Pro-8a 2400 Air
Pro-8a 1200 Air
User´s Guide
thank you for choosing Profoto
ThanksforshowingusyourconfidencebyinvestinginaPro-8a
generator. For more than three decades we have sought the
perfectlight.Whatpushesusisourconvictionthatwecanoffer
even yet better tools for the most demanding photographers.
Before our products are shipped we have them pass an
extensive and strict testing program. We check that each
individual product comply with specified performance,quality
and safety. For this reason our flash equipment is widely used
inrentalstudiosinParis,London,NewYork,andTokyoandalso
themost rented flashall over theworld.
3
Somephotographerscan tell justfromseeinga picture,
ifProfotoequipmenthas been used
Professionalphotographersaroundtheworldhavecometovalue
Profoto’s expertise in lighting and light-shaping. Our extensive
range of Light Shaping Tools offers photographers unlimited
possibilitiesforcreatingandadjustingtheirownlight.
Everysinglereflectorandaccessorycreatesitsspeciallightand
theuniqueProfotofocusingsystemoffersyouthepossibilityto
createyourownlight with onlya few different reflectors.
EnjoyyourProfoto product!
Safety instructions
SAfety PrecAUtionS!
Donotoperatetheequipmentbeforestudyingtheinstructionmanualandtheaccompanyingsafety.Make
surethatProfotoSafetyInstructionsisalwaysaccompaniedtheequipment!Profotoproductsareintended
for professional use! Generator, lamp heads and accessories are only intended for indoor photographic
use. Do not place or use the equipment where it can be exposed to moisture, extreme electromagnetic
fields or in areas with flammable gases or dust! Do not expose the equipment to dripping or splashing.
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on or near the equipment. Do not expose the
equipment to hasty temperature changes in humid conditions as this could lead to condensation water
in the unit.Do not connect this equipment to flash equipment from other brands.Do not use flash heads
without supplied protective glass covers or protective grids. Glass covers shall be changed if it has
become visibly damaged to such an extent that their effectiveness is impaired, for example by cracks
or deep scratches. Lamps shall be changed if they are damaged or thermally deformed.When placing
a lamp into the holder ensure not to touch the bulb with bare hands. Equipment must only be serviced,
modified or repaired by authorized and competent service personnel! Warning -The terminals marked
with theflash symbolarehazardous live.
4
WArninG – electrical Shock – High Voltage!
Mains powered generator shall always be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection! Only use Profoto extension cables! Do not open or disassemble generator or lamp head!
Equipment operates with high voltage.Generator capacitors are electrically charged for a considerable
time after being turned off. Do not touch modeling lamp or flash tube when mounting umbrella metal
shaftinitsreflectorhole.Disconnectlampheadcablebetweengeneratorandlampheadwhenchanging
modeling lamp or flash tube! The mains plug or appliance coupler is used as disconnect device. The
disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Batteries (battery pack or batteries installed) shall not
beexposed toexcessive heatsuchassunshine,fireorthelike.
caution – Burn Hazard – Hot Parts!
Do not touch hot parts with bare fingers! Modeling lamps, flash tubes and certain metal parts emit
strong heat when used! Do not point modeling lamps or flash tubes too close to persons.All lamps may
on rare occasions explode and throw out hot particles! Make sure that rated voltage for modeling lamp
correspondswith technical dataofuserguideregardingpowersupply!
notice – equipment overheating risk
Removetransportcapfromlampheadbeforeuse!Donotobstructventilationbyplacingfilters,diffusing
materials,etc.over inlets and outlets of the equipment ventilation or directly over glass cover,modeling
lampor flash tube!
note about rf!
This equipment makes use of the radio spectrum and emits radio frequency energy.Proper care should
betakenwhenthedeviceisintegratedinsystems.Makesurethatallspecificationswithinthisdocument
arefollowed,especiallythoseconcerningoperatingtemperatureandsupplyvoltagerange.Makesurethe
device is operated according to local regulations.The frequency spectrum this device is using is shared
with otherusers.Interferencecan notberuled out.
final Disposal
Equipment contains electrical and electronic components that could be harmful to the environment.
EquipmentmaybereturnedtoProfotodistributorsfreeofchargeforrecyclingaccordingtoWEEE.Follow
local legal requirements for separate disposal of waste, for instance WEEE directive for electrical and
electronicequipmenton theEuropean market,when productlifehasended!
