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Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 User Manual

Paul C. Buff Einstein E640
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Every decade or two, a quantum leap occurs in ideas and technology that sets the stage
for years to come. While most are content to follow the leader and add a feature or two, a
few innovators take the lead with revolutionary advancements that redene the future state
of the art. Paul C. Buff, Inc.has a track record for such innovations, rst in 1986 with the
forerunner of the modern self-contained studio ash the White Lightning™ Ultra ash unit
- then again in 2001 with the rst full-featured, affordable-yet-professional monolight for the
new masses of young digital photographersthe colorful little light that could, and did – the
AlienBees™ ash unit.
We are now pleased to present the most advanced integrated studio ash system ever
conceived at any price - with performance and features far beyond any “professional
monolight. After two years of intense design, evolution, blood, sweat, and tears, welcome to
the brave new future of studio lighting - Einstein™, and the companion Cyber Commander
extreme integrated wireless control system. Proudly designed and manufactured in America.
EINSTEIN
The Einstein™ E640 Flash Unit by Paul C. Buff, Inc.™
USER MANUAL / OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ • www.paulcbuff.com
2725 Bransford Avenue • Nashville, TN • 37204 • USA
Toll Free 1-800-443-5542 • Local 615-383-3982
v.2/2013
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Paul C. Buff Einstein E640 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandPaul C. Buff
ModelEinstein E640
CategoryCamera Flash
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Introduction to the Einstein E640 Flash Unit

Safety Warnings and Precautions

High Voltage and Internal Components

Warns about stored high voltages and potential dangers even when unplugged.

Unattended Operation and Supervision

Stresses the need for close supervision and turning off/unplugging when not in use.

Water and Moisture Hazards

Prohibits operation or storage in wet conditions due to electric shock risk.

Flammable Materials and Heat

Advises against use near flammable materials, fire, or heated surfaces.

Ventilation and Air Circulation

Mandates permitting air circulation and not covering the unit during operation.

Foreign Objects and Ventilation

Warns against inserting objects into ventilation holes or carrying small metal items with the unit.

Power Cord and Grounding

Requires using grounded power cords/outlets and avoiding damaged cords.

No User-Serviceable Parts

States that only qualified technicians should service the unit; user-replaceable parts are limited.

Operating and Handling Safety Instructions

Mounting and Stability

Emphasizes securely mounting the unit on a light stand before operation.

Shipping Cover Removal

Instructs to remove the front black shipping cover before turning the unit on.

Flashtube and Lamp Handling

Advises against touching flashtubes/lamps with bare hands to avoid contamination and damage.

Approved Flashtubes and Lamps

Mandates using only original or approved replacement flashtubes and modeling lamps.

Care During Travel and Transport

Recommends using the shipping cover and appropriate packaging for protection.

Storage Conditions

Outlines moderate climate storage and occasional use for long-term storage.

Voltage Adapter Warning

Warns against using voltage adapters that can damage the unit.

Faceplate Heat Warning

Alerts users that the faceplate, flashtube, and accessories can become very hot during use.

Technical Specifications Overview

Weight and Dimensions

Details the physical weight and overall dimensions of the flash unit.

Power Requirements

Specifies the unit's operating voltage range (95-265 Vac) and frequency.

Flashpower Output

Lists the maximum and minimum flashpower in wattseconds/joules.

Detailed Performance Specifications

Flash Variability and Accuracy

Describes flashpower control in 1/10f steps and accuracy.

Recycle Time and Indicators

Details recycle time, audible/visual indicators, and speed shooting capabilities.

Modeling Lamp Specifications

Provides details on the modeling lamp wattage, voltage compatibility, and lumen tracking.

Flash Duration Characteristics

Outlines t.1 and t.5 flash durations in different modes.

Color Temperature Range

Specifies color temperature consistency in different modes.

Slave Tripper and Mounts

Describes the slave trigger function and accessory mounting options.

Cooling and Display

Details the cooling system and LCD display specifications.

Camera Sync Options

Lists camera sync connection types and safety features.

Einstein E640 Unit Diagram and Controls

Function Button

Used to scroll through and select screens on the LCD display for adjustment.

Adjust Buttons

Used to raise or lower settings like flashpower and modeling lamp brightness.

LCD Display

A backlit color screen displaying status and settings in nine sections.

Sync Jack

1/8-inch jack for hardwired camera connection or slave triggering.

Easy Set Button

Resets the unit to default factory settings for instant setup.

Test Button

Fires the unit to test its functionality.

Key Unit Components and Features

Fuse Holder

Houses a user-replaceable 8A fuse; a backup is provided.

Power Button

Turns the flash unit ON or OFF.

Power Cord Jack

Connection point for the power cord.

Stand Mount Tightening Knob

Secures the light stand's top coupler in the stand mount.

Stand Mount

Accepts light stands with top couplers up to 5/8-inch.

Ratchet Handle

Allows swiveling the flash unit up or down for positioning.

Quick-Release Levers

Contract faceplate fingers to add or remove accessories.

Holding Fingers

Securely hold faceplate-mounted accessories.

Frosted Pyrex Dome

Equalizes size/shape for previews and reduces UV emission.

Spring Clips

Hold the frosted pyrex dome in place.

