How do the Interfit EXD 400 power numbers relate to stops?
Asked 12/24/2013
1 views
2 answers
0
The Interfit EXD 400 manual says the flash has a 5-stop power range in 1/10-stop increments, but the display shows values from 13 to 400 rather than fractions like 1/1, 1/2, or 1/4. How do those displayed power numbers translate into stops or flash power ratios?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
4
By "Watt power" we basically mean radiant flux, and by "stops" we mean luminous flux. These two have similar definitions, but they are different.
In normal life, it is true that if you halve the "Watt power" and that light is reflected from or refracted through linear (normal, not non-linear optical) materials, then your camera will observe half the luminous flux - therefore if you halve the "Watt power", you create the same effect as if you stopped down your camera 1 stops (by changing aperture or shutter speed).
If you use a digital camera, your life is easy. Since you are using a studio strobe, your shutter is fixed, you are smart so your ISO is fixed ;-), and also your aperture is arbitrarily fixed. So make a test shot, see your histogram. It maybe shows you are off 2.5 stops. So just multiply the wattage power by 2^2.5. You will have a great setup with a few trial-errors, and will quickly learn to be intuitive with the controls.
Originally by user24785. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user24785
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A stop is a doubling or halving of flash power. On the EXD 400, the display is showing relative power values, not f-stops directly.
From the manual, each step on the display equals 1/10 stop, and the main full-stop points are approximately:
- 400 = full power = 1/1
- 200 = 1 stop down = 1/2
- 100 = 2 stops down = 1/4
- 50 = 3 stops down = 1/8
- about 19 = 4 stops down = 1/16
- minimum is about 13, giving roughly a 5-stop range overall
Between those full-stop points, each display increment is 1/10 stop. So for example, 190 is 1/10 stop below 1/2 power, 180 is 2/10 stop below 1/2, and so on.
In practice, exact exposure also depends on distance, modifier, and angle, so use a flash meter or test shots for precision. But for understanding the scale: every halving of the displayed power value is one stop lower output.
Recommended products
Pelican 3-Piece Replacement Foam Set for 1400 Case
$44.00
View →
Leonardo Nierman Original Signed FLIGHT Oil Abstract Painting
$1200.00
View →
Leonardo Nierman Original Signed METEOR Oil Abstract Painting
$1999.00
View →
*Opened Box* X-Rite i1Studio w/ storage case/monitor holder and mini ColorChec
$389.00
View →
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How do I switch a Neewer S102-400 Pro back to 1/1–1/64 power display?
Why do some EXIF exposure values appear as odd fractions like 10/4000 or 301/100000?
How does the Canon EOS 55 light meter scale work?
Why does my variable ND2–400 filter have more markings than the listed stop values?
How do you set a 3:1 main-to-fill lighting ratio correctly?