SB800 problem when Master in CLS setup

[Greg_Halinda]

Just want to see if anyone else has had this problem before I send my SB800 to Nikon service...when using the SB800 as a Master flash on my D200 body, either in the camera's hot shoe or on a Nikon TTL extension cord, the SB800 is triggering my 2 SB600 remotes fine, but the SB800 itself either isn't flashing, or is flashing so weakly that it's effect on the subject matter is invisible. I usually have the SB800 firing into a small umbrella high over my shoulder as my fill flash, with the SB600's on stands serving as key and accent flashes. Sometimes if I cycle the SB800's power off and on again, I'll get one or two shots where it provides it's sync and intended flash ratio as fill, then it stops providing fill and only serves to trigger the SB600s.

The lenses used recently with this configuration are non-D AF Nikkors, a 35-70mm f2.8, and a 24mm f2.8. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Greg,

Originally Posted by Greg_Halinda

Just want to see if anyone else has had this problem before I send my SB800 to Nikon service...when using the SB800 as a Master flash on my D200 body, either in the camera's hot shoe or on a Nikon TTL extension cord, the SB800 is triggering my 2 SB600 remotes fine, but the SB800 itself either isn't flashing, or is flashing so weakly that it's effect on the subject matter is invisible.

I have no experience with the Nikon system, but for what it's worth, in the Canon wireless flash system one has the option of not having the master actually "flash for exposure". (It is set on the master.)

Perhaps there is a similar setting in your case.

[Greg_Halinda]

Thanks, Doug, but I'm having the opposite problem, I'm needing the master to flash for exposure.

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Greg,

Originally Posted by Greg_Halinda

Thanks, Doug, but I'm having the opposite problem, I'm needing the master to flash for exposure.

Yes, indeed, and if it had accidentally been turned off (if there is that capability), that won't happen.

Best regards,

Doug

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Greg,

Originally Posted by Doug_Kerr

Yes, indeed, and if it had accidentally been turned off (if there is that capability), that won't happen.

That would be the "flash canceled" mode setting ("--") for the master (per the SB800 manual, p. 77.

Best regards,

Doug

[Greg_Halinda]

Thanks, I did dig out my manual to investigate if I had accidentally disabled the flash, but no, I haven't. Good thing you mentioned it, though, I had forgotten that it was possible with the SB-800.

Greg

[Doug_Kerr]

Hi, Greg,

Originally Posted by Greg_Halinda

Thanks, I did dig out my manual to investigate if I had accidentally disabled the flash, but no, I haven't. Good thing you mentioned it, though, I had forgotten that it was possible with the SB-800.

Well, it didn't seem likely, but stranger things have happened.

Hope you can find the problem.

It's probably worth combing through all the minutiae in the CLS section of the manual! It could be some group or channel assignment problem.

Best regards,

Doug

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