External Flashes for CP 990

Hello,

I've finally gotten to the point where I can't put up with the 990's built-in flash anymore. In reading past posts, I've decided to get a Magic Bracket instead of the Nikon unit but need some advice regarding flashes. I was thinking about getting the Nikon SB-80DX but was wondering if that would just be a waste. Does the 990 actually take advantage of a Nikon flash's features or would I be better off getting a less expensive (third-party) unit?

Regards,
Corey C.

Corey,

The Nikon flashes only support the TTL function in the SB80DX. It does not support the focus assit IR light, or the automatic focus motor on the SB80DX. The 990 does not support DTTL and probably never will. Ihave been doing a lot of reading on this subject as I just bought a 5700. The Nikon fans all belive that these new features are just a code load away, but no comment from Nikon. The IR focus light and focus motor on thwe SB;s are possible. The DTTL is not.

I bought a Vivitar 730 ($65 plus shipping). It gives a good guide number of 115, has an IR light(no Nikon 5700 support though), and a manual adjustment for 28/35/50/85MM lenes focal length. I admit tyhe focus motor on the flash will be nice, but decided that for $300 or so I would wait for it to be supported first.

To see supported flashes for Nikon 990s go to: http://www.rosensaft.com/ezra/cp_flashes.htm

Doug Westcott

Corey C. said:

Hello,

I've finally gotten to the point where I can't put up with the
990's built-in flash anymore. In reading past posts, I've decided
to get a Magic Bracket instead of the Nikon unit but need some
advice regarding flashes. I was thinking about getting the Nikon
SB-80DX but was wondering if that would just be a waste. Does the
990 actually take advantage of a Nikon flash's features or would I
be better off getting a less expensive (third-party) unit?

Regards,
Corey C.

Click to expand...

I'm using the Magic Bracket with the SB50DX on my 995. A good combination. Less expensive than the SB80, not as powerful.

SB50DX did a great job on Xmas photos. It uses non recharable batteries but they can be bought at a good price at http://www.sunnbattery.com
The cool pix do not make use of the capabilities of the flash. HTH
RonA CP995