Photogenic Professional Lighting Camera Flash AKC160 User Manual

Daylight Corrected, Constant Color  
StudioMax® III  
Operator’s Manual  
Studio Max® III AKC320  
Studio Max® III AKC320B  
Studio Max® III AKC160  
Studio Max® III AKC160B  
 
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS  
Despite the measures that have been taken to make electronic flash  
equipment safe, it must be recognized that high voltages and high  
temperatures do exist within the power supply / lighting unit. Certain  
precautions must be observed in handling the unit.  
Contact with internal high voltage may result in severe injury or death.  
1. Before installing or removing the flashtube and modeling  
lamp, be sure this appliance is turned off, cooled and  
unplugged from AC power source.  
2. Do not touch the glass tubes with bare hands, as normal  
body oils will shorten the bulb’s life. Always use a clean  
cloth or wear gloves to protect your hand from glass  
breakage and heat.  
3. Do not defeat the purpose to the three-wire line cord by  
disconnecting the ground. Connect to properly functioning  
and grounded 3-pin receptacles only. If you are using an  
extension cord, be sure the cord has an equivalent or  
greater rating and has a ground.  
4. Do not insert a screwdriver or other metal objects into the  
flashtube socket area or vents. Contact with high voltage  
may result.  
5. Do not operate this appliance with a frayed or damaged  
line cord.  
When replacing or using the unit with an  
extension cable, be sure the cable has an equivalent or  
greater rating and is a properly connected 3-wire  
grounded cable.  
6. Do not attempt to use this appliance if it has been dropped  
or damaged, until a qualified service person has serviced  
it.  
7. Do not operate the unit with a damaged or broken  
flashtube or modeling lamp. To prevent damage always  
use Photogenic specified replacements for the flashtubes  
and modeling lamps.  
8. Perform no internal service work on this unit. Refer all  
such service to a qualified service person or return to the  
factory. This will provide you safety and continuation of  
your warranty.  
9. Do not operate when water is present (including ocean  
salt spray) and from extreme temperature shifts. If the  
unit is stored in hot or below freezing temperatures, allow  
at least one hour at room temperatures before using.  
3
 
PREPARATION AND BASICS  
Unpacking and Setup:  
Unpack all units carefully to remove all parts from the carton(s). Do  
not discard or destroy the packing material until the equipment has  
been inspected, assembled, and all parts accounted for. After  
unpacking, all parts should be examined for any damage, which  
may have been caused by rough handling during shipment. If any  
damage is detected, contact the delivering carrier at once. Claim for  
damage should be made to the delivering carrier before destroying  
packing cartons.  
To set up the unit, first mount and secure it on a suitable stand. The  
StudioMax III stand adapter allows the unit to be mounted on a  
stand with a 3/8” to 5/8” post. Be sure to use a stand that is stable  
and will not tip easily.  
The unit may be shipped with the modeling lamp and flashtube not  
installed. While installing the modeling lamp and flashtube (with  
glove or clean cloth to protect the hand) be sure they are properly  
inserted and tight to avoid arcing and failure of the socket contacts  
during operation. Do not touch the glass tubes with bare hands, as  
normal body oils will shorten the bulb’s life. Always use a clean  
cloth or wear gloves to protect your hand from glass breakage and  
heat. If flashtube and modeling lamp are installed when received,  
there will be spacers between the glass to prevent damage during  
shipping. REMOVE THE SPACERS.  
The 7-½ inch reflector is attached by the “quick-change”  
mechanism. A solid tab and a thumb screw on the unit grip the ring  
on the reflector. To mount the reflector, loosen the thumbscrew so it  
does not show inside the circle and tilt the reflector past the  
stationary top-tab, then past the thumbscrew.  
Tighten the  
thumbscrew, securing the reflector (see illustration below.) All  
accessory reflectors and soft boxes are designed for use with this  
“quick-change” system or onto this 7-½ inch reflector.  
After mounting the light on your stand and with power switch OFF,  
attach the line AC line cord to the power-input connector, located on  
the bottom of the StudioMax III, and then connect the other end of  
the cable to a grounded wall outlet. Turn the power switch ON. The  
READY light will light only when the unit has charged to the selected  
setting.  
4
 
