Using Film Camera Strobes w/ DSLR

Hi,

I have a Nik V that I've been using with an Ikelite SS200 and SB105. When I shoot with two strobes, I use an Aquatica Flip Tray and Ikelite's cord for using both SS200 and SB105.

Now I think I'm ready to buy my first digital camera for u/w use and have been thinking about the D70 and the Nexus housing.

I'd rather not put money into digital strobes if I don't have to. My first choice would be to make use of the strobes I currently own.

Is this possible to do this with the D70 and/or any other DSLR (e.g. Canon 20D)?

I have heard it can be done in manual. But if using my old strobes would seriously limit me when shooting underwater, I would buy a strobe made for use with a digital camera.

What do you suggest?

Thanks for your help!

Ellen

Hi Ellen,

Welcome to Wetpixel - it's great to have you.

Yes, it can be done. I have been shooting digital without TTL for a few years now and I'm very happy with the results. You may get one or two bad shots at the beginning of the dive, but you get your strobes dialed in and are good to go after that.

With a Nexus housing, you'll be able to plug each strobe into its own bulkhead, or you can keep on using the cord you have (dual) as the Nexus housing has the same type of strobe bulkhead as y our Nik V

For macro, a good place to start would be at ISO200, f16 and strobes at 1/2 power on the Ike and full on the SB105. Or you can dial down the SB105 and just use it for fill.

HTH

James

Welcome aboard Ellen!

No problem using a SB105 with digital - although you might find you need a slightly thicker diffuser. A yogurt cartoon or plastic milk bottle bottom works well.

And I agree with James, a couple of dodgey exposures with the first pic or two till you get the strobes set up. But after that digital without TTL is no problem.

Thanks so much for the warm welcome.

You've made my day! I'm pleased that I'll be able to use my SB105 and SS200 with my digital camera. That leaves more money for dive trips

And James, thanks for the suggested camera and strobe settings for macro.

TimG - Could you be a bit more specific on the procedure for putting the plastic milk bottle bottom on the strobe? Tanks!

All the best,

Ellen

Hi Ellen

Ahh, the science of milk bottle bottoms.......

You might find at times that the output from the SB105 is too much for the picture you are trying to create. I found this especially with macro - even with the strobe on its lowest power setting and the plastic diffuser in place.

I heard about inserting an extra piece of translucent white plastic between the strobe and its diffuser. I'm not sure where you live, but I have been in places where milk bottles are made of plastic - and the diameter of the bottom is, when sliced off with a knife, about the right size to fit behind the SB105 diffuser. But things like yoghurt carton bottoms would probably work too. I don't think the flavour of the yoghurt makes a difference.

I found it handy to have one of these home-made super-diffusers in my BC pocket which I could fit into the strobe when necessary.

Quiz your dealer on how your nexus d70 housing comes wired, and whether or not your SS200 will lock up the camera.

If it is wired w/ 5 active pins, you'll need to use this special sync cord;

http://ikelite.com/web_pages/sync_cord_d1x.html

Or follow the instructions at the bottom of the page for covering the ready line.