For information on compatible cameras, visit our website at http://www.fujifilm.com/sd/ Supplied Accessories Check that the following items are supplied with your EF-X500 shoe mount fl ash. Please contact your retailer should any- thing be missing. • EF-X500 shoe-mount fl ash •...
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Chapter Index First-time users should read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for basic information on using the fl ash. Introduction Getting Started Flash Controls Single Flash Mode Wireless Flash Photography Slave Mode Setup Setting Save, Load, and Reset Appendix...
Table of Contents About This Manual ...............ii Symbols ......................ii Using the Flash ..................ii Supplied Accessories ................ii The EF-X500 ................... 1 Flash Placement ..................2 Parts of the Flash ................3 The LCD Display ................4 Single Flash Mode ................. 4 Remote Mode ..................
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Table of Contents Flash Controls Flash Controls Bounce Lighting .................23 Using the Wide Panel ...............24 Catchlight Photography ............25 The Diff user .................26 Single Flash Mode Single Flash Mode Flash Control Mode ..............29 TTL Mode ....................29 Manual Mode ..................31 Repeating Flash Mode ..............
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Wireless Flash Photography Wireless Flash Photography Wireless Flash Control ..............47 Placement and Range ..............48 Remote Flash Units ..............49 Group ......................50 Flash Compensation/Output ............51 Channel ..................... 52 Remote Mode Options: Summary ........... 53 The Master Flash ................54 Group ......................55 Channel .....................
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Table of Contents Setup Setup The Setup Menu .................81 TEST BUTTON ..................82 TTL TEST POWER .................. 82 SCALE UNITS ..................82 LCD DENSITY ..................82 LCD ILLUMINATION ................83 BEEP ......................83 REMOTE READY INDICATOR ............83 SENSOR FORMAT ................. 84 CUSTOM SENSOR FORMAT ............
Master fl ash (optical remote control) — ✔ LED AF-assist lamp — ✔ LED catchlight — The EF-X500 can also function as a remote fl ash unit (either full manual or with optical remote control) or LED video light. For more information, visit http://www.fujifilm.com/sd/...
The EF-X500 Flash Placement When using the FUJIFILM optical wire- less remote fl ash control system, orient the remote units with their optical re- ceivers facing the master unit and rotate the fl ash heads to the desired angles. Receiver...
Parts of the Flash See the page numbers to the right of each item for more information. Fresnel lens (fl ash window) ....23 Power switch ........... 17 Wide panel..........24 Latch ............15 Catchlight panel ........25 Command dial Accessory mount (cover) .....
The LCD Display The display varies according to the mode selected with the power switch ( 17). Single Flash Mode The following indicators are displayed when the power switch is rotated to ON. The display varies with the fl ash control mode ( 29).
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Manual Flash output Repeating Flash output Frequency Number of fl ashes The display is shown with all indicators lit for illustrative pur- poses. The page and function button icons at the bottom of the display vary with the page selected. The display backlight turns on when fl ash controls are used.
The LCD Display Remote Mode The following indicators are displayed when the power switch is rotated to REMOTE. The display varies according to whether the fl ash is in normal or slave mode ( 50, 77). Normal Mode (Group A, B, or C) Remote mode indicator Flash compensation (TTL)/fl...
Master Mode The following indicators are displayed when the power switch is rotated to MASTER. The display varies with the fl ash control mode ( 60, 64, 68, 71). Master mode indicator Flash compensation (group C) Group (group A) TTL mode (group B) TTL mode (group A) TTL mode (group C) TTL lock...
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The LCD Display TTL Output Ratio Selection TTL output ratio selection mode Output ratio (groups A and B) Flash compensation (groups A and B) Manual Manual mode (group A) Flash output (group C) Flash output (group A) Manual mode (group C) Flash output (group B) Manual mode (group B)
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The LCD Display Repeating Repeating mode Flash output (group B) Flash output (group A) Frequency Number of fl ashes Flash output (group C) Master Mode Not Supported The display at right appears in the fl ash LCD if master mode is not supported by the camera to which the unit is attached.
