Independent power output of two flashes?

[rokkstar]

When I wanted to adjust the power of my remote SB600 I would do it on the camera - commander mode/Manual. I would set it to say 1/16 and job done. Is it possible to do this for 2 flashes - an SB600 and an SB800, both in remote mode using the D70 as commander??

So for example I want the key light to be 1/16 and the fill to be 1/32 - is this possible from the camera? I've tried adjusting the output manually on the flashes but when it's in remote mode there isnt the option to do so.

Hope that makes sense.

[Onyx]

Strictly speaking, using the D70's flash as commander - no.

But, there are ways around it.

You could set the outputs of all remote flashes individually, but this is defeating the 'magic' of Nikon's CLS.

You could use the SB600 as the keylight, set at say 1/16 - and use the SB800 fill-light in SU-4 mode, then you could set its output manually. Downside, you can't use iTTL on camera as that will prematurely trigger the SB800 in SU-4 mode; so you're still restricted to manual flash outputs.

Also beware that the fraction flash output in manual mode is based on the fraction of the strobe's full power - and the SB800 is 2/3rds of a stop more powerful than the SB600 (ie. 1/32 on both will not give equal light output).

I highly recommend the Nikon Speed of Light instructional DVD for inspiration - maybe you know of an official pastry chef that could help out in this regard <cough> <cough>.

It will illustrate the true marvel of Nikon's CLS wireless flash system. With a D70, this means having a SB800 mounted on the camera's hotshoe, used to control the remotes. You could then alter the flash output of the remotes all via the master SB800 mounted on your cam.

Think of the SB600 & SB800 units as really cheap and highly flexible studio light alternatives (for the work I'm assuming you're wanting to do) and you'll see investing in a few extra speedlights is cheap compared to investing in a studio strobe setup.

Edit: post above assumes both keylight and fill light are off camera. If you're happy to have an SB800 speedlight on your camera hotshoe, then the short answer to your question is yes.

[Alpha_7]

I also recommend the Nikon Speedlight movie as well, its a interesting to view and provides some great ideas.

[rokkstar]

Is that the Joe mcNally speed of light DVD?
If so I was hoping to get a copy of that somewhere.