Manual settings for B&W flash
Dec 24, 2023 10:12:20 #
Leinik wrote:
But TTL is not a manual mode. It is an auto-exposure mode. Yes you can taylor the exposure with compensation, and it's fine and it is appropriate to use TTL if you want, or the flash auto mode as some here prefer, I'm just saying TTL is not a manual mode.Manual mode is fine with flash (all the more if your flash is on TTL mode in which case you can also control its intensity with exposure compensation).
Dec 24, 2023 10:18:00 #
Leinik
Loc: Rochester NY
If you read me well I said TTL "ON THE FLASH" itself. The question, as I understood it, was about using flash with camera in manual mode. The answer I gave was with camera in manual mode, what was not clear there? With flash shutterspeed is almost irrelevant as long as you do not exceed the speed of synchronisation (1/125 or 1/250s on most cameras)
Dec 24, 2023 10:20:36 #
Leinik wrote:
"20 years ago there was only manual exposure for all photography." I suppose you meant 40 years ago.
For instance the Minolta CLE was introduced in 1980 as was the Nikon F3 (and they were not the first cameras with automatic exposure).
For instance the Minolta CLE was introduced in 1980 as was the Nikon F3 (and they were not the first cameras with automatic exposure).
Both the CLE and the F3 are more than 40 years old.
Dec 24, 2023 10:58:53 #
Leinik wrote:
But TTL stands for "thru the lens" so the flash self-metering option is something different. If you read me well I said TTL "ON THE FLASH" itself. The question, as I understood it, was about using flash with camera in manual mode. The answer I gave was with camera in manual mode, what was not clear there? With flash shutterspeed is almost irrelevant as long as you do not exceed the speed of synchronisation (1/125 or 1/250s on most cameras)
Hmmm, I read the OP as asking about complete manual control of both flash power and camera settings.
What he asked was "My goal in 2024 is to use manual settings in all photography" which could be either way so it's good to give multiple answers.
Dec 24, 2023 11:16:07 #
Leinik
Loc: Rochester NY
"But TTL stands for "thru the lens" so the flash self-metering option is something different."
TTL works both for camera and flash (if connected one way or the other to camera data [exposure]). You are confusing auto-flash (when the flash makes decisions according to the light it receives (through its sensor) without taking into consideration any information from the camera), and TTL flash when the flash is informed in real time by the camera according the light it measures through its lens.
TTL flash has been around since the 1980s with new advancements in camera light-metering and communication between lens, camera AND flash. The information gathered by the camera THROUGH THE LENS during exposure is transmitted to the flash and controls its intensity/duration. Even Leica added TTL to its line of M6 (and name M6 versus M6 TTL engraved on the camera hot shoe) when this started to be possible in their range-finders (and they were far from being the first ones to do that!!!), please update your knowledge base here.
TTL works both for camera and flash (if connected one way or the other to camera data [exposure]). You are confusing auto-flash (when the flash makes decisions according to the light it receives (through its sensor) without taking into consideration any information from the camera), and TTL flash when the flash is informed in real time by the camera according the light it measures through its lens.
TTL flash has been around since the 1980s with new advancements in camera light-metering and communication between lens, camera AND flash. The information gathered by the camera THROUGH THE LENS during exposure is transmitted to the flash and controls its intensity/duration. Even Leica added TTL to its line of M6 (and name M6 versus M6 TTL engraved on the camera hot shoe) when this started to be possible in their range-finders (and they were far from being the first ones to do that!!!), please update your knowledge base here.
Dec 25, 2023 09:44:25 #
Leinik wrote:
"But TTL stands for "thru the lens"... (show quote)
I’m not sure when “Auto flash” became available, but it was available for all cameras and didn’t require a special flash or a special link between flash and camera. When our first grand-daughter was born about a year ago, I {admittedly as a stunt} took a photo of her using the same “auto” flash I had used to routinely photograph her Mother. Next weekend we’ll be going for her first birthday; this time I may photograph with the same flash and camera I had used with her Mother.
Dec 25, 2023 10:25:40 #
rehess wrote:
I’m not sure when “Auto flash” became available, but it was available for all cameras and didn’t require a special flash or a special link between flash and camera. When our first grand-daughter was born about a year ago, I {admittedly as a stunt} took a photo of her using the same “auto” flash I had used to routinely photograph her Mother. Next weekend we’ll be going for her first birthday; this time I may photograph with the same flash and camera I had used with her Mother.
The first flash I bought, ca 1968, was a Honeywell auto strobonar 770 and it was automatic. I used it for about a year & traded it in for a Honeywell 880 that used a 510v external battery, also automatic.
Dec 25, 2023 10:33:17 #
twowindsbear wrote:
The first flash I bought, ca 1968, was a Honeywell auto strobonar 770 and it was automatic. I used it for about a year & traded it in for a Honeywell 880 that used a 510v external battery, also automatic.
I had a “Honeywell” flash around 1975. it woke me up by an acrid smell. Around that time, they stopped having built-in batteries.
