SONY HVLF46RM Wireless Radio Control External Flash Owner’s Manual
- June 10, 2024
- Sony
Table of Contents
SONY HVLF46RM Wireless Radio Control External Flash
Product Information
Sony HVL-F46RM Compact Flash
The Sony HVL-F46RM is a compact and durable flash unit designed to support
the latest camera technology and communication. With a high-output GN46 and
wireless radio control, this flash unit offers reliable flash at high
continuous shooting speeds with intuitive operation via the camera interface.
The flash unit supports focal lengths from 24mm to 105mm and syncs with
shutter speeds up to 1/400 sec.
Features
- Compact GN461 flash supports the latest camera technology
- Intelligent communication with the latest Alpha bodies
- Stable GN461 output for a wide range of lighting needs
- Per-frame P-TTL flash control adapts to changing light
- Up to 1/400 sec. shutter sync with a compatible camera for new expression
- Stable high-speed continuous flash shooting
- Flash control linked to camera face detection
- Auto white balance accuracy that only original equipment can achieve
- Minimal flash trigger time lag
Compact GN461 flash supports the latest camera technology
This compact high-output GN461 flash unit delivers levels of sophistication
and camera communication that only Sony can offer, offering reliable flash at
high continuous shooting speeds and sync at shutter speeds up to 1/400 sec2.
Outstanding durability, intuitive operation via the camera2, flexible bounce
angle adjustment, and wireless radio communication add refined control and
versatility.
Intelligent communication with the latest Alpha bodies
The Alpha Lighting System has evolved in parallel with Alpha camera bodies to
give creators optimum illumination in a wide range of applications. A level of
integration that is only possible with original Sony products achieves
detailed communication with compatible camera cameras2 for reliable and
precise light control.
Stable GN461 output for a wide range of lighting needs
Because the HVL-F46RM is designed by Sony, it can communicate with α camera
bodies to deliver consistent GN461 light output that meets professional
lighting needs. Focal lengths from 24mm (15mm with the wide panel) to 105mm2
are supported.
Product Usage Instructions
To use the Sony HVL-F46RM flash unit, follow the instructions below:
- Attach the flash unit to your compatible Sony camera body.
- Turn on the camera and the flash unit.
- Adjust the bounce angle of the flash head as needed for your shot.
- Select your desired flash mode on the camera, such as TTL or manual mode.
- Adjust the flash output level as needed for your shot.
- Take your shot and review the results.
- For continuous shooting, ensure that your camera is set to high-speed burst mode and that the flash unit is set to high-speed continuous flash shooting mode.
- For face detection, ensure that your camera is set to face detection mode and that the flash unit is set to flash control linked to camera face detection mode.
- For natural color rendering, ensure that your camera is set to auto white balance mode and that the flash unit is attached and turned on.
HVL-F46RM – GN461 Wireless Radio Control External Flash
Durable compact GN461 flash supports the latest camera technology and
communication that only Sony can offer, achieving reliable flash at high
continuous shooting speeds with intuitive operation via the camera interface2,
flexible bounce angle adjustment and wireless radio control.
Bullets
- Stable GN461 output for a wide range of lighting needs
- Per-frame P-TTL flash control instantly adapts to changing light
- Up to 60 frames3 in high-speed bursts at up to 10 fps2
- 320 flashes with fast recycle time of 2 second 3sed
- White balance and flash control linked to camera face detection 2
- Light output optimized for focal length 4-105mm
- Conveniently controllable from compatible camera2body menu
- High Speed Sync, Rear-Sync, Slow-sync, and Multi-flash settings
- Operates as on-camera flash, radio wireless commander or receiver
- Stable ratio wireless communication up to 98.4 ft (30m ) 7
Per-frame P-TTL flash control adapts to changing light
When used with a compatible camera2, high-speed control sequencing in the
camera uses pre-flash to control each individual flash6 during continuous
bursts, even when tracking fast-moving subjects in scenes where the light
changes dramatically.
Up to 1/400 sec2. shutter sync with a compatible camera2 for new
expression
Used with a compatible camera2 body the HVL-F46RM allows flash sync up to
1/400 sec 2. This makes it possible to deemphasize the background while using
flash to illuminate the main subject, illuminate moving subjects against a
bright background, and more.
Stable high-speed continuous flash shooting
With a compatible camera2 the HVL-F46RM can continuously provide flash for up
to 60 frames 4 in high-speed bursts at up to 10 fps2. Missed frames dues to
flash sync failure are avoided, providing stable continuous shooting support.
