Nikon SB-28 User Manual

Autofocus Speedlight

SB-28

Instruction Manual	En

Foreword

Congratulations. You are now the proud owner of the Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-28, a flash unit offering sleek new styling and simple push-button operation. When used with Nikon SLR cameras, the SB-28’s extensive capabilities range from 3D MultiSensor Balanced Fill-Flash, today’s most advanced flash technology, to full manual operation.

To get the most out of your new flash unit, please read this manual before use.

WARNING—To avoid injury

•Do not fire the flash directly into a person’s eyes at close range as this may damage the retina, leading to partial or complete blindness.

•Avoid touching the front of the flash head while using the SB-28. The flash head generates significant heat during normal operation, which could cause burns.

•Do not expose the SB-28 to water as this may result in electric shock or cause the unit to catch on fire.

Determine which group your camera belongs to.

In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into seven groups (I to VII) unless otherwise noted. First consult the camera group

table to see which group your camera belongs to. Then as you read the manual, you will find specific information on how to use the SB-28 with your particular camera.

Please open the front fold-out page for easy reference.

2

Camera groups and available flash modes

	Group								*
		F5		F4-Series F-601/		F60-Series/	F-501/	FM3A	F3-Series 6
	Camera	F100		F65-Series/	N6006 1	N60 1	N2020 4	FA	New FM2
	name	F90X/N90s1		N65-Series1,3	F-601M/	F50-Series/	F-401s/	FE2
		F90-Series/		F-801s/	N60001	N50 1	N4004s1		FM10
								FG
		N90 1		N8008s1		F-401x/	F-401/		FE10
		F80-Series/		F-801/				NikonosV
									5
	Flash	N80-Series	1,2,3	1		N5005 1	N40041
				N8008
	operation	F70-Series/		Pronea 600i /			F-301/
		N701,2		6i 1,3			N20004
	3D Multi-Sensor
	Balanced
	Fill-Flash 7	P.26-30
	Multi-Sensor
	Balanced
	Fill-Flash 7
T	Matrix
	Balanced
T	Fill-Flash			P.31-32	P.33-34	P.35-37
L	Center-Weighted	P.26-30
	Fill-Flash/Spot
	Fill-Flash
	Programmed
	TTL Auto Flash						P.38-39
	Standard	P.26-30		P.31-32	P.33-34			P.40-41
	TTL Flash

A	Non-TTL				P.42-43
	Auto Flash
	Manual Flash				P.46-51
M	FP High-Speed	P.49-51
	Flash Sync
	Repeating				P.52-55
	Flash

: Available

: Not available

1 Sold exclusively in the USA.

2 F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70 cannot perform FP High-Speed Flash Sync. 3 Center-Weighted Fill-Flash is not possible.

4 Sold exclusively in the USA and Canada.

5 An optional sync cord for land use is required.

6 Optional flash Unit coupler AS-4 or AS-7 is required. With AS-17, Standard TTL flash (p. 40-41) is possible, but not Repeating flash.

73D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash are generally referred to as Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor.

*For cameras such as the Nikon F or Nikon F2, refer to Group VII. TTL Auto Flash mode cannot be performed with cameras in this group. If flash is fired with the t indicator appeared on the LCD panel, the flash fires at full output.

For details on the SB-28’s available TTL Auto Flash operations, see the separate Quick Reference sheet.

3

Speedlight parts

Built-in bounce card (P.61)

Built-in wide flash adapter (P.21)

Flash head (P.13)

Red-eye reduction lamp (P.76)

Light sensor for Non-TTL

Auto Flash operation (P.42)

AF assist illuminator LED (P.81)

Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (P.13)

Battery chamber lid (P.12)

Tilting angle scale (P.60)

Rotating angle scale (P.60)

Terminal cover

TTL multiple flash terminal (P.66)

Sync/multiple flash terminal (P.70)

External power source terminal (P.85)

External power source terminal (for European market)* (P.85)

Mounting foot locking wheel (P.14)

Mount pin (P.14)

For cameras featuring a safety lock system.

