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Options for flash (TTL) for D70 on a budget


carlos_rodriguez3

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<p>A friend of mine wants a cheap TTL bounce-capable flash. I do have a SB600, but this flash would be expensive for him.<br>

What options does he have for a flash with TTL mounted on a Nikon D70. SB400 is not an option, because is not capable of bounce flash. SB 600 is around 200 new, what other options there are? Third party? Used SB28dx? Wich Nikon flashes would work with TTL and automatic exposure?<br>

I am little bit lost with older flashes. Can anyone help me on this?</p>

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<p>Where did you get the idea that the SB400 will not do bounch flash, it certainly will, the flash tube rotates 90 degrees in clicks from straight forward to straight up at the ceiling. It does not rotate from side to side. You can also add a little Demb reflecter which works quite effectively with the little SB400. The 400's main problem is it's low power output which may require the user to push the ISO settings on the camera body to compensate.</p>
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<p>PS: Many of the Pre-DSLR flashes work just fine on digital bodies, just not in iTTL mode, but are very usable in TTL, auto, manual etc, modes. These units are readily available in good condition on the used market, I'd suggest an SB-24. See the Nikon flash/camera/mode compatibility chart on nikon USA<br>

<a href="http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/886/session/L3NpZC9HT1VsS3NTag%3D%3D/kw/D70%20Flash/p/19%2C56/c/176/r_id/116678/sno/1">http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/886/session/L3NpZC9HT1VsS3NTag%3D%3D/kw/D70%20Flash/p/19%2C56/c/176/r_id/116678/sno/1</a></p>

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<p>On digital the flash need to be <strong>iTTL compatible</strong> . Traditional TTL doesn't help you because no Nikon dSLR support it. So older flashes like the SB24 mentioned above does <strong>not</strong> work in TTL mode. They work in manual and auto though.</p>
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<p>Pete<br>

No, you only need an iTTL compatible flash unit to use iTTL on a digital or Film (F6) bodies with iTTl compatibility. I didn't mean to infer that older flashes were usable in iTTL or TTL modes, that's why I provided the reference to the Nikon Compatibility chart! But I use an SB400 in iTTl , SB 600 in iTTL & SB24 in Auto on my D80 & , with the exception of the limited range of the low-powered SB 400, I defy you to see any difference between the results produced by iTTL & Auto modes. Again, see the Nikon compatibility chart. The originator was looking for a low-cost option & using an older flash unit in Auto provides that option very well.</p>

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<blockquote>

<p><em>Used SB28dx? </em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>As others have already correctly indicated, the D70 needs an <strong>i</strong> TTL compatible flash for TTL flash control. The SB-28DX (and the other 'DX' Speedlights) use <strong>D</strong> -TTL, which is not compatible with the D70. This is an older system that is only supported by the D100 and D1/D2 series.</p>

<p>Non iTTL flashes can certainly be used on the D70, but the only 'automatic' mode is non-TTL Autoflash, which uses the sensor on the front of the flash to control the light output. It also requires that the photographer manually enter the appropriate aperture data into the flash. Perfectly usable, but not as convenient or sophisticated as TTL.</p>

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<p>The older flash such as SB-28 will work on D70 in AUTO mode. While not iTTL, the results are generally pretty good. Otherwise, is there a Sigma etc. third party flash that supports Nikon iTTL and is less $$ than SB-600?</p>

<p>Kent in SD</p>

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<p>I forgot to mention the Metz system flashes that are also i-TTL compatible - they don't seem to be an option though since they cost as much as the Nikon flashes.<br>

FWIW, I interpret the last sentence in the same way Michael R. Freeman does - in fact, as I understand it the OP asks specifically for TTL-capable flashes.</p>

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<p>I guess I'm outvoted then :(, blame it on old age! I will repeat though, the originator is incorrect about the SB 400 not having bounce capibility. I use one frequently with the tube oriented straight up & with a Demb reflector to provide fill. It does well in tight quarters, it's limitations being it's limited range, & it is certainly iTTL capible. If it's power is acceptable, it is one of your low cost options, but I'd also check the used market, I picked up a clean, used SB 600 at B&H for less than the cost of a new SB 400.</p>
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<blockquote>

<p><em>"I meant to say TTL <strong>or </strong> Autoexposure"</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Well, that one little two letter word (or) gives you a lot more options. :-)</p>

<p>Even a used Vivitar 283 or 285HV will give you lots of power for non-TTL Auto bounced flash. Not as sophisticated as the Nikon AF Speedlights, and the range of apertures that you can use is more limited than the SB-24/25/26/28, but in the end it accomplishes exactly the same thing.</p>

<p>In the Nikon range, any of the following will give you bounce plus non-TTL automatic flash:<br /> <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/sb20/index.htm">SB-20</a> , <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB22/index.htm">SB-22</a> , SB-22s, <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB24/index.htm">SB-24</a> , <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB25/index.htm">SB-25</a> , <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB26/index.htm">SB-26</a> , <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf4/flash/SB28/index.htm">SB-28(DX)</a> , <a href="http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/NikonF5/Flash/SB80DX/index.htm">SB-80DX</a> .</p>

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<p>i'd either get an sb-400 or used sb600. the 600 is really your best bet as it will bounce in both vertical and horizontal positions and has much more latitude as far as manual controls--of which the sb400 doesnt have any, just an on/off switch. the 400 does indeed have bounce capabilities, and you can add a diffuser aftermarket (which doesnt really make much difference, i must say) or an off-camera cord if you really want to get artsy with it. overall the sb400 isnt a bad flash for daytime fill at all, as long as you accept its limitations you will be okay.</p>
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<p>Just my .02 cents...</p>

<p>Recently bought Quantaray XLF-50N from "techforless" ... open box item (dirt cheap) and it's similar to sb400 (may be with less power). I am liking it... it has improved the indoor picture of my kids...</p>

<p>Quantaray XLF-50N it's actually Sunpak RD2000, may be you can try Sunpak PZ42XN, though I have not tried that.</p>

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