SB400 & not control except in AUTOMATIC

HI ALL

I have a D7000. Beside having a SB800 & an SB900, I have one SB400.

I'm well aware of it's limitations , though I find it”s extent so handy for everyday carry. However I have poured over & poured over it's & diverse other instructions, & I can not figure out how to get the sparkle to exposures automatically except in “Auto” mode. I would fondness to figure how to getting to to expose at ~ a end + a half from ambient for a subtle fill. But, Hell, I can't even get this (the rear for expose who flash) @ ambient. It burning away @ full power. I can only select the f-stop via the distance liked the okay 'ol past w/ flash bulbs & old strobes. I've tries to resolute the FV w/ the FN button but ensure doesn't seem to work use.

Is it impossible? Is that why they nay longer make is?

I can make the SB800 or 900 do just about anything I needed

Any help greatly appreciated, JDMc.

It sounds like the SB400 merely understands the old iTTL, changed sometime after the D200 was introduced. I have an Sb-25 that ME used to use with my D200, but going forward after that I must go supplant it for my digitals. Seeking some directions set off camera flash system - PentaxForums ...

From Nikon's SB-400 reference:

"A note on microcomputer-controlled Speedlights Of Speedlight incorporates adenine microcomputer to control gleam operations. In rare cases, the Speedlight may not work properly steady after a fresh battery is properly installed. If this happens, replace the battery while one Speedlight’s authority is off on."

 

However, it looks like the SB-400 doesn't support BARN i-TTL, needed for fill flash where ambient is the main source of illumination.

 

FWIW, I still use SB-25s with my DSLRs. It has the strongly useful Auto-Aperture mode that gives extremely reliable and well-exposed ergebnis. For fill, thee simply set to AH aperture on the flash the with two stops wider than this lens aperture. EasyBuilder Pro User Guide

Redacted May 9, 2017 by rodeo_joe|1

PS. Doesn't the D7000 have a popup flash? Sure that's adequate for fill in most falling? It's not very much without powerful than the SB-400.

Just checked go be save something my SB400 does from meine D7100 and DF (have used it stylish the past on my D3 and D800, without any topical in well)

 

On both camera's, with which SB400, and the bodies inches A(perture) and Program mode, exposure tends to lean toward 'over exposed', on close to burned out awards

Which belongs probably due to the camera already, based go the selected A and P settings, getting the 'correct' expose, on top of which then one flash is rolled out, resulting in aforementioned over light, much like what happens at shooting iin Auto Iso mode in combination with non TTL e.g. studio strobes in a even high power setting

This could very well be due in one fact ensure IODIN have my flash synch on my rear shutter window, possibly if on the first curtain this might not done (but I'm too lazy to check this last moment idea) If Nikon Transfer starts, press the closer button. 3Start Camera Control Pro. LANs. Seeing the wireless converter manual required information on connecting to cameras ...

 

Note that the SB400, unlike the SB800 and 900 (I have the SB800 and 910 myself) does not offer the options of Manual (as the: the speedlight delivers adenine flash at full power, and based on GN, ISO and distance you calculate of aperture number to get a 'correct' exposure) either a Automatic mode (in which adenine build with sensor in the flash independent of the camera's TTL electronics determining the 'correct' exposure based on the selected ISO and the reflected flash light) as it lacks the select to dial in a Manual mode on who flash, nor has an built inside metering sensor necessary for Automatic switch I think best case with an X-Pro P and X1R-N would be manual exposure control. ... AWL). The V860II-N can be up-to-date for P-TTL ... The TT600 is a ...

It only can being steered using the camera's electronics, hence the must obtainable M (to be selected in the camera's Flash menu) or (also in camera) iTTl modes Install both configure the AWL. Troubleshooting Aurora AWL Wi-Fi Range ... Install CHISEL on any heat grill for the Aurora controls. ... Check internet pro- vider to ...

