This demonstrates that the "commander" mode wireless remote flash control does indeed light when the shutter is open, and thereby affects the exposure. The rightmost image shows the commander flashing. The use of commander mode does indeed contribute additional light to the image.
The inexpensive solution, to use the Nikon SG-3IR filter to suppress visible output from the onboard flash, is mostly (but not entirely) effective. This is apparent from comparing the centre and left images in this composite. Notice both the increased light level and the altered colour balance.
For wireless remote flash control there are two workarounds:
- use an RF (non-optical) flash control
- use an IR (optical, but not visible) flash control (e.g. Nikon SU-800)
The three images in this composite were shot with identical Manual settings for shutter, aperture, and ISO. Whilst the commander mode was enabled, the internal (onboard) flash level was set to nil (disabled).
