Nikon SB-24 User Manual
Nikon
Axitafiacus ^teetUi^
Instruction Manual
CONTENTS
FOREWORD.................................................................................4
NOTES
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NOMENCLATURE.....................................................................6-8
USABLE FLASH MODES WITH YOUR CAMERA................9-11
TTL AUTO [ID ............................................................................9
USABLE TTL FLASH MODES................................................10
NON-TTL AUTO H..................................................................11
MANUAL Ca ..........................................................................11
REPEATING FLASH ® ..........................................................11
FLASH SYNC MODE SELECTOR
READY-LIGHT INDICATIONS..............................................12-13
READY-LIGHT WARNING FUNCTIONS
SETTING POWER SWITCH.......................................................14
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION.............................................15-16
FLASH SIDE COMPENSATION.............................................15
CAMERA SIDE COMPENSATION
LIGHTING MANIPULATION
SETTING BEFORE SHOOTING
INSTALLING BATTERIES
ATTACHING FLASH UNIT TO
CAMERA ACCESSORY SHOE
ADJUSTING FLASH HEAD
SETTING ISO FILM SPEED
SETTING ANGLE OF COVERAGE
TTL AUTO FLASH WITH
NIKON F4 OR F-801/N8008..............................................25-49
FILL-FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
MATRIX BALANCED FILL-FLASH.........................................27
CENTER-WEIGHTED FILL-FLASH........................................28
STANDARD TTL FLASH.........................................................28
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12-13
17-24
18-19
20-21
22-24
11
16
16
17
20
26
5
USABLE TTL AUTO FLASH ACCORDING TO
LENS/EXPOSURE MODE/METERING SYSTEM
COMBINATION...................................................................29
MATRIX BALANCED FILL-FLASH OPERATION
In Programmed Auto Exposure Mode...........................32-34
In Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode
In Aperture-Priority Exposure Mode..............................39-42
In Manual Exposure Mode
FLASH EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
REAR-CURTAIN SYNC FLASH—
For Natural Light Flows
SHUTTER SPEED/APERTURE FOR
EACH EXPOSURE MODE.................................................49
TTL AUTO FLASH WITH NIKON F-401s/N4004s
SHOOTING BRIGHT AND DARK SUBJECTS
Programmed TTL Auto Flash—In Program or
Shutter-Priority Auto Exposure Mode............................51-53
TTL Auto Flash—In Aperture Priority Auto or
Manual Exposure Mode
AUTOMATIC BALANCED FILL-FLASH
TTL AUTO FLASH WITH OTHER CAMERAS
(with Nikon F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, FA, FE2
or FG).................................................................................57-63
PROGRAMMED TTL AUTO FLASH (with Nikon F-501/N2020
or F-301/N2000 in Programmed or Shutter-Priority
Auto Exposure Mode)....................................................57-59
TTL AUTO FLASH.............................................................60-61
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION WITH CAMERA’S
EXPOSURE DIAL...............................................................62
FILL-FLASH IN TTL FLASH MODE
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30-45
35-38
43-45
46-47
48
50-56
50-55
54-55
56
63
AUTOFOCUS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY (with Nikon F4,
F-801/N8008, F-501/N2020 or F-401s/N4004s)
NON-TTL AUTO FLASH-
For Shooting with Varied Lens Apertures
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION IN NON-TTL
AUTO FLASH MODE.........................................................68
USABLE APERTURES/SHOOTiNG DISTANCE RANGE
IN TTL AND NON-TTL AUTO FLASH MODES....................69
MANUAL FLASH—You Make All The Decisions
SYNCHRONIZATION IN CONTINUOUS SHOOTING
MANUAL FILL-FLASH
REPEATING FLASH-For Multiple Exposure.....................77-80
GUIDE NUMBER.......................................................................81
DIFFUSING LIGHT...............................................................82-85
BOUNCE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY PROCEDURE
USING A DIFFUSER..............................................................85
MULTIPLE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
TTL MULTIPLE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY.............................87
SYSTEM CHART FOR TTL MULTIPLE FLASH
ACCESSORIES FOR TTL MULTIPLE FLASH
TTL Remote Cord SC-17....................................................90
TTL Remote Cord SC-24....................................................90
TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10..........................................90
TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18 and SC-19
MANUAL MULTIPLE FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
CLOSE-UP FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY IN
TTL AUTO FLASH MODE
TIPS ON SPEEDLIGHT CARE
ABOUT BATTERIES..................................................................95
GLOSSARY........................................................................... 96-9/
SPECIFICATIONS 98-99
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64-65
66-68
70-76
73
74-76
83-85
86-91
88-89
90
90
91
92
93-94
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Autofocus Speedlight
SB-24. Used together with Nikon’s newest SLR models (F4,
F-801/N8008, F-401s/N4004s), it offers you the most advanced
and complete system for automatic flash photography available.
