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Bolt VM-1020 TTL Transceiver for VM-1000 Macro Ring Flash System

BH #BOVM1020 • MFR #VM-1020
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Bolt VM-1020 TTL Transceiver for VM-1000 Macro Ring Flash System
Key Features
  • Combination Transmitter and Receiver
  • Compatible with Nikon TTL System
  • 2.4 GHz Operating Frequency
  • 16 Channels, 3 Groups
Designed for use with the VM-1000 TTL Macro Ring Flash Set for Nikon, the VM-1020 TTL Transceiver for VM-1000 from Bolt allows you to trigger the flash, take advantage of TTL auto-exposure, as well as control the power level manually from 1/128 to 1/1 at distances up to 328'.
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Bolt VM-1020 Overview

Designed for use with the VM-1000 TTL Macro Ring Flash Set for Nikon, the VM-1020 TTL Transceiver for VM-1000 from Bolt allows you to trigger the flash, take advantage of TTL auto-exposure, as well as control the power level manually from 1/128 to 1/1 at distances up to 328'.

Working within Nikon's TTL flash exposure system, the Transceiver has 16 channels to prohibit interference from other shooters using radio systems. The Transceiver can control and trigger one or multiple VM-1010 Macro Flash units attached to the system's mounting ring, or off-camera using the 2.4 GHz wireless radio operating frequency. Since it has a dedicated hot shoe, you can mount a Nikon flash on it and shoot on-camera while controlling off-camera flashes. The Transceiver has 3 groups. Assigning ring flashes to separate groups allows you to light different parts of a large scene or work three individual setups from the camera. The Transceiver supports High-Speed Sync up to 1/8000 sec for controlling bright backgrounds, shooting at wide apertures, or creating an appealing background blur for creative effect. The VM-1020 runs on two easily-sourced AA batteries.

Triggering and Control from 328' Away
The Transceiver allows you to trigger the flash off-camera at distances up to 328'. The transceiver has 16 channels and 3 groups whose power and ratios between them can be adjusted.
Speedlight Compatibility
Besides triggering and controlling the Macro Ring Flash via its built-in receiver, the Transceiver can also be used with a VM-1020 Speedlight. However, since the VM-1020 flash does not have a compatible built-in receiver, a Transceiver is needed for each Nikon flash unit.
Mounting
Mount the Transceiver to your camera for control of the macro system via its TTL foot and mount a compatible strobe to the transceiver via its upper hot shoe.
LED Focus Assist/Flash Test
The LED focus assist/flash test is a great way to help your camera focus and confirm everything is working correctly with your flash setup. Fire all the flashes at the same time to verify your flashes are working properly. Alternatively, you can use the LEDs as modeling lights to preview the lighting from the VM-1010 flash. This gives you one-button ease to check your rig.
Triggering Studio Strobes
Using the transceiver's 2.5mm sync port, you can set up and use off-camera strobes by using one transceiver as trigger and another as a wireless receiver. Fire studio strobes with fewer cables in the way.
Sleep Mode
Sleep mode allows the transceiver to power down and save battery power after being idle. This will ensure you won't waste any juice, so you can keep shooting. Waking the system is as easy as the press of a button.
UPC: 847628013353

Bolt VM-1020 Specs

Key Specs
Channels
16 (Normal)
Groups
3
Wireless Range
328' / 99.97 m
Wireless
Yes
Inputs/Outputs
1x 2.5 mm (Flash)
Bottom Mount
Hot Foot
Top Mount
Hot Shoe
Battery Type
2x AA
Wireless
Channels
16 (Normal)
Groups
3
Wireless Range
328' / 99.97 m
Wireless
Yes
Radio Frequency
2.4 GHz
General
Control Modes
Manual, TTL
Sync Speed
1/8000 Sec
Power Settings
1/128 to 1/1 (1/3-Stop Intervals)
Mobile App Compatible
No
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs
1x 2.5 mm (Flash)
Mounting
Bottom Mount
Hot Foot
Top Mount
Hot Shoe
Electrical
Battery Type
2x AA
Physical
Operating Conditions
5 to 149°F / -15 to 65°C
Storage Conditions
-22 to 185°F / -30 to 85°C
Dimensions
3.3 x 2.5 x 2.1" / 83.8 x 63.5 x 53.3 mm
Weight
3.8 oz / 108 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
0.555 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
5.3 x 4.85 x 4.8"

Bolt VM-1020 Reviews

Bolt VM-1020C TTL Transceiver

By Armando
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-12-30

Syncs all flashes at all outputs

works great

By David
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-09-06

works great in TTL mode. I added my Godox flash with extension cord to transmitter, put it in TTL mode and it worked great too.

See any errors on this page?

Will this system ever be available for Canon ...

Will this system ever be available for Canon and/or Micro 4/3?
Asked by: Mike
Bolt released a Canon version but the release may be premature. It does not sync below 1/200sec on my 5DM$ and my 6D does not recognize it as compatible. It looks like they may need more work on compatibility.
Answered by: Gary
Date published: 2021-05-08

Even though this is TTL, can you also use it in ...

Even though this is TTL, can you also use it in Manual mode?
Asked by: Darrell
Yes you can also set it to manual mode and set the power of the flash manually.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2020-11-03

How does the Transceiver attach to a Nikon D750, ...

How does the Transceiver attach to a Nikon D750, which has both a pop-up flash and hotshoe?
Asked by: Bob
When the Bolt VM-1000 TTL Macro Ring Flash Transceiver is connected to the hotshoe of the camera, it will disable the pop-up flash and will operate as the only flash on the camera.
Answered by: Gradus Support
Date published: 2020-04-10

COMPATIBLE WITH SONY ALPHA?

COMPATIBLE WITH SONY ALPHA?
Asked by: Juan
If you are referring to the Alpha series, like the A77, yes. It also works with A7 series cameras. Any Sony camera that has a multi interface shoe will work.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-08-08

Anyone using it with a Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x ...

Anyone using it with a Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro Photo Lens?
Asked by: Heiko
This bolt comes with the necessary 58mm adapters for use with a Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro. It would be a easy way to get light in and directed at the subject.
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2020-02-05

Will the Canon 67 Macrolite Adaptor fit this ...

Will the Canon 67 Macrolite Adaptor fit this ring? The ones that come with the unit are not very good. Mine got stock to the filter.
Asked by: Jose
No, i'm sorry, they are not compatible.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-05-25

It looks like the "modeling light" (located on ...

It looks like the "modeling light" (located on top of the camera) is absolutely useless in focusing with any macro lens longer than pancake. Is there any way around this "limitation"?
Asked by: Thomas
Your best bet is to use additional Led's positioned on the sides and turn them on when needed to focus.
Answered by: Rob
Date published: 2020-07-03

Is the TTL compatible with Nikon Z7/Z6?

Is the TTL compatible with Nikon Z7/Z6?
Asked by: Dan
Being that the Nikon Z cameras work with the i-TTL system, this flash system would be compatible.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2019-11-06
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