SB900 users

[kaiser]

Just wondering if anyone is using aftermarket wireless transmitters/receivers such as Pocket Wizard / Gadget Infinity.
Apparently the shoe on the SB900 is a bit thicker than normal so wanted to see if these receivers still fit onto the SB 900?

Also, Rick, you mentioned about the communication link between the d3 and the sb900 allowing automatic detection of gel filters and subsequent WB correction - any idea if these feature will work on the D90, being the latest body?

I'm trying to decide between getting an SB 800 or SB900 for off strobist stuff. Price difference is $ 535 vs $ 659.

Cheers,

matt

[ricktas]

Re the Gel filters, No, only works on the D700 and D3 for AWB adjustment, and SB900 firmware upgrades can only be done using a D700/D3 as well (I have done one already).

The SB900, I am not sure about the pocket wizards fitting etc. When I get home tonight I will look at the base thickness compared to my SB600 and reply to this thread again. If I forget, post again, as I will see it on new posts and do it. I have a lot of work tonight tallying Photo of the Year votes etc, to get final poll running at 8.30 pm

[N*A*M]

i'll take a photo of the hotshoe plugs for you with the 600 & 900. the shoe itself is standard size... but the body of the 900 has a bit more plastic bulging around that area that may interfere with some shoe plugs.

with the 800 vs 900, i basically factored in buying a stofen diffuser and getting colour gels for the 800 vs already included for the 900. the 5th battery for the 800 vs only 4 for the 900. and the 900 has better interface, cycles a bit faster, has a thermometre, and makes cool noises when it goes off. the 900 wins.

however if i can find cheapish 800s or 600s, i will get some more.

[kaiser]

Thanks for your replies guys. I ended up getting the SB800 today and with the money i saved i bought: 1. a basic strobist kit from Dragon Image. (8ft light stand, umbrella/flash clamp and a brolly) and 2. A fast charger and some Nimh batteries. So overall pretty happy.

I was devastated to find out that the Sb800 does not make the cool Star Wars sound effects....that's not fair.

Later down the track I will probably get a SB900 and use the 800 as the secondary.
The D90 has commander mode so I can still trigger my Sb800 off camera until the wireless gadget thingy gets here :)

[ricktas]

Have you ordered your wirelessy gadgety thing?

A member here pointed these (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/4-Channel-Wireless-Flash-Receiver-V2s_W0QQitemZ350151137176QQihZ022QQcategoryZ64354QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262) out to me, and he has found them great (for the price), don't have a huge range, but nice and cheap. Look in the sellers shop for all the parts.

[kaiser]

Yep thats the one I ordered.
SB900 owners may find this link helpful - lists compatible 3rd party stuff:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/discuss/72157606368129813/

[kingwheatie]

Re the Gel filters, No, only works on the D700 and D3 for AWB adjustment, and SB900 firmware upgrades can only be done using a D700/D3 as well (I have done one already).
I was looking on the Nikon Aus site for firmware updates and found that the SB-900 can also have its firmware updated on the D300 and D90 cameras, was wondering how the hell i was going to update the SB-900:eek:

[ricktas]

I was looking on the Nikon Aus site for firmware updates and found that the SB-900 can also have its firmware updated on the D300 and D90 cameras, was wondering how the hell i was going to update the SB-900:eek:

Thats interesting cause my sb900 manual - page f10 states - Cameras compatible with SB900 firmware upgrade : D3 D700.

My guess is that Nikon have probably introduced the ability to do firmware updates with other models, via firmware updates to those cameras. Maybe make sure your D300/D90 is using the most recent firmware before trying to update the SB900 firmware from one of those bodies.

[kingwheatie]

Your right Rick, must have the current firmware installed on the D300/D90 before updating the SB-900. I just had a look in the user manual as well and mine has D3/D700/D90:crzy: only brought mine this year and was already updated to Ver 5.02,so i cant try updating through the D300, next one maybe???