LightPix Labs Releases Retro-Inspired FlashQ FM2 Flash System
LightPix Labs, a Hong Kong-based collective of photographers, designers, and engineers, has released the FlashQ FM2, a compact wireless flash system that merges a minimalist retro aesthetic with contemporary functionality. The design draws clear inspiration from the Contax TLA200 flash of the 1980s, adopting a geometric and understated form that aligns visually with rangefinder-style and compact mirrorless cameras such as the Fujifilm X100VI and X-Pro3.
Constructed from high-strength aluminum alloy, the FlashQ FM2 maintains a lightweight build of 101 grams without batteries measuring 60 x 52 x 50.5 millimeters. The anodized surface offers scratch resistance and durability, and the flash is available in either black or brushed silver finishes. Its proportions and texture have been designed to complement smaller camera systems while avoiding the utilitarian bulk that characterizes most modern flash units.
Both models incorporate the company’s FlashQ radio system, which enables wireless operation without external transmitters or receivers. The system operates on a 2.4GHz digital signal and offers a range of up to ten meters. Units can be assigned as either a master or remote flash, allowing users to expand their lighting setup easily. The FM2 also includes S1 and S2 optical slave modes for additional compatibility with other flashes or studio systems.
The FM2 is available in two variants: a fully manual version, and a Wireless TTL version for Fujifilm cameras: the TTL model communicates directly with compatible Fujifilm cameras to calculate flash exposure automatically and supports Front and Rear Curtain Sync as well as Flash Exposure Compensation. The manual version instead offers full control over output power, adjustable from 1/1 to 1/64 in precise 1/3 EV steps, catering to users who prefer to manually shape light.
The flash delivers a Guide Number of 20 at ISO 100 and a color temperature of 5600K ±200K, suitable for daylight-balanced environments. It covers a focal length equivalent to 32mm in full-frame terms, making it appropriate for portrait, street, or small-studio photography. A built-in color gel holder also allows quick adjustments to color temperature or mood, facilitating light matching in mixed conditions.
Power is supplied by two AA batteries, supporting both alkaline and Ni-MH rechargeable types. Using Ni-MH batteries, the recycle time at full output is approximately four seconds. A USB-C port is included for both wired synchronization and power input, enabling charging from standard USB power sources.
The manual version of the FlashQ FM2 is available for $79, while the TTL variant for Fujifilm cameras for $99. Both are offered in black or silver finishes to match a variety of camera designs.
