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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
SB-800 not recycling very fast?
Chris McGathey, Photo Editor
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Dallas | TX | USA | Posted: 5:46 PM on 01.24.11 |
| ->> Anybody else have a Nikon SB-800 that does not recycle very fast even with new batteries. I have had the flash for a while but it seems to me that on TTL it should be a lot quicker than it is. I have never really taken the time to count in between cycles, but it seems more often than not I look at the damn thing waiting for it give me the red light for it to power up again. I guess using the extra battery door may be my only option. I don't use it much mostly to flash fill stuff. |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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San Diego | CA | USA | Posted: 6:05 PM on 01.24.11 |
| ->> Chris, do you use one of the "dummy" batteries and or a Quantum ? Either would speed up the recycle time. How long are you waiting in between flashes and at what power? Full power +3 obviously will take more time than say -3. |
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Matthew Hinton, Photographer, Assistant
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New Orleans | LA | USA | Posted: 6:07 PM on 01.24.11 |
->> There is a underexposure warning in TTL mode if it thinks the exposure is insufficient and the red light on the back of the speedlight will blink. By shooting in manual there is no warning and the recycling is much faster.
Also in manual mode if you shoot at 1/8 or lower power it will recycle much faster. I've used it to shoot high school football at night on manual and it can shoot in bursts at up to 5 fps |
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Jon Wright, Photographer
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Wayzata | MN | USA | Posted: 8:03 AM on 01.25.11 |
| ->> Are you using four or five batteries. That can make a bit of a difference. I have two SB800s and just sent one in for a rebuild. NPS charge was $130.00. In my case the flash sat loose in the hot shoe and was misfiring. Maybe it's time for an overhaul for yours. |
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Chris McGathey, Photo Editor
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Dallas | TX | USA | Posted: 1:19 PM on 01.25.11 |
| ->> Excellent info guys thanks for all your help!!!! |
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Mike Braca, Photographer
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Providence | RI | USA | Posted: 3:34 AM on 01.26.11 |
->> Use rechargeable NiMH batteries like Powerex 2700 or Sanyo Eneloops instead of regular alkalines -- that can cut your recycle times in half. If you want to keep using disposables and want decent recycle times (at twice the cost!), use lithiums, not alkalines.
I also consider the fifth battery as a "must"! |
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Bob DeChiara, Photographer
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Burlington | MA | USA | Posted: 8:38 AM on 01.26.11 |
| ->> I agree with Mike. I use the Powerex 2700's. Ditch the alkalines and go for the rechargeables. Maybe even an external battey pack like the SD8a for heaving shooting. |
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