It can be quite frustrating to read some equipment manuals. The manufacturer is more focused on selling the equipment rather than explaining how it works. Generally, therefore, they will give a very basic description of how to use the equipment – and no more. This is a shame for the RF-603II manual as this is a very clever and interesting device. So I have taken the information in the Youngnuo RF-603II manual and, based on my experience with the unit, expanded the parts that I feel deserve more clarification.
General Description
The RF-603II units come in two versions – one is for Canon cameras and the other is for Nikon cameras. If you look at the contacts under the RF-603II you will see why they are sold as camera-specific – the hot shoe contacts on Canon cameras are different from the contacts on a Nikon hot shoe.
Canon and Nikon Flash Contacts Are Not The Same
The hot shoe contacts on a Nikon camera and a Canon are only the same in respect of the older manual flash trigger contact. This is why manual flash guns are transferable between the two types of camera. It is the contacts associated with flash automation that are manufacturer-specific.
The RF-603II uses the common 2.4GHz wireless band to provide long range (up to 100m). It combines this with digital techniques to ensure reliable operation and to allow multi-channel operation. This means that where optical triggering need the slave flash to see the light from the master flash, the RF system doesn’t need this – I have even placed one of the remote flash units in a different room at times and still had perfect operation.
Configure as Transmitter or Receiver
The kit is sold as a set of two identical units. Each unit can be either the receiver or the transmitter using the on/off switch on the side. If you switch to the TX position the unit is the transmitter. You can push the button on the unit and trigger the other unit as you would expect. But if you switch to the TRX position, the unit will become the transmitter or the receiver depending on how it is connected. If you plug a flashgun on to the unit, it will set itself up as a receiver. If you connect the unit to a camera hot shoe, it will configure itself as a transmitter.
Remote Camera Trigger
The RF-603II has another trick up its sleeve. It can be used as a remote camera trigger. You can plug the supplied lead into the 2.5mm socket on the side of the RF-603II with the other end of the lead connecting to the remote socket of your camera. Then with the other unit set to TX, it becomes a wireless trigger for your camera.
Triggering the Flash
The transmitter can be triggered either from the camera through its hot shoe or manually using the push button on top. There is no limit to the number of flashguns that can be triggered from a transmitter as long as each flash has a receiver. Just like an FM radio receiver – the signals are there – any number of receivers can pick up and decode the signals. This means you could buy more kits as they are required, and they will all work together.
Sync Speed
The highest flash sync speed the RF-603II an operate at is 1/320 second. If your camera can achieve a higher sync speed, then you will be limited to the 1/320 second of the RF-603II. If your camera sync speed is lower than 1/320 second, then you should use this value as your sync speed.
RF-603II Quick-Start Guide
Channel Setting
The channel select DIP switch allows selection of one of sixteen channels in the RF-603II. In any standard setup, all units must be set to the same channel. The purpose behind the multiple channel select is if there is local interference or someone else nearby is using the same channel which causes random triggering. But I have never had any of these issues so I believe the chances of this happening are very slim.
Setting the channel would normally be a one-time thing when you first receive your units. I have certainly never changed the channel for any reason after first setting to my selected common channel.
Battery Installation
The units take AAA batteries. Battery orientation is clearly marked.
I prefer to use rechargeable batteries for the RF-603II because – well, because I use rechargeable batteries for everything. The power drain on these units is so small, that non-rechargeable batteries can last a long time (unless you leave the units switched on after use – guilty here).
Fit one of the units to the hot shoe of your camera
Make sure it is fully engaged with the hot shoe – this is essential for proper alignment of the contact pins between the RF-603II and the camera.
Then tighten the locking screw to ensure there is no movement during use. This could cause intermittent triggering.
Fit another unit to the base of the flash gun
Again, make sure the unit is properly engaged with the flash gun and the locking screw is tightened.
The flash can then be hand-held or fitted to a light stand as necessary.
Switch the units on and test them
The units can automatically detect when they are required as the receiver or transmitter in the pair. Just move the main switch to TX position in one unit and TRX position in the other. Both units will slow-flash the left-hand green LED to show they are functioning properly. Press the main button on the ‘TX’ unit and confirm the other unit reacts to it. Now reverse the TX/TRX switch positions on both units and press the main button on the new ‘TX’ unit.
Test-fire the units on-camera
Move the main switch on both units to TRX. Press the camera shutter button half-way to start the auto-focus function – the right-hand LED on both RF-603II units will light to show proper communication. Press the shutter release fully and both RF-603II units right-hand red LED will light and the flash will fire.
Your flashgun is now set up for remote triggering. You can start taking photographs.
This covers you for the majority of your photography with the RF-603II units. If you’re happy with this, you can leave now and enjoy your photography. But if you’re like me and you want to know more… read on.