 Abie Thomas |
Which Flash Would Be The Best for A Nikon N80? I am an amateur photographer and I find the built-in flash on the N80 is insufficient to get clear pictures at night of a family gathering, b'day party, etc. I have no idea what flash would be ideal for me to buy. Should I buy out of the Nikon range or something else? I would be grateful for some suggestions or any Web sites which offer such advice.
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Don Kelly |
I have the Nikon SB-28 and love it. It's got plenty of power for any situation. It works extremely well with the N80's auto modes, but also works well under manual control. I know you can find cheaper units but I don't think you'll find one you'd be happier with.
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Abie Thomas |
Thanks a million Don. Really appreciate your help.
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Hermann Graf |
The SB-28 is the "Rolls Royce" under the possible flash units. If you have budget concerns, think of third party flashes, e.g. Sunpak or Metz. They offer a dedicated adapter in order to ensure the support of all capabilities of your camera. Moreover, they offer a lot more of accessories for the flash than Nikon does, not to mention that the flashes often exceed Nikon's as for versatility.
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Abie Thomas |
Thanks a million Hermann. Yes, I do have budget concerns. And my line of thought is: I have a N80 (or a F80 as it is here in Australia) and I can't really, probably, use all the features the SB-28 has to offer; so is it worth getting it? Also I am a serious amateur and will remain only that for the next 10 years or so, so should I buy something so expensive? I would really appreciate it if you could suggest some Sunpak or Metz model numbers, which in your experience have good features and offer good value for money. My only major concern with buying other brands is that, I am not really good at all the technical stuff so I want something which will do, at least initially, most of the major work by itself. I mean from day one, I should not have to adjust settings on the flash for every photo. Are different company flashes made to synchronise with Nikon? Once again, I really appreciate you taking the time to reply Hermann.
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Hermann Graf |
Abie, have a look at this flash unit page. If you don't need 3D flash matrix metering and no manual operation capability, the Metz 34AF-3N for Nikon would be the cheapest alternative ($121); a higher guide number has the Metz 40AF-4N ($141). More capabilities (manual/auto/TTL/Af flash, motor zoom, etc.) has the Metz 32 MZ-3 (with SCA 3401/M4 adapter for Nikon: $194). Metz's flagship is the Metz 40 M-1i ($250 with SCA 3401/M5), which offers rear curtain sync. I think Sunpak is similar.
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Abie Thomas |
Hermann, I had a look at the page and it helped me a lot. I am now understanding a lot about what is involved in choosing the right flash for what you want to do. Accidently I came across this page which explained a lot of the technical details to an amateur like me. It was really excellent. Thanks once again.
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Abie Thomas |
I have almost decided on the Metz 40MZ-1i Flash Kit for Nikon. Supplied with Nikon Module SCA 3401/M5 but I am fully confused by the SCA 3401/M5. What is that? Thanks, Abie.
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Hermann Graf |
Abie, SCA stands for "special camera adapter", and the SCA 3401/M5 is the type for Nikon AF cameras (for MF cameras, there is the SCA 300 series). Metz, like Sunpak, has the adapter system. The same flash can be used with cameras of different brands by using different adapters. The adapter is more or less the hotshoe unit with specific additional contacts, some switches and electronics, ensuring data exchange between camera and flash. It is fixed to the bottom of the flash by some kind of socket and can easily be exchanged against another adapter. BTW, the website you mentioned has nothing to do with photography, but with quantum chemistry.
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Abie Thomas |
Hermann,you have been so helpful. You have cleared every doubt of mine and I am going in for the Metz. I didn't know about the quantum physics page !! :-) I just looked at that one page and it seemed to explain a lot. I must admit, I just skipped over the parts that I didn't understand and thought it was professional photography lingo! Sorry about that. Well another page which I have found helpful, (for those of you who may have similar problems later to buy a flash for a Nikon N80) is and this one is definitely on photography! It even has the flash photos! Thanks once again. [Editor: When I looked at the Web page you suggested above, it seemed to be very much about photography and flashes rather than quantum chemistry. Maybe a quirk of the Web sent Hermann to another site altogether :) ]
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Melinda B. Amaral |
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