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Fuji TTL?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jimmy Z
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Jimmy Z

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Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I use a

Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week end.
--
jim
 
Jimmy Z said:
Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I
use a
Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on
a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just
poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you
can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I
really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week
end.
Click to expand...
Jim,

I found it a bit "confusing" at first but if you are using a non-Nikon DX type TTL flash you have to set the exposure sensor switch to Spot to get the S2 to do TTL instead of 3d matrix etc. I get the best results using Aperture priority setting it to f8 for a reasonably powerful flash (I have a Sigma EF-500 guide number average about 50 metres). Beyond about 20 feet or if using bounce I might drop to f4. It can't seem to throttle it down enough when really close up without upping the f number. Fill flash in slow synchro at -2 to -3 flash compensation seems to work fine too.
Just my humble newbie experience so far :-)
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
 
Strange, I just got the SB-80DX and it seems like the TTL does not work at all as well. So that blows the DX only theory. The same flash on my CP 5000 works perfectly (even though the CP 5000 does not have true TTL it still controls the flashes output dynamically). See my post called Question about SB-80DX and the S2 (problems) and read through the threads. It seems like the flash is just firing a default burst and not being controlled by the camera in both matrix TTL mode and regular TTL mode. I am glad I am not the only one, I was not sure if it is something I am doing wrong.

Regards,
Sean
Doug Jones said:
Jimmy Z said:
Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I
use a
Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on
a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just
poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you
can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I
really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week
end.
Click to expand...
Jim,
I found it a bit "confusing" at first but if you are using a
non-Nikon DX type TTL flash you have to set the exposure sensor
switch to Spot to get the S2 to do TTL instead of 3d matrix etc. I
get the best results using Aperture priority setting it to f8 for a
reasonably powerful flash (I have a Sigma EF-500 guide number
average about 50 metres). Beyond about 20 feet or if using bounce I
might drop to f4. It can't seem to throttle it down enough when
really close up without upping the f number. Fill flash in slow
synchro at -2 to -3 flash compensation seems to work fine too.
Just my humble newbie experience so far :-)
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
 
By the way, just now I tested setting my camera to spot... still underexposes badly.

Regards,
Sean
Sean Keegan said:
Regards,
Sean
Doug Jones said:
Jimmy Z said:
Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I
use a
Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on
a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just
poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you
can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I
really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week
end.
Click to expand...
Jim,
I found it a bit "confusing" at first but if you are using a
non-Nikon DX type TTL flash you have to set the exposure sensor
switch to Spot to get the S2 to do TTL instead of 3d matrix etc. I
get the best results using Aperture priority setting it to f8 for a
reasonably powerful flash (I have a Sigma EF-500 guide number
average about 50 metres). Beyond about 20 feet or if using bounce I
might drop to f4. It can't seem to throttle it down enough when
really close up without upping the f number. Fill flash in slow
synchro at -2 to -3 flash compensation seems to work fine too.
Just my humble newbie experience so far :-)
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Sean Keegan said:
By the way, just now I tested setting my camera to spot... still
underexposes badly.
Click to expand...
Sean,

With the DX flash units you also have to set the unit itself to TTL instead of matrix as the flash setting overrides the camera setting I think. Would this be the problem?? Also, are you using a nikon lens - I think some non-nikon AF lenses don't supply the D info back to the camera for 3D matrix metering.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
 
Makes sense Doug, but I have tried my flash in both settings, I cannot tell the difference no matter which I use... they are both the same amount of underexposure. I only have nikon lenses. The flash works fine on my CP 5000 so I know it is not the flash... just wondering if I am doing anything wrong... but I am beginning to suspect the camera. Might need to exchange it. I have tried lots of things to get it to work. I have an old SB-23 flash and it does the same underexposure problems with the S2. On my old Nikon 6006 it exposes perfectly so there is something weird with my S2, but I am hoping it is just something I am doing wrong, but I am beginning to doubt it.(the SB-23, I have not tried the SP-80DX on the Nikon 6006, but both flashes work perfectly on my CP 5000)

Regards,
Sean
Doug Jones said:
Sean Keegan said:
By the way, just now I tested setting my camera to spot... still
underexposes badly.
Click to expand...
Sean,
With the DX flash units you also have to set the unit itself to TTL
instead of matrix as the flash setting overrides the camera setting
I think. Would this be the problem?? Also, are you using a nikon
lens - I think some non-nikon AF lenses don't supply the D info
back to the camera for 3D matrix metering.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
 