Reflector, soft box,  
bare bulb, or other  
“quick-change”  
attachments.  
Flashtube.  
Modeling lamp.  
Thumb screw to hold reflector.  
Umbrella holder (shaft passes  
through knock-out in reflector.)  
Thumb screw for umbrella shaft.  
ACline cord jack.  
CONTROL PANEL AND BASIC OPERATION:  
Power Input:  
The power required to operate the StudioMax III is 105 to 125 volts AC,  
50/60 Hz, 4 Amp, and/or, for a B (battery) model, an approved DC battery  
power pack (not included). The power cord has a 125V, 10 Amp. rating.  
Replacement cords or extension cords rated for less amperage may  
overheat and should not be used with StudioMax III.  
5
 
Circuit Protection:  
Circuit protection (fuse) automatically protects this appliance from  
excessive damage due to circuit or component failure.  
Operation  
exceeding the rated cycle of the appliance may cause the fuse to open.  
[Always replace fuse with same rating of fuse.]  
To replace a blown fuse (power cord must be disconnected), simply  
unscrew the fuse holder cap (side front of unit) and replace the exposed  
fuse with a new fuse. If fuses continue to blow, contact your dealer or  
qualified service person.  
(See specification section for fuses replacements)  
Power Switch:  
The three-position power switch controls the AC power to both the modeling  
and flash circuits. The lower position is OFF. Center position is flash only.  
Top position is flash and modeling light.  
If using a battery model (B) with a battery pack, turn ON the AKC unit  
before turning the battery pack power ON.  
Flash Power:  
All settings and controls of the StudioMax III are extremely stable and  
repeatable due to the use of an internal microcomputer. The AK320 and  
AK320B are adjustable from 10-watt seconds to 320-watt seconds. The  
AK160 and AK160B are adjustable from 5-watt seconds to 160-watt  
seconds.  
To adjust the StudioMax III to its lowest flash power setting (5 or 10 watt  
seconds), rotate the FLASH POWER control knob fully counter clock-wise.  
To adjust the StudioMax III to its greatest flash power setting (160 or 320  
watt seconds), rotate the FLASH POWER control knob fully clock-wise.  
Ready Light:  
The StudioMax III is charged when the READY lamp is on. Lowest power  
(10 ws) charge time is a maximum of .1 seconds and at full power charge  
(320 ws) time is a maximum of 3 seconds. The unit may be flashed before  
fully charged.  
6
 
Modeling Light:  
The modeling light has two modes of operation:  
1. With POWER switch in MODEL/FLASH upper position, the modeling  
lamp is ON.  
2. With POWER switch in FLASH or center position, the modeling lamp is  
OFF.  
[Note: With battery models the modeling lamp is disabled to conserve the  
available battery power.]  
Test Function:  
The TEST button is pressed to fire the flashtube for test purposes.  
Power Off:  
Turning OFF the POWER switch will turn OFF both the AC line power and  
the battery pack power connection. The POWER switch must be ON for  
either power source. The battery pack will also have a POWER switch,  
which must be turned ON and OFF.  
The StudioMax III POWER OFF position will “dump” the stored power in the  
flash capacitors by flashing the unit. This is for safety and reliability.  
Synchronization and Triggering:  
Triggering is accomplished by using a camera flash or a trigger cable from  
one StudioMax III to the camera shutter contacts of ”X” or “zero” delay.  
Other units in the system are then triggered by built-in photoslave  
operation, or a “daisy-chain” connection of all SYNC jacks. It is best to  
connect the fill light directly to the camera since it will be positioned furthest  
back in the studio and will usually provide sufficient illumination to trigger  
the other units. It is suggested that all walls and ceiling be painted either in  
white or light neutral colors for most reliable photoslave operation.  
After the trigger cord is properly connected, check the synchronization with  
the camera. Adjust the lighting unit to same height as the camera lens and  
face the lights into the lens. The lens aperture should be open to its fullest  
extent and set on “X” or “zero” delay. Remove the camera back. It is best  
to perform this test with the modeling lamps turned off.  
While looking at the lens through the back of the camera, operate the  
shutter. A few sheets of white paper in front of the lens will cut down the  
brilliance of the flash and aid in making the observation. The flash of the  
light should then appear as a circle the same size as the aperture. If the  
circle is flattened on the sides, or if no light appears through the lens, the  
shutter is not synchronized. If the shutter appears not to be synchronized,  
a reputable camera repair shop should check the shutter contacts.  
7
 
