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Elinchrom - Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions Elinchrom

Elinchrom ONE and THREE

If this happens, you can do a hard reset of the unit.
Under the Elinchrom ONE and THREE, close to the USB-C output, is a tiny hole.
Just press it with a little needle until the unit restarts.

Please try to remove the round black lock rotary knob from the tilt head and tighten the visible screw nut a bit more.
This should fix the problem.

For Mac users with Thunderbolt ports, the Elinchrom ONE and THREE might not appear on the Elinchrom Updater due to macOS restrictions.
If this is the case, you will need an adapter from USB-C to USB-A and connect the ONE and THREE with a USB-A to USB-C cable.

The Bluetooth module of the Elinchrom ONE and THREE enables to connect with the Elinchrom Studio Software and/or the Elinchrom iOS App via Bluetooth.
When you first use your Elinchrom ONE and THREE unit, please consider updating the Bluetooth module firmware, to make the ONE and THREE future-proof and compatible with other devices. (IoT=Internet of Things)

How to update the Bluetooth module of the Elinchrom ONE and THREE

Wireless update procedure:

Go into the menu and click on the “Parameters” wheel.
Scroll down and select “Wireless update”
Wait few seconds until the networks are displayed and select yours.
Enter password.

How to update the firmware of the Elinchrom ONE and THREE

Connect the USB-C cable to the computer.
While the unit is OFF, press the Scroll button and connect the cable to the unit.
“USB Mode” is displayed.
Start the EL-Updater.
Follow the instructions.

Yes, it is.
General recommendations apply when traveling by airplane with the ONE and THREE.
Make sure the device is turned off and that you carry it with you as carry-on luggage.

The Elinchrom OCF Adapter is designed to hold up to 1kg
The Elinchrom-Profoto Adapter (EL-26345) should be used for all payloads exceeding that limit.

Yes. You have to unscrew the Dome, and you can replace the flash tube by yourself.

Yes, we already have OCF Barndors (26002) and OCF Wide Reflector 16cm 90° (26090) and more is coming.

Yes, you need the Elinchrom OCF adapter included in the Kit for the ONE and the Profoto adapter included in the Kit for the THREE.

Never store your unit uncharged for too long. If you need to store it for a long period, recharge your battery completely

Yes.

The Elinchrom icon will let you know when the unit is charging.
Red: recharging
Orange: almost charged
Green: the unit is charged

For a full charge, the recharging time is about 90 min. with the original Elinchrom Charger.

ONE - The battery capacity offers 9700 flashes if used at minimum power and 725 flashes if used at full power.
THREE - The battery capacity offers 11250 flashes if used at minimum power and 525 flashes if used at full power.

As soon as the power bank is plugged in, in less than 3 minutes, you’re ready to start flashing again.

The sealed battery of the ONE and THREE Offers a better protection against weather conditions and better battery performances in a very compact design.The sealed battery of the ONE and THREE offers better protection against weather conditions and better battery performances in a very compact and lightweight design.

The battery can be quickly replaced by any certified Elinchrom service center. Find the one nearest to you at this link. The battery can be quickly replaced by any certified Elinchrom service center in Scandianvia it is us AIFO AB

The lifespan of the battery is around 400'000 full power flashes.

Any USB-C Powerbank battery can charge the ONE and THREE

Yes. You can control the ONE and THREE with the Elinchrom Studio Software and/or the iOS App.

No, there is no sync socket in the ONE and THREE.

To lock the touch screen of the ONE and THREE, press the ON button whilst powering on the unit for 9s.
The lock symbol indicates that the touch screen is locked, to unlock switch the unit OFF and ON again.

Switch the unit on, when the Elinchrom logo appears press immediately the “ON” and “Menu” button for 4 seconds until the display shows “Reload all default parameters”.

The ONE and THREE LED modeling lamp color temperature can be set between 2700°K – 6500°K. The output is 3000 Lumens with a CRI of 95.

Yes, the ONE and THREE can enable HSS and TTL with the Transmitter Pro.

The ONE can deliver 725 full-power flashes from a charged battery.The THREE can deliver 525 full-power flashes from a charged battery.

The Elinchrom ONE and THREE LED modeling lamp is equivalent to a 120W halogeen lamp and 3000 lm.

First, do the following:

Change the battery of the Transmitters
Change the Transmitters

If the problem remains, it could come from the flash tube or the keyboard itself.

To find out which unit is causing the misfiring, test each unit separately.
Send the faulty unit to Aifo your local Elinchrom service center.

