1st Off cam flash + questions

Ady N

Ady N

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Adrian
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Finally got round to using the SB600 with the D300s via commander mode, couple of pics below of a fairly patient cat.

Q1: Is it normal for the on camera flash to also go off even when -- was selected in the mode box of the built in flash on camera menu?

Q2: If I get another SB600 or bigger brother and set to same channel I pressume they will both trigger?

Q3: Where is the best/best price source for the mini stands and an adaptor so it fits on the tripod?


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Going to have a look at the tutorials. I want to get another flash unit in anticipation of our expected newborn in a few weeks time. Thanks.
 
Q1) The camera communicates commander functions with morse code style pulses of light, so fast that you can't detect them individually. That's what you're seeing, but they've all been and gone before the shutter opens. (TBH, the commander flash does still put out a tiny flash during the exposure even when apparently switched off, but the output is very small and should not affect the image.)

Q2) Yes, you can have as many guns as you like on the same channel in the same group. They will all fire and they will all be metered and controlled as one. You're only limited to the number of groups, and they are controlled individually.

Q3) Cheapest decent stand is the Konig from Amazon or 7DayShop etc. £11 bargain http://www.amazon.co.uk/Photography...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291465276&sr=1-1

Edit: you can do a heck of a lot with just one flash on a stand with a shoot-through brolly, and a reflector. Very easy. Or have a go at bouncing off the ceiling and walls, flash on the camera. This often looks great :thumbs: and is even easier. Learn how to adjust the flash brightness and the ambient light balance with the compensation controls.
 
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Fantastic, thanks Hoppy. Someone I know has some spare stands from their now closed studio and he said I could have a couple so will check that out before I buy. The stands at Amazon look like they have a screw mounting so I will need an adaptor to fit between that and the flash unit I guess.

Would you say an umberella is needed for the SB600 or would I be OK just with the Stofen type diffuser I have on it?
 
Ady N said:
Fantastic, thanks Hoppy. Someone I know has some spare stands from their now closed studio and he said I could have a couple so will check that out before I buy. The stands at Amazon look like they have a screw mounting so I will need an adaptor to fit between that and the flash unit I guess.

Would you say an umberella is needed for the SB600 or would I be OK just with the Stofen type diffuser I have on it?
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You should have a little stand supplied with the flash with a screw thread underneath which screws directly to the stand.

If you're going to the trouble of setting up a stand, I would definitely stick a brolly on it. You can get cheap kits with a stand, umbrella adapter and a brolly and you're good to go. The umbrella makes the light source much bigger, and that's what softens it.

A Stofen doesn't soften the light at all, because it doesn't make the light source any larger. What it does is spread the light all around so that it bounces off walls and ceiling which then become the main light source. Obviously that area is very big and therefore very soft, but without surrounding surfaces to work with, it does nothing. A Stofen also sends a small amount of light directly to the subject so the effect you get is big soft light with a dash of direct fill-in which lightens faces and puts a sparkle in the eyes. It works very well. Lots of similar accessories work in the same way (eg bounce card, Fong, Demb Flip-it) but the Stofen gets the main job done and can't be beaten for speed and ease and cost.

I would have a go with a brolly and stand. Use a simple reflector to help fill in the shadow side, it just increases your options. This gives lovely light and reliable control anywhere. Also have a go at bouncing, with or without a Stofen. For gunning and running, in the right room the effect is often amazingly good. When you're bouncing, it's usually just as good to leave the flash on camera. It's so much easier and the light is still coming from off-camera for a nice modelling effect.
 
Found the small stand/adaptor in the box - it should screw onto the tripod head looking at it.

Like I said the main reason for posting was in prep for some baby shots on a throw on the settee. From what you have said I could get away with x1 flash off to the side and a reflector on the opposite side. The is some natural light opposite from a bay window (if daylight of course!). Umbrella and adaptor + reflector and I should be good to go although might get another SB600 before the VAT increase as I have sourced one new (UK) for £175.
Cheers.
 
Ady N said:
Or would you consider this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/500W-Profes...8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291487645&sr=1-8

You seem to get a lot for your money - no doubt will get slated by togs with high end strobes, etc.....................?
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No, it's better than nothing but you're better off with what you've got.

You only need one flash - two will create conflicting shadows until you've got the hang of things, though even then you should only have one main light on the subject. But you do want a brolly to soften the light. A shoot-through is probably favourite for various reasons I won't go into now, and a reflector will help if you need to fill in the shadow side. A sheet of white carboard is perfect for that, with kitchen foil stuck on the other side for when you really want a good kick back. You perhaps won't need it at all.

You mention a window. Window light (north facing, or overcast day, so no direct sun casting hard shadows) is wonderful, but you will definitely need a reflector for the shadow side there. This is a good technique for baby pics.
 
Right, will order brolly & adaptor. I have access to plenty of 500gsm white card so this should do the job of a reflector. Will get some practice on the cat/a teddy bear. Cheers.
 
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