Godox TT685F - Thinklite TTL Camera Flash Manual

Before using this product:
Please read this user manual carefully in order to ensure your safety and the proper operation of this product. Keep for future reference.

Foreword

This TT685F camera flash applies to Fuji series cameras and is compatible with TTL autoflash. With this TTL compatible flash, your shooting will become simpler. You can easily achieve a correct flash exposure even in complex light-changing environments. This camera flash features:

• GN60 (m ISO 100, @200mm). 22 steps from 1/1 to 1/1 28.
• Fully support Fuji series TTL camera flash. Workable as Master or Slave unit in a wireless flash group.
• Use dot-matrix LCD panel to make clear and convenient operations.
• With built-in 2.4GHz wireless remote system to support transmitting and receiving.
• Provided multiple functions, include HSS (up to 1/8000s), second-curtain sync, FEC, etc.
• Use optional FT-16S to adjust flash parameters & trigger the flash.
• Stable consistency and color temperature good even lighting.
• Support with firmware upgrade.

Compatible Camera Models

Fuji cameras are divided into three kinds according to their different controlling ways to camera flash:

Compatible camera models & functions support

X 100T do not have second curtain sync (REAR) function. The AF assist beam will light up when the shutter is at low speed (< 200).

This table only lists the tested camera models, not all Fuji cameras. For the compatibility of other camera models, a self-test is recommended Rights to modify this table are retained.

Thinklite TTL Camera Flash

Conventions used in this Manual

• This manual is based on the assumption that both the camera and camera flash's power switches are powered on.
• The following alert symbols are used in this manual:
  The Caution symbol gives supplemental information.
  The Note symbol indicates a warning to prevent shooting problem.

Name of Parts

Body

1. Catchlight Panel
2. Built-in Wide Panel
3. Flash Head
4. Optic Control Sensor
5. Focus Assist Beam
6. Wireless Control Port
7. Sync Cord Jack
8. Hotshoe
9. Dot-matrix LCD Panel
10. Lock Ring
11. Battery Compartment
12. USB Port
13. Slave Flash Ready Indicator
14. External Power Supply Socket

Control Panel

15. <MODE> Mode Selection Button / Lock button
16. <>Wireless Selection Button
17. Select Dial
18. <SET> Set Button
19. ON/OFF Power Switch
20. <> Test Button / Flash Ready Indicator
21. Function Button 1
22. Function Button 2
23. Function Button 3
24. Function Button 4

LCD Panel

TTL Autoflash

The display will only show the settings currently applied. The functions displayed above function buttons 1 to 4, such as and , change according to settings' status. When a button or dial is operated, the LCD panel illuminated.

Manual Flash

Multi Stroboscopic Flash

Radio Transmission Shooting

What's in the Box of TT685F?

1. Flash unit
2. Mini stand
3. Protection case
4. Instruction manual

Separately Sold Accessories

The product can be used in combination with the following accessories sold separately, so as to achieve best photography effects:

X1T-F wireless flash trigger, FT-16S power & trigger control, Mini softbox, White & Silver reflector, Honeycomb, Color gels, Snoot, etc.

Attaching to a Camera

1. Attach the Camera Flash.
   
   • Slip the camera flash's mounting foot into the camera's hotshoe all the way.
2. Secure the Camera Flash.
   
   • Rotate the lock ring on the mounting foot until it locks up.
3. Detach the Camera Flash.
   
   • Rotate the lock ring on the mounting foot until it is loosened.

Power Management

Use ON/OFF Power Switch to power the flash unit on or off. Turn off if it will not be used for an extended period of time. Setting as a master flash, it will turn the power off automatically after a certain period (approx. 90 seconds) of idle use. Pressing the camera shutter halfway or pressing any flash button will wake up the flash unit. Setting as a slave flash, it will enter sleep mode after 60 minutes (adjustable, 30 minutes by default) of idle use. Pressing any flash button will wake it up.

Flash Mode: TTL Autoflash

This flash has three flash modes: TTL, Manual (M), and Multi (Stroboscopic). In TTL mode, the camera and the flash will work together to calculate the correct exposure for the subject and the background. In this mode, multiple TTL functions are available: FEC, HSS, second curtain sync, etc.

