Nikon SB-910 User Manual

4.5 (2)

Autofocus Speedlight

User’s Manual

En

About the SB-910 and This User’s Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-910. To get the most out of your

ASpeedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly before use. Keep this manual handy for quick reference.

Preparation

How to find what you are looking for

i

Table of contents

(0A-11)

You can search by item, such as operation method, flash mode or function.

i

Q&A index

(0A-9)

You can search according to objective without knowing the specific name or term of an item.

i

Index

(0H-22)

You can search using the alphabetical index.

i

Troubleshooting

(0H-1)

This is handy when there is a problem with your Speedlight.

For your safety

Before using the Speedlight for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0A-14 – A-18).

A–2

Included items

Check that all items listed below are included with the SB-910. If any items are missing, inform the store where the SB-910 was purchased or the seller immediately.

Speedlight Stand AS-21

Soft Case SS-910

Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-13H

User’s manual (this manual)

Fluorescent Filter SZ-2FL

A collection of example photos

Incandescent Filter SZ-2TN

Warranty card

Speedlight Stand

Soft Case SS-910

 

AS-21

 

 

SB-910

Fluorescent Filter SZ-2FL

Incandescent Filter SZ-2TN

Nikon Diffusion

Dome SW-13H

A

Preparation

A–3

About the SB-910 and This User’s Manual

A

Preparation

About the SB-910

The SB-910 is a high-performance Speedlight compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of 34/48 (ISO 100/200, m) (111.5/157.5, ft) (at the 35 mm zoom head position in Nikon FX format with standard illumination pattern, 20 °C/68 °F).

CLS-compatible cameras

Nikon digital SLR (Nikon FX/DX format) cameras (except D1 series, D100), F6, COOLPIX cameras (P7100, P7000, P6000)

About this user’s manual

This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB-910 will be used in combination with a camera compatible with CLS and a CPU lens (0A-5). To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly before use.

For use with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras, see “For Use with Non-CLS- compatible SLR Cameras.” (0F-1)

For use with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras (P5100, P5000, E8800, E8400), see “For Use with COOLPIX Cameras.” (0G-1)

The separate “A collection of example photos” provides an overview of the SB-910’s flash photography capabilities with example photos.

For camera functions and settings, see the camera user’s manual.

Icons used in this manual

vDescribes a point to which you should pay particular attention in order to avoid Speedlight malfunctions or mistakes.

t Includes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier.

0 Reference to other pages in this manual

A–4

t Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses

CPU lenses have CPU contacts.

CPU contacts

• The SB-910 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor lenses.

A

Preparation

A–5

About the SB-910 and This User’s Manual

A

Preparation

Terminology

Default settings

Function and mode settings at the time of purchase

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)

A lighting system that enables various flash photography functions with improved communication between Nikon Speedlights and cameras

Illumination patterns

Control types of light falloff at edges; the SB-910 provides three illumination patterns, standard, even and center-weighted.

FX format/DX format

Nikon digital SLR camera image area types (FX format: 36 × 24, DX format: 24 × 16)

Guide number (GN)

The amount of light generated by a flash unit; GN = flash-to-subject distance (m or ft) × aperture f-number (ISO 100)

Zoom head position

Position of a Speedlight zoom head; the angle of coverage changes as the zoom head position changes.

Effective flash output distance

Flash-to-subject distance with correctly adjusted flash output

Effective flash output distance range

Range of effective flash output distance

Flash compensation

Intentional flash output change to obtain the desired subject brightness

A–6

i-TTL mode

Flash mode in which the Speedlight fires monitor pre-flashes and the camera measures the reflected light and controls the Speedlight flash output

Monitor pre-flashes

Scarcely visible flashes emitted before actual firing that enable the camera to measure the light reflected on a subject

i-TTL balanced fill-flash

i-TTL mode type in which flash output level is adjusted to well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background

Standard i-TTL

i-TTL mode type in which flash output level is adjusted to the correct exposure of the main subject regardless of background brightness

Auto aperture flash mode

Non-TTL auto flash mode with aperture priority; the Speedlight measures the reflected flash and controls the flash output according to the reflected flash data and the lens and camera information

Non-TTL auto flash mode

Auto flash mode without TTL; the Speedlight measures the reflected flash and controls the flash output according to the reflected flash data

Distance-priority manual flash mode

Manual flash mode with distance priority; the flash-to-subject distance is set and the Speedlight flash output level is adjusted in accordance with the camera settings.