Used with any earlier Nikon SLR model, it lets you take advan
tage of TTL auto control and creative features such as Stroboeffect multiple flash exposures, and more.
To get the maximum performance from your new SB-24, be
sure to take time to read the instruction manual completely. It
includes a great deal of important information, including
explanations on how to use the newest, most advanced
features. Even the most experienced photographers should
thoroughly read this manual. Although the SB-24 controls may
seem familiar, much of its operation is different from ordinary
flash units.
We know you're anxious to get started, so if you are in a real
hurry, read the separate “QUICK AUTOMATIC OPERATION
WITH THE NIKON F4 OR F-801/N8008:' This explains what you
need to know to use the SB-24 and the newest Nikon SLRs in
the most automaitc mode. You'll be surprised how easy that
portion is, and you'll get balanced fill-flash pictures, as easy as
point-and-shoot.
Then, to learn about all the SB-24’s other great features, take
time to read the complete manual. Your reward will be better
flash pictures, with more variety than you ever imagined
possible, and all done easily.
One additional point. Throughout the manual you will see
technical terms or photo expressions with which you may not
be familiar. To help you learn these terms, we've included a
Glossary. So it you come upon an unfamiliar term, check the
glossary on pages 96~97.
The Nikon N8008 and N4004s are sold exclusively in the
U.S.A. The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively
in the U.S.A, and Canada.
NOTES
Do not fire flash near the eyes; doing so may injure the
retina. Do not touch the flash head when firing the SB-24;
it may be hot due to normal operation. Also, be sure to
keep plastics and other delicate materials away from the
flash head when hot.
Nikon cannot be responsible for malfunctions or other
problems resulting from the use of other manufacturers'
flash units, cameras or accessories, including external
power sources.
In certain cases, due to normal characteristics of the builtin microcomputer, the speedlight may not operate or an
abnormal display may appear, even with fresh, properly
installed batteries. If such a case occurs, turn off the flash
and remove the batteries, then reinstall batteries and turn
the power on. This should properly reset the computer.
“Red eye” is a common problem in flash photography.
Normally, flash pictures are taken when the surrounding
light is dim, and under such conditions the subject's eye
pupils will be dilated (open very wide). Red-eye effect
occurs when light from the camera’s flash reflects off the
interior of the eye and back into the camera’s lens. The
wide-open pupil allows much light to enter, and as a result,
the center portions of a subject's eyes can appear bright
red (white in a black and white picture). It is interesting to
note that the intensity of the red-eye effect varies among
individuals, and with two people in the same photograph,
one may have red-eye and the other may not.
The appearance of red-eye is also based on the angle at
which the light flashes on the subject and is reflected back
to the camera's lens. If the angle is 2 to 2.5 degrees or
narrower, the red-eye will occur. As you move closer to a
subject, the angle becomes wider, and the likelihood of
red-eye effect decreases. As you move farther from a
subject, the angle narrows and the incidence of red-eye
increases. When you get very far from a subject, the size
of the eye in the picture may become so small that red-eye
is not apparent, but when you switch to a lens with a
longer focal length, the subject becomes bigger and red
eye may become apparent.
