Nikon Off Camera Flash

[@lyndaallen9970]

Simple, clear, straight forward... THANK YOU! Couldn't find anything anywhere else that could help me, not even the sales people in the camera store had a clue!

[@Jack14432]

Can you change the power of your flash on TTL mode using the remote command?

[@PrimeStudios]

Yes, you should be able to do that by using the exposure compensation in "Commander Mode". You can see this under the column marked "Comp." at 1:29 next to the "Group A" TTL setting. You can also change flash exposure compensation at the flash unit itself.

[@AlyK94]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! :D I have a D7000 and an SB-700...I couldn't figure it out for the life of me even after reading both the camera manual and the flash manual.

[@fredluhn7132]

Nikon has a solution to eliminate the popup flash from being part of the exposure. The Nikon SG-3IR IR Panel for Built-In Flash blocks the visible light from the onboard flash but allows infra red light through which will trigger an off camera flash. It's around $10-$15. No need to use a radio transmitter accessory.

[@fleanine]

Along with the other commenters I also appreciate the last minute of this video where you mention the on-camera flash firing a little bit even though it is set to off- I was fighting it all day today trying to come up with a way around it, the best I came up with was to put a small piece of dark paper in front (obviously not to block it entirely, just a few inches in front of it) so it minimizes any reflection, but the idea of a remote switch is actually sounding pretty good right now thank you for mentioning that!

[@andyvan5692]

one tip: regarding your final thought about on board flash in exposure, there is a way to remove it effectively, that is to use a special blocker/ diffuser panel, on the R 1 / R 1 C 1 ring light kits, this is included in these kits, just for this purpose, to have ONLY the R-200 flashes in the exposure, using just this vintage of camera body, aka minimal controls & flash features; it pops onto the hot shoe, and has a panel which hinges in front of the on-board flash, hiding it from exposure, but allowing the IR communication waves through to power the remote flash guns (R-200's), but can't see why it can't be used in general practice with D 90's and other entry level cameras like it. I think all parts of this kit are part numbered so you can order these items individually, so you should be able to order just the diffuser panel alone, without the R 1 / R 1 C 1 kits, if that is what you want, or if you don't do enough macro work to justify the whole ring light kit purchase.

[@suzykinner5889]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for explaining it so clearly and explaining that the pop up flash still flashes even if on lowest power setting. I thought I was missing something and kept rewatching videos until I found yours.

[@PrimeStudios]

I'm glad I could help you! I find most people Are intimidated by flash; there is no need to be!

[@solemnwinter3235]

This video was hard to find. Glad it's still up after 7 years, Thank You. (Would you include optical flash in your tags or title so it can be more easily located via the internet?)

[@PrimeStudios]

Done!

[@chigby08]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. For being the first guy to mention the flash does go off on the camera, even tho I turned it off in Commander Mode!!! I watched 6 other lame video's searching for an explanation.

[@celinemkphotography]

Same here! Thank you!

[@skanjilal2608]

Exactly, me the same

[@mfsmfs63]

One small correction - Not sure on the SB-800, but the 700 has a small round window on the battery compartment side. That window is what senses the on-camera flash, so it should face your camera. Not the red plastic as described around the 4 minute mark.

[@PrimeStudios]

Yes, that's correct. i did not know that at the time of making the video. The light sensor on Nikon flashes is also marked by a squiggly arrow indicating wireless flash.

[@amarashah1277]

Hi there, what do you mean by “it won’t be a part of the exposure” .. does that mean the flash on the camera only works as a trigger and not to actually light anything up? Why do I feel like it’s still lightning the subject a little bit ?

[@PrimeStudios]

If you have the on camera flash out on that setting, then hypothetically it's not supposed to be in the exposure. As to whether it actually shows up or not, even a little bit, would require more testing.

[@cbmturner]

Finally I have found the answer I've been looking for! I have been experimenting with off camera flash and got some good results but only in TTL mode, I just couldn't figure out how to get the off camera flash to work in manual mode then at 1m 50sec into your video there it was, Thank you soooo much.

[@Lloyd1885]

Thanks, that clears up why the flash on my camera was still firing..all the other vids I have seen say to do this -- to prevent the flash on the camera from working, but mine still did!...obviously its meant to..even if its just a little,

[@andyvan5692]

nice video, I have this flash, never new about hitting the on/off to exit the menu mode, good tip, real time saver; PS: the sensor is the small red opaque circle, on the side of the flash, the big square one at front is the AF assist illuminator, using Nikon terms, it gives a light for AF focusing in dim conditions, as well as when you press the D.O.F. preview button, to show the effect.( can be turned off in the menus- that is switch from AF illuminator IN camera to on-FLASH illuminator use).

