A question for you SB-28 techno-wizards out there:

I've recently upgraded to the SB-28 to go with my F100 and 28-70 AFS. I'm finding that as I change focal lengths on the lens while using the TTL Matrix mode on the flash, the SB-28 makes buzzing sounds as the readout on the display changes from 70 mm to 50mm to 35mm to 28mm.

Obviously the lens is communicating with the flash unit. But what exactly is the SB-28 doing to compensate for the change in focal lengths? Are there moving parts within the flash unit?

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The SB-28 is "zooming" to match your focal length... I'm not an expert as to what is happening, but I'd assume either the bulb, or a reflector surrounding the bulb is moving forward or back. You are hearing the small motor making this happen.

I'm sure someone who's dissected the SB-28 can give you more specifics. But the main purpose of this function is to narrow or broaden the flash "throw" to match the focal length you set and it's resulting field of view.

Hope this helped.

Regards,

Nathan

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You got it. I don't know what specific pieces move, but you can see the movement of the zoom mechanism if you look closely at the flash front lens.

BJ

BJ

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Thanx for the feedback on the "zooming" SB-28. I took your advice and looked into the flash while changing focal lengths on the lens. There is an element that moves forward and back within the flash unit.

I suppose those people using only primes would never notice this feature of the SB-28. No wonder the SB-28 goes through batterie ...

Dana

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