Nikon 4814 User Manual

Speedlight

SB-500

User's Manual (with Warranty)

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About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-500. To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly

before use.

How to find what you are looking for

Table of contents

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

Q&A index

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

Index

You can search using the alphabetical index.

Troubleshooting

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-13–A-17)

A-2

(0A-10)

(0A-8)

(0H-21)

(0H-1)

Included items

Check that all items listed below are included with the SB-500. If any items are missing, inform the store where the SB-500 was purchased or the seller immediately.

❑ Speedlight Stand AS-23 ❑ User’s manual (this manual) ❑ Soft Case SS-DC2 ❑ Warranty card

SPEEDLIGHT SB-500

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Speedlight Stand AS-23

SB-500

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About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual

About the SB-500

The SB-500 is a light and compact Speedlight compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of 24/78.7 (ISO 100, m/ft). The SB-500 works as both a master flash unit and a remote flash unit in wireless multiple flash-unit photography. The SB-500’s LED light, which has a maximum output level of approximately 100 lx at 1 m (3.3 ft), provides illumination for

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photography and additional lighting for movie recording.

CLS-compatible cameras

Nikon digital SLR (Nikon FX/DX format) cameras (except D1 series and D100), F6, CLS-compatible COOLPIX cameras (

• The SB-500 can be used as a master flash unit only when mounted on the D810 or D750.

• The SB-500’s LED light is designed for photography and movie recording. Do not use it for other purposes.

0G-1)

About this user’s manual

This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB-500 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 COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL flash control (P5100, P5000, E8800, E8700, E8400), see “For Use with COOLPIX Cameras.” (0G-1)

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

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Icons used in this manual

v Describes 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

t Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses

CPU lenses have CPU contacts.

CPU contacts

• The SB-500 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor lenses.

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A-5

About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual

Terminology

Nikon Creative Lighting System ( CLS): a lighting system that

enables flash photography functions listed below with improved communication between Nikon Speedlights and cameras i-TTL flash control/Advanced Wireless Lighting/Modeling flash/ FV lock/Flash (LED Light) Color Information Communication/

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Auto FP high-speed sync

Guide number (GN): the amount of light generated by a flash

unit; GN = flash-to-subject distance (mƁorƁft) × aperture f-number (ISO 100)

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 exposure compensation: intentional flash output change

to obtain the desired subject brightness

i-TTL flash control: flash control 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: a series of flashes emitted for a very

short time before the actual firing that enables the camera to measure the light reflected on a subject

A-6

i-TTL balanced fill-flash: i-TTL flash control type in which flash

output level is adjusted to well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background

Standard i-TTL flash: i-TTL flash control type in which flash

output level is adjusted to the correct exposure of the main subject regardless of background brightness

Manual flash control: flash control mode in which the flash

output level and aperture are manually set to obtain the desired exposure

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

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A-7

Q&A Index

You can search for specific explanations according to objective.

Flash photography 1

Using the SB-500 mounted on a camera’s accessory shoe

Which flash control mode can I take pictures with?

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How can I take pictures in the simplest way?

How can I take pictures with soft shadows

cast on a wall?

How can I confirm lighting conditions? Modeling flash F-7

How can I take pictures of both the subject

and background at night?

How can I take pictures without the subject’s eyes appearing red?

How can I use the SB-500 with a COOLPIX camera?

Question Key phrase

Flash control modes C-1

Basic operations B-9

Bounce flash operation F-2

Slow sync F-13

Red-eye reduction F-13

COOLPIX camera G-1

A-8

LED light photography and movie recording

Using the LED light

Question Key phrase

What are the features of the LED light? LED light D-1

How can I use the LED light? Using the LED light D-3

Flash photography 2

Using the wireless SB-500

Question Key phrase

How do I take pictures using multiple flash units?

How do I take pictures with the SB-500 and a COOLPIX camera compatible with wireless multiple flash-unit photography?

