THE ULTIMATE COMPACT STROBE
Thank you for your purchase of the Backscatter Mini Flash MF-1. Whether
you are a seasoned underwater pro or a new shooter, we hope you enjoy
your flash for years to come.
The Backscatter Mini Flash was designed by underwater photogra-
phers with underwater photographers in mind. If at any time you have
any questions about your new flash, how to shoot it, or best shooting
techniques, don’t hesitate to call us. As fellow underwater photographers,
we’re here to help you get the best shots possible.
DON’T LIKE INSTRUCTIONS? WATCH OUR VIDEO!
We understand that some people never read the instructions. However,
it’s critical that you fully understand the safety requirements for operating
the MF-1. Go to www.backscatter.com/MF-1 and download our latest in-
structional and technique videos prior to use. But for now… READ THESE
INSTRUCTIONS!
BATTERY SAFETY, INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
The MF-1 is designed to only use high quality lithium ion 18650 batter-
ies. NEVER USE AN UNAPPROVED 18650 BATTERY! Please see our Battery
FAQ section for full details. To install a battery, twist off the battery com-
partment, remove the double o-rings and first clean the o-rings and the
grooves on the battery compartment. Lightly grease the o-rings with the
provided o-ring grease and re-install the o-rings on the battery compart-
ment. Slide in your approved 18650 battery with the positive (+) button
facing up. Inspect and clean the strobe body o-ring surface and then twist
the battery compartment into place. Verify you have fully twisted the
battery compartment until it stops. Lightly grease the battery compart-
ment threads if you are a heavy user. IF YOU SEE WATER INTRUSION OR
CORROSION IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT OR THE STROBE BODY, STOP
USE IMMEDIATELY AND CONTACT US.
POWER ON / OFF
To power on the Mini Flash, quickly press the silver button 5 times. To
power off the strobe, turn the red dial to STBY and quickly press the silver
button 5 times. The 5 presses must be performed within 3 seconds. While
the off mode is a safety feature, never travel with a battery installed in the
MF-1.
BATTERY STATUS LED
When in STBY mode on the red dial, the LED around the silver button will
flash green, yellow, or red to indicate the power level of the battery.
PLUG-IN FIBER OPTIC CABLE
The MF-1 is compatible with any Sea & Sea style fiber optic cable. Plug in
the cable to the MF-1 and the other end into the fiber optic adapter of the
camera housing.
CONTROL FLASH POWER
The red power dial has STBY (flash and LED off) and 6 power level
settings. Keep the power dial set to STBY when you are not immediately
using the strobe to conserve battery power. Select power levels 1-6 based
on the proper exposure for the photo.
TEST FIRE TO SYNC YOUR CAMERA FLASH
Depending on the camera model or settings, the camera’s built-in flash
will flash once or multiple times for every photo. The MF-1 will analyze
your camera’s flash and automatically synchronize after the first test flash.
First power on the strobe and select any power level from 1-6 and take a
single test photo. The MF-1 will analyze this test flash and memorize the
proper setting for your camera. If you change cameras or flash settings on
your camera, simply power off the MF-1, power on and take another test
photo to synchronize with your new camera or camera settings.
CONTROL FOCUS LIGHT POWER LEVELS
The MF-1 offers a focus light that makes it easier for you to see the subject
and for the camera to autofocus in low light situations. The focus light
also helps you aim the strobe when the OS-1 Snoot is installed. With the
power dial set to level 1-6, press the silver button to toggle through focus
light intensities of 25%, 50%, 100%, and a fourth press to turn it off. The
focus light will turn off and reset when the power dial is set to STBY mode.
ACTIVATE MODELING FLASH FOR SNOOT AIMING
If shooting in extremely bright conditions, the focus light might not be
bright enough to help aim the OS-1 Snoot. Press and hold the silver
button for 1 second and the flash will emit a bright and high frequency
stroboscopic pulse for about 2 seconds. This rapid firing of the strobe will
help aim the MF-1 snoot in high ambient light conditions such a very
shallow clear water. The modeling flash is also useful for skittish critters
that shy away from the constant focus light.
SAFETY AUTO POWER OFF
The MF-1 will automatically power off after about 20 minutes of inactivity.
Simply press the silver button 5 times to power back on the strobe. This
auto power off feature is designed to maximize safety and battery life.
SAFETY LOW POWER MODE
The MF-1 is protected by a low power mode if the circuitry detects over-
heating, excessive rapid fires of the strobe, or a low battery power level. In
safety low power mode, the indicator LED will flash yellow, the strobe will
take longer to recycle, and the modeling flash feature will be canceled.
Low power mode will remain in effect for a minimum of 1 minute unless
the battery has a low charge, in which case the indicator LED will flash red
indicating the battery should be recharged and replaced.
Instruction Manual
