Ringflash NOT communicating with Nikkor 105D
Oct 29, 2018 18:46:51 #
Dan (member DBT47) posted in wrong thread. I have copied & transferred to here.
"A question regarding my efforts in macro photography. My camera is the Nikon D5000, lens is Nikkor 105D. I've tried using Kenko extension tubes, but I can't get my ringflash to work with the extension tubes. Flash works with extension tubes & AF-S Nikkor 55mm lens, but not with the Nikkor 105D. I need a bit of help on this issue, so any advice is appreciated."
"A question regarding my efforts in macro photography. My camera is the Nikon D5000, lens is Nikkor 105D. I've tried using Kenko extension tubes, but I can't get my ringflash to work with the extension tubes. Flash works with extension tubes & AF-S Nikkor 55mm lens, but not with the Nikkor 105D. I need a bit of help on this issue, so any advice is appreciated."
Oct 29, 2018 18:47:41 #
Oct 30, 2018 15:22:02 #
The ringflash is a K&F Concept KF-150. The Nikkor 105D is being used used in manual mode. Also, I don't seem to be getting exposure information when the extension tubes are in use.
Thanks,
Dan
Thanks,
Dan
Oct 30, 2018 18:49:02 #
DBT47 wrote:
'Exposure information?' Do you mean shutter speed, lens opening & such, recorded in the EXIF data?The ringflash is a K&F Concept KF-150. The Nikkor 105D is being used used in manual mode. Also, I don't seem to be getting exposure information when the extension tubes are in use.
Could it be that the Kenko tubes aren't 'smart' enough to communicate with the camera?
Oct 30, 2018 20:40:25 #
I'm not 'smart' enough to know that, though the tubes do have the contacts to communicate signal between camera/lens. The flash does work when a tube is used in conjunction with the 18-55mm VR lens the camera came with. Oh, and yes, that is the information I was referring to.
Oct 31, 2018 07:20:46 #
DBT47 wrote:
Does the speedlight flash like it should? Are the pix properly exposed, the way you intend?I'm not 'smart' enough to know that, though the tubes do have the contacts to communicate signal between camera/lens. The flash does work when a tube is used in conjunction with the 18-55mm VR lens the camera came with. Oh, and yes, that is the information I was referring to.
Oct 31, 2018 14:26:23 #
No, the flash does not work at all, in combination with the Micro Nikkor 105 D and any of the extension tubes. It does work with the 18-55mm VR lens original to the camera, with extension tube in use.
Oct 31, 2018 15:03:46 #
I know nothing about Nikon related equipment, but on general principle it can be because you are using a mixture of manufacturers in this set up, and perhaps they are of different ages as well. In Canon, old non-Canon equipment can become incompatible with newer camera bodies, for example. This is how Canon gets rid of competing non-Canon equipment. It makes them obsolete after a time.
Perhaps the flash is an old model non-Nikon flash and it does not coordinate signals to the (newer) 105D lens, as one possibility. That lens considers that non-Nikon flash to be obsolete. I am really guessing though.
What I would try is to set the flash on full manual, not TTL. It only needs to be told to very basic information which is when to flash. You manually set the power of the flash.
Perhaps the flash is an old model non-Nikon flash and it does not coordinate signals to the (newer) 105D lens, as one possibility. That lens considers that non-Nikon flash to be obsolete. I am really guessing though.
What I would try is to set the flash on full manual, not TTL. It only needs to be told to very basic information which is when to flash. You manually set the power of the flash.
Oct 31, 2018 15:33:20 #
That is a good idea, Mark. All the equipment I put together is either used or budget, but, in the case of the flash and the extension tubes, are said to be compatible with my specific camera. This foray into macro is a new gambit for me, and a bit of a steep learning curve, from appropriate equipment, to the proper use of said equipment. Best thing is practice, practice, practice.
Oct 31, 2018 21:11:52 #
DBT47 wrote:
No, the flash does not work at all, in combination with the Micro Nikkor 105 D and any of the extension tubes. It does work with the 18-55mm VR lens original to the camera, with extension tube in use.
That is odd! I'm stumped. good luck - sorry I couldn't help any more.
Nov 1, 2018 19:33:12 #
I have used several Nikon digital bodies with Kenko extension tubes attached to Nikkor 105D, then Nikkor 105G, and now Sigma 105 macro lenses. I have NEVER experienced any electronic connection problems. For ALL of my macro-photography, I set my camera to 1/250-sec, f/16, at ISO 200. The ONLY adjustment I make is the speedlight output, set to MANUAL. For my normal field macro-photography, I select 1/8 power, using a heavily diffused softbox. For lighter-colored subjects, I drop to 1/16 power. For darker-colored subjects, I increase to 1/4 power. Every speedlight has different Guide Numbers which indicate light output. Read more here: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-208134-1.html
On a stationary, gray subject, with lens on manual focus, fully extended (1:1 mag), take a series of photos, varying ONLY your speedlight output. Between photos, always DOUBLE the time it takes for green ready light to appear (at 80%). Make note of your best exposure as your new 'normal' speedlight setting.
On a stationary, gray subject, with lens on manual focus, fully extended (1:1 mag), take a series of photos, varying ONLY your speedlight output. Between photos, always DOUBLE the time it takes for green ready light to appear (at 80%). Make note of your best exposure as your new 'normal' speedlight setting.
Nov 1, 2018 19:45:42 #
Ah,,,,
Thank you Douglass, that the best answer so far. I've looked at many of your macro photos, they are indeed special. I'll keep trying, that's the only thing that helps, is familiarity with the gear and the process. I've found my camera batteries last only a few minutes, so I've gotten an AC adapter that will give longer sessions, which will help. I don't know why the batteries are draining so fast, so much to learn yet. So far I've only tried macro using a tripod indoors.
Thanks much for the help.
Dan
Thank you Douglass, that the best answer so far. I've looked at many of your macro photos, they are indeed special. I'll keep trying, that's the only thing that helps, is familiarity with the gear and the process. I've found my camera batteries last only a few minutes, so I've gotten an AC adapter that will give longer sessions, which will help. I don't know why the batteries are draining so fast, so much to learn yet. So far I've only tried macro using a tripod indoors.
Thanks much for the help.
Dan
Nov 3, 2018 21:20:22 #
'Live View' drains camera batteries quite quickly. Use sparingly. Otherwise, a properly charged D5000 battery should lasts for several hours.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.