table of contents
System description ...................................................................................................6
Profoto Air ...................................................................................................6
Profoto Air Remote (optional accessory).......................................................6
Profoto Air Sync (optional accessory) ...........................................................6
Profoto Air USB (optional accessory) ............................................................6
Lamp Heads
......................................................................................................7
ProHead ......................................................................................................7
ProTwin ......................................................................................................7
ProRing ......................................................................................................7
ProRing 2 ...................................................................................................8
5
Functionality
......................................................................................................8
Power supply...............................................................................................8
Energy control .............................................................................................8
Modeling light..............................................................................................9
Sync signaling.............................................................................................9
Ready signaling.........................................................................................10
Speed control ............................................................................................10
Ready lamp/Test function ..........................................................................11
Flash before ready.....................................................................................11
Fan Cooling & Protection System ...............................................................11
Additional information.............................................................................................12
Color Temperature .....................................................................................12
f-stop Stability & Range.............................................................................12
Flash Duration ...........................................................................................12
Petrol-Electric Generators..........................................................................13
Operating instructions.............................................................................................13
Lamp head connection ..............................................................................13
Power connection......................................................................................13
Settings ....................................................................................................14
Sync via cable ...........................................................................................14
Sync via Photocell / IR-slave......................................................................14
Sync via radio (Profoto Air).........................................................................14
Wireless remote control.............................................................................15
Turn off generator......................................................................................15
Technical data Profoto Pro-8a 2400 Air...................................................................16
Technical data Profoto Pro-8a 1200 Air...................................................................18
Nomenclature ....................................................................................................20
Quick Guide
....................................................................................................21
System description
Pro-8a is designed to be free of compromises. Pro-8a is the fastest, roughest, most
versatile and stable generator yet still with the widest power range we ever developed.
Pro-8ahasanewuniquetwostageSMPS(SwitchModePowerSupply)rechargingcircuit
makingrepetitionratesfasterthaneverbefore.Shootupto20framespersecondor2per
secondat1200Ws.Usageofcamerascontinuestriggeringisnowpracticallypossiblewith
Pro-8a.DurabilityofPro-8aisexceptionaltocomplywithrentalandfashionneedsplusthe
greatly increasedneed offrames taken due to no cost of fi lm with digital cameras.
Due to our invention,Profoto PiPE technology (Pre-ignition Plasma Establishing – patent
pending). Pro-8a has an extensive wide light power range with exceptional stability of
the light energy and color temperature. Safety of the Pro-8a generator is exeptional and
complieswiththehighestdemands.
6
Profoto Air
Pro-8a is already equipped with the Profoto Air transceiver to prepare for convenient
wirelesssyncandremotecontrol.ProfotoAirsystemisoperatingononeofeightselectable
radio channelsonthe2.4 GHzradiofrequencyband for world wideuse.
Profoto Airremote(optional accessory)
Complete generator control and sync at your camera or in your hand, including flash
energy and modeling light control.Control practically an infinite number of generators in
up to six groups,eitherallatonceinMastermode,orinindividual groups.
Profoto AirSync(optional accessory)
Allowssynchronizingofapracticallyaninfinitenumberofgenerators,withthesamehigh
performanceasProfotoAirRemote.
Profoto AirUSB (optionalaccessory)
An USB 2.0 offers wireless connection of your flash generators to the Profoto StudioAir,a
softwarerunningonyourPCorMacthatgivesyoufullcontrolofyourstudioflashsystem.
The interface can also be used for updates, extended optional functions and
customizations.
notice
When Pro-8a is remote controlled from a computer, the setting of the four controls (SYNC, MODEL, READY
and SPEED) may be overruled by the Profoto Studio 2 program.
If any of the controls is computer overruled it will be indicated by four red LCD:s on the
generatorcontrolpanel.
For moredetailedinformation,please refer to theProfotoStudio 2 User’s Guide.
Lamp Heads
Pro-8aisdesignedforallofthepresentstate-of-the-artProheadsandlightshapingtools.For
selectedpreviousmodelsofProfotoslampheadswereisasimpleupdateforcompatible
fancoolingat100–120V markets.
ProHead
The standard heavy-duty flash lamp head is the Profoto ProHead, built for producing
flasheswithPro-8a,upto2400Wsoverandoveragain,hourafterhour.Ithasanintegrated
high efficient, long life halogen model-pilot lamp with a switch and a fuse. A thermally
controlled 2-speed efficient fan provide silent cooling. For safety reasons thermal
protectionisbuilt-in.
7
Theflashtubeandhalogenlampareprotectedbyadiffusingglasscoveralsoservingasa
light source corresponding filter and color correction filter.Optional glass cover versions
areavailable.TheoptimizedflashtubeismadebyhighgradeUV-freefilteredquartsglass
and heavy dutyelectrodestomaximizelifetime.
Protwin
Whendemandsareeventougher,theProfotoProTwinisavailablewithtwoflashtubesthat
effectively double the performance. Used with a single generator, it can produce shorter
flashdurationsbysplittinghalfofthepowertotwoflashtubes.UsedwithtwoPro-8a2400
Air,it can half therecycling speedordoublethelight energy,up to 4800Ws.
Powered from one of the two connected cables ProTwin has an integrated high efficient
halogen model-pilot lamp with a switch and a fuse. A thermally controlled 2-speed
efficient fan provides silent cooling.For safety reasons thermal protection is built-in.The
flashtubeandhalogenlampareprotectedbyadiffusingglasscoveralsoservingasalight
source corresponding filter and color correction filter. Optional glass cover versions are
available.
The optimized flash tube is made by high grade UV-free filtered quarts glass and heavy
dutyelectrodestomaximizelifetime.
