Nikon D3100

[FW]

Has anyone used a D3100 in a cave? Is there a way to use an external flash? I got a hot shoe adapter, but it still tries to open the built in flash.

[NZcaver]

Has anyone used a D3100 in a cave? Is there a way to use an external flash? I got a hot shoe adapter, but it still tries to open the built in flash.

I have not used a D3100 in a cave, but I've encountered other peoples Nikons once or twice. What do you mean by hot shoe adapter? Are you perhaps trying to use a non-dedicated flashgun with the camera on the green 'auto' mode? I suspect you will either need to get a dedicated Nikon-compatible flashgun, or simply switch to manual mode for shutter/aperture and ensure your camera menu is set to trigger the hot shoe.

[Magee]

I have not used a 3100 in a cave. I would use a wireless transmitter in the hot shoe to trigger external flashes. You would also use optical slaves triggered by the popup. I don't think the Nikon d3200 has a commander mode to control other strobes.

[FW]

No, not trying to use auto, but there is no *true* manual mode for the strobe (not on a 3100 anyway). If the camera is in manual, and you select flash mode, the built in flash pops up. Apparently the only things that work on the hot show are dedicated Nikon strobes. I will probably just go with a tripod, in bulb mode, and trigger the strobes in the dark.

[Magee]

Flash mode? I have not used a D3100 however I have used D3000s and D5100 with studio flashes. I have just put the hot shoe adapter on and plugged in the flash, set to manual exposure control and shot away.

[FW]

I actually tried that, and it pops up the internal flash cover, and seems to ignore the hot shoe.