2. Z 50 Online Manual
  3. Remote Flash Photography
  4. Controlling Remote Flash Units

Controlling Remote Flash Units

Remote flash units can be controlled via optical signals from an optional flash unit mounted on the camera accessory shoe and functioning as a master flash (optical AWL). For information on compatible flash units, see “The Nikon Creative Lighting System” (0 The Nikon Creative Lighting System). If the flash unit in question is an SB-500, settings can be adjusted from the camera (see below); otherwise settings must be adjusted using flash unit controls as described in the documentation provided with the unit. For information on flash placement and other topics, see the documentation provided with the flash units. The built-in flash unit cannot be used as a master flash.

Using the SB-500

When an optional SB-500 flash unit is mounted on the camera accessory shoe, Wireless flash options will appear under Flash control in the photo shooting menu. Selecting Optical AWL in the Wireless flash options menu enables group flash photography.

  1. C: Select Group flash options.

    Highlight Group flash options in the flash control display and press 2.

  2. C: Adjust settings for the master flash.

    Choose the flash control mode and flash level for the master flash and the flash units in each group:

    • TTL: i-TTL flash control
    • qA: Auto aperture (available only with compatible flash units)
    • M: Choose the flash level manually
    • – – (off): The units do not fire and the flash level cannot be adjusted

    Set the master flash to channel 3.

  3. f: Set the remote flash units to channel 3.

  4. f: Group the remote flash units.

    Choose a group (A or B) for each remote flash unit. Although there is no limit on the number of remote flash units that may be used, the practical maximum is three per group. With more than this number, the light emitted by the remote flash units will interfere with performance.

  5. C/f: Compose the shot.

    Compose the shot and arrange the flash units. See the documentation provided with the flash units for more information. After arranging the units, press the test button on the master flash to test-fire the flash and confirm that the units are functioning normally.

  6. C/f: Take the photograph.

    Take the photograph after confirming that the flash-ready lights for all flash units are lit.

Note: Remote Flash Photography

Position the sensor windows on the remote flash units to pick up the light from the master flash (particular care is required if the camera is not mounted on a tripod). Be sure that direct light or strong reflections from the remote flash units do not enter the camera lens (in TTL mode) or the photocells on the remote flash units (qA mode), as this may interfere with exposure. To prevent low-intensity timing flashes emitted by the master flash from appearing in photographs taken at short range, choose low ISO sensitivities or small apertures (high f-numbers). After positioning the remote flash units, take a test shot and view the results in the camera display.