kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Not yet. I do have the Nikon “dedicated module” for this, that I used with my previous FE2. So I should use that with the D7100?

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Thank you. I haven’t seen the manual in st least 25 years. The pdf file you sent the link for, that is the complete manual?

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Sometimes theses threads become very convoluted and go just enough off topic to drift away form the basic question or issue.

Obviously, I you don't like flash for whatever reason and have no intention of using any flash gear mounted on your camera, you don't need a FLASH bracket. Any kinda bracket can mechanically join a camera and any reasonable flash gear together. The reason for a more specialized or sophisticated bracket has to do with lighting aesthetics and well balanced camera handling. Without considering theses factors, all you are doing is carrying around additional hardware for no logical reason.

The main reason for a well designed bracket that enables location of the flash unit about 12 inches above the lens in both horizontal and vertical orientations, is that this configuration has a number or basic advantages. When theses specialized brackets first came on the scene among wedding, event and press photograhers, they were called "shadow-less" brackets because the helped negate the distracting shadows on walls and backgrounds that resulted when the flash unit is mounted along side of the camera on a conventional L-bracket. Above the lens, it slightly improves modeling and depth of lighting. It prevents red-eye. It should provide convenient camera/flash handling and ensure even lighting. In a multiple flash setup or a flash fill scenario it keeps the on-camera fill light in a neutral or flat enough position to provide fill illumination without its own shadow pattern. The bracket should accommodate direct flash usage and have provision for bounce and modified lighting techniques.

Other important considerations are handling and balance. If the bracket does have a good sturdy mounting facility, an ergonomic grip and triggering access or mechanism it can become a clumsy and unwieldy and might even damage the camera. The bracket shoud be chosen carefully to accommodate the camera and shooting style of the photographer. A good bracket system may be augmented as part of a system or custom modified to make certain its grip, center of gravity and balance are all satisfactory.

Many photographers have given flash a bad rap simply because the have not mastered their flash technique. There is no bracket or modifier that will automatically insure natural and well crafted aesthetically pleasing imagery made with any flash gear. Its a matter of understanding how to use flash creatively and artistically as a main or primary light source, on an off camera, and how to properly augment natural light with flash illumination without over overpowering the ambient lighting.

kb6kgx Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I apologize for my part in causing a deviation of the topic.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

No need to apologize- everyone is entitled to express their ideas, input and opinion. It's just kinda silly when folks continue to bash flash usage and run the topic off in that direction. Obviously, if someone does not need or use flash gear, there is no need to buy or use a flash bracket or any other flash accessory. Brackets are like tripods and other support equipment- well designed and crafted ones are helpful and safe to use. Poorly designed and flimsy ones are not reliable, difficult to handle and my cause damage to the camera or the flash if things come loose or undone during hard use.

I don't even mind with folks go off on tangents- its natural in any conversation and oftentimes leads to interesting ideas, good debates and new areas of discussion. Again- it just that any mention of flash brings on the usual flash bash and anti-Fong remarks. It's SO OLD!