Flash control linked to camera face detection2
With a compatible camera2, white balance is automatically adjusted so that the
subject’s face is rendered with natural color. The HVL-F46RM works with a
compatible camera2 face detection to provide ideal lighting for the main
subject, even in groups.
Auto white balance accuracy that only original equipment can achieve
Thanks to in-house design, this advanced flash unit transfers color
temperature data to the camera where that data is used to precisely adjust
white balance so that colors are rendered naturally in any situation.
Minimal flash trigger time lag3
When using the HVL-F46RM in combination with a compatible camera 2, time lag
between pressing the shutter button and flash output is significantly reduced6
so that fleeting moments can be captured with confidence.
High-speed, slow, and rear-curtain sync
High-speed sync works at all shutter speeds 10 and can be used with the
aperture wide open to produce beautiful background bokeh for portraits. Slow
sync and rear-curtain sync are also supported.
Selectable flash distribution types
Three selectable flash distribution types are provided: Standard (STD), GN
priority (CENTER), and wide-angle priority (EVEN).
Light output optimized for focal length and image size
The flash illumination angle is automatically adjusted to match the focal
length of the lens used over a 24-105mm range. Light distribution is also
adjusted for optimum illumination with full-frame or APS-C format.
Fast recycle and dependable high-speed continuous flash
Advanced electronics and construction contribute to fast recycle times and
allow continuous flash shooting for extended periods of time. A set of four
batteries can provide power for more than 320 flashes with 2.0 second recycle
time3.
Innovative overheating prevention for longer shooting sessions
The use of heat resistant materials plus an optimized flash algorithm provides
higher resistance to overheating that allows continuous shooting for longer
periods of time. The HVL-F46RM uses the same algorithms as the flagship HVL-
F60RM2, achieving approx. 1.7×3 greater overheating resistance than the HVL-
F45RM so you can shoot without being interrupted by heat issues.
Metal shoe foot with rugged side frame
A metal shoe foot with rugged side frame significantly increases the strength
and durability of the Multi Interface Shoe and its electrical contacts.
Enhanced dust and moisture resistance
A dust and moisture resistant design 8 contributes to high reliability in
outdoor conditions. Shoe sealing achieves even greater dust and moisture
resistance with certain a series cameras.
Flexible bounce angle adjustment
This feature makes it possible to quickly angle the flash head 180 degrees to
the left or right, 150 degrees up, or 8 degrees down, for easy bounce angle
adjustment to match any subject and shooting environment.
Comprehensive control from compatible cameras
Flash compensation, ratio, and other parameters can be controlled directly
from the menu of a compatible camera2. A camera custom key can be used to call
up the flash display for easy adjustment while looking through the viewfinder.
Dot-matrix display and custom keys for efficient operatio n
The same display tab format as the camera makes operation easy and intuitive.
The Quick Navi display provides status info plus direct access to important
parameters, with assignable arrow key, control wheel, and custom key input.
Improved rear-panel Quick Navi display
Pressing the Fn button causes the selected flash mode and other parameters to
appear on the display for easy setup in a variety of shooting situations.
While the previous HVL-F46RM flash only displayed the Wireless OFF and Memory
Recall OFF icons when the Fn button was pressed, these parameters are normally
visible on the HVL-F46RM display.
Versatile radio wireless communication
Stable wireless radio communication is ensured at distances up to 30 m/98.4 ft
3. Reliable, error-free communication is achieved even around reflectors and
obstacles. Slow sync, rear-curtain sync, and multi flash are supported2.
Wireless radio control for up to 15 flash units
Control up to 15 flash and/or receiver units in 5 groups 9. The HVL-F46RM can
communicate with flash units that do not feature wireless radio communication
via the optional FA-WRC1M commander and/or FA-WRR1 receiver.
Multi/Micro USB for computer connection
The HVL-F46RM has a Multi/Micro USB terminal that allows connection to a
computer for software upgrades.
