Flash
Guide - The Teddy Bears Test
by
J. Ramón Palacios
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a friend about this article
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INTRODUCTION
The
Nikon®
flash system is a wonderful tool. Notwithstanding, new users seem
disconcerted with the names, descriptions and instructions to
use it, not to mention how to use it well. Most feel a visual
demonstration is imperative, so here it is.
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F100
with SB-28 on hot shoe at left. Second SB-28 on SU-4 at
right.
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All
tests were performed with a Nikon F100 camera on a sturdy tripod
with a pro ballhead, SB-28 speedlights, AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8D ED Zoom
Nikkor with 81A filter from 8.8 feet (2.7 meters) at 70mm focal
length, shot on Fujichrome Provia 100F Professional (RDPIII).
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a diffuser was used it was the Sto-Fen®
Omni-Bounce®
Slides were digitized on a Nikon Coolscan IV ED scanner,
without any alteration to color, curves or anything else,
except for a slight unsharp mask performed equally on all
enlargements. |
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The teddy bears, preferred subject for this kind of tests due
to their non reflective "fur", borrowed from my grandchildren,
at their play room.
(1)
Control picture without flash, overhead ceiling quartz lights
Exposure:
1/8 sec f/2.8
Camera
settings for this entire test roll:
Program
mode: P (except when noted)
Metering
mode: Matrix
First
conclusion: the bears and the chair scream for thorough
spring cleaning. |
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(2)
Flash: on hot shoe
Flash
head: straight into subjects
Flash
settings: TTL + Matrix
Flash
compensation: + 0.3
Exposure:
1/60 sec, f/4
Result:
a bit harsh light, but evenly distributed, including the brown
bear chest. |
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(3)
Flash on bracket, above the lens
Flash
head: at 45 degrees upwards, white card out to bounce some
light straight into subjects.
Flash
settings: TTL + Matrix
Flash
compensation: + 0.3
Exposure:
1/60 sec, f/4
Result:
softer, more depth, cleaner whites, not enough light in the
chest of the brown bear. Fortunately most of our subjects
don't have that nose. |
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