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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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