* Press <MODE> Mode Selection Button and three flash modes will display on the LCD panel one by one with each pressing.

TTL Mode

Press <MODE> Mode Selection Button to enter TTL mode. The LCD panel will display <TTL>.

• Press the camera release button halfway to focus. The aperture and effective flash range be displayed in the viewfinder.
• When the shutter button is fully pressed, the flash will fire a pre-flash that the camera will use to calculate exposure and flash output the instant before the photo is taken.

FEC: Flash Exposure Compensation

With FEC function, this flash can adjust from -3 to +3 in 1/3rd stops. It is useful in situations where minor adjusting of the TTL system is needed based on the environment.

Setting FEC:

1. Press Function Button 2 <>. The icon <> and flash exposure compensation amount will be highlighted on the LCD panel.
   
2. Set the flash exposure compensation amount.
   
   • Turn the Select Dial to set the amount.
   • "0.3" means 1/3 step, "0.7"means 2/3 step.
   • To cancel the flash exposure compensation, set the amount to "+0".
3. Press <SET> button again to confirm the setting.
   

High-Speed Sync

High Speed Sync (Hss flash) enables the flash to synchronize with all camera shutter speeds. This is convenient when you want to use aperture priority for fill-flash portraits.

• Setting the flash to High-speed Sync mode when it is on the camera:
  Use the Flash Setting > Flash Light Function Setting on the camera's shooting menu to adjust settings of the flash light. For more details please refer to camera's instruction menu.
  

When choosing FP on the "SYNC" setting, it means the high-speed sync function is turned on.

With high-speed sync, the faster the shutter speed, the shorter the effective flash range. Multi flash mode cannot be set in high-speed sync mode. Over-temperature protection may be activated after 15 consecutive high-speed sync flashes.

Second-Curtain Sync

With a slow shutter speed, you can create a light train following the subject. The flash fires right before the shutter closes.

• Setting second-curtain sync:
  Use the Flash Setting > Flash Light Function Setting on the camera's shooting menu to adjust settings of the flash light. For more details please refer to camera's instruction menu.
  

When choosing REAR on the ''SYNC" setting, it means the second-curtain sync function is turned on.

Flash Mode -- M: Manual Flash

The flash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power to 1/128th power in 1/3rd stop increments. To obtain a correct flash exposure, use a hand-held flash meter to determine the required flash output.

1. Press <MODE> button so that <M> is displayed.
   
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output amount.
   
3. Press <SET> button again to confirm the setting.

Flash Output Range

The following table makes it easier to see how the stop changes in terms of f/stop when you increase or decrease the flash output. For example, when you decrease the flash output to 1/2, 1/2-0.3, or 1/2-0.7, and then increase the flash output to more than 1/2, 1/2+0.3, 1/2+0.7, and 1/1 will be displayed.

Optical S1 Secondary Unit Setting

In M manual flash mode, press Function Button 3 <> button so that this flash can function as an optic S1 secondary flash with optic sensor. With this function, the flash will fire synchronously when the main flash fires, the same effect as that by the use of radio triggers. This helps create multiple lighting effects.

Optical S2 Secondary Unit Setting

Press Function Button 3 <> button so that this flash can also function as an optic S2 secondary flash optic sensor in M manual flash mode. This is useful when cameras have pre-flash function. With this function, the flash will ignore a single "preflash" from the main flash and will only fire in response to the second, actual flash from the main unit.

Manual Off Camera High-speed Setting

In M manual flash mode, press Function Button 4 <> button to select high-speed mode and is displayed.

S1 and S2 optical triggering is only available in M manual flash mode.

Flash Mode -- Multi: Stroboscopic Flash

With stroboscopic flash, a rapid series of flashes is fired. It can be used to capture a multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph.

You can set the firing frequency (number of flashes per sec. expressed as Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output.

1. Press <MODE> button so that <> is displayed.
   
2. Turn the Select Dial to choose a desired flash output.
3. Set the flash frequency and flash times.
   
   • Press Function Button 3 < > to select the flash times. Turn the Select Dial to set the number.
   • Press Function Button 4 <> to select the flash frequency. Turn the Select Dial to set the number
   • After you finish the setting, press <SET> button and all the settings will be displayed.

