Flash lighting in the dark with an AF Camera

I purchased a Studiomax AC strobe setup today, and I'm mystified how I am supposed to get my camera to focus in the dark. Is there some sort of secret I'm missing? I get it focused in the light, turn the lights off (Because of the way my studio is lit, to keep lights on throws some NASTY shadows) and then attempt to shoot.

Am I missing something? Do I need to turn AF off?

None of the manuals I have discuss the technical nuances involved in actually making my 3 strobes go off, only placement, etc.

If anyone could point me to a thread with some pointers, or a website, I'd be MUCH obliged as I'm feeling quite overwhelmed.

The Camera is a Nikon N80 FYI.

Welcome to the site, CK...

There's something about the description of your problem that just doesn't add up. When you're working with stobes in a studio setting, a bit of ambient light so you can see what you're doing should not be a problem at all.

Many strobes and monolights have hot "modeling" lights that remain on when the flash goes off. If your camera is set correctly, there is no way these lamps produce enough light output to affect your exposure.

I need to know how your ambient lights can produce shadows in your shots. It shouldn't happen. What ISO and shutter speed are you using?

And to address your original question, a low but usable level of ambient light should be enough to allow your AF to work properly.

Steve-

I was unaware that the modeling lights wouldn't affect the exposure of the picture, so I was attempting to keep those off, all 3 lights come with modeling lights, they throw shadows though, even though they are being bounced off umbrellas. I think another problem is that the ambient light I am using is (shudder) a flourescent and I have just been ingrained to believe that flourescent lighting is the devil when attempting to shoot portraits.

Thanks.

As far as what exposure settings I'm using, I'm shooting F9@125 shutter speed, ISO 400