Using Nikon SB800 with Hasselblad 503 cw

How would this combination work?

Would it work?

and what would i need to make it work.

I already have this wonderful and expensive flash and simply can't

afford another flash at the moment. Is there any way to make this unit

work? bracket? with TTL?

Thanks in advance- JOSH

Use the SB-800 in AUTO mode, where a photocell in the flash measures the amount of light reflecting from the subject. Select an f/stop in the flash's control panel, and set the aperture to the same (f/5.6 to f/8 works well for ISO 400 film). You can use any PC to PC cable. I recommend you buy a short Nikon cable, because the ends have a screw lock. That way the flash connection is secure, and you connect the other end to the terminal on the lens.

 

You can put the flash directly into the accessory shoe on a prism. If you use a bracket, make sure the shoe is insulated. The flash will not work properly if the foot is shorted. I use a piece of electrical, or even "Magic" tape inside the shoe.

Joshua,<br>

<br>

I use a very simple system with a Hasselblad 500CM and any

speedlight. I place labels with f/stops on the quick focus ring.

I focus, note the f/stop, set the lens aperture and shoot. When

the flash is properly calibrated this system is deadly accurate.

The SB-800 has a [GN] or distance priority mode that works quite

a bit like my system.<br>

<br>

I have not use my SB-800 with my Hasselblad but I have used my SB-24

in Auto Mode. The SB-800 has an auto mode also and this will work

fine with your Hassie. You many need to do some calibration but

once you have it worked out it will work fine. You will also need

to use compensation for very light and dark subjects. This is

common to most any automated flash exposure system.<br>

<br>

Folks often say a speedlight like the SB-24, 25, 26, 28 and SB-800

are over-kill as they will not function in TTL mode with a

Hasselblad, F2 or FM2n but they are very convenient. If a person

owns a Nikon F3, FE2 or FM3a its very worth while to share

a Nikon speedlight with a manual, non-TTL flash camera. It makes

even better sense if you own a current Nikon SLR or DSLR.<br>

<br>

Besides Nikon PC to PC cords, Paramount makes high quality PC

cords. PC cords are often troublesome so be sure to carry at

least three on any important shoot. I dont know about the

Nikon PC to PC cords but the Nikon SC-17 TTL cord has nylon fiber

inside each wire for durability and longevity. The SC-11 and SC-15

PC cords may also.<br>

<br>

A pricey but very nice way to attach a Nikon speedlight to a

bracket is the AS-10 Multi-Flash Adapter. The new ones are

designed for use with the new lever locks found on speedlights

like the SB-800. Anti-twist plates for the SC-17 TTL cord will

work with the SC-10 adapter solving another common problem.<br>

<br>

Ive only owned Hasselblad lenses in the classic Compur

mounts so Im not sure if there is a problem with later

Hasselblad lenses. If you use a quick focus handle make sure the

PC cord you buy fits. This can be a problem with lenses in Compur

shutters.<br>

<br>

Best,<br>

<br>

Dave Hartman.

You can put the flash in manual mode, set the zoom level, and set the aperture by guide numbers or a distance chart (taped to the top of the flash, not the lens). To determine the correct guide number (published GN's are worthless), set up a subject at 10 feet (measure it) in a large room and take several shots at 1-stop increments (negative film) or 1/2 stop increments (reversal film) and pick the best exposure. Better yet, meter the flash at that distance (you could meter all the time, but GN's are faster). In a few hours of practice, you'll eyeball distance and set the flash without thinking.

 

The SB-800 will not work with TTL. For an Hasselblad 20x/503, you need a genuine Hasselblad flash, a Quantum flash and module, or one of a few others - not cheap, but effective.

I'm testing my SB28 on a Bronica GS1, so I'll be curious to see how they came out. I was half expecting the whole thing to blow up...(so I didn't try it with the SB800) Once I get the hang of it, the package should be a nice setup I would think.