CLS question

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Glenbuck

Senior Member
I am just starting in using off camera flash. I have a D7000 and an SB-700 speed light. I have been able to configure the speed light to fire remotely. But as well as the SB-700 firing, the on-camera flash also fires. My question is - should the on-camera flash also fire, and if so does this not affect the overall effect?
For example If i want to use my SB-700 at 45 degrees to the subject and and shooting from the front of the subject won't the on-camera flash affect the overall lighting effect?
Sorry if this is answered elsewhere but this is leaving me confused!
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
There are setting to not use the on-board flash but from what I am finding out is that it has to fire to get readings but it fires at a time the shutter is not open so it does not affect the exposure.
 
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WayneF

Senior Member
Right, the internal flash is the Commander, and it must flash commands to the remote. Commanders gotta flash. However, they don't have to contribute to the scene lighting (you can choose that they can, but it is optional).. The internal flash has two separate functions, 1) commander, and 2) regular flash unit. We can choose to use either one, or both.

The camera Commander menu has three groups: The Builtin flash, and A and B remotes. You can simply set the MODE for this Builtin Group to be mode "--", which is Off, or disabled. If group B is unused, you can disable it the same way (mode "--").

The Commander still must flash commands to the remote (request for TTL preflash, and then setting its power level according to the metered result), but this is immediately before the shutter opens, so it will not contribute to the scene lighting. Or alternately, the builtin flash can also fully contribute as another group if not disabled.

There is one exception (of no light from the commander) - If you are using like a f/2.8 lens wide open up very close to a shiny reflective subject, it can see the final flash trigger after the shutter is open. This is very weak, but such an unusual case can see a bit of light from the commander, However, there is a $12 shield to prevent that too. Normally NOT needed, any normal case (human portraits, etc) does not need anything else.

This shield can also help prevent the classic blinking problem of human subjects.. Or using FV Lock is an easy solution too.

See Using the Nikon CLS Remote Wireless Flash System for more about this (2nd page, at the end), and about using the Commander.
 
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