FJ Trigger not working with HSS (High-Speed Sync)Updated 16 days ago
When working with the FJ Wireless system, ensuring proper functionality and connectivity is essential for a seamless shooting experience. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting steps with your FJ-X3 M, FJ-X3 S, and FJ-X2 M.
By following these steps, you can quickly identify and resolve any challenges, helping you maintain consistent performance across your FJ Wireless Triggers. This comprehensive guide is designed to educate and assist you with your FJ Wireless gear.
Topics on this page:
- Check Compatibility
- Proper Gear
- Proper Camera Selection
- Turn off X-Sync
- Enable HSS on your trigger
- Enable HSS inside your camera
- Verify Mounting
- Update Firmware
1. Check Compatibility
The FJ Wireless System is compatible with many cameras using the latest firmware updates. Check the Compatibility Chart below and see if your camera is listed. Additional camera models are likely compatible and will be added to this list as they are tested and confirmed.
2. Proper Gear
Sony
- For sony users using the FJ-X3M, in order to use HSS or TTL the FJ Wireless Adapter is required.
- S versions are recommended for Sony users as they do not require the adaptor.
3. Proper Camera Selection
It is important the correct camera manufacturer, your camera, is selected at the top left of the trigger LCD.
FJ-X2m
- Press the menu button until you see "Camera" as the bottom left label on the LCD screen
- Press the far left button corresponding with the Camera label until the desired camera manufacturer is displayed in the top left of the LCD screen
FJ-X3 M
- Press and hold the "Sync - Menu" button to enter the settings menu
- The first settings option is "Camera". Press the center button on the directional pad to select the option
- Use the up and down arrows on the directional pad to select your camera manufacturer.
4. Turn off X-Sync
X-sync disables HSS and TTL functions and is typically only used in film photography.
FJ-X2m
- X-sync will not be displayed on the trigger LCD when it is enabled.
- To toggle, press and hold the center and right circular buttons under the LCD screen to enter the settings menu.
- Using the control wheel, scroll down until you see X-Sync
- Press in the wheel to select the option then scroll to "OFF"
- Press the button corresponding with "OK" to exit the screen.
- Note: When turned on, X-sync will remain on even when powered off. This setting needs to be manually toggled when desired on or off.
FJ-X3
- X-sync will be displayed on the screen when enabled.
- To toggle, Press and hold the "Sync-Menu" button to enter the settings menu.
- Using the up and down arrows on the directional pad, scroll down to X-Sync.
- Press the center button on the directional pad to select it, then use the up and down arrows to switch to "OFF"
- Note: When turned on, X-sync will remain on even when powered off. This setting needs to be manually toggled when desired on or off.
5. Enable HSS on your trigger
Some camera models will not trigger HSS automatically on the trigger, in these cases, you must enable HSS manually.
FJ-x2m
- Press the menu button until you see "SYNC" as the bottom far right option on the LCD screen.
- Press the far right circular button under the 'SYNC" label to change the icon in the top right, under the battery indicator, to an "H" With a lightning bolt. This is HSS mode. You will be able to cycle between HSS (H with a lightning bolt), rear curtain sync, and front curtain sync.
FJ-X3
- Pressing the "Sync - Menu" button will cycle between HSS (H with a lightning bolt), rear curtain sync, and front curtain sync. this is displayed under the battery level in the top right.
6. Enable HSS inside your camera
In addition to enabling HSS on your FJ gear, HSS must be enabled inside your camera. Within the settings of your camera, locate the flash function settings and enable HSS. Refer to your camera's manual for assistance.
Consider the following settings to adjust in your camera as well:
- Flash: Enable
- Shutter Mode: Mechanical if available otherwise E-Front Curtain Shutter
- Flash Mode: Fill
- Silent Shutter: Off/Disabled
- Red Eye reduction: Off/Disabled
- Wireless Flash: Off
- Flash sync: Auto FP 1/250
7.Verify Mounting
Because FJ wireless systems use a universal hot shoe mount, it's important to ensure the host unit, trigger or speed light, is set to the appropriate camera manufacturer and that all pins are properly aligned.
In some instances, the manufacturing of a particular model or camera unit can result in the need for the user to pay special attention to the mounting process when attaching an FJ trigger or speed light to that camera's hot shoe.
Checking The Quality of Connection
- Fuji Cameras
- With the trigger attached to your camera, both the camera and trigger are powered on and the trigger is set to Fuji, when autofocusing or metering with your camera you should notice a little LED light above the LCD screen flashing green. This signals you have a good connection between the trigger and your camera.
- Other camera manufacturers
- With the trigger attached to your camera, both the camera and trigger are powered on and the trigger is set to your desired camera manufacturer, when autofocusing or metering with your camera you should notice a little LED light above the LCD screen is solid green. This signals you have a good connection between the trigger and your camera.
Positioning Tips
- Fuji: A small lip at the hot shoe may need a little extra force forward to mount fully.
- Canon R series: added pins at the front of the hot shoe may give the impression that the FJ gear is fully mounted when in fact a small nudge forward may be needed to ensure a full mount and proper contact
- Nikon Z series: Rarely have issues, but older DSLRs may need a backward nudge before locking down.
- Sony: Align the pins at the base and the front of the hot shoe with the contacts and ensure they are clean. The Sony pins at the front of hot shoes can become dirty over time and prevent proper connections. Check that the pins are free of dirt and grime
- See Properly Connecting FJ Gear to Your Camera (HSS and TTL) for more information.
8. Update Firmware
Check Firmware
Ensure all your FJ Wireless gear and camera are running the latest firmware. You can check what version your equipment is on by looking at the bottom right of the screen when powering on. To download the latest firmware and follow along with detailed instructions, refer to our Firmware page.
Reinstall firmware
In some cases, firmware can be uploaded to your unit with an error causing odd issues like the trigger is fully charged but not turning on.
- Delete any downloaded firmware on your computer
- Restart your computer
- Redownload the current firmware version and follow firmware installations as instructed.
- Eject the connected unit before unplugging it.
- Power on the unit
Contact Westcott Support if the options above do not solve your issue.