Bolt vs-570s User Manual
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Bolt vs-570s User Manual

Wireless ttl flash
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VS-570S/SMI for Sony
WIRELESS TTL FLASH
User's Manual

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Summary of Contents for Bolt vs-570s

  • Page 1 Inspiration strikes Inspiration strikes VS-570S/SMI for Sony WIRELESS TTL FLASH User’s Manual...
  • Page 2 Copyright © 2016 Gradus Group. Bolt and other names of Bolt products are trademarks of Gradus Group. Other product and corporate names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders. Introduction...
  • Page 3 Introduction Thank you for choosing the Bolt VS-570 Wireless TTL Flash. This advanced digital flash unit puts creative control in your hands with a broad range of automatic and manual features. It can be used as both an on- camera flash and a wireless slave flash. Among the benefits you’ll enjoy: •...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Overview ..............................6–9 Warnings ..............................10–11 Installing Batteries ............................12 Mounting the Flash ..........................13–14 Turning on the Flash and Firing a Test ......................15 Extended Interface ............................16 Using the Automatic TTL Flash Mode ......................17 Using High-Speed Sync ..........................18 Using Flash Exposure Compensation ......................
  • Page 5 Using Rear- or Second-Curtain Synchronization ..................... 27 Using the VS-570 as a Wireless Master or Slave ..................28-29 Using the VS-570 as a Wireless Master ....................30–33 Wireless Master Summary screen ......................34–35 Using Your VS-570 as a Wireless TTL Slave ....................36–39 Using Your VS-570 as a Wireless Manual Flash ..................
  • Page 6 VS-570SMI Overview...

  • Page 7: Overview

    Overview Flash head 16. LCD Reflector panel 17. External power socket Diffuser panel 18. PC sync socket Battery compartment cover 19. Firmware upgrade socket Wireless sensor (optical) 20. AF assist/Wireless ready Mounting foot indicator light Mounting foot lock Mode button Up button 10.
  • Page 8 GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C Overview...
  • Page 9 21. High-speed sync status 22. Slave mode 23. TTL mode 24. Wireless TTL mode 25. Manual mode 26. Manual flash output / Slave channel 27. Slave group 28. Zoom mode 29. Zoom position 30. Flash compensation value 31. Camera aperture (f-stop) 32.

  • Page 10: Warnings

    Warnings Before using your VS-570, please read the following safety notices carefully and thoroughly to ensure safe use, and to help prevent damage to your flash or injury to yourself or others. • 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

    • Do not clean the VS-570 with agents containing corrosive or flammable substances such as paint thinner, benzene, or nail polish remover. • This product is not water resistant. Keep it away from rain, snow, humidity, and general moisture. • Should the VS-570 get damaged, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. If touched, they may generate an electric shock or cause a malfunction.

  • Page 12: Installing Batteries

    Installing Batteries The VS-570 can be powered by four AA batteries of several types: • Lithium (1.5V) • Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) (1.2V) • Alkaline (1.5V) Note: For the fastest recycle times and longest battery life, lithium or Ni-MH batteries are recommended. To install batteries, make sure the VS-570 is turned off and follow these steps: Press on the battery compartment cover and slide it in the direction of the arrow to remove it.

  • Page 13: Mounting The Flash

    Mounting the Flash The VS-570S and VS-570SMI employ different locking mechanisms. The VS-570SMI is equipped with a locking wheel, and the VS-570S is equipped with a locking release button. Mounting the VS-570SMI: To mount the VS-570SMI on your camera, follow these steps: Make sure the flash is turned off.

  • Page 14: Mounting The Flash

    Mounting the VS-570S: To mount the VS-570S on your camera, follow these steps: Make sure the flash is turned off. Slide the mounting foot all the way into your camera’s hot shoe. The lock will automatically engage to hold the flash in place.

  • Page 15: Turning On The Flash And Firing A Test

    Turning on the Flash and Firing a Test To turn the flash on, simply slide the power switch to the On position. When the flash is ready to fire, the Ready light will glow red. If the flash is mounted on your camera, a flash [ ] icon will also appear in the camera’s viewfinder.

  • Page 16: Extended Interface

    You can connect your VS-570 to an external power source or PC sync via the extended interface on the side of the flash. External power source: An external power source, such as the Bolt Cyclone Battery Pack, can greatly increase the battery life of your flash and reduce the recycle time in between flashes.

  • Page 17: Using The Automatic Ttl Flash Mode

    Using the Automatic TTL Flash Mode When the VS-570 is mounted on a compatible camera, it can set the appropriate flash level automatically, in conjunction with the camera’s through-the-lens (TTL) metering system. To use the automatic mode, mount the flash on the camera and follow these steps: Each time you turn the flash on, it will be in automatic mode.

