Westcott FJ-X3 Universal Wireless Flash Trigger User Guide
- June 14, 2024
- Westcott
Table of Contents
Westcott FJ-X3 Universal Wireless Flash Trigger
Included Components & Overview
FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger, Removable Li-ion Battery, USB-A to USB-C Cable (other contents may vary)
LCD Display
Introduction
This guide covers setup, controls, and basic operation. Visit fjwestcott.com/documentation and scroll to the FJ-X3 section to download the complete User Manual.
Warning
- Keep away from fire, water, and moisture. Do not submerge in water.
- Avoid drastic temperature changes before, during, and/or after use.
- Do not over-tighten the shoe lock wheel when mounting to the camera.
- Ensure the FJ-X3 is securely mounted before use.
- Surrounding RF interference may affect the communication performance of the FJ-X3.
- Do not attempt to modify any Westcott products. Contact Westcott for assistance.
- The maximum operating temperature is 14-104°F (-10-40°C).
Preparing Your Camera
An FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger is compatible with various camera models to operate the FJ Wireless flashes. Each camera model has a different approach to how it interacts with off-camera lights. A few adjustments to your camera settings may be required. Below are a few settings to check out first. We recommend referring to your camera’s user manual for details specific to your camera brand and model.
- Set Silent Shutter to OFF.
- Set the E-Front Curtain to OFF.
- Set Wireless Mode to ON or OFF (camera brand/model dependent).
- Set Red-Eye Reduction to ON or OFF (camera brand/model dependent).
- Set Exposure Compensation to 0 (zero) in the camera.
- Set White Balance to Daylight, 5500K, or Custom at 5500K (not Auto).
- Various camera models require you to set the Sync type (Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, HSS) manually in the camera’s Flash Menu before the FJ-X3 Sync can be adjusted.
- Sony cameras require setting both the camera’s flash menu and the FJ-X3 trigger to the rear curtain setting to enable Rear Curtain synchronization.
- Various camera models automatically adjust the Sync setting to HSS when HSS is enabled in the camera settings and the native sync speed is exceeded.
- Ensure the camera’s battery level is above 25%.
- Ensure the camera contacts are clean and the FJ-X3 is seated properly and aligned.
Getting Started
Charging the FJ-X3
- Locate the USB-C port.
- Plug the USB-A to USB-C cable into the FJ-X3.
- Plug the opposing end of the cable into any 5V power source.
- The estimated charging time is 3 hours.
Powering On & Off
- Power On Long press and hold the Power button until you see the Westcott logo.
- Power Off: Long press and hold the Power button until the screen turns off.
Test Fire
Press the Test button once to remotely test-fire the FJ Wireless flash. When
the Test button is pressed the wireless signal indicator LED will illuminate
red.
Trigger Settings Lock
- Long press and hold the CH | Lock button to lock the current trigger settings. A green lock icon will appear on the display.
- Long press and hold the CH | Lock button again to unlock to adjust the settings.
Removing & Replacing the Battery
- Turn the FJ-X3 to the side with the battery cover. Locate the textured and arrow portions on the battery cover.
- Apply slight pressure to the textured area and slide the battery cover in the direction of the arrow.
- Remove the battery cover.
- Remove the battery by inserting your finger into the half-circle cutout above the battery and leaning the battery forward, or turn the FJ-X3 over and gently shake the battery until it’s removed from the battery bay.
- Reinsert the new battery by aligning the 3 contact points on the battery with those inside the battery bay. Angle the battery and gently insert it into the battery bay.
- Ensure that the battery is seated flush by gently pressing it into place.
- Reinstall the battery cover by laying the cover flat and covering 3/4 of the battery. Use the textured area to slide the battery cover towards the base of the FJ-X3 until it clicks into place.
Settings Menu
- Long press the SYNC | MENU button to access the Settings Menu.
- Use the side Group Selection buttons to select the corresponding displayed screen option or use the arrows on the Control Pad to scroll through the screen options.
- Additional menu options are available by pressing the down arrow on the Control Pad.
- Press the centre button on the Control Pad to select the green highlighted option. Press the Control Pad arrows to adjust the setting.
- Press the Control Pad centre button or Group Selection button to confirm the setting.
- Long press the SYNC | MENU button to exit the Settings Menu.
Mounting the FJ-X3 to a Camera
Hot Shoe Mount
- Looking at the FJ-X3 screen, turn the Shoe Lock dial to the right.