With an angle exceeding 2.5 degrees, red-eye is not likely
to occur. For example, with a 35-55mm range lens and
when standing about 1.4m (4.5 ft) or closer to the subject,
the angle between the flash and lens exceeds 2.5 degrees
and red-eye effect will most likely not be visible.
5
NOMENCLATURE
Flash head
Locks at the front position; tiits up to 90° and down to
-7°; rotates 90° to right and 180° to left. For bounce
flash photography, see pages 83 to 85.
Battery chamber lid
Slide and lift to open.
Flash head tilting lock release
lever
Meter/Feet select lever
(Inside battery chamber)
Battery chamber
Accepts tour 1.5 V AA-type penlight batteries, either
1.5V alkaline-manganese or 1,2V NiCd batteries
(voltage varies depending on manufacturer; maximum
permitted is 1.25 V).
Autofocus assist illuminator LED
Enables autofocus operation in dim light and
total darkness.
Light sensor for non-TTL auto flash operation
In non-TTL auto flash operation, be careful not to
cover or otherwise obstruct the sensor.
External power source terminal
Accepts power cord of Nikon DC Unit
SD-7.
Mounting foot
Hot-shoe contacts
Mounting foot locking wheel
Flash head rotating lock release lever
Flash sync mode selector (see page 11)
NORMAL for front-curtain sync flash
REAR for rear-curtain sync flash
REAR. .fNORM^
Flash mode selector (see pages 9 to 11)
tilt for TTL auto flash exposure control
ES for non-TTL auto flash exposure control
Ea for manual flash exposure control
ES for repeating flash
Flash mode indicator
Film speed/Repeating flash indicator
Flash shooting distance scale
Angle of coverage indicator
Aperture indicator
M button
In TTL auto mode with F4 or F-801/N800B:
Push to cancel/activate automatic flash output level
compensation.
In manual/repeating-flash mode
Push to manually select flash output power.
Zoom button
Push to manually set zoom head
focal length position.
Illuminator button
Push to illuminate the LCD panel.
Ready-light/open-flash button
For ready-light indication, see pages 12 to 13.
LCD panel
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2 3 4 5 7 1015 20304060 ft
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ZOOM UQ mm l
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Exposure compensation indicator
Exposure compensation scale
Light amount indicator
Note: Some marks on the LCD panel may blink;
in this manual, blinking is indicated by ^
Select button , <
Controls use (on/off) of adjustment buttons.
Adjustment buttons (A and ▼)
For adjusting flash output level, aperture
value, number of flashes, frequency, etc.
Power switch
See page 14.
USABLE FLASH MODES WITH YOUR CAMERA
TTL AUTO an
In this mode, the camera’s TTL flash sensor measures all the
light which passes through the camera’s lens and reflects off
the film surface. This includes both ambient light and light from
the SB-24 flash. The flash shuts off at the moment the sensor
detects the correct exposure. Because the sensor detects light
passing through the lens, it automatically adjusts for most flash
shooting situations, including bounce flash, diffusion filters and
colored or neutral-density filters used on the lens or on the flash
head.
The SB-24's automatic flash operation depends on the Nikon
SLR model used. The chart on the following page indicates the
automatic modes available for each SLR model shown.
The SB-24’s flash mode selector lets you select from four flash
modes—TTL Auto UD , Non-TTL Auto El, Manual BJ or
Repeating-Flash SS . When the power switch Is on, the flash
mode Indicator confirms your selection in the LCD panel.
Subsequent sections of this instruction manual explain each of
the different automatic modes.
Available flash features also vary depending upon the type of
Nikon lens used and camera on which it is used. The newest AF
Nikkor lenses include built-in computers, and used with the
newest Nikon SLR models (F4, F-801/N8008, F-401s/N4004s)—
which incorporate a computer and multi-segment light meter—
provide the most advanced flash operation, known as Matrix
Balanced Fill-Flash.