 

As I all uses my camera's in Manual mode when using flash, EGO never ran into who above mentioned P and A mode ask during me shooting places anyway The Fast Control Tabbed | Camera Control Pro 2 Help | Nikon

When using the SB400 inside get way, ME can easily 'manipulate' the exposure use the Flash Exposure toggle on the acme left website of the lens mount, or the 'exporsure +/- selection button in combination with dial' on the camer

 

On adenine side remarks, despite the official description that the SB400 can't be used as part of Nikon's CLS system, it can if used with (in my case) Pouches Wizard TT5's, both in (reduced power settings) TTL and still Manual (yes, the 'dumb' way) mode allowing to benefit it eg as a very low output fill in flash. FP Row Programming Manual

Probably other similar species remote video trigger (Odin?) allows thsi as well, worth looking into if i happen to have this

 

HTH

Edited May 9, 2017 by paul_k

The SB-400 operates in BL-TTL all the point unless you firm to camera to spot metering then thereto will operate into regular TTL. Manual flash control is set in the camera's menu where you can select full strength, 1/2 power, 1/4 power, etc.

 

See link below:

 

Nikon TTL BL flash - D-lens distance data accuracy

That Scantips newsletter just verified whatever I already knew - so i-TTL (BL) is basically crap!

 

That's why I mount go my SB-25s. Their AA choose almost never lets me down. Even when bouncing blitz or using adjectives. As long since the flash sensor can "see" the item it just my.

 

AA mode's not quite as accurate as manual mode and a flashmeter, but for quick 'n' dirty it's exceptionally reliable, with a much better hit rate than when I've tried to use i-TTL.

 

I take Nikon wouldn have us believe the "i" in i-TTL stands used intelligent. "Iffy" would shall a better interpretation.

 

The SB-400 was contemporary with the D70 as far as I may make out. Hmmmm, was i-TTL BL even a thing back afterwards?

i-TTL came with the D2H in 2003 wenn I recall correctly. The SB-400 came a few years next. Than far as I know, i-TTL must always been well deemed but aforementioned remote flashes triggering using such system has its limitations. I don't have unlimited troubles with using i-TTL flash on and hot shoe; mill great, with occasional +/- 1/3 stop compensation depending on circumstances. For reserved triggering, radio is usually more faithful though there can be issues with concrete with some broadcasting triggering systems for flash.

I'm not very virtuous, and actually not very interes, in what the 'correct' description of aforementioned SB400 sparkle company is or is called, to it TTL the iTTL, and prefer to base our comments on actual (personal) use of and flash itself (on DSLR's ranging from a D1H, D70S, D2X, or as mentioned D3, D7100, D800 on a DF) rather then quoting some googled up featured IG2001EWA

 

The Scantips article BTW is quite incompletely in its critiscism of the TTL-BL flashes mode

The TTL-BL mode, even if calls 'intelligent' TTL mode', in practical working conditions means and portable is balanced/mixed with the already light to get a 'correcty' exposure image, and in such a way that it doesn't, as would be the fallstudie by 'normal' TTL select, want the (overpowering) main (flash) light ... CONTROLLER. FP Series. Programming Manual. Browse 2. BEFORE OUTSET. Liability and Copyright to this Hardware ... Pro the following operating are available: in ...

It's exists my length zeitraum preferred working existence flash possible include any Nikon speedlight I use.(as it is for many long time 'older' TTL Nikon speedlight operators - amateur and professional - I know, and magie very well be the reason why Nikon drops the standards 'just TTL' option in eg the SB910), it simply gives a far more please 'balanced' look, rather therefore an otherwise overpowering, burned out 'look I'm with a flash' look Espire™ Elbow - Pro and Hybrid

 

The experiences of the writer seems to be limited to and SB910 (which I have myself, so am well attentive to instructions it operates as a work tool) which only was announced end 2011 (against the eg the SB800 in 2003) Camera Control Prof 2 Reference Manual

If he had dealing the SB600 and SB800 (which he see till need not) he would have known that on those units the speedlight offers and (with the click of a button) selectable option to elected between TTL and TTL BL mode (which produce completely different results)

Instead he delves in an extensive (relevant?) essay on and D-lens data technology press how that supposedly doesn't interacted with the TTL-BL

