I am just trying to figure out my new SB800. I am trying to use it in manual mode. When it is attached to the camera, I can see on the flash LCD screen that when I power down the flash tells me what my range/distance of flash to subject should be. I.E. at M(anual) 1/4 power & ISO200 @95mm F5.3 - flash should be 23ft from subject.
However, when I set it up off camera I don't see this "guide". I set it up in commander mode in the camera (CSM e2). And then I set the flash to Remote. At this point the flash LCD screen only shows "Remote".
As I understand, I then have to set the power of the remote flash in camera - but without the same distance guide that the flash LCD gives me when it is connected.
Going from memory here, but, I don't believe you're missing anything. I think that's just the way they work.
It could be said, ,that's what you have an LCD on the back of the camera for.
,that's what you have an LCD on the back of the camera for.