FJ80 Not FiringUpdated 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:
- Turn off Standby Mode (STDBY)
- Test Fire
- Verify Mounting
- Understanding The Heat Protection System
- Not firing From The Host: Client Mode
- Update Firmware
- Canon RT Triggering
1. Turn off Standby mode (STDBY)
Standby mode disables the hot shoe on the flash. This is useful for moments when you need a quick photo with natural light and you want your camera to react as it does when a flash is not attached without actually powering off the flash or detaching it.
FJ80II
In Speedlight Mode, notice the STDBY button at the top right of the screen.
- Green: The unit is in standby mode and will not fire.
- Gray: Standby mode is disabled and flash will resume normal function.
FJ80 SE
In Speedlight Mode, If STDBY is enabled it will be displayed under the camera manufacturer in the top left. To toggle this setting, navigate to menu 2 and press the button corresponding to STDBY.
- When in speedlight mode, CH and GR will not displayed at the top of the screen.
2. Test Fire
When the unit is on and STDBY is disabled, press the test fire button, the button with a lightning bolt icon. This button will be green when it's ready to test fire. This will test-fire the flash at the selected power output.
If the FJ80 does not test fire or if the test fire button never turns green, Contact Westcott support.
3. Verify Mounting
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 & FJ80II
When autofocusing or metering for exposure with your camera, the manufacturer selection at the top left of the screen should be solid green. This signals there is a good connection between the camera and flash. - FJ80II SE
When autofocusing or metering for exposure with your camera, a "link" or "chain link" icon (two circles intertwined) will be displayed under the selected manufacturer in the top right.
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:
These issues rarely occur, 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.
4. Understanding The Heat Protection System
FJ80 II
The FJ80 II is equipped with a self-monitoring system ensuring safe operation during continued full-power use during a short timeframe.
- Stage 1: Once the speedlight reaches an internal operating temperature of 212°F (100°C), the screen will display a yellow [OH]. The recycle time will also increase by 2 seconds to cool the unit while allowing for continued operation.
- Stage 2: Once the strobe reaches an internal operating temperature of 266°F (130°C), the screen will display a red [OH] icon. The recycle time will increase an additional 2 seconds in efforts to cool the unit while allowing for further operation. Once the unit has cooled, the yellow or red [OH] will disappear from the touchscreen, it will then be safe to continue operation.
- NOTE: The LED modeling lamp will be disabled during OH to assist in minimizing the internal temperature.
FJ80 SE
The FJ80-SE is equipped with a self-monitoring system ensuring safe operation during continued full-power use during a short timeframe.
- Stage 1: Once the speedlight reaches an internal operating temperature of 185°F (85°C), the screen will display [OH]. The recycle time will also increase by 3.2 seconds to cool the unit while allowing for continued operation.
- Stage 2: Once the speedlight reaches an internal operating temperature of 215oF (102ºC), the screen will display [OH]. The recycle time will also increase by an additional 3 seconds to cool the unit while allowing for continued operation.
- Stage 3: Once the speedlight reaches an internal operating temperature of 221oF (105ºC), the screen will display [OH]. The recycle time will also increase by an additional 8 seconds to cool the unit while allowing for continued operation.
- NOTE: The LED modeling lamp will be disabled during OH to assist in minimizing the internal temperature.
FJ80
The FJ80 is equipped with a self-monitoring system ensuring safe operation during continued full-power use during a short timeframe. The monitoring system provides a staged automatic shutoff scenario;
- Stage 1: Once the speedlight reaches an internal operating temperature of 131°F (55°C), the screen will display a yellow [OH]. The recycle time will also increase to 2 seconds to cool the unit while allowing for further operation.
- Stage 2: Once the strobe reaches an internal operating temperature of 167°F (75°C), the screen will display a red [OH] icon. The unit will be inoperable for an estimated 10 minutes until an adequate internal temperature has been reached to continue operation. Once the unit has cooled, the red [OH] will disappear from the touchscreen, and it will then be safe to continue operation.
5. Not firing From The Host: Client Mode
Ensure Client Mode is Activated
Verify that the speed light is correctly set to Client Mode. When in Client Mode, the speedlight is designed to be triggered by a host (trigger or another speedlight).
- FJ80 and FJ80 IIPress the home button and select Client Mode.
- FJ80 SE
Press the mode button until you enter Client mode. You will know you are in client mode when the camera manufacturer in the top left is replaced by the Group selection “GR” followed by the group letter.
Enable TTL-ALL
When TTL-ALL is enabled, the unit will be utilizing the FJ Wireless System as opposed to C-RT (Canon Radio Transmission)
- FJ80 and FJ80 II
In Client mode, touch the furthest top right button toggling from TTL-ALL and C-RT. - FJ80 SE
In Client mode, press the furthest left button below the LCD screen corresponding with Menu 1 to display Menu 2. When Menu 2 is displayed, press the furthest right button corresponding with TTL-ALL or C-RT until TTL-ALL is displayed
Check Group and Channel
The speed light you desire to trigger must be on the same channel as the host unit and in a group that isn't in SLP or OFF.
- FJ80 and FJ80II
- In client mode, the channel can be changed by touching the CH button at the top of the screen until the channel matches the channel on your host unit
- FJ80SE
- in client mode, the channel can be changed in menu 1 and pressing the 2 button from the right corresponding with CH
- the channel number will start to blink at the top of the screen, use the wheel to change the channel until it matches the channel on your host unit. Press the center wheel button to confirm your selection
Check Host unit settings
Check settings on the host unit are appropriate. Typically, the group that your speed light is assigned to can accidentally be set to SLP. Causing it to not fire.
Continue to "Not triggering other FJ wireless flashes (Host Mode)" if you are using another FJ80 as a Host or refer to the FJ-X Triggers article to troubleshoot the trigger.
Verify Proper Wireless Communication
If your speedlight is not receiving signals from the host trigger, try adjusting to a different channel on all units, as wireless interference might be affecting communication.
You can use channels 5 and above to avoid interference with other wireless devices.
Distance from Host
Ensure that the speedlight is within range of the host trigger or master unit. The effective wireless range can vary depending on your shooting environment, and obstructions like walls can reduce the signal strength.
6. 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
7. Canon RT Triggering
In the event you are triggering your FJ80 via the Canon RT system, please refer to our Using FJ Triggers with Canon RT Speedlites: Setup and Tips
Important Update on Canon RT Compatibility in the FJ Wireless Flash System
Contact Westcott Support if the options above do not solve your issue.