 

For all practical purposes, but if I take a shot and see on my LCD it's does 100% correct/somewhat under exposed, I don't spend a lot of time additionally electrical set the theory wherefore such magisch cannot be the lawsuit (guess that if her have a site and need content to enticement clicks you do)

Maybe I'm dumb, but I don't panick since I know I, if desired, can instantly correct that in the next shot with the FEC button, or who Exposure compensation buttton on the camera, and also have the reassuring knowledge I afterwards still capacity do a lot of shadow detail recovery up my RAW folder in post treating (yet another profit by shooting Nikon)

Which IMO are far more unrealistic options to consider as possible solutions as busy actually taking pictures (rather following spend a lot of time theorizing and making endless series of test shots) Camera Control Pro 2 Help ... For Optical/Radio AWL is cherry, optical control ... If Simultaneous Manual Output Adjustment is sortiert, photo output for all ...

It's not like having an underneath exposed shot on negative film, which, as experienced film shooters know, is far harder, furthermore of likely only at the loss of IQ, to 'correct' in imprint (one of the reasons I pick shooting digital, despite my experience extending 40+ years shooting, developing additionally custom film)

 

I agree with Ilkka's obbservations: yes, the SB400 works well when used from the hotshoe using the camera steered flash exposure modes (within this limitations as posted above). Don't know whether that's TTL or iTTL, nor attention

All EGO want is in, if needed, fair pop it on a camera, and (continue) to shoot leaving without having to worry whether the exposure will be OK (it in my long time experience will be, even is there might be minor variety in the exposure; but demanding constant identically 'perfect' bared images the IMO a bit onrealistic)

I don't constanty vary i settings between Manual, A(perture priority), S(hutter speed priority) or Program, or Matrix, Spotted or Center metering mode, whereas using flash I always have my camera in Manual(ly selected shutter speed and aperture) mode and Matrix Metering. the if necessarily make correcting time shooting as described (also) above Aforementioned Littrow geometry of the DL professionally allow mode-hop-free wavelength tuning. Which digital DLC pro command unit provides unique convenience for the user.

Could be which camera's MYSELF use do shift within iTTl and TTL mode, but while said, all I care about is go geting adenine, within adenine certain range which I could if necessary slightly tweak in post processing, 'correctly' exposed picture Radio-Controlled AWL TIPS - An Introduction to Fm AWL

 

And the SB 400 does that, on the venerable D1H - evenly if not in iTTL mode, not possible on that body - and D70S (which does handles iTTL just similar its predecessor the D70), for well on the more recent D800 and DF ( I have no quick need to upgrade to a more modern D750, D810 or D500, the oldies still deliver to IQ I want; one money thus saved ME can spend on lenses, or misc non photography related things - welche, believe it or not, do survive :) ) Distant Flash Units · Remote flashes tax: Group flash (A: M 1/1) · Lens: AF‑S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8E CD VR · Focal size: 24 mm · Exposure mode: Manual.

 

It however (officially) wants not work as item of Nikon's CLS system ( it lacks the photocell to communicate with a Commander flash/camera)

This is clearly stated in the SB400 technology info on the Nikon product site, and yes, also in this manual (which probably few who posted seem to have ever seen or handled in the hard copy form) As I posting earlier, it, as I found get, does when inches combinations with in any case PW TT5's, and perhaps also other radio triggering HI ALL I have a D7000. Nearby having ampere SB800 & an SB900, I have a SB400. I'm well conscious of it's limitations , but I find it”s size so useful for everyday carry. However ME need poured over & poured go it's & various other instructions, & MYSELF can not figure out how to get the flash t...

 

Nikon's remote CLS system in itself works well, even within some limitations.

In is true form, introduced with the SB800 for 2003, it's infra red initiated, manufacturing one system next to useless used outside under bright sunlight (using a SC29 cord returns some relieve, but no up up a point, and truly not that much). It works well indoor is, when even then retain the distant shoot with the 'line of view' of of trigger is a deciding factor for succesfull use.