Proring
If you look for a more lightweight ring flash without modeling light, there’s the Profoto
ProRing, with the capacity of up to four 2400 Ws flashes per minute.An entirely mobile
sourceoflight,theringflashfitsallPro-7generators.Theadjustabletripodmountbracket
and the wide interior (100 mm diameter) makes the ProRing compatible with all types of
cameras as well as most lenses. Optional accessory reflectors expand the ring flash’s
capabilitiesfurther.
Proring 2
For fashion or macro photography, when you want a direct and very prominent light, the
ProfotoProRing2providesaringflashcapableofunlimitedflashrepetitionrateduetobuilt-in
thermallycontrolledsilentandefficientfancooling.Theoptimizedflashtubeismadebyhigh
gradeUV-freefilteredquarts glassand heavy duty electrodesto maximizelifetime.
A powerful 200Whalogen modeling light arebuilt-inwith switch and fuse.
functionality
8
Powersupply
ThePro-8ageneratorcanbeconnectedto100–120VACor200–240VAC,50–60Hz.The
powersupplyfusemustnotbesmallerthanspecifiedinthetechnicaldata.Thegenerator
automaticallysensesandadapts to thevoltageand frequencysupplied.
WArninG
Neveruseordinaryhouseholdextensioncordstoelongatethepowercable.Theymayoverheat.Alwaysunwindcord
reelextensionwinders fully beforeuse.ContactyourProfotodealerforproperequipment.
Due to the two stage SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) technology, the Pro-8a could
make a hearable sound during the recharge cycle.This is fully normal and could be seen
asthe signofpowerbeingcharged into thegenerator.
energy control
The selected energy levels for channel A and B are shown in Flash Light Energy Display
A [6]and B[17].
The f-stop scale reading is default. To show energy in Ws scale, push and hold the Ws
Switch [1].
In f-stop scale, the maximal energy (100%) is shown as 10.0. In Ws scale, the maximal
energy (100%)is2400forPro-8a2400Air and 1200 for Pro-8a1200Air.
The maximal energy for channelA is 10.0 (100%) and the maximal energy for channel B
9.0(50%).The maximal energyin totalfor thetwo channels is 100%.
FlashLightEnergyControlA[8]andControlB[19]areusedtoadjusttheenergylevelsfor
channelA and B respectively:
•Turnthecontrolclockwisetoincreasetheenergyin1/10f-stopincrementsandcounter-
clockwise todecrease.
• Press and hold down the control (a“beep”will sound) and turn the control clockwise to
increase theenergyin1f-stopincrements and counter-clockwise to decrease.
Modeling light
The Modeling Light Switch [9] is used to turn on/off the modeling light for channelA and
B simultaneously. When the modeling light is on, the Modeling Light Switch knob [9] is
illuminated.
The ModelingLightControl [7]is usedto select one of fourmodeling light alternatives:
• PROP: The modeling light intensity for each lamp head is automatically adjusted to
correspondinproportionin-betweenthegenerators set energyand maximalenergy.
•½PROP:ThemodelinglightintensityisadjustedautomaticallyinproportionasforPROP
whentheenergylevelischanged,butwithhalfmodelinglightintensityofthedesignated
energy. Half proportional modeling light is used when generators of different sizes are
usedtogether; Pro-8a1200Air shall beset to ½ PROP and Pro-8a2400AirtoPROP.
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•MAX:Themodelinglampgetsthemaximalintensity,regardlessoftheflashlightenergy
settings.
•MAXPROP:Maximalproportionalmodelinglightisusedwhenmaximallightisneededon
onechannel(theonewithhighestenergylevel).Thehighestsetchannelwillgetmaximal
intensity and the other will correspond proportionally.Therefore the modeling light may
changeon achannelwhichisnot adjusted.
IfProStudio2isusedtocontrolthegenerators,aSmartPropfunctionisavailable.Itissimilar
totheMAXPROPsetting,buttheintensityproportionsmatchalllampsandgenerators.
Syncsignaling
The Pro-8a generator can be synchronized with the camera in different ways; via cable,
via Photocell / IR-slave or via the ProfotoAir radio system (LPA radio system available on
special order).Bothsystemscan not be integrated inthesame generator.
• The two Sync Connectors [2] allow the camera and a flash meter to be connected
simultaneously.The5metersynccablecanwithoutrestrictionsbeelongatedwithasync
extension cable.The bidirectional optical isolated Profoto sync interconnection cable is
recommendedtobeusedtopreventgroundreferenceinterferencewhenconnectingsync
cables betweendifferentgenerators.
•ThePhotocell/IR-slave[3]sensesignalsfrommostIRsynctransmittersaswellasfrom
otherflash lightasaSlaveandsynchronizetheunit.
• The Profoto Air remote radio control system is integrated in all Pro-8a generators,
meaning that the generators are prepared to be synchronized or controlled either viaAir
Remote,Air Sync orviatheProfotoStudio2computer programandAir USB.
The Sync Control[5]isusedtocontrolthesync signaling:
• RADIO:The generatorisset to sync viaradio.
• SET:Enablessettingofradiochannel and group.
