Help! Newbie off-camera with D300/SB-600

[J.Timperio]

Hi all! I did a quick search for this topic but nothing popped up:

I just got an sb-600 and am excited to start with some off-camera flash work. My first attempts were okay but I was using the TTL/CLS system, and I would like to put my flash into manual so I can dial it down to 1/128 for nice soft fill; however, once I get the flash into wireless mode, it seems I can't select any power settings on the flash itself.. is this true or am I simply missing something very rudimentary? I am able to set the power of the flash in the camera's flash menu (in commander mode, "C" with the lighting bolt), but I am just curious if this is the only way to set the camera's power when it's off camera..
So, simply put, my question is: Is there a way to control the sb-600's power output and exposure compensation on the flash itself when it's off camera, or is the done solely through the camera's menu? THANKS everybody. I figured this was the best spot to ask this question!

Regards,

Justin

[i speak in math]

If you are in manual mode, you must adjust the flash settings manually on the flash unit. If you use the flash wirelessly in manual, you have to walk over and change the settings.

If you are not in manual mode, you can't manually adjust the flash. If wireless forces you to use non-manual mode, you won''t be able adjust the settings.

You can use CLS to have the flash adjust itself, but then you have to trust the flash to read your mind about what you want your shot to look like.

[kirbinster]

On your D300 you can control the output of the off-camera flash in the same area where you select the flash. You tell it if the onboard is to contribute and what power level and then for each channel you also tell it the power level. I know I am doing a bad job of explaining this, but I don't have the camera handy.

[sk66]

No need to go manual mode.
Put the camera into commander mode, and the 600 into slave mode. Set the comera as commander only, or soft fill (a diffuser works well here). Set the power level for the 6oo as desired thru the camera and you're set.

I use CLS and I have to adjust the TTL settings sometimes, but I never have to go "manual".

[J.Timperio]

Thanks very much for the replies everyone. It seems you all told me what I was thinking!! haha.
sk66: It appears that the d300's ability to fire the sb-600 wirelessly really is as seamless as it is made out to be!! haha. Thanks again for the help everybody.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by J.Timperio

Thanks very much for the replies everyone. It seems you all told me what I was thinking!! haha.
sk66: It appears that the d300's ability to fire the sb-600 wirelessly really is as seamless as it is made out to be!! haha. Thanks again for the help everybody.

Yep, that was one of the major disadvantages of "upgrading" to the D3 for me.