From: goldberg@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Mark Goldberg)
Newsgroups: rec.photo
Subject: Re: SB-24/wedding (Re: AF/AE vs. Manual aka All That Jazz)
Date: 23 Jul 92 13:57:03 GMT
Reply-To: goldberg@oasys.dt.navy.mil (Mark Goldberg)
Organization: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Annapolis, MD

In rec.photo, hchong@netcom.com (Hoi Chong) writes:
>Now how do you use SB-24 for vertical shot?  Presumably, I would want
>bounced flash *all the time*.

There are three different approaches I use.  The null approach is obviously
direct straight-on flash.  I have modified it thru use of the Lumiquest
Soft Box (flash shoots striaght thru it).  It is softer than direct
flash and saves the trouble of flipping.  It also is effective outdoors
or with high or discolored ceilings.  The two other approaches are with
Stroboframe brackets.  One of them keeps the flash parallel to the film
plane and above the lens - it's a flip bracket.  Is is intended for
straight-on flash and places the shadow below - not to the side of -
the subject.  It works well when I use the Soft Box.  The other bracket
is also by Storobframe (forget its model number).  It has series of
linkages to keep the flash in its vertical orientation, but allows the
camera to be flipped.  I prefer it when using the LumiquestPocket Bouncer
or 80/20 Bouncer.  A caveat to the latter approach is that you must
use bounce; you may have problems when using wide angle lenses with
veritcal camera orientation.  My experience with my 20mm lens is that
lighting with the bounce is very tricky - I think bouncing from a back
wall is the way to go with a 20mm.

[stuff about shooting a wedding deleted]

>I have a 24-50Nikkor AF and a 80-200Nikkor ED AF, wonder if using the
>24-50 most of the time is wise?  I also have access to a 35-70/3.3-4.5
>Nikkor AF, but assume that it is in a different class than the 24-50,
>is that right?  If so, should I consider using it at all?  Or should I just
>dump them all and use the 80-200 all the time togather with my FM2n with
>28/2.8 Nikkor MF?  In that case, then I probably need another flash, or maybe
>do "natural" light for the wide-angle?

Your selection of wedding lenses depends on your style.  Most of my
special events are shot with a 2-1/4 square Bronica, so there is no
probelm with horz vs vertical.  For 35mm event work, I use and 8008
and 8008s.  I have one SB-24 flash and the two Stroboframe brackets
as above.  I also have a Vivitar 285, Metz 60CT-2, and Portamaster 400
flashes, but the SB-24 does most of the work.  Here is a tabel of my
Nikon lenses and how I'd use them for a wedding:

    20mm f2.8           Wide angle of church interior in ceremony, other
			creative shots throughout the day, some action
			shots on dance floor.  Second to 35-135 in usage.

    60mm Micro          Close ups of rings or other details, any place
			where a sharp normal lens is needed, critical
			full length portraits which will be enlarged.

    35-135              Most used.  Versatile for protraits and candids
			throughout the day.  Will probably be on one
			camera body all the time.

    180 f2.8 ED         Cermony shots, creative close-up portraits.

    300 f4 ED           Same as above, but not used as much as 180.
-------------------------------

I am considering the 28-70 because of its closer focussing.  From your
list, I think the 35-70 would be a good choice.  I have heard it's a
very sharp lens.  It has an excellent close-up function.  I have considered
buying one of those, too, because it is a grat lens for the money.
As far as the 24-50, I haven't used it, but I recall camments from other
netters that is less sharp and has more distortion than fixed lenses.

   /|/| /||)|/  /~ /\| |\|)[~|)/~   |   Everyone's entitled to MY opinion.
  / | |/ ||\|\  \_|\/|_|/|)[_|\\_|  |      goldberg@oasys.dt.navy.mil
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