SB-800 Problems.... AGAIN

[jcon]

Ok, this time, close range pictures are comming out very dark. I started to notice it at a recent wedding shoot and did some testing at home and dont know what the problem is. I have the flash set to TTL-BL. I dont know if its because I am too close for the flash to work properly or what, but its usually when I am close to the subject, about 5 feet. Here are 2 samples I just took of my 8 month old niece. No adjusments, just RAW conversion to JPEG and then resized. Taken with 50mm 1.8(I also get same with my other lenses) I have tried fully manual settings and have tried full auto, the on board flash seems to do a better job, but I would have to double check that again. My next thought is to check the batteries as they may have crapped out(Energizer 2500 mAh rechargeable) I am starting to think it may be best just to send it in while its still under warranty. I purchased it back in June/July. Any ideas?

[bbarlow641]

I got better results with a similar setup when the camera was set to P (program). Of the two images you posted, the first seems OK to me; maybe it's because my monitor is over-lightening things?

Ben

[XaiLo]

when in doubt do what's best for you "send it in." ;)

[TNB]

Although I don't know how far apart the two photos were taken, to me it looks as though the second photo was taken prior to the flash being fully charged or "ready".

[jcon]

TNB, thats another problem I have had, it can take 2-5 minutes for the ready light to come back on, even with fully charged batteries! I am aware that rechargeables can burn out after numerous charges, but how many?

I also sent the same question and photos to Nikon and am awaiting a responce. This is quite annoying!

[achuang]

In the Nikon speedlight manual it says that your batteries need to be changed or charged if it takes more than 30 seconds for it to recharge at full power using alkalines and more than 10 seconds using other batteries. How long have you had the energizers? My previous set of NiMH batteries lasted about 2 years before they couldn't hold any charge.

[wh0128]

TNB, thats another problem I have had, it can take 2-5 minutes for the ready light to come back on, even with fully charged batteries

I'd send it in. I know the SB800 should recharge after atleast 4 seconds and not 2-5 minutes. Sinces its still under warranty, why not give it a try?

[TNB]

TNB, thats another problem I have had, it can take 2-5 minutes for the ready light to come back on, even with fully charged batteries! I am aware that rechargeables can burn out after numerous charges, but how many?
Factors would include the charger, charging technique/habbits, and the batteries themselves. If your charger can cycle/discharge the NiMHs, try it a few times and if you have a multimeter, measure the voltage of each battery if your charger doesn't show the voltage. Remember, it only takes one bad cell and even if batteries are new, they may need to be cycled a few times before they hold a full charge.

[rawpaw18]

Jason,

What about TTL without the BL, the flash is expecting some kind of back light that is not there. Just a shot in the dark, sort of speak.

As far as ready light, I am using alkaline batteries and the refresh rate is fast. no more than 3 seconds.

[jcon]

According to Nikon, there is nothing wrong.....

Dear Jason,

First I want to say that second picture dark 2 is perfect. The first one bounce flash would have been more successful if you did not use the wide panel adapter. You are also shooting in rear curtain at a reasonably fast shutter. This will not capture much of the ambient light which is one use for rear curtain the other is to provide trailing. since you are not going for the later, a slower shutter speed would be better, switching to front curtain would also likely yield better results. A little bit of experimentation and you should be able to get better results.

I do not think there is an issue with the performance of the flash.



I guess I am expecting too much from the flash. Thanks for all the replies!

The second picture he is refering to is the first one posted.

[XaiLo]

Well??? that may explain the resulting picture quality, but does little to resolve the recharge time. no?

[jcon]

Well??? that may explain the resulting picture quality, but does little to resolve the recharge time. no?

Agreed. I am going to call and ask about that.