How do I keep D80 flash from firing?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/20/2008 02:56:46 PM · #1

When I put my camera in commander mode to fire my sb800 (off camera) I can't seem to make it so the on camera flash doesn't fire. Has any one else solved this problem?

XMountaineer

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/20/2008 03:00:06 PM · #2

not sure how your nikon works, but w/ my canon, you have to have it in one of the "manual" modes....P, Av, Tv, M, ADEP for the flash not to fire

togtog

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/20/2008 03:12:17 PM · #3

Well firstly the flash has to fire, it is how Nikon flashes speak to one another, by firing a fast series of command flashes followed by a trigger flash. The actual post-command flash from the camera should be dim, however if it is objectionable Nikon makes a hotshoe plastic piece that blocks the visible portion of the on camera flash, I think it is $20.

JMart

Nikon D80

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

12/20/2008 03:23:58 PM · #4

Originally posted by togtog:

I just set the camera flash to 1/16 and then take a bit of toilet paper and wrap it around the flash. There's still enough light from it to trigger my SB600, but it's not enough to make nasty shadows.

smichener

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/20/2008 03:40:02 PM · #5

Originally posted by JMart:

Originally posted by togtog:
Well firstly the flash has to fire, it is how Nikon flashes speak to one another, by firing a fast series of command flashes followed by a trigger flash. The actual post-command flash from the camera should be dim, however if it is objectionable Nikon makes a hotshoe plastic piece that blocks the visible portion of the on camera flash, I think it is $20.

I just set the camera flash to 1/16 and then take a bit of toilet paper and wrap it around the flash. There's still enough light from it to trigger my SB600, but it's not enough to make nasty shadows.

That makes sense about the command flashes but I thought it was IR communication going on. I have lowered the on camera flash but was hoping there was a way to not have it fire at all.

12/20/2008 03:43:54 PM · #6

I'm pretty sure you can set that thing like my D90 to not fire the flash.

See here

No matter what...you will see some kind of flash but if you set it right, those little flashes don't affect the picture.

12/20/2008 03:52:52 PM · #7

I just did my d90. When you go the the flash menu select commander mode

The options on my d90 let you set the settings for

Built in flash

group a

group b etc....

On built in flash I can put...manual....TTL....on "nothing"

Manual will let you set 1/2, 1/16, etc....TTL is automatic and the nothing just "blanks" out the options.

I tried a shot with my SB800 just now and did not get ANY flash off my built in flash...

Kenny

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

12/20/2008 03:59:42 PM · #8

Here's one I just did. As you can see, there is no flash coming from the front. The doggie is looking towards the remote flash.

Message edited by author 2008-12-20 16:00:37.

JMart

Nikon D80

12/20/2008 04:10:56 PM · #9

Try with something reflective, like a glass or a water drop, and I think you'll find that there is a white spot reflected from the on-camera flash. It's not a big deal in most instances, just with reflective surfaces.

12/20/2008 04:22:10 PM · #10

I'll try it in a mirror.

Originally posted by JMart:

Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di for Nikon

12/20/2008 04:27:36 PM · #11

I can see the flash in the mirror, however, it does not affect the picture....at least not when I had the full blast remote flash aimed from the side.

JMart

Nikon D80

12/20/2008 04:51:38 PM · #12

Originally posted by kenskid:

I can see the flash in the mirror, however, it does not affect the picture....at least not when I had the full blast remote flash aimed from the side.

Yup, it's only a problem if you don't want a little hot spot reflected off of a surface, otherwise I don't worry about it. Cute doggie yawn by the way ;)

smichener

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/20/2008 06:28:36 PM · #13

Woohoo. Okay I finally got it figured out. Thanks for all your help guys. The key is that the camera flash is just sending the signal like Kenny said.