User Manual

WirelessFlashRF60

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Table of Contents1. Getting to Know your RF60 03

2. Caution and Warnings 04

3.MajorSpecifications05

4. Package Contents 06

5.Nomenclature07

6. LCD Panel 08

7. GettingStarted08

8. On-cameraOperation:18Local Mode

9. WirelessFlash:20Master and Slave Modes

10.GroupAliases25

11.AdvancedOperation27

12. Personalizing the RF60 39

13. Working with Cactus 43 Triggers

14.ExternalPower45

15.FormingtheCapacitor46

16.USBConnection47

17.OptionalAccessories47

18. Troubleshooting 48

19.Notices 51

20.Warranty 53

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1. Getting to Know your RF60

Thank you for purchasing the Cactus Wireless Flash RF60. We know that you willenjoythebenefitsofyournewwirelessportableflash.TheRF60isuniqueamongotherflashesavailable onthemarket.Withabuilt-in transmitterandreceiver,itnotonlyreceiveswirelesssignals,butitalsofunctionsasacommandertocontrol other RF60s. The possibilities are endless!

PleasetakethetimetoexploreallthefeaturesinyournewRF60: – Built-in wirelesscommanderandreceiver

– Remotecontrolofpowerandzoomlevels

– Group control of up to four groups withconfigurableGroup Alias

– Optical Slave with delay feature – High poweruptoGuideNumberof56meters

– CompatiblewithCactusV6 Wireless Flash Transceiver

– Multi-flash feature – HSSSympathymode provides HSS support when working with TTL flashes

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2. Caution and WarningsBeforeusingtheproduct,readthefollowing instructions to ensure correct and safe use and to help preventdamageoftheCactusRF60.

1.TurnOFFallyourequipment (Cactusunits,cameras,etc.) before changing batteries or makingaconnection.

2.Removebatteriesandswitchofftheflashwhenitisnotinuse.

3.Useonlythebatteriesspecifiedinthisinstructionmanual.

4.Donotpermanentlystorethe productinahightemperatureenvironment(i.e.,understrongdirectsunlight,nearcookingstovesoroven).

5.Theflashshouldnotbesubmergedin liquid or exposed to heavy rain unless it is properly protected.

6. Do not operate the device in the presenceofflammablegasesorfumes.

7.Donotfiretheflashdirectlyintotheeyesofsomeoneatcloserange.

8.Donotfiretheflashdirectlyatthedriverofamovingcar.

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3. Major Specifications – GuideNumber(ISO100):Zoom(mm) 24 28 35 50 70 80 105

GN(meter) 33 34 38 45 51 54 56

GN(feet) 108 112 124 147 168 177 183

– Motorzooms:24mm–28mm–35mm–50mm–70mm–80mm–105mm

– Powerlevels(22intotal):1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128

1/2+0.3 1/4 +0.3 1/8 +0.3 1/16 +0.3 1/32 +0.3 1/64 +0.3 1/128 +0.3

1/2 +0.7 1/4 +0.7 1/8 +0.7 1/16 +0.7 1/32 +0.7 1/64 +0.7 1/128 +0.7

– Flashdurations:1/300s–1/20,000s – Modes:Local(L),Master(M),andSlave(S)

– Workingradiofrequency:2.4GHz – Numberofchannels:16 – Numberofgroups:4 – Maximumwirelesseffective distance:100meters(328feet)

– Built-inopticalslavemode: S1(straighttriggering); S2(pre-flashignoredtriggering)

– Powerinput: 4 AA batteries (LR6 alkaline or Ni-MH),rechargeableNi-MHforbestperformance

– Flashcountperbatterycycle: 100(at1/1power); 2000(at1/128power)

– Minimumrecycletime: 0.1-5.0seconds(withalkalinebatteries);0.1-3.0seconds(withSanyoEneloop)

– Colortemperature:5600k+/-200k – Operatingtemperature: -20°Cto+50°C

– Dimensions:205x83x61mm – Netweight:390g

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4. Package Contents

Flash RF60 Carrying Case FC-3

User ManualFlash Stand FS-2

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5. Nomenclature

WIDEANGLEDIFFUSER ANDBOUNCECARD FRESNELLENS

OPTICALSENSOR

TRIPODMOUNT

EXTERNALPOWERCONNECTOR

CONNECTORCOVER

MOUNTINGFOOT

CONNECTORCOVER

3.5mmCONNECTOR

HOTSHOECONTACT

BOUNCEANGLE INDICATOR

LCDPANEL

MODEBUTTON

MENUBUTTON

-BUTTON

NEXTBUTTON +BUTTON

ON/OFFSWITCH

TESTBUTTON/FLASH-READYINDICATOR

BATTERYCOMPARTMENTDOOR

MULTI/HSSBUTTONGROUPBUTTON

USB PORT

HOT SHOE LOCKINGWHEEL

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6. LCD Panel

7. Getting StartedInserting Batteries

1.Usingyourthumb,pressonthebatterycompartmentdoorandslide it open in the direction shown by the arrow.

7.1

GROUPPANEL

OPERATINGMODES CHANNEL

BEEPINDICATOROPTICALSLAVE DELAYINDICATOR

BATTERYLEVEL

HIGHTEMPERATUREWARNING

POWERLEVEL POWERLEVELINCREMENT

HSS SYMPATHY MODE

TEXT AREA SELECTIONINDICATORS

ZOOM LEVEL

STATUSBAR

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2.Installthebatteries.Makesurethepositive(+)andnegative(-)batterycontactsareproperly oriented as shown in the compartment.

3.Slidethebatterycompartmentdoor in the direction shown by the arrow to close it.

Caution:1. Use a new set of AA batteries of thesamebrandandtype.Whenreplacingbatteries,replaceallfouratthesametime.

