Nikon Flash Photography Question.

[N320AW]

Hi . .

Glad to be here. I'm a first timer on this forum and have heard things about it. I've been in & out of photography for the past 30 years or so.I am getting back into it now and have a couple of questions for ya.

1. I have a Nikon FM3A. Like it very much. The flash that I hve is a Nikon SB15. It's manual says to set the flash for TTL when using the thing. Nikon's camera manual says to set flash on AUTO! Which is correct for general flash photography and what is the difference?


2.I have two rolls of Kodachrome 64 Professional. One has been in refrig for about 4 years the other in camera bag for same period of time. Do you think they are still good?

3. Can anyone advise what slide film would be the equivelant of Kodachrome?

4. I do not like Ektachrome generally, but have heard of EliteChrome. As far as color goes whats the deal on EliteChrome. My problem with Ektachrome is that it is not as " warm " as Kodachrome since it accents blues, yellows, and greens more. Is that what EliteChrome does?

I appreciate your time and look forward to some input on the above questions.

[freygr]

I would advise checking where you will have to send the Kodachrome for development. The film in the refrig should be good, now the film in the camera may be good but only if the camera has been protected form the heat.

[another view]

Hi and welcome - I think there are literally only a few (or less) places to get Kodachrome developed in the country, but last I heard on it was a couple/few years ago. Unfortunately, nothing really looks like it either. I'd probably suggest trying Fuji Provia 100F as an E6 replacement - not that it looks at all like KR but it might be closer than any of the Elite or Ektachromes. The film you have may still be good but I wouldn't try anything important with it, just to be safe. Be sure to check out the possibilities of developing it first since it's basically one for the history books.

The FM3A is a pretty new camera for it's type but the SB15 has been around for a long time. I'd go with the camera manual's suggestion since it's the newer one of the two but try both and see what works best. However, the FM3A has a TTL sensor (I'm pretty sure) so as long as the SB15 is compatible with TTL I would think it would be the best bet.

[N320AW]

I appreciate your reply.

The camera has an aperture priority setting. Would using this setting with flash cause any prblems?

Thanks

[another view]

The camera has an aperture priority setting. Would using this setting with flash cause any prblems?

Depends on how you're using the flash. If it's TTL (and that works properly), then no problem as long as you're "within range" - as in you obviously won't be able to shoot at f22 and have the flash properly expose something 50' away.

However, if you're using the flash on "A" mode, or non-TTL auto, then set the camera on manual. For most situations, 1/60 and f5.6 should be a pretty good starting point. According to a quick google, it looks like 1/250 is the max flash sync speed so you're good to go up to that speed if needed.

[N320AW]

Another View . . .appreciate that info.

I'm sure I'll be back with some more questions. Hope you're around.