That's the first I have personally heard, I have 2 but not have had the AF assist beam not function properly.

However, he was talking about the 85mm @ f1.4, and it's a very shallow depth field anyway, so having some out of focus shots would be understandable, especially with movement on dance floor. I don't have that lens so cannot make a judgment on that alone, but I do plenty of f2.8 work and the hit to miss ratio is very high with more hits then misses as in 8 out of 10 would be sharp which would be a great outcome regardless.

I would certainly not let a single review persuade me otherwise, have you seen anything else regarding this?

Trev.

PS: The price difference is only $50 anyway, I would have automatically gone for the SB910 if buying new first time around. I certainly have no intention of upgrading unless a new super duper one come out.

I have never heard of this problem either. I have 3 SB-900 units and none of them behave this way in the dark. I have used the AF-Assist in complete darkness, and it works. I have to agree with Trev that if the reviewer is using f1.4 a lot, there is going to be some out of focus shots as a result.

Also, as Trev said, since the price difference between the SB-900 and SB-910 is $50, you can get the SB-910 right off the bat if it will be your first SB-9xx unit.

Thanks guys! I haven't heard of that problem before either, so it kind of threw me for a loop when I read that review. Have either of you ever had issues with the weight of the SB-900 creating the loose contact problem for a D300? All of the noted problems with the weight of the SB-900 seem to center on a D700, but I have a D300, and I really wanted to upgrade my SB-700 to an SB-900, but I'm worried about the loose contact problem. I can't afford a $250 new hotshoe just to use my flash. Thanks again!

j_choi, I owned a D300 + SB-900 but I did not observe the problem that the D700 + SB-900 had. However, I also didn't get to use the D300 + SB-900 for as long as the other set-up. Generally, the loose contact problem seems to occur after prolonged, active use.

Call up Authorized Photo Service and get a quote. It should not cost $250 to replace a hotshoe. I spent $250, because I had some other things that needed fixing on my D700 besides the hotshoe.

http://nikoncamerarepair.com/

Can we continue this issue with the SB900's and D700's. My connections seem to be loose (AGAIN) and the flash isn't always firing- and not just "not firing" but the camera isn't even "seeing" it attached as the shutter speed will increase above the 250 speed as if no flash was there. Just this past Sept I sent one in to Nikon for repair...they replaced the hotshoe and it came back fine. Now I'm noticing the issue pop up again. From what I'm reading this seems common...what's the fix you've found...junk the SB900's and use a different flash? Continue to replace the hotshoe? Upgrade to the D3 (or 4) ? Is there a DIY repair I can do without sending it back to Nikon again?

ahedgesphoto,

This pertains to Canon, but if adventurous, you maybe can give it a go, maybe similar.
http://neilvn.com/tangents/2007/08/03/tightening-the-hotshoe-on-the-canon-1d-series/#more-52
Don't know if this is particular to your problem, it's just how to tighten the hotshoe on a Canon, so try at your own risk.

Trev.

eeek! thanks...I'll read and (maybe) give it a try :)
I doubt though, that it's simply a loose shoe- since the last time this occurred, Nikon replaced the whole thing. the shoe itself doesn't seem to be loose either...it's more the connection between the flash and the body as if the track is stretched out which is causing it to not connect. I've read elsewhere that this is a common issue and just wondering if there's a quick fix or if I should start shopping around for different pieces of equipment that play nicer together!

:( Good luck!

Besides switching to lighter flashes or changing camera brands, the only other solution would be wireless triggers.

To be honest, I found Nikon not to be good at repairs. Authorized Photo Service seems to do a better job than Nikon itself!

Hi ahedgesphoto
Devils advocate question for you. are you using a G. Fong by any chance?

Lou Recine
Matrix Photography & Design

@Lou- No, Im not using a gary fong...

@Stephen, I was thinking about trying to do more off camera flash to give my hotshoes a break but that's not always possible.
And YES talking to Nikon customer service feels like being on trial :) I wish I could find a local place for repairs so I could talk to someone face to face

I know a great guy in toronto

Didn't mean to insult. I had a similar problem. I found my G Fong pulling the flash down loosening the shoe.


Lou Recine

Lou...definitely not insulted Lou- no worries!! :) I was the one who probably sounded bad. I do yank on my flash quite a bit- swiveling it around and such...I wouldn't say I mis-use my equip by any means but I certainly USE it, you know??
thanks for your help!

ahedgesphoto: If you want to stick with Nikon, you may ultimately want to upgrade to a D3. The Dx models are supposed to be "pro" cameras, so they should be more durable. I read somewhere on the internet that since the D700 was designed and produced before the SB-900, Nikon did not take into account the SB-900 weight on older models. I'm sure that if you put a SB-900 on older cameras and use them vigorously, the problem will eventually manifest itself.

The irony is that I read somewhere that at some point in time, the Nikon Professional Service (NPS) program considered the D700 a pro camera.

I think it is considered a "pro camera" as it's a full frame...but yes- ultimately I foresee an upgrade...

ahedgesphoto: I made a typo. The Dx series are pro cameras not lenses. Doh!

Actually, the D1 and D2 were DX-format cameras. That is why I only said that the Dx (x = single digit designation) were considered pro cameras

You guys are awesome! I've been following this site for a while, and I didn't realize the forums were so helpful! Anyway, has anyone ever bought a used flash from Adorama? They have two SB-900's, rated "E" and "E-".

I have never bought used equipment from Adorama. I would rather buy an item if it was listed as refurbished, which Adorama occasionally sells. Refurbished equipment has been tested and checked by the manufacturer.

Also, you can buy refurbished flashes from Nikon's outlet store:
http://shop.nikonusa.com/store/nikonusa/en_US/list/categoryID.43898300