Nikon SB 11 User Manual

Nikon Speedlight

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

NOMENCLATURE

© Wide-Flash Adapter SW-3
@ Tilting flash head

® Shooting mode selector

® Sensor Unit SU-2
® Exposure calculator dial
® Sync/multiple flash sockets

@ Sensor socket
® Bracket mounting adapter

® Sync Cord SC-11
® Bracket mounting pin
® Attachment screw

) Bracket SK-4

® Tripod socket

i/stop scale (black) @

CONTENTS

NOMENCLATURE
FOREWORD

BASIC OPERATION...............................................6-12

CONTROLS IN DETAIL

Bracket SK-4
Bracket Mounting Adapter
Tilting Flash Head
Wide-Flash Adapter SW-3

Exposure Calculator Dial................................16 — 17

Sensor Unit SU-2..................................................18

Ready-Light

Open-Flash Button................................................19

External Power Terminal......................................20

Sync/Multiple Flash Sockets

Sync Cord SC-11 .................................................21

Synchronization Chart..........................................21

ACCESSORIES...........................................................22

TTL Remote Cords SC-12 and SC-23
Sensor Remote Cord SC-13

Sync Cord SC-15..................................................22

DC Unit SD-7.......................................................22

"RED EYE"..................................................................23

TIPS ON SPEEDLIGHT CARE
OPTIMUM BATTERY PERFORMANCE

SPECIFICATIONS......................................................27

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13-21

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24-25

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2-3

13
13
14
15

19
20

22

22

26

5

FOREWORD

Compatible with all Nikon SLE cameras, the bracket
mounting Nikon Speedlight SB-11 features automatic
control of the flash exposure to match the flash-to-subject

distance. By utilizing a silicon-controlled rectifier and
series circuitry, the speedlight is also able to conserve its
excess energy for the next shot when shooting subjects at
close range thus reducing recycling time and increasing
the number of flashes per battery set. The optional
accessory TTL Remote Cord SC-12 (for the Nikon F3­series camera) or SC-23 (for the Nikon FA, FE2, F-301/
N2000* or FG camera) allows the SB-11 to be used for
automatic TTL (through-the-lens) control of the flash
exposure. In addition, the SB-11 has a tilting flash head
allowing you to bounce the light off the ceiling or walls

for more diffused lighting—a technique especially useful

when taking portraits or snapshots.

Even though the SB-11 is extremely easy to use, you
should familiarize yourself with the unit’s basic operation
as presented in the first section. For more detailed infor
mation, please refer to "CONTROLS IN DETAIL." A few
minutes wisely invested now will pay off later in years of
rewarding photographic experiences.

*In the U.S.A. and Canada, the Nikon F-301 camera is sold as the Nikon

N2000.

BASIC OPERATION

Open the battery

* chamber.

Unscrew the lid @ at the base of the

handle and remove the battery clip.

2, Attach the bracket

mounting adapter ® to

the speedlight s handle

First, use the screwdriver provided
to loosen the two screws on the
bracket mounting adapter. Then,
slip the adapter onto the speedlight's
handle and slide it to,the desired
position. Orient the adapter so that
its flat side is in the same plane as
the speedlight's exposure calculator
dial ©. Make sure the locking wheel

@ is facing toward the rear of the

speedlight.

0^ Secure the bracket

mounting adapter.

Tighten the screws to secure the
adapter into place.

Load the batteries.

Insert eight AA-type penlight
batteries following the + and ­symbols on the inside of the battery
clip.

Install the battery clip.

Insert the battery clip into the
battery chamber. Make sure the ter
minal end goes in first. Then line up
the V-shaped notch on the end of the
clip with the white dot on the rim of
the battery chamber. Push the clip
until it drops into the fully seated
position.

0^ Close the battery

chamber.

Screw the battery lid back into place.

BASIC OPERATION —continued-

Attach the bracket @ to

the camera.

Position the camera in the bracket
with the bracket mounting pin ® on
the same side of the camera as its
rewind knob. Then, screw the brack
et's attachment screw ® into the
camera's tripod socket to secure the
two units together tightly.

Note: For attachment to the MD-4 Motor

Drive, you must reposition the bracket's
attachment screw to the other s!ot@. For

details, refer to page 13.

3^ Attach the bracket to

the speedlight.

Insert the bracket mounting pin into
the hole in the bracket mounting
adapter with the two dots @ aligned;
rotate the camera forward.