2. AA-sizedalkaline,Ni-MH,orlithiumbatteriescanbeused.Use only one type of batteries at atime.Donotmixbatterytypes.

3. Ifyouchangebatteriesafterfiringmanyflashescontinuously,beawarethatthebatteriesmaybe hot.

4. Foralkalineorlithium batteries,thebatterylevelindicator on the LCD will show whenaround50%ofthebatterypowerhasbeenconsumed,and

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the indicator will blink when theflashdoesnothaveenough powertofire. Replace batteries immediatelywhenyouseetheblinking signal. The indicator is not applicable to Ni-MHbattery.

5.Whentheflashisnotinuse, removethebatteriestopreventpossibledamagefrombatterycorrosion.

Attaching to and detaching the flash from the camera

1.Toattachtheflash,slidetheflash’shotshoemountingfootallthewayintothecamera’shotshoe.

2.Tosecuretheflash,rotatethelockingwheelonthemountingfoot to the left until it locks.

7.2

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3.Todetachtheflash,rotatethelockingwheelonthemountingfoot to the right until it is loosened.

Turning the Flash on

1.SwitchtheOn/OffSwitchtoON.Theflashstartscharging.

2.Checkthattheflashisready.

-Theflash-readyindicatorblinksinred,indicatingthattheflashisreadyforquickflash(see Section12.3).

7.3

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-Oncefullycharged,theflash-ready indicator stays red and the flashisreadytogivefullpoweroutput.

- Press the buttontofireatestflash.

Adjusting the Flash Head

Bypointingtheflashtowardawallorceiling,theflashwillbounceoff thesurfacebeforeilluminatingthesubject. This will soften the shadows

7.4

Caution:1. WhentheflashisswitchedONbutnotused,afteracertainperiodoftime,theflash’spowerturnsoffautomatically.However,theflashstillconsumespowerandbatteries discharge over a long periodoftime,whichmaydamagethebatterycontactsoftheflash.Therefore,shutofftheflash poweriftheflashisnotinuse.

2. Ifyoufiremorethan20 continuousflashesatfullpowerinshortintervals,theinneroverheating prevention function maybeactivatedtoprolongtherecyclingtimetoabout8seconds–20seconds.Thetemperaturewarning signal will appear in the status bar of the LCD screen. Ifthisoccurs,allowaresttimeofabout15minutes,andtheflashwillthenreturntonormal.

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behindthesubjectforamorenatural-looking shot. This is called abounceflash.

TheflashheadoftheRF60canbetilteduptoaverticalangleof90̊ ,withclickstopsat30̊ ,60̊ ,and75̊ .Horizontally,itcanberotatedupto180̊ totherightand90̊ totheleft,withclickstopsat30̊ ,60̊ ,90̊ ,120̊ ,150̊ (right)and30̊ ,60̊ (left).

Tip:Whenusingbounceflash,trytoavoid hitting the subject with directflashlight.Makesuretheflashheadissufficientlyangledawayfromthesubject.

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Bounce Card and Wide Angle Diffuser

There is a bounce card and wide angle diffuser set built in the RF60. The bounce card and wide angle diffuser canbeusedseparatelyoratthesametime.

Using the Bounce Card

1.Pointtheflashheadupwardby90°. 2. Pull out the wide angle diffuser.

Thebouncecardwillcomeoutatthesametime.

3. Push the wide angle diffuser back in. The bounce card will be ready for use.

Tip: The bounce card is useful in bounceflashapplicationsto directsomeofthelighttowardthesubject in order to create catch lightsand/orsoftenstrongshadowsfromthebouncedlight.

7.5

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Using the Wide Angle Diffuser

1. Pull out the wide angle diffuser andplaceitovertheflashheadasshown.Thebouncecardwillcomeoutatthesametime.

2. Push the bounce card back in. Theflashwillilluminateat18mmcoverage.

Choosing the Operating Mode

TherearethreeoperatingmodesintheRF60,namelyLocal,Master,andSlave.UponswitchingontheRF60,press the button to choose the appropriatemode.Themodeindicatorturnsinthefollowingsequence: Local Master Slave

Modes Where to place the RF60?

With wireless control?

oncamera X

oncamera √

offcamera √

7.6

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Setting Channel

When the RF60 units are in the Master orSlavemode,theyneedto communicateinthesameRFwirelesschannel with each other.

Tosetthechannel,press . Use the or button to select the RF channel. Press to go back to themainscreen.Theselected channel will be shown on the LCD panel.

Navigating the Menu

ThereareanumberofconfigurablemenuoptionsontheRF60.

Tochangeamenuoption: 1. Press the button to access

thefirstmenuitem. 2. Press the button to change

themenusubjectinthesequence. 3. Press the or button to see

eachoptionofamenuitem.Theconfigurationofthemenuitemwillchangeimmediately.

7.7

7.8

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4. Press the button to leave andgobacktothemainscreen,orpress the button to change the menutothenextiteminthe sequence.

Menu item and corresponding options

Text shown on LCD

Applicable modes

L M S

RF Channel - 1-16

CH - 1-16

√ √

DelayTimer -0-999ms

DELAY -0-999ms

√ √ √

Optical Slave - Off -S1:Straight Triggering -S2:Pre-flashIgnored

OPT SL - OFF -S1(FIRST) -S2(MAIN)

√ √ √

Quick Flash - Off - On

QCK FL - OFF -ON

√ √ √

Beep Feedback - Off -Fn1:QuickFlash -Fn2:FullCharge -Fn3:Insufficient Power Warning

BEEP - OFF -Fn1(QCKFL) -Fn2(READY) -Fn3(WARN)

√ √ √

SleepTimer - Off -3min -5min -15min -30min -60min

SLEEP - OFF -3min -5min -15min -30min -60min

√ √ √

LCD Backlight - Off -5sec -15sec - Continuous

BK LGT - OFF -5sec -15sec -ON

√ √ √

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8.1

8. On-camera Operation: Local Mode

SetuptheRF60inLocalmodewhenyouworkwithoneflashonthecamera’shotshoe.