CyberSync Transceiver Slot

Receptacle for optional transceiver for remote control.

Umbrella Tightening Knob

Secures umbrella poles up to 3/8-inch.

Micro SD Card Slot

Used for firmware updates.

Initial Setup Procedure

Remove Shipping Cover

Instructions for removing the protective shipping cover before use.

Mount on Light Stand

Details on placing and securing the unit on a light stand.

Connect Power Cord

Steps for connecting the power cord and turning the unit on.

EASY SET Mode

How to use EASY SET for instant setup of default parameters.

Camera Sync and Testing

Camera Syncing

How to sync the camera using wired or wireless methods.

Preliminary Testing

Steps to verify flashpower and modeling lamp adjustments.

Display Functionality

How the LCD display reflects adjustments and test fire results.

Navigating Unit Parameters

LCD Display Overview

Explains the nine sections/screens on the LCD display.

Flash Adjustment Screen

Details controlling flashpower, color temperature, duration, and EU number.

Model Adjustment Screen

Allows independent adjustment of modeling lamp brightness.

Model Mode Screen

Options for modeling lamp behavior (On, Independent, Track, Off).

Advanced Parameter Settings

Recycle/Ready Indicator Screen

Configures audible and visual indicators for recycle completion.

Slave Eye Status Screen

Controls the built-in slave eye sensor for triggering.

Action/Color Screen

Selects between Action Mode and Constant Color Mode.

Channel and Frequency Screens

Sets channel and frequency for wireless remote control.

IGBT Control Advantages

Limitations of Conventional Control

Explains the drawbacks of traditional voltage control methods.

IGBT Technology Benefits

Details IGBT's advantages in power reduction, flash duration, and color consistency.

Action Mode Explained

Describes Action Mode for maximum action freezing with varying color temperature.

Constant Color Mode Explained

Explains Constant Color Mode for stable color temperature.

Performance Modes and EU Numbers

Constant Color Mode Details

Provides specific data for Constant Color Mode flash duration and color temperature.

Action Mode Details

Provides specific data for Action Mode flash duration and color temperature.

EU Numbers Explained

Explains the EU numbering system for comparing light outputs.

Flash Control Technology Comparison

Variable Voltage Waveforms

Illustrates flash waveforms using conventional variable voltage control.

IGBT Control Waveforms

Illustrates flash waveforms using IGBT control for action freezing.

Performance Graphs and Output

Flash Duration vs. Power Setting

Graph comparing flash duration across power settings for different units.

Color Temperature vs. Power Setting

Graph comparing color temperature across power settings for different units.

Power Variability Range

Chart showing wattsecond ranges for various flash units.

Expected Output Examples

Provides examples of exposure settings for different modifiers.

Using Accessories

Remote Control Compatibility

Discusses compatibility with CyberSync, Cyber Commander, and PocketWizard systems.

Softboxes and Reflectors

Details how to attach softboxes and reflectors using the faceplate mount.

Accessory Mounting and Usage

Softbox Mounting Technique

Proper method for attaching softboxes, especially from other manufacturers.

PLM System and Umbrellas

Information on using the PLM system and standard umbrellas.

Light Stand Compatibility

Details on the unit's light stand mount and compatibility.

Travel Gear and Carrying Bag

Information about the carrying bag and unit dimensions for travel.

CyberSync System Integration

New Setups with Cyber Commander

Instructions for setting up Einstein units as part of a new Cyber Commander setup.

Remote Control Parameter Transfer

How back panel settings are transferred to the Cyber Commander remote.

Existing Setup Integration

Existing Setups with Cyber Commander

Instructions for adding Einstein units to an existing Cyber Commander setup.

Saving and Referencing Setups

Advice on storing and referencing setup configurations in the remote.

Component Replacement Guide

Flashtube Replacement

Details on the user-replaceable flashtube and its part number.

Modeling Lamp Replacement

Information on replacing the modeling lamp and available wattages.

Fuse Replacement

Instructions for replacing the fuse and where to purchase replacements.

Global Power Line Operation

Automatic Voltage Sensing

The unit automatically senses and adjusts to different AC line voltages.

Power Cord Options

Details on the standard North American power cord and international options.

Portable Power Solutions

Vagabond Mini Lithium System

Recommends the Vagabond Mini Lithium system for portable power.

Power Consumption Notes

Information on idle and off-state power draw from battery systems.

Firmware Updates and Management

User-Upgradable Firmware

The unit supports user-upgradable firmware for fixes and new functions.

Checking Firmware Version

How to find and check the current firmware version on the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Other Flash Units Causing Fire

Explains how external flashes can trigger the Einstein unit and how to disable the slave eye.

Settings Reverting Issue

Addresses settings reverting when using remote controls like Cyber Commander.

Flash Unit Not Firing

Troubleshooting steps if the unit does not fire, including flashtube issues.

Warranty and Satisfaction Guarantee

60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Details the policy for returning the product within 60 days for a refund.

2-Year Factory Warranty

Outlines the warranty coverage against manufacturer defects.

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Lists the specific terms, limitations, and exclusions of the warranty.

Customer Service Contact

Provides contact information for customer service regarding guarantee or warranty.