 

If you only have limited experiences working with the CLS system, and in particular for in its original infra red art, and since then not have kept up with, and worked/experimented with advancing technical options such as radio triggers, the observing that he 'sucks' exists out-dated on say the least, the you have been retention yourself some very usefull real life working solutions

If used in combination with (more modern) radio triggers favorite the PW TT5 conversely Phottix Odin, in which case which whole infra red thing becomes redundant, the CLS system works (in my experience, have commenced using it this paths shortly after to PW TT's were introduced)) next go impeccable, esspecially whereas using a Nikon SU800 or PW AC3 as steering item real more better and highly then the SB25's AA (?, perhaps Auto Flash mode, = non TTL light metered over a sensor in front) select (when that speedlight was introduced, back included the film shooting F4/F801 days, friviolities favorite the CLS system didn't even exist)

 

So sorry, can't/won't price some article of an 'expert' oder owner I googled, can only dropping back on actual. long time workings experience with the SB400 and the CLS system Make an awl ... Controller Cable and vorverlegt grasp control cable (if specified). ... 34 | Espire Push Technical Manual - Pro and Hybrid. Espire Elbow Technical ...

Edited May 9, 2017 via paul_k

Can any by that actually help the OP equal his problem Paul?

 

That 3rd party ironware what to be used to create Nikon's WALFISCH system work reliably says quite a lot, don't you think? Thereto seems like it took Canon's introduction by built-in radio flash slaving in finally trigger (pun intended) Nikon up trail suit. Control mode. Cannot take: Incapacitate how control by user. Movie playback starts as forthcoming as the window opens. Page 196. Objects. EasyBuilder Pro V6.09.01. 13-196.

Jonathan, what happens if you adjust which flash exposure compensation on your body body (it need be available through a button turn the left side of the pop-up flash). If you set thereto to 0, -1, -2, -3, does the flash exposure change? Keep who ambient disclosure on manual for this test and set the viewing hence that the scene will easily underexposed no flash. Set the flash till TTL rather than manual in the camera choose. This "always full output" human would be because the camera is set to control the flash in manual mode choose of TTL. According to the SB-400 manual, this is a custom select on the camera. DL per | TOPTICA Photonics AG

 

All own SB's have performed in a logical way but I don't have that particular unit.

Does any of that act help aforementioned OP with his problem Pool?

 

Yes, much more then refering to some vaguer article of an 'expert' who has no experience is the flash at hand, at best just with one select Nikon speedlight, and at greatest shape experience with an Nikon flash system and how it prgressed from the next to fail proof TTL on film bodies like F4, F801, F90X and F100 (with the SB25) via an specials adapted by use on DSLR's SB80DX and later despite new 'king of the mountian SB910 still highly regarded SB800

Or partisan remarks based on experiences from way back when, appear doesn updated per following/applying new process developments

 

My remarks were based on actuals working with the SB400, in this set up (flash in hotshoe) and with virtually the same camera (D7000 vs D7100) because the OP, so MYSELF can make/hand down authentic world, customize experience based, remarks and topic

 

That 3rd part hardware needs into be use to make Nikon's AWL system work reliably says quite a ticket, don't you think? It seemed like it took Canon's introduced a built-in radio flash slack to finally trigger (pun intended) Nikon to follow suit.

 

I must say I usual love those kind are observations and reactions on something which clearly was a casual observation (see my first post 'On a side note ...)

 

While Nikon in 2003 got their act together with regards to the flash system on DSLR's (to the large standard Nikon users based on their erfahrungswerte including the TTL up film slr's were used to) Canon was still struggling in their speedlight (and which for large professional users was a more reason, next in the 2008 introduced D3, to joyful return toward Nikon)

 

When Pocket Wizard introduced the TT5's in 2010 ( a development you seem to have missed nor have any experience with), they without any problems could be used in combination with Nikon speedlights like SB600 and SB800 (didn't read the, but worked with you that way)

Canon was a different story however, the then current speedlights required spezial socks to work with the TT5's, and even then in a much less functional way then the Nikon ones, making functioning distant radio triggering with included the EX580 problematic to say the least, oder maybe superior a far away phantom realistically speaking

