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SB900 as optical slave

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chancetlu

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Joined: Mar '10
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Guys, you have really helped me over the past month or so and I appreciate your patience. I have recently set up a two light studio and taken a number of test shots. I feel like I am missing something...namely background lighting. I do not want to go out and buy a third AC strobe kit as the store would have to order it and it would set me back another 700USD (I am in Qatar).

I currently have a D90 with an IR commander unit for my Multiblitz Strobes. The SB600 I have will not operate as an optical slave I do not think. Would upgrading to an SB 900 be an option, or is there an off-brand such as a Vivitar 283 or 285 that would work? Basically, I want something that will fire when my AC strobes fire to add some depth but not take up a lot of space. Also, I have been looking for an excuse to pick up an SB900.

Thanks

Posted 3 years ago #
chancetlu

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Joined: Mar '10
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A quick bit of research and I answered my own question. I hate to pay $500 though for strobe that will mainly be used as background lighting. Can you guys recommend a cheaper alternative. A Vivitar or something for example.

Thanks,

Posted 3 years ago #
mb

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Joined: Apr '09
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If all you want is to fire a remote flash using IR commander you could try some cheap infrared flash trigger like Seagull.

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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Joined: May '09
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mb's idea is a good one. If you're looking for another flash, check out the lumopro lp120, which is cheap and has a built-in slave. Strobist likes it anyway.
http://strobist.blogspot.com/2006/03/lighting-101-start-here.html
http://www.lumopro.com/LP120.html

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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I just thought of another idea. Have you considered using one of your MultiBlitz strobes to light the background? You could use the other and a reflector for key and fill.

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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Joined: May '09
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You can use any flash as back ground light as long as the flash does not power off after a few minutes of standby, just get a photo sensor for them. I prefer wireless triggers for all units like form this thread

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1833

Pete

Posted 3 years ago #
chancetlu

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Joined: Mar '10
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I have played a bit with using one of the Multiblitzes as a back ground light. I am in about a 11 by 11 room with a 10ft roll of seamless white on one wall. Basically, my subject has to stand within about 2-3 foot of the background due to the size of the room. By attempting to use the Multiblitz at camera right as a background light on its lowest power setting (1/8 of 200Ws), I got a lot of reflection on the subject, washing out the right side. Unfortunately, I only have reflecting umbrellas right now. Basically, I have to order anything that I need from BandH or Adorama at a minimum of $100 just for shipping. I have tried mounting car window screens as reflectors on each side of the background with hopes of reflecting enough light to light the background, but have been unhappy with the results.

After a ton of research last night, I worry that I will get frustrated with a 3-5 second recycle time of hotshoe strobes while my AC strobes recycle much faster.

I am looking into some homedepot style halogen lights, but have yet to find any of the daylight bulbs that are needed to get rid of the yellow cast.

Posted 3 years ago #
Victor

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Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 24
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I recently read in a photo magazine how to make a pretty decent homemade reflector. You need a cardboard box, some tape and silver foil(not sure if this is the correct translational, but I'm talking about the foil used for baking and stuff).

You basically just cut the box to the size you want, cover it with the foil, and tape it it on the backside. Both sides of the foil can be used, the most shine side reflects more than the other obviously :)

I have not tried it myself yet, but it might be worth a try.

Posted 3 years ago #
jonnyapple

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Joined: May '09
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This might not work for full-body shots because the light stand will show, but you might try putting the strobe right behind the subject and firing it bare (nothing at all on the strobe). You don't need diffuse light for the background.

Posted 3 years ago #
bmxdad

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Joined: May '09
Posts: 1,864
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Yes the backlight does not need to be diffused, actually you might want to control it in a smaller round area if you are using color gels, I use this home made stand that hides well behind the subject

The black thing on my flash did not really work well and will not fit on my vivitar 285, so I will make something new for the 285, I like the 285 with the opening to slide in color gels, the stand is an old lamp and some light stand parts

Pete

Posted 3 years ago #

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SB900 as optical slave

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