Very basic flash for Nikon Df
May 24, 2020 13:59:29 #
May 24, 2020 14:06:45 #
BebuLamar wrote:
By the way did you get the Df with a great discount?
I have had it for several years. I really like it. I got it on eBay. I had a D3100 (which took great pictures) but it was hard for me to get it to do what I wanted. With the Df, I just put in manual and set whatever ISO, shutter sped and aperture I want. I have a whole range of old primes, and they play nice together!
I think it was around $1100.
May 24, 2020 15:05:40 #
wingclui44
Loc: CT USA
BebuLamar wrote:
But it wouldn't do a fill in flash well enough. If the flash is the only or main source of light it works well. That's the reason I bought the SB-800. None of my flashes can do bright sun fill in easily.
Using it as a fill light to lighten the contrast between bright and dark area in the direct Sun light, I usually set my camera first to meet the required exposure for the high light area, then I use the same aperture and the ISO setting from the camera to set it on the flash (Making sure the distance between the camera/flash and the subject is in the effective range of that aperture for it to auto adjusting.
These two close-up flower shots were taken in bright Sun, I used ISO-100; F11, 1/200 sec (1/200 sec. is the max flash sch. speed of the Df) You can see the shadow are on the flowers lighten up with out high contrast to the high-light, but maintain a bit contrast between them.
May 24, 2020 15:20:37 #
May 24, 2020 18:06:55 #
jeweler53 wrote:
I've been taking photos for decades. I've rarely u... (show quote)
For fill flash on the Df a Nikon SB-300 is a good choice.
May 24, 2020 18:57:33 #
CO wrote:
How are those flash units going to provide auto fill flash for the OP's camera? They would have to have TTL metering support for Nikon cameras.
No problem at all. The very simplest way to do fill flash is WITHOUT any dedicated TTL system. Using any of the numerous “crude” auto flashes similar to the Vivitar 285. It was only slightly problematic with film due to the fixed ISO, but is now ridiculously easy with digital cameras.
May 24, 2020 19:18:23 #
wingclui44 wrote:
Using it as a fill light to lighten the contrast between bright and dark area in the direct Sun light, I usually set my camera first to meet the required exposure for the high light area, then I use the same aperture and the ISO setting from the camera to set it on the flash (Making sure the distance between the camera/flash and the subject is in the effective range of that aperture for it to auto adjusting.
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My own similar method, using nonTTL auto flash, involves only one difference.
Like yourself, I first tend to the camera’s exposure settings for the existing light ... often that setting is for about a half stop darker than “correct”, to allow for the slight boost from the flash.
Then I set the flash to an AE range that asks for a wider f/stop than is already set on the camera. Deprived of that wider f/stop the flash still adjusts its output AS IF that wider f/stop were actually in use.
EXAMPLE:
If the flash auto exposes for its f/4 auto range, it’s auto output is insufficient for a FULL exposure when the camera settings include f/ 6.5 or f/8.0 instead of f/4.0. GOOD NEWS: Insufficient for FULL is about perfect for FILL.
It’s waaaay easier and faster to “just do it” than to explain it in words.
May 24, 2020 21:02:25 #
Thanks everyone for all the information. I am going to give the Metz MZ 24314N 24 AF-1 a shot. I suspect it will fit the bill nicely and it's under $80. I'll try to remember to post an update. Feel free to PM me if you have a specific question.
May 24, 2020 21:53:58 #
May 25, 2020 07:11:53 #
For an unobtrusive but very capable flash for the Df, listen to Larry. I have had and used an SB-400 for years. Small, light, doesn't make camera top heavy, has bounce capability. For your Df, don't leave home without it.
May 25, 2020 07:17:22 #
I guess your best bet is to buy a Nikon flash. If it could be of interest to you I have been using the SB-600 for years and it works to perfection with my Nikon bodies.
May 25, 2020 07:17:27 #
May 25, 2020 07:55:50 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
jeweler53 wrote:
I've been taking photos for decades. I've rarely u... (show quote)
You have a very nice camera. I would not consider any flash that does not have a swivel, rotating head.
May 25, 2020 08:00:22 #
If you are looking for something that will be about the same as your pop-up (a bit stronger, but equally simple - controlled fully via the camera) I would try to find an SB-400. Nice and small. Surprising performance out of such a small package. Pop it on and go...
May 25, 2020 08:02:24 #
jeweler53 wrote:
What I am after would be the equivalent of the pop up flash on my D300. No, it won't do everything, but that isn't what I want Bounce is a plus though, and completely auto function is what I want.
Then you are on the hunt for an SB-400 — it will fit your bill perfectly. (No - you can’t have mine!!!) :)
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