User manual PROFOTO ACUTE2

Acute2 manual Profoto, Stockholm, Sweden. Warning Profoto generators and lamp heads are parts of a complete professional lighting system. Please read the instruction manual carefully before use. Flash tubes and modelling lamps emit considerable heat and may cause injury if not handled properly. Note, always unplug the lamp cable from the generator before changing the modelling lamp or flash tube. · Under no circumstances are generators or heads to be opened.High voltage is inside the equipment. · Do not touch hot metal parts. · Do not obstruct ventilation · Do not connect flash heads with the protective cap in place When using the flash, do not place filters, diffusing materials, or any other obstructions directly onto the glass cover, flash tube or modelling lamp. Never position the light extremely close to people. When mounting umbrellas, do not touch the flash tube or modelling lamp with the metal shaft ­ risk of high voltage. Never connect accessories of other brands without consulting an authorised service station. Service only to be performed by an authorised repair station! Always use a grounded mains outlet. Note! Under no circumstances is any part of the equipment to be opened! The equipment is not user-serviceable and there is dangerous high voltage inside! Contents Thanks! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Acute2 System Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Acute2 head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Acute2 twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The flash heads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Acute2 head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Acute2 twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Acute2 ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Nomenclature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Brief instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Energy distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Energy distribution Acute2 twin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Energy control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Gas generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Troubleshooting guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 The Acute2 system consists of the following products: Generators:Acute2 1200, Acute2 2400 Heads: Acute2 head, Acute2 twin, Acute2 ring All Profoto reflectors and accessories fit the Acute2 system. 3 Thanks! Thanks for showing us your confidence by investing in an Acute2 system. For more than three decades we have sought the perfect light. What pushes us is the conviction that we can offer even the most demanding photographer yet better tools. Before our products are shipped we have them pass an extensive and strict testing program. We check that they pass the quality and capacity levels the most demanding photographers require. For this reason our flash equipment is the standard in most rental studios in New York and Tokyo and the most rented flash all over the world. The system consists of a variety of generators built and designed to meet the demands of the most demanding photographers on this planet. Yet the most important thing is the light you create and it is then essential that the system offers freedom to create your own light. The Acute2 heads in particular offer you this possibility . The light source, both the flash tube and the modelling light, is placed high and free in the flash head. This makes it easier for you to adjust the light and use your creativity. The reflectors are moveable and lock easily into place. By moving the position of the reflector you can get a higher or lower concentration of light in the center or more of a flood light. This is not new, of course. Our flash heads have always been designed that way. What is new, however, is our new glass cover, which is designed to increase precision. The Acute2 head and the Acute2 twin are supplied with a frosted and UV-coated cover glass, which together with the flash tube, produce a colour temperature adapted to daylight colour film. There are glass covers with varying filtration, for greater diversity. The whole Acute2 system is modular. Every single reflector and accessory creates its special light and the unique Profoto focusing system offers you a possibility to create your own light with only a few different reflectors. 4 Profotos founders Eckhard Heine och Conny Dufgran, At "Photokina",Cologne, Germany 1968 "A photographer's tools are a natural part of the creative process. Like a painter's brush, an artist's chisel or a musician's instrument, their form and design should reflect their function, they should have the right feel, and they should be aesthetically pleasing". 5 Acute 2 Acute2 1200 Acute2 2400 Acute2 Flash Extension Cable Acute2 head Acute2 twin Narrow Beam travel Reflector Softlight Reflector Silver Softlight Reflector white ProGlobe w/clips Disc Reflector Honeycomb Grid Glass Kit ProGlobe w/Chimera Adapter Plate 5 and 7 foot Reflector ProZoom ProFocus ProBox ProFresnel White Heat absorbing Iris filter Diaphragm 60x60 Pattern Holder & Pin Set Slide holders 24x36 Barn Doors for ProFresnel Transparent Silver 6 ProGas Power Cable Acute2 ring Softlight Reflector Close-up Reflector Narrow Beam travel Reflector Zoom Reflector Narrow Beam Reflector 7" Grid Reflector Magnum Reflector 7" Grid 13" Bell Reflector Barn Doors Pro Tube FilterHolder 40x40 cm Grid & Filter Holder 10° Honeycomb Grid BarnDoor The Acute2 series The system chart shows how the wide Profoto line of accessories fit together with generators Filter Cassette and heads. Reflectors and heads can be combined in a number of varieties. The