USABLE TTL FLASH MODES
Nikon camera Usable TTL flash
Described on
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash/CenterWeighted Fill-Flash/Standard TTL Auto
pages 25 to 49
L
F-801/N8008
Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash (with AF
Nikkor lenses/Standard TTL Auto including ^ ( pages 50 to 56
F-401S/N4004S
Programmed TTL Auto
Standard TTL Auto including Programmed ^ r
TTL Auto (with Al-S-type lenses) L
pages 57 to 63 ]
F-501/N2020 F-301/N2000
Standard TTL Auto (all shutter speed
settings except M250 or B)
^ [ pages 60 to 63
FA FE2
Standard TTL Auto (all shutter speed
settings except M90 or B)
[ pages 60 to 63 ]
FG
TTL flash control with the SB-24 functions only with selected Nikon SLR models. F3 series, FM2 and FG-20 do not function with the
SB-24 and TTL operation. All other flash exposure modes (H El ES j function with these SLR models.
10
NON-TTL AUTO H
In this mode, light is read through the light sensor on the front
of the SB-24, instead of being measured through the lens.
Exposure control requires that you manually adjust the lens
aperture. For non-TTL auto flash mode, see pages 66 to 68.
MANUAL m
Lets you select flash power from full power of 1/16 power and
set aperture according to flash-to-subject distance. Indicated on
the LCD panel.
For manual flash, see pages 70 to 76.
REPEATING FLASH SIS
This mode lets you flash a subject two or more times
consecutively in the same frame. It enables you to select the
number of flashes, flash speed (FIz) and power—either 1/8 or
1/16.
For detailed instructions on repeating flash, see pages 77 to 80.
FLASH SYNC MODE SELECTOR—
(IIIIIIL)^ )
The SB-24 offers two types of flash synchronization, REAR and
NORMAL.
NORMAL synchronization, the way virtually all other systems
operate, fires the flash at the beginning of the exposure.
REAR synchronization, available with the Nikon F4 or F-801/
N8008, fires the flash at the end of the exposure.
For short exposure (speeds up to 1/250 second) you can barely
tell the difference befween the two methods. For longer expo
sures, however, when subject movement during the exposure
becomes evident, you can clearly see the difference.
Rear synchronization tends to give a more natural effect,
making the blur of subject movement appear to emanate from
the back for a more comfortable visual effect.
For details, see page 48.
11
READY-LIGHT INDICATIONS
With the SB-24 turned on, its ready-light turns on to indicate the
flash is ready to fire. To activate the viewfinder ready-light
function when using the Nikon F4, F-801/N8008, F-501/N2020,
F-401S/N4004S, F-301/N2000, FA, FE2, or FG, lightly press the
shutter release button to turn on the camera’s meter.
• If the ready-light takes more than 30 sec. to light up
when using alkaline-manganese batteries, replace with
a fresh set.
• With NiCd batteries, if recycling time is over 10
seconds, recharge them.
* •
12
READY-LIGHT WARNING FUNCTIONS
The ready-light in the camera viewfinder blinks in the cases
listed below. When blinking occurs, check the SB-24's flash
mode selector setting, camera's shutter speed/mode selector
setting and/or film speed setting and adjust as necessary.
The ready-light will blink before shooting:
• When SB-24's flash mode selector is at TTL with cameras
other than Nikon F4, F-801/N8008, F-501/N2020,
F-401S/N4004S, F-301/N2000, FA, FE2, or FG. Reset SB-24's
flash mode selector to A or M.
• When using the FA, FE2, or FG to perform TTL auto flash with
the camera’s shutter speed dial at a mechanical setting (M250,
M90 or B). Reset to another shutter speed setting. To use
M250, M90 or B, reset SB-24's flash mode selector to A or M.
