Nikon Speedlite SB-800 - Manual (Page 102)

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Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras using
Supplied with the SB-800, the Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800 includes two filters:
the FL-G1 for taking flash pictures under fluorescent light and the TN-A1 for
use with incandescent/tungsten light.
• Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 is also available as an option (p. 112).
■ ■ ■
Using colored gel filters with digital cameras
Purpose Gel filter Adjust the camera’s white
balance to:
Balances the color of light from FL-G1 Fluorescent
the flash to match that of
fluorescent light
Balances the color of light from TN-A1 Incandescent
the flash to match that of
incandescent or tungsten light
Creates interesting effects by Optional color gel Flash
changing the light from the filters
flash to a different color
■ ■ ■
Balancing light from the flash
With digital cameras, if you shoot flash pictures under fluorescent light with the
camera’s white balance set to “Flash,” the main subject illuminated by the flash
will look normal. However, the background will come out green. To
compensate, use the FL-G1 (green gel filter) to convert the light coming from
the flash to the same color as fluorescent light, then adjust the camera’s white
balance to “Fluorescent.” Follow a similar procedure when shooting flash
pictures under incandescent/tungsten illumination using the TN-A1 filter. In this
case, set the white balance to “Incandescent.”
• Available with digital cameras featuring white balance. You cannot set the white balance
on the SB-800. Choose an appropriate white balance setting on your digital camera. For
more details, see your camera’s instruction manual.
• When using tungsten film with a film-based camera, use the TN-A1 (for
incandescent/tungsten light) filter for more effective results.
v
Notes on using colored gel filters
• These filters are consumable items. When they extremely fade in color or deteriorate,
purchase optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1.
• Colored gel filters may become deformed due to the heat generated from the flash
head. However, this will not affect their performance. When taking pictures using
repeating flash, do not use these filters, because they may become deformed quickly
due to the heat.
• There is no difference between the front and back of colored gel filters. Even though
they may be curled, this will not affect their performance. Likewise, scratches on these
filters will have no effect on performance.
• The amount of exposure compensation printed on each filter is provided as a guide only.
Be sure to make test shots to determine the actual amount of compensation required.
• To remove dust or dirt, wipe the filter lightly with a soft, clean cloth.