common denominator is the lamp head diameter, which is the base of the Profoto line of products. The lines indicate the possible combinations that Profoto equipment offers. Snoot 5°, 10° & 20° Grid 7 Acute2 head 1. UV reduced flash tube 2. Umbrella holder 3. Manoeuvre system with locking lever 4. Stand adapter 16mm (5/8") 5. Acute2 Glass Cover, frosted, UV-coated 6. Halogen modelling lamp, 250W, Mini-can E11 socket 7. Locking springs 8. Zoom reflector 1 6 7 5 3 2 8 4 8 Acute2 twin 1. UV reduced flash tubes 2. Umbrella holder 3. Manoeuvre system with locking lever 4. Stand adapter 16mm (5/8") 5. PB/Twin Glass Cover , frosted, UV-coated 6. Halogen modelling lamp, 500W, Mini-can E11 socket 7. Locking springs 8. Magnum Reflector 1 6 7 5 3 2 4 8 9 The flash heads All Profoto lamp heads are designed for maximum light shaping purposes. The light source (both the flash tube and the modelling lamp) is mounted high and free in the flash head. This makes it easier for you to adjust the light and use your creativity. The flash head has a built in holder for the umbrella. The reflectors lock easily into place and by moving the reflector different types of light shaping is achieved. All Profoto reflectors and accessories fit the Acute2 heads. A UV-reduced quartz flash tube is included with all Acute2 heads. The flash tube has two metal pins. When removing a flash tube, pull it straight out of the sockets. When inserting a new flash tube, check that the trigger wire clasps properly around the flash tube (please see mounting instructions in package). In case the head overheats the modelling light automatically switches off. When the temperature has dropped sufficiently the modelling light will switch on again. NOTE! Always unplug the lamp cable from the generator before changing modelling lamp or flash tube. 10 Acute2 head The Acute2 head is fan cooled and it has an automatic voltage selector for the fan. The dimmer controlled modelling light is powered directly from the mains and it is therefore important to check that the rated voltage for the lamp corresponds with the mains supply. A 250 W E11 Mini-can halogen lamp is included in standard deliveries. The Acute2 head is supplied with a frosted UV-coated glass cover and a Zoom reflector. Combined with the UV-reducing quartz flash tube the frosted glass cover offers the recommended colour temperature for daylight type film. Distinctive colour temperature adjustments can be obtained by combining glass covers with different coatings. The following glass covers are available: 10 15 33 10 15 35 10 15 34 10 15 37 10 15 39 10 15 36 10 20 02 10 20 13 Glass Cover, frosted, UV-coated (standard) Glass Cover, frosted, extra UV-coated, -300°K Glass Cover, frosted, uncoated Glass Cover, clear, UV-coated Glass Cover, clear, extra UV-coated, -600°K Glass Cover, clear, uncoated 250W, 120V Halogoen, Mini-Can 250W, 240V Halogen, Mini-Can 11 Acute2 twin The Acute2 twin is used to obtain even shorter flash duration, very quick recycling or to fire 4800 Ws out of one single head. An Acute2 twin has two flash tubes. As the flash duration is shorter at low power switch settings, and as only half of the desired power is used in each tube, consequently shorter flash duration is obtained. If you require shorter flash duration and you for example need 1200 Ws, you connect the Acute2 twin to the B sockets on the Acute2 1200 generator and fire 600 Ws from each tube. The flash duration is shorter than if a standard Acute2 head is used. The flash duration at 1200 Ws with an Acute2 head is 1/560 while it is only 1/1000 with an Acute2 twin. If, on the contrary, you require faster recycling, you power the Acute2 twin with 2 Acute2 generators. The recycling is faster since each generator need to recharge less energy. To get 4800 Ws from one head you connect the Acute2 twin to two Acute2 2400 generators. Flash duration and recycling for an Acute2 twin at a certain power setting - for example 1200 Ws - compares with a Acute2 head powered with 600 Ws. Since the modelling light is powered from the mains supply it is important to check that the rated voltage for the modelling lamp corresponds with the mains supply. The modelling light is a 500W Halogen with a Mini-can socket (E11). The flash tube has two metal pins. When removing a flash tube, pull it straight out of the sockets. When inserting a new flash tube, check that the trigger wire clasps properly around the flash tube (please see mounting instructions in package). 10 15 18 10 15 19 10 15 20 10 15 21 10 20 07 10 20 15 Glass Cover, frosted, UV-coated (standard) Glass Cover, frosted, extra UV-coated, -300 gr K Glass Cover, frosted, uncoated Glass Cover, clear, UV-coated 500W, 120V, Halogen, Mini-can 500W, 240V, Halogen, Mini-can 12 Acute2 ring The Acute2 ring is an entirely mobile source of light. The interior diameter of 100mm provides plenty of space for professional camera lenses. Since the camera holder can be tilted forward and backwards, as well as upwards and downwards, most cameras can be attached. The Acute 2 ring gives a shadowless light and it makes an excellent source of light in cramped areas, such as the interior of an automobile. Many fashion photographers also use the Acute 2 ring to find new angles and capture details. The ring flash provides a very distinct, directed light, but can be complemented by a soft light reflector, which increases the light source, thereby producing a soft light with little shadow. For close-ups, there is a reflector that focuses the light 50 cm in front of the camera lens. The maximum charge is 9600 Ws/minute. This means 4 flashes a minute at 2400 Ws, 8 flashes at 1200 Ws, 16 flashes at 600 Ws, etc. Changing flash tube is only to be done at a professional service station. Mounting the reflector: ·Remove the two ridged screws fixating the camera holder. ·Remove the four ridged nuts holding the outer and inner reflectors together. ·Run the lamp cable through the outer reflector and let the reflector slide into position. ·Reassemble the outer and inner reflectors using the ridged nuts. ·Reassemble the camera holder using the two ridged screws. 