  • Page 18: Using High-Speed Sync

    Using High-Speed Sync You can use shutter speeds higher than your camera’s top flash sync speed with the VS-570 by activating high-speed sync in automatic TTL mode. High-speed sync lets you use shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000 second. This is especially useful when using large apertures in bright situations or when freezing motion. To activate high-speed sync mode on the VS-570, press the Mode button repeatedly to cycle through the flash modes until the high-speed sync mode...

  • Page 19: Using Flash Exposure Compensation

    Using Flash Exposure Compensation In automatic TTL mode, you can use flash exposure compensation to adjust the VS-570’s flash output incrementally, just as you would adjust exposure with the exposure compensation function on your camera. To apply flash exposure compensation, press the up or down buttons on the flash to increase or decrease flash exposure by 1/3 stop—up to 3 stops total.

  • Page 20: Using The Manual Flash Mode

    Using the Manual Flash Mode You can also set the VS-570’s flash output level manually for greater creative control over your images. Seven manual settings are available: 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64. The 1/1 setting is the full-power flash, and each successive setting halves the light output.

  • Page 21: Controlling Flash Coverage (Zoom)

    Press your camera’s shutter-release button to take the picture. Note: For best results, a handheld light meter is recommended when using the manual flash mode. Important! To avoid overheating and damaging your flash unit, please wait for at least 10 minutes after 20 continuous flashes at full power.
  • Page 22 button on your camera halfway to initiate communication between the camera and the flash, the flash zoom will adjust to match the lens focal length and the closest zoom setting will be displayed on the LCD. If you zoom your lens, the flash zoom setting will change automatically. When the flash head is angled up or swiveled to the side, the zoom position is set to 50mm.
  • Page 23 To use the diffuser: Pull the diffuser and reflector panels out of their slot in the flash head. Push the reflector back in, and let the diffuser lay flat against the flash lens.The diffuser also softens the light, providing an alternative when no surface is available for bouncing the flash (see Bouncing Your Flash on page 24).

  • Page 24: Using The Autofocus-Assist Light

    Using the Autofocus-Assist Light Camera autofocus systems can have difficulty locking onto a subject in dim light. When the ambient light level is low, the VS-570 will emit a red autofocus-assist beam when you press your camera’s shutter-release button halfway to autofocus. The camera will then be able to autofocus by locking onto the projected light. Bouncing Your Flash Using flash to directly illuminate a subject often creates harsh, unnatural, and unattractive shadows.
  • Page 25 The VS-570 flash head can be tilted up at 45-, 60-, 75-, and 90-degree angles to the lens. It can also be swiveled horizontally 180 degrees to the left and 120 degrees to the right. When bouncing your flash, you may need to adjust your exposure settings, since the level of light falling on your subject will be reduced.

  • Page 26: Bouncing Your Flash

    Creating catchlights: Catchlights are the reflections that appear in people’s eyes in photographs. Without catchlights, eyes can have a dull, lifeless look. To create catchlights in your subjects’ eyes when bouncing your flash, follow these steps: Position the flash head at the 90-degree angle (pointing straight up) to bounce your flash off the ceiling or an overhead reflector.

  • Page 27: Using Rear- Or Second-Curtain Synchronization

    Using Rear- or Second-Curtain Synchronization When you photograph a moving subject with a slow (1/30 second or longer) shutter speed and a flash, the flash will freeze the moving subject and the long exposure will cause motion blur and light trails to appear in the image, especially in low light.

  • Page 28: Using The Vs-570 As A Wireless Master Or Slave

    Using the VS-570 as a Wireless Master or Slave The VS-570 is equipped with advanced wireless flash functions, allowing you to fire the flash remotely while still maintaining full TTL control. In addition, it can be set to multiple channels and groups, giving you unlimited creative lighting possibilities.
  • Page 29 remote flash units. You can use this option to prevent your remote units from being triggered by the master unit of another photographer working with the same type of system nearby. Groups: With the VS-570’s wireless system, you can assign remote flash units to either of two groups (A or B) and set the mode and power ratio for each group, as well as the master.

  • Page 30: Using The Vs-570 As A Wireless Master

    Using the VS-570 as a Wireless Master The VS-570 can be used as an optical wireless TTL master flash, enabling you to remotely set and control your wireless slave flash units from the VS-570 while maintaining automatic TTL functionality. The VS-570 offers two wireless TTL master modes, CL1 and CL2, which allow you to control up to two groups of flashes and adjust power output in ratios.
  • Page 31 To set the VS-570 as a wireless master, follow these steps: Set your camera’s flash mode to wireless (WL). For more information on this, refer to your camera’s instruction manual. Choose the controller setting. Press the Mode button repeatedly until the master control screen appears on the LCD. Use the up or down navigation buttons to select CL1 or CL2.
  • Page 32 When group ratio selection is enabled, continue with step 7 below to set the power ratios between the master and groups. B. When group ratio selection is disabled, group A will fire in TTL mode, and the master and group B will not fire. C.