Inthemainscreen,thepowerlevelisshownontheleftwhilethezoomlevel is shown on the right. The selection indicator ► will be shown ateitherthepowerlevelorzoom level. Press the button to switch the selection indicator in ordertoadjustasettingofanitem.

Adjusting the Power Level

Toadjustthepowerlevel,press until the selection indicator ► is pointing to the power ratio value (i.e.,theleftfigureinthecentralrow).Press to increase or to decrease the power level.

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The power levels available for adjustmentare:

1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128

1/2+0.3 1/4 +0.3 1/8 +0.3 1/16 +0.3 1/32 +0.3 1/64 +0.3 1/128 +0.3

1/2 +0.7 1/4 +0.7 1/8 +0.7 1/16 +0.7 1/32 +0.7 1/64 +0.7 1/128 +0.7

Adjusting the Zoom Level

Toadjustthezoomlevel,press until the selection indicator ► is pointingtothezoomvalue(i.e.,therightfigureinthecenterrow).Press to increase or to decrease the

zoomlevel.

Thezoomlevelsavailableforadjustmentare:

Zoom(mm) 24 28 35 50 70 80 105

8.2

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9. Wireless Flash: Master and Slave Modes

Withabuilt-inRadioFrequency(RF)module,theRF60hastheabilitytocommunicatewithotherRF60unitswirelessly.TocontrolandfiretheRF60wirelessly,setuponeRF60inMastermodeandtheotherRF60unitsinSlavemode.

Setting up the RF60 Slave

1. Make sure that the RF60 units that you want to control through theMasterflasharesetto mode(seeSection7.6).

2. Set the units to the sameRF channel(seeSection7.7).

3. Assign RF60 Slave units to either groupA,B,C,orD.Pressto select the group for each RF60. Each press of the Group button in Slavemodewillchangethegroupin the sequence of A-B-C-D. The selected group will be shown on the group panel.

9.1

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9.2 Commanding with the RF60 Master

1.Settheon-cameraRF60to mode by pressing (see Section 7.6).

2. Set the RF60 Master to the same channel as the RF60 Slave units (seeSection7.7).

3. Check the group statuses on the group panel. Only activated group(s)willbeshownasA,B,C,or D boxes.

Changing parameters of the Master flash

4.OntheRF60Master,youcanchangethepowerlevelandzoomleveloftheMasterflash itself,andtheRF60SlaveflashesingroupsA,B,C,andD.

5.ThedefaultgroupistheMasterRF60.Inthedisplay,thetextareawillshow<MASTER>.Nogroupisselectedinthegrouppanel,though it still shows the group activation status.

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Changing parameters of a particular Slave group

6. To select a particular group for remotecontrol, press and the group selection indicator will go to group A.

7.Press again to select the nextgroup,i.e.,groupB.Eachpress of the Group button will select the next group in the followingsequence: Master A B C D

8. Adjust the power level of the Masterflashorofaparticulargroup using the or button. Press toadjustthezoom level. You can also adjust the zoomlevelwiththe or button.

Note:Thepowerandzoomlevelwillonly apply to the group being selected.

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Changing parameters of all active groups

9.Youmayalsochangesettingsforallactivegroupsatthesametime.Toselectallgroups, press and hold the button.

10. All selection indicators of the activated groups will be on and the text area will show <ALL GP>. Thefirstactivatedgroupinthesequence of Master-A-B-C-D will be chosen as the reference group.

11.Adjustthepowerandzoomlevelsas you would for a single group. The relative changes in both settingsinthereferencegroup,however,willapplytoallactivegroups,includingtheMasterflash.Forexample,byadjustingthe power level of the reference groupfrom1/4to1/8(i.e.,adecreaseof1EV),thepowerlevelsof all the active groups will decreaseby1EVaccordingly.

12. Toexitfromallgroupcontrol,press the button once.

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Turning on and off a Slave group

13.Ifyouwishtostopfiringa particulargroup,turn the group off by selecting the group (see steps6and7)andpress and hold the button. The screen will show <OFF> in the center row.

Note: The RF60 Master can also be turned off by pressing and holding the button in the Master group. Onceturnedoff,theRF60Masterwillnotfire,butitwillstillcommandtheRF60Slaves,changingtheir settingsandfiringthemaccordingly.

14. To turnonagroupagain, select thegroup(seesteps6and7)andpress and hold the button. Thepowerlevelandzoomlevellast used for the group will be shown in the center row again.

15.PresstheshutterreleasebuttononthecameraandtheRF60MasterandSlaveunitsingroupsA,B,C,orDwillfireatthepowerlevelandzoomlevelyouhavesetintheRF60 Master.

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10. Group AliasesTheRF60comeswithalistofpre-setgroupaliasestochoosefromfortheparticular slave groups according to the purpose of each. The chosen group alias will be shown in the text area next to the group panel. The group alias will display whenever the group is selected.

The group aliases available for selectionare:

KEY–FILL–SPOT–RIM–HAIR–LEFT–RIGHT–BACK–FRONT

1. Tosetagroupalias, select the group you would like to set an aliasfor,thenpresstheand buttonssimultaneously.

2. The selection indicator and group letter will be shown in the text area. Press the or button to scroll through the available group aliases.

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3. Press or toconfirmthealias and exit.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 to set aliases in all the Cactus RF60 units. To preventconfusion,makesurethatyouhavesetthesamealiasforthesamegroupinallRF60units.

5.Thealiasofeachgroupwill appearinSlavemodeorMastermodewheneverthegroupis selected.

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11.1

11. Advanced Operation

Multi Flash

InMultimode,arapidseriesofflashesisfired.Itcanbeusedtocapturemultipleimagesofamovingsubjectinasingleframe.