Manual flash mode

Flash mode in which the flash output level and aperture are manually set to obtain the desired exposure

Repeating flash mode

Flash mode in which the Speedlight fires repeatedly during a single exposure to create stroboscopic multiple effects

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Preparation

A–7

About the SB-910 and This User’s Manual

Step

AA unit of the shutter speed or aperture change; a change of one step halves/ doubles the amount of light entering the camera

Preparation

EV (Exposure Value)

Each increment of 1 in exposure value corresponds to a one-step change in exposure, which is made by halving/doubling shutter speed or aperture

Wireless multiple flash-unit photography

Flash photography with multiple wireless flash units simultaneously firing

Master flash unit

The flash unit that commands remote flash units in multiple flash-unit photography

Remote flash unit

A flash unit that fires following commands from the master flash unit

Advanced Wireless Lighting

Wireless multiple flash-unit photography with CLS; multiple remote flash unit groups can be controlled with the master flash unit.

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography

Wireless multiple flash-unit photography suited to taking picture of a fastmoving subject; the master and remote flash units fire almost simultaneously because the master flash unit does not emit monitor pre-flashes.

A–8

Q&A Index

You can search for specific explanations according to objective.

Flash photography 1 (with SB-910 mounted on camera)

Question

Key phrase

0

 

 

 

Which flash mode can I take pictures with?

Flash modes

C-1

 

 

 

How can I take pictures in the simplest way?

Basic operation

B-6

 

 

 

How can I take formal group shots?

Illumination pattern: Even

E-2

 

 

 

How can I take portrait photos emphasizing the

Illumination pattern: Center-

E-2

main subject?

weighted

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures with soft shadows cast on

Bounce flash operation

E-4

a wall?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I confirm lighting conditions?

Modeling illumination

E-21

 

 

 

How can I take brighter (or darker) pictures of the

Flash compensation

E-17

subject?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures under fluorescent light and

 

 

incandescent light and balance the lights’ color

Color compensation filters

E-12

effects?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures adding specific color to the

Color filters

E-12

light of Speedlight?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I use autofocus in dim lighting?

AF-assist illumination

E-19

 

 

 

How can I take pictures of both the subject and

Slow sync

E-25

background at night?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures without the subject’s eyes

Red-eye reduction

E-25

appearing red?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures of a moving subject with

Repeating flash mode

C-18

stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I use the SB-910 with a non-CLS-

Non-CLS-compatible SLR

F-1

compatible SLR camera?

camera

 

 

 

 

How can I use the SB-910 with a COOLPIX camera?

COOLPIX camera

G-1

 

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

A–9

A

Preparation

Q&A Index

Flash photography 2 (with wireless SB-910)

Question

Key phrase

0

 

 

 

How do I take pictures using multiple flash units?

Advanced Wireless Lighting

D-1

 

 

 

How do I take pictures of a fast-moving subject

SU-4 type wireless multiple

D-12

using wireless multiple flash-unit photography?

flash-unit photography

 

 

 

 

How do I take pictures with the SB-910 and a

CLS-compatible COOLPIX

 

COOLPIX camera compatible with wireless multiple

G-1

camera

flash-unit photography?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settings and operations

Question

Key phrase

0

 

 

 

What kind of batteries do I use in the Speedlight?

Compatible battery

B-7

 

 

 

How long is the recycling time and how many flashes

Min. number of flashes/

 

recycling time for each battery

H-21

are possible with each fresh set of batteries?

type

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can I change the settings of functions?

Custom settings

B-13

 

 

 

How can I reset various settings?

Two-button reset

B-12

 

 

 

How can I lock the dial and buttons of the

Key lock

B-4

Speedlight to prevent accidental use?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I update the Speedlight firmware?

Firmware update

H-9

 

 

 

A–10

Table of Contents

A

Preparation

 

A

About the SB-910 and This User’s Manual

.............................................A-2

 

 

Q&A Index............................................................................................

A-9

 

 

For Your Safety ...................................................................................

A-14

B

 

Check before Use ...............................................................................

A-19

B

Operation

 

Speedlight Parts....................................................................................

B-1

 

Function Buttons...................................................................................

B-5

 

Basic Operations ...................................................................................

B-6

 

Settings and the LCD ..........................................................................

B-12

 

Custom Functions and Settings ..........................................................

B-13

C

Flash Modes

 

i-TTL Mode ...........................................................................................

C-1

 

Auto Aperture Flash Mode....................................................................

