FJ Flashes wont go over +3 in TTLUpdated 2 hours ago
Why Won't my FJ400, and Other FJ Wireless Flashes, go Above 3.0 in TTL Mode?
TTL flash exposure compensation on the FJ400 and other FJ flashes is limited to ±3.0 steps from the camera or trigger settings, even if the strobe can go higher in manual mode.
In TTL mode, flashes rely on your camera’s metering system and the paired FJ-X trigger or FJ Speedlight to set the base exposure. You can then fine-tune with TTL Flash Exposure Compensation on either the trigger or directly on the strobe. Both devices have a ±3.0 limit, which means you can brighten or darken the automatic exposure by up to three stops, but you can’t exceed this range without switching to manual mode.
Is 3.0 The Maximum TTL Flash Exposure Compensation?
Yes, both the FJ flashes and the connected trigger (FJ-X2m, FJ-X3, or FJ80) cap TTL adjustments at ±3.0 stops, and the trigger’s setting is independent from the strobe’s onboard exposure compensation.
This means the trigger and strobe adjustments can be combined. If you set +3.0 on the trigger, you can also adjust the strobe’s own FEC by another ±3.0 for additional fine control.
A +3 adjustment can be made on your trigger and on your strobe to create a +6 total adjustment.
However, the total change is relative to the camera’s TTL baseline, not a direct “power level” like in manual mode. The total power range of most FJ flashes is 9 stops. If a 0.0 adjustment requires the flash to fire at a higher power, for example, 7, then an adjustment of +3 or more will result in a +2 adjustment.
How can I get my Flash Above Level 3.0 output?
Switch to manual mode to exit TTL Mode and set your desired power level between 1.0 and 9.0 for full range control.
To do this:
- On the host unit, change the group’s mode from TTL to M (Manual).
- Select your desired output from 1.0 (minimum) to 9.0 (maximum).
- Or, see the section above "Is 3.0 The Maximum TTL Flash Exposure Compensation?"
Manual mode bypasses TTL metering entirely, letting you push the strobe to full 400Ws output.