Backscatter Mini Flash 3 Underwater Strobe MF-3

THE PERFECT MACRO STROBE FOR ANY CAMERA

The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 is the latest evolution in Backscatter’s ground-breaking Mini Flash series of macro-focused underwater strobes. The Mini Flash 3 boasts the same incredible macro shooting capabilities of the Mini Flash 2, but now with Sony TTL and the ability to disable learning mode for easier manual flash triggering.

The Mini Flash 3 is feature-packed, including Olympus/OM System and Sony TTL, remote strobe control, high-speed sync, test mode, emergency signaling capability, fast recycle times, and LED lights that are twice as bright as the Mini Flash 1. The Mini Flash 3 also uses the exact same suite of creative lighting accessories used by the original Mini Flash strobes.

The Mini Flash 3 is the latest, lightweight macro lighting system that is the easiest to use strobe and snoot combination on the market.

Building on the same core features of the Mini Flash 2, the Mini Flash 3 introduces Sony TTL compatibility and has the option to skip the learning mode step at startup for an even more seamless manual shooting experience.

Sony TTL Compatibility

In addition to Olympus and OM System TTL, the Mini Flash 3 features Sony Mirrorless Automatic TTL Exposure using the Backscatter Smart Control System. This uses Sony’s super-accurate native TTL language, which is much more accurate than mimic TTL. Sony TTL is supported with both Smart Control and Smart Control Macro Mode. Smart Control Mode is best used for general photography, while Smart Control Macro mode tailors the flash output specifically for close-up macro shooting, where other TTL systems tend to struggle. Sony TTL is enabled using the Backscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Sony and Backscatter Nauticam Flash Trigger for Sony, for a convenient fit with most housings.

Please note, Sony RX series compact cameras do not have compatible TTL protocol for use with SC mode with the Mini Flash 3.


The Mini Flash 3 can take advantage of super-accurate automatic flash exposures using Sony TTL when paired with the Backscatter Smart Control TTL Trigger for Sony.

Disable Learning Mode for Dedicated Manual Triggering

The Mini Flash 1, Mini Flash 2, and Mini Flash 3 feature learning mode for convenient automatic pre-flash cancellation. This enables the flash to learn the camera’s internal flash shooting mode after a test shot using a fiber optic cable when first powered on. Learning mode makes it easy to adapt cameras that use a fill-flash or pre-flash system to trigger the Mini Flash. Simple, single-flash manual flash triggering systems that don’t require pre-flash cancellation can now skip the initial learning mode step. Learning mode only needs to be set once, since the Mini Flash 3 will remember the setting until it is changed.

KEY FEATURES

• Automatic TTL For Sony, Olympus & OM System Cameras
• Wireless Remote Control
• High-Speed Sync
• Built-In 1000 Lumen Focus Light
• Test Mode & Beacon
• Fast Recycle Time
• 21700 Battery for Long Run Times
• Manual Control For All Cameras
• Toggle Learning Mode Based on Triggering Needs
• Double O-Ring Seal For Reliability

Watch our quick take summary video that highlights the features of the Mini Flash 3 and watch it in action.

A FLASH BEAM TAILOR-MADE FOR MACRO

Most of the conventional wisdom surrounding underwater strobes is that brighter and wider always equals better. If you're shooting macro underwater photography, you want the exact opposite. You want a tightly controlled light to pinpoint the subject and keep the background as dark as possible. The Mini Flash 3 is the perfect flash + snoot combination for any serious underwater macro photographer. Its tiny size can get into the tightest spots, and the companion Optical Snoot OS-1 makes it the perfect macro strobe to give you the creativity you've been missing.


Lighting just the subject is a great way to create a new look for familiar subjects.
Sony a9 III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/1,000 | ISO 200 | ƒ16

1000 LUMEN BUILT-IN FOCUS LIGHT

With powerful 1000-lumen LED focus lights built-in, there’s no need for a separate focus light to manage on your rig. It makes a perfect companion for compact camera shooters looking for a great all-around streamlined strobe solution. It’s also the perfect solution for advanced mirrorless and SLR shooters looking to reduce their footprint, simplify their lighting, and lighten their rig for easier shooting.

The LED lights in the Backscatter Mini Flash 3 are twice as bright as the original Mini Flash 1, making this the absolute easiest strobe and snoot combination to use. Even in bright, shallow conditions, it is super easy to see the target light from the snoot in the same exact shape and position as the flash. With no guessing on where the flash will fire, the Mini Flash 3 makes it as easy as can be to get perfect snooted shots right out of the box. The LED lights will run up to 90 minutes on a full 21700 battery.

THE EASIEST TO USE MACRO STROBE + SNOOT COMBINATION

Using a strobe with a snoot was once really difficult. Aiming a snoot took lots of practice. We designed the Mini Flash and Optical Snoot together to make shooting with a snoot as easy as possible. With bright LED lights that project the same beam pattern as the flash through the snoot, you can easily see the exact placement of the snoot beam on your subject when framing a shot and know you are hitting your target.



