Setting the SB-900 as a “Master Speedlight Unit”

You can set the SB-900 speedlight device to the Master or Commander mode by using the Power ON-OFF switch also known as wireless setting switch. Here are the steps to configure SB-900 device to work as a master unit. If you are looking for how to configure SB-800 and SB-600 flash units in wireless mode, here are the links for How to configure SB-800 flash unit as a Master flash unit and How to set SB600 flash to work in Commander Mode.

1. Turn the switch while holding down the button in the center.

2. Align the index on the Power ON-OFF switch/wireless setting switch to MASTER.

Setting the flash mode, flash output level compensation values, and channel number on the master flash unit.

1. Press the Function button 1 on the Master flash unit to highlight “M”.

2. Press the MODE button, then turn the selector dial to choose the desired flash mode, and press the OK button.

TTL Through the lens metering
A Auto Aperture
M Manual
- -  No light output (although in M – -  a preflash will occur)

3. Press the Function button 2, then turn the selector dial to choose the desired flash output level compensation value, and press the OK button.

4. Press the Function button 1 to highlight Group ”A”. Turn the selector dial to choose a group other than ”A”.

5. Repeat procedures 2, 3 above to set the flash mode and flash output level compensation values of the remote flash units in Group ”A”.

6. In the same way as with Group A, set the flash mode and flash output level compensation values of the remote flash unit in Group ”B” and ”C”.

Note: After setting the output compensation value press OK twice to reveal ”Ch” above Function button 2.

7. Press the Function button 2, then turn the selector dial to set a channel number, and press the OK button.

Note: Left most button on the second picture (left to the lock sign) is Function Button 1 and right button to the lock sign is Function Button 2.

Source: A Hands-on Guide to Creative Lighting by Nikon School

Related posts

1. Setting the SB-900 as a “Wireless Remote Unit”
2. Setting the SB-800 as a “Master Flash Unit”
3. Setting the SB-800 as a “Wireless Remote Unit”
4. Nikon Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800
5. How to set SB600 Flash to work in Commander Mode

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