Photocell/Slave:  
The built-in photoslave is operational when the unit is ON. If you  
wish to disable the photoslave, plug in your SYNC cord.  
AKC160 and AKC320 Accessories:  
A large assortment of Photogenic standard “Quick-Change”  
reflectors, umbrellas, grids, softboxes, snoots, barndoors and cases  
are available.  
AKC160B and AKC320B:  
A battery pack power source (AKB-1) is available, as well as a large  
assortment of Photogenic standard “Quick-Change” reflectors,  
umbrellas, grids, softboxes, snoots, barndoors and cases. The  
AKB-1 uses a spill proof 12-volt battery to generate the 300 volts  
required to power the AKC160B for over 320 flashes and the  
ADC320B for over 160 flashes, at FULL power.  
QUICK-CHANGE ACCESSORIES  
Reflectors:  
PL3R  
Shallow Background reflector.  
PL3RV  
PL5AR  
PL7R  
Background veil cutout reflector.  
5” Deep Conical Background reflector.  
7 ½” Standard high gain reflector. 35 degree  
coverage.  
PL14R  
PL16R  
PL20R  
PL24R  
14” Parabolic for portraits, feathering, flood and fill  
lighting. 40-degree coverage.  
16” Parabolic for portraits, feathering, flood and fill  
lighting. 60-degree coverage.  
20” Parabolic for portraits, feathering, flood and fill  
lighting. 65-degree coverage.  
24” Parabolic with deflector for soft illumination and  
flood lighting. 145-degree coverage.  
Please contact your dealer for the above reflectors and additional  
Photogenic light-shaping accessories...Soft Boxes, Barndoors,  
Scrims, Grids, Diffusers, Snoots & Gel holders.  
8
 
OPERATION  
StudioMax III All Models  
Flashing Rate:  
The unit recharges quickly, as indicated by the READY light on the control  
panel. A quick series of flashes can be obtained within the limits of the  
recharge time. Continuous rapid flashing, however, can overheat and  
damage the flashtube and internal parts. The maximum recommended rate  
of flashing depends upon the power level being used and the amount of  
operation time. Use the following chart to serve as a guide for the  
maximum rate to use in your situation.  
Power Level  
Operating Time  
Sec. Between  
Number of  
Flashes.  
Flashes.  
Full  
Continuous  
30 minutes  
1 minutes  
15  
10  
4
Continuous  
180  
15  
1/4  
Continuous  
30 minutes  
3 minutes  
10  
6
4
Continuous  
300  
45  
1.5  
Continuous  
1/32  
Exposure Information:  
The following charts give the BCPS output for various umbrellas and reflectors.  
Coverage angle is given in degrees. Divide numbers in half for 160 watt-second  
units.  
Umbrella  
Coverage  
Full Power  
1/2  
32 inch  
120 degree  
1658  
45 inch  
120 degree  
1683  
60 inch  
120 degree  
1683  
829  
841  
841  
1/4  
414  
421  
421  
1/8  
207  
210  
210  
1/16  
104  
105  
105  
Reflectors  
Coverage  
Full  
1/2  
1.4  
1/8  
1/16  
1/32  
GN@  
ASA 100  
None  
360°  
703  
352  
176  
88  
44  
22  
33  
7 ½”  
35°  
7534  
3767  
1884  
942  
471  
235  
110  
14”  
40°  
16”  
60°  
7032  
3516  
1758  
879  
439  
220  
105  
20”  
24”  
145°  
1266  
633  
316  
158  
79  
65°  
4922  
2461  
1230  
615  
308  
154  
89  
5274  
2637  
1318  
659  
330  
165  
92  
39  
45  
9
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
AKC320 & AKC320B  
General:  
Flash Power....................................................10 to 320 watt-seconds.  
(6 f-stops)  
Flash Duration................................................1/120 second at Full  
1/400 second at ½  
1/840 second at ¼  
1/1660 second at 1/8  
1/2900 second at 1/16  
1/4800 second at 1/32  
Recycling time................................................0.02 to 3 seconds  
Power Control.................................................Full to 1/32 range.  
(6 f-stops)  
0.1 f-stop resolution.  
Flash Color......................................................5400±200° Kelvin  
Modeling Light Power ...................................100 Watt, 120 VAC, ESR.  
Modeling Light Control .................................ON or OFF.  
Triggering ......................................................Built in Photoslave.  
Push to Test button.  
Synchronization Jack.  
Main Supply .................................................105-125 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3 amp.  
Consumption ................................................ 1 amps idling,  
5 amps charge.  
Overload Protection .......................................Fuse. 3AG type,  
8 Amp, SLO-BLO.  
Packaging .......................................................Molded, high-impact, plastic  
case.  
Weight ............................................................2 pounds, 8 ounces.  
Dimensions (housing only).............................5.25”W x 5.25”H x 7”L  
Flashtubes and Modeling Lamps:  
Flashtube ....................................................Plug-in style, use only  
Photogenic’s Standard  
C4-12C  
Modeling Lamp ..........................................100-Watt, 120 VAC,  
ESR.  
[NO LARGER]  
WATTAGE]  
Fuse ............................................................3AG type, 8 Amp, SLO-  
BLO.  
10  
 