All flashes are extremely consistent in flash power output and may vary due to the glass flash tube by a 1/10th of an F-Stop or even less. The color temperature is stable. The color shifts over 3 f-stop flash power regulation is about 200 – 300 Kelvin or even less, but when set to a certain flash power output each flash is consistent.
At minimum power, the flash color temperature tends to be warmer. At full power, it tends to be cooler, due to the voltage regulation of the capacitor for different flash power outputs. This will not affect the image result, since studio lights are a mix of old and new units at different power levels with silver and white reflectors or Softboxes of different brands and fabrics. The difference between a silver reflector and a softbox can show a gap in the color temperature, maybe 500 K or more. The flash duration and specifications at full power you find in the user manuals.

It is not possible to change the flash unit ID numbers.
The ID number is unique to each product and currently unchangeable.
But you can give a custom name directly from the Elinchrom App / Software.

The value of the flash counter on a new unit could vary due to the factory quality control procedure.
To ensure proper and quality unit reliability, the components drive through a burn-in test which can be about 48 hours with an automated process. It is more a charge/discharge and on/off process to test and burn-in components. Factory controls are done without the flash tube.

Yes, TTL Elinchrom units integrated into an existing Elinchrom setup with Hi-Sync and HSS altogether work seamlessly.

TTL is only here to help you if needed.
If you don’t want TTL, you can just as easily use it in Manual mode.
You can start in TTL, lock exposure, and then switch to manual, we call this Manual Lock.

Active Charge is a feature that enables you to charge while using the unit without damaging its battery.

On Elinchrom TTL units (ELB 500, ELC, ONE, THREE) Action ON means that the focus is on providing the fastest flash duration while trading a bit of colour temperature stability.
Action OFF means that the focus is on providing the best possible color temperature stability while trading flash duration speed.

Yes, you can use Elinchrom TTL units together with older Elinchrom flash units, but only in Manual mode, of course.

Livslängden för ONE och THREE:s batteri är cirka 400 000 fulleffektsblixtar.

Rotalux

Do not wash a White Diffuser yourself; the white color and the black frame might change.
To clean the Diffuser, we advise contacting a dry cleaner shop.
In case something goes wrong, you can order a new diffuser as a spare part from your local Elinchrom Distributor.

We use the same Elinchrom mount since 1974, which means old units are still compatible with actual accessories.

You can use almost any Elinchrom accessory with the Quadra Reflector Adapter

If you’re using a Rotalux Indirect 150 or other heavy accessories, go for a strong Tripod: the Tripod Air HD (31039).

We have a complete range of grids for the Rotalux range, the Rotagrid.
Please note, we currently don’t offer Grids for the Litemotiv range.
You may find Grids for the Litemotiv Octa from Lighttools

Rotalux Go

The Rotalux Go is a range of small and portable softboxes.
The Rotalux Go softbox can be set up very quickly just like umbrellas and uses fabrics similar to the Rotalux range. Three shapes are available, Octa, Recta and Strip.

Softbox

The Rotalux Go is a range of small and portable softboxes.
The Rotalux Go softbox can be set up very quickly just like umbrellas and uses fabrics similar to the Rotalux range. Three shapes are available, Octa, Recta and Strip.

The “Snaplux” range has been renamed “Rotalux Go

Software / App

Enable auto-refresh for a few seconds and then disable it.

The Transceiver RX (incl. Digital RX, Style RX, and Ranger RX) is not officially supported with the Elinchrom Software/App but can work.

The Transceiver RX is needed to make these units work into the system.
The Standby and friendly name function cannot work; however, power and triggering should be possible.
Please note we cannot guarantee this setup will work smoothly without issues.

If you experience misfires, we advise setting the Auto-refresh to OFF.
You’ll have better performances, but the Software/App will not scan for new units anymore.
When the Auto-refresh button is ON, it will periodically read the settings on the units and scan for new units.

Download the latest Elinchrom Studio App for iOS or Android and Software for macOS or Windows.
Update the Elinchrom Bridge or the Elinchrom ONE/FIVE to the latest Firmware (with the Elinchrom Updater).
Activate Bluetooth on your device.
Switch ON the Bridge or the Elinchrom ONE.
Launch the App/Software and find the connected Bridge / Elinchrom ONE/FIVE displayed in the window.
The LED of the Bridge flashes in Blue.
Chose the frequency channel 1 to 20, depending on which channel your flash units are set, normally to channel 1.
Scan for enabled Elinchrom flash units.
Start to control the units.