Adjusting Settings Flash settings can be adjusted as described below. To adjust settings, press the page button ( ) to reach the page ( ) with the desired item ( ). You can then press the function button ( ) immediately below the item to highlight it, rotate the command dial ( ) to display the desired option, and press OK (...
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Flash photography consequently requires slower shutter speeds, severely limiting the range of speeds available. The EF-X500 supports FP (high-speed sync), in which the fl ash fi res continuously while the fi rst and second curtains travel across the sensor, allowing the fl ash to be used at any shutter speed.
Inserting Batteries The fl ash takes four AA alkaline or nickel-metal hy- dride (NiMH) batteries (Ni-MH batteries are rec- ommended for increased endurance and shorter charging times). Replace all four batteries at the same time, using fresh or ful- ly-charged batteries of the same brand and type. The rubber gasket inside the cover prevents water entry;...
Inserting Batteries Remove the batteries if the product will not be used for an ex- tended period. The batteries may be hot immediately after the fl ash has fi red a number of times in succession; observe cau- tion when removing the batteries. Battery Life and Recycling Time Battery life and recycling time vary with battery type, as is shown in the table below (in-house measurements).
Attachment and Removal Turn the fl ash off before mounting it on or removing it from the hot shoe. If the fl ash is on, it may short the hot shoe contacts, causing the fl ash to fi re unexpect- edly or other product malfunction.
Attachment and Removal Detaching the Flash Unlatch and detach the unit as shown. Do not attempt to remove the unit without fi rst unlatching it, as this could damage the hot shoe.
• Choose MASTER if the unit will be mounted on the camera hot shoe for use as a master fl ash controlling remote fl ash units via FUJIFILM opti- cal remote fl ash control.
Turning the Flash On and Off Charging The ready lamp blinks while the fl ash charges. The lamp stops blinking when the fl ash is ready to fi re at full power; if the fl ash is fi red before the lamp stops blinking, fl ash output will be less than the val- ue indicated by the guide number (if desired, the fl ash can be confi gured not to beep when charging is complete;...
Turning the Flash On and Off The LCD Backlight The LCD display backlight turns on when controls are used, and remains on for about 15 seconds. The backlight lights green in single fl ash and master modes, amber in remote mode, and red when a temperature warning ( 95) is displayed.
Taking Photographs For automatic through-the-lens (TTL) fl ash control, use the camera in mode P (program AE). Rotate the power switch to ON. Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the l function but- ton to highlight fl ash control mode.
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Taking Photographs After confi rming that the ready lamp is lit, take pictures using the camera shutter button. The fl ash will not fi re if you release the shutter before the ready lamp lights. If you release the shutter while the lamp is fl ashing, the fl ash will fi re but not at full power.
Bounce Lighting The fl ash head can be tilted so that the light from the fl ash is refl ected from a ceiling or wall for softer, more natural lighting or to illuminate the area behind your subject. 90° The fl ash head can be tilted by as much as 90°...
Using the Wide Panel The wide panel off ers coverage for focal lengths as short as about 20 mm (35 mm format equivalent). Slide the wide panel out and down to cover the fresnel lens. Do not use force. The panel could pull free of the fl ash head.
Catchlight Photography The catchlight panel can be used in combination with bounce lighting to add catchlights to your sub- jects’ eyes. Raise the catchlight panel as shown. Catchlight panel Wide panel Return the wide panel to its hous- ing. For best results, stay close to your subject and rotate the fl ash head up 90°...
The Diff user The diff user diff uses and softens the light from the fl ash. Remove the accessory mount cover. When attaching or remov- ing the cover, cup your hand around it as shown. Do not use force. Attach the diff user as shown. When attaching or removing the diff user, observe caution to prevent injury due to your fi ngers getting caught between the diff user and the fl ash unit.
