Harlowe Introduces the Pocket Flash
Harlowe has introduced the Pocket Flash, a compact hybrid lighting device combining an on-camera flash with a bi-color continuous LED, built around a hinged lift mechanism the company calls Z-Lift. The unit weighs 125 grams and folds to a footprint of 4.8 × 5.9 × 5 centimeters, extending to a height of 12.4 centimeters when deployed.
The Z-Lift mechanism is the device’s distinguishing feature: rather than positioning the light source directly above the lens, as standard hot shoe flashes do, a built-in stainless steel arm raises and angles the flash head away from the optical axis. Harlowe states this reduces the harsh lens shadows common in close-up photography, lowers the incidence of red-eye, and produces a more dimensional result in portrait work than a fixed on-axis flash typically allows.
As a flash unit, the Pocket Flash has a guide number of 12 meters at ISO 100, with seven power levels ranging from full output down to 1/64. Switched into continuous mode, the built-in LED offers adjustable color temperature from 2700K to 6500K, with output of 2W in Standard mode and 4W in Boost mode, reaching up to 360 lumens at 6500K. Harlowe quotes CRI and TLCI ratings of 96+ for the LED’s color accuracy.
Power comes from an internal 1000mAh rechargeable battery charged via USB-C. The Chinese company rates the unit for approximately 700 full-power flashes per charge, rising to 35,000 flashes at the lowest 1/64 setting. Recycle time at full power is approximately 2.3 seconds. In continuous lighting use, battery life is rated at two hours at full brightness, four hours at 50%, and seven hours at 25%.
The flash incorporates a magnetic accessory mount: the standard kit includes a Magnetic Dome Diffuser for softening output, while an upgraded Creator Kit adds magnetic color gels and a reflector system Harlowe calls the Material Blade, intended for shaping and redirecting light without additional equipment.
Mounting uses a standard ISO 518 hot shoe connection, making the unit physically compatible with cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Ricoh, OM System, Leica, and Hasselblad, since it does not rely on brand-specific TTL communication. A 1/4″-20 threaded mount is also built in for use on tripods and light stands when operated off-camera.
The Harlowe Pocket Flash is available now through Harlowe and authorized retailers, with the Standard Kit priced at $149.
