[bluespearbone]

Anyone know of a link to a crash course on using this external flash unit (general and specifics)?

PS: Very pleased with purchase, and also glad that had previously invested in an Optech camera/neck-strap. Not particularly light combination (eight AA batteries combined for a start...)

[Tom M]

I see you mentioned neck strap - might I suggest a hand/wrist strap? When traveling I've come to the conclusion that the camera is either out and in use or away in stowage. I use a shoulder sling Lowepro for stowage and a hand/wrist strap for shooting. It gives me a much more positive grip on the camera that allows better control as well as no neck rubs/burns from a strap in the heat.. To each their own of course and only a suggestion.

Strobist for techniques and here for techniques and specifics to the unit.

[bluespearbone]

Thanks Tom, looks like a great resource.

[clawhammer]

I've also got the optech strap and LOVE it. Really helps.

edit: beware of strobist- it can induce one to making even more purchases Seriously though, it is a great sight. Lots of good info.

[egordon99]

"Easy" recipe for great P-TTL flash shots -
1)Point flash at ceiling
2)Put camera in MANUAL mode on the mode dial
3)Set FEC to +1 on the flash head

4)Shoot RAW (this allows you to recover some highlights that might get blown as a result of #3 above)

5)Set ISO to 200 (to start)
6)Set shutter speed to 1/180s
7)Set f-stop to whatever DOF you want


Now if the flash runs out of "power" because of high ceilings, you can raise the ISO or open up the f-stop to compensate. Or you can slow down the shutter to bring more ambient light into the exposure (in addition to adjusting ISO/f-stop) If the ceiling is REALLY high (like in a church), you may need a reflector to throw some of the light forward (I use the Joe Demb Flip-it).