0^ Tighten the locking

wheel completely.

10. Attach the sync cord©.

Screw one end of the SC-11
Sync Cord into either of the speed­light's sync/multiple flash sockets ©;
screw the other end into the camera's
sync terminal.

11. Plug in the sensor ©.

With the "Nikon" name up,
push the Sensor Unit SU-2 into the
sensor socket © until it click-locks
into place.

1 9 Rotate the flash head ®

* to the normal shooting

position.

BASIC OPERATION —continued-

13. Set the camera's shutter

speed for proper synchro

nization.

Set the shutter speed dial to the
highest synchronization speed for
electronic flash (e.g. set the F3 to the
"X" setting). For other camera mod
els, refer to the chart on page 21.

10

14. Set the exposure

calculator dial (D.

Turn the dial until the ASA/ISO
index ® is opposite the speed of the
film in use. The color-coded lines
underneath the f/stop scale©indicate
the three usable f/stops for automatic
operation, whereas the auto shooting
range indicators ® give you the
range of flash-to-subject distances.
For example, if you're using ASA/
ISO 100 film and select f/4, the auto
matic shooting range is indicated by
an orange line. Thus you can shoot
any subject located between 0.6 and
9 meters (2 and 30 feet) from the

speedlight.

15. Set the lens aperture

ring to an appropriate

f/number.

16. Set the shooting mode

selector ©.

Turn the ring on the front of the sen
sor until the white index is opposite
the color corresponding to that of the
f/stop selected. This sets the speed­light for automatic operation.

17. Turn on the speedlight.

Slide the power switch ® to

uncover the red mark.

18. Watch the ready-light®.

As soon as the LED ready-light
comes on, the speedlight is ready to
fire.

12

—BASIC OPERATION —continued-

19. Take the picture.

After the speedlight fires, if
the ready-light, does not blink, you
have a perfect flash exposure.

12

20. Turn off the speedlight.

To conserve batfery power be
tween shooting sessions, slide the
power switch to the OFF position.

CONTROLS IN DETAIL

For FA, FE2,
FE, FM2, FM

For F-301/N2000*,
Motor Drive MD-4

For MD-11,
MD-12, MD-14,
MD-15

*To fit the SK-4 securely onto the Nikon F-301/N2000 camera, use the

Nikon Tripod Adaptor AH-3.

-For F3-series, F-301/N2000
(wfith AH-3), FG, FG-20, EM, F2,
MD-2, MD-3, MD-E, MB-1, MB-2

Bracket SK-4 @

The Speedlight SB-11's bracket can be attached to various
camera and/or motor drive combinations. To change the
attachment screw from one slot to another, slide it to the
threaded end of the slot and unscrew it; then screw it
back into the threaded end of the other slot. Once screw
ed in, the attachment screw can be moved freely to any
position along the slot. The diagram indicates the recom
mended position of the attachment screw for all Nikon
SLR cameras and motor drives.

Note: The bracket contains a tripod socket (

the camera and speedlight to a tripod.

) for direct attachment of

Bracket Mounting Adapter ®

The release/locking wheel on the bracket mounting
adapter allows the speedlight to be removed from the
bracket for off-camera flash operation. To detach the
speedlight, loosen the release/locking wheel completely
by turning it to the end of its travel, push the locking
wheel to the left to release the catch, tip the camera back
ward until the two white dots are aligned and pull the
camera away from the speedlight.

Note: The speedlighi's handle contains a tripod/hght stand socket @/or
mounting of the speedlight on a tripod or light stand for more convenient
off-camera operation.

13

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Tilting Flash Head @

The SB-ll's tilting flash head has click-stops at 30°, 60°,

90°, and approx. 120°. For normal shooting, point the
flash head straight ahead. In this position, the light
travels directly out to the subject providing the maximum

amount of light possible. However, to soften the shadows
and lower the contrast for indoor snapshots, you can tilt

the flash head back to bounce the light off the ceiling or
walls. Consult the illustration for details. You can also use
the open-flash button @ in conjunction with the ready-

light to determine if there is enough light for correct ex

posure before actually taking the picture. Please see
page 19 for more information. The color temperature of

the SB-ll's light output is balanced for use with daylight­type color film.

14

Notes:

1) When the flash head is tilted back only 30°, some amount of light from
the flash head may reach the subject directly, causing unevenness of
illumination. To avoid this, make sure the flash head is tilted back 60°
or more.