Calculating the Shutter Speed

During stroboscopic flash, the shutter remains open until the firing stops. Use the formula below to calculate the shutter speed and set it with the camera.

Number of Flashes / Flash Frequency = Shutter Speed

For example, if the number of flashes is 10 and the firing frequency is 5 Hz, the shutter speed should be at least 2 seconds.

To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not use stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession. After 10 times, allow the camera flash to rest for at least 15 minutes. If you try to use the stroboscopic flash more than 10 times in succession, the firing might stop automatically to protect the flash head. If this happens, allow at least 15 minutes' rest for the camera flash.

Stroboscopic flash is most effective with a highly reflective subject against a dark background. Using a tripod and a remote control is recommended. A flash output of 1/1 and 1/2 cannot be set for stroboscopic flash. Stroboscopic flash can be used with "buLb". If the number of flashes is displayed as "--", the firing will continue until the shutter closes or the battery is exhausted. The number of flashes will be limited as shown by the following table.

Maximum Stroboscopic Flashes:

Wireless Flash Shooting: Radio (2.4G) Transmission

• You can set up three slave groups for TTL autoflash shooting. With TTL autoflash, you can easily create various lighting effects.
• Any flash settings for the slave units on the master flash in TTL/ Manual/ MuIti mode will be automatically sent to the slave units. So the only thing you need to do is to set the master unit for each slave group without any operation for the slave units at all during the shooting.
• This flash can work in TTL /M /MuIti /OFF flash modes when set as a master unit.

As a slave unit, TT685F is compatible with Godox X1 series transmitter e.g. X1T-C (For Canon), X1T-N (For Nikon), X1T-S (For Sony), X1T-F (For Fuji), X1T-O (For Olympus or Panasonic).

Even with multiple slave units, the master unit can control all of them via wireless. In this user manual, "master unit" refers to the camera flash on a camera and ''slave unit" will be controlled by the master unit.

Wireless Settings

You can switch between normal flash and wireless flash. For normal flash shooting, be sure to set the wireless setting to OFF.

Master Unit Setting

1. Press <> button so that <> is displayed on the LCD panel. If < MULTI> is displayed, it means Multi mode is ON.
   
2. The backlight turns green now.

Slave Unit Setting

1. Press <> button so that <> and <> are displayed on the LCD panel.
   
2. The backlight turns orange now.

Setting Master Unit's Flash Mode

1. Press Function Button 4 <> to choose the group from M/A/B/C. Then, press Function Button 3 <MODE> so that the master unit can work in OFF/TTL/M flash mode. Choose one of them as the flash mode of master unit.
   
2. Press <MODE> button to switch to Multi mode.
   

Setting the Communication Channel

If there are other wireless flash systems nearby, you can change the channel IDs to prevent signal interference. The channel IDs of the master unit and the slave unit(s) must be set to the same.

1. Press Function Button 3 <> and turn the Select Dial to choose a channel ID from 1 to 32.
   
2. Press the <SET> button to confirm.
   

Wireless ID Settings

Change the wireless channels and wireless ID to avoid interference for it can only be triggered after the wireless IDs and channels of the master unit and the slave unit are set to the same.

Press the <MENU> button to enter C.Fn ID. Press the <SET> button to choose OFF channel expansion shutdown, and choose any figure from 01 to 99.

TTL: Fully Automatic Wireless Flash Shooting

Autoflash Shooting with One Slave Unit

1. Master Unit Setting
   
   • Attach a TT685F camera flash on the camera and set it as the master unit.
   • M/A/B/C can be set as TTL mode independently.
2. Slave Unit Setting
   
   • Set the other camera flash as the wireless slave unit.
   • The slave unit can be set as A/B/C.
3. Check the communication channel
   • If the master unit and slave unit(s) are set to a different channel, set them to the same channel.
4. Position the camera and flashes
   • Position the camera and flashes as the picture in the next section shows.
5. Check that the flash is ready
   
   • Check that the master flash ready indicator is lightened.
   • When the slave flash ready indicator is ready, the AF-assist beam lighting area will blink at 1 second intervals.
6. Check the flash operation
   
   • Press the master unit's Test Button <>.
   • Then, the slave unit will fire. If not, check whether the slave unit is put in the right position or not.

