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FJ80 HSS Not Working With (High-Speed Sync)Updated 5 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 FJ80, FJ80 II M, FJ80 II S, FJ80 SE M, and FJ80SE S.

By following these steps, you can quickly identify and resolve any challenges, helping you maintain consistent performance across your FJ Wireless Speedlights. This comprehensive guide is designed to educate and assist you with your FJ Wireless gear. 

Topics on this page:

  1. Check Compatibility
  2. Proper Gear
  3. Proper Camera Selection
  4. Turn off X-Sync
  5. Enable HSS on Your Westcott Equipment
  6. Enable HSS inside your camera
  7. Verify Mounting
  8. 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 FJ80II M and FJ80SE M,  the FJ Wireless Adapter is required to use HSS or TTL.

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.

FJ80 and FJ80II

In speedlight mode, touch the camera manufacturer in the upper left to cycle through manufacturers. 

FJ80 SE

  1. Press and hold the two center circular buttons that have a "gear" icon between them to enter the settings menu
  2. "Camera" will be the first selection, Press the center button on the control wheel and then rotate the wheel to select your camera manufacturer. 
  3. Press the far right circular button corresponding with a back arrow to exit the settings menu.


4. Turn off X-Sync

X-sync disables HSS and TTL functions. Typically used in film photography.

FJ80 and FJ80II

  • When enabled, X-Sync will be displayed in the lower left above the up arrow.
  • To toggle, press the home button and touch settings to enter the settings menu. Then touch the box next to X-Sync to toggle it "OFF"

FJ80SE

  • When enabled, X-Sync will be displayed in the lower right of the screen.
  • To Toggle, press and hold the two center circular buttons with a "gear" icon in between them to enter the settings menu. Then by rotating the control wheel, locate the X-Sync Setting. Press the center button on the control wheel to select the setting, and rotate the wheel to "OFF". Lastly, press the far right circular button corresponding with the back button to exit the menu.


5. Enable HSS on Your Westcott Equipment

Sometimes, cameras will not automatically switch their HSS setting and this must be done manually. 

FJ80II

  • Speedlight Mode
    At the top of the screen in between the camera brand selection and the STDBY (Stand By) selection is the Sync Function Selection. The Sync Function Selection will cycle through front curtain sync, rear curtain sync, and HSS displayed by an H with a lightning bolt.
  • Host Mode
    At the bottom left of the screen above the up arrow is the Sync Function Selection. The Sync Function Selection will cycle through front curtain sync, rear curtain sync, and HSS displayed by an H with a lightning bolt and will toggle the setting for all connected lights.
  • Client Mode
    Sync Function setting is controlled by the host device.

FJ80SE

  • Speedlight Mode
    Within Menu 1, pressing the sync button will cycle through front curtain sync, rear curtain sync, and HSS displayed by an H with a lightning bolt displayed to the right of the screen above the ZOOM label.
  • Host Mode
    Within Menu 2, pressing the sync button will cycle through front curtain sync, rear curtain sync, and HSS displayed by an H with a lightning bolt displayed to the right of the screen above the modeling light label and will toggle the setting for all connected lights.
  • Client Mode
    Sync Function setting is controlled by the host device.

FJ80

  • Speedlight Mode
    At the top of the screen next to the camera brand selection is the Sync Function Selection. The Sync Function Selection will cycle through front curtain sync, rear curtain sync, and HSS displayed by an H with a lightning bolt.
  • Host Mode
    At the bottom left of the screen above the up arrow is the Sync Function Selection. The Sync Function Selection will cycle through front curtain sync, rear curtain sync, and HSS displayed by an H with a lightning bolt and will toggle the setting for all connected lights.
  • Client Mode
    Sync Function setting is controlled by the host device.


6. Enable HSS inside your camera 

In addition to enabling HSS on your FJ gear, HSS must be enabled inside your camera as well. 

Within your camera's settings, locate 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 (Nikon and Fuji) to enable HSS


7. Verify Mounting

Because FJ wireless systems use a universal hot shoe mount, it's important to ensure the trigger 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

  • FJ80 and FJ80II
    When autofocusing or metering with your camera you should notice the manufacturer selection is solid green. This signals you have a good connection between the trigger and your camera.
  • FJ80SE
    When autofocusing or metering with your camera you should notice a "chain link" Icon under the camera manufacturer selection. 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 screen powering on but using the touch screen to power it on does nothing.

  • 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.

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