I always shoot in Spot mode and this camera just does not respond like a camera that has TTL. I am amazed the ther is just 2 of us that don't feel that the cameras TTL is lacking. How many of you have used the camera at weddings? did the TTL work perfect? I hope yoou all say yes because my replacement S2 arrives friday. I have always shot weddings using TTL and on a $2399. camera it ought to work.
Jimmy Z
Sean Keegan said:
Regards,
Sean
Doug Jones said:
Sean Keegan said:
By the way, just now I tested setting my camera to spot... still
underexposes badly.
Click to expand...
Sean,
With the DX flash units you also have to set the unit itself to TTL
instead of matrix as the flash setting overrides the camera setting
I think. Would this be the problem?? Also, are you using a nikon
lens - I think some non-nikon AF lenses don't supply the D info
back to the camera for 3D matrix metering.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
jim
 
I cannot imagine that people could be happy with the results I am getting, so I suspect that we got a bad S2 Jimmy. If no one here has any suggestions that can help, I will also have to get a replacement S2 this weekend. I think the TTL is working on other people's cameras, just not on ours for some reason.

Regards,
Sean
Jimmy Z said:
Sean Keegan said:
Regards,
Sean
Doug Jones said:
Sean Keegan said:
By the way, just now I tested setting my camera to spot... still
underexposes badly.
Click to expand...
Sean,
With the DX flash units you also have to set the unit itself to TTL
instead of matrix as the flash setting overrides the camera setting
I think. Would this be the problem?? Also, are you using a nikon
lens - I think some non-nikon AF lenses don't supply the D info
back to the camera for 3D matrix metering.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
jim
Click to expand...
 
Sean Keegan said:
I cannot imagine that people could be happy with the results I am
getting, so I suspect that we got a bad S2 Jimmy. If no one here
has any suggestions that can help, I will also have to get a
replacement S2 this weekend. I think the TTL is working on other
people's cameras, just not on ours for some reason.
Click to expand...
Sean, Jim,
Is the built-in flash giving correct exposures? Do you have the CR123As in?
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
 
I also find that the s2pro ttl don't work well at close distances. in fact the normal automatic on the flash seems to be more consistent.
Doug Jones said:
Jimmy Z said:
Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I
use a
Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on
a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just
poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you
can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I
really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week
end.
Click to expand...
Jim,
I found it a bit "confusing" at first but if you are using a
non-Nikon DX type TTL flash you have to set the exposure sensor
switch to Spot to get the S2 to do TTL instead of 3d matrix etc. I
get the best results using Aperture priority setting it to f8 for a
reasonably powerful flash (I have a Sigma EF-500 guide number
average about 50 metres). Beyond about 20 feet or if using bounce I
might drop to f4. It can't seem to throttle it down enough when
really close up without upping the f number. Fill flash in slow
synchro at -2 to -3 flash compensation seems to work fine too.
Just my humble newbie experience so far :-)
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
--
Robin Chee from Singapore
http://www.rpmerleon.com (lots of dancesport action photos)
 
I'm sorry that I can't remember where exactly, but the flash technicalities to do with Nikon's new speedlights wre discussed by Thom Hogan, (and he should know), and I think I recall that these speedlites were designed to work with DTTL, which is the system for the D100, rather than TTL, the older but better system which the S2 uses. Anyway, Thom's your man for the answers to your problems, so click on his name and root through the topics he has posted on. I always check out what the clever guys on this site know before I make a new purchase.
Jimmy Z said:
Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I
use a
Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on
a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just
poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you
can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I
really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week
end.
--
jim
Click to expand...
--
John.
 
Thanks, I will try using the built in flash to see if I get better results. I don't know why I wouldn't get the same TTL results with a Metz flash. I am using a Tokina 28-70 2.6-2.8 lens is this compatible or equal to a "D" lens? I am so upset by the lack of TTL that I consider this to be a BIG downfall with the S2 enough to consider looking else where for a digital. As a wedding photographer the convince of TTL is an absolute must not a luxury. We really need some input from Fuji on this. How could they build a camera that lacks TTL. is this a problem with Nikon cameras? has anyone experienced this with the n90 camera?
jimmy Z
john orchard said:
Jimmy Z said:
Is it just my S2? My camera seems as if it doesn't even have TTL? I
use a
Metz 54mz3 with the correct Nixon adapter cord to get the flash on
a stroboframe and the Metz module for Nixon but the TTL is just
poor if nonexistent. I have used Pentax TTL and it is Dead on you
can get far or as close as you want and the TTL will be perfect. I
really hope it is just my camera which is being returned this week
end.
--
jim
Click to expand...
--
John.
Click to expand...
--
jim
 
