MG10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A. The MG10/MG8 comes with a cartridge for eight AA batteries and a lithium-ion battery cartridge that allows the use of commercially available lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have the advantage of providing more flashes and faster charging times. However, please handle lithium-ion batteries with extreme care, as they are very delicate and sensitive to heat and impact. Only use protected 26650 type batteries. Never use unprotected batteries.

Verified rechargeable batteries: KEEPPOWER 26650 Lithium-ion battery (with protection circuit) 5500mAh (P2655C) KEEPPOWER 26650 Lithium-ion battery (with protection circuit) 5200mAh (P2652C) KEEPPOWER 26650 Lithium-ion battery (with protection circuit) 4500mAh (P2645C) ※The 6000mAh (P2660C) is slightly thicker than other capacities, so it may not be physically insertable due to dimensional variations between manufacturing lots.
Verified chargers: XTAR MC4S USB Charger^*1 (can charge two 26650 type batteries simultaneously at up to 1A) XTAR VC8 USB Charger^*1 (can charge two 26650 type batteries at up to 2A, or four at up to 1A simultaneously) KEEPPOWER L2 Charger (can charge two 26650 type batteries simultaneously at up to 1A) ※For lithium-ion batteries only KEEPPOWER L4 Charger^*2 (can charge two 26650 type batteries simultaneously at up to 2A) Miboxer C4-12 Charger (can charge four 26650 type batteries simultaneously at up to 3A)
*1 Requires a separate USB power adapter.
*2 Emits a beep when charging starts and finishes. The volume cannot be adjusted.

A.

Since the light emitted from the flash tube is bluish-white, color correction is generally performed using a Fresnel lens.

The MG series also uses a Fresnel lens for color correction; however, when the zoom cover is removed, you are effectively using the unit without the Fresnel lens, resulting in the natural color of the flash tube. If you shoot with the camera's white balance set to "Auto" or "Daylight" in this state, the images may appear bluish. In such cases, please perform a test shot beforehand and adjust the white balance manually.

A.

Using batteries other than those recommended with spacers or similar attachments may trigger the battery's built-in protection circuit, rendering the battery unusable. Furthermore, it may prevent safety features, such as overheat protection, from functioning properly during an anomaly, which could lead to unit failure, fire, or injury. Always use the recommended battery size (26650).

A.

Yes, it is possible.
However, there are many functional limitations.

You can only use the basic groups A through C. Functions/settings such as modeling light, auto-zoom, open mode, TTL memory, remote shutter, and the 28mm coverage setting are unavailable. Exposure compensation steps are 1/2 EV for TTL mode and 1 EV for manual mode. (The Air10s supports 1/3 EV steps for both).
Also, please note that among the communication channels 1–8, channel 1 is not compatible and cannot be used.
If the channel setting on the flash is set to "A" (Auto), communication may fail. In that case, please match the channel to the one set on the Air1.

A.

No, they do not.
The MG10/MG8/MG80 Pro are designed exclusively for radio wireless systems and do not feature optical wireless functionality.

A. The MG10 and MG8 are mount-free and are not specifically built for individual camera manufacturers.
The external power port adopts the Sony standard. When using a power pack, please purchase the "Power Pack PS8 (for Sony)" or use a separately sold "Power Pack Cord (for Sony)."
Please note that we have not verified operation with Sony-brand external power sources (such as the FA-EBA1). To ensure optimal performance of this product, please use a Nissin Power Pack.

A. The card slot for firmware updates is located on the underside of the flash head when it is tilted 90 degrees upward. (For the MG8, it is hidden by the zoom cover, so please pull the zoom cover out.)
For this and some other models, users can perform firmware updates themselves using a microSD card (with a capacity of 32GB or less).
Please download the latest firmware from each product information page.
Note that because it is located on the underside of the flash head and generally inaccessible from the outside, there is no cover for the slot. (We do not provide one separately.)

A. The MG10, MG8, and MG80 Pro have a built-in function that automatically shuts off the power after the pilot lamp blinks yellow when the battery voltage drops, when batteries of different types (output rated voltage) such as lithium-ion and NiMH are mixed, or when the battery temperature rises abnormally.
However, when the voltage of a protected lithium-ion battery has dropped to a certain level (when the remaining battery charge is low), and the unit is used under high power consumption conditions, such as continuous full-power flashes or full-power flashes while the modeling light is on, the protection circuit of the lithium-ion battery may occasionally trigger, causing the power to shut off before the pilot lamp turns yellow.
Because the protection circuit of the lithium-ion batteries verified by our company cuts off the battery output when triggered, the power will not turn on even if you press the power button again.
Once the protection circuit is triggered, you must insert the battery into a charger to reset the circuit before it can be used again.

A.

※Please perform modifications at your own risk.
※Please note that we will not be held responsible for any malfunction or damage to the product resulting from modifications.

Introduction

We have received the following feedback from customers using the MG10 and MG8:

• The bracket attached to the camera sometimes rotates.
• I want to attach/detach the bracket more easily.
• The unit feels unstable on a tripod when the bracket is attached.
• I want to use my own camera brackets or rigs.

Since some customers have already mounted Arca-Swiss compatible clamps onto the MG10/MG8 grip, we have explored mounting methods, but had not previously found an easy way to do so.

We have now devised a method to attach a clamp easily and at low cost without any modification to the MG10/MG8 itself.

Please note that this modification method is not provided as a service by our company. This information is shared for reference only, and users who choose to modify their equipment do so at their own risk.

Required Items

• Arca-Swiss compatible clamp (must have holes for M4 screws on both ends and space to tighten the nut)

• Two M4 countersunk screws and nuts (stainless steel is recommended to prevent corrosion)

• Needle-nose pliers (a standard socket wrench cannot fit into the clamp body to turn the nut)

• Arca-Swiss compatible plate, L-bracket, or rig, etc. (we recommend those designed specifically for your camera to prevent rotation)
  　

Step 1

Insert the two screws head-first into the holes of the MG10/MG8 rail, then slide them sideways so they do not fall out.

Step 2

Pass the two screws through the holes in the clamp, then slide the clamp to determine the desired position. (Be careful not to position it where the screws can slip out of the rail.)

Step 3

Attach the nuts.
Initially, do not use tools. Press the nut down with your fingertip while turning it clockwise slowly to ensure the threads engage correctly and do not spin loosely.

Step 4

Once the nut is engaged with the screw, lift the clamp with one hand to prevent the screw from spinning (if you don't lift it, the screw will spin and won't tighten), then firmly tighten the nut with the needle-nose pliers.

Complete!

※Please re-tighten the screws periodically to prevent the clamp from loosening.