CULLMANN CUlight FR 36C

Need help?

Do you have a question about the CULLMANN CUlight FR 36C and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The CUlight FR 36C is a camera flash designed for Canon series cameras, offering compatibility with TTL autoflash for simplified shooting and accurate flash exposure in various lighting conditions.

Function Description

The CUlight FR 36C operates in three main flash modes: TTL (Through-The-Lens) autoflash, Manual (M) flash, and Multi (Stroboscopic) flash. In TTL mode, the camera and flash collaborate to calculate the correct exposure, supporting functions like Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC), High-Speed Sync (HSS) up to 1/8000s, and Second-Curtain Sync. FEC allows for fine-tuning flash output from -3 to +3 stops in 1/3rd increments. HSS enables synchronization with all camera shutter speeds, useful for fill-flash portraits with wide apertures. Second-Curtain Sync creates light trails behind moving subjects by firing the flash just before the shutter closes.

In Manual mode, the flash output is adjustable from 1/1 full power down to 1/128th power in 1/3rd stop increments, requiring a hand-held flash meter for precise output determination. Both HSS and Second-Curtain Sync are available in Manual mode. The flash also supports Optical S1 and S2 Secondary Unit settings in Manual mode. S1 allows the flash to fire synchronously with a main flash, while S2 ignores a camera's pre-flash and fires in response to the actual second flash from the main unit, making it suitable for cameras with pre-flash functions.

The Multi (Stroboscopic) flash mode fires a rapid series of flashes, ideal for capturing multiple images of a moving subject in a single photograph. Users can set the firing frequency (Hz), the number of flashes, and the flash output. The shutter speed for stroboscopic flash is calculated by dividing the number of flashes by the flash frequency.

A key feature of the CUlight FR 36C is its built-in 2.4GHz wireless remote system, supporting both transmitting and receiving. This allows it to function as a Master or Slave unit in a wireless flash group. As a master unit, it can control CUlight FR 60C and RR 500C slave units. As a slave unit, it can be controlled by CUlight FR 60C and RT 500C master units. It supports TTL, M, Multi, and OFF flash modes in wireless operation. The wireless system allows for setting up to three slave groups (A, B, C) and adjusting flash ratios for diverse lighting effects. Communication channels (1-16) can be adjusted to prevent interference from other 2.4GHz equipment.

The flash head is designed for versatility, with a guide number of 36 (m ISO 100, @105mm). It features a zoom display (24-105mm) that can be set automatically (Auto Zoom) to match the lens focal length or manually. A built-in wide panel extends flash coverage to 14mm for wide-angle lenses. The flash head can swivel 0 to 270° horizontally and tilt -7° to 90° vertically for bounce flash. A catchlight panel is integrated to create catchlights in subjects' eyes. An Auto Focus Assist Beam (effective range: Center 0.6-4m, Periphery 0.6-2.5m) aids autofocus in low-light conditions.

Important Technical Specifications

Guide No.: 36 (m ISO 100, @105mm)
Flash Coverage: 24 to 105mm (Auto zoom and Manual zoom), 14mm with wide panel
Flash Duration (t0.1): 1/350 to 1/20000 seconds
Exposure Control System: TTL autoflash and manual flash
Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC): ±3 stops in 1/3 stop increments
Sync Mode: High-speed sync (up to 1/8000s), first-curtain sync, and second-curtain sync
Multi Flash: Provided (up to 90 times, 90Hz)
Wireless Flash (2.4G radio transmission): Master, Slave, Off
Controllable Slave Groups: 3 (A, B, C)
Transmission Range (approx.): ≤30m
Channels: 16 (1-16)
Auto Focus Assist Beam Effective Range: Center: 0.6-4m, Periphery: 0.6-2.5m
Power Supply: Ni-MH batteries (recommended) or 2*LR6 alkaline batteries
Recycle Time: Approx. 0.1-2.2 seconds (with eneloop Ni-MH batteries)
Full Power Flashes: Approx. 210 (with 2500mA Ni-MH batteries)
Dimensions (WxHxD): 1406238 mm
Weight without battery: 200g

Usage Features

The CUlight FR 36C is designed for ease of use with an intuitive control panel and LCD display. The button cycles through TTL, Manual, and Multi flash modes. The button adjusts flash coverage. activates High-Speed Sync and Second-Curtain Sync. selects S1/S2 Optic Slave triggering. A Select Dial and button are used for adjusting settings.

Power Management: The flash unit powers on/off with a long press of the power switch. As a master flash, it automatically powers off after approximately 90 seconds of idle use, waking up with a half-press of the camera shutter or any flash button. As a slave flash, it enters sleep mode after an adjustable period (default 60 minutes) of idle use, waking up with any flash button press. Disabling auto power off is recommended when using the flash off-camera.

Attaching to a Camera: The flash unit slides into the camera's hotshoe and is secured by rotating a lock ring.

Custom Functions (C.Fn): The flash offers custom functions such as Auto Sleep (ST), AF-assist beam (AF), and Backlighting control (BL), which can be configured via the button and Select Dial.

Protection Function: The device includes over-temperature protection, which activates after a certain number of continuous flashes (e.g., 30 at 1/1 power) to prevent damage to the flash head. A rest time of at least 10-15 minutes is recommended after activation. Other protections include error prompts (E1 for recycling system failure, E2 for high flash tube voltage, E3 for firmware upgrade errors) to ensure device and user safety.

Maintenance Features

General Care: Keep the product dry, avoid use in rain or damp conditions. Avoid sudden impacts and dedust regularly.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for common issues such as the flash not charging (check battery installation, replace exhausted batteries), not firing (secure attachment, clean contacts), auto power off (wake up the unit), auto zoom not working (secure attachment), underexposure/overexposure (check HSS range, adjust manual output), and dark corners (check flash coverage, use wide panel).
Repairs: The product contains high-voltage electronic parts and should not be disassembled. Repairs must be performed by an authorized maintenance center. Unauthorized service voids the warranty. If the product is damaged or wetted, do not use it until repaired by professionals.
Firmware Upgrade: The flash supports firmware upgrades via a standard Micro USB port. Update information is released on the official website. The current firmware version can be checked by pressing the button while turning on the flash.