Fuji EF X500 Flash Review and How To Guide

My entire kit of gear : kit.co/robhall... Fuji EF-X500 Flash : bit.ly/2rXC30G
Photography Gear Chat Group: bit.ly/2qB3de5
Follow me on Instagram: bit.ly/2sj7Lsq
This is a long review + Guide so use these links to find specific information
0:29 - Build Quality
0:43 - Features & Size
1:57 - Power Output Test
3:00 - Full Power Recycle Speed Test
5:04 - Controls / Interface
9:31 - Controls within Camera
10:54 - LED as Autofocus assist lamp
12:59 - Custom Functions
14:35 - HSS - High Speed Sync
15:37 - Final Thoughts

[@rumporridge1]

Getting the front piece off was crazy. It almost broke in half to get it off so I can put the diffuser on. Glad I got it for half price as I just wanted to have a native flash unit.

[@edulopezphoto]

I noticed that in TTL mode there is a small delay in the shot. However in manual mode the moment you press the shutter button the picture is taken. Do you know if it can be solved?

[@dunnymonster]

Excellent review! :-)

[@frankzhao8352]

+Robert Hall Photography Thank you for the very informative review. I was very excited about this speedlite but was hoping to have something that could have a more useful HSS when used in daylight. Hopefully Fuji will either lower the price of the flash or come out with a new model that will address these shortcomings. Appreciate all your hard work. Looking forward to more of you videos.

[@stacykaat7788]

How do you know how much power is left in your flash battery?

[@MartR80]

Thank you very much for sharing your information.

[@joeprete7424]

+Robert Hall Photography ...Hey Rob, it may not be perfect, but it is a good start, and having a decent power with TTL will surely come in handy. I think some 3rd party accessories will start to show up soon. I'd be looking for a cable, to get the flash off the camera, and retain the TTL. (A Transmitter would do, too!). I'm still buying SC-29's when the price is right, but I've found the Ziv TTL Short cord that has Focus assist, and it works well with a CB Pro M Bracket. Those cables go on sale for $20 at B&H, and with it, it's a much neater rig because you don't have all that extra cord hanging down. I see your point, regarding the lighter camera, especially toward the end of a long shoot, and I wish you the Best of Luck with the Fuji system. Nice video too!

[@MartR80]

More testing needs to be done... I believe there are also some issues when using this flash with an canon of camera TTL cord.

[@TiberiusBurnside]

Great video Rob.

[@bill3117]

Does the external battery add on recycle the flash faster?

[@MartR80]

I would like to see a test of this flash combined with powerpack!

[@mrz1342]

So, it means that you are recommending Godox F rather than this flash?

[@acabello72]

thank you for such an informative video. would you be able to do one on the cactus system for the XT2?

[@jlwilliams]

Thanks for the gloves-off review! Do you happen to know if the HSS function currently works with any Fuji cameras other than the X-T 2, or will we need to wait for firmware updates?

[@valygames]

I have an issue with the head rotation of the Fuji ef x-500. The flash rotate free, the head is not locked anymore and can rotate horizontally free and when you shoot the orientation will vary and is not stable. Did someone experienced the same problem? thanks

[@joeprete7424]

+Robert Hall Photography ...Rob, will that work as a Commander for Nikon's (CLS) older Flash units? If the LCD was stronger, it might've been a Video Light too. The price seems a bit high, for the power output. I heard they were building a unit with an external power pack. Good video, anyhow!

[@StefanHillen]

No, it won't work this way because of the different protocols. But you could use the Nikon Flashes in SU-4 Mode and trigger them with the built-in photo cell. BTW: I'm using an old SB-800 on top of the camera as a manuell flash and firing four other SB-800s around me this way...

[@joeprete7424]

Stefan Simonsen Wow, that's kinda ancient now. I heard they've stopped repairs and parts on the SB-800, but it was, and still is the most powerful speed light they ever made. With a Guide number of 38, it tops the SB-5000 too. They waited so long to update, that I wound up with 6 SB-900's & 4 SB-700's, then I got into the Godox/Flashpoint line, and I like them much better. Rob has helped me out several times, as he was the local pioneer. Godox is an excellent company, and with the Flashpoint name we get a good warrantee if we need it. Thanks for the SU-4 tip!

[@ruprekhastudio6432]

Fujifilm xt100 how to connect external falash

[@RawGreySun]

Come on Godox, get that transmitter!!

[@MartR80]

SMALL TWEAK - You can put an small piece of red filter on the front led to be less intrusive.

[@MartR80]

Albert Cabello... I tried this flash with cactusv6 II and as far as I have tested it... Manual only, no HSS, no TTL more testing needs to be done!

[@cameraman655]

Interesting that Fuji is still pushing the EF-X500 flash. I was at a Fuji event a few weeks back when I noticed that there was no lighting gear, so I was asked the Fuji Rep about any newer better quality lighting that might be in the offing as Fuji's strobes are lacking to put it kindly and he whispers........." stick with the Godox......" I was more than a bit surprised to hear this from the Fuji rep. I will not name the area he works as I do not wish to jeopardize his job. I would hope to see Fuji but some additional resources into their lighting gear, as of right now, the EF-X500 isn't cutting it. One of the few things I miss from my Canon setup is their Speedlights.

[@robhallphoto]

Wow that's crazy that the rep said that. Although, sometimes it's just clear as day when the company they represent doesn't have an answer. I would love to hear a Nikon/Sony rep try to tell me their house brand speedlights are the best option.

[@rumporridge1]

Hence I never left Canon

[@djlive408]

What trigger would you recommend with this flash ?

[@robhallphoto]

I'd recommend you invest in a different flash. Godox does flash for Fuji better than Fuji does.

[@jonphillips5550]

Please tell me how to know when the batteries are low on this thing? Wow. Lol.

[@enkodernovi3524]

Even my cheap YN 560 III has radio... and HSS with my X100T :P haha

[@AbuSwailem]

The Fuji Flash is made in China 😢

[@coliander4180]

So what?