Flash Control Mode When the power switch is rotated to ON (single fl ash mode), you can choose the fl ash control mode from TTL, manual ( 31), and repeating fl ash 33). TTL Mode In TTL mode ( 20), automatic fl ash control is avail- able when the camera is in mode P (program AE).
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Flash Control Mode Press the m function button to highlight fl ash compensation. Rotate the command dial to choose the desired value, or se- lect ±0 to turn fl ash compensa- tion off . Press OK.
Manual Mode In manual mode, you can choose the fl ash output in frac- tions of full power, from 1⁄1 (full power) to 1⁄512, in steps of 1⁄3 EV (note that depending on shooting conditions, output may be less than selected if the limits of the camera expo- sure metering system are reached).
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Flash Control Mode Press the m function button and rotate the command dial to adjust fl ash output. Press OK. The fl ash display shows the approxi- mate range when the camera shutter button is pressed halfway.
Repeating Flash Mode In this mode, the fl ash fi res multiple times. This can be combined with slow shutter speeds for a stroboscopic fl ash that records moving subjects at multiple positions within the frame. You can adjust fl ash output and choose the fl ash frequency (the interval between fl ashes) and the number of times the fl ash fi res with each shot.
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Flash Control Mode Rotate the command dial to se- lect U (repeating fl ash) and press OK. Press the m function button and rotate the command dial to adjust fl ash output. Press OK to proceed. Press the c function but- ton and rotate the command dial to choose the number of the times the fl ash will fi re.
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Press the c function but- ton again and rotate the com- mand dial to choose the fl ash frequency. Press OK. Shutter Speed For best result, shutter speed should approximately equal the time it takes for the fl ash to fi re the selected number of times. Shutter Shutter speed = number of lashes ÷...
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Flash Control Mode Maximum Number of Flashes The maximum values that can be selected for the number of fl ashes is shown below. Output Output ¼ ¼ 1⁄8 1⁄8 1⁄16 1⁄16 1⁄32 1⁄32 1⁄64 1⁄64 1⁄128 1⁄128 ½ 56 ½ 56 1⁄512 1⁄512 6–7...
Camera Controls If the camera off ers full support for the EF-X500 96), fl ash settings can be adjusted using camera controls. Flash Setup Flash settings can be adjust- MODE ed using the p FLASH SET- SHOE MOUNT FLASH TING > FLASH FUNCTION SETTING option in the cam- era shooting menu.
Other Settings This section lists the other settings that can be ac- cessed via the page and function buttons in single fl ash mode. Lighting Give priority to range or fl ash coverage. Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the n function button to highlight lighting.
Coverage Adjust the angle of illumination (fl ash coverage), or choose AUTO to automatically match coverage to lens focal length. Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the e function but- ton to highlight coverage. Rotate the command dial to se- lect the desired option and press This setting has no eff ect when the wide panel is used.
Other Settings LED Video Light On/Off Turn the LED on the front of the fl ash unit on or off . Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the k function button to turn the video light on (L) or off .
LED Video Light Brightness Adjust the brightness of the LED video light. Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the M function button to display the current video light brightness. Rotate the command dial to se- lect the desired brightness and press OK.
Other Settings LED AF-Assist Lamp/Catchlight The LED video light on the front of the fl ash unit can also be used to add a catchlight or as an AF-assist lamp for still photography. Unlike the catchlight panel, the LED catch- light can be used when shooting with the camera rotated to take pictures in portrait (“tall”) orientation or when the fl ash head is at an angle other than 90°.
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Rotate the command dial to high- light one of the following options and press OK to select. • : AF-assist lamp and catchlight off . • : AF-assist lamp on, catchlight off . • : AF-assist lamp off , catchlight on. •...