SPECIFICATIONS  
AKC160 & AKC160B  
General:  
Flash Power....................................................5 to 160 watt-seconds.  
(6 f-stops)  
Flash Duration................................................1/175 second at Full  
1/700 second at ½  
1/1300 second at ¼  
1/2400 second at 1/8  
1/4100 second at 1/16  
1/7400 second at 1/32  
Recycling time................................................0.01 to 1.5 seconds  
Power Control.................................................Full to 1/32 range.  
(6 f-stops)  
0.1 f-stop resolution.  
Flash Color......................................................5400±200° Kelvin  
Modeling Light Power ...................................100 Watt, 120 VAC, S3629.  
Modeling Light Control .................................ON or OFF.  
Triggering ......................................................Built in Photoslave.  
Push to Test button.  
Synchronization Jack.  
Main Supply .................................................105-125 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3 amp.  
Consumption ................................................ 1 amps idling,  
5 amps charge.  
Overload Protection .......................................Fuse. 3AG type,  
8 Amp, SLO-BLO.  
Packaging .......................................................Molded, high-impact, plastic  
case.  
Weight ............................................................2 pounds, 2 ounces.  
Dimensions (housing only).............................5.25”W x 5.25”H x 7”L  
Flashtubes and Modeling Lamps:  
Flashtube ....................................................Plug-in style, use only  
Photogenic’s Standard C4-12  
Modeling Lamp ..........................................100-Watt, 120 VAC, ESR.  
[NO LARGER WATTAGE]  
Fuse ............................................................3AG type, 8 Amp, SLO-BLO.  
11  
 
Color Temperature  
Consistent and Constant  
The problem: With the rare exception of units costing many  
thousands of dollars, flash lighting packs, up to now, do not control  
the color temperature of the light. The color temperature typically  
decreases by over 100 degrees Kelvin for every f-stop of power  
reduction. Over a 6-stop adjustment range, this results in a color  
temperature decrease of over 600K. Even units that have a small 3-  
stop range can produce significant color shifts of over 300 degrees.  
This can result in much larger shifts between two light sources than  
film can correct. (Kodak recommends less than 200 degrees shift  
between light sources for their 5500-degree daylight film.)  
The solution: Photogenic has created an affordable solution to this  
problem. The new StudioMax III’s provides consistent and constant  
color temperature across their 6-stop range. Be wary of claims of  
consistent color temperature at only one power level. This is not  
the same as constant-color temperature over all power levels.  
Both are necessary to provide the perfect exposure we all strive for.  
The light produced by the new AKC’s is consistent & constant.  
Every time you set a desired power level, you will receive the same  
amount of light as you obtained previously, and at the same color  
temperature. The light produced by the new StudioMax III is  
constant-color. No matter what power setting you select, the light  
will be the same color temperature. Using the standard color  
corrected flash lamp; every subject will be exposed to approximately  
5400 degree Kelvin light, regardless of power setting. This solves  
forever the problem of unbalanced power settings in your studio,  
resulting in color temperature shifts in your pictures.  
Reciprocity Explained  
-Excerpts taken from Kodak TECHNICAL PUBLICATION DATA I FILM E31-  
July 2002  
The reciprocity law states that the intensity of light falling on a  
photographic film multiplied by the exposure time equals the total  
amount of exposure.  
Intensity x Time = Exposure  
This means, for example, that an exposure of f 16 at 1/60 second is  
equivalent to an exposure of f 11 at 1/125 second. In either  
combination of settings, the same total amount of light reaches the  
12  
 