InMultimode,youcanchangethe:• Numberofflashesinaseries• Flash frequency per second in Hz • Power level• Zoomlevel

Thenumberofflashesrepresentsthenumberofflashesfiringinaseriescaused by a single trigger event. Theflashfrequency(Hz)representsthenumberoftimestheflashfiresper second.Togetherwiththeflashseriesdurationyouhaveinmind,youcandeterminetheappropriatevalueforthenumberofflashesandflashfrequency.

Flash seriesduration

No.offlashes

1FlashFrequency(Hz)= x

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Forexample,ifyouwishtofireaseriesofflashesthatlastsfor 0.5secondatafrequencyof10timespersecond(i.e.,10Hz),thenumberofflasheswouldbe5.

Similarlyifyouwishtofire 10flashesatafrequencyof100Hz,theflashserieswouldlastfor 0.1 second.

Theflashseriesdurationisusuallyequaltotheshutterspeed.However,itmaybenecessarytousealongershutterspeedthatexceedstheflashseries duration in order to expose forambientlight.Alternatively,itmaybenecessarytouseashortershutterspeed,andaslightlylongerseriesdurationasasafetymargin.

Refer to the table below for the maximumnumberofflashesandflashfrequencies supported by each power level.

Maximum Number of Multi Flashes

Hz Power 1 2 3 4 5 6-7 8-9

1/4 7 6 5 4 4 3 31/8 14 14 12 10 8 6 51/16 30 30 30 20 20 20 101/32 60 60 60 50 50 40 301/64 90 90 90 80 80 70 601/128 99 99 99 99 99 90 80

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Hz Power 10 11 12-14 15-19 20-50 60-199

1/4 2 2 2 2 2 21/8 4 4 4 4 4 4

1/16 8 8 8 8 8 8

1/32 20 20 20 18 16 121/64 50 40 40 35 30 201/128 70 70 60 50 40 40

11.1.1 Multi Flash in Local Mode

Onceyouhavedeterminedthenumberandthefrequencyofflashesinaseries,youcansetuptheflashinMultimode.

1.ToenterMultiMode,press once and the LCD screen

will show and . 2. Press until the selection

indicator ►pointstothenumberofflashes,i.e.,thevaluebeforethe hyphen.

Notes:1. Multiflashismosteffectivewithahighlyreflectivesubjectagainst a dark background.

2. Multiflashisnotsupportedatpowerlevelhigherthan1/4.

3. TheMultiflashmaybeusefulwhencombinedwithacamerasettobulbmode.

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3. Press to increase or to decreasethenumberofflashes.

4. Press until the selection indicator ► points to the frequencyofflashes(Hz),i.e.,thevalue after the hyphen.

5.Press to increase or to decreasetheflashfrequencypersecond.

6.Toadjustthepowerlevel,pressuntil the selection

indicator ► points to the power level(seeSection8.1).

7.Toadjustthezoomlevel,pressuntil the selection

indicator ►pointstothezoomlevel(seeSection8.2).

8.ToexitMultimode,press twice to return to the

mainscreen.

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11.1.2 Multi Flash in Master and Slave Modes

AnRF60inMastermodewillcauseaSlaveRF60thatusesthesameRFchanneltosynchronizetoMultimodesettings.

1.ToenterMultimodeontheRF60Master,press until you see <MASTER> displayed as the group name.

2. Press the button once. The LCD of the RF60 Master and Slave units will show and

. Both Master and Slave units arenowinMultiFlashmode.

3.OntheRF60Master,followthesteps in 11.1.1 to adjust the numberofflashesandflash frequencypersecond(Hz).Theflashfrequencywillapplytoboth Master and Slave units in all active groups.

4.ToexitMultimode,press twice to return to the

mainscreen.

Notes:1. Whenthenumberofflashesis larger than that supported by the power level of a particular slavegroup,itwillbereduced accordingly for that particular slave(seetableMaximumNumberofMultiFlashesonpage28).

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HSS Sympathy Mode

TheHSSSympathymodeoftheRF60isdesignedtosupportflashphotographyatshutterspeedsbeyondacamera’smaximumsyncspeed.

Tothisend,theRF60willfireflasheswith an extended duration in order toproduceevenframeilluminationatshutterspeedsashighas1/8000second.

2.SinceMultimodeflashesarenot supported in power levels higher than1/4,any Slave RF60 set at powerlevelshigherthan1/4willonlyflashonceinMultimode.

3.MultimodeandHSSSympathymode(seeSection11.2)aremutually exclusive options. Pressing the

button changes the flashmodesinthefollowingsequence:NormalFlashMultiFlashHSSSympathyFlash

4.OntheRF60Master,Multimodeflashescanonlybeconfiguredinthe Master group. The selection will apply to the RF60 Master and all RF60 Slaves in the active group(s).

11.2

Tip:HSSflashiscommonlyusedoutdoor,especially in sunlight. The faster shutterspeedsupportedbyHSSflashallows you to use a wider aperture

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Characteristics of HSS Sympathy Flash

Comparedwithnormalsingle-burstflash,theHSSsympathyflashprovidescontinuousandconstantillumination for the full duration between the firstcurtainopeningandsecond curtain closing. The contribution of HSSsympathyflashtotheexposureoftheimageisthereforedifferentthanthatofanormalflash:

1.TheflashoutputpowerinHSS Sympathymodeisdifferentfromthatofanormalflash.To compensate1EVexposurelossinyourcamerasetting,youneedtoincrease the power level of a HSS sympathyflashby2EVs.ChecktheGNtablebelowforcomparison:

Power LevelGN (meter) at 105mm, ISO 100

Normal Flash HSS Sympathy

1/1 56 28

1/2 40 23

1/4 28 20

1/8 20 17

1/16 14 14

1/32 10 12

1/64 7 10

1/128 5 8

toachieveshallowerdepthoffieldwhilemaintainingcorrect exposure.