Lighting System
For more information on Sony Lighting system, please see our Lighting
tutorial:
https://preview-production-pdp.sony.eu/en/electronics/photography-lighting-
techniques-equipment?cpint=SG_PRODUCT_DETAILS_PRI-TOUT-PDP-FA-WRC1M-
EN_GL-2016-06-LIGHTINGSYSTEM
Specification
Basic information
DIMENSIONS (APPROX.)| W 69.4 mm X H 114.7 mm X D 88.9 mm (2 3/4 inches × 4 5/8
inches × 3 1/2 inches)
WEIGHT (APPROX.)| 308 g (10.9 oz) (only main unit)
Type
TYPE| Auto electronic flash (clip-on type) with pre-flash metering
SHOE TYPE| Multi Interface Shoe
Flash Head(Light- emitting unit)
MAXIMUM GUIDE NUMBER| 46 (Flash coverage setting 105 mm/STD flash
distribution,ISO100 m)
FLASH COVERAGE| AUTO/MANUAL(24 mm-105 mm)Angle of view of at 15 mm focal
length is also covered with the wide panel
FLASH MODE| TTL/MANUAL/MULTI
FLASH DURATION (APPROX.)| Within 1.7 ms(1/1 MANUAL)
COLOR TEMPERATURE (APPROX.)| 5500 K
CONTINUOUS FLASH PERFORMANCE| 60 flashes at 10 flashes per second 1
BOUNCE FLASH| Yes
TEST FLASH| Yes
FLASH CONTROL| Flash control using pre-flash (P-TTL/ADI)
---|---
FLASH COMPENSATION| Yes2
POWER LEVEL SWITCHING| 25 levels (1/1 – 1/256) 1/3 steps
HIGH-SPEED SYNC(HSS)| Yes
MODELING FLASH| Yes
BUILT-IN WIDE PANEL| Yes(14 mm)
BUILT-IN BOUNCE SHEET| Yes
BOUNCE ANGLE
| Up 150 deg (0 deg/30 deg/45 deg/60 deg/75 deg/90 deg/120 deg/150 deg) Down 8
deg, Left and right 180 deg (0 deg/30 deg/45 deg/60 deg/75 deg/90 deg/120
deg/150 deg/180 deg)
AF illuminator
AF ILLUMINATOR| –
OPERATING RANGE (APPROX.)| –
Radio Control Wireless Function
RADIO CONTROLLED WIRELESS FLASH| Yes (commander/receiver) 3
FREQUENCIES| 2.4 GHz band
CHANNELS| 14 Channels(Auto/manual)
COMMUNICATION DISTANCE (APPROX.)| 30 m 4,5
GROUPS| 3 groups (TTL/MANUAL), 5 groups (group flash photography)
MAXIMUM FLASH UNITS| 15 units
LIGHTING RATIO CONTROL| 3 groups (TTL)
Optical Control Wireless Function
OPTICAL CONTROLLED WIRELESS FLASH| –
CHANNELS| –
COMMUNICATION DISTANCE (APPROX.)| -5
GROUPS| –
LIGHTING RATIO CONTROL| –
---|---
LED Light Function
CENTER LUMINANCE INTENSITY (APPROX.)| –
LIGHTING DISTANCE (APPROX.)| –
FOCAL LENGTH SUPPORTED| –
CONTINUOUS LIGHTING TIME (APPROX.)| –
COLOR TEMPERATURE (APPROX.)| –
POWER LEVEL SWITCHING| –
Other Functions
AUTO ZOOM CONTROL OPTIMIZED FOR IMAGE SENSOR SIZE| ****
Yes6
FLASH DISTRIBUTION SETTING| Yes
AUTO WB ADJUSTMENT| Yes6
CUSTOM KEY SETTINGS| Yes
MEMORY SETTINGS| Yes
REMOTE RELEASE| Yes
Display
LCD PANEL| Yes(Dot matrix)
CHARGE PROGRESS INDICATOR| –
External Connectors
SYNC TERMINAL| Yes(IN/OUT)
MULTI/MICRO USB TERMINAL| Yes
Power Source
POWER SOURCE| Four AA-size alkaline or Ni-MH batteries
EXTERNAL BATTERY Yes ADAPTOR
Other Features
DUST AND MOISTURE RESISTANT DESIGN Yes7
What’s In The Box
What’s In The Box Connector protect cap ( 1 ), Mini-stand ( 1
), Carrying case ( 1 )
- 105mm at ISO 100 in meters
- Refer to support information for supported cameras and functional compatibility. Functional compatibility may vary depending on a camera used.
- Ni-MH batteries. Sony tests
- 1/32 flash output level, Ni-MH batteries. Digital camera, mechanical shutter.
- α1 electronic shutter in continuous Hi+ mode. Flash output level manually set to 1/32.
- P-TTL flash control is used for each frame in the Lo, Mid and Hi continuous shooting modes. (as of 2021)
- Sony test conditions
- Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof. Dust and moisture resistance will also vary according to the body to which the unit is attached.
- Up to 5 groups in GROUP mode, or 3 groups in TTL or Manual modes. 3 groups max when used as a receiver.
- The mechanical shutter speed depends on the camera’s spec.
© 2021 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographical and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony, the Sony logo, the Alpha logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.