The SB-29 Macro
Speedlight is designed for illuminating close-up images, for example in medical or
scientific applications, by providing even illumination from a source which surrounds the
objective of an F-Mount lens.
When
used with film cameras the TTL mode will normally be used to ensure correct exposure.
Due to the digital system being unable to provide off-the film sensing, TTL mode is not
available on the SB-29 when used with the D-1. Nevertheless, it is possible to
obtain good results by the following method.
Theory
Using the Nikkor 60mm f2.8 Micro lens a minimum aperture
f32 can be set for non-macro use. When
focusing closer into macro mode, the lens optics (the front lens group) moves away from
the camera CCD. As a result, the amount of light hitting the image plane becomes
less and smaller apertures than can normally be selected can be achieved. The 60mm f2.8
can actually reach down to f57 with the D-1 in this mode.
Checking Exposure
The actual aperture value, (including the values which go
beyond the normal range) is displayed on the external LCD . The metering system
should be ignored, but the immediate digital playback of the D-1 allows for a fast
"trial and error" process to be used to take excellent images with the D-1.
By using the camera in custom setting 27:1 or 27:2(D1),
setting 27 Display mode (D1X/ H),
the image and histogram can be seen on the camera TFT monitor immediately after taking an
image. The histogram highlights should be checked to ensure that no saturation has
occurred due to flash over-exposure. If the exposure is incorrect, simply change the
aperture or shooting distance and try again.
Results
In tests with a 105mm f2.8D at 0.314m distance in macro
1:1 mode a minimum aperture of f57 was achieved. This will permit correct good exposure at
ISO200.
In tests with a 60mm 2.8D at 0.219m distance in macro 1:1
mode a minimum aperture of F57 was achieved. This will permit good exposure at ISO200.
Part of image (scaled down to 50%) taken with SB-29 and D-1