[@ificouldfly-16]

thank you, your video helped me with my d600 and sb900:))

[@wenel09]

Thank you so much, i have watched several tutorials and just couldn't get it to work, after watching your video i was set up in less than a minute.

[@PrimeStudios]

That's great! Thank you for the complement, I am always happy to help where I can!

[@emrealanya007]

Thank you dude ... I couldnt do it with other videos but with yours i did it pretty quick !

[@michael-lt2lf]

Oh thanks so much for this! I've been trying to figure this out for ages!

[@lior2538]

Mine is D3200 and I just bought a Speedlight for it but looks like I can't use it off the camera 😫

[@PrimeStudios]

Nope, only on d7000 models or above.

[@camperjohn6464]

Thank you. Quickly set up my camera and got it working with my new flash.

[@reddevil211287]

Best explanation of the nikon speedlight system on youtube! thank you :D

[@Collin2377]

Good evening everyone. I need some help, please. When I have my speed light SB-700 connected to my D750, is there any way when I flash that, to flash a second external speed light in the same time ? If you have a youtube video showing how to do that (if possible) that would also help. Thank you.

[@PrimeStudios]

here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKOkgKiNopitmcU

[@Collin2377]

Prime Studios thank you

[@rizwanholo1]

Is it possible to use Godox Trigger with SB700 flash? I am trying to avoid using camera flash to Trigger the external flash as my subject can be sensitive to direct flash on face

[@PrimeStudios]

Sure. You'd just need a Godox transmitter on the hot shoe and the SB-700 sitting on a Godox receiver off camera.

[@job2k6]

Wow awesome. I just picked up a 105mm macro lens and the guy had the SB-800 so I grabbed that as well since it was up for such a good price. Had no idea it had these types of capabilities. This will open up all sorts of interesting things to try.

[@harrisonwinslow1302]

Thanks for the video, I love that I can get this type of info quick and easy.

[@Triplebuc50]

I just bought 2 pocketWizard TT5, 0ne for my Nikon D3300, the other for my SB800 Nikon Flash. Is this the best way to control my SB800 OFF CAMERA?

[@PrimeStudios]

Pocket Wizard is considered a high end brand and the TT5s will allow you to use your flash in it's automatic TTL mode as if it's still on the camera. Since the d3300 can't do the flash triggering shown in this video you actually have to use a TTL transceiver system like this.

[@Triplebuc50]

What is the exact reasons for the D3300 not be able to use the Nikon's D3300 built in on camera flash to trigger the Off Camera SB-800 Nikon Flash?

[@chrisf5475]

I'm just getting into using an off camera flash... can somebody please explain one thing for me? When using TTL 'off camera'... how is the information actually sent from camera to flash? I'm using Nikon, and I understand how to use commander mode to set the popup flash as a trigger... I get that the popup flash triggers the speedlight. What I do not understand is how a camera can control the flash.... things such as exposure comp, zoom etc. Is it send via infrared? I assume the camera (D7100) doesn't have a built in radio transmitter and likewise, speedlights do not contain a receiver. This is one thing I haven't seen explained in any video or manual. Somebody please tell me : )

[@PrimeStudios]

That is an excellent question. The on camera pop up flash is what is used to communicate with the off camera flash. It does this using pulses of light in a very specific sequence, all happening a fraction of a second before it takes the actual photo. The basic sequence of events goes like this: 1) The "Commander" on camera flash does what is called a Pre-flash to signal any off camera flash to go off and put out a very specific amount of light. 2) This light coming out of the off camera flash is then seen through the lens of the camera (AKA "TTL" or Automatic Mode for Flash) and a light meter reading is taken from this light bouncing off of whatever subject the off camera flash is pointed at. 3) Using this light meter reading the "Commander" flash on camera sends a second set of light pulses which tell the off camera flash exactly what power setting it needs to use to get a correct exposure. 4) Both (or just the off camera flash depending on your settings) then go off during the actual taking of the picture another fraction of a second later. You can see this process in slow motion in this KZbin video: bit.ly/2uoLnLS As long as you have line of sight between the "Commander" flash on camera, and the light reading sensor on the off camera flash (usually a small circular window with a "Z" shaped arrow next to it, a very universal symbol on flashes) then they can communicate with each other. If the off camera flash is inside of a soft-box however, the sensor will not be able to see the light from the "Commander" flash and you'll need to use a radio trigger system. I hope this helps!