- Gently slide the FJ-X3 into the camera’s hot shoe.
- Turn the Shoe Lock dial to the left to lock it into place. Do not over-tighten.
2.5mm PC Port Connection
The 2.5mm port (output only) can be used to initiate wired synchronization
with third-party flashes, triggers, and light meters that offer a sync port
(input). (Cables sold separately).
NOTE: The Westcott FJ-XR Wireless Receiver (#4701) is equipped with a
3.5mm plug which adds FJ Wireless Communication to 3rd-party strobes equipped
with a 3.5mm sync port (input). Hot Shoe Mounting the FJ-X3 M with an Adapter
for Sony
Cameras (#4706)
- Slide the Adapter for Sony Cameras (sold separately) into the camera’s hot shoe with the release button facing the back of the camera.
- Once the adapter is mounted, loosen the FJ-X3 M’s Shoe Lock dial and slide the FJ-X3 M onto the Adapter for Sony Cameras.
- Turn the FJ-X3 M Shoe Lock dial to the left to lock it into place. Do not over-tighten.
Updating Firmware
The FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger is designed with a USB-C port to allow for firmware
updates and charging. Future firmware updates may result in performance
enhancements and modified menu options. The FJ-X3’s firmware version is
displayed on the start-up screen. Please visit fjwestcott.com/firmware to
update your FJ-X3 to the latest firmware. Follow the instructions included
with the firmware download to update.
IMPORTANT
- If the FJ-X3 doesn’t display as an external device after connecting to a computer, disconnect the USB cable from both devices and restart the computer and firmware update process.
- It’s recommended that the firmware update installation process be completed only when the connected computer’s power level is ≥ 25%.
- Loss of power of any type during this process could render the FJ-X3 inoperable and require professional repair.
- Removing the USB cable from the FJ-X3 without properly ejecting the device from your computer could render the trigger inoperable and require professional repair.
- Copying the firmware from your computer to the FJ-X3 may take a few minutes and/or halt the copying process.
- Should this happen, close the copy progress window and try again. Further copying issues may require the computer to be restarted.
Warranty
Westcott’s warranty obligations for this product are limited to the following terms. The F.J. Westcott Co. (“Westcott”) warrants this Westcott branded product against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of retail purchase from Westcott or an authorized retailer by the original end-user purchaser (“Warranty Period”). If a defect arises and a valid claim is received within the Warranty Period, at its option and to the extent permitted by law, Westcott will either (1) repair the defect at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts, or (2) exchange the product with a product that is new or which has been manufactured from new or serviceable used parts and is at least functionally equivalent to the original product. This Limited Warranty applies only to products manufactured by or for Westcott that can be identified by the Westcott trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to them.
This warranty does not apply to (a) damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse,
flood, fire, earthquake, mould, or other external causes; (b) damage caused by
operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by
Westcott; (c) a product or part that has been modified to alter functionality
or capability without the written permission of Westcott; or (d) cosmetic
damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic.
Disclaimer: By purchasing, borrowing and/or using this product for any
event, both public or private, you, the customer, accept all responsibility
and release Westcott, and its associates, of any liability in the event of the
manufacturer’s defect, malfunction or misuse of the product which may lead to
further injuries or complications unforeseen by the user
Westcott is not responsible for any potential or incurred damage caused by failure to properly mount, hang, or store the product, which includes, but is not limited to damage to cameras, electronics, electrical equipment, buildings, building materials, personal injury, death, or disability, fire damage, or any other damage not mentioned previously. Please contact Westcott’s Repair Department for a Return Authorization Number “RMA” before requesting warranty service. This RMA must be written on the outside of the box to the left of the shipping label. Items sent in without pre-authorization or that do not fall under the limited warranty will be returned at the expense of the sender.
Phone: 419-243-7311
Email: [email protected]
Shipping: F.J. Westcott Co, 1425-B Holland Rd. Maumee, OH 43537
Register your new gear online at FJWESTCOTT.COM/REGISTER Visit FJWESTCOTT.COM for videos, pro tips, inspiration, and more! Westcott products are made to the company’s traditionally high standards of quality and comply with all applicable government safety regulations and requirements. To provide the best quality products possible, we periodically make product modifications. Actual products may not be identical to the items pictured. Made in China. ©F.J. Westcott Co. All rights reserved. J0923
References
- Westcott Lighting Equipment for Photographers & Video Creators
- Firmware Updates
- Product Warranty Registration