Advanced Wireless Lighting

COOLPIX cameras compatible with CLS

E-2, E-5

G-1

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Table of Contents

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About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual ........................ A-2

Q&A Index ....................................................................... A-8

For Your Safety .............................................................. A-13

Check before Use .......................................................... A-18

Operation

Speedlight Parts ................................................................B-1

Notes on Continuous Use .................................................B-7

Basic Operations ..............................................................B-9

Flash Control Modes

i-TTL Flash Control ........................................................... C-1

Manual Flash Control ....................................................... C-3

LED Light

Features of LED Light ....................................................... D-1

Using the LED Light ......................................................... D-3

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

SB-500 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Setup .... E-1

SB-500 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Functions ..................................................................... E-3

Advanced Wireless Lighting ..............................................E-5

Remote Flash Units ...........................................................E-7

Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit

Photography .............................................................. E-10

A-10

Functions

Bounce Flash Operation .................................................... F-2

Flash Photography Support Functions ................................ F-7

• Test firing

• Modeling flash

• Standby function

• Thermal cut-out

Functions to Be Set on the Camera ................................. F-12

• Auto FP High-speed sync

• Flash value lock (FV lock)

• Slow sync

• Red-eye reduction

• Rear-curtain sync

• Exposure compensation/Flash exposure compensation

For Use with COOLPIX Cameras ...................... G-1

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Table of Contents

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference

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Information

Troubleshooting ............................................................... H-1

Guide Number, Aperture and Flash-to-subject Distance .... H-5

Tips on Speedlight Care ................................................... H-6

Notes on Batteries............................................................ H-8

Updating Firmware ........................................................ H-10

Optional Accessories ...................................................... H-11

Specifications ................................................................. H-13

Index ............................................................................. H-21

Warranty Terms - Nikon Worldwide Service Warranty ..... H-27

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For Your Safety

To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.

This icon marks warnings and information that should be read before using this Nikon product to prevent possible injury.

WARNINGS

Turn off in the event of malfunction. Should you notice

smoke or an unusual smell coming from the product, remove the batteries immediately, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in injury. After removing the power source, take the product to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection.

Do not disassemble or subject to powerful physical shocks.

Touching the product’s internal parts could result in injury. Repairs should be performed only by qualified technicians. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, take it to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection, after disconnecting the product from the camera and/or removing the batteries.

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A-13

For Your Safety

Keep dry. Do not immerse in or expose to water or rain. Failure

to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

Do not handle with wet hands. Failure to observe this

precaution could result in electric shock.

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas or dust. Use

of electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas or dust could result in explosion or fire.

Keep out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution

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could result in injury.

Do not clean with organic solvents such as paint thinner or

benzene, spray with insecticide, or store with naphtha or camphor moth balls. Failure to observe this precaution could

damage or discolor the product’s plastic parts.

Observe caution when handling batteries. Batteries may

leak, overheat, or rupture if improperly handled. When handling batteries for use in this product, follow all instructions and warnings printed on or included with the batteries and observe the following precautions:

• Do not combine old and new batteries or batteries of different makes or types.

• Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. When recharging Ni-MH batteries, follow instructions and use compatible chargers only.

A-14

• Insert batteries in the correct orientation.

• Batteries may become hot if the flash is fired multiple times in quick succession. When removing the batteries, take precaution to avoid burns.

• Do not short or disassemble batteries or attempt to remove or otherwise damage the battery insulation or casing.

• Do not expose to flame or excessive heat, immerse in or expose to water, or subject to physical force.

• Do not transport or store with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.

• Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged. To avoid damage to the product, be sure to remove the batteries when no charge remains or if the product will not be used for an extended period.

• Discontinue use immediately should you notice any change in the batteries, such as discoloration or deformation.

• If liquid from damaged batteries comes in contact with clothing, eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water.

• Dispose of used batteries in accord with local regulations. Prior to disposal, insulate the terminals with tape. Fire, overheating or rupture may result should metal objects come into contact with the terminals.

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A-15

For Your Safety

Observe caution when using the flash

• Using a flash in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns.

• Using the flash close to subject’s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Stay at least 1 m (3.3 ft) from the subject when using the flash.

• Do not aim the flash at the operator of a motor vehicle. Failure

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to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

Observe caution when using the LED light

• Using the LED light in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns.

• Looking directly at the LED light or shining it directly in subject’s eyes (particularly those of infant) could cause temporary visual impairment. Keep the light at least 1 m (3.3 ft) from the subject.

• Do not aim the LED light at the operator of a motor vehicle. Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

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Notice for Customers in Canada

CAN ICES-3 B / NMB-3 B

Notice for customers in Europe

This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment 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.