The slave unit might be out of order or fire an unwanted flash due to the nearby fluorescent lamp or computer screen.

If the slave unit's auto power off function is workable, press the master unit's test button to power it on. Please note that test firing is unavailable during the camera's regular metering time. The effective time of slave auto power off is changeable. (C.Fn-Sv APOT) By making some settings, the auto AF-assist transmitter will not blink after the slave unit's flash ready indicator is lightened. (C.Fn-AF)

Using Fully Automatic Wireless Flash

The FEC and other settings that set on the master unit will also be appeared on the slave unit automatically. The slave unit does not need any operation. Use the following settings to make wireless flashes according to the same methods with normal flash shooting.

• Flash Exposure Compensation ()

About Master Unit

Use two or more master units. By preparing several cameras that come with master units flash attached, cameras can be changed in shooting while keeping the same lighting source (slave unit).

M: Wireless Flash Shooting with Manual Flash

This describes wireless (multiple shooting) using manual flash. You can shoot with a different flash output setting for each slave unit (firing group). Set all parameters on the master unit.

1. Setting the flash mode to <M>
   
   • Press Function Button 4 <> to choose groups. Then, press Function Button 3 <MODE> to set the flash to M mode.
2. Setting flash output
   
   • When choosing the state of the group, press Function Button 2 <> to set the power output. Turn the Select Dial to set the flash output of the groups. Press the <SET> button to confirm.
3. Taking the picture
   • Each group fires at the set flash ratio.

Multi: Manual Wireless Flash Shooting

1. Setting <Multi> stroboscopic flash.
   
   • Press <MODE> button so that < MULTI> is displayed.
   • Setting the stroboscopic flash.

Using a flash (master/slave) with a radio transmission wireless shooting function make it easy to shoot with advanced wireless multiple flash lighting, in the same way as TTL autoflash shooting. The basic relative position and operation range are as shown in the picture. You can then perform wireless TTL autoflash shooting just by setting the master unit to <TTL>.

Positioning and Operation Range (Example of wireless flash shooting)

• Autoflash Shooting with One Slave Unit
  

Use the supplied mini stand to position the slave unit. Before shooting, perform a test flash and test shooting. The transmission distance night be shorter depending on the conditions such as positioning of slave units, the surrounding environment and weather conditions.

Wireless Multiple Flash Shooting

You can divide the slave units into two or three groups and perform TTL autoflash while changing the flash ratio (factor). In addition, you can set and shoot with a different flash mode for each firing group, for up to 5 groups.

• Auto Shooting with Two Slave Groups
  
• Auto Shooting with Three Slave Groups
  

The Reason & Solution Of Not Triggering in Godox 2.4G Wireless

1. Disturbed by the 2.4G signal in outer environment (e.g. wireless base station, 2.4G wifi router, Bluetooth, etc.)
   • To adjust the channel CH setting on the flash trigger (add 10+ channels) and use the channel which is not disturbed. Or turn off the other 2.4G equipment in working.
2. Please make sure that whether the flash has finished its recycle or caught up with the continuous shooting speed or not (the flash ready indicator is lighten) and the flash is not under the state of over-heat protection or other abnormal situation.
   • Please downgrade the flash power output. If the flash is in TTL mode, please try to change it to M mode (a preflash is needed in TTL mode).
3. Whether the distance between the flash trigger and the flash is too close or not
   • Please turn on the "close distance wireless mode" on the flash trigger (< 0.5m):
     X1 series: press the test button and hold on, then turning it on until the flash ready indicator blinks for 2 times.
     XPro series: Set the C.Fn-DlST to 0-30m.
4. Whether the flash trigger and the receiver end equipment are in the low battery states or not
   • Please replace the battery (the flash trigger is recommended to use 1.5V disposable alkaline battery).

