Oskar - Retra UWT

Hi everyone, Just to share our perspective: We always aim to respond promptly and provide clear, step-by-step support when technical issues are reported. In non-critical cases, our goal is to solve the issue remotely so the user can continue using the strobe without interruption. If the problem persists or further inspection is needed, we invite the user to send the unit in for a full check. In this case, we identified a likely cause, suggested a workaround that keeps the strobe functioning normally, and offered the option of inspection. Unfortunately we haven't heard back from the customer since. The Pro Max series is the most reliable we have ever built, now in its fifth generation, thanks to continuous improvements based on real-world feedback. We remain committed to supporting all our users and improving wherever we can. Thanks to everyone for your support so far, it really means a lot to us.

Yes, I can confirm that the Bumpers and Neoprene Jackets for the Pro Max I are the same size and fully compatible with the Pro Max II. No changes were made to the external dimensions.

Hi Everyone, Thanks so much for your interest in the Retra Flash Pro Max II strobe! Our current pre-order offer includes the Pro Max II strobe, the Booster, and dual USB battery chargers. The strobe comes with a 3-year standard warranty, and with our limited-time pre-order offer, you can extend that to 5 years of full manufacturer coverage. As for upgrading from the previous-generation Pro Max, we completely understand the interest. However, it’s neither practical nor cost-effective. To support the increased power, we introduced more power levels and a redesigned mode dial with expanded functionality. Achieving this required a redesign of the electronics, lamp, reflector, mode dial, etc. Upgrading an existing unit would involve fully disassembling and rebuilding it with entirely new components, which is ultimately more complex and costly than producing a new strobe from the ground up. For those upgrading to the Pro Max II, the most cost-effective route is to sell your current strobe. Thanks to active communities like this one and platforms like eBay, it's easy to reach interested buyers. This also helps newcomers enter the hobby, often saving 20–40% on a lightly used strobe, backed by a warranty and verified usage via our built-in trigger counter. What truly sets Retra apart is the long-term value and factory-backed support. Our transferable warranty means even a used strobe still comes with full manufacturer service, something no other underwater strobe brand offers. With the option to extend coverage up to 5 years, you can confidently sell a used unit knowing the next owner will be fully supported. If you have more questions, feel free to post here, I’m happy to help.

Thank you for sharing the news!

That's a great shot and I wouldn't have believed it was done with TTL! The shark is perfectly exposed.

My question to IATA: I’d like to request clarification on the IATA regulations for personal-use devices powered by Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries, specifically when traveling on passenger aircraft. I am wondering if there are any restrictions or limitations on carrying a photographic strobe, which operates on NiMH batteries installed in the device, in my carry-on baggage? Official answer from IATA: Dear Oskar, NiMH batteries are not restricted in air transport. See below linked document for further information. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries That said, I would still advise you to contact the air carrier you wish to use and ask them if they allow it. This is because different airlines have different rules when it comes to batteries being carried in the passenger cabin. There’s no official restriction on NiMh, but as we know, it often depends on who’s checking your bag at the airport. In my experience, batteries installed in the device tend to draw less attention, but you never really know.

In general, the battery contacts and compartment have gotten slightly improved with each generation. On the 4th generation Pro Max strobes, we rarely see issues unless the compartment gets seriously flooded, which is very uncommon. For cleaning the contacts, I recommend using wooden chopsticks or any small wooden tool. Wood is soft enough not to damage the contacts but still effective at cleaning, and it's usually easy to find anywhere. Many photographers also use a fiberglass pen.

I don’t recommend placing anything between the battery contacts. The tolerances are quite tight, and even something slightly too thick could cause permanent damage. Finding spare AA batteries on location is usually doable, but replacing damaged contact boards is a whole different story. I understand you might be careful and avoid over-tightening but someone else handling the gear might not.

Just remembered a small trick that works for all Retra Flash models except the first generation, in case you're worried about your strobe turning on during travel. If you set the dial to SOS mode, it takes five clicks to reach BATT/TEST for the strobe to turn on. So, switch it to SOS and install the batteries. If your packing somehow allows the dial to turn five clicks on its own, let me know. I'll send a mermaid to bring you new batteries 😄

I pack my strobes in a backpack with separate compartments, so there’s no way they can turn on by accident. Also, leaving them turned on won’t ever cause a fire, the worst that can happen is more or less subtle battery damage. The user manual doesn’t know how each person packs their gear, so it recommends removing the batteries just to be safe.

Interesting, I'll consider bringing some plastic cases, just in case airport security enforces those protocols.