  • Page 33: Using The Vs-570 As A Wireless Master

    In CL1 mode, press the Mode button to confirm your settings and return to the wireless master summary screen. At this point, the VS-570’s wireless TTL master setup will be complete, and you will be ready to start shooting. B. In CL2 mode, continue with step 9 below. Press the Mode button so the group B ratio indicator appears onscreen.

  • Page 34: Wireless Master Summary Screen

    Wireless Master Summary screen...

  • Page 35: Wireless Master Summary Screen

    Wireless Master Summary screen Wireless TTL mode Channel number Zoom mode Zoom position TTL master summary setting Wireless Master Summary screen...

  • Page 36: Using Your Vs-570 As A Wireless Ttl Slave

    Using the VS-570 as a Wireless TTL Slave The VS-570 can be used as an optical wireless TTL slave in Sony, Nikon, and Canon TTL systems. This enables you to use a Sony, Nikon, or Canon wireless TTL master to control the VS-570 as a slave flash unit. To set the wireless TTL slave mode, follow these steps: Make sure the master flash or controller on your camera is turned on and set to automatic TTL mode.
  • Page 37 B. For Nikon TTL slave mode, the N-TTL indicator will appear onscreen. Press the Mode button to confirm, and the LCD GROUP A will display i-TTL. To set the VS-570 as a Nikon TTL slave, continue with Nikon and Canon TTL Slave Modes on page 39.
  • Page 38 To set the VS-570 as a Sony TTL slave, follow these steps: Make sure the VS-570 is set to Sony TTL slave mode. Press the Mode button repeatedly until the master control screen appears on the LCD. Use the up or down navigation buttons to select CL1 or CL2.
  • Page 39 Nikon and Canon TTL Slave Modes When setting the VS-570 as a wireless TTL slave for Nikon and Canon TTL systems, you can configure the TTL mode, group, channel, and flash coverage angle (zoom). To set the VS-570 as a Nikon or Canon TTL slave, follow these steps: Make sure the VS-570 is set to Nikon or Canon TTL slave mode.

  • Page 40: Using Your Vs-570 As A Wireless Manual Flash

    Using Your VS-570 as a Wireless Manual Flash For even greater creative control, you can set the output levels of your remote flash units manually. Using the optical slave feature, the VS-570 can be set to fire whenever it detects a signal from the master flash. This works optically—when the VS-570 “sees”...

  • Page 41: Using Your Vs-570 As A Wireless Manual Flash

    automatically by the camera. If the slave flash is not set correctly, it may be triggered by the pre-flash and fire before the camera’s shutter opens. In order to ensure that the VS-570 fires at the correct time, there are three different slave modes available: modes 0, 1, and 2.

  • Page 42: Positioning Remote Flash Units

    Positioning Remote Flash Units You can create a professional lighting setup by positioning remote units singly or in groups to function as main, fill, accent, and other lights. Metering your scene with a handheld light meter and setting your light ratios to achieve specific looks will give you a professional level of creative control.

  • Page 43: Upgrading The Firmware On The Vs-570

    Upgrading the Firmware on the VS-570 In order to ensure compatibility with future cameras, the VS-570’s firmware may be updated. This can be done to ensure proper communication with new cameras, or to add new features. Visit www.boltflashes.com/firmware to check if a new firmware version has been released. Follow the online instructions to upgrade.

  • Page 44: Troubleshooting

    Problem Solution The flash is set up as a wireless • Make sure that the master flash is within the transmission range and TTL slave but won’t fire. the wireless sensor on the slave is pointing toward the master flash. Remove any obstructions in the line of sight between the two (Page 42).

  • Page 45: Specifications

    Specifications Type: On-camera and wireless TTL automatic and manual flash Compatible cameras: Sony cameras with TTL flash system support and a Sony-Minolta style hot shoe Guide number (at 50mm focal length, ISO 100): 141 feet / 43 meters Flash coverage: 24mm–105mm (18mm with diffuser panel) Flash duration: 1/1,000–1/20,000 second High-speed synchronization: Yes Flash recycle time: 0.5–9 seconds (AA Ni-MH)

  • Page 46: Guide Number Chart

    Guide Number Chart* Zoom Position GN - Meters GN - Feet 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm 105mm *at ISO 100 FCC Compliance This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: This device may not cause harmful interference.

  • Page 47: One-Year Limited Warranty

    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.
  • Page 48 www.boltflashes.com 97260 97298...

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