External flash issue

[kjell]

I'm completely new to flash photography, and just got a Lumopro LP160 for my D80 today.
When I take a photo with the flash mounted on the camera, it seems the flash fires too late, so that only the top part of the photo is exposed to the flash.
Is there any setting on the camera that can fix this?

[Almond.Butterscotch]

What shutter speeds are you using?

IIRC, the D80 has a sync speed of 1/200 sec, though it's probably hackable.

[kjell]

I tried a few different shutter speeds now, and at 1/200 the flash covers just about the whole image. 1/250 left some vignetting at the bottom. Does this mean that I can't use the flash at faster shutter speeds than 1/200?

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by kjell

I tried a few different shutter speeds now, and at 1/200 the flash covers just about the whole image. 1/250 left some vignetting at the bottom. Does this mean that I can't use the flash at faster shutter speeds than 1/200?

yes. you are maxed at 1/200th (unless you desire the black bar in the shot)...or unless you get a Nikon flash (or 3rd party equilvelent) that can do FP (high speed) sync. I believe your D80 can do FP, just need the cooresponding flash.

[kjell]

Ok, thanks guys!
As soon as the magic words "sync speed" came up, I had something to google, so I'm up to speed now
The D80 does have a FP function, but I guess 1/200 is a pretty versatile speed, so I'll settle for that.
Going crazy with the new toy now!

[inkista]

Originally Posted by kjell

...The D80 does have a FP function,...

...which will only work with an iTTL capable flash. The LP160 is not one of them. It's manual-only, so you are stuck at your max. sync speed. You're going to need an SB-600/700/800/900 to get high-speed sync.