(For playback on the camera’s LCD, disconnect the adapter, after shutting off the camera.) The display is best used for composition, to assess exposure and motion blur, or to check for redeye in portraits. Unfortunately, you’re not seeing high-res images, even with a Retina display, which makes it difficult to assess sharpness. While portrait mode is more informative and preferred while taking pictures, landscape mode affords a larger view when reviewing images. Views are both thumbnail and full-screen. Make sure your iPad has enough storage space (I recommend at least 32GB). View photos enables you to review images on the iPad display, as follows: NEF/JPEG images stored on card when the camera is connected when the camera is disconnected, JPEGs stored on the iPad can be shown. The indicator flashes green/red when you hold down the WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button on the device. The adapter is a tiny Wi-Fi 11b/g/n dongle that connects to the camera’s USB port. But my more practical workaround was to use the Phottix Odin TTL wireless radio system directly in WMAU mode. One more thing, which I found of extreme importance: if you’re using Nikon’s CLS system, with the built-in flash as commander to trigger off-camera Nikon Speedlights, you cannot adjust output settings on these lights when in remote WMAU mode. If you’re simply adjusting the exposure or focus, switch back to WMAU when done and trigger the camera remotely.
For these operations, go to settings on the Take photos screen and select Camera mode (for manual focus as well). Nor can you shoot bursts, use the self-timer, or engage auto-bracketing. You cannot access the menu or change settings. WMAU remote mode has several shortcomings.
You would then use the software to copy files to your iPad. What’s more, so long as the device is plugged in, you cannot use the camera for playback-unless you set the camera as the primary trigger, in which case, the camera’s shutter release takes over. You cannot activate any of the camera’s digital controls once you have activated Take photos in the software. The mirror is raised, so the optical finder cannot be used to manually override focus in this mode. But the only aspect of the shot you can adjust from the iPad is the AF focusing point: just tap where you want the camera to focus. When using the iPad as a remote trigger (WMAU mode), you’ll see the shutter speed, f/stop, remaining exposures, and battery level. It takes around 15 seconds for each image to be downloaded to the iPad. In either mode, images are stored on both card and iPad and displayed on the smart device. Take photos lets you operate the camera remotely via the iPad (WMAU mode) or on camera via the shutter button (Camera mode). (For Android, use the Google Play service.) The utility is free.
Download the app for iOS in iTunes (not the App Store). Now you’re ready for the next step: working with Nikon’s Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility (WMAU). I wirelessly triggered the tripod-mounted Nikon D600 by way of the iPad and WU-1b. The flash was triggered via the Phottix Odin radio remote system. Using my iPad, I set up this still life on a homemade sweep table, with one SB-900 bounced off the ceiling, on the left, and a second SB-900 on the floor and aimed into the wall behind the set. The applicable network to be selected is recognizable as “Nikon_WU.” (Note: The instructions say you should select the network before activating the WPS button, but I’ve found it works either way-and saves a little time if you do as I outlined.)
It may take a moment for the device to detect the network settings generated by the adapter. Next, go to “Settings” on the iPad, then “Wi-Fi” to select the mobile adapter SSID (Service Set IDentifier) wireless network. When this happens, press the small WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) button toward the bottom of the adapter and hold it until the indicator flashes red and green. Now, turn the camera on-the adapter will rapidly flash green initially, and then slow its pace. Next, plug the wireless adapter into the camera’s USB port (on the left side, under the large protective cover).
(Note: Instructions for Android devices and smartphones may differ slightly.) But also first charge the smart device, or the process will be interrupted when power drops below a set level (you can adjust that lower-but I recommend using the defaults). The adapter draws power from the camera, so use a fresh battery. Insert a memory card (preferably freshly formatted) in the camera, since captured images are first stored on the card, then the smart device.
It requires the Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app (a free download).īefore you begin, you’ll need to do a few things. The Nikon WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter works with the Nikon D600 and Nikon 1 V2 and operates with smart iOS and Android tablets and phones.