2 total noob questions... (Nikon CLS)

[(CMC)]

First, on my D80 it seems like the max shutter speed with the flash engaged is 1/200th. I can go slower but not faster. Is that right or is there something I'm missing?

Second, it seems like in order to engage my SB600 off camera, I have to also use the onboard flash as the trigger. Is that right, or is there a way I can avoid using the onboard flash and use only the SB600 off camera?

Thank you!

[Mr Guy]

Extensive answer to first question: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/05...peed-pt-1.html


Second question: You need a master light if you're using your SB600 as an optical slave. In other words, if you're using light to trigger it, you gotta make that light somehow. Doing it without the onboard flash requires buying stuff.

[Snowdust]

While you do need light from the commander to trigger the SB600, you should be able to set the built in flash to --,which only sends a flash signal to the remotes, but doesn't shoot enough to effect exposure. At least it is that way on the D80, so i assume the 200 is the same.

[azn137]

Originally Posted by Snowdust

While you do need light from the commander to trigger the SB600, you should be able to set the built in flash to --,which only sends a flash signal to the remotes, but doesn't shoot enough to effect exposure. At least it is that way on the D80, so i assume the 200 is the same.

word!

its in your manual somewhere.

[(CMC)]

Thanks guys. You've pointed me in the right directions.

[OsmosisStudios]

Ive been using my SB800 off-camera for some time by triggering it with the onboard. Aside from the SU-800 or Su-34 IR units ($300+), or a PC cable, its the only way.

I also went out and got the flash blocker nikon makes. It allows the flashes to still trigger but blocks the light from the onboard flash.

[(CMC)]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I also went out and got the flash blocker nikon makes. It allows the flashes to still trigger but blocks the light from the onboard flash.

Yeah, I think I will try dialing down the power on the onboard and I wanted to pick up a diffuser of some type of the SB600 so I will check for the flash blocker you reference. Thanks!

[OsmosisStudios]

Set the on-board flash to COMMANDER and get the SG-3IR. It slips into the hotshoe and a flap comes down in front of the flash face. Its cheap too.