Dec 26, 2023 14:19:43 #
In regards to using flash. Take look at this website: https://strobist.blogspot.com/
A great source to learn flash photography. Good luck.
Al Z
A great source to learn flash photography. Good luck.
Al Z
Dec 26, 2023 16:24:53 #
rorsborn wrote:
My goal in 2024 is to use manual settings in all photography that I do using a Canon R10 and Fujifilm X100V. Is this practical for flash photos? I appreciate any and all comments.
The question is not whether you use manual settings or not. The question is whether you are going to use a light meter. And for flash, whether you are going to use a flash meter.
Are you going to use your eyes, or are you going to rely on technology to determine your settings?
Real photographers use…
Dec 26, 2023 17:21:42 #
The questions to ask one's self Why go to MANUAL flash? Will it yield better results than using TTL or other automated system? Will it give you more control over aesthetics, selective focus, depth of field, exposure consistency, or whatever? Will it offer more creative possibilities? OR do you just think "REAL photographer...hyperbole! If your TTL system works for you- why change? I am not mocking anyone but I am curious as to the reasoning.
The fact is there is a time and a place for TTL, Autoflash, manual false usage, and lots of other possibilities such as HHS and various stroboscopic effects. There are types of work where a flash meter is indispensable. It all depends on what and how you are shooting.
Examples- If you are shootg a static subject, you can shoot, chimp, adjust as reqired- test, and shoot all day if you wish. Ain't going to work if you are covering a basketball game, a mixed-marshall arts competition, or a street riot. It might even slow you down if you are trying to capture peak expression in a portait or an action kind of fashion shot! A well-tuned and know-to-be-reliable TTL system can be a godsend in those situations because you have no time to fiddle with your gear and chimp! You can get away with the manual operation if you KNOW your flash gear and exactly what it's gonna do based on expereince and practice. I outlined a system in my previous post for fast hand-head manual flash work. You estimate the distance and set the aperture! ou
A meter is a great tool but it is not foolproof. You need to know exactly hao to use it, where to probe for light, and how to interpret the redings. You can calibrate your meter as to your standard requirements and replicate studio-lie exposure in various locations. You can get a good handle on ratios in multiple flash setups. Meters are good for verifying angles of coverage and evenness of lighting in copy work.
Even if you employ TTL or Auto-Flash there are ways of manipulating the system that you can use for more control over DOP, actions stopping abilities, and falsh-fill situations.
Flash usage is not at all complex. It is often maligned because folks don't know exactly how to use it and still get natural results. Some of the current flash gear is too complex- too many bells and whistles and flashing LED indicator lights. Many of the posts on this and othere forums are about complaints about difficulties with all kinds of triggers, controllers, and auto-shut-off systems that are more of a hindrance than a help. Flashing LEDs and beeps are distractions and folks are spending more time trying to harness the gear than making good shots.
Surprising what one can do with a couple of SIMPLE Speedlights or a few monolights and a simple radio-slave rig! Even ONE good strobe will do the job IF you know how to use it effectively!
The fact is there is a time and a place for TTL, Autoflash, manual false usage, and lots of other possibilities such as HHS and various stroboscopic effects. There are types of work where a flash meter is indispensable. It all depends on what and how you are shooting.
Examples- If you are shootg a static subject, you can shoot, chimp, adjust as reqired- test, and shoot all day if you wish. Ain't going to work if you are covering a basketball game, a mixed-marshall arts competition, or a street riot. It might even slow you down if you are trying to capture peak expression in a portait or an action kind of fashion shot! A well-tuned and know-to-be-reliable TTL system can be a godsend in those situations because you have no time to fiddle with your gear and chimp! You can get away with the manual operation if you KNOW your flash gear and exactly what it's gonna do based on expereince and practice. I outlined a system in my previous post for fast hand-head manual flash work. You estimate the distance and set the aperture! ou
A meter is a great tool but it is not foolproof. You need to know exactly hao to use it, where to probe for light, and how to interpret the redings. You can calibrate your meter as to your standard requirements and replicate studio-lie exposure in various locations. You can get a good handle on ratios in multiple flash setups. Meters are good for verifying angles of coverage and evenness of lighting in copy work.
Even if you employ TTL or Auto-Flash there are ways of manipulating the system that you can use for more control over DOP, actions stopping abilities, and falsh-fill situations.
Flash usage is not at all complex. It is often maligned because folks don't know exactly how to use it and still get natural results. Some of the current flash gear is too complex- too many bells and whistles and flashing LED indicator lights. Many of the posts on this and othere forums are about complaints about difficulties with all kinds of triggers, controllers, and auto-shut-off systems that are more of a hindrance than a help. Flashing LEDs and beeps are distractions and folks are spending more time trying to harness the gear than making good shots.
Surprising what one can do with a couple of SIMPLE Speedlights or a few monolights and a simple radio-slave rig! Even ONE good strobe will do the job IF you know how to use it effectively!
Dec 29, 2023 19:59:01 #
Thanks to all for the opinions and comments.
Happy New Year and wishing all a blessed 2024.
Happy New Year and wishing all a blessed 2024.
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