SB800 Repeat Flash

[barry]

Has anyone used this feature and how did you use it.

According to the manual it is used for fast moving objects but I note the shutter speed needs to be relatively slow to be able to get multiple flashes in one frame. The two do not seem to go together.

[Yi-P]

Yes, Nikon manual is most confusing of all. And plus with this repeating flash, it does confuse even more.

I believe this is one of most creative option in the SB800 and unique about this, you need to buy very expensive strobscopic (spelling?) flashes to do this, but the SB800 has it in one package.

You basically set the shutter according to number of flashes you want. Say you want a 10hz x 10 flashes, you need 1 second exposure to this. And each of the 10 flashes should contribute 1/10th of the total exposure value (if object not moving too quick).
I've used this method inside a club, shooting a party, worked out great on dark scenes with dancers (moving objects).

I've raised similar question before, found here:
http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=22898

Hope this make sense.

[sheepie]

Has anyone used this feature and how did you use it

Yes



It's a fun feature, but one with limited use. Would love to try it out with an athlete, but so far I've only had Little Sheepie

The exposure needs to be long, as you are using the flash to expose the movement over time. It helps dramatically if you are shooting in the dark.

I think there's a few threads around which may answer your question on how to use it - have a look at the search and see what you find (am at work right now, so shouldn't really be spending time finding it ).

[barry]

Thanks for your replies guys.

The reason I asked is that is have noticed on a number of ocassions (on the television news) that press photographers use multiple flashes when shooting people moving. Obviously they are shooting multiple frames rather than using the strobe effect of the repeat feature.

[sheepie]

Thanks for your replies guys.

The reason I asked is that is have noticed on a number of ocassions (on the television news) that press photographers use multiple flashes when shooting people moving. Obviously they are shooting multiple frames rather than using the strobe effect of the repeat feature.

You're probably also seeing the effect of preflash.