Flashguns

Helium_Junkie · 2 Apr 2007 at 09:32

Is it possible to mount any flashgun off camera, i.e. via an adapter of some sort? Or does the gun have to come specifically as a detached version?
This is for a D70.

divine` · 2 Apr 2007 at 09:43

The D70 has a built in wireless 'commander' module so you can get an SB-600 flashgun and use it off camera by setting it in wireless mode.

rpstewart · 2 Apr 2007 at 09:52

divine_madness said:
The D70 has a built in wireless 'commander' module so you can get an SB-600 flashgun and use it off camera by setting it in wireless mode.

That's interesting, Canon make you shell out a fair bit of cash for their wireless trigger although it is pretty capable - control over 2 separate flashes plus a built in IR focus assist light.

The cheap option of course is an off shoe exension cord but that may not give enough separation or flexibility for the OP.

Helium_Junkie · 2 Apr 2007 at 09:57

I already have this:

http://www.tocad.com/flash/pz40x.html

Sunpak PZ40X.

How does this commander mode work? and will it work with that gun, alternatively, can I connect that gun via an off-shoe extension cord as suggested (does this method work with any gun?)

divine` · 2 Apr 2007 at 10:07

At a guess the the only flashes that work with the wireless mode are the SB-600 and SB-800, so you'll probably need to look into rpstewarts method more.

rpstewart said:
That's interesting, Canon make you shell out a fair bit of cash for their wireless trigger although it is pretty capable - control over 2 separate flashes plus a built in IR focus assist light.

I think it's only the D70 and D50 that do this, D200/D2 have no such trickery in them, don't know about the D80/D40, never checked.

The SB-800 has the commander module built in, so most camera owners without the in camera module use the SB-800 as a commander and then SB-600s as slaves.

Helium_Junkie · 2 Apr 2007 at 11:05

So I should either buy a SB600, or a shoe-cord thingy. And the shoe cord thingy will surely work with that flash I linked?

Gareth · 2 Apr 2007 at 17:24

divine_madness said:
At a guess the the only flashes that work with the wireless mode are the SB-600 and SB-800, so you'll probably need to look into rpstewarts method more.

I think it's only the D70 and D50 that do this, D200/D2 have no such trickery in them, don't know about the D80/D40, never checked.

The SB-800 has the commander module built in, so most camera owners without the in camera module use the SB-800 as a commander and then SB-600s as slaves.

The D200 does it too.

divine` · 2 Apr 2007 at 17:26

Gareth said:
The D200 does it too.

Does it? My bad, didn't think it did.

Wile E. Coyote · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:07

D50 doesn't have commander function, needs a sb 800 to trigger remote flashes

divine` · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:12

I got that all well and truly confused then :/

Strax · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:30

D70, D80, D200 all have wireless commanders built in. SB600 & SB800 can work wirelessly with all these cameras. The 800 can be used as a master on other cameras that don't have the commander mode built in.

I have the D80 and SB600 and it works great wirelessly. Easy to use and set-up. I think some of the newer models of Metz flash can also work in commander mode?

For less than £150 (SB600) there is really no better option

Wile E. Coyote · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:35

divine_madness said:
Does it? My bad, didn't think it did.

You were right, just the wrong way round

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:37

I am very upset with Canon for not offering this as a feature. Considering the rivalry and such. I would benifit loads from this feature.

Wile E. Coyote · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:44

Fstop11 said:
I am very upset with Canon for not offering this as a feature. Considering the rivalry and such. I would benifit loads from this feature.

Its the darkside magic, Canon will never understand the power of the darkside

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 2 Apr 2007 at 22:49

Wile E. Coyote said:
Its the darkside magic, Canon will never understand the power of the darkside

Im very much a fan of Nikon. Im just a Canon user. Dark side skills! Telling all your Nikon friends that we are Jedi scum!

Wile E. Coyote · 2 Apr 2007 at 23:00

Fstop11 said:
Im very much a fan of Nikon. Im just a Canon user. Dark side skills! Telling all your Nikon friends that we are Jedi scum!

They are both as good each other, just go about things different ways.

Helium_Junkie · 2 Apr 2007 at 23:20

So is there no way to automatically operate my Sunpak PZ40X off-camera?

ICE Master · 3 Apr 2007 at 11:34

Wile E. Coyote said:
D50 doesn't have commander function, needs a sb 800 to trigger remote flashes

Hi, i have the D50, and looking to try and use a flashgun wireless, do i need an attachment or anythign else?

Wile E. Coyote · 3 Apr 2007 at 11:59

ICE Master said:
Hi, i have the D50, and looking to try and use a flashgun wireless, do i need an attachment or anythign else?

You'll need a remote trigger or a flash cord to make it work. Carn't remember the name of the nikon one off the top of my head, will have a look when i'm from work tonight.