C-5

 

Non-TTL Auto Flash Mode.....................................................................

C-8

 

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode ..................................................

C-12

 

Manual Flash Mode ............................................................................

C-15

 

Repeating Flash Mode.........................................................................

C-18

C

D

E

F

D

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

 

 

SB-910

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Setup ........................

D-1

G

 

SB-910

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Functions .......................................

D-4

 

Setting the Master Flash Unit ................................................................

D-6

 

 

Setting the Remote Flash Unit ...............................................................

D-7

 

 

Advanced Wireless Lighting ..................................................................

D-8

H

 

SU-4 Type Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography............................

D-12

 

 

Remote Flash Units .............................................................................

D-17

 

 

Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography ..............

D-20

 

A–11

Table of Contents

A

E

Functions

 

 

Switching Illumination Patterns .............................................................

E-2

Preparation

 

Bounce Flash Operation ........................................................................

E-4

 

• Flash compensation ......................................................................

E-17

 

 

Taking Close-up Photographs................................................................

E-9

 

 

Flash Photography with Color Filters ...................................................

E-12

 

 

Flash Photography Support Functions..................................................

E-17

 

 

• Power zoom function ...................................................................

E-18

 

 

• AF-assist illumination ....................................................................

E-19

 

 

• ISO sensitivity manual setting........................................................

E-21

 

 

• Test firing .....................................................................................

E-21

 

 

• Modeling illumination...................................................................

E-21

 

 

• Standby function ..........................................................................

E-22

 

 

• Thermal cut-out............................................................................

E-23

 

 

Functions to Be Set on the Camera .....................................................

E-24

 

 

• Auto FP high-speed sync...............................................................

E-24

 

 

• Flash value lock (FV lock) ..............................................................

E-25

 

 

• Slow sync .....................................................................................

E-25

 

 

• Red-eye reduction/red-eye reduction slow sync .............................

E-25

 

 

• Rear-curtain sync ..........................................................................

E-26

 

 

 

 

 

F

For Use with Non-CLS-compatible SLR Cameras..........

F-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G

For Use with COOLPIX Cameras..........................................

G-1

 

 

 

A–12

 

 

 

 

 

A

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

 

Troubleshooting....................................................................................

H-1

 

 

 

Guide Number, Aperture and Flash-to-subject Distance .........................

H-4

 

 

 

Tips on Speedlight Care ........................................................................

H-5

B

 

 

Notes on Batteries.................................................................................

H-7

 

 

About the LCD Panel ............................................................................

H-8

 

 

 

Updating Firmware ...............................................................................

H-9

C

 

 

Optional Accessories...........................................................................

H-10

 

 

Specifications......................................................................................

H-13

 

 

 

Index ..................................................................................................

H-22

 

D

E

F

G

H

A–13

For Your Safety

Before using your product, please read the following safety precautions carefully

Aand thoroughly to ensure correct and safe use and to help prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others.

Preparation

For quick reference by those who use the product, please keep these safety instructions near the product.

In this manual, safety instructions are indicated with these symbols:

WARNING

Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in personal injury, or death and property damage.

CAUTION

Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in property damage.

WARNINGS for Speedlights

1.If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with running water and consult with a doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if they are not treated quickly.

2.If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin.

3.Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash unit by yourself, as this could result in you receiving an electric shock and could also cause the unit to malfunction; such malfunction could lead to personal injury.

4.If the flash unit is dropped and damaged, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. Such parts, especially the Speedlight’s capacitor and associated parts, could be in a high-charge state and if touched could cause an electric shock. Disconnect the power or remove the batteries and be sure that you do not touch any of the product’s electrical components, and then bring the flash unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair.

5.If you detect heat, smoke or notice a burning smell, immediately stop operation and remove the batteries to prevent the unit from catching on fire or melting. Allow the flash unit to cool down so that you can safely touch it and remove the batteries. Then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair.

A–14

6.The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to rain, saltwater or moisture unless it is properly protected from the liquids and moisture. Underwater use requires a certified underwater housing.

If water or moisture gets inside the unit, this could cause the unit to catch on fire or cause an electric shock. In such instances you should immediately

remove the batteries from the Speedlight and then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair.

Note: electronic devices that are penetrated by water or moisture are often not economically repairable.

7.Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or explosive gas. If the flash unit is operated in areas where there is a flammable gas, including propane, gasoline and dust, it could cause an explosion or fire.

8.Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving car, as this could temporarily impair the driver’s vision and cause an accident.