Other Applications

Wireless Control Function

The flash unit is built in with a Wireless Control Port so that you can wirelessly adjust the power level of the flash and the flash triggering. To control the flash wirelessly, you need a FT-16S remote control set (on-camera and on-flash). Insert its receive end into the Wireless Control Port on the flash and insert the transmit end into the camera hot shoe. Settings made on the hotshoe-mounted transmit and receive ends will be wirelessly communicated to the flash. Then you can press the camera shutter release button to trigger the flash. You can also hold the transmit end at hand to control your off-camera flash.

For full instructions on the use of FT series remote control, see its user manual.

Sync Triggering

The Sync Cord Jack is a Ø3.5mm plug. Insert a trigger plug here and the flash be fired synchronously with the camera shutter.

Auto Focus Assist Beam

In poorly-lit or low-contrast shooting environments, the built-in auto focus assist beam will automatically light on to make it easier for autofocus. The beam will light up only when autofocus is difficult and get out as soon as the autofocus becomes correct.

If you want to turn off the auto focus assist beam, set the "AF" to "OFF" on the C.Fn settings.

If you find the auto focus assist beam does not light up, this is because the camera has got a correct autofocus. The auto focus assist beam can only start up in the slow shutter.
Position	Effective Range
Center	0.6~10m / 2.0~32.8 feet
Periphery	0.6~5m / 2.0~16.4 feet

Bounce Flash

By pointing the flash head toward a wall or ceiling, the flash will bounce off the surface before illuminating the subject. This can soften shadows behind the subject for a more natural-looking shot. This is called bounce flash.

To set the bounce direction, hold the flash head and turn it to a satisfying angle.

If the wall or ceiling is too far away, the bounced flash might be too weak and result in underexposure. The wall or the ceiling should be a plain, white color for high reluctance. If the bounce surface is not white, a color cast may appear in the picture.

Creating a Catch light

With the catchlight panel, you can create a catchlight in the subject's eyes to add life to the facial expression.

1. Point the flash head upward by 90º.
   
2. Pull out the wide panel. The catchlight panel will come out at the same time.
3. Push the wide panel back in.
   
   • Push in only the wide panel.
   • Follow the same procedures as for bounce flash.

Point the flash head straight ahead and then upward by 90º. The catchlight will not appear if you swing the flash head left or right. For best catchlight effect, stay 1.5m/4.9ft away from the subject.

ZOOM: Setting the Flash Coverage and Using the Wide Panel

The flash coverage can be set automatically or manually. It can be set to match the lens focal length from 20mm to 200mm (135 system). Also, with the built-in wide panel, the flash coverage can be expanded for 12mm wide-angle lenses.

Choose APS or 135 system in the C.Fn-AP.

In Manual Zoom mode, press the <ZOOM/C.FN> button.

• Turn the Select Dial to change the flash coverage.
  
• If < > is displayed, the flash coverage will be set automatically.

If you set the flash coverage manually, make sure it covers the lens focal length so that the picture will not have a dark periphery.

Using the Wide Panel

Pull out the wide panel and place it over the flash head as shown. The flash coverage will then be extended to 12 mm.

• The catchlight panel will come out at the same time. Push the catchlight panel back in.
• The <ZOOM/C.FN> button will not work.

Low Battery Warning

If the battery power is low, <> will appear and blink on the LCD panel. Please replace the battery immediately.

C.Fn: Setting Custom Functions

The following table lists the available and unavailable custom functions of this flash.

1. Press <Zm/C.Fn> Backlight/Custom Setting Button for 2 seconds or longer until C.Fn menu is displayed. The "\/er x.x" in the top-right corner refers to the software version.
2. Select the Custom Function No.
   • Turn the Select Dial to select the Custom Function.
3. Change the Setting.
   • Press <SET> button and the Setting No. blinks.
   • Turn the Select Dial to set the desired number. Pressing <SET> button will confirm the settings.
   • After you set the Custom Function and press <MODE> button, the camera will be ready to shoot.
4. In the C.Fn states, long press the "Clear" button for 2 seconds until "OK" is displayed on the panel, which means the values in C.Fn can be reset.

