The Fujifilm EF-X500 is a high-end multi-function external flash. The EF-X500 is a hot-shoe mount flash with the maximum guide number of 50.  Its support for the FP mode (high-speed flash sync) means the flash can be fired at any shutter speed. The EF-X500 also supports multi-flash lighting. The Fujifilm EF-X500 will be avilable in September 2016 for £449.99 in the UK.

Fujifilm UK Press Release

FUJIFILM introduces the “Hot-shoe mount flash EF-X500” for X Series digital cameras

Enabling flash photography at high shutter speeds or using multiple units in sync

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) has announced that, in September, 2016, the company will add the high-end multi-function external flash “Hot-shoe mount flash EF-X500” to the lineup of accessories for the X Series of digital cameras.

The EF-X500 is a hot-shoe mount flash with the maximum guide number of approx. 50*1.  Its support for the FP mode (high-speed flash sync) means the flash can be fired at any shutter speed.  This means you can concentrate on shooting when a faster shutter speed is required, for example, in order to use a near-maximum aperture to produce beautiful bokeh.

EF-X500 also supports multi-flash lighting.  Set up multiple flashes to freely control light on a subject and background for a creative result. TTL lighting control is available with single flash and also in the multi-flash setup, so that you can start shooting without having to make cumbersome adjustments to light output.

 

1．Product name, release date, pricing

Hot-shoe mount flash EF-X500

September, 2016

£449.99

 

2．Main product features

FP flash (high-speed flash sync) freeing photographers from worrying about shutter speed

With cameras equipped with a focal plane shutter, when the shutter speed is high, the first and second shutter curtains move across at the same time, making the exposure through a narrow vertical slit between them.  Because of this, light from a conventional flash can only reach a small section of the sensor.  This is why a slower shutter speed must be used in flash photography, with the range of available shutter speeds severely limited.

EF-X500 supports the FP mode (high-speed flash sync), in which the flash outputs continuous light while the first and second curtains travel across the sensor, thereby enabling flash photography at any shutter speed.

When shooting with a near-maximum aperture to create beautiful bokeh, the shutter speed tends to go higher.  This flash mode frees photographers from having to be conscious about shutter speed limitations, and instead allows them to focus on shooting.

Wireless multi-flash TTL freely controlling light on subject and background to enable creative photography

EF-X500 can be used in multi-flash setup to freely control light on a subject and background for a creative result.  TTL lighting control is available with single flash and also in the multi-flash setup, so that you can start shooting without having to make cumbersome adjustments to light output.

Multiple flashes can be controlled in up to three groups, each of which can be set up to have different light output, allowing you to fine-tune the space of light.  As the light output can also be adjusted from the camera, you don’t need to set it down for lighting control.

Dust-resistant and weather-resistant capabilities expanding the scope of photographic fields when used with X Series cameras

This is the first Fujifilm flash that is dust-resistant and weather-resistant.  Use it with the weather-sealed X Series of cameras to broaden your photographic fields.

Innovative design with low centre of gravity creating a perfect harmony with the lightweight and compact X Series of cameras

The front side of EF-X500’s main body is applied with leather texture to compliment the design of the X Series of cameras.  It is designed with low center of gravity to maintain ease of operation when mounted on the X Series of cameras, known for their light weight and compact bodies.

 

3. Other product features

Maximum guide number of approx. 50 (ISO100･m) / 164 (ISO100·ft)*1

Zooming the illumination angle for the focal lengths of 24mm - 105mm*2, and covering the illumination angle of around 20mm*2 when the wide panel is used

Flash head that can be tilted up by 90 degrees, down by 10 degrees, to the left by 135 degrees and to the right by 180 degrees for bouncing light

Equipped with LED video light that can also be used as AF assist light and catch light

Registers up to ten combinations of various settings.  Register settings to suit a specific shooting condition in advance, so that they can be activated quickly when required.

*1 At illumination angle for the focal length of 105mm (35mm format equivalent)

*2 35mm format equivalent

 

4. Optional accessories

Battery pack “EF-BP1”

The external battery pack “EF-BP1” takes eight AA batteries to shorten charging time and improve the number of flashes per charge.

Battery pack

EF-BP1

£169.99

 

5．Hot-shoe mount flash EF-X500’s main specifications

Type

Type

Hot-shoe mount flash

Model number

EF-X500

 

Compatible cameras *1

FUJIFILM X-T1, X-T2, X-Pro2

Some functions are available also for other X Series cameras equipped with a hot shoe and FinePixHS20EXR、HS30EXR、HS50EXR.

Flash head

Guide number

Up to approx. 50 (ISO100･m) / 164 (ISO100•ft)

(at illumination angle of 105mm*2)

 

Flash coverage

24mm-105mm *2, Auto Zoom function,

Approx. 20mm when using the Wide Panel*2

 

Bounce

90°up, 10°down, 135°left and 180°right

 

Colour temperature

Approx. 5600K (at full output)

 

FP (high speed flash sync) mode

Supported*3

Exposure control

Exposure control system

TTL, Manual, Multi-flash (Manual)

 

TTL compensation

-5.0EV - +5.0EV at 1/3-step increments

*This setting may not be reflected in some shooting conditions.

 

Manual flash power

1/1 - 1/512 at 1/3-step increments

*Flash settings become slightly restricted in the FP mode.

 

Multi-flash power

1/4 - 1/512 at 1/3-step increments

Charge

Firing interval (at full power and full charge)

Approx. 2.5 seconds (Nickel-hydrogen battery)

 

Number of flashes (at full power and full charge)

Approx. 170 times (Nickel-hydrogen battery)

Wireless multi-flash system

Communication method

Optical transmission

 

Operation modes

Master (TTL / Manual / Multi-Flash / OFF)

Slave (TTL / Manual / Multi-Flash / OFF)

 

Communication channels

Ch1 - 4

 

Slave unit groups

Up to 3 groups (A / B / C)

Other functions

Wireless slave flash

Supported (P-MODE /N-MODE)

 

LED video light

Supported (built-in)

 

LED AF assist light / catchlight

Supported (built-in)

 

Reflector panel

Supported (built-in)

 

Diffuser

Supported (included)

Included items

Included items

Soft case

Mini stand

 

Diffuser

Power source

Power source

Four AA batteries (LR6 or Ni-MH)

 

External power source

Battery Pack EF-BP1 (optional)

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions

Approx. 124.0mm (H) x 67.2mm (W) x 107.3mm (D)

 

Weight

Approx. 380g (excluding batteries)

 

*1 See the latest list of compatible cameras on Fujifilm website (http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/compatibility/flash/). Firmware update is required for FUJIFILM X-T1 and X-Pro2.

*2 35mm format equivalent

*3 Supported cameras only

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