• OFF:The generatorissettosync viacable.
• SLAVE:The generatorisset to sync viaphotocell / IR.
ready signaling
Readysignalingisusedtoindicatewhenthegeneratoris100%fullycharged.TheReady
Control [16]isusedtoselectone of fourreadysignaling alternatives:
• OFF: No ready signal. This setting also disables the sound indicating that a switch is
pressed or a control isturned.
• DIM: The modeling light will be turned off when the generator is being charged, and
turned on again when the charging is completed. This setting also disables the sound
indicating thataswitch ispressed ora controlis turned.
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• BEEP: A clear ”beep” will sound to indicate that the charging of the generator is
completed. This setting also enables the sound indicating that a switch is pressed or a
control isturned.
•BEEP-DIM:Themodelinglightwillbeturnedoffwhenthegeneratorisbeingcharged,and
turnedonagainwhenthechargingiscompleted.Aclear”beep”willalsosoundtoindicate
thatthechargingiscompleted.Thissettingalsoenablesthesoundindicatingthataswitch
is pressed oracontrol isturned.
Speedcontrol
The versatile recycling speed settings make it possible to efficiently utilize the mains
powersupplybyadjustingandoptimizingthemaximumpossiblespeedandloadwithout
blowingfuses.Thegenerator’samperageloadfromthemainspowersupplycorresponds
proportionally tothespeed setting.
The SpeedControl [18]isusedto select one of fourrecycling speed settings:
• 25% The slow recycling speed is four times as long as the MAX recycling speed.This
alternative shall be selected when the generator is connected to a mains power supply
with weak fuses,when you are uncertain as to how well the mains power supply is fused
andwhenweakgasgeneratorsareusedforcharging.Itmayallowtreeorfourgenerators
to be connected tothesamewall outlet orfuse group.
• 50x The fast recycling speed is twice as long as the MAX recycling speed.This setting
mayallowtwogeneratorstobeconnectedto thesame wall outlet orfusegroup.
• 75% The extra fast recycling speed is slightly longer than the extremely fast MAX
recyclingspeed.Itreducesloadby25%andmaypreventsensitivetypesoffusestoblow.
The rechargespeedisanyhowextremelyfast comparedto otherflashgenerators.
•MAXTheextremeandfastestrecyclingspeed.OnlyonePro-8acanbeconnectedtoone
wall outletorfusegroup.
ready lamp/testfunction
The ready lampandtestbutton functions arecombined.
Ready lamp [10]isilluminatedwhenthegenerator is fullycharged and ready toflash.
TestButton[10]isusedtotestthatalllightsettingsarecorrectandthatthefunctionallyis
as expected.When theTest Button [10] is pressed,the generator will flash and the Ready
Lamp[10]willturnoffwhilerecharging.Whentherechargeofthegeneratoriscompleted,
theReady Lamp[10]will beilluminated again.
flash beforeready
The ”Flash before ready”function makes it possible to flash before the recharging of the
generator is ready and fully completed.When a flash is released before the generator is
100% recharged a long ”beep”will sound, indicating an underexposed frame. Naturally
the flash light may not correspond fully to the set value.The underexposure of the frame
may be so small that it makes no significant difference, however it may be informative
to get the feeling of the maximum repetition rate.The underexposure frame may still be
usable if thecatchofthemoment was perfect.
11
fan cooling & Protection System
The Pro-8a generator is equipped with a very effective fan cooling to prevent over heating.
A microprocessor controlling and supervising the system is integrated for protection and
safety.Dualfanswillnormallyoperateinsilentmodebutwillspeedupautomaticallywhen
workinginhotsurroundingsorcontinuouslyathigherpowerlevels.Lowerflashenergyusage
andnormalroomtemperaturewillslowdownthefanspeedstobeassilentaspossible.
Ifthereisriskforoverheatingofthegenerator,causedbyabnormalexternalinfluence,the
protective system will automatically protect the generator from damage.The protective
system will slow down the recharging intervals and eventually the recharging will stop
completely.Afterawhile,whenthetemperaturehasdecreasedsufficiently,thegenerator
will start recharging at a normal pace.This automatic protection will only interfere under
extreme conditionssuchaswhen theair vents areblocked.
ThePro-8ageneratorisdesignedtowithstandupto1000fullpowerflashesduringonehour.
Howeveritisnotadvisabletorunharderthannecessaryduetothelifetimeoftheflashtube.
notice
The air vents of the generator must never be blocked or covered in any way.Nor should the generator be operated in an
enclosed small space. Never store your flash equipment in a car on a hot and sunny day longer than 30 minutes.Avoid
storageofthegeneratorcloseorbelowthefreezingpointformorethan30minutes.Acoldgeneratormaynotworkproperly
ormayevenbrakeandwilllosecapacity(flashoutput).Thereisalsoariskoffailurebecauseofcondensationwhenacold
generator is moved to a warmer surrounding. Remember that the generator has a great temperature storing mass and
willnotadapttotheindoornormalsurroundingtemperatureuntilafter1–3hours.NeveruseaPro-8ageneratorthathas
beenstoredinabnormaltemperaturesformorethan1hour.Awellinsulatedcaseortransportboxwillprolongthetimeof
storageinabnormaltemperatureto2or3hours.Neveroperatethegeneratorinsideacaseortransportboxduetolackof
ventilation.Never expose any flash equipmenttowet orhumid environmentsorextremeelectromagnetic fields.