Other Settings Single Flash Mode Options Page Buttons Single fl ash mode options are summarized below. Page Page Button Button Function Function Options Options l (fl ash O, C, T control mode) −5 – +5 in ⁄ EV steps (TTL m (fl ash mode), ⁄...
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Other Settings Page Page Button Button Function Function Options Options k (LED video light on/ On, off off ) M (LED video ⁄–⁄ light brightness) d (LED AF-assist lamp/ catchlight)
Wireless Flash Control The EF-X500 can act as a master fl ash using optical pulses to control fl ash mode and output for remote fl ash units in up to three groups (A, B, and C). Wireless fl ash control is available in TTL (...
Placement and Range Place the remote units within communications range of the master fl ash, which is shorter outdoors than indoors. The example below shows a single remote unit with TTL fl ash control. Indoors ∼15 m (49 ft.) Outdoors ∼10 m (33 ft.) ∼70°...
Remote Flash Units Follow the steps below to confi gure the unit for use as a remote fl ash. You can use controls on remote units to choose the group ( 50) and channel 52) and make individual adjustments to fl ash compensation or output ( 51).
Remote Flash Units Group Assign remote units to group A (o), B (p), or C (q). The fl ash mode and fl ash compensation or output for the units in each group can be selected using the master fl ash. Press the page button until the page is displayed.
Flash Compensation/Output Adjust fl ash compensation or fl ash output (units in group A, B, or C). The value for the current fl ash unit is added to that selected for the group as a whole and applies regard- less of the fl ash control mode selected with the master fl ash, but note that only whole values can be selected with the master fl ash if individual adjustments are made to fl ash compensation on remote fl ash units.
Remote Flash Units Channel Choose the optical wireless channel (1, 2, 3, or 4) used for communication between the master and remote fl ash units. Separate channels can be used for diff erent fl ash systems or to prevent interference when multiple systems are operating in close proximity;...
Remote Flash Units Remote Mode Options: Summary Page Buttons Remote mode options are summarized below. Page Page Button Button Function Function Options Options o (group A), p (group B), h (group) q (group C), P-MODE (no pre- fl ash), N-MODE (normal) m (fl...
The Master Flash The unit can be confi gured for use as a master fl ash as described below. You can choose the channel 56) and whether to assign the master fl ash to a group or turn it off ( 55).
Group Choose whether the master fl ash remains off or fi res as part of group A, group B, or group C. Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the i function but- ton to highlight the master group. Rotate the command dial to choose the desired option and press OK.
The Master Flash Channel Choose the optical wireless channel (1, 2, 3, or 4) used for communication between the master and remote fl ash units. Separate channels can be used for diff erent fl ash systems or to prevent interference when multiple systems are operating in close proximity;...
Master Mode Options: Summary Page Buttons Master mode options are summarized below. Page Page Button Button Function Function Options Options l (fl ash O, Q, C, T, S control mode) −5 – +5 in ⁄ EV steps (TTL and m (fl ash TTL% modes), ⁄...
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The Master Flash Page Page Button Button Function Function Options Options j (channel) 1–4 J (output priority), n (lighting) I (normal), K (coverage priority) AUTO (coverage is automatically adjusted according to lens focal e (cov- length), M (choose focal length between 24 and 105 mm in erage) 35 mm-format equivalent;...
Camera Controls If the camera off ers full support for the EF-X500 96), fl ash settings can be adjusted using cam- era controls. Camera controls can not be used to ad- just fl ash settings when the unit is in remote mode.
Taking Photographs After confi guring the remote ( 49) and master 54) units, use the master fl ash to choose a fl ash control mode and adjust settings. TTL Mode In TTL mode, overall fl ash output is automatically adjusted for optimal exposure.
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Rotate the command dial to se- lect P and press OK to set all the units in the current group to TTL. If you want the master fl ash to fi re, assign it to a group ( 55). Press the m function button to highlight fl ash compensation.
