By the way did you get the Df with a great discount?
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.
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.
Mac
Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
jeweler53 wrote:
I've been taking photos for decades. I've rarely used flash and generally prefer not to, but there are times it would be nice to have the option available.
I absolutely love my Df, but one thing that is missing is an on camera flash.
My question is this. For very basic operation, such as auto fill flash, what would you suggest? I'm looking for integrated function such as I get with my D300 (using it's pop up flash).
I have a Yongnuo YN968N, which works, but I cannot get it to work "automatically" it seems that I may be setting it up wrong. It works fine in manual.
Comments?
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.
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.
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.
.......
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.
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.
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.
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.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
jeweler53 wrote:
I've been taking photos for decades. I've rarely used flash and generally prefer not to, but there are times it would be nice to have the option available.
I absolutely love my Df, but one thing that is missing is an on camera flash.
My question is this. For very basic operation, such as auto fill flash, what would you suggest? I'm looking for integrated function such as I get with my D300 (using it's pop up flash).
I have a Yongnuo YN968N, which works, but I cannot get it to work "automatically" it seems that I may be setting it up wrong. It works fine in manual.
Comments?
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.
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...
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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