Additional information
color temperature
The color temperature of Pro-8a is calibrated to correspond to daylight and, because of
thePiPE(patentpending)technology,itremainsperfectlyconstantandreliablefromflash
to flash and over the entire power range, regardless of the chosen power output and the
number of flash heads used. This makes the Pro-8a generators perfectly suited for all
kinds of critical assignments, even with high-resolution digital cameras and backs. In
combinationwithallactualProflashheadsandlightshapingtoolsthePro-8agenerators
give neutral and extremely stable color. Please note that other factors, like reflections
from surrounding objects and ambient lights with non neutral color characteristic, may
influencethelight colortemperatureand spectra.
12
Combining flash tubes and/or glass covers with different coatings can make distinctive
colortemperatureadjustmentsif needed.
f-stopStability&range
The unique PiPE (patent pending) technology ensures extreme light power stability
from flash to flash as well as over the whole power range.The unique wide power range
offers maximal flexibility for all situation from light power consuming large objects at
large distances to really close ups ex. ProRing2 without overexposure with one and the
sameflashgenerator.Pleasenotethatinfluencefromambientandmodelinglightmakes
measurementofsmall powerlevels difficult.
WArninG
Do not use the light meter’s built-in slave trigger at smaller power levels.Please use a cord and check the shutter
speedtoavoid ambientlightinfluence.
flashDuration
The full power short flash duration has more advantages except from freezing a moving
object. It will also make it possible to use a very short camera shutter speed to cut out
exposureinfluencefrom indoorambient light as well as direct sunlight.
TheflashdurationcanbeshortenedbyreducingthepoweroutputwithFlashLightEnergy
Control A [8] and/or B [19]. The shortest flash duration using a ProHead and a Pro-8a
generator is 1/12000 sec at energy setting 3,0 - 3,2 (19 - 21,5Ws).To shorten the flash
durationathighpower,useaProTwin head.
I.e.ifyouconnectthetwoplugsofaProTwintotheLampHeadConnectorA[4]andB[15]
of a Pro-8a 2400Air generator and use both outlets at 1200Ws, the flash duration is just
1/2200s instead of1/1600s atmaximumpowerwith one ProHead.
Petrol-electric Generators
All petrol-electric generators can produce voltage peaks that may damage electronic
devices.Pro-8aishoweverdesignedtocomplywithsufficientpowerratedpetrol-electric
generatorssupplyingAC-powerequaltothevoltageandfrequencyspecifiedandwithout
use of ProGas.
Onededicated6000Wattpetrol-electricgeneratorisrequiredtopowersupplyonePro-8a
atMAX speed.
To supply one Pro-8a generator at 50% recharge speed setting requires one dedicated
3000W petrol-electricgenerator.
13
To supply one Pro-8a generator at 25% recharge speed setting requires one dedicated
2000Wpetrol-electricgeneratorwhichisthesmallestrecommendedforusewithPro-8a.
To supply two Pro-8a generators at 50% recharge speed setting requires one 6000W
petrol-electric generatoretc.
WArninG
Only use Pro-8a on the same petrol-electric generator, use of any other flash model simultaneously will cause
high voltage and may damage the Pro-8a. Pro-8a itself does not cause gas generators to produce high voltages.
Underratedpower ofapetrol-electricgeneratorwill cause various bad results.
operating instructions
Lamp headconnection
1. If only onelamphead isused,connect thelampto Lamp Head ConnectorA[4].
2. When connecting the lamp head plug, align the white dot on the plug with the white
dot to the upper left of the Lamp Head Connector. Secure by turning the ring on the plug
clockwise.
Powerconnection
1. Use the included power cable to connect the generator to the Power Supply (AC)
Connector[11].
2. The Power Supply Indicator [12] will be red, indicating that the generator is receiving
powerbut isin standby mode.
3. PresstheOn switch [13].
4. The Power Sypply Indicator [12] will now be green and the Test Button [10] will be
illuminated.
5.ViewpowerinW/sorRelativeF-Stops.Press&releaseWsbutton[1]for5sec,totoggle
flashenergysetting.2beepsconfirmchange.
6. 1/10th f-stop flash adjustment. Rotate corresponding control dial clockwise to raise
power or counter clockwise to lower. Each click represents 1/10th f-stop. Three quick
beepsindicatepowercannotberaiser orloweredfurther.
7. Full F-Stop Flash Adjustment. Press down while rotating correspondence control dial
clockwise to raise power or counter clockwise to lower. Each click represents 1 f-stop.
Three quick beepsindicatepowercannot beraiser orloweredfurther.
14
Settings
1. UsetheModelingLightControl[7]toselectMAXPROP,MAX,PROPor½PROP.Pressthe
ModelingLightswitch[9]toturn onthemodelinglight.
