Coolpix 950 and studio flash

[Jack A. Zucker]

I'm considering purchasing a Coolpix 950 and have a few questions about it's usage with a manual studio flash...

I assume you can get an adapter to use a standard PC connector with it ? Can it successfully synchronize with a manual (non dedicated) studio flash in manual (non TTL) mode ? Can I use the manual shutter speed / aperture combinations from my flash meter as I would a film camera ?

One usage I'd like to put it to is replacing the polaroid back on my studio camera which I use to test my flash output, light placement, contrast ratios, etc. With the difference between the digital rendition of contrast, light levels, etc., is this feasible or does the digital sensor have too much latitude to give me proper feedback in that regard ?

Sorry about the naive questions.

Jaz
-- http://w3.gwis.com/~jaz

 

[Jack A. Zucker]

OH Yeah - Another question:

Does manual (i.e. non dedicated, non TTL) flash sync at any shutter speed ?

Jaz

 

[Tyler Monson]

Jack,

I don't have exact answers for you because my Norman 2000 w/s and Nikon 950 have not yet met each other.

The best source for information on connecting the 950 to a studio flash can be found on the Nikon Europe site at:

http://www.nikon-euro.com/nikoneuro_en/hit/dc/dce900/en/HIT_dce900_gb_12.htm#12 Using the E-950 with Studio Flash Systems

Important facts to note are that the camera's default is ISO 80, and that there are a very limited range of f/stops (three values from 2.6 to 7.4, depending on focal length) so one would have to do almost all the exposure adjustment with the light source. Sounds like a real drag to me.

The article says the camera flash mode should be set to forced on, and this lockes the shutter speed at 1/30 second.

Hope this helps a little.

Tyler Monson
Seattle, Washington

 

[Mike]

I use an external flash that uses a pc connector (Sunpack 544). The part that you need to connect the camera to is the AS-E900 MULTI-FLASH ADAPTER (mfr# 25068). This has a hot-shoe connection at the end. Then you have to have a hot-shoe to pc connector. I think it's the AS-E15 (not real sure).

With the CP 950, you can only set the aperature, or the shutter speed, not both. When using my external flash, I set the aperture manually, and tell it to force flash on. It usually syncs at 1/60 or 1/45. I also turn the internal flash OFF (through the user menu - not easy to do either...). I'm using a auto-flash, which makes the next part easier.

When using the studio lights, take a light reading, then use the aperature setting and set the camera. All my pictures with the flash (> 5') look great.

I hope this helps.

Mike

I'm considering purchasing a Coolpix 950 and have a few questions about
it's usage with a manual studio flash...

I assume you can get an adapter to use a standard PC connector with it ?
Can it successfully synchronize with a manual (non dedicated) studio
flash in manual (non TTL) mode ? Can I use the manual shutter speed /
aperture combinations from my flash meter as I would a film camera ?

One usage I'd like to put it to is replacing the polaroid back on my
studio camera which I use to test my flash output, light placement,
contrast ratios, etc. With the difference between the digital rendition
of contrast, light levels, etc., is this feasible or does the digital
sensor have too much latitude to give me proper feedback in that regard ?

Sorry about the naive questions.

Jaz

--
http://w3.gwis.com/~jaz

 

[Chip Feise]

I use the CP950 with my Dynalite strobes.....I use the EK900 flash bracket with a Wein Infared transmitter in the hotshoe. The IR reciever is pluged into the Dynalite flash pack. This "cordless" set-up allows for max freedom of movement if shooting people or around a set. Sometimes its a bit hard to control light intensity output from the flash to match the given f-stops on the CP950 but Rosco neutral density lighting gels over the flash heads helps to get the correct f-stop. Also I have found that the 500 Watt-second flash packs provide more than enough light at their lowest power settings.

chip

 

[Ernie Basciano]

Hi all, I am getting into this discussion late obviously but just discovered this forum, seems very informative. I have been wondering how to use my 950 with my studio flash. I just have one question.....how do you tell the camera to "force flash on"?
thanks,
Ernie

With the CP 950, you can only set the aperature, or the shutter
speed, not both. When using my external flash, I set the aperture
manually, and tell it to force flash on. It usually syncs at 1/60
or 1/45. I also turn the internal flash OFF (through the user menu

• not easy to do either...). I'm using a auto-flash, which makes

the next part easier.