Westcott FJ400SE strobe

AC-powered studio flash

The FJ400-SE sits in Westcott’s FJ range as a simpler, AC-only 400Ws strobe for photographers who do not need battery operation or TTL. It runs on 220-240V mains power using the supplied cord, so it suits studios, teaching spaces, product rooms, and other places where plug-in power is already available. With a 3.9lb / 1.8kg body, it remains compact enough to move between stands or sets without making the lighting setup feel heavy.

Manual control and recycling

This is a manual-only strobe, so the photographer sets the flash power directly rather than relying on the camera's metering. The 6-stop range runs from 12.5Ws to 400Ws, with 0.1-stop adjustment for small exposure changes and 1.0-stop steps when you need to move faster. Recycling runs from 0.5 to 1.0 seconds in fast mode, so the capacitors recharge quickly between normal portrait or product frames. A stable recycle mode extends the range to 0.5-3.0 seconds, providing steadier behaviour during longer sessions.

Light preview and colour

The built-in 15W daylight LED modelling lamp gives a visible preview of the light before the flash fires. When you move the head, adjust the reflector or place a softbox, the modelling light shows how the shadow direction and catchlights change on the subject. Flash colour is rated at 5500K ±200K, so frames stay colour-correct as you adjust the output. Auto dump removes excess stored power after you lower the setting, so the next flash fires at the new level rather than holding too much charge.

Wireless and app control

A built-in 2.4GHz receiver places the FJ400-SE inside Westcott’s FJ wireless system. With a compatible FJ trigger or FJ speedlight, the strobe can be assigned across 32 channels and 16 groups, with wireless operation up to 100m. That means you can place lights around a studio and adjust or trigger them without having to walk to each head. The StudioLink app also gives access to Creative Mask and Delay functions, which can be useful when building separate lighting passes or timed effects from a fixed setup.

Mounting and light shaping

The front of the FJ400-SE uses a Bowens S-mount, so it accepts compatible softboxes, beauty dishes, reflectors, and other Bowens-fit modifiers. The included 55° magnetic reflector gives a more direct beam than a softbox, and the magnetic gel set lets you warm the flash, add window green or diffuse the reflector output. A 9mm umbrella receptacle gives another straightforward way to spread light, while the integrated tilting bracket and 5/8-inch receiver mount the head on standard light stands. The flash tube is user-replaceable without tools, which makes routine maintenance simpler in a working studio.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Westcott FJ400-SE 400Ws Studio Strobe
• 1 x Magnetic reflector (55°, Bowens)
• 1 x Magnetic gel set (CTO, 1/2 CTO, window green, diffusion, gel frame)
• 1 x AC power cord (EU, 14.8ft)
• 1 x Replacement fuse