SB800 AF Assist not working

[PiroStitch]

Hi everyone,

Not sure why but my SB800 AF assist has stopped working :S I've checked the menu and it's not turned off. I've looked through the menu options on the D2Xs as well and there's no option to turn it off. Does anybody have any ideas?

Cheers,

Wayne

[gstark]

Hi everyone,

Not sure why but my SB800 AF assist has stopped working :S I've checked the menu and it's not turned off. I've looked through the menu options on the D2Xs as well and there's no option to turn it off. Does anybody have any ideas?

Wayne,

Hello IT. Have you tried turning your computer off and on?

Oh, sorry ... wonder how that happenned?

Have you tried it on a different body?

Have you changed your focus mode on the camera?

[PiroStitch]

g'day Gary

Yes I've tried turning it off and on

What do u mean by focus mode? It was on AF-C and working fine the other night and all of a sudden it stopped working. I've tried AF-S as well as AF-C. Also tried both S and C focus modes.

[PiroStitch]

ok wayyy too bizarre! it was workingo n AF-C the other night and now only works in AF-S. Go figure :S

[Alpha_7]

ok wayyy too bizarre! it was workingo n AF-C the other night and now only works in AF-S. Go figure :S

In my experience it only works on my D70 with AF-S not AF-C.

[gstark]

What do u mean by focus mode?

For someone who didn't understand the question, you gave exactly the right answers.

Batteries are fresh, I presume?

My only thought is to try this on a different body, and if you're seeing the same symptons, I suspect it might need a visit to St Nikon the Repairer.

[gstark]

In my experience it only works on my D70 with AF-S not AF-C.

I've never actually paid any attention.

[Alpha_7]

I only found out because I at first thought my SC-29 was broken, but it was because I'd been only shooting in AF-C mode, I switched back and the AF assit on the SC-29 fired up, I then tested the same with just the SB-800 on the hot shoe, same thing.

[Yi-P]

Thats strange...

AF-ILL doesnt work on AF-C mode as I know, only works on AF-S mode... yes, from my D70 too...


Charged your batteries yet?

[stubbsy]

Wayne I had the exact same problem with the SB800 on my D2x recently and it was cos it was on AF-C. It DOES NOT work in AF-C (and yes I know you said you seem to recall it did)

According to Thom Hogan's D2x ebook:
- set to single servo AF
- the central autofocus sensor must be seelected or the camer must be set to closest subject priority
- it must be enabled on the SB-800

[wendellt]

only works if the af assist option is set to on, in the flash unit

and if your d2x is set to AF-S single servo mode

otherwise batteries may be low in the flash

[PiroStitch]

hey guys,

it's all good now - popped it into AF-S and worked fine. Mind you, my heart stopped tonight as the flash slipped out of my hand and fell about 2m onto a hard timber floor The battery door popped open and all batteries fell out. Quickly put it all back together and it's still working in top condition

[Alex]

Hey Wayne,

Good to hear your flash is OK. I have dropped mine before and it survived. It's a pity that the assist doesn't work in AF-C (on D70 too) as it means some show in clubs I have to shoot with AF-S just to be able to focus.

Alex