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Taking Photographs Confi rm that the ready lamps on the master and remote units are lit. If desired, the LED video lights on the remote units can be set to light at the same time as the ready lamps ( 83).
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When placing remote units, note that external light sources may interfere with their operation. You can test-fi re the fl ash to preview the eff ects of the current fl ash setup (modeling fl ash). For information on choosing the role of the test button, see page 82 or the camera manual.
Taking Photographs TTL Output Ratio Selection In this mode, the fl ash units are divided into two groups (A and B), with the output of each group set as a percentage of the overall output, which is automatically adjusted for optimal exposure.
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Rotate the command dial to choose R and press OK to set all units in groups A and B to output ratio selection mode. If you want the master fl ash to fi re, assign it to a group ( 55).
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Taking Photographs Rotate the command dial to choose the output ratio and press OK. Press the m function button to highlight fl ash compensation. Rotate the command dial to choose the desired option and press OK. Confi rm that the ready lamps on the master and remote units are lit.
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Press the ready lamp to test-fi re the remote units. If the remote units do not fi re, check that they are cor- rectly positioned ( 48). Press the camera shutter button to fi re the fl ash units at the selected output ratio and take the picture. Add fl ash units if lighting is insuffi cient.
Taking Photographs Manual Mode Manually adjust fl ash output for one or more groups. After confi rming that the mas- ter and remote units are set to same channel 56), position the camera (mas- ter fl ash) and remote fl ash units 48).
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Rotate the command dial to choose D and press OK to set all the units in the current group to manual. If you want the master fl ash to fi re, assign it to a group ( 55). Press the m function button to highlight fl ash output.
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Taking Photographs Confi rm that the ready lamps on the master and remote units are lit. If desired, the LED video lights on the remote units can be set to light at the same time as the ready lamps ( 83).
Repeating Flash To use repeating fl ash ( 33) with one or more groups: After confi rming that the mas- ter and remote units are set to same channel 56), position the camera (mas- ter fl ash) and remote fl ash units 48).
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Taking Photographs Rotate the command dial to choose W and press OK to set all the units in the current group to repeating fl ash mode. If you want the master fl ash to fi re, assign it to a group ( 55).
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Press the c function but- ton and rotate the command dial to choose the number of the times the fl ash will fi re. Press the c function but- ton again and rotate the com- mand dial to choose the fl ash frequency.
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Taking Photographs Press the ready lamp to test-fi re the remote units. If the remote units do not fi re, check that they are correctly positioned 48). Press the camera shutter button to fi re the fl ash units at the selected settings and take the picture. Add fl ash units if lighting is insuffi cient.
P and N (Slave) Modes Setting the fl ash to a full manual remote slave mode (P or N) allows it to be slaved to an on-camera unit that does not support optical wireless control. Hold the power switch latch and rotate the power switch to REMOTE.
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P and N (Slave) Modes Rotate the command dial to choose a slave mode and press • P-MODE (no pre-fl ash): The unit ignores monitoring “pre-fl ash” pulses and fi res only in response to the main fl ash. Choose this option if the master unit uses pre-fl ash pulses.
P and N (Slave) Modes Flash Output To adjust the output of the slave unit: Press the page button until the page is displayed. Press the m function button to highlight fl ash output. Rotate the command dial to choose the desired option and press OK.
The Setup Menu The setup menu off ers display options and other ba- sic settings. It is available in all modes: single fl ash, master, and remote. Press SETUP. Rotate the command dial to high- light the desired item and press Rotate the command dial to high- light the desired option and press Press SETUP to exit the setup menu.
The Setup Menu Asterisks (“*”) indicate default settings. TEST BUTTON Choose the role of the test button ( 18). Option Option Description Description The test button test-fi res the fl ash. D The test button fi res a modeling fl ash. TTL TEST POWER Adjust test fl ash output in TTL mode.
