Hi,

A few weeks ago I had started a thread in the F5 users forum relating to my search for a small speedlight to slip on the camera for casual shots. I promised to continue it here, so here I am.

I wanted something to replace the pop-up flash that was so useful on my N70 that I just recently left. I had asked about the SB-23, but not many people have apparently used this unit. Physically it looked to be about perfect, with a slightly higher GN than the little N70 strobe, but a low, compact package that would in no way replace my SB-28 (which I use often and love).

I found a very clean used SB-23 on ebay and won the auction at the opening bid. The unit arrived a few days later and I quickly fell in love with it. It was just the size I wanted, and I hoped it would perform as desired. I just got back the first prints with it, and I am thrilled. I took several rolls indoors at my sons Cub Scout pack meeting. I usedd the camera handheld on P with the unit on auto, and the results were excellent. No redeye, and nice even lighting with the 35-70/2.8 nikkor I use regularly. Recycle times are nearly instantaneous.

I now plan to do some more testing/playing to see what its limitations are (other than the obvious). I just thought I would share my initial experiences with others who might be considering this diminutive but capable tool. I have found what I was looking for, and at a great price!

Jim Korczak
Evidence shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim Korczak
Evidence Shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim:
I remember well your initial posting.
I was just a bit concerned you could find it limiting in terms of GN, but otherwise it is a fine speedlight.
Congratulations on your purchase. Glad to know that is exactly what you were looking for.
Have a great time
JRP (Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert) My profile, My Gallery
Previous photographic journey, before Nikonians: A Brief Love Story

Have a great time
JRP (Founder & Administrator. Nikonian at the north-eastern Mexican desert) Gallery, Brief Love Story, The Team
Join the Silver, Gold and Platinum members that help this happen; upgrade. Join your personal web site to the Nikonians WebRing
Make sure you check our workshops at The Nikonians Academy

I am glad that you are happy with this. I was thinking about getting this same flash for my F5 as a small unit for those special occasions where I just don't want to lug around my SB-28. If you got it on eBay you must have outbid me.

but have yet to receive it. I'm glad to see it works well for you on your F-5. I have an F100 and am hoping for similar results. It's actually my first foray into flash photography. The price was right but I dindn't even know how compatible it was until after I purchased it. Since then I've done some research and it seems that it will work just fine with my camera. For that I am thankful. Thanks for your contribution, it reinforces what I had hoped to be true.

The SB-23 is fine for basic P&S flash photography. Since it is quite limited in terms of external control, do not look to it as a replacement for the SB-26/27/28 in any real sense. It is the right tool for casual shooting when the -28 is not necessary. Well worth the money, IMO.

Jim Korczak
Evidence shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim Korczak
Evidence Shooter
www.summitresources.com

Yes, I am aware of the limitations of the 23. I lust for a SB-28 just can't afford it right now. I figure either way it was a no lose situation because I got it for cheap and can fiddle around with it to take shadows out of my nieces and nephews faces, etc. Thanks for your input.

Jim, One other thing. I see in your original post you said you planned to test and share more info on the flash. I'd really appreciate knowing more about this. I don't know is this is convenient for you or not but if you have any things you'd like to offer and would be willing to share could you email me? I am staying in Italy right now and internet access is costly for me so I don't always have access to these messg. boards. I understand some people are busier than others so at the very least I'll keep checking these boards periodically. Thanks for your time.

www.geocities.com/peteolsen17

Unkleboo,

I did some more testing with the -23. I used it as the main flash for some home studio work I was doing with multi-flash. It did not turn out too well. I should have used it as the slave, instead of the SB-28. Or, I need to diffuse the -23 with an Omnibounce. The only drawback of the -23, other than power (GN), is the inability to adjust its output. A wonderful flash, otherwise. I plan on doing some more playing with it. I also now know that I need another SB-28 and another SU-4 for multi-flash photography. Maybe two more.

Peace.

Jim Korczak
Evidence shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim Korczak
Evidence Shooter
www.summitresources.com

Hey Jim. Thanks for the post. I have another question. How does the SB-23 do on a 28mm lens. I know its rated at 35mm but one or two posts I've read on it says that it works on 28mm lenses. Have you any experience with this flash and a lens that wide? I still haven't recieved the flash because I had it sent to my folks' address in the US so I'll have to be content asking questions about it until I actually have it in hand. Thanks, and happy holidays. Pete.

Hey Jim. Thanks for the post. I have another question. How does the SB-23 do on a 28mm lens. I know its rated at 35mm but one or two posts I've read on it says that it works on 28mm lenses. Have you any experience with this flash and a lens that wide? I still haven't recieved the flash because I had it sent to my folks' address in the US so I'll have to be content asking questions about it until I actually have it in hand. Thanks, and happy holidays. Pete.

I have not used the SB-23 with anything less than 35mm yet, but I will. I'll post the results when I get the pics back.

Jim Korczak
Evidence shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim Korczak
Evidence Shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim,

Question, is it possible to set flash compensation on the body? I know that you can set it on the N70.

Anthony

Anthony

The Moderator Page and My Gallery
The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard.

Flash compensation/output on the SB-23 is not adjustable via the body, not even with the F5. That is the one drawback to this unit. That is also another of the nice features of the N70, which I used to use extensively. I would love to see the F5n or F6 have a full featured built in flash like the new Minolta Maxxum 9 has.

Jim Korczak
Evidence shooter
www.summitresources.com

Jim Korczak
Evidence Shooter
www.summitresources.com