Battery run time is about 6 to 8 hours, but the Bridge can also be used with the USB micro cable connected to your computer for charging. You can chose if you use the USB cable or the Bluetooth connection.

The Elinchrom Bridge will automatically turn off after 120 min if no activity is detected.

It is possible to click on the picture of the flash unit to send a test trigger.
Once you know what unit it is, you can rename the unit with a user-friendly name.

System Preferences > Security & Privacy > click, “Open Anyway”

The Elinchrom Studio App is available and compatible with iOS and Android.

The Elinchrom Bridge is the required link between Elinchrom units and the Elinchrom Studio Software / App to be able to control your setup.

The EL-Skyport Software is not supported anymore and has been discontinued.
Please refer to the Elinchrom Studio Software and the Elinchrom Bridge for the latest version.

The Elinchrom Studio software is compatible with the latest macOS and Windows operating systems.

The Elinchrom Studio is not compatible with the Skyport USB RX.
You need the Elinchrom Bridge module to use the Elinchrom Studio Software or App.

When the Auto-refresh button is ON, it will periodically read the settings on the units and scan for new units.
If you experience misfires, we advise setting the Auto-refresh to OFF. You’ll have better performances, but the Software/App will not scan for new units anymore.

There is a button to trigger all units. Or you can trigger a single unit by clicking on the unit picture.

In the Elinchrom Studio Software / App, you have LOAD and SAVE buttons.
With this, you can load and save all settings for all units in your setup.

If the communication between your Elinchrom flash units and the Software/App is not possible. It could be that the bridge is not working.

Please check the following:

Make sure the Bridge is updated to the latest firmware with the Elinchrom Updater
Make sure that your Elinchrom flash units are compatible with the iOS App and/or desktop Software.
Load the App, switch on the Bridge (green flashing LED’s, will show up) and switch on the flash units and start the App. When Bluetooth is activated on your device, the Bridge will show up in the App/Software.
On a computer, you can also connect the Bridge via USB Micro cable.
Do not use Speed Sync Mode on units and Transmitters, the App and Software work only in Normal Sync Mode.

Most enabled units are compatible with the Elinchrom Studio Software/App.

Yes. You can control the ONE/THREE with the Elinchrom Studio Software and/or the iOS App.

It is not possible to change the flash unit ID numbers.
The ID number is unique to each product and currently unchangeable.
But you can give a custom name directly from the Elinchrom App / Software.

Technical

If the unit hasn’t been used for a while it’s possible that it accumulated a bit of dust.
Before using it, we recommend leaving the unit ON with the modeling lamp for half a day.
This will allow the capacitors to reform themselves.

Heavy number of flashes in a short period of time usage may be over the limits for this kind of flash unit.
To protect from overheating, the unit stops working automatically. If you switch OFF the modeling lamp, the unit may make some more flashes before they overheat.
For heavy amount of flashes in a short period of time, we would suggest using the ELC Pro HD.

If you get P1.0, P2.0. P3.0, P4.0, or P5.0, please try a master reset as described in the manual.
Press together “up + down” and turn on the unit

There is no technical problem with mixing Action, Pro, HS, or other heads together with the Ranger / Quadra / ELB 400 / ELB 1200 battery unit.
However, the only problem is that you may expect strange results in your lighting.
The Action head has a very fast flash duration while the HS head has a very low flash duration.

These parameters cannot be changed.
Since the dial is so fast to adjust power up and down, we’ve only applied 1 F-stop steps for the left-right buttons.

All flashes are extremely consistent in flash power output and may vary due to the glass flash tube by a 1/10th of an F-Stop or even less. The color temperature is stable. The color shifts over 3 f-stop flash power regulation is about 200 – 300 Kelvin or even less, but when set to a certain flash power output each flash is consistent.
At minimum power, the flash color temperature tends to be warmer. At full power, it tends to be cooler, due to the voltage regulation of the capacitor for different flash power outputs. This will not affect the image result, since studio lights are a mix of old and new units at different power levels with silver and white reflectors or Softboxes of different brands and fabrics. The difference between a silver reflector and a softbox can show a gap in the color temperature, maybe 500 K or more. The flash duration and specifications at full power you find in the user manuals.

The ELC Pro HD is trimmed for fast flash duration and recycling times.
Due to its high performance, the Xenon flash tube may extract ozone smell, which is normal for very fast flash units.

There might be something hanging in the software.
Try to reset the unit. If this continues, the unit should be returned for a proper check at your dealer.

How to reset:

Push the left and right buttons simultaneously and hold for at least 1 second.
The unit will reboot and will clear all working parameters.