2. Use FlashLightEnergyControlA [8] and B[19] to set theenergylevels.
3. Use the ReadyControl [16]to select BEEP-DIM,BEEP,DIM orOFF.
4. Use the SpeedControl [18]toselect MAX,75%,50% or25%.
Sync via cable
1. ConnectasynccordfromthecameratooneoftheSyncConnectors[2]onthegenerator.
Syncviacable+flashmeter
1. ConnectasynccordfromthecameratooneoftheSyncConnectors[2]onthegenerator.
2. Connect anothersynccablefromtheflashmeter to thefree Sync Connector [2].
Sync via Photocell /ir-slave
1. ConnectanIR transmittertothecamera.
2. Turn the SyncControl [5]toSLAVE.
Syncvia radio(ProfotoAir)
1. ConnectanAirRemoteorAir Sync unit to thecamera.
2. Turn the SyncControl [5]toRADIO.
3. Pro-8a isnowreadytoflash,with theselected radio channel.
Wirelessremotecontrol
ForAirRemotecontrol,bothradiochannelandgrouphavetobeset.Thegroupcanbeset
individually for each lamp head.For wireless use with Profoto Studio 2 andAIR USB,only
radio channel hastobeset.
Changingradiochannel andgroup settings:
1. Turnthe SyncControl [5]toSET.
2. The radio channel and group setting for the individual lamp head is shown separately
inFlashLightEnergyDisplayA[8]orB[19]asaradiochannelnumber(1-8)followedbya
group letter(A-F).
15
3. TurnFlashLightEnergyControlA[8]orB[19]clockwise/counter-clockwisetoincrease/
decrease theradiochannelnumber.
4. PushandturnFlashLightEnergyControlA[8]clockwise/counter-clockwisetoincrease/
decrease thegroupsettingforlamp headA [4].
5. Push and turn Flash Light Energy Control B [19] clockwise/counter-clockwise to
increase/decreasethegroupsetting for lamphead B[15].
6. Turnthe SyncControl [5]toRADIO.
turnoffgenerator
1. The modeling light, energy level, radio channel and group settings are automatically
savedassoonastheyarechangedand will beavailable at start up.
2. PresstheOn switch [13]toturnoff thepower.
3. The Power Supply Indicator [12] will be red, indicating that the generator is receiving
powerbut isin standby mode.
4. Removethepowercable.
technical data
Profoto Pro-8a 2400 Air
General
Energy
2400Ws
Energy Distribution
ChannelA 5–2400Ws1.0–10.0
Channel B5–1200Ws1.0–9.0
Energy Control Range
RecyclingTime
1.0–10.0 f stop(5–2400Ws )
0.05–0.9s
16
Flashrate at1.0//4.0//6.0//8.0//10.0 20//15//10//4//1(flash repetitionrateper
second at maxrecharging speed)
FlashDurationt0,5
1/12000–1/1600 s
Fastestcamerashutterspeed 2400Ws 1/500 with cable,IRorProfotoAirfast mode.
1/250with normal ProfotoAir
Maxleaf shuttercameraspeed
Dependingofthespecificcamerasleafshutters
openingand closing time delays
Modeling LampsTotalW/Pack(max) 1000W
Modeling LampsW/Head (max)
Energy Control Increments
Energy stability flashtoflash
Colorstabilityflashtoflash
500W
1/10f-stopand full f-stops
+/-1/50 f-stop
+/-40 °K
Colorstabilityenergyrange10.0–5.0 +/-50 °K
Colorstabilityenergyrange10.0– 3.0 +/-110°K
Colorstabilityenergyrange10.0–1.0 +/-190 °K
Guide number@ 2meters100ASA
with Magnumreflector
128
Specifieddataconditions
Input Powersupply
A standard ProHead,120 or230VAC
100–127V/ 200–240V,50/60Hz(Nominal)
Synchronization andcontrol
Sync Socket(s)
2
Lamp HeadSocket(s)
Wire Sync
2
Compliant to ISO 10330Standard
WireSync Connectors
Photocell/IR-slaveandSwitch
USBInterface
2(¼inchphono plug)
Yes,with automaticsensitivityadjustment
USB2.0Full Speedcompatible
Wirelesssync
Yes,ProfotoAir (LPA PocketWizard insideis
available on special order)
WirelessRemoteControl
Yes,ProfotoAir (Not available with LPAPocket
wizard)
WirelessRadioRange
ComputerControl
Upto 300m
Yes,ProfotoStudio viaProfotoAirorUSB cable
17
Miscellaneous
Digital Display
Yes,f-stop orWs
Fan Cooled
Yes,two speedregulated
Automatic Multi-Voltage
Yes,powersupplied worldwidewithout
changingthestd headmodeling lamp
Ready Signal
Yes,beepsoundand dimmingofmodeling light
during recharge
Auto Dumping
Yes,can also be dumpedmanually
Yes (100%,75%,50%,25%) See alsospeed
Slow blow fuse 16A / 230V,20A/110V
AutomaticfusetypeC,D,E16A/230V,20A/110V
Seealso speed control
Speed Control control
Fuse Requirementperunitat
Maxspeed setting
Measurements
Dimensions
Weight
37x18.5x25cm;14.5x7.3x9.8 in
12.2 kg; 26.9 lbs
technical data
Profoto Pro-8a 1200 Air
General
Energy
1200Ws
Energy Distribution
ChannelA 5–1200Ws 2.0–10.0
Channel B5–600Ws 2.0–9.0
2.0–10.0f stop (5–1200Ws)
0.05–0.5s
Energy Control Range
RecyclingTime
18
Flashrate at1.0//4.0//6.0//8.0//10.0 20//17//11//7//2(flash repetitionrateper
second at maxrecharging speed)
FlashDurationt0,5
1/12000–1/2200 s
Fastestcamerashutterspeed 2400Ws 1/500 with cable,IRorProfotoAirfast mode.
