SB 700 - camera settings ?

[nikon.norm]

Hello
Just bought the Nikon SB700 and this is the first time I’ve used off camera - I’m still not certain about setting the camera up and I’d be very grateful for any suggestions.
I shot on manual with the WB set to automatic and used a cheapish sync cord between the camara and flashgun which was mounted on another tripod. The flashgun was set to TTL and seemed to determine it’s own power output – didn’t need to +/-, some very minor PP work.
Any advice on setting the camera up for use with the flash would be much appreciated.
Regards

NN
PS wish I was as thin as the model !


The Searcher by nikon.norm, on Flickr

 

[specialman]

Well exposed - wouldn't expect any else from Nikon's brilliant flash system

I generally only shoot with the flash in TTL mode when I'm running and gunning at events and want less hassle. Otherwise, I shoot predominately in manual mode both in the camera and on the flash, especially where it comes to still life/product stuff.

It all depends what you're trying to achieve; black background like what you've created are easy when you either use a fast shutter speed in combination with AUTO FP, or when the ambient is so low that it won't register in shot (probably what you've done, judging by the 1/60th shutter).

I usually set a power output and expose for that using the aperture, changing the shutter speed from 1/250th (maximum sync) only when there is ambient that I want to bring into the exposure.

IMO, your shot needs more creativity with light angle - the exposure is too even and the light flat. The flash was high and to camera left, yeah? Maybe moving the flash lower but round to the left more would create more shadow down the right (as we see it) that you could then use a piece of white paper to bounce some fill back into. The bounced fill light will control the density of the shadows.

 

[nikon.norm]

Hi Pat, thanks for your reply, I've taken on board what you've said - gives some food for thought. The manual for the SB700 is excellent, it gives you all the information that you need, but there's no guidance as to how to set the camera up for it - do you leave the WB on automatic, set a custom white balance or set it for flash ?
Interesting how you use the flash on manual for still life etc, set a suitable power output and do fine adjustments on the camera, I'm going to have a play around using that technique and see how I get on.
regards
NN>

 

[specialman]

I'm not familiar with the D5100 but I can't see it being too far removed from my D7000.

To set up the camera to trigger the flash remotely you need to go into the main menu, specifically the flash section. There will be an option that allows you to dictate what the built-in flash does - set it to COMMANDER and scroll through the mode until you get a '--' (press OK to set it). This fires the flash but it only acts as a trigger and shouldn't contribute to the exposure. Set the flash to REMOTE and await you effectively.

The main problem with using the built-in flash as a TTL or manual commander using CLS is that to change power settings you have to keep dipping back into that menu where you set the build-in flash.

There is a setting in your flash called SU-4 (the forerunner of CLS) which basically activates an optical slave that triggers the flash but you have to set the power etc.

Personally, for stuff like what you've shown (i.e. still life) then you can keep the flash attached to the camera via the cord (unless it can't reach that far) and just fire it that way. I'd start playing with manual though, as it's not an issue indoors where the lighting won't change enough to affect exposure. I still use manual outdoors but there's a bit more thought goes into shutter speeds outdoors.

 

[nikon.norm]

Thanks Pat, I've got some spare time through the week - I'll give it a go.

 

[jpw]

I'm not familiar with the D5100 but I can't see it being too far removed from my D7000.

To set up the camera to trigger the flash remotely you need to go into the main menu, specifically the flash section. There will be an option that allows you to dictate what the built-in flash does - set it to COMMANDER and scroll through the mode until you get a '--' (press OK to set it). This fires the flash but it only acts as a trigger and shouldn't contribute to the exposure. Set the flash to REMOTE and await you effectively.

Just to say, the D5100 onboard flash can't act as commander.

 

[specialman]

Just to say, the D5100 onboard flash can't act as commander.

That's a bit of an ass ache.... at least it'll trigger via SU-4.

Really puzzles me why the newer low-end bodies still aren't equipped with CLS!!