Bolt VB-11 User Manual
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Bolt VB-11 User Manual

Bare bulb flash
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Inspiration strikes
Inspiration strikes
VB-11/VB-22
BARE BULB FLASH
User's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Bolt VB-11

  • Page 1 Inspiration strikes Inspiration strikes VB-11/VB-22 BARE BULB FLASH User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 Introduction...

  • Page 3: Introduction

    Introduction Thank you for choosing a Bolt VB-Series Bare-Bulb flash. These flashes are designed for photography professionals and enthusiasts interested in a portable high-power light source with 360-degree exposure and versatile light shaping options. Using the included reflector and diffuser, the high output from your VB-Series flash can be focused and softened to create beautiful contrasted light.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction ..............................2-3 Overview ..............................6-9 Warnings ..............................10-11 Using the Flash Installing and Replacing the Flashtube ....................12-13 Powering the Flash ..........................14-15 Mounting the Flash ..........................16-17 Setting the Flash Power ........................... 18 Triggering the Flash ..........................19 AF-Assist Mode ............................20 Audio Function ............................20 Optical Slave Triggering Mode ........................
  • Page 5 Repeat Mode ............................22-23 High-Speed Sync Function ........................24 Modifying the Light Output Tilt and Swivel ............................24-26 Lighting Effects ............................26 Using the Reflector and Diffuser ....................... 27 Troubleshooting … ...........................28-29 Specifications ..............................30 Repeat Mode Reference Chart ........................31 Recommended Accessories ........................32-35 Limited Warranty ........................36 (Back Cover) Contents...
  • Page 6 VB -1 1 Overview...

  • Page 7: Overview

    Overview Umbrella Bracket Mounting Hole 18. AF-Assist Light Audio Button 19. Accessory Mount AF-Assist Button 20. Flashtube Selection Dial 21. Flashtube Socket Power Socket 22. Optical Slave Sensor Power Button Additional VB-22 Parts: Shoe Locking Wheel LCD Display 23. AF-Assist Light Mode Button 24.
  • Page 8 Overview...
  • Page 9 LCD: Included Accessories: 27. Power Output Indicators 37. Retaining Ring 28. Thermal Protection Mode 38. Diffuser 29. Manual Mode 39. Reflector 30. Slave Modes 40. Power Cable 31. RPT Mode 41. Protective Pouch 32. High-Speed Sync Indicator 42. Stand/Tripod Mount 33.

  • Page 10: Warnings

    Warnings Please read the following instructions before using this product to ensure safe use and to help prevent damage to your flash or injury to yourself or others. Keep this manual in a safe place. • Do not fire the flash at close range directly into the eyes of people or animals. This can cause damage to the retina and may even lead to blindness.

  • Page 11: Warnings

    • This product is not water resistant. Keep it away from rain, snow, humidity, and general moisture. • Should the unit sustain physical damage, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. If touched, they may generate an electric shock or cause a malfunction. Promptly remove the power source and take the product to an authorized service center for repair.

  • Page 12: Using The Flash

    Using the Flash INSTALLING THE FLASHTUBE Before installing the flash tube, ensure the device is switched off and the power cord disconnected from the unit. Additionally, remove all accessories connected to the unit’s Accessory Mount. Using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth, line up the dot on the bottom of the flashtube with the one inside the flashtube socket to ensure correct polarity.
  • Page 13 REPLACING THE FLASHTUBE Before removing an old flash tube, ensure the device is switched off and the power source disconnected from the unit. Additionally, remove all accessories connected to the unit’s Accessory Mount. Using white cotton gloves or a clean cloth, grasp the flashtube using firm, even pressure, and pull the flashtube from the flash unit.

  • Page 14: Powering The Flash

    Powering the Flash The Bolt VB-Series flash units are powered by an external power pack, such as the Bolt PP-400DR, with a high voltage cable via a dedicated port on the side of the flash body. The external power source is sold separately.
  • Page 15 Powering the Flash...

  • Page 16: Mounting The Flash

    Mounting the Flash The Bolt VB-Series flash units include interchangeable mounting accessories. The VB-11 has a built-in shoe mount and a separate Stand/Tripod Mount. The VB-22 has two interchangeable shoe and stand mounts, as well as the additional Stand/Tripod Mount. The shoe mount allows the flash to be attached to cameras, brackets, and the like.
  • Page 17 Mounting the Flash on a Shoe or Stand/Tripod Mount If using a VB-22, ensure that the Shoe Mounting Foot is securely installed. With the unit turned off, loosen the tightening ring on the mount. Slide the unit into the shoe. Secure the flash by turning the tightening ring clockwise.

  • Page 18: Setting The Flash Power

    Setting the Flash Power The VB-Series flashes incorporate manually-controlled power output that can be varied over 8 stops from 1/1 (full power) to 1/128, and is adjustable in 1/3-stop increments. Turn the Selection Dial clockwise to raise the power level, and counterclockwise lower it. To avoid overheating and damaging your flash unit, please wait for at least 10 minutes after 75 continuous flashes at full power.

  • Page 19: Triggering The Flash

    Triggering the Flash There are five different ways to trigger the Bolt VB-11 and VB-22 flash units: Hot Shoe: The flashes can be triggered by any standard hot shoe, such as a camera, off-camera cord or radio receiver. PC Cord: A PC sync socket can be attached to the flash units to trigger the flash. To use this function, open the rubber cover on the PC sync socket and insert a PC cord.

