Backscatter Mini Flash 3 Underwater Strobe MF-3

Backscatter Mini Flash 3 Underwater Strobe MF-3

THE PERFECT MACRO STROBE FOR ANY CAMERA
The Backscatter Mini Flash 3 is the newest evolution of the Mini Flash series, designed for premium macro lighting underwater. It delivers the same proven macro performance as the Mini Flash 2, now upgraded with Sony TTL support and the option to disable learning mode for straightforward manual triggering.

The MF-3 offers Olympus/OM System and Sony TTL, remote control, high-speed sync, fast recycle times, a powerful 1000-lumen focus light, test mode, beacon mode, and full compatibility with all Mini Flash accessories. Lightweight, compact, and exceptionally easy to use, it remains the most intuitive strobe-and-snoot combo available.

Sony TTL Compatibility
Alongside Olympus and OM System TTL, the Mini Flash 3 supports Sony mirrorless TTL via Backscatter’s Smart Control System. Both Smart Control and Smart Control Macro modes deliver accurate exposures, with Macro mode optimized for close-focus shooting where other TTL systems struggle. Sony TTL works with the Backscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Sony and the Backscatter Nauticam Flash Trigger.
Note: Sony RX compact models do not support this TTL protocol.

Disable Learning Mode
The MF-3 continues to offer automatic pre-flash detection, but now allows users of simple manual triggers to disable learning mode entirely. Once set, the MF-3 remembers the configuration until changed again.

KEY FEATURES

• Automatic TTL for Sony, Olympus & OM System
• Wireless Remote Control
• High-Speed Sync
• 1000-Lumen Focus Light
• Test Mode & Beacon
• Fast Recycle Speed
• 21700 Battery for Long Runtime
• Manual Control for All Cameras
• Toggle Learning Mode
• Dual O-Ring Seal

A FLASH BEAM MADE FOR MACRO
Macro shooters need tight, controlled light—not wide, overpowering beams. The Mini Flash 3 focuses illumination precisely on the subject while keeping backgrounds dark and clean. Paired with the Optical Snoot OS-1, it becomes a compact, highly creative macro lighting tool ideal for detailed underwater shots.

1000-Lumen Focus Light
The built-in 1000-lumen LED removes the need for a separate focus light and makes the MF-3 an excellent, streamlined choice for compact and mirrorless rigs. The bright beam makes snoot aiming easy, even in shallow daylight. LEDs run up to 90 minutes on a full 21700 battery. The OS-1 snoot mounts with a simple click and is small enough to pocket or clip off.

SUPER BRIGHT SNOOT OUTPUT
The MF-3 and OS-1 were engineered together for maximum light efficiency. Even with a 6 mm aperture, photographers can shoot at ISO 64, ƒ32 for deep black backgrounds and crisp subject illumination.

PRECISE CONTROL WITH APERTURE CARDS
Two aperture cards—circular and oval—offer multiple beam sizes, from pinpoint 6 mm light to larger shapes. The oval card rotates to shape the beam precisely, offering unmatched creative control.

AUTOMATIC TTL FOR OLYMPUS, OM SYSTEM & SONY
The MF-3 supports Olympus/OM System RC TTL and Sony native TTL for highly consistent exposures, including a dedicated macro-optimized TTL mode. Exposure compensation is adjusted from the camera, and TTL works even through the OS-1 snoot.

WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL
The MF-3 can transmit and receive optical power-level adjustments without cables. Using the included Light Pipe, remote strobes respond instantly to settings from the camera-mounted unit—ideal for backlighting, side lighting, and remote snooting. Compatible with Mini Flash 2 and Hybrid Flash.

HIGH-SPEED SYNC
HSS enables faster shutter speeds for shallower depth of field and darker backgrounds. Supported via Olympus RC mode, Backscatter Smart Control for Sony, and compatible third-party triggers.

TEST MODE
Test Mode fires the strobe at selected power levels—perfect for light-painting or stroboscopic creative work.

SAFETY BEACON
The MF-3’s LED can emit a 12-hour emergency signal, and the Test button can also act as a distress flash.

DUAL O-RING SEAL
A double O-ring design helps prevent flooding and adds extra margin against user error.

AUTOMATIC FLASH SYNCHRONIZATION
Learning mode automatically identifies the camera’s flash behavior after a single test shot. When using a manual trigger, this mode can be disabled entirely.

FULL ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY
All accessories from Mini Flash 1, Mini Flash 2, and Macro Wide 4300 remain fully compatible, including the OS-1 Snoot and color filter system.

RUNTIME & PERFORMANCE
The MF-3 delivers over 2,000 full-power flashes and 90 minutes of LED runtime with a 21700 HP battery.

SPECS

• Depth Rating: 100 m / 330 ft
• Guide Number: ƒ18
• LED Output: 1000 lumens
• Power: 21700 protected battery
• Recycle Time: 1.0 s (full)
• Flashes: 2000+
• LED Runtime: 90 minutes
• Emergency Ping: 12 hours
• Weight: 420 g in air / 150 g in water
• Sync: Fiber optic
• Seal: Dual O-rings
• Controls: 7-step flash, 4-step LED
• Dimensions: 202 × 63 × 59 mm
• Material: Anodized aluminium