• When performing programmed TTL auto or TTL auto flash
operation with a camera film speed setting beyond the usable
range. Use film within the appropriate TTL auto flash photog
raphy range (ISO 25-1000 with F-501/N2020 or F-301/N2000;
ISO 25-400 with F-401S/N4004S, FA, FE2 or FG). With the
FA, the ready-light also blinks when the camera’s film speed
setting approaches ISO 12.
• When the shutter speed of the FE or FM2 is not within the
flash sync speed range. Set the shutter speed to the flash
sync speed or slower.
• With Nikon F-401S/N4004S, when the SB-24 and built-in flash
are turned off, and the camera’s computer recommends flash
use.
After shooting;
With the SB-24 in TTL auto or non-TTL auto flash mode, if both
viewfinder ready-light and SB-24 ready-light blink for a few
seconds after shooting, the flash has operated at maximum
power. Check the SB-24's LCD to determine whether you were
standing at a distance beyond the indicated maximum range.
Depending on conditions, choose a wider aperture for maximum
flash range (switch exposure mode to A or M if it is set at P or
S), or move closer to the subject.
F-801/N8008
F-401S/N4004S
F-301/N2000
13
SETTING POWER SWITCH
licsLJi^grTTrniTnnTJJ
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a(^ Itsncati
To turn on the speedlight unit, use either STBY (STANDBY) or
ON settings. With Nikon F4, F-801/N8008, F-501/N2020,
F-401S/N4004S, F-301/N2000, FA, FE2, or FG, to conserve
energy, use STBY position,
STBY (STAN DBY) Position
—With Nikon F4, F-801/N8008, F-501/N2020,
F-401S/N4004S, F-301/N2000, FA, FE2, or FG
In most cases, use STBY position to turn on the SB-24. In STBY
position, approx. 80 seconds after the camera's meter turns off,
the SB-24 turns off to conserve power. To turn the SB-24 on
again, lightiy press the camera’s shutter reiease button or the
SB-24's open-flash button.
• When using a remote cord with a Nikon FA or FE2 connected
to Nikon Motor Drive MD-12, the camera remains on as iong
as the MD-12's power switch is on. (At STBY position SB-24
does not turn off.)
14
offTbIon
Special Standby Function
In normal Standby function, when the camera's meter turns off,
the SB-24 also turns off. To reactivate the SB-24, turn the
camera’s meter on. With the following procedure, however, even
after the camera's meter turns off, the SB-24 automatically
recharges In approx, one-hour Intervals, so it will always be
ready for long shooting sessions.
1. Set power switch to OFF to turn off the SB-24.
2. While pressing illuminator button, set power switch to STBY.
3. Confirm LCD panel display blinks approx. 8 seconds.
• The SB-24 can be kept in standby for approx. 20 days
with AA-type aikaline-manganese batteries or approx.
10 days with AA-type NiCd batteries.
• To cancel this function, set the SB-24's power switch to
OFF.
ON Position
—With Nikon FA, FE2 or FG:
To turn on the SB-24 when using a mechanical shutter setting
(M250 with FA or FE2, M90 with FG, or B), you cannot use
STBY position; set the power switch to ON.
When not using the SB-24, always set power switch to
OFF to conserve battery power.
EXPOSURE COMPENSATION
“Correct” exposure is a value based on combinations of
film sensitivity, aperture and shutter settings necessary to
produce a “technically correct" exposure result. In prac
tical photography, we often want to vary the exposure
results to create different versions of the same picture.
This is accomplished by using exposure compensation.
Exposure compensation can be accomplished in many
ways. The accompanying chart indicates controls that
enable compensation with the Nikon SB-24 and the latest
Nikon SLR models. In addition to changing the exposure,
we can also modify a scene’s lighting by manipuiating
the light source, thus creating different lighting effects.