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2. The continuous light output in HSSsympathymodedoesnotfreezeamovingobjectasanormalflashwoulddo.Instead,anHSS sympathyflashwillcausemotionblur,muchlikeacontinuouslightsourcewould.Inorderto freeze motionusingtheHSSsympathymode,youneedtousehigh shutter speeds.

3.IncreasingtheshutterspeedinHSSsympathymodeimpliesthatthecontributionoftheflash decreases accordingly. Whenever changing the shutter speed,youalsoneedtoadjusttheflashpowerlevelifyouwanttomaintainthesamecontributionoftheflash.

Using the RF60 in HSS Sympathy Mode

TouseRF60inHSSsympathymode,youneedaTTLflashwithHSS/AutoFPcapability.

1.MounttheTTLflashonthecamera’shotshoe.

2. Switch the RF60 Master to HSS sympathymodebypressingthe

button twice. The center row of the LCD display will show . This will automaticallyturnontheopticalslavetriggerinS1(themodeinwhichtheflashistriggeredbythefirstpre-flash,seeSection11.3).Meanwhile,allRF60Slaveunit(s)inactivatedgroup(s)will

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turntoHSSsympathymode automatically.

3. Position the RF60 Master with its optical sensor facing the TTL flashhead.

4. Take a test shot by pressing the camera’sshutterreleasebutton.

5.Iftheframeisnotevenly illuminatedfromtoptobottom,setthedelaytimer(seeSection11.4)oftheRF60Masterto10msandthen15ms,20ms,etc.,untiltheflashfullyfillsuptheframe.Theoptimumdelaytimethatworkswith a high shutter speed should bewithintherangeof10msto100ms.

Setting the Delay Time for HSS Sympathy Mode

Consider the following when setting thedelaytimefortheHSSsympathymode:

• FlashmodeonTTLflash: if the TTL flashissettoM(Manual)mode,thedelaytimeshouldbewithintherangeof0-10ms.IftheTTLflashissettoTTLmode,youwouldhavetosetadelaytimeat55ms-100ms,dependingonthecamerabrand and shooting aperture (F-number).

• Camerabrand: The following delay timerangesaresuggestedfor differentcamerasystems:

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• F-number:Thehigherthef-number,thelongerthedelaytimewithinthe range of the particular camerasystem.

• DarkBandPosition: When you see a darkbandatthetopoftheimage,increasethedelaytime.Whenthedarkbandappearsatthebottom,decreasethedelaytime.

Optical Trigger

The optical trigger can act as an alternatetriggermechanismfromtheradiosignal.Forinstance,itisveryusefulincapturingpre-flashsignalsthatarebeingemitted earlierthantheflashsync.Settingthepre-flashopticaltriggerwiththedelaytimer(seeSection11.4)canbeusedtosettheexacttimefortheflashtostartfiring.

Twoopticaltriggermodes,S1andS2,areavailableforselection:

S1(FIRST):Triggeringonthefirst pre-flash,oronthemainflashifthereisnopre-flash.S2(MAIN):Ignoringpre-flashesand triggeringonthemainflash.

Camera brand Suggested delay time

Canon 52ms-64ms

Nikon 55ms-65ms

Sony 90ms-100ms

Olympus/Panasonic 65ms-75ms

Pentax 75ms-82ms

11.3

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1. Toturnontheopticaltrigger, press then press thebutton until the text area shows <OPTSL>(shortformforopticalslave).Usethe and buttons toselectS1(FIRST)orS2(MAIN)in the selection area. Pressor toconfirm.

2. The optical slave indicatorwill show in the status bar of the LCD screen whenever any one oftheopticaltriggermodeshasbeen turned on.

3. Toturnofftheopticaltrigger, press the button and then the buttons until the text area shows <OPT SL>. Use the or

button to choose <OFF>. Press or toconfirm.

Delay Timer

Every RF60 is equipped with a delay timerthatcanbeconfiguredineitherMasterorSlavemode.The delaytimerdelaysthetrigger responseforthetimeperiodset.Ifyou wish to firetheflashabitlaterthanthefirstcurtainsynctocreatea different lighting effect (e.g. to achieveasecondcurtainsync),thedelaytimerhelpsyoucreatethe effect.

11.4

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1. Tosetthedelaytimer, press then press the button

until <DELAY> is displayed and the selection indicator ► points atthevalueinms.

2. Use the or button to set the delaytimerinmilliseconds(ms),whichisequalto1/1000second.Youmaysetadelaytimefrom1msto999ms,i.e.,closeto1second.

3. Pressing and holding the orbuttonwillautomaticallyspeedupthekeyeffectandmakefaster changes. Pressing and holding

willresetthedelaytimeto 0.

4.Thedelaytimerindicatorwillshowonthemainscreenstatusbarwheneveradelaytimerhasbeen set.

5.Toturnoffthedelaytimer, follow steps 1-3 to set the delay timeto0.Thedelaytimer indicator will then disappear fromthestatusbaronthemainscreen.

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12. Personalizing the RF60

LCD Backlight

The LCD backlight of the RF60 turns on whenever any button is pressed. Inordertoconserveenergy,thereisatimersettingthatautomaticallyturns off the backlight.

1. Toconfigurethebacklight duration, press ,andpress

until the text area shows <BK LGT>. Then use the or buttonstochoosefromOFF,5sec,15sec,orON.

2.Theoption<ON>willinstructtheLCD to be on constantly.

3. Press toconfirmand configureotheritems,orpress

toconfirmandleave.

Sleep Timer

To conserve energy when you forget toswitchofftheRF60afteruse,thesleeptimerwillswitchtheRF60intosleepmodeafteraspecifiedperiod.