The Optical Snoot OS-1 is easy to mount, with a simple click on/click off. The Optical Snoot OS-1 is small enough to keep in a pocket or clip off with a double-ender clip, allowing for a quick and easy switch from a wider beam to snooted macro.

SUPER BRIGHT SNOOT OUTPUT FOR DARK BACKGROUNDS

The key to success in snoot photography is having dark backgrounds in bright ambient light conditions. The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 and Optical Snoot OS-1 combination were designed together to allow the most efficient transfer of light through the snoot optics. The result is an exposure that is brighter than any other snoot on the market and will help you make the darkest backgrounds. When projecting a 6mm hole, a shot can be done at ISO 64, ƒ32 which is a perfect setting to get inky black backgrounds and perfect light on the subject.


The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 and Optical Snoot OS-1 combination has a brighter output when compared to other snoot/strobe combinations on the market.
Sony a9 III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/2,500 | ISO 320 | ƒ8

PRECISE LIGHTING CONTROL WITH APERTURE CARDS

The Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-1 includes 2 Aperture Cards, 1 circular and 1 oval set, with 4 different-sized holes on each. Shoot a sharply focused light beam or pull back a little for a softer edge. Shoot a projected beam as small as 6mm. The full range of aperture cards will let you shoot an ultra-tiny subject to even a large fish portrait. When shooting the snoot at an angle to the subject with the oval aperture card, the snoot can be rotated to change the shape of the projected beam from an elongated oval to a circle. No other strobe and snoot system offers this level of precise control.


The oval aperture card allows for tailoring the light beam to the subject for precision snoot lighting.
Sony a9 III | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/400 | ISO 250 | ƒ16


One of the key features of the Backscatter Optical Snoot OS-1 is the ability to not only easily change the sizes of the projected hole, but also the shape of the beam of light by simply rotating the snoot with the oval aperture card installed.

AUTOMATIC TTL FOR OLYMPUS, OM SYSTEM, & SONY CAMERAS

The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 is compatible with Olympus & OM System’s TTL protocol through RC mode and Sony using their native TTL language. In our testing, the Olympus RC system and Sony’s native TTL produce the most consistent and accurate TTL exposures of any underwater system. Olympus & OM System TTL can be achieved using clip-on and built-in flashes, housings with integrated RC flash triggers, like the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing or using the Backscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Olympus and OM System. Sony TTL can be used with the Backscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Sony and Backscatter Nauticam Flash Trigger for Sony.

The Mini Flash 3 also has an option for finely tuned macro TTL. Most TTL systems from camera manufacturers have not been optimized for close-up macro use. This usually results in TTL not working well at close distances and lower flash outputs associated with macro, leading to overexposed images. The Mini Flash 3 has a TTL mode specifically tailored to macro that allows for better and more accurate exposures when compared to other systems available.

Exposure compensation is possible in TTL and is controlled directly from the camera, but most likely won’t be needed. TTL even works through the Optical Snoot OS-1 for perfect snooted exposures!


Fully automatic strobe exposures look spot on with the Mini Flash 3 and Olympus cameras, even through a snoot.
Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/2,000 | ISO 200 | ƒ5.6

BACKSCATTER REMOTE LIGHTING MUCK STICK

The Backscatter Remote Lighting Muck Stick is a game changer for off-camera lighting. Mount a flash, video light, GoPro, or anything else with the standard 1-inch ball mount integrated into the stick. The adjustable anti-rotation Sand Anchor allows for positioning the Remote Lighting Muck Stick in different types of sand such as loose gravely or tightly packed fine silt. Better than a tripod it’s small, lightweight, and will never fall over.


Backscatter Remote Lighting Muck Stick with Sand Anchor & Backscatter Remote Lighting Muck Stick with Mini Flash 3 & Optical Snoot OS-1

WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 features a remote transmit and receive function for wireless remote control and triggering.

The remote system works by the main transmitting strobe having the ability to remotely adjust the power level of other Mini Flash 3 receiving strobes. The included Light Pipe attaches to the fiber optic mount of the Mini Flash 3 and allows for receiving the signal from the transmitting strobe without the need for a Fiber Optic Cable or an electronic trigger. The Mini Flash 3 can remotely transmit and receive power levels to and from the Mini Flash 2, and Hybrid Flash.



No cables and no reaching out for a remote strobe to change power levels means less silt from moving around or potentially freaking out the critter you’re trying to take a picture of.

This works great for off-camera remote side lighting, backlighting, and snooting from the Backscatter Remote Lighting Muck Stick. Remote lighting is now easy to deploy and a breeze to use.



Remote lighting can create a whole new look for subjects that normally blend into their environment. The first shot above is with just the Mini Flash 3. The second shot is with a remotely placed Mini Flash 3 and Optical Snoot OS-1 on the Remote Lighting Muck Stick placed above and behind the subject. The third shot is with the Mini Flash 3 and Optical Snoot OS-1 lighting the front and a remotely placed Mini Flash 3 and Optical Snoot OS-1 with the Backscatter Color Filter System on the Remote Lighting Muck Stick placed above and behind the subject.


