Ask Matthew...
Our resident Nikon expert Matthew Richards answers your questions and solves your problems. If you have a Nikon-related question, email it to mail@nphotomag.com
Q
I’ve just upgraded from a D5300 to a used D850 with a shutter count of just 1500. I’m really chuffed with it but can you suggest an inexpensive remote controller?
Martin Dunsmore A
The official Nikon option is the Wireless Remote Controller Kit WR-R11A + WR-T10, which comprises a transceiver and transmitter. It’s also compatible with other Nikon cameras that feature a 10-pin accessory terminal, including the D500, D6 and Z 9. The kit enables control of autofocus, video recording, continuous shooting and silent shooting, plus an additional option assigned to the Function button. Based on wireless RF technology, it doesn’t need ‘line of sight’ and works over a range of up to 20 metres. However, it’s a pricey option at £209/$277 Lower budget alternatives include the likes of the Aodelan Pebble transmitter and receiver kit with an 80m range, for around £36/$39, and the Aodelan WTR-2 transmitter and receiver kit, with a 60m range, at around £60/$59. The latter includes additional modes for delayed exposure, long exposures and time-lapse sequences. Similar kits by other brands are also available. Q
When I try to create a preset white balance on my D750, I often get a ‘no good’ error message. What am I doing wrong? Duncan Lawler A
The preset manual white balance option enables you to record and recall custom white balance settings for shooting in conditions with mixed light sources, or to compensate for a light source with a strong colour cast.
A ‘no good’ error message is usually solved by using a neutral grey or white object as the subject matter when creating a preset, instead of just pointing the camera at a general scene. A so-called ‘grey card’, like the Manfrotto Ezybalance, is ideal, as you can place this in the scene where the main object will be to record your preset. It’s available in various sizes and the 12-inch/30cm version costs around £30/$40. If you’d rather keep things simple (and cheap), a regular sheet of white paper or card can work pretty well. Q
I’ve been shooting some gigs recently. Is there a way of setting the aperture and shutter speed I want without having to continually adjust the ISO? Stephen Radcliffe
A
Gigs that feature continually changing lighting can be a challenge for nailing exposure settings when you really just want to concentrate on capturing definitive moments, reacting instantly as things happen on stage. If you’d like to set a particular shutter speed, for example to freeze any motion, as well as selecting a specific aperture to control depth of field, you’ll need to adjust the camera’s ISO setting to maintain correct exposure levels. But there’s an easy way to automate the process, so you’ve got one less thing to think about.
Set your camera’s shooting mode to Manual, and dial in the shutter speed and aperture that you want to use, then switch to Auto ISO. Keep an eye on the camera’s exposure level indicator to make sure everything stays within limits. Q
I’ve bought a Nikon ML-L7 Bluetooth remote controller for my Z 50 but it only seems to autofocus from the remote shutter button on the first press after switch-on. What’s up? John Jackson A
Yes, it’s frustrating isn’t it? I’ve queried this with Nikon in the past and they said you need to half-press the camera’s onboard shutter button to autofocus, then use the remote controller’s button to take the shot. That’s not what I’d call remote control! However, some help is at hand with firmware version 2.30 for the Z 50 and 1.30 for the Z fc. Firmware version 1.40 for the Z 6II and Z 7II also enable compatibility with the ML-L7 remote, with the same autofocus benefit, also featured in the Z 30 at launch.
To enable remote autofocusing for successive shots from the remote controller’s shutter button (once the firmware is updated), you need to select AF-C continuous autofocus mode and ensure that ‘Release’ is set as the AF-C priority selection in the Custom Settings menu.
The ML-L7 still has limited autofocus abilities. Another option would be to use an Aodelan or similar remote, as featured on the facing page.