• Separate collection and recycling helps conserve natural resources and prevent negative consequences for human health and the environment that might result from incorrect disposal.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of waste management.

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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

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authorized dealer or service center at least once every 2 years.

Use your Speedlight with Nikon equipment

The Nikon Speedlight SB-500’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-500’s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-500’s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

A collection of example photos

“A collection of example photos” provides an overview of the SB-500’s flash photography capabilities with example images. To download the PDF file, access the link below and choose “Speedlights” from the “Digital SLR Cameras” category, then go to the “SB-500.”

http://nikonimglib.com/manual/

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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/

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A-19

Operation

Speedlight Parts

Operation

B-1

SPEEDLIGHT SB-500

1 Flash head 2 LED light (0D-1) 3 Light sensor window for wireless remote flash (0E-7) 4 Battery chamber cover 5 Locking pin 6 Accessory shoe contacts 7 Mounting foot 8 Flash panel

Operation

B-2

Speedlight Parts

Operation

B-3

9 Flash head tilting angle scale (0F-3) 10 Flash head rotating angle scale (0F-3)

11 Flash-ready indicator (0B-14, E-10) 12 Mounting foot lock lever (0B-12)

Operation

B-4

Speedlight Parts

Operation

B-5

13 LED button (0D-3)

: Press and hold down to

turn the LED light on and off.

: Press briefly to change LED

light output level.

14 LED light output level

indicator lamps (

Indicate LED light output level

15 Mode indicator lamps

Indicate flash control mode TTL: i-TTL flash control M: Manual flash control CMD: Commander mode

16 Test firing button (

Controls test firing

0D-4)

0F-7)

17 Power switch

• Rotate to turn power on and off.

• Set the index to choose the function to be used.

: Flash (0B-14, C-3, E-5)

: LED light (0D-3)

A: Remote mode group A

(0E-6)

B: Remote mode group B

(0E-6)

18 Lock release (

Rotate the power switch while pressing this button to switch between [ ], [ ] and [A].

0D-3, E-6)

Operation

B-6

Notes on Continuous Use

Notes on continuous flash firing

• To prevent the SB-500 from overheating, allow it to cool down for at least 10 minutes after the number of firings indicated below.

i-TTL flash control Manual flash control (output volume: M 1/1, M 1/2)

Manual flash control (output volume: M 1/4–M 1/128) Up to 40 times

• When continuous flash firing is repeated in quick succession, the

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internal safety function extends the recycling time.

• If flash firing continues, it may be temporarily suspended. The internal safety function is deactivated and flash firing becomes available after cooling down for several minutes. (0F-9)

• The condition in which the internal safety function is activated differs depending on the SB-500 output level and the ambient temperature.

• The condition in which the internal safety function is deactivated differs depending on the ambient temperature.

Flash control mode Firing limit

Up to 15 times

B-7

Notes on LED light operation duration

• The internal safety function automatically lowers the LED light output level by 1 level when the LED light is used for an extended period of time. (0F-11)

• If the LED light is used for a longer period, the internal safety function turns the LED light off. The internal safety function is deactivated and the LED light becomes available after cooling down for several minutes. (0F-9)

• The condition in which the internal safety function is activated differs depending on the LED light output level and the ambient temperature.

• The condition in which the internal safety function is deactivated differs depending on the ambient temperature.

Operation

B-8

Basic Operations

This section covers basic procedures in i-TTL flash control in combination with a CLS-compatible camera.

STEP

Operation

B-9

Inserting the batteries

Slide the battery

chamber cover open.

Insert the batteries

following the [+] and [−] marks.

Close the battery

chamber cover.

Suitable batteries

Replace both batteries at the same time using fresh batteries or fully-charged rechargeable batteries of the same brand from any of the following types. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different types or makes.

1.5 V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline battery

1.2 V HR6 (AA-size) rechargeable Ni-MH battery

• For minimum recycling time and number of flashes for each battery type, refer to “Specifications.” (0H-20)

• Alkaline battery performance may vary greatly depending on the manufacturer.

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

v Additional precautions regarding batteries

• Read and follow battery cautions on “For Your Safety.” (0A-13– A-17)

• Be sure to read and follow the warnings for the battery on the section, “Notes on Batteries” (0H-8), before using the battery.

B-10

Operation

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