I haven't heard that one before, but perhaps. In any case, AA NiMH batteries remain the more reliable power source when traveling. They're also much easier to replace if something goes wrong during your trip. That's why we plan to continue producing our AA-powered line of strobes, professional users rely on this level of robustness and versatility.

When traveling, I use a compartmentalized backpack with two strobes, each with batteries installed. Spare batteries stay in the chargers. I’ve never had any issues at security, aside from the occasional curious check, likely due to how the large capacitors inside the strobes appear on scanners. NiMH AA batteries are generally considered safer than lithium cells by airport authorities, as they contain significantly less energy per cell. Regarding the performance concerns with 4xAA batteries: the Retra Flash is designed to protect batteries from overstrain, helping to extend their lifespan. If battery voltage drops too much or too quickly under load, the strobe will stop discharging to prevent damage. Even if the strobe allowed them to operate, you’d face significantly longer recycle times and significantly fewer flashes per charge, leading to a frustrating experience. That’s why it’s recommended to invest in a dedicated set of batteries specifically for use with your Retra Flash. Depending on your location, a set of 4xAA Eneloop PRO batteries usually costs around $20. A small investment for consistent and reliable performance.

Hi Markus, thank you for your feedback. However, I want to clarify that we have never stated the strobe should not be sent for service. On the contrary, we have explicitly mentioned in our message on 28/10/2024 that we will need to inspect the strobe if the error persists. I’m attaching the last part of the correspondence below for full transparency. Please note that we have not heard back from Markus afterwards. [10:39, 28/10/2024] Retra UWT: Hi Markus, thanks for your feedback! If the strobe shows an empty battery status right at the start, this usually means either the batteries are low (which we know isn’t the case here) or there’s an error that prevented the strobe from recharging its internal capacitors. This issue is rare and can often be resolved by restarting the strobe. If the empty battery error keeps showing up at every startup, even with fully charged batteries, please use the error override feature. When you see the "battery empty" error, press and hold the pilot/test button until a new message appears on the screen. From that point, you can use the strobe normally. If you turn the strobe off, the error will show up again, and you’ll just need to reset it by pressing and holding the pilot/test button. Let us know if you need further assistance! [10:39, 28/10/2024] Retra UWT: p.s.: if the error is persistent we will need to look at the strobe after you are back from you trip. [12:02, 30/10/2024] +49: Hi, thanks for reply. But anyway, for the moment I'm definitly not lucky with this Strobe. To many things happen which make me unsure about continuing to use this flash on my travels in the future. I was Shooting Seacam 150D for more than 8 years without any issue. Bought Retra cause everybody said they are reliable. Will contact after return on my final thoughts. BR Markus [12:15, 30/10/2024] Retra UWT: Hi Markus, Thank you for your feedback. I understand that switching equipment can be a bit challenging, especially when you’ve had a long-standing setup. Generally, our strobes have proven to be highly reliable, and once you’re used to the new system, it should meet your needs well. If there are specific aspects you’d like help with or any troubleshooting, I’d be happy to assist. Wishing you a smooth journey, and feel free to reach out once you’re back!

Hi Cerich, I would like to address these concerns more properly now that I’ve had a chance to review the timeline, the number of reported cases, and the steps we took to resolve them. The first time we analyzed this issue was in August 2024 when a customer reported a persistent empty battery error, despite the batteries not being the issue. Before that, we were aware that the empty battery signal occasionally appeared as part of the normal startup check procedure but would typically clear on its own or, in some cases, by turning the strobe off and on. This is similar to a car dashboard error light that may appear briefly but disappears once the system is running normally. Upon closer examination of the customer unit in August 2024, we determined that the persistent appearance of the empty battery signal was a mismatch between the calibration for low battery detection and the onboard sensors. The customer’s unit exhibiting the issue was sent to us, and we manually recalibrated the strobe. Since most strobes were about a year old at that time and this was the only reported case, we decided to monitor the situation before taking further action. The second potential case arose when "Muellema" reported a similar problem in October 2024. However, identifying it as the same issue was more challenging due to less clear feedback from the customer. Since the customer was actively diving and needed a working strobe, we provided troubleshooting recommendations that could resolve even a rare, one-off issue. Btw, our user manual explains how errors on our strobes can be dismissed when they are shown without an apparent reason. As part of our ongoing effort to enhance the robustness of our strobes, we have since improved the empty battery detection and indication program. This update is included in the latest firmware version, which will be publicly available by the end of this week on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (@JohnD, @Landvogt1893). Let me know if you need any further clarification. Warm regards, Oskar / Retra UWT