Does anyone know if the SB-400 will work with a SU-4 remote trigger unit? I have a SB-400 and love it. I use it with an old D50 (which I also love). It is a great substitute for the "in camera" flash. I want to know if I can upgrade the SB-400 by using it as a remote or just make myself clear and buy a new flash. Thanks.
Remote SB-400
(39 posts) (17 voices)-
Posted 2 years ago #
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From what I've read it won't work with the SB-400 because the SB-400 has no manual mode only i-TTL, it's either on or off so requires instructions from the camera to work.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Correct, only i-TTL-complete remotes work with it. Absolutely no backwards compatibility at all.
Posted 2 years ago # -
nope, ain't working
Posted 2 years ago # -
but the sb-400 is all you'll ever need.
sorry, couldn't resist.
Posted 2 years ago # -
try an optical trigger?
Posted 2 years ago # -
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Thanks to everyone... I actually (and sadly) realized that the Sb400 won´t work as a remote unit with anything I put my mind on. As some of you said, it only works i-TTL. This was said from the support team @ Nikon USA.
Cheers,
Sergio MC
Posted 2 years ago # -
I use a cheap ebay hot shoe cord to use my SB400 off camera.
Posted 2 years ago # -
KOK Yoon Lee said:
I use a cheap ebay hot shoe cord to use my SB400 off camera.Note not all cords will work. You need all the pins on your shoe to be present on the cable for it to work. Only need the center and ground for manual flashes. Center, ground, and quench for TTL. Center, ground, (not quench) and the two serial pins for i-TTL.
Posted 2 years ago # -
tried the Pocket Wizard anyone? bhphotovideo said try Morris DS-1 Digital Slave Trigger With Hot-Shoe Mount. Has anyone used an optical slave for the SB-400? I'd like to use it off camera, I just got a bigger flash in the CLS system. The Pocket Wizard seems like THE solution so far.
Posted 2 years ago # -
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Wrote directly to PW with my own questions about my flashes. Replied exactly as they said they would. Loving PW, going to get PWs, need lottery ticket for all the education and stuff needed. So much for praying for health, wealth, and wisdom...
From PW support:
Hello,SB-900 = Master on camera if desired, full TTL & HSS/FP support on camera or remote. SB-400 - full TTL support UNDER X-SYNC. No HSS/FP sync with the SB-400.
SB-14 and the SU-2 adapter which is used to fire the SB-14 remotely (I believe the SB-14 is a handle-mount style flash) should work for manual operation - recommend Basic Trigger Mode, but the hotshoe can handle up to 50V so the trigger voltage isn't an issue.
Posted 2 years ago # -
? pw with sb400's... why not just face the fact that you need a better flash? i imagine it being a nightmare to ttl off camera with numerous units. manual is the way to go.
Posted 2 years ago # -
My question on the SB400 is it truly a TTL flash? What I'm getting at is my SB400 doesn't meter distance and I have to adjust the Aperture of the camera to control the light or use my camera controls. Maybe it's suppose to meter but mine doesn't.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Got it for convenience. Exploring use with other units. Has served well as a tiny, portable unit. Less of the "wow, look at the geek with the camera" at parties. Will likely give it to my brother in the near future but heck, if I can tie it into a multiple flash setup, what the heck...
Posted 2 years ago # -
Bland said:
My question on the SB400 is it truly a TTL flash?Not only is it truly a TTL flash, it can not operate in any manner BUT TTL. Pulling the trigger pin low will not fire it, it requires a functioning serial interface to work at all.
Don't know where your problem lies, but I would start by cleaning your flash and hotshoe contacts and visually inspecting for proper alignment upon insertion. The problem as described could be on either end, but most likely the 400 itself is to blame.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Testing123 said:
Not only is it truly a TTL flash, it can not operate in any manner BUT TTL. Pulling the trigger pin low will not fire it, it requires a functioning serial interface to work at all.Don't know where your problem lies, but I would start by cleaning your flash and hotshoe contacts and visually inspecting for proper alignment upon insertion. The problem as described could be on either end, but most likely the 400 itself is to blame.
How could it be a body problem if, as you state, a working serial connection is needed to tell the SB-400 how long to fire? Sounds to me like the SB-400 is hearing the command just fine (meaning the body isn't to blame) but unable to act properly on it, always firing at full power.
Posted 2 years ago # -
All you need to know is that Ken rockwell thinks that the sb400 is ALL you need...
Honestly clean the contacts with an alcohol wipe...
Posted 2 years ago # -
Thanks everyone, I'll give it a cleaning and see what happens.
Posted 2 years ago # -
It isn't a contact needing to be cleaned issue. I noticed this same thing while shooting with mine in A mode. It might be a setting or something, but I got the same results as you have described. I got full flash and totally over exposed images while shooting in A mode. I adjusted the aperture and they came out better, but it wasn't working as others have seem to think it should. Let me know if you figure it out...maybe I will take a look at it when I get home. I might find something in the instruction booklet.
I have only used mine a handful of times so I know the terminals aren't dirty...and I keep the little plastic guard in place when not using it.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Could either of you post an example photo of an "over exposed" foreground?
The SB-400 should be behaving no different than any other i-TTL speedlight.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I have no idea what any of yous guys are talking 'bout - my SB400 operates as iTTL and manual from full power down to 1/128th or summat.
Bland - you have a faulty flash.
Posted 2 years ago #
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