[@a-muse6567]

Thank you so much for this video! I had bought a knock off brand speedlite with unintelligible instructions. After watching several other videos I was so bummed because I thought I had only two options, 1) on camera, or 2) off camera with a pocket wizard. Now from you I have seen that I don't technically need the pocket wizard, and I am finally ready to try off camera flash, which is why I bought the speedlite in the first place!!

[@PrimeStudios]

I'm glad I could help! If you have any other questions I'm happy to do my best to answer them!

[@nicolas.leger3]

Awesome. Just bought a couple of SB 26 for my D800.

[@syedmukarramali5467]

Does third party flash guns needs trigger with D7100 on commandmode?

[@PrimeStudios]

There are third party flashes that do this, but they need to have the feature built in. Usually if they will do TTL on the hot shoe, they often also have a wireless mode, but always double check.

[@RollinWithSteven]

I have a nikon d3300 and a nikon sb700 speedlight, how do I go about doing some off camera flash. my camera does not have wireless ttl built in.

[@PrimeStudios]

+Steven Sanchez You are correct in that your camera does not have Wireless TTL with the built in flash. You can buy some radio triggers that are TTL, I'd recommend Phottix or Vello brand. You can also still set off your sb-700 using the manual mode. In the flash setting on the sb-700 it is a wireless mode called "SU-4", I have no idea why. all this does is set your sb-700 to go off any time it sees another flash.

[@michaelpoczynek]

Excellent thanks. Finally I know what to do with my other older flash. Have a great day!

[@aryasglobe5768]

Thank you so much… you explained so well…. Just what I wanted…. to the point and clear…

[@marigold100-1]

Thank you for explaining this so well and in a very simple way. I appreciate this tutorial!!

[@nightbladestudios7824]

Does this apply for godox flashes?

[@PrimeStudios]

That would depend on the specific flash model, but usually if the flash is made for Nikon TTL systems then yes it probably has this function.

[@manju_narasimha]

Can I do this on Nikon D3100 as well?

[@PrimeStudios]

No, the 3000 and 5000 series Nikon cameras cannot control off camera flashes.

[@manju_narasimha]

@@PrimeStudios thank you for yr kind response!

[@Rosapixel]

I dont have e3 on nikon d5300. I have only e1 abd e2!

[@PrimeStudios]

Unfortunately, the 5000 series cameras don't have the flash trigger feature.

[@Timbee3]

Hey, will this work with the Nikon SB-600?

[@PrimeStudios]

Yep. Check out the manual on page 60: bit.ly/33hIooU

[@coreyflores2209]

How do I add it on top of my camera to where when I take a shot it flashes at the same time? Help

[@PrimeStudios]

You can simply slide the base of the flash onto the the metal hot shoe on the top of the camera and lock it down. Make sure it is on "TTL" mode as this means automatic, and you should be good to go.

[@ashwanitak961]

Does this method work with only Nikon Flashes or any other 3rd party flash as well ?

[@gazbrooks]

Nikon flashes only with the commander mode, as it's for the Nikon CLS. (Creative Lighting System).

[@PrimeStudios]

Some third party flashes will do wireless TTL, like some higher end Nissin models. Although, I've found that the Nikon ones usually do a lot better job.

[@longnguyen8]

shanny also do with SN600SN, with cheaper price

[@stefanmacovei1216]

hi, how to control on extern blitz metz 44 af-1? i have nikon d600

[@PrimeStudios]

bit.ly/2kcxLPf I think the answers you seek on on pages 97 and 98.

[@coreyflores2209]

I need help, I cannot get it to work or program with my Nikon D5600. I have a vk7750III

[@PrimeStudios]

The 5000 series of Nikon cameras does not have the ability to control off camera flash using the pop-up flash on the camera. That feature is only in higher end cameras of the 7000 series or higher.

[@Lee-70ish]

Cheers for that info mate going to give it a whirl with my nissin 622

[@sarkasztic]

What if you just put a tape over the on camera flash???

[@PrimeStudios]

Then it won't work...

[@EjAtwkLE4M]

Thank you so much!! ;DD watched every stupid flash video and I finally found you and it works! Thanks mate!!

