How to Connect Qflash to a Digital SLR
The Quantum Qflash family of products puts full studio lighting either atop or beside your single-lens reflex or digital single-lens reflex camera. The various Qflash models work similar to traditional electronic flash units, but provide different lighting more akin to working in a studio. In fact, with the addition of a Qflash Pilot, you can set up virtually unlimited Qflash units, all controlled wirelessly from your DSLR's hot shoe.
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Instructions
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Hook up the Qflash model designed for your digital SLR directly to the camera's hot shoe. Nearly every professional and advanced amateur DSLR has a dedicated hot shoe attached to the top of the viewfinder. This has a direct contact point for the flash unit you use so you do not need wires. Slide the Qflash unit's "foot" into the hot shoe and tighten it. The Qflash will use the same through-the-lens metering data to make correct flash exposures as an electronic flash built by your camera's manufacturer.
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Use a camera bracket to attach a Qflash to your DSLR. A camera bracket takes the Qflash off the camera and places it to the side. A bracket is an L-shaped device that attaches to your tripod socket. It provides an accessory shoe on top and a grip to better hold and balance the camera.
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Take the Qflash off your DSLR completely. Set up one, two or many Qflash flash units around the room, all providing synchronized lighting for your subject. Attach the Qflash Pilot to the hot shoe the same way you would an electronic flash unit: slide its "foot" into the hot shoe and lock it into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Note that most Qflash units are bigger and heavier than regular electronic flash units. This will make the DSLR top-heavy. You will need to practice shooting with the Qflash attached to your DSLR to get used to the odd balance and weight.
Because you normally will use both hands with a camera bracket, the weight of the Qflash will not cause as much of a problem. Attach a sync cord from the Qflash to your DSLR's flash socket, usually found to the left of the lens mount.
When you use the Qflash Pilot, set up your Qflash units as you choose around your subject, set your exposure details such as shutter speed and aperture F-stop, then trip the shutter release. The Qflash Pilot sends the signal to the flash units, all of which go off simultaneously at the metered exposure level.
The Qflash Pilot attaches to the camera's hot shoe, then sends its data signals to any and all Qflash units you have set up. This gives you through-the-lens metering and shutter sync for all the Qflash units. The Qflash Pilot itself is not a flash unit, simply a controller for the units.
Note that some Quantum Qflash units are designed only for use on lighting tree stands, not on your DSLR.
