Nikon D50 external flash problem

[iiaGavin]

Today I purchased a couple of older lenses, including a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Series E., which requires manual focus and metering. The lenses work well, except for one small problem....they won't work with my SB-400 speedlight. The internal flash will fire no problem with the lens, but when trying to use the SB-400, the camera's status display flashes the flash ready indicator. This is probably something that a more experienced photographer would know, but I am still learning (and have a ways to go).

Thanks,

Gavin

[jcon]

I believe, and I may be wrong( just got home from 12 hours of photographing a wedding, so im not thinking clearly) but since you have to manual meter, you wont get any communication to the flash from the camera.

[Rooz]

jason's right, no distance/meter info is communicated to the camera via the lens so ttl cannot work on the sb400.

[iiaGavin]

Thanks for the info....that's what I suspected. Is there an external flash that I can use with these lenses?

[iiaGavin]

Actually, with the info you provided, I think I was able to find the answer to my follow-up question. It looks like I need a flash that can operate in a manual mode, something the SB-400 is unable to do (it can only use TTL). The SB-600 apparently has a manual mode, so that is likely an option.

Thanks,

Gavin

[tim11]

The camera and flash manual will tell you exactly what lenses will be fully/partially compatible with the respective unit.

[Rooz]

Actually, with the info you provided, I think I was able to find the answer to my follow-up question. It looks like I need a flash that can operate in a manual mode, something the SB-400 is unable to do (it can only use TTL). The SB-600 apparently has a manual mode, so that is likely an option.

Thanks,

Gavin

yepp, or any of the older flashes like an sb24/26/28/80 etc

[XaiLo]

Actually, with the info you provided, I think I was able to find the answer to my follow-up question. It looks like I need a flash that can operate in a manual mode, something the SB-400 is unable to do (it can only use TTL). The SB-600 apparently has a manual mode, so that is likely an option.

Thanks,

Gavin

That's an incorrect statement the SB-400 can be controlled manually... But it has to be done with the camera. Does the D50 not have a incamera built in flash mode option? I checked google and it's referenced in posts, so I'll pressume it does... switch it from TTL to Manual mode and the SB-400 will work just fine at the available manual options. ;)

[K1W1]

Custom function menu (the one that looks like a pencil) option 16.
Make sure that the CSM / Setup menu (the one that looks like a spanner) is set to detailed otherwise you won't see the option.

[iiaGavin]

With the Flash Mode (option 16) set to manual, only the built-in flash works. The SB-400 won't work.The ready light on the flash comes on, and the box around the flash settings indicator on the LCD blinks. Eventually it stops blinking and the ready light on the flash goes out, but when I then try to take a picture, it's back to the flashing indicator on the LCD display.

[XaiLo]

Just out of curiosity if you change to the kit lens does it work?

[iiaGavin]

I put on the kit lens, still had the flash set to Manual mode, and both internal flash and SB-400 fired.

[XaiLo]

That's not cool, really wished that would have solved the problem for you.

http://www.flashzebra.com/opticalslaves/0100.shtml

You'll also need the hotshoe adapter that's linked to in the description but you'll be able to use your SB-400 off camera for $23.