hung_troung Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 Please help. I am looking for a Shoe Mount Flash for my Nikon D300. Had a SB800 for more than 2 years, quit working last night, i know i can send this to Nikon for repair, but a new flash is what i want. My question: are there non Nikon flashes that 100% dedicated like the SB600, SB800,SB900?. I a am looking at the METZ, but don't know much about them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric_arnold Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 i would stick with a Nikon flash. other 3rd party strobes may offer some functionality, such as i-TTL, but aren't compatible with Nikon's CLS. and apparently Nikon has some kind of secret squirrel technology between its AF-S lenses and speedlites which you dont get with 3rd party flashes. if budget is not an issue, i'd just go ahead and get an sb-900. if budget is an issue and you dont need wireless commanded options, get an sb-600. you can still use it as a remote with the built-in flash on your camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seismiccwave Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 The SB900 would be a great flash. Metz also makes a great line of flash. They will work the same if you get the one with a dedicated module to the Nikon camera. You will find out eventually all the good flash cost about the same at the high end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
famico Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 I would stick with a Nikon flash for guaranteed 100% compatibility. As already noted, Metz does make a unit with a Nikon module, but I believe it is more expensive than an SB-800. Speaking of which, Microsoft resurrected its Live Search cashback program (for today only, I believe), so if you are not uncomfortable using EBay, you can pick up a new SB-800 for $320, minus 30%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dieter Schaefer Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 The only Metz flashes that are 100% compatible with the Nikon system are the ones listed under "System Flashes" here: http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models/system-flash-units.html I recently learned from a Metz representative that the SCA adapted flashes lack some features, like FP synchronization - it was for that reason that I did not purchase the 45 CL4 digital. As already suggested above, I'd rather stick with Nikon flashes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stwrtertbsratbs5 Posted November 28, 2008 Share Posted November 28, 2008 I don't use Nikon flashes because CLS is proprietary. It's just too much trouble using different controls and methods with different cameras. So I use Metz flashes in 'Manual' and 'Auto' modes when I need speed lights. Works great, costs less because I can buy older flashes without all of the latest gadgets. I also use studio lights and a flash meter. CLS is fine if you only shoot Nikon, can live with limited trigger distances, don't mind the line-of-sight limitation, and you're willing to pay a lot of $$$ for limited power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
photo5 Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 The SB-800 works great for me. I don't know if they are still available new, however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Two23 Posted November 29, 2008 Share Posted November 29, 2008 I'm sort of in Robert's camp, above. I use a mix of 4 big monolights and 10 Nikon SB-28 flash. These are all fired by radio triggers. I need the longer range the radio triggers provide. Also, I've not had really great luck with CLS outdoors. However I'll say this. I do have one SB-800 and it sure is handy for a quick off-camera flash. It's the flash that is always in my camera bag. For a fast portrait out in the woods or where ever, it delivers for me. I'm not interested in the SB-900 for three reasons: price, large size, and when I need a lot of flash power, I simply grab one of my battery packs & 1360ws monolights LOL! Kent in SD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nathancraver Posted November 30, 2008 Share Posted November 30, 2008 I bought a used Metz 54MZ 4 for my Mamiya 645AFD II. It was in excellent condition and works perfectly. I paid $100 US and will get a SCA 3402 M8 module for my D700 for $80. This way I can use the flash on both cameras and utilize the TTL capabilities of both. All this for about the same price as a new SB600. The Metz is a bit more powerful, and the only real downfall is in order to use wireless flash, I will have to get another Metz flash to control it. The good thing about the Metz flashes is that you can use them on any camera as long as you have the proper adapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harold_bjork Posted December 27, 2008 Share Posted December 27, 2008 <p>I have an older Metz 3402 module, works great with everything except my D100 and D200 bodies. I found nikonians discussing the firmware updates can be done complimentary:<br> The latest is the M8 version<br> Send the SCA module and a brief note asking for complimentary SCA reprogramming to:<br> Bogen Imaging, Inc.<br />Attn: Repair Dept<br />565 E. Crescent Ave.<br />Ramsey, NJ 07446<br />(201) 818-9500<br /><a href="mailto:service@bogenimaging.com" target="_blank">service@bogenimaging.com</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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