SB-910

gman

gman

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Graham
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Not sure if I'm just being thick here but is there a way to turn off the flash on the SB-910 when in commander mode and controlling other flashes?
 
Try:
Main switch to "Master'
Press "Sel" until "M" is highlighted.
Then press "Mode" until "---" appears.

I think that will do it.

Ian
 
That's what I thought but it still flashes so I was wondering if there's another way? I thought maybe the flashes were exposure flashes but it definitely seems to flash at exactly the same time as the slave flash. Perhaps it's too new a speedlite to get replies for or perhaps it's just not possible?
 
I think they are exposure flashes. I only have one SB910. Setting to "---" the picture is almost black (indoor). Switch back to "TTL" and all good again.
 
Right, out it all comes again! Cheers :)
 
Even when set to '---' it will fire a very low powered flash. It will have no effect on the exposure, unless you are very close.
 
The master speedlight has to flash to activate the slaves. Even when the output of the master is set to "---" it still has to flash to communicate with the slaves.

When set to "---" it will have a very minimal to no effect on exposure, however when photographing objects with a highly reflective surface the master will contribute to the specular reflections, and also when photographing objects close to a light background there is the possibility that the master will contribute to shadowing on the background.
 
Ah, I thought it could use infrared as well as optic communication?
 
gman said:
Ah, I thought it could use infrared as well as optic communication?
Click to expand...

The commander flash communicates using visible light only, though it naturally contains some near-IR light; the slaves receive it as near-IR through the red window; SU800 commander unit transmits semi-IR (it's basically a small flashgun with a dark red filter over the tube).
 
I've got a niggling concern that it's going to suck outside in bright light. Perhaps a few radio transceivers are the way to go?
 
gman said:
I've got a niggling concern that it's going to suck outside in bright light. Perhaps a few radio transceivers are the way to go?
Click to expand...

It might, but if you can avoid direct sun on the receiver, keep line of sight and fairly close range, you'll be okay. A simple way of keeping the distance down is to put the commander on a long cord (up to 10m).

Radio-trigger options depend on budget, if you're happy with full manual (some people prefer it) and if you want to retain iTTL. Prices range from £30 to £400 per set.

Quite a lot on this kind of thing in lighting section.
 
Cheers, I think I'll need to do some testing so I know exactly what I need :)
 
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Hi, I'm wondering if you can help me with using the SB910 set to remote. When I have the on board flash open I also am getting the flash firing from my D700 as well as the flash gun. I've tried to set it as per the above but can't get it to stop. Think Im Missing something. Please help
 
jeniveeev said:
Hi, I'm wondering if you can help me with using the SB910 set to remote. When I have the on board flash open I also am getting the flash firing from my D700 as well as the flash gun. I've tried to set it as per the above but can't get it to stop. Think Im Missing something. Please help
Click to expand...

You mean, the SB910 is the remote and the pop-up is acting as commander? Then the pop-up must issue pre-flash/es - they're the command pulses, but go out before the shutter opens.

Then as mentioned above, the pop-up will also fire during the exposure even when switched off, but it's a tiny flash that will have no visible effect unless you're very close.
 
Yes, sb910 set to remote with the pop up flash open. The pop up flash isn't little bursts it seems like full power when the shutter opens. Thanks for your help .....much appreciated.
 
jeniveeev said:
Yes, sb910 set to remote with the pop up flash open. The pop up flash isn't little bursts it seems like full power when the shutter opens. Thanks for your help .....much appreciated.
Click to expand...

The command pre-flashes are very fast. It can fire at around 20,000 cycles per second, so it looks like one flash. It all happens in the fraction of a second after the release is pressed and before the shutter opens, faster than the eye can see.
 
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