Nikon SB-800 Using colored gel filters with digital cameras, Balancing light from the flash

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.

vNotes 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.

96 • To remove dust or dirt, wipe the filter lightly with a soft, clean cloth.