mamiya 7II + SB900 or SB800 settings

[reubelim]

Hi all,

Any experiences using your Mamiya 7II with either the SB900 or SB800? What settings should be set on the Nikon flashes for optimal results?

Tried using the SB900, set it on A but ran into difficulty when the flash went on standby, and wouldn't fire. Fiddled with the power standby setting to get around this, but would appreciate some sharing on all flash settings so I don't have to waste too many rolls via trial and error.

Want to use my SB800 ((is it true this is a better flash to use on the M7?) but am leery as the locking pin really prevents this flash securely mounting on the Mamiya, so would appreciate info on how to get around this, short of drilling a hole on the M7 flash mount.

Or, is it best to just use an older A-capable flash? I have some Vivitar and Suntax flashes that I use with my Canon A1 and Canon rangefinder and Nikon F mount bodies. How can I tell if these would be safe to use on the Mamiya?

Cheers!

 

[Mablo]

Any A-capable flash would do. Vivitar 285 for example. Check the trigger voltage before using it.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

 

[reubelim]

Oh no.

Oh no.

The SB800 & 900 uses info from Nikon camera and lens CPUs..when in an auto iTTL mode. So, you should be in manual mode with a non Nikon TTL camera. If standby is a problem, go into the menu and lengthen the standby time or turn standby off. I usually turn it off when I'm not in CLS or iTTL with all in manual. Especially when using more than one speedlight. You should also set a focal length (via the menu - the camera does it if compatible, ie a Nikon) that will work with the lens (different format) on your Mamiya. If I remember, the default with the diffuser dome on the flash tube cover, is 14mm. So, that should cover most anything for starting a test.

Have been using the SB900 in A mode. Should have been on M? Hope I didn't screw up my flash exposures too much. Will have a go at the manual then, but thanks for the info, would appreciate any other tips.

Cheers!

 

[mickster]

As Mablo said above, any flash with an A mode and a suitably low voltage sync is your best bet. You can also use a flash on full manual but then you have to work out distances / apertures etc.
If your SB8/900 has an A mode, then use it. Choose your taking aperture, plug this into the flash and bob's yer uncle. Camera synchs at any speed, of course.