Asterisks (“*”) indicate default settings. LCD ILLUMINATION Adjust settings for the LCD backlight. Option Option Description Description The backlight does not turn off while the fl ash is on. The backlight remains on for 15 seconds after a control is used. Backlight off...
The Setup Menu Asterisks (“*”) indicate default settings. SENSOR FORMAT Choose the base camera sensor size used to calculate the focal lengths shown in the fl ash display. Option Option Description Description Focal lengths are calculated in 35 mm format. Focal lengths are based on the size of the sensor for the camera to which the fl...
The Setup Menu Asterisks (“*”) indicate default settings. REMOTE STANDBY Choose the delay before the unit goes on standby ( when functioning as a remote fl ash. Option Option Description Description c* The unit goes on standby after 60 minutes of inactivity. The unit goes on standby after 10 minutes of inactivity.
Setting Save, Load, and Reset This section describes how to save, load, and reset fl ash settings, including setup menu settings and the settings selected in ON, REMOTE, and MASTER modes.
Saving Settings Changes to settings can be saved for later recall. Adjust settings as desired ( 81). Press the SETUP button to display the setup menu. Press the g function but- ton. Rotate the command dial to high- light a slot and press OK to select (to exit to the setup menu without saving settings, select CANCEL).
Loading Settings To recall saved settings: Press the SETUP button to display the setup menu. In the setup menu, press the f function button. Rotate the command dial to high- light a slot and press OK to select (to exit to the setup menu without loading settings, select CANCEL).
Restoring Default Settings To restore settings to default values: Press the SETUP button to display the setup menu. In the setup menu, press the a function button. A confi rmation dialog will be dis- played; rotate the command dial to highlight OK and press the OK button (to exit to the setup menu without performing a reset, select CANCEL).
Problem Problem Solution Solution • Confi rm that the camera supports the EF-X500 ( 96). • Confi rm that the ready lamp is on or blinking ( 18). • Confi rm that the fl ash is correctly mounted and latched 15).
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Troubleshooting/FAQ Problem Problem Solution Solution • Check camera exposure settings, including whether the limits of the camera exposure system have been exceeded. See the camera manual for details. • Reduce fl ash compensation (TTL mode; 29) or fl ash Pictures are too output (manual mode;...
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Wireless Flash Photography Problem Problem Solution Solution • Confi rm that the camera supports the EF-X500 ( 96). • Confi rm that the master fl ash is correctly mounted and The camera does latched ( 15). not display the •...
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Troubleshooting/FAQ Problem Problem Solution Solution Even when E (off ) is selected for NMASTER, the master fl ash The master fl ash still fi res at low intensity to control the remote fl ash units fi res when off . 55).
Temperature/Battery Warnings The following appear when the temperature of the unit rises: The fl ash may be disabled to prevent overheating if it is fi red multiple times in quick succession. Wait for the fl ash to cool or increase the interval between shots. The fl...
System Type Type Shoe-mounted external fl ash Model EF-X500 FUJIFILM X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro2; other X-series Supported cameras cameras with hot shoes and FinePix HS20EXR, HS30EXR, and HS50EXR support some functions Flash head Max. guide number Approx. 50/164 (m/ft, 105 mm coverage) (ISO 100) 24 mm–105 mm with auto zoom, approx.
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System System Other features Slave fl ash Supported (P-MODE, N-MODE) LED video light Built-in LED AF-assist/catchlight Built-in Catchlight panel Built-in Diff user Supplied 1. X-T1 and X-Pro2 require fi rmware update. Visit http://www.fujifi lm.com/ sd/ for more information. 2. 35 mm format equivalent. 3.
1⁄1 1⁄1 10.0 10.9 11.2 11.4 11.5 11.8 ½ ½ ¼ ¼ 1⁄8 1⁄8 1⁄16 1⁄16 1⁄32 1⁄32 Guide numbers in the above tables are for when the EF-X500 is used with a X-Pro2 camera with a ⁄ sec. shutter speed.