9.Do not fire the flash unit directly into the eyes of someone that is at close range, as it could damage the retinas of their eyes. Never fire the flash unit closer than 1 meter from infants.

10.Do not fire the unit while the flash head is touching a person or object.

Such use can result in the person being burned, and/or their clothes igniting from the heat of the flash’s firing.

11.Keep small accessories out of the reach of children to avoid the possibility of the accessory being swallowed. If an accessory is accidentally swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor.

12.Use only the batteries specified in this user’s manual. Batteries other than those specified could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire or otherwise not perform satisfactorily.

13.Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, as the batteries could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire. When using more than one battery in a product, always use identical batteries that were purchased at the same time.

14.Non-rechargeable batteries such as manganese, alkaline and lithium batteries should never be charged in a battery charger because they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire.

15.When using standard size (AA, AAA, C, D) or other common rechargeable batteries such as Ni-MH batteries, or when recharging them, be sure to use only the battery charger specified by the battery maker and read the instructions thoroughly. Do not recharge these batteries with their terminals reversed in the charger or before

the batteries have cooled off sufficiently because they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire. The same caution also applies to using the rechargeable batteries that may be supplied by the photo product’s manufacturer.

A

Preparation

A–15

A

Preparation

For Your Safety

CAUTIONS for Speedlights

1.Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands, as this could cause an electric shock.

2.Keep the flash unit away from children to prevent them from putting the unit in or near their mouth, or otherwise touching a dangerous part of the product; as such contact could cause an electric shock.

3.Do not apply strong physical shocks to the unit, as this could cause a malfunction that could cause the unit to explode or catch on fire.

4.Never use active agents that contain flammable substances such as paint thinner, benzene or paint remover to clean the unit, never use insect deterrent spray on the unit, and never store the unit in locations containing chemicals such as camphor and naphthalene, as this could damage the plastic case, cause a fire or cause an electric shock.

5.Remove any batteries from the unit before storing the unit for a long time to prevent the unit from catching on fire or leaking corrosive liquids.

WARNINGS for Batteries

1.Never heat or throw batteries into a fire, as this could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

2.Do not short-circuit or disassemble the batteries because this could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

3.Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, as this could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

4.Do not install batteries in the reverse direction as this could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode. Even if only one battery is installed in reverse it will cause the Speedlight to malfunction.

5.Be sure to use the battery charger specified by the battery maker to avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, generating heat or exploding.

6.Do not carry or store batteries along with metallic materials such as necklaces and hair pins because such materials could cause the batteries to short-circuit, leading to battery leakage, heat generation or an explosion. In addition, especially when carrying a quantity of batteries, place them carefully in a storage case that prevents the battery terminals from touching another battery’s terminals because if they touch in reverse order it could also cause the batteries to short-circuit, leading to battery leakage, heat generation or an explosion.

A–16

7.If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with running water and consult with a doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if they are not treated quickly.

8.If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin.

9.Always follow the warnings and instructions printed on the batteries to avoid activities that could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or catch on fire.

10.Be sure to use only batteries specified in this user’s manual, to avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, generating heat or exploding.

11.Never open the casing surrounding batteries or use batteries whose casing has been breached as such batteries could leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

12.Keep batteries out of the reach of children to help avoid the possibility of them being swallowed. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor.

13.Batteries should not be submerged in water, exposed to rain, moisture or saltwater unless they are properly protected from the wet environment. If water or moisture gets inside the batteries, this could cause them to leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

14.Do not use any battery that appears abnormal in any way, including a change in color or shape. Such batteries could leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

15.Stop recharging rechargeable batteries if you notice that recharging is not completed within the specified time to help prevent the possibility of the battery leaking corrosive liquids or generating heat.

16.When recycling or disposing of batteries, be sure to insulate their terminals with tape. If the battery’s positive and negative terminals shortcircuit after coming into contact with metallic objects, it could cause fire, heat generation or an explosion. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local government regulations.

17.Non-rechargeable batteries should never be charged in a battery charger because they could leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

18.Remove dead batteries from your equipment immediately, as they could leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

19.Be careful when replacing batteries after continuous flash use, because batteries may generate heat during continuous flash photography.

A

Preparation

A–17

A

Preparation

For Your Safety

CAUTION for Batteries

Do not throw or apply strong physical shocks to the batteries as this could cause batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

Symbol for separate collection applicable in European countries

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries.

This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household waste.

For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities

in charge of waste management.

