<p>I totally agree with you Mike! I see no reason to buy a new flash. As for the behavior I think that's the way new Nikon DSLR behaves with flash of that vintage. I don't have the D800 nor the SB26 but my Df doesn't recognize any of my Nikon compatible flashes including SB-15, SB-16b , Metz 60CT4 with compatible module and a Sunpak PZ5000AF for Nikon. The film F5 recognized them but not the Df. <br>
And sure I see a parallel. If the equipment you're using is working fine there is no need to upgrade. I do understand your question to find out how the flash would work with your camera and didn't say that it doesn't work satisfactory. <br>
Except for fill flash since I have the Df I need a lot less of power from the flash than from the film days. Still need the same amount of power for fill flash as the flash has to be almost as powerful as the sunlight. </p>