john orchard said:
I'm sorry that I can't remember where exactly, but the flash
technicalities to do with Nikon's new speedlights wre discussed by
Thom Hogan, (and he should know), and I think I recall that these
speedlites were designed to work with DTTL, which is the system for
the D100, rather than TTL, the older but better system which the S2
uses.
Click to expand...
The new DX flashes perform the old TTL just fine (after all, they'd have to or they wouldn't work on 35mm bodies, would they?).
johno61299 said:
Anyway, Thom's your man for the answers to your problems, so
click on his name and root through the topics he has posted on. I
always check out what the clever guys on this site know before I
make a new purchase.
Click to expand...
Sean's problem isn't the camera. See my post in the other thread.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
 
Jimmy Z said:
How could they build a
camera that lacks TTL.
Click to expand...
They haven't. The S2 does a fine job with TTL. But you must learn how it works. See my other posts.
Member said:
is this a problem with Nikon cameras?
Click to expand...
The Nikon digital bodies have poorer TTL than the S2, though it is still workable.
Member said:
has
anyone experienced this with the n90 camera?
Click to expand...
If by "this" you mean poor flash results, yes, but not after they learned how Nikon TTL works and the restraints that are imposed by certain modes.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
 
I have ttl problems, too with my S2 and Metz 54. Way too overexposed most of the times with direct flash, good with bounce flash, though. I've searched but have not found a satisfactory answer anywhere on this forum. Any suggestions? Spot metering makes no difference. So how does it work? Could anyone point me to posts where this is discussed?
Thanks
Thom Hogan said:
Jimmy Z said:
How could they build a
camera that lacks TTL.
Click to expand...
They haven't. The S2 does a fine job with TTL. But you must learn
how it works. See my other posts.
Thom Hogan said:
is this a problem with Nikon cameras?
Click to expand...
The Nikon digital bodies have poorer TTL than the S2, though it is
still workable.
Thom Hogan said:
has
anyone experienced this with the n90 camera?
Click to expand...
If by "this" you mean poor flash results, yes, but not after they
learned how Nikon TTL works and the restraints that are imposed by
certain modes.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
 
Thom I value your input on the TTL questions I have but could not find where you addressed the problems I am experiencing with the awful TTL Fuji has equipped the S2 with. I think if you could point to one reason not to buy the S2 this would be it. As a wedding photographer TTL is a must. any information would be great. One forum suggested that the S2's TTL only works with Nikon flash's another says it only works with Nikon "D" lenses. I am confused and can't afford the over and under exposed photos that I am getting.
Jimmy Z.
Thom Hogan said:
john orchard said:
I'm sorry that I can't remember where exactly, but the flash
technicalities to do with Nikon's new speedlights wre discussed by
Thom Hogan, (and he should know), and I think I recall that these
speedlites were designed to work with DTTL, which is the system for
the D100, rather than TTL, the older but better system which the S2
uses.
Click to expand...
The new DX flashes perform the old TTL just fine (after all, they'd
have to or they wouldn't work on 35mm bodies, would they?).
Thom Hogan said:
Anyway, Thom's your man for the answers to your problems, so
click on his name and root through the topics he has posted on. I
always check out what the clever guys on this site know before I
make a new purchase.
Click to expand...
Sean's problem isn't the camera. See my post in the other thread.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
--
jim
 
I was reading another post that is very similar to this one and from what I gathered I should set the camera set to apature prioroty and then the camera will give proper exposure? I have questions as to the comment about setting the Nikon flash to matrix mode? I use the Metz 54mz3 I dont have a matrix mode is there a equivlent setting on the Metz flash? please help us S2 owners with poor flash exposure!
Jimmy Z said:
Thom Hogan said:
john orchard said:
I'm sorry that I can't remember where exactly, but the flash
technicalities to do with Nikon's new speedlights wre discussed by
Thom Hogan, (and he should know), and I think I recall that these
speedlites were designed to work with DTTL, which is the system for
the D100, rather than TTL, the older but better system which the S2
uses.
Click to expand...
The new DX flashes perform the old TTL just fine (after all, they'd
have to or they wouldn't work on 35mm bodies, would they?).
Member said:
Anyway, Thom's your man for the answers to your problems, so
click on his name and root through the topics he has posted on. I
always check out what the clever guys on this site know before I
make a new purchase.
Click to expand...
Sean's problem isn't the camera. See my post in the other thread.

