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Setting up Nikon SB series wireless dedicated flash unit

Nikon SB series dedicated flashes, for example, SB-600 flash or SB-800 flash are compatible with Nikon cameras D70, D80, D200, D300 or above. For camera models that do not have built in pop up flash, such as Nikon's D2Xs, D2X, D3, these flashes cannot be used without a sync transmitter. However, you can upgrade your Nikon with SU-800 transmitter. Install the transmitter by slides the transmitter into the hot shoe on the top of the nikons. This allow you to control the power of the wireless flashes.

To configure the dedicated flash unit to wireless mode:

  1. The setting buttons are at the back of the flash unit. To get into the configuration menu, hold the center SEL button down for few seconds.
  2. To navigate through the menu, use the multi-selector. The plus and minus buttons on the multi-selector can be used to toggle through the menus.
  3. To select the settings, use the SEL button.
  4. Select the 'flash' tab, then select the "Remote".

Setting up the Nikon cameras' wireless feature:

  1. Pop up the camera's built in pop-up flash.
  2. Setup the nikons pop-up flash into Commander mode. In this mode, the camera will not be firing the built in flash. Instead, it sends a pulse signal to the dedicated wireless flash unit as a trigger. This can be done on the camera by pressing the Menu button, then Custom settings menu -> Bracketing/Flash -> Built in flash -> Commander Mode. Then highlight the Built-in field, toggle "Mode" setting until "--". This means to turn off the pop up flash.
  3. Users can also control the brightness of the wireless dedicated flash by changing the setting in the same "Commander Mode" menu. By changing the Group A -> Comp. setting, which negative number represent reducing flash's power while positive number means brighter flash.

Techniques of using cameras flashes