1/250with normal ProfotoAir
Maxleaf shuttercameraspeed
Dependingofthespecificcamerasleafshutters
openingand closing time delays
Modeling LampsTotalW/Pack(max) 1000W
Modeling LampsW/Head (max)
Energy Control Increments
Energy stability flashtoflash
Colorstabilityflashtoflash
500W
1/10f-stopand full f-stops
+/-1/50 f-stop
+/-40 °K
Colorstabilityenergyrange10.0–6.0 +/-40°K
Colorstabilityenergyrange10.0–4.0 +/-80 °K
Colorstabilityenergyrange10.0–2.0 +/-160°K
Guide number@ 2meters100ASA
with Magnumreflector
90
Specifieddataconditions
Input Powersupply
A standardProHead,120 or230VAC
100–127V/ 200–240V,50/60Hz(Nominal)
Synchronization andcontrol
Sync Socket(s)
2
Lamp HeadSocket(s)
Wire Sync
2
Compliant to ISO 10330Standard
WireSync Connectors
Photocell/IR-slaveandSwitch
USBInterface
2(¼inchphono plug)
Yes,with automaticsensitivityadjustment
USB2.0Full Speedcompatible
Wirelesssync
Yes,ProfotoAir (LPA PocketWizard insideis
available on special order)
WirelessRemoteControl
Yes,ProfotoAir (Not available with LPAPocket
wizard)
WirelessRadioRange
ComputerControl
Upto 300m
Yes,ProfotoStudio viaProfotoAirorUSB cable
19
Miscellaneous
Digital Display
Yes,f-stop orWs
Fan Cooled
Yes,two speedregulated
Automatic Multi-Voltage
Yes,powersupplied worldwidewithout
changingthestd headmodeling lamp
Ready Signal
Yes,beepsoundand dimmingofmodeling light
during recharge
Auto Dumping
Yes,can also be dumpedmanually
Yes (100%,75%,50%,25%) See alsospeed
Slow blow fuse 16A / 230V,20A/110V
AutomaticfusetypeC,D,E16A/230V,20A/110V
Seealso speed control
Speed Control control
Fuse Requirementperunitat
Maxspeed setting
Measurements
Dimensions
Weight
34.5x18.5x25 cm;13.6x7.3x9.8in
11.4 kg; 25.2 lbs
3. Turn Flash Light Energy Control A [8] or B [19] clockwise/
counterclockwisetoincrease/decreasetheradiochannelnumber.
4. Push and turn Flash Light Energy Control A [8] clockwise/
counterclockwise to increase/decrease the group setting for
lampheadA[4].
Quick Guide
This Quick Guide refers to the User’s Guide and helps you to
quicklygetstarted usingthePro-8asystem.
5. Push and turn Flash Light Energy Control B [19] clockwise/
counterclockwise to increase/decrease the group setting for
lampheadB[15].
If you in any way are unsure of how to use the system, read and follow the
safetyinstructionsintheUser’sGuidecarefullytoavoidinjuriesordamages!
6.TurntheSyncControl[5]toRADIO.
operatinginstructions
turnoffgenerator
Lampheadconnections
1. The modeling light, energy level, radio channel and group
settings are automatically saved as soon as they are changed
andwillbeavailableatstartup.
1. If only one lamp head is used, connect the lamp to the Lamp
Head ConnectorA[4].
2.When connecting the lamp head plug,align the white dots on
the plug with the white dot to the upper left of the Lamp Head
Connector.Secureby turningtheringontheplugclockwise.
2.PresstheOnswitch[13]toturnoffthepower.
3.ThePowerSupplyIndicator[12]willbered,indicatingthatthe
generatorisreceivingpowerbutisinstandbymode.
4.Remove thePowercable.
Powerconnection
1.Use the included power cable to connect the generator to the
PowerSupply (AC) Connector[11].
2.ThePowerSupplyIndicator[12]willbered,indicatingthatthe
generator isreceiving powerbutisinstandbymode.
3.PresstheOn switch[13].
4.ThePowerSupplyIndicator[12]willnowbegreenandtheTest
Button [10]will beilluminated.