12.1

12.2

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1. Toconfigurethesleeptimer, press ,andpress a few timesuntilthetextareashows<SLEEP>. Then use the or buttonstochoosefromOFF,3min,5min,15min,30min,or60min.

2. The option <OFF> will deactivate thesleepmode.

3. Press toconfirmand configureotheritems,orpress

toconfirmandleave.4.TowakeupRF60fromsleepmode,

press any button once.

Quick Flash

ThequickflashoptionenablesfiringtheRF60eventhoughtheflash capacitor is not fully charged. However,theflashoutputmaybelowerthanspecifiedontheRF60menu.

Enablethequickflashoptionwhenspeedismoreimportantthanthe accuracy of power output. Disable the quickflashoptionwhenaccuracyisyourprimaryconcern.

12.3

Note: Wireless triggering will not wakeupRF60Slaveunitsremotely.

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1. To enable or disable the quick flashoption, press ,andthen until the text area shows <QCK FL>. Then use the or –buttonstochooseOFFandON.

2. Press toconfirmand configureotheritems,orpress

toconfirmandreturntothemainscreen.

Beep Feedback

Inadditiontotheflashready indicator,thebuilt-inbuzzerofthe RF60 can also notify you when the flashisreadyaccordingtoyourcustomsettings.Choosefromthefollowingoptionstobestfityourshootingrequirements:

OFF RF60 does not beep in any circumstance.

Fn1*(QCKFL):QuickFlashRF60beepswhentheflashisreadytoemitlight,albeitnotyetatthespecifiedlevel.

Fn2(READY):FullChargeRF60beepswhentheflashisreadytofireatthespecifiedlevel.

RF60beepsonlywhentheflashhas

12.4

Fn3*(WARN):InsufficientPowerWarning

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firedaquickflashwithapowerlevellower than the selected level.

*Both Fn1 and Fn3 are only available for selection when the Quick Flash hasbeenenabled(seeSection12.3).

1. Toconfigurethebeepoption, press ,andpress until the text area shows <BEEP>. Then use the or buttons to choose fromOFF,Fn1(QCKFL), Fn2(READY)orFn3(WARN).

2. When choosing the options with the or buttons,the abbreviation for each option will be shown in the text area.

3. Press toconfirmand configureotheritems,orpress

toconfirmandleave. 4. The beep indicator will appear in

thestatusbarwheneverFn1,Fn2,or Fn3 is selected.

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13. Working with Cactus Triggers

TheRF60iscompatiblewithCactusWirelessFlashTransceiversV6,V5,andLaserTriggerLV5.

Cactus V6

Withthegroupfunction,theCactusV6transceiverandRF60flashcantriggerandcommandeachother,ineitherMasterorSlavemode.

13.1.1 RF60 as Slave

Withabuilt-inCactusV6RFmodule,theCactusRF60canberemotely commandedandtriggeredbytheV6TX.

13.1

V6V6

CAMERA RF60

V5

EMITTERSENSOR

V5

Note:CactusV6canspecifyupto 1/10EVstopandcommunicateitwiththeRF60;however,theRF60wouldonly display the nearest 1/3EVstop.

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YoumaycombineanRF60withotherV6-compatibleTTLflashestoformamanualflashcontrolsystem.Forexample,assignaRF60togroupA,Canon580EX(withaV6RX)togroupB,NikonSB-900(withanotherV6RX)togroupC.TheV6TXwillbeabletotriggerthemallandsettheirpowerlevels in either relative or absolute powermode.

13.1.2 RF60 as Master

UsersmayassigntheRF60asmasteronthecamera’shotshoeandletittriggerandcommandotherRF60SlaveandV6RXunits.WhiletheRF60 Master can control the power level andzoomleveloftheRF60Slave,zoomcontrolisnotsupportedwhen workingwithV6RXunits.

Check the table below for the features supported in each pairing option:

TX (Master) RX (Slave) NoteV6 RF60 √TriggeringSlaves(RX)in

4 groups.√Changingthepowerlevel

andzoomlevelofSlaves(RX)in4groups.

√Powerlevelsadjustablefrom1/128to1/1fullpower,inthepowerratioof1/10EV,1/3EV,1/2EV,or1EV(althoughtheRF60will only display the nearest1/3stop).

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TX (Master) RX (Slave) NoteRF60 V6 √TriggeringSlaves(RX)

in 4 groups.√Changingthepowerlevel

ofSlaves(RX)in 4 groups.

√Powerlevelsadjustablefrom1/128to1/1fullpower,with0.3and0.7incrementsbetweenmajorpowerlevels(in1/3EVpowerratio).

XChangingthezoomlevelofaflashonV6.

X Changing in power ratios of1/10EV,1/2EVand1EV.

Cactus V5, LV5

The Cactus RF60 can work in pairs withtheCactusV5orLV5.Theyallsharethesame2.4GHz,16-channelplatform.

SincetheV5andLV5donotsupportgroupsandremotepowercontrol,theRF60MasterwilltriggerallV5s, independent of which group it considersactive.Similarly,boththeV5andLV5willtriggeranyRF60Slave,independentofwhatgroupithas been assigned to.

14. External PowerThe external power source provides fasterrecyclingtimesandmoreflashcounts per battery cycle. Use the Cactus External Battery Pack EP-1 (optional)toextendthecapabilityoftheRF60:

13.2

46

Recycle time after a full

power flash

Number of full power flashes

supportedWith 4x AA

alkaline battery 5sec 100

With Cactus External

Battery PackEP-1

2sec 200

For instructions on how to power the RF60 with the External Battery Pack EP-1,seetheusermanualofEP-1.

15. Forming the CapacitorWhenyourflashisneworwhenithasnot been used for a certain period of time,thecapacitormayhavelostitsfull potential to store electricity. Whenthisoccurs,youcan“form”the capacitorasfollows:

1.SwitchontheRF60inLocalmodewith fresh batteries.

