What is TTL to M and How do you use it?Updated 2 hours ago

Topics on This Page

• What is the TTL to Manual feature?
• Why would I use TTL to Manual when shooting?
• When should I avoid using TTL to Manual?
• Why is TTL to Manual on the Strobes and the Triggers? Do They Both Need to be Turned on? 
• How to Turn on and Use the TTL to Manual Feature

What is the TTL to Manual feature?

The TTL to Manual feature captures a TTL-calculated flash exposure and converts it into a fixed manual power setting.

This feature allows you to take advantage of automatic TTL metering for a quick and accurate starting exposure, then lock that exposure into Manual mode for consistent results. Once converted, the flash no longer changes output from shot to shot, even if framing or subject reflectivity changes.

TTL to Manual is especially useful when working in controlled lighting environments or when repeating the same setup across multiple frames. 

Why would I use TTL to Manual when shooting?

TTL to Manual gives you the speed of TTL with the consistency of Manual flash control.

TTL exposure can fluctuate between shots due to recomposition, reflective subjects, or background changes. By converting a good TTL exposure to Manual, you eliminate those variations while maintaining a properly metered starting point.

This approach is popular for portraits and product photography, where repeatable flash output is critical.

When should I avoid using TTL to Manual?

TTL to Manual is not ideal for rapidly changing lighting or subject distances.

If your subject is moving significantly closer or farther from the light, or if ambient conditions are changing quickly, staying in TTL mode may provide better automatic adjustments. TTL to Manual locks the power output, so any major scene changes will require manual readjustment.

For event photography or fast-paced environments, consider remaining in TTL mode. For controlled shoots, switching to TTL to Manual provides greater reliability.

Why is TTL to Manual on the Strobes and the Triggers? Do They Both Need to be Turned on? 

You will find the TTL to Manual feature on the strobes along with the triggers. No, you do not need to have both of them on for the function to work; they operate independently. 

TTL to Manual on FJ strobes

Turning on the TTL to manual feature on the strobe will display 2 things on the strobes screen:

1. The Manual power equivalent of each TTL flash.
2. The flash exposure compensation on the trigger. 
   (See Why are TTL Compensation Levels Different on the FJ Trigger and FJ Strobe? for more information.)

Having this feature turned on in your FJ strobes is a great way to keep an eye on your strobes' performance. If you notice that the unit is showing it's using a high power level for each of your TTL shots, you can then adjust your camera settings so it doesn't have to work as hard. Do this by adjusting your aperture, or ISO. Doing so will improve battery life and recycle time.

TTL to Manual on FJ triggers

When you enable the TTL to Manual feature on your trigger, the last TTL exposure used for Group A is converted to a manual setting. 

This is ideal for a studio or stationary setups. Once you take your first TTL photo you can get your conversion and continue your set in Manual mode. Giving you the consistency you need for professional results. 

How to Turn on and Use the TTL to Manual Feature

FJ Triggers

FJ-X3

As mentioned above, this is ideal for a studio or stationary setups. Once you take your first TTL photo, you can get your conversion and continue your set in Manual mode.

1. Be sure you FJ-X3, and your FJ strobes are on the latest firmware. Old firmware with new firmware could cause conversion inconsistencies. You can find the latest firmware versions on our Firmware Updates page.
2. Enter the settings menu of your FJ-X3 by pressing and holding the Sync-Menu button.
3. Using the circular directional pad, navigate down until TTL-M is selected.
4. Press the center button once, and use the directional pad up or down to select the flash unit assigned to group A on your trigger.
5. Exit the settings menu by pressing and holding the Sync-Menu button. 
6. With Group A in TTL and the trigger properly attached to your camera's hot shoe, take a photo of your subject with your camera. Use exposure compensation if necessary. 
7. Press and hold the top button to the left of the LCD screen corresponding with group A for about 3-4 seconds. Group A will then change to M with the power output matching your previous TTL exposure.

FJ Strobes

FJ400 II and FJ800

When the strobe is in TTL mode, and TTL to Manual is enabled, you will notice two new number sets under the TTL text. +0.0 (or whatever compensation is set on your FJ trigger) and 0.0 (This may be different if you have already taken a TTL exposure.)

1. Be sure your FJ trigger, and your FJ strobes are on the latest firmware. Old firmware with new firmware could cause conversion inconsistencies. You can find the latest firmware versions on our Firmware Updates page.
2. Touch and hold the Menu 1 button to enter the settings menu
3. Use the arrows on the side to display the different setting pages until TTL to Manual is displayed. 
4. Touch OFF twice to change to ON.
5. Exit the menu by pressing the home button. 

FJ400

When the strobe is in TTL mode, and TTL to Manual is enabled, you will notice two new number sets displayed on the screen. +0.0 (or whatever compensation is set on your FJ trigger) and 0.0 (This may be different if you have already taken a TTL exposure.)

1. Be sure your FJ trigger and your FJ strobes are on the latest firmware. Old firmware with new firmware could cause conversion inconsistencies. You can find the latest firmware versions on our Firmware Updates page.
2. Press and hold the top menu button to enter the settings menu. 
3. Press the SELECT button to highlight the M = TTL setting 
4. Press the SET button to change OFF to ON
5. Press the MENU button once to exit the settings menu. 

FJ250

1. Be sure your FJ trigger and your FJ strobes are on the latest firmware. Old firmware with new firmware could cause conversion inconsistencies. You can find the latest firmware versions on our Firmware Updates page.
2. Swipe down from the top of the screen to enter the settings menu. 
3. Swipe up or down in the settings menu until TTL to Manual is displayed, and touch it.
4. Touch ON to turn on the TTL to Manual Feature. 
5. Press the Home button to exit the menu.

FJ200

When the strobe is in TTL mode, and TTL to Manual is enabled, you will notice a new graphic and number on the right side of the LCD screen, an M above a double-digit number. This is the Manual equivalent of the previous TTL exposure.

1. Be sure your FJ trigger and your FJ strobes are on the latest firmware. Old firmware with new firmware could cause conversion inconsistencies. You can find the latest firmware versions on our Firmware Updates page.
2. Press in on the center control wheel to enter the settings menu. 
3. Rotate the wheel until TTL-M is displayed.
4. Press in on the wheel to highlight the selection and rotate the wheel until On is displayed.
5. Press in on the wheel to deselect the TTL-M setting. 
6. Press the back/model button to exit the menu. 

Note: The FJ200 will not display the exposure compensation adjustments made on the trigger. Additionally, the setting will turn back OFF when the unit is powered off. 

As mentioned above, having TTL to Manual turned on in your FJ strobes is a great way to keep an eye on your strobes' performance.