--
Thom Hogan
author, Nikon Field Guide
author, Nikon Flash Guide
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D100
author, Complete Guide to the Nikon D1, D1h, & D1x
http://www.bythom.com
Click to expand...
--
jim
Click to expand...
--
jim
 
Jimmy Z said:
I was reading another post that is very similar to this one and
from what I gathered I should set the camera set to apature
prioroty and then the camera will give proper exposure? I have
questions as to the comment about setting the Nikon flash to matrix
mode? I use the Metz 54mz3 I dont have a matrix mode is there a
equivlent setting on the Metz flash? please help us S2 owners with
poor flash exposure!
Click to expand...
Jimmy,
I don't know about the Metz unit but the following works for my Sigma flash.

Set to aperture priority, select f8 for an initial trial. Set the flash to TTL mode. Set the exposure sensor mode to Spot (this makes the S2 use TTL metering). With the flash turned on the shutter speed should default to 1/60 second. Fire away. This works for me from about 4 feet to 20 feet. Beyond 20 I drop down to f5.6, f4. Closer than 4 feet I have to go smaller aperture or set flash compensation down -1, -2. If using bounce flash from a white ceiling I select f4.
Hope this helps.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
 
Well guys, I've got to jump in here. My S2 is working great in TTL mode using an SB-26 Nikon Speedlight. I have used it in TTL mode in Program Mode, Shutter Priority and Manual. I most always set the metering on Matrix. I use Nikor D glass and my camera just nails the correct exposure time and time again on most any subject. In fact, I purchased the S2 for this very reason....backwards compatibility with my older flash guns. I have not been disappointed.

So, before you condemn the S2 for it's 'lack of TTL flash capability' please be aware that it may just be your cameras. Maybe you need to get them checked out. Also, TTL flash will not work over ISO 400. I shoot at either ISO 100 or 200 and it's been dead one almost without exception.

Good luck and I hope you find the problem.

Danny
Doug Jones said:
Jimmy Z said:
I was reading another post that is very similar to this one and
from what I gathered I should set the camera set to apature
prioroty and then the camera will give proper exposure? I have
questions as to the comment about setting the Nikon flash to matrix
mode? I use the Metz 54mz3 I dont have a matrix mode is there a
equivlent setting on the Metz flash? please help us S2 owners with
poor flash exposure!
Click to expand...
Jimmy,
I don't know about the Metz unit but the following works for my
Sigma flash.
Set to aperture priority, select f8 for an initial trial. Set the
flash to TTL mode. Set the exposure sensor mode to Spot (this makes
the S2 use TTL metering). With the flash turned on the shutter
speed should default to 1/60 second. Fire away. This works for me
from about 4 feet to 20 feet. Beyond 20 I drop down to f5.6, f4.
Closer than 4 feet I have to go smaller aperture or set flash
compensation down -1, -2. If using bounce flash from a white
ceiling I select f4.
Hope this helps.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
 
I agree it is not fair to condem the camera if the TTL is working for the majority it must be a problem with one of the components. I would apreciate hearing from anyone that uses the S2, Metz 54mz3 and a Tokina 28-70 2.6-2.8 lens. If you are having correct TTL exposure then we have some defective cameras out there.
Please help!
Jimmy Z
DannyT said:
So, before you condemn the S2 for it's 'lack of TTL flash
capability' please be aware that it may just be your cameras.
Maybe you need to get them checked out. Also, TTL flash will not
work over ISO 400. I shoot at either ISO 100 or 200 and it's been
dead one almost without exception.

Good luck and I hope you find the problem.

Danny
Doug Jones said:
Jimmy Z said:
I was reading another post that is very similar to this one and
from what I gathered I should set the camera set to apature
prioroty and then the camera will give proper exposure? I have
questions as to the comment about setting the Nikon flash to matrix
mode? I use the Metz 54mz3 I dont have a matrix mode is there a
equivlent setting on the Metz flash? please help us S2 owners with
poor flash exposure!
Click to expand...
Jimmy,
I don't know about the Metz unit but the following works for my
Sigma flash.
Set to aperture priority, select f8 for an initial trial. Set the
flash to TTL mode. Set the exposure sensor mode to Spot (this makes
the S2 use TTL metering). With the flash turned on the shutter
speed should default to 1/60 second. Fire away. This works for me
from about 4 feet to 20 feet. Beyond 20 I drop down to f5.6, f4.
Closer than 4 feet I have to go smaller aperture or set flash
compensation down -1, -2. If using bounce flash from a white
ceiling I select f4.
Hope this helps.
--
Doug Jones
Canberra
http://www.panamagic.com.au
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
jim
 
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