This will not delete the “User Preset” data which is restored in the preset menu nor will it reset the counter in the “statistics” menu for “total lifetime,” “total flash amount” and “power.”

The standby function is an energy-saving mode, which cuts off the capacitors from level charging.
The cooling will be active in case the unit has been heavily used.

When turning off, the unit makes an electrical buzz or a zapping sound, ensure that all the main plugs and cables are earth grounded and that the main cable is well connected with the unit.
If this noise is not disappearing, it might be a faulty ON/OFF switch, which needs to be checked by an authorised elinchrom service.

The colour temperature on the old Elinchrom units was set at approximately 5500 Kelvin.
However, since the units and the flashtubes are aging, the colour temperature might be at 5200 Kelvin or less. Normally after some years of use, the flashtube tends to give a warmer colour.

There are several options to reduce light power in order to obtain a narrow depth of field.

Set your camera to a lower ISO. Setting 50 ISO or even less if required.
Use grey filters for your lenses to reduce light.
Softboxes may reduce the light output.
Use Hi-Sync or HSS with the Transmitter Pro.

If the Ranger RX Battery LED indicator stays on at 10%, this might be a problem with the keyboard, or it could be a faulty contact.
If the LED does not switch off after a few minutes, the unit should be checked by an Elinchrom repair service.

There is no negative effect when you use the FAST mode with the ELC Pro HD connected to the mains.
Only if the mains fuses would blow you could set to default or slow charge mode. But this depends on the mains voltage, which can be relatively low in some countries.
In case you use a battery inverter, the unit may only work in default or slow charge mode, depending on how powerful the battery inverter is.
To drive one ELC Pro HD with a modeling lamp, you need a pure sine wave battery inverter of minimum 600W.

Unfortunately, the LED modeling lamp of the Quadra/ELB 400 is not dimmable, therefore, you cannot control its intensity.

When the unit is OFF, press and hold ON + knob button (S) until the message “ENABLED” is shown.
To return to “DISABLED” repeat the procedure.
The shown value is automatically saved as the standard setting for the unit.
Please note: this feature is only available since firmware 26.17

The ambient temperature whilst the unit is in use: min.-5°C up to max. 35°C.

Storage temperature: -5°C up to 60°C

Optimal operating temperature: 0°C up to 45°C.

The ELC Pro HD is Elinchrom’s top-of-the-range compact unit.
The ELC Pro HD offers a more powerful halogen modelling lamp, faster recycling times and is available with more power if necessary but cannot achieve TTL and HSS.
The ELC 125/500 on the other hand offers TTL, HSS, and an LED modelling lamp.

Transmitter Plus

You’ll find three types of remotes inside our range; two transmitters and one receiver.

The Transmitter Plus is a universal transmitter compatible with most brands and cameras with a classic hot-shoe.
The Transmitter Pro is a transmitter offering a display and additional functions such as HSS or TTL but is only compatible with brands, cameras, and units listed on Elinchrom website
The Receiver Plus is a receiver for older Elinchrom units without a build-in receiver or other flash brand units and Speedlights.

Check the following points:

Both devices must have the same frequency channel.
The transmitter and the unit must be set in the same Sync mode (Normal or Speed Mode).
Change the frequency channel on the flash unit and the transmitter and test again.
Is the battery of the Transmitter discharged?
Are the sync cables working properly?
Are the camera settings correct?
Is the unit used in bright ambient light, sun, or halogen lamp directed on the photocell (the photocell may block the synchro circuit on these classical units)?
Re-check the triggering in a darker room with a minimum of ambient light.
Check the Transmitter with another flash unit.
Avoid metal objects or walls between the flash units and the transmitter.
In case a flash tube is faulty, you can hear the click sound of the flash unit but no flash; this would indicate replacing the flash tube.

To trigger a Speedlight or any other flash brand unit with your Elinchrom units, you need the Elinchrom Receiver Plus

All cameras respecting the standard sync triggering system will work.
The Hi-Sync/HSS/TTL features on the Transmitter Pro are only available for Nikon, Canon, Sony and Fujifilm cameras

Please make sure your Elinchrom unit and Transmitter are both updated with the latest firmware.

The distance range of the Transmitter Plus or Pro is 200 m outdoors and 60 m indoors.
If the distance is limited, then please try the following:

Reposition the units.
Increase the distance from walls and ceilings.
ELSP Mode:
In speed sync mode the distance range is reduced by approximately 50%, switch back to Normal sync mode.
Outdoors, the distance range could be reduced due to humidity, interference, obstacles, etc.

