Anyone had issues with the D800 sync speed?

ptrmcky

I usually set my D800 to ISO100, f14 and 1/200 for when I'm in the studio. Last week I had a shoot, and I accidentally knocked it 1/250. That should be fine since the D800 can sync at that speed, but I'm going through the photos now and I have a horrible line in some of the photos from the second curtain. It's more obvious in some pictures than others. In a few it's just a slightly dark gradient at the very bottom of the image, but in others there is a pure black line. Is this an issue with my camera, or has Nikon exaggerated the sync speed in the specs? If I wasn't shooting with a white background I might not have noticed it in some images, but in others they are completely black at the bottom.

PB_PM

I haven't noticed any issue, at 1/250s, so it might be an issue with your cameras shutter.

ptrmcky

Hmm I was worried it might just be mine. I looked through all the images, and it was just 2 of them that had black in them, and they were taken consecutively. The rest I probably wouldn't have been noticed if it was taken on location. I guess I'll just know to keep it at 1/200 from now on.

Vipmediastar_JZ

using the alien bees at 1/250 i had no issues. using the sb-910 at sync speed sync 1/250 i had no issues.

spraynpray

@ptrmcky: If it is an issue with the shutter (and it sounds like it is), I'd be worried that the camera could fail mid session if I were you so I'd send it in for a new shutter.

Wesley

Try using new batteries if you have wireless triggers or speedlights.

[Deleted User]

Maybe your trigger cannot go above 1/200.

Pistnbroke

if you set it to 1/320 FP you will have no problem even if you knock it to 1/1000+ provided your trigger system is up to it. to avoid it being knocked tape up the camera controlls ..fit a grip and use those wheels to adjust it . leave the grip in OFF and nothing can get knocked.
or try this..
http://www.nikonzen.com/F/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=389

TaoTeJared

Nikon flashes or "other" studio flashes. Need to know that. Could have a sync issue with the flash (doubtful but does happen.)

Nikon body "setting" in "FP" or not.

Maybe your trigger cannot go above 1/200.

and that was my third thought as well.

Vipmediastar_JZ

Since he has a D800 he can lock the Shutter and Aperture via the menu and a sub FN Option. Thats how I have mine setup. No need for tape for this. I have changed it by accident and appreciate the Lock option.

henrik1963

I have this issue with my D800. The lower frame is black for the first to shots and problem goes away untill next time I start shooting. I am using Pocket wizard triggers - it is like they need to warm up.

spraynpray

I have this issue with my D800. The lower frame is black for the first to shots and problem goes away untill next time I start shooting. I am using Pocket wizard triggers - it is like they need to warm up.

Wow - I just ordered a couple of triggers - hope they aren't going to play up @-)

ptrmcky

Never thought about it being an issue with my triggers. I'm using Calumet Pro Series triggers and Bowens Gemini 500R lights.

ptrmcky

Just checked the camera with my Yongnuo flash and it is syncing fine at 1/250. My triggers must be delayed a little and just catching the second curtain.

[Deleted User]

Strange, with the Calumet Pro triggers I never had a problem with 1/250 and the Bowens Gemini 400. The problem in the different brand trigger world is, that nothing speaks with nothing, hopeless. Maybe it is your build in trigger in the Bowens 500R ! with the plugged in radio receiver card. My Bowens Gemini 400 does not have that.

Yongnuo is a little bit more forgiving and connects to more units, I bought 2 Yongnuo YN622N triggers, put those on High Speed Sync and shot with 1/4000 with the D600 and SB-800's without a problem. They had no problem with the Bowens Gemini 400 with 1/250, you can't go higher because the Bowens cannot do HSS.

Of course the normal flash units should be able to do HSS if you want to use that.

Elinchrom has a studio light for HSS and there is a Fomex G600 on the way for super speeds.

TaoTeJared

Very few triggers can do HSS and I have read many barely do 1/125. Lighting Rumors (site) does a good job at finding those with HSS and what the sync speeds are.

Pistnbroke

if you use the Yn622N this ;may help you

http://www.lightingrumours.com/yongnuo-yn-622n-review-part-2-high-speed-sync-remote-control-mode-4143

spraynpray

Great post/link TTJ/Pistnbroke, thanks.

gdsandy

I have the same issue. It is intermittent though so how can I test for a "lazy shutter"? It may have dust or something

gdsandy

Slowing down is an issue though because if there is ambient light in the studio and you use say a 70-200, you could introduce motion blur.