2) Unless the surface you are using to bounce the light off is white or
silver, your color photographs will come out with an unnatural color
cast similar to that of the reflecting surface.

Wide-Flash Adapter SW-3 ©

The angle of illumination of the SB-11 by itself is 56°

horizontally and 40° vertically—wide enough for use

with a 35mm wideangle lens. When the Wide-Flash
Adapter is clipped onto the front of the flash head, it in
creases the illumination to 67° horizontally and 48° ver
tically providing just the right amount of coverage when

a 28mm lens is used. With the SW-3 attached, the light

output of the speedlight is reduced resulting in a decrease

in guide number from 36 (ASA/ISO 100 and meters) to

25. The AS7VISO 25 and feet guide number is reduced

from 60 to 42.

Note: To detach the Wide-Flash Adapter SW-3, first rotate the tilting

flash head to other than the horizontal position. Then lift up the catch at

the top of the to remove it.

15

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Exposure Calculator Dial

For Automatic Operation

The SB-ll's exposure calculator dial helps you select the
usable range of f/stops for the speed of the film in use and
the flash-to-subject distance. On the dial, there are three
f/stops to choose from. Each f/stop determines the usable

distance range in which you can obtain the correct auto
matic exposure. The automatic shooting ranges for the
three f/stops are indicated by a set of curved color-coded

lines near the center of the dial.
If the subject distance remains the same, the wider the
aperture you select, the faster the recycling time of the
speedlight and the greater the maximum shooting dis
tance, but the less depth of field in the final photograph.

(D

Conversely, if you choose a small aperture, the depth of
field will be greater, but the recycling time will be longer
and the maximum shooting distance is less. Therefore, in
choosing an appropriate f/stop, you should take all these
factors—depth of field, recycling time, and maximum
shooting distance—into consideration.
The following examples explain how to use the exposure
calculator dial:

Example 1

If you are using ASA/ISO 100 film, you can shoot subjects
at distances from 0.6—9m (2—30ft) at f/4, 0.6—6.4m (2—
21ft) at f/5.6, and 0.6—4.5m (2—15ft) at f/8.

Example 1

16

Example 2

Example 2

With ASA/ISO 100 and a subject three meters (10 feet)
away, you can shoot at either f/4, f/5.6, or f/8. If a short
recycling time is preferable, use f/4. If greater depth of
field is desired, use f/8.
Once you've selected an appropriate f/stop for the film in
use and the flash-to-subject distance, set this f/number on

your lens and fire away. Your pictures will come out

properly exposed.

Example 3

For Manual Operation

Simply read off the f/number which appears directly
above the flash-to-subject distance W; then set this aper
ture on your lens.

Example 3

At ASA/ISO 100, if the subject is three meters (10 feet)
away, you should set the aperture ring on your lens to f/11.

17

CONTROLS IN DETAIL —continued-

Sensor Unit SU-2 ©

The plug-in Sensor Unit SU-2 controls the operation of
the SB-11 Speedlight. It has five settings to choose from.

At the Auto Positions

To shoot on Auto, lift up and turn the knurled ring on the

outside of the sensor to one of the three positions (orange,
yellow, or blue) which are color-coded for use with the
exposure calculator dial. At these settings, the SB-11 is
able to vary its light output automatically to match the
flash-to-subject distance.

At the S (Slave) Position

At this setting, the SB-11 emits a modulated burst of light
which can trigger a second electronic flash. The remote

flash unit is attached to the receiver portion of the optional

Modulite Remote Control Unit ML-1 (which is set to
Channel 2), while the SB-11 Speedlight acts as the
transmitter.

At the M (Manual) Position

Set the SU-2 to the M setting and the SB-11 operates
manually at its maximum light output regardless of the
flash-to-subject distance. In this case, you have to calcu
late the exposure manually by referring to the exposure
calculator dial. See page 17 for more information.

18

Ready-Light (g)

Built into the back of the SB-ll's flash head is a ready-

light which comes on as soon as the speedlight is recycled

and ready to fire. As an additional feature, the ready-

light blinks if the speedlight fires at its maximum output
indicating that the light might be insufficient for correct

exposure on Automatic. The warning blinks last for

approximately two seconds.

