Nikon SB900 How do you shoot with yours?

LASTOLITE

LASTOLITE

No longer has 4 inches
Suspended / Banned
Messages
2,617
Name
Bill
Edit My Images
Yes
So I am getting to grips with the SB900 and using the iTTL modes returns great shots - never used or had a flash that uses this monitor pre flash for exposure - to be honest never had such an uptodate bit of kit before:)

I am inclined to go manual - just wanted to know how anyone else used there SB900 - I have a D300 btw

Just interested in technique with this unit others have adopted
 
Hi Bill, I might be able to answer you in a week or two, getting mine delivered tomorrow and really looking forward to it.

One thing I do want to explore are the gels. The way the SB900 reads the tabs on the gel and automatically sets the WB on the camera is something I'm really rather looking forward to playing with.

So I'm open to any advice too :)
 
Alison - Yes I have read your posts regarding the arrival of the "Twins" :lol:

These SB900's are feature packed and to a relative novice like me to digital shooting I am having a steeeep learning curve;) I hope you post lots on your experiences with this unit - I look forward to them..........

I am not even opening the gels yet until I can get consistent results in the iTTL modes and more so in M mode - LOL

:thumbs:
 
For M mode shooting I can recommend Zack Arias "One light DVD" It has a few flaws but for the theory of flash lighting it really IS good :)
 
I love the SB900. It's so good at figuring out what needs to be done that just sticking it on top of the camera in TTL mode and bouncing the light off a handy surface nearly always gives decent results.

I like experimenting with it though, as at least it feels like I'm learning something.
 
iTTL most of the time either with the Nikon diffuser or the white card, and in manual mode I use the zoom function lots too. I actually find the CLS too limiting in daylight use, especially when shooting in portrait (I have a D300 too)

I seem to have put my filter thing somewhere 'safe' and can't find it now but I want it as the filters will come in handy

In this shot an orange filter was used, and white balance set accordingly, to make the flash light look like the street light only was illuminating them; this then made the ambient light look blue to hint at night-time when it was actually mid afternoon http://www.facebook.com/dg.photography2009#!/photo.php?pid=3027002&id=83075717289

It does indeed overheat, and I usually use my SB800 instead for the main use of flash during Weddings

Zack's DVD is great if you're new to flash use, but OMG is it boring if you already know most of what he's trying to teach :lol: Even so it's still useful to watch how someone else does things

Nice shot btw retired :thumbs:

DD
 
I mainly use is it TTL either on of orr camera and am very partial to using a Lightsphere
diffuser on mine.

I tend to use CLS to alter the Flash EV, leaving the SB in TTL mode.

Never had am overheating problem even when shooting in cH mode, just end up with some black exposures where the flash hasn't charged in time, which it to be expected really.

I use Eneloops in my speedlights.
 
you may like to know that Calumet Manchester are running a Nikon CLS Workshop - The Secret of Strobes on tuesday 23rd March 1pm - 5pm for £35 it will cover the basics + filters etc
I have registered and looking forward to it.
Calumet is about a 5 minute walk from Picadilly Station.
I have no involvement with the Company.
Dave
 
Thanks for all the feedback - after playing with it all night:lol: I am loving the SB900 in TTL it does give some effortless good results I used up a 2 sets of batteries and although not 100% I am understanding alot more about the Flash / Camera Link - never had a flash and camera link up in this way - :thumbs:

Also good to know many others use it in TTL modes alot of the time:)
 
Just got mine today - hell of a beast compared to the 600!!! Had a flick thru the manual and not much wiser. Why would I want to use the GN setting or A setting? So many things!!!
 
Just a little tip I found is that if you put the Nikon diffuser on upside down you can still use the zoom function on the flash.:thumbs:
 
:thumbs:Good tip Billy! Good name too:lol: was called that all my childhood by my 3 sisters and brother still makes me :D when I hear it:thumbs:

DiddyDave - Love that shot and what a great idea - I do have so much to learn with flash - the 900 in TTL mode though using the diffuser and bouncing off the wall ceiling gives some exceptional results......
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top