the fuse holder I (Fig. 1).

• Use a small screwdriver to release fuse cover, remove the older fuse,

place the new fuse in the slot, then replace the fuse holder.

10/Overheating Protection

• After a long shooting session at high output, the recycling time of the flash will

increase automatically until the flash cools down to a safe level and will start

working normally again.

11/ Flash Capacitor Preventative Maintenance

• One of the most important components of an electronic flash are the capacitors.

Following the preventative maintenance below will increase the life and the reliabillity

of your flash.

• If the unit is left unused for a few months or predominantly used at low power

settings is recommended that the power be increased to maximum and the unit left

switched on (modelling lamp off) occasionally for at leat 30 minutes to help preserve

the life of the capacitors.

12/ Flash Specifications

Power Output

GN (2m, ISO 100) 1/60

Reflector SF-610

FQM 250 FQM 500

Output Control Range Full to 1/32 stepless

Recycling Time to Full

220v-240v/50Hz

Recycling Time to Full

110v-120v/60Hz

Flash Duration

Modelling lamp Output

Triggering Method Slave Sensor / Sync Cable / Test Button

Colour Temperature

Flash Tube “plug-in” Tube (user replaceable)

Triggering voltage 5V Low Voltage Trigger

Fuse

Digital Display

Bowens Adapter

Overheating Warning

Yes

Power Source AC 190-240V 50Hz or AC 100-130V 60Hz

Automatic Voltage Regulator Circuit

Accessories included

Weight

Dimensions (cm) 20x12x12 (without reflector)

*Test by SEKONIC L-758DR Light meter

*Due to our policy of constant product improvement we reserve the

right to change equipment specifications without notice.

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

FotoQuantum Flash Kit

FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

with Beauty Dish 42cm

MPN: 293338 / 293345

1x Flash Kit FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

1x Light Stand 2.6m

1x Beauty Dish 42cm.

FotoQuantum Flash Kit

FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

with Reflector & Light Stand 2.6m

MPN: 293260 / 293277

1x Flash Kit FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

1x Bowens S-Type Reflector

1x Light Stand 2.6m

FotoQuantum Flash Kit

FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount) with

White Translucent Umbrella 110cm

MPN: 293284 / 293291

1x Flash Kit FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

1x Bowens S-Type Reflector

1x Light Stand 2.6m

1x White Translucent Umbrella 110cm.

Light kit information

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

FotoQuantum LightPro

Flash Unit FQM-250/500 (Bowens mount)

MPN: 292836 / 292843

1x Flash Unit FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

FotoQuantum Flash Kit

FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

with Softbox 60x90cm

MPN: 293352 / 293369

1x Flash Kit FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

1x Light Stand 2.6m

1x Softbox 60x90cm.

1x Softbox Speedring FotoQuantum / Bowens

Light kit information

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

FotoQuantum Studio Flash Kit

FQM-250/250 / 500/500 (Bowens mount)

with Softboxes 60x90cm & Radio Trigger

MPN: 293376 / 293383

2x Flash Unit FQM-250 (Bowens mount) /

2x Flash Unit FQM-500 (Bowens mount)

2x Light Stand 2.6m

2x Softbox 60x90cm

2x Softbox Speedring

1x Radio Trigger

FotoQuantum Studio Flash Kit

FQM-250/250 / 500/500 (Bowens mount) with

White Translucent Umbrellas 110cm &

Radio Trigger

MPN: 293307 / 293314

2x Flash Unit FQM-250 (Bowens mount) /

2x Flash Unit FQM-500 (Bowens mount)

2x Bowens S-Type Reflector

2x Light Stand 2.6m

2x White Translucent Umbrella 110cm

1x Radio Trigger

FotoQuantum Studio Flash Kit

FQM-250/250/500 (Bowens mount) with

White Translucent/Silver/Gold Umbrellas 110cm

MPN: 293321

Flash Units FQM-250 & FQM-500 (Bowens mount)

3x Bowens S-Type Reflector

3x Light Stand 2.6m

1x White Translucent Umbrella 110cm

1x Silver/black Umbrella 110cm

1x Gold/black Umbrella 110cm

Light kit information

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

FotoQuantum LightPro

Flash Unit FQM-250 / 500 (Bowens mount)

with Reflector

MPN: 293246 / 293253

1x Flash FQM-250 (Bowens mount) with Reflector

1x Flash FQM-500 (Bowens mount) with Reflector

Bowens S-Type Reflector

MPN: 292850

Standard reflector

An accessory for FotoQuantum FQM Flash Series

Material: Aluminium

Diameter: 17cm

Umbrella holder included

A substitute for an umbrella reflector The list of accessories for FQM Flash range is mentioned

in the website, in the product page.

Other accessories available:

Radio trigger, Snoot, Beauty Dish,

Honeycomb and Reflector kit, etc.

For details please visit our website.

Radio trigger

Snoot Beauty Dish Honeycomb

Reflector kit Barndoor Photo Umbrella

Softbox Light cubes Light stand

USER GUIDE

FQM Series

Fotoquantum FQM 250 User manual

Brand: Fotoquantum

Model: FQM 250

Category: Photo studio flash units

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

FQM 500

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report

Fotoquantum FQM 250 User manual

This manual is also suitable for

Fotoquantum FQM 250 User manual

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