Exposure compensation
Flash side (flash exposure)
• Automatic compensation
• Automatic compensation + Manual adjustment
• Manual adjustment
Camera side (available-light exposure)
• Manual control
• Automatic control (Matrix Metering)
• Bracketing
[■Manual
^Auto (with optional multi-control back)
The following is a brief explanation of the various
compensation methods, including those accomplished
automatically by the camera/flash computer control,
those accomplished through user-controlled operation
and alternatives which manipulate the lighting on a scene.
As the results can vary depending on individual condi
tions, you may want to experiment with each method.
Experimenting for creativity is what this is all about.
FLASH SIDE COMPENSATION
Computer, automatic: Nikon multi-segment light meters
using advanced computer programs evaluate a scene’s
brightness and contrast and calculate appropriate expo
sure compensation to accommodate a \«ide variety of
complex lighting conditions.
Computer, automatic pius manuai adjustment: auto
matic control as noted above, but with a user-determined
adjustment to the calculated exposure; accomplished
using the SB-24’s EV compensation control.
Manuai adjustment: turn off the camera/SB-24 auto
matic controls and select any manual adjustment using
the SB-24’s EV compensation control.
Rear- or Front-Curtain Sync: not generally referred to
as a compensation method, but can be considered so
because it offers a "different” exposure result.
15
CAMERA SIDE COMPENSATION
Manual control: adjustment made via the camera’s EV
compensation control; affects the entire exposure, both
available light and light from the flash.
For available compensation range with each film speed, see the
table below.
Automatic control: accomplished via the camera's
multi-segment metering system; preprogrammed at the
factory according to extensive testing.
Bracketing: results in a variety of different exposures,
both under- and overexposed; can be accomplished
either by using manual adjustments or by using an
optional multi-control accessory back.
16
LIGHTING MANIPULATION
Bounce flash; can be considered a compensation
method since it offers variation to the exposure and
augments available light; light may be bounced off
various surfaces to create different results.
Multiple flash: using more than one flash to create
specific lighting patterns on the subject. May be used
either
with available light, or to obscure (overpower) the
effects of available light.
Diffusers: devices placed in front of a camera lens to
soften a lighting effect or placed over each flash unit to
modify the quality of the light source.
Indirect flash: removing the flash from the camera and
holding it to the side, above or from below the subject to
create distinctly different lighting effects. This requires a
special extension cord which allows you to maintain
automatic control.
SETTING BEFORE SHOOTING
INSTALLING BATTERIES
4 Close the battery chamber lid, then
' slide cover back to close.
2 Slide the meter/feet lever to select
' the desired indication (meters or feet)
on the LCD panel. (Set at meters when
shipped from factory.)
3 Load four 1.5V AA-type penlight
" alkaline-manganese or 1.2 V NiCd
batteries into the battery chamber. Be
sure to follow the indicators
inside the chamber to ensure batteries
are properly loaded.
For an external power source, use
optional Nikon DC Unit SD-7. For
battery information, see page 95.
17
ATTACHING FLASH UNIT TO CAMERA ACCESSORY SHOE
(IgBlilEllOIOl [c^pnni
°''iu iiiiiMrr~J
wise as far as it goes without forcing.
18
0 Holding the flash near the bottom,
' slide the mounting foot fonward into
the camera’s accessory shoe as far as it
goes.
For Nikon F3-series camera with DE-2 or DE-3 finder:
Attach the Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 or AS-7 to the camera’s accessory shoe
before mounting the SB-24. The SB-24 cannot be mounted on an F3-series
camera with other finders.
Using finger pressure only, gently but
■ firmly tighten the locking wheel.
tnn
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ISO
3 C c *-i
IJJmm I I
g Set power switch to STBY (standby position) or ON to turn on SB-24. LCD panei appears. (For details about
' power switch setting, see page 14).
When it is necessary to set the aperture on the LCD
panei using adjustment buttons, F blinks.
For exampie:
• In Non-TTL Auto H flash mode (see pages 66 to 68).
• When using lenses without a built-in CPU.
• When using cameras other than the Nikon F4 or
F-801/N8008.
J V-
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