Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa

drchow · 23rd December 2008

Anyone with experience buying Nikon products from Mustafa? I just happened to walk by and saw an SB400 going for only $169 with original Nikon warranty. Really tempted since I have not been fast enough at the personal classified section of CS.

shuhry81 · 23rd December 2008

any real need for buying an SB-400 bro?

drchow · 23rd December 2008

Actually, I have been resisting buying a flash but then realized that my 18-200 casts a shadow on the lower part of my photos at full zoom with the inbuilt flash! I am traveling to perth soon and would really like to limit my equipment, hence the SB400 though some have said it's not much better than the built-in really.

shuhry81 · 23rd December 2008

Originally Posted by drchow

Actually, I have been resisting buying a flash but then realized that my 18-200 casts a shadow on the lower part of my photos at full zoom with the inbuilt flash! I am traveling to perth soon and would really like to limit my equipment, hence the SB400 though some have said it's not much better than the built-in really.

okay bro, what you actually need is at least a flash that can swivel and turn like SB-600 ad above! bounce light(indoor) or a powerful flash is what you need bro. anyway, any 3rd party flash that has the abovementioned function will do. F.Y.I, if your subjects are a bit far, you'd better read up on the Flash Guide to understand the suitability of the flash for your use.

shuhry81 · 23rd December 2008

it is true what they say, due to the fixed position of the SB-400, not much difference

shuhry81 · 23rd December 2008

what you need is this

or the creme dela creme! enjoy!

mechattax · 23rd December 2008

Just to clarify a bit. The SB-400 has the ability to tilt its head from the horizontal position (0 degree) to the vertical position (90 degrees). So you can still bounce the light from the flash. I do own an SB-400 and it serves me well.

geraldtanak · 23rd December 2008

Originally Posted by mechattax

Just to clarify a bit. The SB-400 has the ability to tilt its head from the horizontal position (0 degree) to the vertical position (90 degrees). So you can still bounce the light from the flash. I do own an SB-400 and it serves me well.

Think other guys meant the horizontal swivel which is really a lot more useful as fill flash. Unless you couple a Giant Flip it ... but then again, dun think it fits on SB400

drchow · 24th December 2008

Originally Posted by shuhry81

what you need is this or the creme dela creme! enjoy!

Great thoughts everyone! Thanks!

Weight/size is a major concern for me, more than $$ actually. I know that my current needs are to bounce flash in one direction (upwards) for now; not sure why I will need to bounce to the side? Someone mentioned that if I take in portrait orientation, I can only bounce off the side wall with a SB400 instead of the ceiling with a swivel head - that I agree though....

I am sure there are CSers who have been happy with their SB400 due to the small size and that it serves their need adequately. What I fear is that I will start leaving my flash at home if I find it too much trouble to carry it with me!

From the Classifieds, I see that everytime an SB400 or SB600 is put up for sale, there is great interest.. good resale value huh?

shuhry81 · 24th December 2008

yeah bro, this "flashies" definitely have a high resale value because of it's strobing abilities and an abundance of features that is somewhat redundant to me until i reach a stage where i need to use it to the max! haha! then again, if you just need a flash to bounce then a third party is plentiful for you

Otherwise, go for at least sb-600. believe me dude, you won't regret it.

Kanski · 3rd January 2009

Originally Posted by geraldtanak

Think other guys meant the horizontal swivel which is really a lot more useful as fill flash. Unless you couple a Giant Flip it ... but then again, dun think it fits on SB400

Sorry I've got to clarify: this is a great little flash for subjects within 7-8ft away.

Stick it pointing vertically and then shove a business card in the slot for horizontal fill-in for eye and chin shadows. Bend it forward or backwards for more or less fill.

Demb actually has a mini Flip it for this flash. http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit400/

Don't be put off if your needs are modest. There's no need for a SB600 or more if you are just taking casual pics of people as long as they are not too far away and indoors.

I own bigger flashes but if I'm going light or not sure if I need flash, its the one I put in my pocket!

BTW this thread has nothing to do with a lens and buying from Mustapha!!

Kanski · 3rd January 2009

Originally Posted by geraldtanak

Think other guys meant the horizontal swivel which is really a lot more useful as fill flash. Unless you couple a Giant Flip it ... but then again, dun think it fits on SB400

Sorry I've got to clarify: this is a great little flash for subjects within 7-8ft away.

Stick it pointing vertically and then shove a business card in the slot for horizontal fill-in for eye and chin shadows. Demb actually has a mini Flip it for this flash.

Don't be put off if your needs are modest. There's no need for a SB600 or more if you are just taking casual pics of people as long as they are not too far away and indoors.

I own bigger flashes but if I'm going light or not sure if I need flash, its the one I put in my pocket!

BTW this thread has nothing to do with a lens and buying from Mustapha!!

drchow · 5th January 2009

Originally Posted by Kanski

Sorry I've got to clarify: this is a great little flash for subjects within 7-8ft away.

