SB800 question

[SUITEFREAK]

I have an Sb800 and D90. For some reason, I can't get the SB800 out of manual mode. I have it, and the camera, set to TTL, Auto FP enabled. I tried to reset the flash, but it's still not showing 'zoom' on the flash, instead it says 'manual'. I am trying to read the manual, but it is not an entertaining read. So if any of you have encountered this and can help me figure out how to get it zoom instead of manual, I would really appreciate it. Obviously, I am a total noob when it comes to using the flash, but I really do want to learn how to use it better. I'm so frustrated that I can't figure out how to get it to zoom. I assume that if it says zoom, that the flash will read how far I've zoomed out the lens and the shutter/Aperture values. Am I wrong? I thought TTL would be idiot proof, but I guess not. :confused:
Thanks!

ETA: it says TTL at the top right corner, but on the bottom right it says Manual. :confused: The camera could be set in Shutter Priority or Aperture and it'll still say Manual. Arrrggg.

[Rooz]

mounted or remote ? if its mounted to the hotshoe with the camera switched on it will automatically adjust the zoom. off camera the zoom is set manually.

[K1W1]

To follow on from what Rooz said have you tried putting it on the hotshoe and zooming the lens and watching the LCD panel on the flash?

[tim11]

Try clicking MODE button?

Image from: Ken R.

[Rooz]

mode doesn't effect the zoom head.

just remember that even on the hotshoe you can manually zoom in or out with the zoom head by pushing the keys to the left and right of the SEL button. as soon as you press one of these the flash goes to M ZOOM until you reset the zoom value to the lens focal length. it should never say MANUAL ZOOM as far as i know.

the opnly other thing i can think of is that in the menu, (hold down the SEL button), you have the M ZOOM, (manual zoom), set to "ON". in which case the display on the flash will be xM ZOOM. if you see that little "x" there in front of the M then you go into the menu and turn M ZOOM "OFF".

[jcon]

I cant check right now but if I recall.... you cant zoom if you have the diffusor on the head, so... do you have that on?

[XaiLo]

Jcon, that sounds about right it should locked on 24mm.

[SUITEFREAK]

mounted or remote ? if its mounted to the hotshoe with the camera switched on it will automatically adjust the zoom. off camera the zoom is set manually.
It's mounted.


To follow on from what Rooz said have you tried putting it on the hotshoe and zooming the lens and watching the LCD panel on the flash?
Yes I connected the camera and was attempting to zoom while looking at the LCD and it still said Manual. That's when I got confused and tried to doa reset, etc., but it's still says Manual in the bottom left corner. :confused:

I'm not at home now. I'll run out and grab my flash and then see if I can do what the rest of you have posted.

[tim11]

To reset the flash the settings: Press MODE and ON/OFF buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec. to reset all settings.

Or is this manual mode set through the D90 commander mode? I know how frustration this can get and it now starts to get me frustrated as well... lol.