Please verify the following points:

Transmitter and receiver must have the same frequency channel settings.
Transmitter and receiver must have the same synchronization mode settings: Normal or Speed sync mode (ELSP MODE on the Transmitter Pro).
Check that the EL-Skyport receiver in all EL units with built-in receivers is switched ON.
Try another frequency channel for both transmitter and the receiver of the Elinchrom unit.
Reduce the distance between the flash unit and transmitter.
Check the hotshoe fitting.
Check the camera settings (turn hotshoe communication on).
Check that the Transmitter Pro version corresponds to your Canon, Nikon, Sony, or Fujifilm camera.
Check the list of compatible cameras.

The Skyport Transmitter system has 2 operating modes that offer different shooting functionalities.

NORMAL Sync Mode

Green LED – 200 m (656’) working range – Synchro is limited to X-Sync.

SPEED Sync Mode
Red LED – 100 m (328’) working range – Synchro is limited to X-Sync but enables faster shutter speeds only on digital medium format cameras.

To use shutter speeds of up to 1/8000s, the HS / Hi-Sync mode must be activated on the Transmitter Pro when used in both Normal and Speed mode.

Transmitter Pro

Like other flash brands, several users have reported sync issues using the Nikon Z9 with the Transmitter Pro while HSS is enabled.
We are currently investigating these problems.

You’ll find three types of remotes inside our range; two transmitters and one receiver.

The Transmitter Plus is a universal transmitter compatible with most brands and cameras with a classic hot-shoe.
The Transmitter Pro is a transmitter offering a display and additional functions such as HSS or TTL but is only compatible with brands, cameras, and units listed on this page.
The Receiver Plus is a receiver for older Elinchrom units without a build-in receiver or other flash brand units and Speedlights.

Check the following points:

Both devices must have the same frequency channel.
The transmitter and the unit must be set in the same Sync mode (Normal or Speed Mode).
Change the frequency channel on the flash unit and the transmitter and test again.
Is the battery of the Transmitter discharged?
Are the sync cables working properly?
Are the camera settings correct?
Is the unit used in bright ambient light, sun, or halogen lamp directed on the photocell (the photocell may block the synchro circuit on these classical units)?
Re-check the triggering in a darker room with a minimum of ambient light.
Check the Transmitter with another flash unit.
Avoid metal objects or walls between the flash units and the transmitter.
In case a flash tube is faulty, you can hear the click sound of the flash unit but no flash; this would indicate replacing the flash tube.

If a dark slide appears on your picture, this could be a sync issue when you use too short sync speeds with DSLR cameras.
You need to set the camera shutter speed at least at one value slower to maybe 1/200s or 1/160s.

TTL

Yes, with the Transmotter Pro. Hi-Sync is not available with the ONE/THREE.
HSS will be enabled automatically with the Transmitter Pro and compatible cameras.
Note: Elinchrom units integrated into an existing Elinchrom setup with Hi-Sync and HSS units altogether work seamlessly.

Yes, the ONE/THREE can enable HSS and TTL with the Transmitter Pro.

All cameras respecting the standard sync triggering system will work.
The Hi-Sync/HSS/TTL features on the Transmitter Pro are only available for Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras

A list of compatible cameras and flash units with the Transmitter Pro is available here.
www.elinchrom.com/support/compatibility/

TTL is only here to help you if needed.
If you don’t want TTL, you can just as easily use it in Manual mode.
You can start in TTL, lock exposure, and then switch to manual, we call this Manual Lock.

We are in a world where we need to work faster with an efficient workflow.
This is why we introduced TTL within our portfolio of products.

Yes, you can use Elinchrom TTL units together with older Elinchrom flash units, but only in Manual mode, of course.

Using TTL and non TTL units together is possible, but only when both are used in Manual.
This is because, in TTL mode, the camera controls the pre-flash and main flash synchronization of TTL. It is, however, possible to experiment with slower shutter synchronization speeds to achieve acceptable synchronization of manual with TTL.

The Elinchrom ONE/THREE/FIVE, the ELB 500 TTL, and the ELC 125/500 are compatible with TTL along with the Transmitter Pro.

For more information, please check the compatibility chart.

If your camera is not listed as compatible, it simply means that it has not yet been tested with all possible features.
Don’t worry, you can test it, it will not have any negative effect on the camera.

No, TTL and HSS are not available for the ELC Pro HD./p>

Yes, TTL and HSS features are implemented in the ELC 125 and the ELC 500.