[@mesfeneegebre4511]

Thankyou

[@sookiescott]

Thank you so much!!!. You've just answered what I was trying to do just now.

[@ignacio41]

The build in flash still flashing after doing your steps.

[@PrimeStudios]

The built in flash will still go off to communicate with the off camera flashes but will not be in the exposure, assuming you have set it that way.

[@ignacio41]

I follow your steps and the flash still in the exposure. I want to trigger a flash behind the subject but I don't want the flash on my camera interfere on the subject face.

[@trickycs1682]

Same goes with... I want low key portrait but the on camera flash lightens up the background and i m completely screwed here... Please explain something related to how to completely decrease the exposure from the on camera flash or completely switch it off.. @primeStudios

[@chemdie5257]

There is no way with this setup. The flash on your camera goes off to trigger the second, off-camera flash. This one is triggered by the FLASH-LIGHT that hits its sensor. You can't turn the on-camera flash off, because you wouldn't trigger the second one anymore. You need a "remote trigger", for what you are trying to do.

[@WaldirHannemann]

Very good explanation!! Thank you!!

[@josephmcveigh872]

Thank you so much

[@johnmedia9062]

My Nikon d750 doesn't pick up light in slave mode with neweer 750ii. the picture is dark. What's wrong with that?

[@PrimeStudios]

Without knowing more my best guess is that you have a shutter speed set too high. Try it at 1/150th of a second and see if it works.

[@johnmedia9062]

Prime Studios I have try that but it doesn't work. It seem like when the object is far this happen and when the object is close the camera could pick up the light but it's not always.

[@ddcork82]

mrjon2069, You say near the end of your video(which by the way is spot on) that if you don't want the pop up flash in the way that you can get a transmitter. For some reason my speedlight will not trigger because I have a transmitter on my d7k hot shoe. I hope that made sense. Do you or anyone that reads this have any suggestions of what I may be doing wrong. Pop up flash doesn't look cool at all when you're trying to look like a professional. Thanks again

[@PrimeStudios]

A true professional only cares about getting the shot, and if looking "uncool" gets the job done, then so be it. The built in wireless TTL system in the camera is a pretty nice feature, it's only weakness being it must be line of sight. Radio TTL systems will run you between $150-$500 or more.

[@sweatbustersairconditionin5471]

Excellent, concise explanation mate. Thanks heaps!

[@adamstevenson4238]

Thank you, finally a clear explanation!!

[@montsergirl]

this was so helpful I needed this =)! A little different on my 7500 menu but I figured it out (shockingly!LOL) so thank you!!

[@Cyclinginmallorca]

thank you

[@skanjilal2608]

Thank you, please keep educating the first timers like me

[@markkanjanasoon5233]

very informative... thanks

[@mr.goldman8484]

Very nice.. Thank you

[@27dyranz]

Thanks a lot!

[@Bonedalearchitect]

Excellent, thanks!

[@badmatt4227]

The reason the on camera flash is flashing is because the on camera flash is triggering the off camera flash.

[@PrimeStudios]

Yes! Most people don't realize that the on camera flash can go off, but not be a part of the exposure in the photo. It's simply going off to trigger the external flash.

[@juliancarroll329]

Excellent explanation. Articulate, concise and pleasant. Thank you.

[@samjonespocket]

thankks!!!!

[@AyooMurray]

Much appreciated!

[@bobloblaw7879]

Thanks for a helpful video. One small suggestion, please stop saying "go ahead and", ie. " I'm going to turn it on" 'instead of "I'm going to go ahead and turn it on".....its worse than constant "um"s

[@PrimeStudios]

ummmm........I'm going to work on that...

[@SanjikaPhotography]

Excellent Thanks!

[@gruntsworth1]

perfect

[@elizabethfarrell9650]

beautiful. 💕

[@hpeter7951]

Thank you sir great

[@davesalinas6356]

in was watching another vid then this one came on while I started doing something else...then I was like " this moron sounds like Jon...."

[@PrimeStudios]

I am everywhere.

[@josenadesan]

Whats the work around for D5300?

[@PrimeStudios]

If you have a Nikon camera that does not have this feature built in, you can use a TTL radio system to have your speedlight work off camera and still be in automatic mode. Something like this: amzn.to/2lMSX2 . This kind of transmitter/receiver set also gives you the same kind of grouping and power control as you see in the camera in this video.

[@thekingofkanata]

Many thanks!

[@chriskatsou5483]

thank you!