Open-Flash Button'

The red open-flash button is used to fire the speedlight
manually without having to trip the camera's shutter. In
this manner, you can create multiple-exposure "strobo
scopic" effects or paint the scene with light by firing the
speedlight repeatedly with the camera set to "B" or "T."
The open-flash button is also used in conjunction with the
ready-light to determine if you can get the correct expo
sure when shooting on Automatic. This is especially
useful when doing bounce flash. After setting up the shot,
push the open-flash button. If the ready-light does not
blink, you can take the picture. If it does blink, try moving
the speedlight closer to the subject or bounce surface, or
reset the Sensor Unit SU-2 to a color-coded position
calling for a wider aperture.

19

CONTROLS IN DETAIL — Continued-

External Power Terminal @

This terminal is for connection of a separate battery pack.

20

Sync/Multiple Flash Sockets ©

Two standard Nikon screw-in type terminals are provided

on the SB-11 Speedlight. Either terminal can be used to
attach the Sync Cord SC-11, while the other is provided
for connecting the SB-11 with another speedlight in series
for multiple flash operation.

Sync Cord SC-11 ©

This cord has standard Nikon connections at both ends
for positive attachment of the SB-11 to a Nikon camera
having a screw-in type sync terminal.

Synchronization Chart

1 Nikon Camera

F3-series
FA
FE2
FE

Proper synchronization speed (sec.)

1/80 (X) or slower
1/250 or slower
1/250 or slower
1/125 or slower

FM2
(with 1/250 sec.

1/250 or slower

sync speed)
FM2

(with 1/200sec.

1/200 (X200) or slower

sync speed)
F-301/N2000*

FG-20*
FG*
EM*
F2-series

1/125 or slower
1/90 (M90) or slower
1/90 (M90) or slower
1/90 (M90) or slower
1/80 (red line located between 1/60

and 1/125) or slower

‘These cameras do not have a sync terminal. To use the SB-11, you must

first attach the Sensor Remote Cord SC*13. Via the SC-13, the shutter
speed is automatically switched to the proper synchronization speed
with the camera in any automatic exposure mode.

21

— ACCESSORIES

TTL Remote Cords SC-12 and SC-23

The SC-12 is for the Nikon F3-series cameras; the SC-23
is for the Nikon FA, FE2, F-301/N2000 and FG cameras.
Connecting the SB-11 and an appropriate camera with
SC-12 or SC-23 provides TTL control of the flash expo
sure. Automatic switchover of shutter speed to a proper
flash sync speed and a ready-light indication in the
camera's viewfinder are also provided.

Sensor Remote Cord SC-13

The SC-13 is used to mount the SB-ll's Sensor Unit SU-2
directly on a camera's ISO-type accessory shoe lor auto
matic (but not TTL), off-camera operation. With the FA,

FE2, FE, FM2, F-301/N2000, FG, FG-20, or EM camera,
or with the F3-series camera via the AS-4 coupler, a
ready-light indication is provided in the camera's view
finder. Except for the FM2, the automatic switchover of
shutter speed to a proper flash sync speed is also pro
vided.

Sync Cord SC-15

A coiled cord over one meter in length, the SC-15 screws

into the camera's sync terminal and allows the SB-11 to

be detached from its bracket and used off-camera.

DC Unit SD-7

The Nikon DC Unit SD-7 is an external power source

which can be used with the Nikon Speedlights SB-11 and

SB-14. This unit uses six C-type batteries of either the

22

alkaline-manganese or general NiCd type. Alkaline­manganese batteries will produce approximately 270
flashes with the SB-11 and SB-14 on Manual (in normal
temperatures). Minimum recycling time with NiCd bat

teries is approximately 4 seconds with the SB-11 and SB-

14.

SD-7

"RED EYE'^^---------------------

"Red eye" is a phenomenon in flash photography where
the center portions of the subject's eyes appear as bright
red orbs in color photographs (or white in black and
white pictures). This is a result of the light from the flash
illuminating the retina directly. If the subject looks
straight into the lens and there is little or no ambient
light, the pupil is wide open, making the retina clearly
visible in the picture.

To avoid "red eye," you can take any or all of the follow

ing precautions:

1. Ask the subject not to look directly into the lens when
the picture is taken.

2. Remove the flash unit from the camera and hold it as
far away as possible from the camera by using a sync
cord.

3. Increase the room's overall illumination to reduce the
opening of the subject's pupils.

23

TIPS ON SPEEDLIGHT CARE

To remove dirt or fingerprints,
wipe with a dry soft or silicon­treated cloth. Never use thinner,
benzine or alcohol, since they
might damage the plastic parts.