LampHeads
21
Pro-8aisdesignedforallofthepresentstate-of-the-artProHeads
andlightshapingtools.ForselectedpreviousmodelsofProfotos
lamp heads there is a simple update for compatible fan cooling
on100–120Vmarkets.
5. View power in W/s or Relative F-Stops. Press & release Ws
button [1] for 5 sec, to toggle flash energy setting. 2 beeps
confirmchange.
6.1/10th f-stop flash adjustment.Rotate corresponding control
dialclockwisetoraisepowerorcounterclockwisetolower.Each
clickrepresents1/10thf-stop.Threequickbeepsindicatepower
cannotberaiserorloweredfurther.
7. Full F-Stop Flash Adjustment. Press down while rotating
correspondencecontroldialclockwisetoraisepowerorcounter
clockwise to lower. Each click represents 1 f-stop.Three quick
beepsindicatepowercannotberaiserorloweredfurther.
ProHead
The standard heavy-duty head is the Profoto ProHead, built for
producing flashes with Pro-8a, up to 2400 Ws over and over
again,hourafterhour.Ithasanintegratedhighefficient,longlife
halogen lamp with a switch and a fuse. A thermally controlled
2-speed efficient fan provide silent cooling. For safety reasons
thermalprotectionisbuilt-in.
The flash tube and halogen lamp are protected by a diffusing
glasscoveralsoservingasalightsourcecorrespondingfilterand
colorcorrectionfilter.Optionalglasscoverversionsareavailable.
The optimized flash tube is made by high grade UV-free filtered
quartsglassandheavydutyelectrodestomaximizelifetime.
Settings
1. Use the Modeling Light Control [7] to select MAX PROP, MAX,
PROP or ½ PROP. Press the Modeling Light switch [9] to turn on
themodeling light.
Protwin
Whendemandsareeventougher,theProfotoProTwinisavailable
with two flash tubes that effectively double the performance.
Used with a single generator, it can produce shorter fl ash
durations by splitting half of the power to two fl ash tubes.Used
with two Pro-8a 2400 Air, it can half the recycling speed or
doublethelightenergy,upto4800Ws.Poweredfromoneofthe
two connected cables ProTwin has an integrated high efficient
halogen lamp with a switch and a fuse. A thermally controlled
2-speed efficient fan provides silent cooling.For safety reasons
thermal protection is built-in. The flashtube and halogen lamp
are protected by a diffusing glass cover also serving as a light
source corresponding filter and color correction filter. Optional
glass cover versions are available. The optimized flash tube is
madebyhighgradeUV-freefilteredquartsglassandheavyduty
electrodestomaximizelifetime.
2. Use Flash Light Energy Control A [8] and B [19] to set the
energylevels.
3.UsetheReadyControl[16]toselectBEEP-DIM,BEEP,DIMorOFF.
4.UsetheSpeedControl[18]toselectMAX,75%,50%or25%.
Sync viacable
1. Connect a sync cord from the camera to one of the Sync
Connectors[2] onthegenerator.
Syncviacable+ flashmeter
1. Connect a sync cord from the camera to one of the Sync
Connectors[2] onthegenerator.
2. Connect another sync cable from the flash meter to the free
SyncConnector[2].
Sync viaPhotocell/ir-slave
1.Connect anIR transmittertothecamera.
2.TurntheSyncControl [5]toSLAVE.
Proring
If you look for a more lightweight ring flash without modeling
light, there’s the Profoto ProRing, with the capacity of up to
four 2400 Ws flashes per minute. An entirely mobile source
of light, the ring flash fits all Pro-7 generators. The adjustable
tripod mount bracket and the wide interior (100 mm diameter)
makestheProRingcompatiblewithalltypesofcamerasaswell
as most lenses. Optional accessory reflectors expand the ring
flash’scapabilitiesfurther.
Sync viaradio(Profoto Air)
1.Connect anAir RemoteorAirSync unittothecamera.
2.TurntheSyncControl [5]toRADIO.
3.Pro-8aisnowready toflash,withtheselectedradioChannel.
Wirelessremote control
For Air Remote control, both radio channel and group have to
be set. The group can be set individually for each lamp head.
For wireless use with Profoto Studio 2 and AIR USB, only radio
channel hastobeset.
Proring2
For fashion or macro photography, when you want a direct and
very prominent light,the Profoto ProRing 2 provides a ring flash
capableofunlimitedflashrepetitionrateduetobuilt-inthermally
controlled silent and efficient fan cooling. The optimized flash
tube is made by high grade UV-free filtered quarts glass and
heavy duty electrodes to maximize lifetime. 200 W of powerful
halogenmodelinglightarebuilt-inwith switch and fuse.
changingradiochannelandgroup settings:
1.TurntheSyncControl [5]toSET.
2. The radio channel and group setting for the individual lamp
head is shown separately in Flash Light Energy Display A [6]
or B [17] as a radio channel number (1–8) followed by a group
letter(A–F).
ProfotoAB
P.O.Box2023
SE-128 21 Skarpnäck
SWEDEN
Phone+46 8 447 53 00
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