2.Adjusttheflashtofullpower. 3. Allow the ready light to glow

15secondsto20secondsfirst.4.Firetheflashusingthe

button.5.Repeatsteps3-4.Aftera

sequenceof5flashes,your capacitorwillbeformedandworkasnormal.

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16. USB ConnectionThe USB port of the RF60 is designed forfirmwareupdates.To check the firmwareversion, press and holdandswitchontheRF60atthesametime.Toundergoafirmwareupdate, switchofftheRF60andremovethebatteries inside. Connect it to a computerviaCactusmini-USBcableMU-1(optional)oracompatibleUSB-to-mini-USBcable.Thefirmwareupdateprogramwillthenrecognizethe connected RF60 and start the up-grade. Please visit www.cactus-image.com/rf60.htmlformoreinformation.

17. Optional Accessories 1. Cactus Wireless Flash

TransceiverV6 2. Cactus Wireless Flash

TransceiverV53.CactusWirelessLaserTriggerLV54.Cactus60cmFoldableSoftBox

CB-605.CactusDiffuserCapDC-60 6. Cactus Mini USB cable MU-17.CactusExternalBatteryPackEP-1 8. Cactus PC Sync Cable CA-2009.Cactus3.5mmPlugCablewith

6.35mmPlugAdapterCA-360

Caution:Do not connect the RF60 to any AC power supply through the USB port.

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18. TroubleshootingBeforereadingthissection,ensurethat the Cactus RF60 has been set up correctly (follow the instructions in Sections7-9ofthismanual).

Iftheproblempersistsafter completingthetroubleshootingsteps,contactyoursellerdirectlyfor further assistance.

1. Flash capacitor not charging

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

NoFlashReady Signal

Batteries are installed in wrong direction

Installbatteriesin the correct direction

Batteries are nearly depleted or have already been used up

Replacethemwitha new set of AA batteries

Temperature warning signal appears in LCD screen

Toomanyflasheshavebeenfiredinashort interval

Allowtheflashtorest for at least 15minutes

2. Flash power turns off by itself

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

LCD turns off

Sleeptimerisactivated

- Press any button on the RF60 once to wake it up fromsleepmode

- Check the sleep timer configurationin the Menu and revise it (see Section12.2)

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3.LocalorMasterFlashdoesnotfire

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

Flash Ready LED blinks orstayson,buttheflashdoesnotfire

Flash is not attached securely to camera

Attachtheflash’shot shoe securely tothecamera

Electrical contacts of theflashorcameraaredirty

Clean the contacts

4.SlaveFlashdoesnotfire

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

Flash Ready LED blinks orstayson,buttheflashdoesnotfire

Channel mismatch

SetSlaveflashtothesamechannelastheMasterflash

Groupmismatch Make sure the group assigned to theSlaveflashhasbeen activated on theMasterflash

Background radio interference

- Set all units to another channel

- Change setup location as interferencemaycomefromotherequipmentinthe surrounding area

Master and Slaveflashesare placed too close to each other

Place the Master andSlaveflashesatleast20cmapart and retry

Beyond100meffective range

- Make sure the Master and Slave flashesare placed within 100m(328ft)ofeach other

Note: The effective rangeof100m(328ft)maynotbeachieved in the presence of radio interference

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5.Flashdoesnotfireinsyncwithcamera

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

Blackframeappears in pictures orframeis only partially illuminated

Shutter speed is faster than thecamera’sx-sync limitation

- Adjust the camera’sshutterspeed to the maximum supported x-sync speed

- Set up the RF60 inHSSSympathymode(see Section11.2)

Delaytimerhas been set incorrectly

Turn off the delay timeroradjustthedelaytimerto correctsynctime

6.Flashmisfires(Unexpectedflashfiring)

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

Local or Masterflash misfires

Poor hot shoe connection

- Adjust tightness of hot shoe contact

-CleantheRF60’shot shoe contact with a clean cloth

Slaveflashmisfires

Background radio interference

- Set all units to another channel

- Change setup location as interferencemaycomefromotherequipmentinthe surrounding area

Optical trigger has been switched on and triggered by unexpected ambientlight

Switch off the opticaltrigger,asitmaynotworkin the environment

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7.Flashpowerlowerthanspecified

SYMPTOM POSSIBLECAUSE SOLUTION

InsufficientPower Warning beeps (if enabled)

Flashfireswhen it is not fully charged

- Turn off Quick Flash

-Allowtheflashto recharge fully

Ready Signal takes longer than usual to turn on

Batteries are nearly depleted or have already been used up

Replace batteries with a new set of AA batteries

19. NoticesNOTICES FOR CUSTOMERS IN THE U.S.A.

FederalCommunicationsCommission(FCC)RadioFrequencyInterferenceStatements:

ThisequipmenthasbeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimitsforaClassBdigitaldevice,pursuanttoPart15oftheFCCRules.Theselimitsaredesignedto provide reasonable protection against harmfulinterferenceinaresidentialinstallation.Thisequipmentgenerates,uses,andcanradiateradiofrequency energyand,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordancewiththeinstructions,maycauseharmfulinterferencetoradio communications.However,thereisno guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

52

Ifthisequipmentdoescauseharmful interference to radio or television reception,whichcanbedeterminedby turningtheequipmentoffandon,theuseris encouraged to try to correct the interferencebyoneormoreofthe followingmeasures:

• Reorientorrelocatethereceiving antenna.

• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandreceiver.

• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfromthattowhichthe receiver is connected.

• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.

HARVESTONELIMITEDANDTHEMANUFACTUREROFTHISWIRELESSFLASHISNOTRESPONSIBLEFORANYRADIOORTVINTERFERENCECAUSEDBYUNAUTHORIZEDMODIFICATIONSTOTHIS EQUIPMENT.SUCHMODIFICATIONSCOULDVOIDTHEUSERAUTHORITYTOOPERATETHE EQUIPMENT.