10 06 42 Softlight Reflector Ring 10 06 43 Close-Up Reflector Ring 13 Nomenclature 1. Power On/Off 2. Modelling Light Dimmer for Group A 3. Modelling Light Dimmer for Group B 4. Modelling Light Control Max/Dim/Off 5. Ready Lamp & Test Button 6. Fast/Slow Recharging and Amp. draw Button 7. Voltage Selector Mains Supply 8. Mains Frequency Selector 9. Sound Switch 10. Slave (Photocell) Switch On/Off 11. Photocell and IR 12. A-Switch 13. A+B/A<->B Switch 14. B-switch 15. Bracket Dial 16. Sync Input 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 14 17. Flash head socket (group A) 18. Mains connection 19. Flash head socket(group B) 17 18 19 20 20. Flash head socket(group B) Brief instructions · Check that the voltage you have selected on generator corresponds with the mains supply voltage · Check that the modelling lamp has the correct voltage · Connect flash head/s · Connect the mains supply cable · Choose recycling time · Switch on the POWER · Switch on modelling light (MOD. LIGHT) · Choose energy distribution · Adjust the modelling light · Press the ready lamp/test button for flash · Connect sync cable 15 Warning! Never use ordinary household extension cords to extend the length of the power cable. They may overheat. Contact your Profoto distributor for proper equipment. Connecting lamp heads One, two or three lamp heads can be connected to the sockets marked A, B and B (15). When connecting the lamp plug, align the white dots on the plug with the white dot on the generator panel. Secure by turning the locking ring on the plug clockwise. 16 Energy distribution The energy can be controlled over a 6 f-stop range or 7 when using 2 heads connected to the B sockets. The energy output through the outlets A (17) and B (19,20) is controlled by the A+B / A<->B switch (13), the (17) ( 19) (20) (12) (13) (14) (15) switches A and B (12+14) and the dial BRACKET (15). The nominal energy of the flash unit is divided equally into two groups, A and B, and the two groups can either be combined or separated with the A+B / A<->B switch (13). The energy in group A is controlled by the A-switch (12) and the energy in group B is controlled by the B-switch (14). In each group the energy can be halved or quartered. Please see panel for details. Below you will find detailed description on how to control the energy if you use one, two or three Acute2 heads or if you use a Acute2 twin. Always start with settin g the BRACKET dial(15) to max, the A- and B switch at full and the A+B / A<->B switch (13) in position A+B. You now have maximum energy. Full f-stop changes are done with the A- or/and B-switch. Fine adjustments or further f-stop reductions are done with the BRACKET dial. 17 Energy distribution One head 1. Connect the head to socket A. 2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<- >B switch to position A<- >B. 3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the A-switch. 4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops. Two heads Symmetrical light distribution 1. Connect the two heads to the B sockets. 2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A< -> B switch to position A<- >B. 3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the B-switch. 4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops. Asymmetrical light distribution 1. Connect one head to the A socket and one head to one of the B sockets. 2. Set the A+B / A <-> B switch in position A<->B. The energy for the two heads is now individually controlled. 3. Reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the A-switch for the head connected to the A-socket. 18 4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops. Three heads Symmetrical light distribution 1. Connect one head to each socket 2. Set the A+B / A< - >B switch in position A+B. The energy for the two groups is now added and then equally divided between the connected heads. 3. Reduce the light output by reducing the energy with A- and Bswitch. 5. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops. Asymmetrical light distribution 1. Connect one head to each socket 2. Set the A+B / A< - >B switch in position A< -> B. The energy for the two groups is now individually controlled. 3. Reduce the energy for the head connected to socket A by one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the A-switch. 4. Reduce the energy for the heads connected to sockets B by one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the B-switch. The energy in group B is equally divided between the two heads. 5. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops. 19 Energy distribution Acute2 twin One generator 1. Connect the head sockets to the two B sockets on the generator. 2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<->B switch to position A<->B. 3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the B-switch. 4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops. Two generators 1. Connect the head socket to socket A on each generator. 2. Reduce the energy one f-stop by switching A+B / A<-> B switch to position A< -> B on both generators. 3. Further reduce the energy one or two f-stops by halving or quartering the energy with the A-switch on both generators. 4. Use the dial BRACKET for fine adjustments and to further reduce the energy by two f-stops on both generators. 20