  • Page 20: Af-Assist Mode

    AF-Assist Mode The VB-Series flashes’ AF-mode assists the user in focusing the camera in low-light situations. The AF-Assist light on the flash will turn on to illuminate the subject enough for the camera and lens to obtain proper focus. This mode can be turned on manually pressing the AF button on your flash. The LCD screen will display when the function has been activated.

  • Page 21: Optical Slave Triggering Mode

    Optical Slave Triggering Mode Optical slave triggering mode sets your flash to fire wirelessly whenever it detects a signal from a master flash. The VB-Series bulb flashes have two slave settings: S1 Mode sets the flash to fire in sync when the master flash is triggered, while S2 Mode allows the flash unit to ignore a single “preflash”...

  • Page 22: Repeat Mode

    Repeat Mode Repeat Mode, sometimes referred to as Stroboscopic Mode, causes the unit to fire multiple flashes rapidly. This allows the camera to capture multiple images of a moving subject in a single exposure. To use Repeat Mode: • Press the Mode Selection button until “RPT” is displayed on the LCD screen. •...

  • Page 23: Repeat Mode

    For example: if the number of flashes per frame is 10, and the frequency of the flash is 5 Hz, then: 10 flashes per frame 5 HZ Therefore, the shutter speed should be 2 seconds. Different flash power levels allow different amount and frequency combinations. For more information, see Repeat Mode Reference Chart on page 31.

  • Page 24: High-Speed Sync Function

    High-Speed Sync Function When controlled by a dedicated high-speed sync trigger (sold separately), the Bolt VB-Series flash units include a high-speed sync trigger function that enables the flashes to synchronize with shutter speeds up to 1/8000. To activate this function, press the Mode Selection and Set buttons at the same time. The LCD screen will display to indicate the function has been turned on.
  • Page 25 Using the flash to directly illuminate a subject often creates harsh, unnatural, and unattractive shadows. To avoid this, the flash can be tilted or swiveled, enabling you to aim your flash at a large white or neutral-colored surface such as a ceiling, wall, or reflector. The light will bounce off the larger surface before striking your subject, providing softer, more natural illumination.

  • Page 26: Lighting Effects

    Other colors, while usually not desirable, can be used for creative effects. Lighting Effects To manipulate the quality of light from your bare-bulb flash, accessories are available. Included with the Bolt VB-Series flashes are a reflector and diffuser.

  • Page 27: Using The Reflector And Diffuser

    USING THE REFLECTOR AND DIFFUSER 1. Rotate the Accessory Locking Ring in a counterclockwise direction until loose. 2. Slide the reflector into the Accessory Mount. 3. Rotate the Accessory Locking ring clockwise until tight. 4. If desired, snap the diffuser and retaining ring onto the front of the reflector.

  • Page 28: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem Solution The flash is stuck in a hot shoe. • Turn the hot shoe mount locking ring counterclockwise until loose. The flash is turned on but won’t • Check that the flash is connected to a power source, the power fire.
  • Page 29 Problem Solution The flash isn’t being triggered in • Ensure the master flash is within transmission range (approximately slave mode, or the flash is not 33’/10 m) and that the wireless sensor has a clear line of sight with noticeable in the picture. the master flash.

  • Page 30: Specifications

    Flash duration 1/300 – 1/10,000 second 1/300 – 1/10,000 second Recycle time 0.05-2.6 seconds w/ Bolt PP-400DR 0.1-5.2 seconds w/ Bolt PP-400DR Manual mode power output 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, 1/128...

  • Page 31: Repeat Mode Reference Chart

    Repeat Mode Reference Chart Flash Output Level Frequency 1/1, 1/2 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 10-11 12-13 13-15 15-19 20-99 Repeat Mode Reference Chart...

  • Page 32: Recommended Accessories

    The Bolt VB-Series bare-bulb flashes use external power packs to power the units. Bolt offers the PP-400DR and PP-310 Power Packs , which have a blazing fast 1-second recycle time.
  • Page 33 The PP-DC Doubler Cable allows you to plug one HV power cord into two power pack outlets, cutting recycle time in half and aiding in avoiding missed shot opportunities. The PP-SC Splitter Cable allows you to power two flashes from one power pack socket. PP-DC PP-SC PP-310 Compact Power Pack...
  • Page 34 An array of light customization kits is available for use with the Bolt VB-Series bare-bulb flashes. The Grid and Filter Kit helps the user to stylize and focus mood and accent lighting with the four included color filters and honeycomb grid. The cone...

  • Page 35: Recommended Accessories

    VB-PC-S 15’ Extension Power Cord you with more reach, offering the ability to power your flash unit from an increased distance. Additionally, replacement power cords and flashtubes are also available. VB-PC-C Coiled Power Cord VB-11-FT and VB-22-FT Flashtubes Recommended Accessories...
  • Page 36 To obtain warranty coverage, contact the BOLT Customer Service Department to obtain a return merchandise authorization (“RMA”) number, and return the defective product to BOLT along with the RMA number and proof of purchase. Shipment of the defective product is at the purchaser’s own risk and expense. For more information or to arrange service, visit www.boltflashes.com or call Customer Service at 212-594-2353.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vb-22

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