Using non-Nikon flash

I may simply be looking right at the answer, but so far I cannot get the camera to use my Phottix flash. Following the manual, p196-202, when I press the flash button no options appear, other than to change the compensation. Pressing shutter release does not cause the flash to fire.

Not all flashes work with all cameras, have you checked its compatibility ?

Phottix describe it as Nikon-compatible, though it was bought before the 500 came out.

It is becoming apparent that Nikon really went overboard in designing the D500 to be as incompatible as possible. I am seeing more and more reports about incompatibilities with third party lenses, batteries, and now flashes. Heck, they even made it incompatible with their own older batteries.

I agree. My AC battery replacement doesn't work and there is no IR remote release. So far I am estimating $600-700 to regain full functionality.

So I wonder if third party triggers will work with the D500.

I don't have the Photix but have an Adorama Flashpoint Zoom (Godox is the manufacture) and it works as in the manual, p196-202 that you would expect, iTTL,FP slow,slow and rear the only thing I do not think it does is BL balanced lighting but I generally use rear setting with iTTL. Normally I shoot in manual mode. I have also used the Yongunou triggers they seem to work but the only thing I noticed when I pair them up with the Zoom Flashpoints that I have to increase the Flash exposure as it seems to under expose. It also does the same thing with my D7K.
Other wise I am please with the Zoom Flashes.
Lou Cioccio

Okay, embarrassing solution. When I used the flash last it was paired to a remote trigger and was still waiting to hear from it. Once I u linked it everything worked just fine.

Glad to hear that. I just got my D500 and had no issues with Mitros or Odin trigger.

Works with my X60 - Canadian re-brand of the Godox V860, worked fine in iTTL.

I found that with batteries, one of my two off brands worked, one did not.
I also found their older Gen I battery did work, and while it may have died a little quicker than the newer Gen II batteries if no one had told me I would not have noticed. But I did send it away for a new one, hey free is free.

Have not tried my IR Remotes (all super cheap eBay versions) but I will. I hardly ever use those - will be good to know if it works or not.

I have found that slightly older software eg. DoX Pro 9 and Elements (Ver 12 I think?) will not work with D500 NEF files - tell me not just to update, but upgrade to a newer version (at considerable cost) in order to read these files. Corel's Aftershot and Paintshop Pro had no problems but they are newer versions to begin with.