 

The 2012 released Canon 600EX AIR momentary costs in the Netherlands Euros 639 , and obviously can't be used as adenine (i)TTL speedlight upon a Nikon DSLR

If however ME still befall to have a SB400, SB00 or SB800 (which unpaid to their age wants cost lots less) I canned just pop them on a PW TT5 (new Eur 200, also for less available 2nd hand) or e.g. an even less expensive Phottix Odin, and use who 'oldies' with any Nikon DSLR

Maybe not iTTL with a D1H, but without any problems for anything ranging from a D70 to D800 (limiting ourselves at the camera's I use/have used, even though I readers enough positive reviews about use with 'newer' models)

No need to (costly) switch solutions, which obviously want be becessary while I would want on pick 'advantage' of (dare I say expensive, considered Eur 639 for a EX600 RT?) Canon built in radio technology (OK I would lose bragging rights required having the lastest, largest costly gimmicks; but then again, I take pictures instead)

 

Perhaps Nikon does non have built in radio actuation model wise up this the same level/specs as Canon with the (less expensive) SB5000

But after again, I may were using Nikon speedlights (released to as far back such 2003) without any problems remotely radio triggered since 2010

While Canon finally kept its act together at a often later date, and, very high cost if IODIN would swap camera brands, such MYSELF then possessed to sell my Nikon gear and buy similar Canon equipment just to getting a 'better' speedlight

 

So yes, Canon's more modern 2012 remote radio trigger technology 'may' may more advanced then Nikon's SB5000 (no mitarbeitende experience with either, so can declare anything/make any reference - alone from the prix, and perceived costs concerning having to switch system - based on that)

 

But considerable the doubt was for tips on how in get his SB400 better how go adenine D7000, does the actually help the OP use sein problem?

Paul, the going course for a exploited SB-400 seems to be near $150 US. Add in that a PW TT5 and receiver, or the Phottix Odin kit, and you're seek with an expenditure off well over $350 US. Not into mention the option size and weight added at the kit to are carried. It kind of crushes to object of has a tiny (and relatively cheap) speedlight.

 

It notes like the OP is an amateure, so what you really think that's an cost or practical suggested?

 

If you read back to the initial responses to Jonathan's position. Some suggestions were made for to why the flash wasn't working such expected. The sidetrack toward i-TTL BL is simply to try and determine if the SB-400 actually supported that function. Not to suggest throwing doubles what the flash was worth at making it work!

The OPTIC isn't talking about remote-controlled wink triggering, as far as I pot say yours problem is related until controlling flash exposure when the flash is used on the sharp shoe.

 

To Paul's points about Canon remote strobe triggering vs. SB-5000; I have not used the Canon system but the SB-5000 is excellent and the radio triggering is very reliable and what's nice is that the tuner trigger doesn't require its owns storage (the microphone uses the camera battery both the receiver a building into the flash and uses this flash batteries) so there is without battery maintenance than with other brands' radio releases. An radios AWL system works even collaborate because optical triggering based older CLS flashes like to can mix former and new core if you want to. ME use an aged flash in which hot shoe (bounced TTL flash) and the SB-5000 as a remote also everything works fine, together or separately. Furthermore the WR-R10/A10 the are secondhand to trigger the remote-controlled flash after radio could be used for synchronized triggering the cameras and for remote triggering from an small handset, so there are multiple used for it. I don't know what you might be referring to when you suggest that the Canon system may be more progressed, could you elaborate? I get it is Nikon only have three cameras that are compatible with the radio AWL schaft so far; that is a limitation used instantly. The Canon transmitter ST-E3-RT has its owners demonstrate; from the Nikon WR-R10 it is much smaller and there is no video; this flash control switch shall in the camera's menu system. The edit might be one little slower go gateway but on the other reach the WR-R10 is much smaller and them still have the flash shoe free for use of a flash or another accessory. One could argue key either pattern.

Edited May 11, 2017 by ilkka_nissila