A–18

Check before Use

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Take trial shots before photographing important occasions such as weddings or graduations.

Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly

Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.

Use your Speedlight with Nikon equipment

The Nikon Speedlight SB-910’s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses.

Cameras/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon’s criteria for specifications, and incompatible cameras/accessories could damage the SB-910’s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-910’s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

Life-long learning

As part of Nikon’s “life-long learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually updated information is available online at the following websites:

For users in the United States: http://www.nikonusa.com/

For users in Europe and Africa: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support/

For users in Asia, Oceania and the Middle East: http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up to date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://imaging.nikon.com/

A

Preparation

A–19

B Operation

Speedlight Parts

B

Operation

1

 

2

3

4

5

1Flash head

2Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (0B-9)

3Battery chamber cover

4Battery chamber cover lock release (0B-6)

5Light sensor window for wireless remote flash (0D-17)

6Built-in bounce card (0E-8)

7Built-in wide panel (0E-10)

8Flash panel

9Filter detector (0E-14)

 

6

 

7

 

8

 

9

 

10

 

11

 

12

 

13

 

14

PUSH

15

16

 

 

17

10AF-assist illuminator (0E-19)

11Flash-ready indicator (in remote mode) (0D-20)

12External power source terminal (supplied with cover) (0H-11)

13Light sensor for non-TTL auto

flash (0C-5, C-8)

14External AF-assist illuminator contacts

15Locking pin

16Accessory shoe contacts

17Mounting foot

B–1

18

19

22

 

20

23

21

 

 

24

18Flash head tilting angle scale

(0E-4)

19Flash head rotating angle scale

(0E-4)

20Sync terminal cover

21Sync terminal

22LCD panel (0B-12)

23Flash-ready indicator

(0B-11, D-20)

24Mounting foot lock lever (0B-8)

B

Operation

B–2

Speedlight Parts

B

Operation

25

26

25[MODE] button

Selects flash mode (0B-11)

26[MENU] button

Displays custom settings (0B-13)

27Function button 1

28Function button 2

29Function button 3

Selects item to be configured

The assigned function or setting for each button differs according to the flash mode and settings of the SB-910. (0B-5)

30Test firing button

Controls test firing (0E-21) and modeling illumination (0E-21)

The button function, test firing and modeling illumination can be changed in the custom settings. (0B-17)

27

28

29 30

31

32

33

34

31Lock release

To set wireless mode for multiple flash units, rotate the power switch/wireless mode switch for multiple flash units while holding down the lock release in the center of the switch. (0D-6, D-7)

32Power switch/wireless mode switch for multiple flash units

Rotate to turn power on and off.

Selects the master or remote mode in wireless multiple flashunit photography (0D-6, D-7)

33Selector dial

Rotate to change selected item. The selected item is highlighted on the LCD. (0B-12)

34[OK] button

Confirms selected setting (0B-12)

B–3

t Activating key lock

Key lock icon

Press function buttons 1 and 2, between which a lock icon is printed, simultaneously for 2 seconds. The key lock icon appears on the LCD and the dial and buttons are locked.

The power switch/wireless mode switch for multiple flash units and the test firing button remain unlocked.

To cancel key lock, press function buttons 1 and 2 again simultaneously for 2 seconds.

B

Operation

B–4

B

Operation

Function Buttons

The assigned function or setting for each button differs according to the flash mode and settings of the SB-910.

• The assigned function or setting for each button is indicated by an icon.

• When no function is assigned to a button, no icon appears above the button on the LCD.

Function button 1

Function button 2

Function button 3

Functions and settings icons

Zoom head position

Flash compensation value

Flash output level in manual flash mode

Amount of underexposure due to insufficient flash output in i-TTL mode

Aperture

Flash-to-subject distance (in distance-priority manual flash mode)

Number and frequency of flash firings

Change setting items

Illumination pattern

Activate power zoom function

[With wireless multiple flash-unit photography] (0D-1)

Channels

Sound monitor

[In custom settings] (0B-13)

Go to previous page

Go to next page

Display My Menu or Full

Menu

Change My Menu items

End changing My Menu items

B–5

Basic Operations

This section covers basic procedures in i-TTL mode in combination with a CLScompatible camera.

vNotes on continuous flash photography

To prevent the SB-910 from overheating, allow it to cool down for at least 10 minutes after 15 times of continuous firing.