Hot-shoe contacts (P.14)

Mounting foot (P.14)

LCD panel (P.5)

Control buttons (P.10)

Ready-light (P.16)

*Because the European version of the SB-28 comes with a different shaped connector, Nikon DC Units SD-7, SD-8 and the Power Bracket Unit SK-6 are not compatible.

4

LCD panel indications

All LCD (liquid crystal display) figures and marks do not appear at the same time. They are shown together here for ease of explanation.

1

6

7

8

2

9

3

10

11

4

12

13

5

14

1 Flash mode indicator (P.22)

4 Red-eye reduction indicator (P.76)

t Ø Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL

5 Zoom-head position indicator (P.19)

Multi-Sensor

6 Flash output level indicator (P.50)

tø Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash,

7 Exposure compensation indicator (P.72)

Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash

8 Underexposure indicator (P.28)

t Standard TTL Flash

9 Exposure compensation/underexposure value

ƒ Manual Flash (P.46)

(P.72 / P.28)

% FP High-Speed Flash sync (P.49)

10 Flash shooting distance scale (m: meter) (P.13)

" Repeating Flash (P.52)

11 Flash shooting distance scale (ft: feet) (P.13)

˙ Non-TTL Auto Flash (P.42)

12 Standby mode indicator (P.15)

2 Film speed (ISO)/number of repeating flashes per

13 AF assist illuminator LED canceled indicator (P.82)

frame/frequency indicators (P.18 / P.52)

14 Aperture indicator (P.42)

3 Flash shooting range indicator bars (P.13)

Notes on LCDs

•Because LCDs are difficult to read when viewed from the side, you should look at the LCD panel directly.

•LCDs are temperature sensitive and may turn black at high temperatures (approx. 60°C or 140°F). They clear up when the temperature returns to normal (20°C or 68°F).

•In cold temperatures (approx. 5°C or 41°F and below), the LCDs’ response time slows down. This is typical of LCDs and no cause for concern. LCDs will function properly once the temperature returns to normal (20°C or 68°F).

NOTE

Using the SB-28 in dim light

Press the . button to turn the illuminator on. Press the button again to turn it off. The illuminator turns off automatically after approx. 16 sec. when the SB-28 is not in use.

5

Tips on using this manual

Take some test shots.

Before taking important flash photographs, take some test shots to ascertain the SB-28 is working as desired in the mode(s) you have selected.

Use only Nikon-approved equipment.

The SB-28 is designed for use with Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories.

—Using cameras or accessories other than those specified by Nikon may damage the SB-28.

—Nikon cannot be held responsible for malfunctions caused by using the SB-28 in ways not specified in this manual, or using the SB-28 with a camera made by another manufacturer.

6

About this manual

•This instruction manual consists of the main manual plus a separate Quick Reference sheet. The Quick Reference sheet provides an overview of the SB-28’s capabilities and features, while the main manual supplies detailed information on all aspects of the SB-28.

•Because explanations in this manual are based on the operation of the SB-28 only, please consult the instruction manual provided with your camera for specific information on its use.

Notices used in this manual

Denotes important points where caution is required.

NOTE Denotes a useful point that should be remembered for future reference.

Determine what type of Nikkor lenses you are using.

Nikkor lenses are divided into two groups unless otherwise noted.

Nikkor lenses	• D- or G-type Nikkor lenses
with a built-in CPU*	• IX Nikkor lenses**
	• Non-D/G-type AF Nikkor lenses***
	• AI-P-type Nikkor lenses
Nikkor lenses	• AI-S-type or AI-type Nikkor lenses
without a built-in CPU*	• Nikon Series E lenses
	• AI-modified Nikkor lenses and others

* CPU (Central Processing Unit) acts as an on-board computer.