film. The reciprocity law applies to commonly available black-and-  
white and color films at exposure times from approximately 1/10  
second to 1/1,000 second. This means that no adjustments are  
necessary for exposure or color in this shutter range. Most modern  
films however have increased this range to the point that no  
adjustments are necessary from approximately 1 second to  
1/10,000 second. It should be pointed out that all photographic  
emulsions are subject to an effect often called “reciprocity-law  
failure.” At exposure times at the edges of the above ranges, you  
will begin to see underexposure (loss of effective film speed) at the  
normally calculated exposure setting, a change in contrast, a color  
shift, or a combination of these effects. The word “failure,” in this  
context, does not imply a short coming of the film, flash equipment  
or the camera, but merely that the reciprocity law does not hold for  
very long or very short exposures times.  
We also sometimes refer to these changes in film response to  
particular illumination levels as “long-exposure effects” and “short-  
exposure effects.”  
LONG-EXPOSURE EFFECTS: Under low-light conditions, you may have to  
extend your exposure times to a point of significant speed loss. With black-  
and-white films, the effect of this speed loss is partially offset by wide  
exposure latitude. Most color films require more than the normally  
calculated exposure when the lighting is unusually low. Also, the sensitivity  
differences between the many layers of color films can cause a color-  
balance shift, which means that you will sometimes need to use color-  
compensating filters to achieve an acceptable color balance.  
When you must increase the indicated exposure to compensate for long-  
exposure effects, use a larger lens opening, if possible. Extending the  
exposure time will result in more speed loss, contrast change, and color  
shift. See the manufacturers data tables for your specific film to determine  
what exposure adjustment and filter may be necessary.  
SHORT-EXPOSURE EFFECTS: Extremely short exposures produce  
essentially the same effect as long exposures: speed loss. There is also an  
increased scattering of exposed silver halide grains, the formation of  
smaller latent-image centers, and a lower rate of development at the latent-  
image centers.  
The short-exposure effect appears as lower contrast or reduced  
density in the negative. Exposures of 1/10,000 second or shorter can  
cause this problem.  
13  
 
SERVICE  
The photographer should not attempt to make repairs.  
Consult a dealer for an authorized Photogenic Professional Lighting service  
agent. This will provide you safety, insure proper operational functions and  
provide continuation of your warranty.  
Before removing the old tubes or installing new tubes, always  
unplug your StudioMax and discharge the stored energy by  
switching the POWER switch to OFF. Wait approximately two hours  
for the main capacitors to deplete any residual stored wattage. If  
the StudioMax does not flash when turned OFF (flash tube may be  
defective), the unit must remain OFF for four hours to discharge the  
main capacitors. Never place your fingers or any metal objects into  
the flash or modeling sockets. Contact with high voltage may result.  
Limited StudioMax III Warranty  
Photogenic warranties the “standard line” products are free from  
defects in material and workmanship of the AK series of  
StudioMaxIII Lights for a period of ONE year. At our choice, we will  
repair or replace any AKC series light that is deemed to be  
defective. This warranty does not cover damages caused by  
shipping, product abuse or use other than the intended  
photographic applications.  
Any product modifications will render this warranty void. Use of  
other manufacture’s accessories, which restrict normal or intended  
operation (especially venting airflow), may cause damage and will  
void this warranty.  
14  
 
General Trouble Shooting  
COMMON PROBLEMS AND CAUSES  
Unit does not charge.  
Probable causes:  
a. Fuse blown. (Unplug and discharge the unit-Replace fuse.)  
b. No line power to unit. (Check line cord and outlet.)  
c. Defective unit. (Return for repair.)  
Modeling light does not turn on.  
Probable causes:  
a. Lamp turned off. (Press FULL ON/OFF button until LED  
lights.)  
b. Lamp burned out. (Inspect and replace, when cool. Replace  
with same part number.)  
Light flashes by itself without apparent reason.  
Probable causes:  
a. Defective trigger cord, or trigger cord incorrectly polarized.  
b. Bright light falling on photoslave.  
c. Poor connection in line cord.  
d. Reverse connection on trigger cord connection at camera.  
e. Some radio slaves will cause interference. Consult slave  
manufacturer.  
Trigger cord will not flash unit, but charge indicator shows that the system  
has charged.  
Probable causes:  
a. Defective trigger cord.  
b. Defective flashtube. Turn unit off. Wait until discharged (4  
hours) and cool, then replace flashtube. (See SERVICE  
section of this manual)  
Photoslave is not triggering the flash.  
Note: The photoslave requires another flash to trigger the unit.  
Probable causes:  
a. Ambient light may be flooding the photocell.  
b. Another light in the studio may be flooding the photocell.  
c. The sync jack is being used.  
d. Defective unit. Return for repair.  
15  
 
Photogenic Professional Lighting  
1268 Humbracht Circle  
Bartlett, Illinois 60103-1631 USA  
Phone: (630)830-2500  
Fax: (630)830-2525  
Manual: # 016338-00  
Revision: 01, 6-2005  
16  
 

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