Stick it pointing vertically and then shove a business card in the slot for horizontal fill-in for eye and chin shadows. Demb actually has a mini Flip it for this flash.

Don't be put off if your needs are modest. There's no need for a SB600 or more if you are just taking casual pics of people as long as they are not too far away and indoors.

I own bigger flashes but if I'm going light or not sure if I need flash, its the one I put in my pocket!

BTW this thread has nothing to do with a lens and buying from Mustapha!!

Ok, I am convinced fully now. Just came back from Perth, regret not getting the flash. Am also tired of waiting for a second hand SB400 on classifieds! Mustafa here I come.

kiwitan · 5th January 2009

Suggest you bring one of their countrymen along with you.

Originally Posted by drchow

... Mustafa here I come.

Kanski · 5th January 2009

.. oh forgot to mention:

If you want to re-position the flash a bit closer or for bounce flash in portrait position, etc just use a flash cord e.g. SC 28/29 or some small wireless triggers. Remember that you can bounce off anything: side walls, ceiling, your white shirt, etc.

Its great as a lightweight bit of kit- don't knock something if you haven't tried it!

Stick it together with a Nikon Coolpix like the P5100 and you can get some really quite amazing pics for a compact. Not just family pics but amazing macro shots (still things only). Direct flash is hideously ugly, even if the cam is a D700!

I don't have any pics on me at the moment but I remember a few people posted some up on Dpreview.com -you'll be impressed, I promise!

(its a shame that the SC29 infra red focus light doesn't work as it would greatly help the slower-than-death-by-butter-knife focusing of the Coolpix range).

I realise this means I have made serious in-roads into ways of NOT carrying all my flashes, cam, batteries, lenses, Expodisc (actually I still take this as its handy and I'm lazy), etc
But if its just going out to dinner, going cycling or for a run, or out with the family, I simply cannot lug my gear around nor would I want to.

23rd December 2008	#1
drchow New Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 24	Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa Anyone with experience buying Nikon products from Mustafa? I just happened to walk by and saw an SB400 going for only $169 with original Nikon warranty. Really tempted since I have not been fast enough at the personal classified section of CS.

23rd December 2008	#2
shuhry81 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 136	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa any real need for buying an SB-400 bro? __________________ “The soul can not think without a picture.” Aristotle.

23rd December 2008	#3
drchow New Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 24	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa Actually, I have been resisting buying a flash but then realized that my 18-200 casts a shadow on the lower part of my photos at full zoom with the inbuilt flash! I am traveling to perth soon and would really like to limit my equipment, hence the SB400 though some have said it's not much better than the built-in really.

23rd December 2008	#5
shuhry81 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 136	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa it is true what they say, due to the fixed position of the SB-400, not much difference __________________ “The soul can not think without a picture.” Aristotle.

23rd December 2008	#6
shuhry81 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 136	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa what you need is this or the creme dela creme! enjoy! __________________ “The soul can not think without a picture.” Aristotle.

23rd December 2008	#7
mechattax Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 65	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa Just to clarify a bit. The SB-400 has the ability to tilt its head from the horizontal position (0 degree) to the vertical position (90 degrees). So you can still bounce the light from the flash. I do own an SB-400 and it serves me well. __________________ http://mechattax.fotopages.com/

24th December 2008	#10
shuhry81 Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 136	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa yeah bro, this "flashies" definitely have a high resale value because of it's strobing abilities and an abundance of features that is somewhat redundant to me until i reach a stage where i need to use it to the max! haha! then again, if you just need a flash to bounce then a third party is plentiful for you Otherwise, go for at least sb-600. believe me dude, you won't regret it. __________________ “The soul can not think without a picture.” Aristotle.

5th January 2009	#15
Kanski New Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 18	Re: Buying Nikon lens from Mustafa .. oh forgot to mention: If you want to re-position the flash a bit closer or for bounce flash in portrait position, etc just use a flash cord e.g. SC 28/29 or some small wireless triggers. Remember that you can bounce off anything: side walls, ceiling, your white shirt, etc. Its great as a lightweight bit of kit- don't knock something if you haven't tried it! Stick it together with a Nikon Coolpix like the P5100 and you can get some really quite amazing pics for a compact. Not just family pics but amazing macro shots (still things only). Direct flash is hideously ugly, even if the cam is a D700! I don't have any pics on me at the moment but I remember a few people posted some up on Dpreview.com -you'll be impressed, I promise! (its a shame that the SC29 infra red focus light doesn't work as it would greatly help the slower-than-death-by-butter-knife focusing of the Coolpix range). I realise this means I have made serious in-roads into ways of NOT carrying all my flashes, cam, batteries, lenses, Expodisc (actually I still take this as its handy and I'm lazy), etc But if its just going out to dinner, going cycling or for a run, or out with the family, I simply cannot lug my gear around nor would I want to.