**IX Nikkor lenses are designed for use with the Nikon Advanced Photo System (IX240) format SLR camera body only and cannot be used with 35mm SLR cameras.

***Except AF Nikkor lenses for the F3AF

7

Contents

Foreword ········································································································2

Camera groups and available flash modes ··················································3

Speedlight parts ····························································································4

LCD panel indications ··················································································5

Tips on using this manual ··············································································6

About this manual ··························································································7

Using control buttons ··················································································10

Getting started ······················································································11

Loading batteries ························································································12

Adjusting the flash head / Selecting the distance scale ····························13

Attaching the SB-28 to the camera ····························································14

Turning the SB-28 on and off / Standby function ········································15

The ready-light ····························································································16

Test firing ····································································································17

Setting the ISO film speed ··········································································18

Adjusting the zoom-head position ························································19-20 Setting the built-in wide flash adapter ························································21

Selecting a flash mode ················································································22

Basic operation ····················································································23

t flash modes ····················································································24-25 TTL Auto Flash t Mode (For cameras in Group I)······························26-30 TTL Auto Flash t Mode (For cameras in Group II) ····························31-32 TTL Auto Flash t Mode (For cameras in Group III)····························33-34 TTL Auto Flash t Mode (For cameras in Group IV) ··························35-37 TTL Auto Flash t Mode (For cameras in Group V) ····························38-39 TTL Auto Flash t Mode (For cameras in Group VI) ··························40-41 Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙ Mode (For cameras in all groups) ··················42-43

8

Advanced operation············································································45

Manual Flash ƒ Mode

(For cameras in all groups) ································································46-51 Repeating Flash " Mode ······································································52-55 Guide Numbers for determining correct aperture in ƒ

and " flash modes ············································································56-57 Bounce flash operation ··········································································58-61 Close-up flash operation in TTL Auto Flash t Mode ························62-64 Multiple flash operation in t and ƒ flash modes ····························65-70

Exposure compensation in flash photography

(For cameras in all groups) ································································71-75

Red-eye reduction control (For cameras in Group I [except F5]

and Pronea 600i/6i) ··················································································76

Rear-curtain flash sync ··········································································77-78

Additional information ······································································79

Checking the correct exposure (For cameras in all groups) ······················80

Autofocus flash operation in dim light

(For autofocus cameras only) ····························································81-82 Optional accessories ··············································································83-85 Tips on Speedlight care ··············································································86

Notes on batteries ··················································································87-88 Troubleshooting ······················································································89-90 Specifications ························································································91-95

9

Using control buttons

By pressing a single button, you can activate frequently used functions. When two buttons are pressed simultaneously, you can activate functions which are not necessary to set each time. For easy reference, refer to the chart on the back of the built-in bounce card.

	M ZOOM ONLY
ZOOM	MODE	SEL	+	-
		NO AF ILL
		ON/STBY
		(m) / (ft)	ON/OFF
FLASH

One-button operations

'To adjust the zoom-head position (P.19-20)

µTo set the flash mode (P.22)

[To select and set various functions and values

{To increase values

}To decrease values

~To test fire the flash (P.17)

.To illuminate the LCD panel (P.5)

=To turn power on and off (P.15)

Two-button operations

' + {	To set or cancel automatic zoom-head adjustment (Buttons must be
	pressed for 2 sec.) (P.19-20)

' + [ To readjust the zoom-head position, if built-in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally (P.21)

µ + } To turn the AF assist illuminator LED on or off (P.81-82)

µ + = To cancel or set the standby function (Buttons must be pushed after the flash is turned off.) (P.15)

. + = To select the distance scale (meters or feet) (P.13) (Buttons must be pushed after the flash is turned off.)

10

Getting started

Becoming familiar with the SB-28

Before starting to take flash pictures, you should familiarize yourself with various settings and adjustments of the SB-28, regardless of which Nikon SLR camera you are using.

