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problem shooting flash with z9

Started 7 months ago | Discussions
PHXAZCRAIG
PHXAZCRAIG Forum Pro • Posts: 19,651
problem shooting flash with z9

Today I was able to play with the z9 on a couple of dives.  I'm finding a big issue with the EVF compared to my D850.

With my D850 I see the subject regardless of settings.  Not so with ML.  Consider this.  I'm shooting at iso 64, 1/160th shutter and at least F16, sometimes F29.   My D850 is unperturbed, but my Z9 viewfinder is basically black.  No idea what I'm looking at.

I need some viewfinder setting to counter this.  Im trying Starlight mode.

What are other ML shooters doing for flash at base iso?

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Phoenix Arizona Craig
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"I miss the days when I was nostalgic."

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Barmaglot_07 Contributing Member • Posts: 633
Re: problem shooting flash with z9
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PHXAZCRAIG
OP PHXAZCRAIG Forum Pro • Posts: 19,651
Re: problem shooting flash with z9

Barmaglot_07 wrote:

Chris Ross has you covered here: https://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?/topic/69050-macro-on-a-mirrorless-how-to-improve-autofocus-performance/&do=findComment&comment=436925

Many thanks!  I thought I remembered something like that from Thom Hogan's book, but it would take a while to find it.  Assuming I remembered to put a copy on this laptop!

This afternoon I switched all to macro mode, and I tried Starlight Mode in desperation - that seemed to work pretty well.   Might even enhance autofocus.

I have D9 set now (Auto) and I'll see how it works.    It's been by far my biggest problem with the camera.  Z9 seems to be working like a dream, and the Nauticam housing is well done.  But I do have to get used to the controls.

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Phoenix Arizona Craig
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"I miss the days when I was nostalgic."

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PHXAZCRAIG
OP PHXAZCRAIG Forum Pro • Posts: 19,651
Re: problem shooting flash with z9

OK, the viewfinder fix works fine.  But I still have an issue with flash - should have known not to use Auto-ISO with flash.    I get ambient exposures at 25,600 ISO and then the flash goes off an nukes everything.   Back to manual everything.

Slowly getting used to the quirks of the Z9.  Have to say that overall the files are easy to post-process and seem to need less adjustment than the D850, which needed less than the D810.

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Phoenix Arizona Craig
www.cjcphoto.net
"I miss the days when I was nostalgic."

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Barmaglot_07 Contributing Member • Posts: 633
Re: problem shooting flash with z9

PHXAZCRAIG wrote:

OK, the viewfinder fix works fine. But I still have an issue with flash - should have known not to use Auto-ISO with flash. I get ambient exposures at 25,600 ISO and then the flash goes off an nukes everything. Back to manual everything.

If you want to use auto ISO with flash, the strobes need to be in TTL mode and you need a TTL-capable trigger. If the strobes are manual, then all the camera settings have to be manual as well.

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Interceptor121 Veteran Member • Posts: 8,691
Re: problem shooting flash with z9

Disable the live view simulation and if required use a live view boost mode in case the EVF is too dark

if you change the exposure settings you destroy your image as you are shooting with flash

Also make sure you disable auto iso

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