When continuous flash firing is repeated in quick succession, the internal safety function adjusts the recycling time by up to 15 seconds. If flash firing continues, the thermal cut-out indicator appears on the LCD and all operations except power ON/OFF and custom settings are suspended. (0E-23) Allow it to cool down for several minutes to disable this function.

The conditions under which the internal safety function is activated differ depending on the temperature and the SB-910 flash output level.

For use with High-performance Battery Pack SD-9 (optional), see “Using Highperformance Battery Pack SD-9.” (0H-11)

STEP 1 Inserting the batteries

Slide the battery chamber cover open while pressing the battery chamber cover lock release.

Insert the batteries following the [+] and [−] marks.

Close the battery chamber cover.

B

Operation

B–6

Basic Operations

Compatible batteries and replacement/recharging

When replacing batteries, use four fresh AA-size batteries of the same brand. Refer to the following table to determine when to replace batteries with fresh ones or

Brechargeon. batteries according to how long the flash-ready indicator takes to come

Operation

 

Battery type

Time the flash-ready indicator takes to

 

come on

 

 

1.5

V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline battery

20 seconds or more

1.5

V FR6 (AA-size) lithium battery

10 seconds or more

1.2

V HR6 (AA-size) rechargeable Ni-MH

10 seconds or more

battery

 

For minimum recycling time and number of flashes for each battery type, refer to “Specifications.” (0H-21)

Alkaline battery performance may vary greatly depending on the manufacturer.

1.5 V R6 (AA-size) carbon-zinc batteries are not recommended.

Using an optional external power source increases the number of flashes and provides shorter recycling times. (0H-11)

v Additional precautions regarding batteries

Read and follow battery warnings and cautions (0A-14 – A-18).

Be sure to read and follow the warnings for the battery on the section, “Notes on Batteries” (0H-7), before using the battery.

The recycling time can be longer when FR6 (AA-size) lithium batteries are used because they incorporate a function that suppresses the output current when heat is generated in the batteries.

B–7

Low battery power indicator

When battery power is low, the icon shown at the left appears on the LCD and the SB-910 stops functioning. Replace or recharge batteries.

STEP 2 Attaching the SB-910 to the camera

Make sure the SB-910 and

the camera body are turned

off.

Make sure the mounting

foot lock lever is on the left

(white dot).

Slide the SB-910’s mounting

foot into the camera’s

accessory shoe.

Turn the lock lever to “L.”

v Lock the Speedlight in place

Turn the lock lever clockwise until it stops at the mounting foot lock index.

B

Operation

B–8

B

Operation

Basic Operations

Detaching the SB-910 from the camera

Make sure the SB-910 and

the camera body are turned

off, turn the lock lever 90° to

the left, and then slide the

SB-910’s mounting foot from the camera’s accessory shoe.

If the SB-910’s mounting foot cannot be removed from the camera’s accessory shoe, turn the lock lever 90° to the left again, and slide the SB-910 slowly out.

Do not forcibly remove the SB-910.

STEP 3 Adjusting the flash head

Adjust the flash head to

the forward-facing position

while holding down the flash

head tilting/rotating lock

release button.

• The flash head is locked when tilted 90° up or set in the forward-facing position.

LCD indicator for flash head status

Flash head is set in the forward-facing position.

Flash head is set at angle. (Flash head is tilted up or rotated to the right or left.)

Flash head is tilted down.

B–9

STEP 4 Turning the SB-910 and camera on

Turn the SB-910 and the

camera body on.

LCD example

The image below is the SB-910 LCD example under the following conditions: flash mode: i-TTL mode; image area: FX format; illumination pattern: standard; ISO sensitivity: 200; zoom head position: 24 mm; aperture f-number: 5.6

Icons on the LCD may differ depending on the SB-910 settings and the camera and lens in use.

SB-910 flash information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SB-910 status icons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flash mode

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISO sensitivity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective flash output

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

distance range

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connected to a CLS-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FX format

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

compatible camera

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aperture f-number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoom head position

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Functions assigned for function buttons

B

Operation

B–10

Nikon SB-910 User Manual

B

Operation

Basic Operations

STEP 5 Selecting the flash mode

Press the [MODE] button to highlight the flash mode.

Rotate the selector dial to display .

Press the [OK] button.

Changing the flash mode

Rotate the selector dial clockwise to display icons of available flash mode on the LCD.

Only available flash modes are displayed on the LCD.

The flash mode can also be selected with the [MODE] button.

Make sure that the flashready indicator on the SB-910 or in the camera’s viewfinder is on before taking a picture.

B–11

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