Nikon SB-700 User Manual

4.7 (3)

Autofocus Speedlight

SB-700

User’s Manual

En

About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-700. To get the

Amost out of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly before use.

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-28)

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-22).

A–2

Included items

Speedlight Stand AS-22

Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H

Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN

Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL

Speedlight Stand

AS-22

Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN

Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL

Soft Case SS-700

User’s manual (this manual)

A collection of example photos

Warranty card

Soft Case SS-700

SB-700

Nikon Diffusion

Dome SW-14H

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A

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About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

About the SB-700

The SB-700 is a high-performance Speedlight compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of 28/39 (ISO 100/200, m) (92/128, 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 and D100), F6, COOLPIX cameras (P7000, P6000)

About this user’s manual

This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB-700 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-700’s flash photography capabilities with example photos.

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

A–4

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

t Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses

CPU lenses have CPU contacts.

CPU contacts

• The SB-700 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor lenses.

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A

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About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

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-700 provides three illumination patterns, standard, center-weighted and even.

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.) × f-number of aperture (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

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i-TTL mode: flash mode in which the SB-700 fires monitor pre-flashes and the camera measures the reflected light and controls the SB-700 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

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

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.

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

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

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About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

A

Preparation

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.

Quick wireless control mode: mode for multiple flash-unit photography with Advanced Wireless Lighting in which the flash output level ratios of two remote flash unit groups (A and B) can be easily balanced

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography: wireless multiple

flash-unit photography suited to taking picture of a fast-moving subject

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Q&A Index

You can search for specific explanations according to objective. Flash photography 1 (with SB-700 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-7

 

 

 

How can I take portrait photos emphasizing

Illumination pattern:

E-3

the main subject?

Center-weighted

 

 

 

 

How can I take formal group shots?

Illumination pattern:

E-3

Even

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures with soft shadows

Bounce flash operation

E-5

cast on a wall?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I confirm lighting conditions?

Modeling illumination

E-29

 

 

 

How can I take brighter (or darker) pictures of

Flash compensation

E-23

the subject?

 

 

How can I take pictures under fluorescent

Color compensation

 

light and incandescent light and balance the

E-17

filters

lights’ color effects?

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures adding specific color

Color filters

E-19

to the light of Speedlight?

 

 

 

 

 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

A–9

Q&A Index

A

Preparation

Question

Key phrase

0

 

 

 

How can I use autofocus in dim lighting?

AF-assist illumination

E-27

 

 

 

How can I take pictures of both the subject

Slow sync

E-33

and background at night?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I take pictures without the subject’s

Red-eye reduction

E-34

eyes appearing red?

 

 

 

 

 

How can I use the SB-700 with a non-CLS-

Non-CLS-compatible SLR

F-1

compatible SLR camera?

camera

 

 

 

 

How can I use the SB-700 with a COOLPIX

COOLPIX camera

G-1

camera?

 

 

 

 

 

Flash photography 2 (with wireless SB-700)

Question

Key phrase

0

 

 

 

How do I take pictures using multiple flash

Advanced Wireless

D-2

units?

Lighting

D-9

 

 

 

How do I take pictures in a quick and simple

Quick wireless control

D-13

way with wireless multiple flash units?

mode

 

 

 

 

How do I take pictures of a fast-moving

SU-4 type wireless

D-3

subject using wireless multiple flash-unit

multiple flash-unit

D-18

photography?

photography

 

 

 

 

How do I take pictures with the SB-700 and

CLS-compatible

 

a COOLPIX camera compatible with wireless

G-1

COOLPIX camera

multiple flash-unit photography?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

A

B

Preparation

About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

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

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

A-9

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

A-14

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

A-23

Operation

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

B-1

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

B-7

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

B-16

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

B-17

A

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C

Flash Modes

 

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

C-1

 

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

C-6

 

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

C-11

D

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

 

SB-700

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

D-1

 

SB-700

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

D-4

 

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

D-6

 

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

D-8

 

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

D-9

 

Quick Wireless Control Mode...........................................

D-13

 

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

D-18

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Table of Contents

A

Preparation

 

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

D-23

 

Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit

 

 

Photography.................................................................

D-27

 

 

 

E

Functions

 

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

E-2

 

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

E-5

 

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

E-13

 

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

E-17

 

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

E-23

 

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

E-23

 

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

E-25

 

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

E-27

 

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

E-29

 

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

E-29

 

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

E-30

 

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

E-31

 

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

E-32

 

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

E-32

 

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

E-33

 

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

E-33

 

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

E-34

 

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

E-34

A–12

F

For Use with Non-CLS-compatible SLR

F-1 A

Cameras........................................................................

G

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

G-1

 

 

 

 

 

H

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference

 

Information

 

 

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

H-1

 

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

H-6

 

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

H-7

 

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

H-9

 

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

H-11

 

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

H-12

 

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

H-13

 

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

H-15

 

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

H-28

Preparation

A–13

For Your Safety

A

Preparation

Before using your product, please read the following safety precautions carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and safe use and to help prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others. 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.

A–14

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.

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.

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For Your Safety

8. Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving

Acar, as this could temporarily impair the driver’s vision and cause an accident.

Preparation

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.

A–16

15.When using standard size (AA, AAA, C, D) or other common rechargeable batteries such as NiMH 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.

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A–17

For Your Safety

A

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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.

A–18

 

 

 

 

 

WARNINGS for Batteries

A

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

Preparation

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

A–19

For Your Safety

8. If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in

Acontact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin.

Preparation

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.

A–20

16.When recycling or disposing of batteries, be sure to insulate their terminals with tape. If the battery’s positive and negative terminals short-circuit 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.

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For Your Safety

A

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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–22

Check before Use

Tips on using the Speedlight

A

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-700'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-700's components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-700's performance when used with non-Nikon products.

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A

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Check before Use

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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Nikon SB-700 User Manual

BOperation

Speedlight Parts

B

Operation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9, 10

11

12

13

14

15

16

B–1

1.Flash head

2.Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (0E-6)

3.Light sensor window for wireless remote flash (0D-23)

4.Battery chamber cover

5.Battery chamber cover lock release (0B-8)

6.Built-in bounce card (0E-12)

7.Built-in wide panel (0E-14)

8.Flash panel

9.Filter detector

10. Nikon Diffusion Dome detector

11. Flash-ready indicator (in remote mode) (0D-27)

12. AF-assist illuminator (0E-27)

13. External AF-assist illuminator contacts (0H-14)

14. Locking pin

15. Accessory shoe contacts

16. Mounting foot

B

Operation

B–2

Speedlight Parts

17

B

Operation

18

20

19

21

B–3

17. Flash head tilting angle scale (0E-6)

 

18. Flash head rotating angle scale (0E-6)

 

19. Flash-ready indicator (0B-15, D-27)

 

20. LCD panel (0B-16, H-11)

B

21. Mounting foot lock lever (0B-11)

 

Operation

B–4

B

Operation

Speedlight Parts

22

27

23

28

 

24

29

 

25

30

31

26

B–5

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