just got a sb26 for my F4. does it provide ttl flash when the camera is in manual mode? for example for fill in if I set the camera for 1 stop underexposed (as long as this is under 250th) the flash will work out its own output? or is there another way?
cheers
B
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> does it provide ttl flash when the camera is in manual
> mode?

Yes it does. In matrix-balanced fill flash mode, the man/sun symbol will appear next to the word "TTL". In standard TTL (by pressing M on SB-26), the man/sun symbol will disappear but the word "TTL" remains. With F4 in manual mode, you're in total control of background brightness (by dragging the shutter) while the camera/flash circuitry takes care of perfectly exposing the subject.

> for fill in if I set the camera for 1 stop underexposed
> (as long as this is under 250th) the flash will work out its
> own output? or is there another way?

Do you mean by setting -1 exp comp on the camera body? A -1 exposure compensation on the F4 will approximate a -1 flash compensation on the SB-26. Due to the camera metering affecting the flash output, the flash compensation will actually be a little less than -1 stop. As well, in F4 auto-exposure mode, this also underexposes your ambient exposure (is this what you want?), while if F4 is in manual mode, your ambient exposure is unaffected. (By resetting your ISO film dial 1 full stop from the film speed, you can achieve the same effect and reduce flash output.)

There are easier ways to achieve -1 flash fill TTL with F4/SB-26 with F4 in manual. Press SEL on the SB-26 and push the arrows so that you get a -1.0 reading. This is pure flash compensation and reduces your flash output without affecting your camera meter settings.

Note that by definition, Nikon's flash system starting with the N8008/F4 era already compensates by reducing the flash output by an unspecified amount. That's why they call it "matrix-balanced fill flash" and "3D multi-sensor balanced fill-flash". So by manually compensating by the above methods, you are adding extra compensation to the Nikon's TTL auto flash. Although I've had successful pleasing results with operator-added compensation, the results would be unpredictable from picture to picture, as you are already adding compensation to an unknown value.

Ed

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

You Rock Ed!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mr. Nikon couldn't have done that better.

Thanks a lot Ed!
I also use Leicas and their slow synch speed is a real pain sometimes (half the reason for buying the F4!)
B
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