What Mode do you use when using flash (Page 2): Don't use auto. Take control of the camera yourself. Practice taking pictures.

cthahn

Don't use auto. Take control of the camera yourself. Practice taking pictures.

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

Gene51 wrote:

Usually either aperture or manual.

Is the Program mode not a choice??

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

It depends. If I'm shooting a function, gathering, casual activities, I'll just let the camera and flash decide what's best. If it is a studio setting, manual. I'll also meter each light and get the balance I want.
--Bob

wpas wrote:

Used flash for my first time indoors using a Nikon... (show quote)

wpas

Ok, many of you recommend the Manual mode, but aren't you having to calculate the distance and exposure settings for every shot or because it's TTL can you just set any f-stop for the wanted depth of field and a shutter speed to Reduce the effect of any ambient light then let the TTL figure out how much light is needed for those settings?

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

BebuLamar wrote:

This is my "Mirrorless" and flash

Very nice! I still have the Metz 202, but couldn't get the replacement battery (wet-cell).

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

wpas wrote:

Ok, many of you recommend the Manual mode, but aren't you having to calculate the distance and exposure settings for every shot or because it's TTL can you just set any f-stop for the wanted depth of field and a shutter speed to Reduce the effect of any ambient light then let the TTL figure out how much light is needed for those settings?

Look, the advantage digital gives you is that YOU can experiment with different settings and see how they come out. Come on man, get off your you know what and experiment, that's how we all learned. But, for an added touch, point your flash up and behind you for a really natural light situation. Again, TTL of the flash will do the calculations for you, the D on the lens stands for distance to the subject, even in manual the lens has communicated to the flash the distance it is from the subject. I usually meter manually and set my shutter speed at 1/30 sec. and choose an f stop two stops down from wide open, so if the lens is a f2.8 I set the aperture at f5.6, I then simply adjust my ISO so that I am about 1 to 2 stops under exposed, you can see the exposure information in the viewfinder. That way my scene will look like it has been naturally light and not look like a flash was even used, it should resemble a shot taken outside in open shade. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

wpas wrote:

Used flash for my first time indoors using a Nikon... (show quote)

I use manual mode with selected ISO on the camera and auto on the flash. I set the aperture & shutter speed and ISO for the back ground I want and use the auto mode on the flash for the main subject.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I use Manual, always with a TTL. That way the flash determines the exposure on the subject and a high shutter speed controls the effect of ambient light. I start with ISO 400, f4, and 1/200. With high speed sync enabled you can use very high shutter speeds to darken a busy background. Increasing ISO can give the range a little boost and of course aperture can be changed to affect DoF.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

wpas wrote:

Used flash for my first time indoors using a Nikon... (show quote)

Full manual. I use controls on my flashes to adjust the light, and flash meters to set ratios and exposure. But then, I have a studio background.

When I use on-camera flash, it is also in manual mode, using the non-TTL auto sensor onboard the flash to control exposure. It's usually accurate enough when recording raw files.

That said, I detest using *direct* on-camera flash. I don't like the look of direct flash, and there are some situations where that's the only solution. It's my last resort...

blackest Loc: Ireland

lamiaceae wrote:

That's great. I actually have a Metz Strobe like that but the dry-fit battery died and has been leaking making it all a sticky mess.

cotton buds and vinegar can clean up leaked batteries such as duracells removing the sulfating I bought a couple of flashes in a deal along with very badly corroded batteries. I got the flashes charging again but unfortunately it seems the tubes are gone. I had to replace a couple of terminals that had gone completely (a small fan from the dollar store provided replacements).

I don't know if your cells use the same chemistry, I think the alternative is baking soda for neutralising acids (the vinegar works for alkaline batteries)

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

wpas wrote:

... I ended up setting my camera to Auto. The result, all of the photos came out well, but I'm still wondering if there was another mode I should have actually been using.

There was a magazine, Colliers, that had a cartoon series... " Suspicion Confirmed" e.g . drugstore... the back room had a shelf... Sugar Pills ... yellow, blue etc All meds were sugar pills.. Big stamp across cartoon.. SUSPICION CONFIRMED... I smiled at your comment all settings were OK, thinking that the dial was not connected to anything.. and all settings were "Auto". Suspicion Confirmed....

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

When I'm setting up for a manual mode multi strobe arrangement, I'll adjust each strobe's output by metering each independently. Once I get the ratios where I want them, I'll then meter both and manually set exposure. The metering takes care of any distance and output setting calculations.
--Bob

wpas wrote:

Ok, many of you recommend the Manual mode, but aren't you having to calculate the distance and exposure settings for every shot or because it's TTL can you just set any f-stop for the wanted depth of field and a shutter speed to Reduce the effect of any ambient light then let the TTL figure out how much light is needed for those settings?

GEEPOPS

It really all depends on how creative you want to get, I use manual on my camera and TTL on the flash for on camera flash, but if its off camera flash then it's manual camera and manual flash, its all about controlling light to obtain a desired effect

sandiegosteve Loc: San Diego, CA

Worth a read: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101.html

I like manual - meter for the background, and the flash gives your subject the light. TTL on the flash when I'm in a hurry, else a test shot in flash M, and adjust power as needed.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

wpas wrote:

Used flash for my first time indoors using a Nikon... (show quote)

Here is a 7 minute video that I think will answer all of your questions. Easy to understand and very accurate info.

https://youtu.be/S3IQFayyyoU