Instructions for Using Nikon SB600 & SB800 Wireless
Many people have asked for information regarding the proper set up of camera and flash to take advantage of wireless through the lens controlled Nikon flash photography. First of all, only the D70, D70s, D80, D200, D2x and D2xs are capable of through the lens exposure control in a wireless mode. Also, the SB800 and SB600 speedlights are the only Nikon Flash units that can be used in this set up.
Many older Nikon flash units ( Nikon likes to refer to all flash units as speedlights ) will work in a slave capacity, but they will not use TTL ( Through the Lens ) metered technology. With some experimentation and creativity however, these older units are capable of producing incredible multi-light effects. If you’re confused about the difference between remote slave flash and TTL flash, post your questions at the end of this explanation and hopefully we’ll be able to provide good answers.
A Nikon produced PDF file is attached below. Read the directions and give these techniques a try. The instructions are written using the D70 as an example, but all of the cameras listed above will work in the same manner.
March 9th, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Multiple Nikon SB-800 flash units can be used to wirelessly light anything from a small macro scene to large areas. Look at Joe McNally’s Speed of Light DVD for examples of using these units.
I have found that using an SB-800 as the Master to control other remote SB-800s can be limiting due to the location of the receiver cell on the units. Remote SB-800s that are behind the camera or hidden from view may not trigger using the visible flash from an SB-800 master. A small white reflector attached near the cell improves performance in some cases.
The Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800 is a high output infrared source with high output IR LEDs. Using this on your hot shoe instead of an SB-800 solves most triggering issues. It also frees up the SB-800 that was mounted on the hot shoe to be used as another off camera light.
A “Justin clamp” Bogen 175F is ideal for supporting SB-800 units.
For a quick lesson in multiple off camera lighting with SB-800 units look at Dave Black’s Workshop at the Ranch site http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/0407.htm
followed by http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/1105.htm
and this for outside, high speed wireless fill flash http://www.daveblackphotography.com/workshop/07-2006.htm
Cheers
Dave