Backlighting a subject can take a normal photo to the next level. The Backscatter Remote Lighting Muck Stick makes backlighting a breeze. Use the optional Backscatter IR Filter to block any light from the on-camera strobe from showing up in the shot.
Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ22


The Light Pipe allows the Mini Flash 3 to be used as a remote flash without any cables. It's not just a slave sensor that triggers the strobe. It receives optical signals to change the strobe's power levels too. Simply beam over new power settings from your camera-mounted Mini Flash 3 for the ultimate wireless and hands-free lighting control.

HIGH SPEED SYNC

High Speed Sync (HSS) is where the camera can shoot faster shutter speeds than the camera’s flash sync speed by using a special mode on the underwater flash. HSS allows for wider open apertures while still being able to maintain a darker background than otherwise would be possible at slower shutter speeds.

Olympus and OM System mirrorless cameras can achieve HSS through Olympus RC mode with compatible housings such as the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing for the Olympus E-M10 IV camera or using the Backscatter Smart Control Trigger for Sony. Sony cameras can use the Backscatter Smart Control Trigger to access HSS as well. Other brand mirrorless and SLR cameras including Sony, Nikon, and Canon with 3rd party flash triggers that support HSS such as UW Technics and the Turtle trigger from TRT Electronics.

TEST MODE WITH POWER LEVEL CONTROL

The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 includes a test feature that allows the strobe to be fired at any desired power level. This is great to use instead of a video light for light painting as a strobe freezes motion where a video light will not. Another photographic use for Test mode is using it as a manual stroboscopic function with long exposures and multiple flashes per shot.

SAFETY FEATURE—BEACON MODE

The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 includes a safety feature where the LED lights will emit a “ping” emergency signal that will last up to 12 hours on a full battery. The Test mode can also be used as an emergency signaling device by pressing the button to activate the flash.

DUAL O-RING SEAL = DOUBLE WATERPROOF

The battery compartment features a double O-ring seal to keep you safe from O-ring maintenance errors. Of course, you need to clean and maintain the O-rings before every use, but our double seal will help reduce water damage from common errors.


The high visibility dual grey O-rings add an extra layer of protection.

AUTOMATIC FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION

Setting up pre-flash cancellation is a breeze. Simply plug in a Fiber Optic Cable and take a test shot. The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 will automatically detect the camera’s internal flash shooting mode on the first flash after power-up and store it in memory on your first test shot. If you change cameras or settings, simply turn the Mini Flash 3 off and back on and take another test shot to update the setting. No need to worry about the wrong setting on the strobe.

If the Mini Flash 3 is being used with a manual flash trigger, learning mode can also be turned off to skip this step entirely, making it even simpler to just get out and shoot.

100% COMPATIBLE WITH ALL ACCESSORIES FOR THE MINI FLASH 1, Mini Flash 2 & MACRO WIDE 4300

All of the same great accessories such as the Optical Snoot OS-1, The Backscatter Color Filter System, and diffuser are all 100% compatible with the Backscatter Mini Flash 3.




All of the accessories from the Backscatter Lighting System are compatible with the Mini Flash 3, including the highly popular Backscatter Color Filter System.
Sony a1 | Sony 90mm Lens | 1/400 | ISO 125 | ƒ16.

OVER 2,000 FLASHES, 90 MINUTE RUN TIME ON LED LIGHTS

With the large battery capacity, the Backscatter Mini Flash 3 is capable of a mind-boggling 2000+ flashes and a minimum 90-minute run time of the LED lights with a fully charged XTAR 25A 21700HP battery.


The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 is great for getting in tight spots when doing close focus wide angle bug-eye style photography.
Sony a9 III | Sony 90mm with Nauticam EMWL Focusing Unit 3 & Nauticam EMWL 160 Degree Lens | 1/60 | ISO 800 | ƒ16

SPECS:

• Depth Rating: 100m/330ft
• Guide Number: ƒ18
• Maximum LED Output: 1000 Lumens
• Power: Single 21700 Circut-Protected Battery
• Recycle time (full): 1.0 seconds
• Number of Flashes (full): over 2000
• LED Run Time: Minimum of 90 minutes with managed power decline curve
• Emergency Ping Run Time: 12 hours with full battery
• Weight in Air: 14.8oz/420g (with battery)
• Weight in Water: 5.29oz/150g (with battery)
• Sync Cord: Fiber Optic
• Seal: Dual O-Rings
• Exposure Control:
• Flash: 7-step Power Level
• LED: 4-step Power Level
• Dimensions With Ball (LxWxD): 7.95 x 2.48 x 2.32in / 202 x 63 x 59mm
• Material: Anodized Machined Aluminium

DOWNLOAD THE MF-3 MANUAL