FCCID:VAAFLARF60MADEINCHINAThisdevicecomplieswithpart15ofthe FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowingtwoconditions:(1)thisdevicemaynotcauseharmful interference,and(2)thisdevicemustacceptanyinterferencereceived,includinginterferencethatmaycauseundesired operation.

53

R&TTE Declaration of Conformity (DOC)

We,HarvestOneLimited,9DOnShing IndustrialBuilding,2-16WoLiuHangRoad,FoTan,HongKong,declareunder ourownresponsibilitythattheproduct:Cactus Wireless Flash RF60isinconformitywiththeessential requirementsandotherrelevant requirementsoftheR&TTEDirective(1999/5/EC).

Thisproduct,CactusWirelessFlashRF60,isinconformitywiththe provisions of EU Council Directive:1999/5/EC.

Thecrossed-outwheeledbinmeansthat within the European Union theproductmustbedisposed separately at the end of the product cycle. Do not dispose thisproductwithothermunicipalwaste.

20. WarrantyThelimitedwarrantysetforthbelowisgivenbyHarvestOneLimitedwithrespectto the Cactus brand Wireless Flash purchasedwiththislimitedwarranty.

Your Cactus Wireless Flash RF60 or other contents,whendeliveredtoyouinnewconditioninitsoriginalcontainer,iswarrantedagainstdefectsinmaterialsorworkmanshipasfollows:foraperiodofone(1)yearfromthedateoforiginalpurchase,defectivepartsoradefectiveWireless Flash returned to our authorized dealers,asapplicable,andproventobedefectiveuponinspection,willbe repairedwithneworcomparablerebuilt

54

parts or exchanged for a new Wireless Flash as determinedbyHarvestOneLimitedor authorized dealers.

ThislimitedwarrantyshallonlyapplyiftheWireless Flash is used in conjunction with compatiblecameraandflashequipment,astowhichitems,HarvestOneLimited,shallhaveno responsibility.

Thislimitedwarrantycoversalldefects encounteredinnormaluseoftheWirelessFlash,anddoesnotapplyinanyofthe followingcases:

(a)LossofordamagetotheWirelessFlashduetoabuse,mishandling,improperpackagingbyyou,alteration,accidents,electricalcurrentfluctuations.

(b)Failuretofollowoperating,maintenance,orenvironmentalinstructionsprescribedinCactususer’smanual.

(c)Itisservicedbysomeoneotherthan HarvestOneLimitedorauthorizeddealers.

(d)Withoutlimitingtheforegoing,waterdamage,sand/corrosiondamage,batteryleakage,droppingtheflash,scratches,abrasionsordamagetothebody,ordamagetothehotshoeorPCcables,willbe presumedtohaveresultedfrommisuse,abuse,orfailuretooperatetheWirelessFlash as described in the operating instructions.

NOIMPLIEDWARRANTY,INCLUDINGANYIMPLIEDWARRANTYOFMERCHANTABILITYORFITNESSFORAPARTICULARPURPOSE,APPLIESTOTHEWIRELESSFLASHAFTERTHEAPPLICABLEPERIODOFTHEEXPRESSLIMITEDWARRANTYSTATEDABOVE,ANDNOOTHEREXPRESSWARRANTYORGUARANTY,EXCEPTASMENTIONEDABOVE,GIVENBYANYPERSONORENTITYWITHRESPECTTOTHEWIRELESSFLASHSHALLBINDHARVESTONELIMITED.HARVESTONELIMITEDSHALLNOTBELIABLEFORLOSSOFREVENUESOR PROFITS,INCONVENIENCE,EXPENSEFORSUBSTITUTEEQUIPMENTORSERVICE,STORAGECHARGES,LOSSORCORRUPTIONOFDATAORANYOTHERSPECIAL,

55

INCIDENTAL,ORCONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES CAUSEDBYTHEUSEORMISUSEOF,OR INABILITYTOUSE,THEWIRELESSFLASH, REGARDLESSOFTHELEGALTHEORYONWHICHTHECLAIMISBASED,ANDEVENIFHARVESTONELIMITEDHASBEENADVISEDOFTHE POSSIBILITYOFSUCHDAMAGES.INNOEVENTSHALLTHEREBERECOVERYOFANYKINDAGAINSTHARVESTONELIMITEDGREATERINAMOUNTTHANTHEPURCHASEPRICEOFTHECACTUSWIRELESSFLASHSOLDBYHARVESTONELIMITEDORITSAUTHORIZEDDEALERSANDCAUSINGTHEALLEGEDDAMAGE.WITHOUTLIMITINGTHEFOREGOING,YOUASSUMEALLRISKANDLIABILITYFORLOSS,DAMAGE,ORINJURYTOYOUANDYOURPROPERTYANDTOOTHERSANDTHEIRPROPERTYARISINGOUTOFUSEORMISUSEOF,ORINABILITYTOUSE,THECACTUSWIRELESSFLASHNOTCAUSEDDIRECTLYBYTHENEGLIGENCEOFHARVESTONELIMITED.THISLIMITEDWARRANTYSHALLNOTEXTENDTOANYONEOTHERTHANTHEORIGINALPURCHASEROFHARVESTONELIMITED,ORTHEPERSONFORWHOMITWASPURCHASEDASAGIFT,AND STATESYOUREXCLUSIVEREMEDY.

Corporate Office:

HARVESTONELIMITED9DONSHINGIND.BLDG.,2-16WOLIUHANGROAD,FOTAN,HONGKONG

PLEASECONTACTYOURLOCALDEALERFORCUSTOMERSERVICE.

©HARVESTONELTD.2014(2ndEDITION)

www.cactus-image.com