Using Nikon FE with SB800 flash

[Asha]

If I understand correctly the SB 800 flash gun in A (Auto) mode will work with the FE without any issues presuming I set the flash to match the camera settings for example:

50mm (focal length)
F/5.6
ISO 200

These paricualr settings offer a usable flash working range of 1 meter - 11 meters ( according to the info on the lcd screen)

My questions are.....

1. Does this mean that anything shot between those distances will be exposed correctly purely by the flash gun determining the power of the flash output automatically?

2. How do I determine what shutter speed setting on the camera?

Am I right believing that if I set to A (Auto) mode on the camera body then presumably the flash will fire to capture the subject but the shutter will remain open at whatever speed the cameras meter dictates....possibly very slow at 1/8 or less

If I set the shutter speed manually, then what maximum speed can i use without having underexposed results??

Sorry if i come across as a bit dumb but I always find flash difficult to understand.

 

[freecom2]

Yes, you match the settings for focal length, aperture, ISO.

1. Yes. The flash gun has a sensor that determines when enough light has been outputted by the flash to sufficiently light a scene that is of your focal length, aperture and ISO combination.

2. Anything up to the x-sync, which is 1/125s. If you want to have more of the background exposed, you would try and use a slower shutter speed - for instance, if the scene is a 1/30s f/5.6 and you shoot it with 1/125s f/5.6 with flash, the subjects between 1-11m will be correctly illuminated (with flash and some ambient lighting), but the background will be underexposed. Using a slower shutter speed with a flash is sometimes known as 'dragging the shutter', as the flash illuminates the subject for a split second, but the open shutter grabs the background over a longer period of time.

I've probably overcomplicated that, but it's just part of general flash technique. If you want to keep it simple, 1/125s and you should be fine, or 1/60s to be on the safe side (in case your shutter is a little slow with age, although the FE's electric shutter should be pretty good).

When the camera is set to A (aperture priority), it defaults to 1/90s with a flash.

 

[Asha]

Thank you FC2 for taking time to write such a detailed explanation.....I will be out this evening at the carnaval parade giving film a go instead of digi that I've used on previous years......your confirmation of what I understood along with additional information will help me enormously. Many thanks!

 

[freecom2]

Thank you FC2 for taking time to write such a detailed explanation.....I will be out this evening at the carnaval parade giving film a go instead of digi that I've used on previous years......your confirmation of what I understood along with additional information will help me enormously. Many thanks!

Never a problem - make sure you post some of the shots when you get a chance, just to see whether my advice held true or not! :nuts:

The fastest first roll I ever shot was in an FE. It was (and is) an absolutely sublime camera to shoot with.

 

[Asha]

Never a problem - make sure you post some of the shots when you get a chance, just to see whether my advice held true or not! :nuts:

The fastest first roll I ever shot was in an FE. It was (and is) an absolutely sublime camera to shoot with.

Be assured I'll be posting shots....not least of all as I wish to continue sharing the results I get with my C41 dev kit.

The carnaval with all it's bright colours is the ideal opportunity to shoot some colour!

I can't comment on the other early F series cameras as I've never been fortuanate enough to use them but I am very much liking the FE.

 

[Asha]

Long winded in getting some of the results posted but here's a few snaps caught using the SB800 on the FE.

Your advice held true FC2.....cheers!

 

[Asha]

 

[freecom2]

Long winded in getting some of the results posted but here's a few snaps caught using the SB800 on the FE.

Your advice held true FC2.....cheers!

No problem, glad to see you had a fun time

Nikon gear is so versatile it's frankly almost ridiculous - like mounting an AF-D lens on a Nikon F2.