Firmware Upgrade

This flash supports firmware upgrade through the USB port. Update information will be released on our official website.

USB connection line is not included in this product. The USB port is a standard Micro USB socket. Common USB connection line is applicable.

Protection Function

Over-Temperature Protection

• To avoid overheating and deteriorating the flash head, do not fire more than 30 continuous flashes in fast succession at 1/1 full power. After 30 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 minutes.
• If you fire more than 30 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner over-temperature protection function may be activated and make the recycling time over 10 seconds. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 10 minutes, and the flash unit will then return to normal.
• When the over-temperature protection is started, is shown on the LCD display.

Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection:

Number of flashes that will activate over-temperature protection in high-speed sync triggering mode:

Other Protections

The system provides real-time protection to secure the device and your safety. The following lists prompts for your reference:

Technical Data

Troubleshooting

If there is a problem, refer to this Troubleshooting Guide.

The Camera Flash cannot be charged.

• The battery is installed in the wrong direction.
  • Install the battery in the correct direction.
• The camera flash's internal battery is exhausted.
  • If < > appears and blinks on the LCD panel, replace the battery immediately.

The Camera Flash does not fire.

• The camera flash is not attached securely to the camera.
  • Attach the camera's mounting foot securely to the camera.
• The electrical contacts of the Camera Flash and camera are dirty.
  • Clean the contacts.

The power turns off by itself.

• After 90 seconds of idle operation, auto power off took effect if the flash is set as master.
  • Press the shutter button halfway or press any flash button to wake up.
• After 60 minutes (or 30 minutes) of idle operation, the flash unit will enter sleep mode if it is set as slave
  • Press any flash button to wake up.

Auto zoom does not work.

• The camera flash is not attached securely to the camera.
  • Attach the camera flash's mounting foot to the camera.

The flash exposure is underexposed or overexposed.

• You used high-speed sync.
  • With high-speed sync, the effective flash range will be shorter. Make sure the subject is within the effective flash range displayed.
• You used Manual Flash mode.
  • Set the flash mode to TTL or modify the flash output.

Photos have dark comers or only parts of the target subject are illuminated.

• The focal length of lens exceeds the flash coverage.
  • Check the flash coverage you set. This flash unit has the flash coverage between 20 and 200mm, which fits medium-format cameras. Pull the wide panel out to extend the flash coverage.

Maintenance

• Shut down the device immediately should abnormal operation be detected.
• Avoid sudden impacts and the product should be dedusted regularly.
• It is normal for the flash tube to be warm when in use. Avoid continuous flashes if unnecessary.
• Maintenance of the flash must be performed by our authorized maintenance department which can provide original accessories.
• This product, except consumables e.g. flash tube, is supported with a one-year warranty.
• Unauthorized service will void the warranty.
• If the product had failures or was wet, do not use it until it is repaired by professionals.
• Changes made to the specifications or designs may not be reflected in this manual.

Warning

Always keep this product dry. Do not use in rain or in damp conditions.

Do not disassemble. Should repairs become necessary, this product must be sent to an authorized maintenance center.

Keep out of reach of children.

Stop using this product if it breaks open due to extrusion, falling or strong hit. Otherwise, electric shock may occur if you touch the electronic parts inside it.

Do not fire the flash directly into the eyes (especially those of babies) within short distances. Otherwise visual impairment may occur.

Do not use the flash unit in the presence of flammable gases, chemicals and other similar materials. In certain circumstance, these materials may be sensitive to the strong light emitting from this flash unit and fire or electromagnetic interference may result.

Do not leave or store the flash unit if the ambient temperature reads over 50^oC. Otherwise the electronic parts may be damaged.

Turn off the flash unit immediately in the event of malfunction.

GODOX Photo Equipment Co., Ltd.

Add: 1st to 4th Floor, Building 2/ 1st to 4th Floor, Building 4, Yaochuan Industrial Zone, Tangwei Community, Fuhai Street, Bao'an District, Shenzhen 518103, China
Tel: +86-755-29609320(8062)
Fax: +86-755-25723423
E-maiI: godox@godox.com
http://www.godox.com