Setting Commander and Remote Modes for the SB-900
Setting modes for the SB-900 has been greatly simplified, compared to the previous
SB-900. Just rotate the On/Off/Wireless mode switch to the Remote or Master posi-
tions. In Remote mode, the SB-900 will be triggered by the Commander flash unit in
its group. In Master mode, the SB-900 will serve as the trigger for the other flash units
in a group.
You’ll want to tell the SB-900 which Channel to use, and which Group it belongs to so
that it responds to/controls the other units in its group. You’ll need to do this separately
for each of the SB-900 units you are working with, if you’re using more than one. Here
are the (confusing) steps to follow (I recommend doing several dry runs to see how set-
ting up multiple flashes works before trying it “live.”):
1. On the master flash, press Function Button 1 to highlight M (Master).
2. Press the Mode button, then spin the selector dial to choose the flash mode you
want to use for that flash unit, from among TTL, A (Auto Aperture), M (Manual),
or - -. Then, press OK.
Chapter 12 ■Making Light Work for You 429
Tip
At the - - setting, the master flash is disabled; it will trigger the other units, but its flash
won’t contribute to the exposure—except if you’re shooting very close to the subject using
a high ISO setting. If an external flash is the master, try tilting or rotating the flash head
away from your subject to minimize this spill-over effect.
3. Press Function Button 2, and rotate the selector dial to choose the flash compen-
sation level. The amount of EV correction appears at the right side, opposite the
master flash’s mode indicator.
4. Press Function Button 1 to move on to the Group Selection option. Press OK to
choose Group A, or rotate the selector dial to choose Group B or C, then press OK
to confirm the group you’ve chosen.
5. If you’re using additional SB-900 flash units with this master flash, set their flash
modes and exposure compensation individually by repeating Steps 2, 3, and 4 with
the master flash.
6. If you���ll be using even more SB-900 flash units, set up those groups as you did for
Group A, but specify the group name you’ll be using for the additional units (either
B or C).