To clean the Wide-Flash Adapter,
wash it with soap and water.
Never use a brush, as this may
damage it.

24

If you do not plan to use the unit
for more than two weeks, remove

the batteries to avoid possible

damage to the circuitry by battery

leakage. If leakage should inad
vertently occur, take the flash unit
to your nearest Nikon authorized
service facility.

To prevent damage to the flash
unit's electronic circuitry, keep
the camera away from places
where the temperature is likely to
go higher than 50°C, such as
inside the trunk of a car in the hot
summer sun; also do not store the
unit in exceptionally damp
places. Use the SB-11 within the
range of —10°C~ -l-50°C.

• If your SB-11 has not been used
for a long time, its recycling time
may be longer. To maintain the
built-in condenser in peak condi
tion, thereby enabling you to use
the SB-11 for many years, fire the
flash unit a few times every
month. After firing, wait until the

ready-light lights, then turn off
the power switch, remove the bat
teries, and store the SB-11 in a
suitable location. This will pre
vent the condenser from deterio
rating.

Keep the flash unit away from salt
water and out of the rain.

Never attempt to disassemble or
repair the flash yourself. These
delicate procedures should be left
to an authorized service facility.

25

OPTIMUM BATTERY PERFORMANCE

New batteries. Between manufacturing and first use, all

batteries exhibit some drain. Therefore, care should be
taken to purchase the newest (and freshest) ones possi
ble. To help you do this, some manufacturers stamp the

date of manufacture on the bottom of each battery. Ask
your camera dealer for assistance in interpreting the
codes.

Temperature. Battery life ratings are based on operation

at around 25°C (77°F). At other temperatures, battery
life is shortened. Spare batteries should therefore be kept
available if operation in low temperatures is anticipated.

Continuous use. Batteries are drained much more quick

ly by Continuous use than by intermittent use.

Storage. When not in use, the batteries should be re

moved to prevent damage from leakage. To minimize
drain during the period of disuse, store the batteries in a
cool, dry place below 20°C (68°F).

Battery brands. Do not mix brands of batteries, nor use

batteries with different model numbers. Also, avoid mix
ing new and old batteries since proper performance will
not be obtained and battery leakage may occur.

Disposal. Do not dispose of batteries by burning. Also,

for safety's sake, never disassemble batteries.

Polarity. When installing batteries, observe the voltage

polarities carefully. Reversal of the positive (-I-) and neg
ative (-) terminals will result in leakage. If leakage
should occur, take the SB-11 to your dealer.

NiCd batteries. In comparison with regular batteries,

NiCd batteries provide faster recycling time and better
efficiency at low temperatures. However, note that the

recycling time and the number of flashes per battery set
are dependent on the age of the batteries, how much
charge they have, and their capacities.

26

SPECIFICATIONS

Light output control

Guide number

(ASA/ISO 100 and
meters)
(ASA/ISO 25 and feet)

Angle of coverage
Automatic shooting

range

(at ASA/ISO 100)

ASA/ISO film speed

range

Recycling time

Automatic: flash output control
with silicon controlled rectifier
(thyristor) using Sensor Unit
SU-2;
Manual: full output

36 (25 with Wide-Flash Adapter

SW-3)
60 (42 with Wide-Flash Adapter
SW-3);
Horizontal: 56° (67° with SW-3);

Vertical: 40° (48° with SW-3)

0.6—9m (2—30ft) at f/4;

0.6—6.4m (2—21ft)atf/5.6;

0.6—4.5m (2—15 ft) at f/8
ASA/ISO 25~800

Automatic: variable depending
on shooting distance;
Manual: approx. 8 sec.

Number of flashes

(approx.)

Power source
Ready-light

Open-flash button

Mounting

Dimensions

(approx.)

Weight

(excluding batteries)

Automatic: variable depending

on shooting distance;

Manual: 150 with fresh set of
alkaline-manganese batteries
Eight 1.5V AA-type penlight
batteries
Provided; blinks if flash output is
at its maximum indicating that
light might be insufficient for
correct automatic exposure
Provided
Bracket-type
276mm (H) x 104 mm (W) x

118mm(D)

Approx. 860g

27

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Phone:[phone] Telex: J22601 (NIKON) Fax:[phone]

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