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In the years since Backscatter first introduced the Mini Flash (and Optical Snoot) at DEMA 2019, the unique compact strobe—in both its MF-1 and MF-2 incarnations—has become ubiquitous at macro dives around the world. Reviewing the Mini Flash 2 in 2023, DPG Photo Editor Matt Sullivan said: “Along with its companion Optical Snoot, the Mini Flash 2 has become my go-to strobe for macro photography. The combination of compact size, seamless relationship between flash and snoot, remote shooting and HSS capabilities open up so many opportunities for creative and impactful imagery.”

Now, just in time for DEMA 2025, every macro shooter’s favorite strobe has gotten another update. Enter the Mini Flash 3—or MF-3.

We know what you’re thinking: What more could Backscatter really do to make the Mini Flash any better? After all, it already does a lot. The last update improved on existing features as well as added new functionality: the power of the focus light was doubled to 1,000 lumens; the new 21700 battery improved flash recycle times, number of flashes between charges (2,000 plus), and runtime of the built-in continuous light (up to 90 minutes); and the strobe gained the ability to be set up off-camera and triggered remotely by a second Mini Flash (via the included Light Pipe). You could even remotely control the power level of the off-camera MF-2 using the transmitting strobe. All of these talents are retained in the MF-3—and all the associated accessories remain compatible, including the Remote Lighting Muck Stick, the Backscatter Color Filter System, and, of course, the Optical Snoot (OS-1).

So what are the important upgrades in the MF-3? Two significant areas: On the one hand, TTL automatic flash exposure; and on the other, manual flash triggering.

First, while the MF-2 offered TTL automatic flash exposure solely for OM System and Olympus cameras through RC mode, the MF-3 is additionally compatible with Sony TTL. You can enjoy OM System/Olympus TTL if you use built-in flash, a housing with an integrated RC flash trigger like the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo housing, or a housing fitted with the Backscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Olympus and OM System. For Sony TTL, you will need to install the Backscatter Universal Flash Trigger for Sony or the Backscatter Nauticam Flash Trigger for Sony. This brings the MF-3 in line with the Hybrid Flash (HF-1), which offers the same TTL capabilities via Backscatter’s three TTL flash triggers. (Check out Nicolas Remy’s “Review of the Backscatter TTL Flash Trigger for Sony Cameras.”)

The other significant new feature applies if the MF-3 is used with manual flash triggering systems. Like the MF-1 and MF-2, the MF-3 features a learning mode that makes it easy to adapt cameras that use a fill-flash or pre-flash system to trigger the Mini Flash. Just plug in a fiber-optic cable and take a test shot, and the Mini Flash automatically detects the camera’s internal flash shooting mode on the first flash after power-up. If you’re using a manual flash trigger that doesn’t need this pre-flash cancellation, the MF-3 now allows you to disable the learning mode.

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that the MF-3 also offers more flexibility when it comes to high speed sync (HSS). In this mode, your camera can shoot faster shutter speeds than its maximum flash sync speed, allowing you to darken backgrounds more than you otherwise would be able to. With the MF-3, HSS works with OM System/Olympus cameras as well as with Sony cameras using Backscatter’s TTL flash triggers. The MF-3 can also be used with other flash triggers that support HSS such as those by UW Technics and TRT Electronics.

Shipping now, the Mini Flash 3 is priced at $599. You can also purchase the MF-3 in special discounted bundles, such as the $749 Mini Flash 3 Snoot Combo and the $848 Mini Flash 3, Snoot, Filter Combo.

Read more about the MF-3 on Backscatter’s website.
 

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