YongNuo YN685 C Radio Slave Flash

Added 23 September 2015: My YN685 from HKYongNuophotoequipmen​t has arrived!

I plan to include details in TOYUG v5 after testing, as part of the 622C series of devices. Meantime, here is an initial description.

Benefits

A full-featured on-camera E-TTL and Manual flash.

Built-in radio slave modes for YN622C series controllers, YN560 series controllers and RF603 triggers
(YN-622C, YN622C II, YN-622C-TX, YN560IV Flash, YN560-TX, RF-605, RF-603 II and original RF-603)

The number of units to store, carry and manipulate is halved. The quantity of batteries to manage is reduced from 6 to 4.per flash. Number of switches to turn off at end of a session is halved.

Initial price: US$110-120.

YN685 C product page:
http://www.hkyongnuo.c​om/e-detaily.php?ID=366

YongNuo has also released a YN622C Mark II transceiver:
http://www.hkyongnuo.c​om/e-detaily.php?ID=364

The YN622C-TX has a firmware upgrade to v1.08, required to work fully with the YN685 Speedlite
http://www.hkyongnuo.c​om/e-detaily.php?ID=348

Functions

Flash
GN 60 at ISO 100 and 200mm zoom (about GN 56 at 105mm)
Automatic or Manual zooming between 20mm and 200mm
360° swivel and 90° up, 7° down tilt

Compatibility as Radio Slave
Using YN622C / YN622C-TX
ETTL with FEC and FEB / Manual Output / Multi
1st Curtain Sync / 2nd Curtain Sync / HSS
Auto Zoom / Manual Zoom
Receiving Group assignment (3 groups)
Using YN560IV / YN560-TX
Manual Output
Auto Zoom / Manual Zoom
Receiving Group assignment (6 groups)
Using RF605
Simple sync
Receiving Group assignment (6 groups)
Using RF603II / RF603
Simple sync

Exposure Modes
E-TTL, with FEC and FEB to ±3 stops in 1/3rd stops
Manual 1/1 to 1/128 output in 1/3rd steps
Multi (multiple flashes in one frame.exposure)

Sync Modes
1st Curtain Sync
2nd Curtain Sync
High Speed Sync (HSS), up to 1/8000s (where both camera and transmitter support HSS)

Other Features
Flash Zoom Auto and Manual, remotely controllable
Auto-Focus Assist light
Modelling Light
Live View triggering
Hign Speed Continuous triggering (Rapid multiple flash-assisted frames)
Fast-clamping metal foot
External power supply connection
Fast Flash-recharging: 3s with fresh batteries; quicker with external supply. (To be tested)
Audible Status indication
Customizable Function settings*
Auto-Save of current settings on power-down
Over-heating protection

Not available
- Master mode (it is stand-alone or slave only)
- Optical sync S1 and S2
- USB port for firmware updates

Can't want to hear how it is. If it's as good or better then a YN-568ex with a 622 attached then I'll have to pick some up. If only to lose the battery and receiver weight from my bag

Ah, excellent.

YN told me that it would be into August before they would be available.

Shame it doesn't (appear to) have built in transmitter ability.

I think that a full Master flash would definitely infringe Canon Patents. The patents I have seen are about transmissions, not receptions.

Really?

Why wouldn't the already released YN600ex-rt infringe on Canon patents? What's unique about the 622 that prevents a flash with internal master?

I can live without it though, as long as it's priced correctly, i.e. some way below the 600exrt. My experiences with three of those were an absolute disaster.

Subscribed. I wasn't aware this was on its way.

Subscribed ..... Thanks Cliveyboy for looking into this for us.

Note - revised ex-factory release date of 15 August.

Inter-operation Summary for 560 system:

YN560 Receivers (Manual only)
Built-In
• YN-560 III (from Jan. 2013) and YN560 IV Speedlites (included here for clarity)
• YN 685EX Speedlite in 560 mode

YN560 Translators (Manual only)
Remote 622C “YN560 Mode”
• YN622C transceivers with a build date (in the battery compartment) of 12/2014 or later have a YN560 Mode.
• This mode receives and translates YN560-TX codes to control a mounted flash in Manual
• See page 26 for details.
622C-TX 560-to-622 (Proxy Mode)
• This mode receives and translates YN560-TX codes and transmits 622 equivalent codes to a remote 622C to control its mounted flash.
• The C-TX provides additional group control.
• See page 46 for details.

What Does Not Work
• YN-560s before Mk III made in Jan. 2013 do not have a built-in receiver
• 622Cs manufactured before 12/2014 cannot be updated to provide YN560 Mode.
• YN560 Speedlites cannot process YN622C or YN622C-TX codes
• RF603, RF603 II and RF602 triggers cannot be read by the 622C or C-TX in any mode.

17 August 2015 - I have been advised that production has been delayed with no release date.

Let's hope they have read some of the threads and added master function.

CliveyBoy wrote in post #17671801
17 August 2015 - I have been advised that production has been delayed with no release date.

I thought this was on sale on amazon and eBay already? I was looking forward to getting one instead of the 568 ex ii

There were a number of listings on several webs, but it turns out that they were all advance advertising. I cannot find anyone that has shipped.

One unkind person even suggested that it may be after Chinese New Year before we see them...

CliveyBoy wrote in post #17676078
There were a number of listings on several webs, but it turns out that they were all advance advertising. I cannot find anyone that has shipped.

One unkind person even suggested that it may be after Chinese New Year before we see them...

But it's only 6 months till Chinese New Year.
It's not as if any of us are actually keen and eager to see this item in the flesh!!
Well......apart from Clive and me and goodness knows how many hundreds/thousands of others.
The trouble with having arthritis is that sitting twiddling our thumbs for 6 months gets a bit painful.
We'll just have to console ourselves with the thought that it's better to have the thing working right than have it arriving quickly (although both would be even nicer, of course).

At last the YN685 Speedlite has been released. Price: around US$110-120.