PocketWizard has started testing the Nikon version of its FlexTT5 wireless transceiver. The company had Mark Wallace test the first working prototypes using a Nikon D3 with SB-800 and SB-900 flashes. PocketWizard says there is still a lot of testing and firmware tweaking to be done before the FlexTT5 becomes compatible with all key Nikon cameras and features, but the system is coming. (The illustration above depicts the existing Canon version of the transceiver.)

Pocketwizard News Release

First FlexTT5 Nikon Prototype Test

March 10, 2010
Las Vegas, NV - Just survived a few days of face-to-face harassment (I mean enthusiasm) from the Nikon shooters.  Since we have the first working prototypes with us here, we thought it was time to show some of the progress we’ve made.  We asked Mark Wallace if he wanted a little time with the first Nikon system to shoot a short video. Here it is:

First, a clarification:  Not everything is working.  Mark had about ten minutes with the system and did not get to try everything. We’re going to be right up front and say there is a lot we still have to figure out and a whole lot of testing still to do.

So what do we have?  We have a few of the first functioning prototype FlexTT5 Transceivers that work under normal i-TTL operation and high speed sync using the D3 with SB900’s and SB800’s.

So what’s next?  We will continue to build the firmware out to add compatibility and functionality with key Nikon cameras and features.  Then we will test, test, test and test some more.  Then we will continue testing and tweaking.  Once the system is dialed on the FlexTT5 Transceiver, we move it over to the MiniTT1 and keep testing.

Once we are reasonably happy that we have the core functionality and compatibility working well, we will expand the testing to some inner-circle/private beta testers (they know who they are!).

Once the private Beta program has proven the system out and the major bugs have been squashed, we will be looking into doing a larger public beta. Please don’t email saying you want to be a beta tester. We’ll announce this program when it’s ready with details.

So the big question is “when?”  It all depends.  There will be surprises along the way. As we learned with the Canon system, it is IMPOSSIBLE to peg a date.  If things go well, it will be sooner.  If there are major surprises, it will be later.  We have hopes that this will move along at a good clip, but even if things go very smooth (and they won’t), we’re still looking at months before there is a production version available.

Nikon shooters, just remember that we have a lot to gain by getting it done – nobody wants this system to get to you sooner then we do.

PocketWizard Marketing

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