11

Loading batteries

Four penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types may be used:

•AA-type alkaline-manganese (1.5V)

•AA-type lithium (1.5V)

•AA-type NiCd (rechargeable) (1.2V)

•AA-type Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable) (1.2V)

NOTE : AA-type high-power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB-28.

—See pages 87-88, Notes on batteries.

1 Open the battery chamber lid.

2Install four penlight batteries following the + and – symbols inside the chamber. Close the battery chamber lid.

•Various optional external power source DC Units are available for use with the SB-28. See page 85, Using an external power source.

Do not mix battery types or brands, or use old with new batteries.

12

Adjusting the flash head / Selecting the distance scale

Adjusting the flash head

Hold down the flash head tilting/rotating lock release button while adjusting the flash head to the horizontal/front position.

• The flash head tilts/rotates from the horizontal/front position to:

90° (up) –7° (down) 180° (left) 90° (right)

• The flash head has click stops at 30°, 60° and 90° (to the right), 30°, 60°, 90° 120°, 150° and 180° (to the left), –7° (down), and 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° (up).

•When the = button is pressed for approx. 0.5 sec. after adjusting

the flash head to the horizontal/front position, the power turns on and the flash shooting range indicator bars _ appear on the LCD panel. They do not appear if the flash head is adjusted to a position other than the horizontal/front position.

•The indicator bars _ blink when the flash head is tilted down to –7°.

Selecting the distance scale (meters/feet)

Set the distance scale on the LCD panel to either meters (m) or feet (ft).

1

2

Press the = button for approx. 0.5 sec. to turn the SB-28 off.

Hold down the . button as you press the = button.

—To return to the former setting, repeat steps 1 and 2.

m (meters) display ft (feet) display

• The SB-28 is preset to meters (m) when the SB-28 is shipped from the factory.

NOTE

Although meters (m) and feet (ft) appear together in this manual for ease of explanation, they do not appear simultaneously on the

SB-28’s LCD panel.

13

Attaching the SB-28 to the camera

When attaching the SB-28 to your camera, make sure both units are turned off to avoid accidentally firing the flash.

1Loosen the SB-28's mounting foot locking wheel and slide the SB-28 into the camera’s accessory shoe.

2 Tighten the locking wheel.

With cameras equipped with a safety lock system, the mount pin is automatically inserted into the locking hole in the camera’s accessory shoe to secure the SB-28.

Detaching the SB-28

•To detach the SB-28, loosen the mounting foot locking wheel all the way. If the wheel doesn’t loosen easily, push the foot forward gently

14	in the direction of the white arrow and try loosening the wheel again.

Turning the SB-28 on and off / Standby function

Turning power on and off

To turn the SB-28 on and off, depress and hold the = button for approx. 0.5 sec.

Standby function

If both the SB-28 and camera are not used for after approx. 80 seconds, the SB-28 shuts off automatically to conserve battery power. This is called the standby function.

Canceling and setting the standby function

1

2

Press the = button for approx. 0.5 sec. to turn the SB-28 off.

Hold down the µ button as you press the = button.

—The SB-28’s standby mode indicator : on the LCD panel appears when the function is set and disappears when it is not set. Perform steps 1 and 2 to cancel it or reset it.

•The standby function is preset when the SB-28 is shipped from the factory. (Check that the standby mode indicator : appears on the LCD panel when the SB-28 is turned on.)

When carrying the SB-28 in your camera bag with the standby function set, make sure to turn off the flash unit to avoid accidental battery drain.

To turn the SB-28 on again after it enters the standby mode, you can:

•Lightly press the shutter release button (except cameras in Group VII).

•Press the ~ button on the SB-28.

•Press the SB-28’s = button.

15

The ready-light

After the SB-28 is turned on, the ready-light lights up as soon as the SB-28 is recycled and ready to fire.

—Make sure the ready-light lights up before taking the picture.

The ready-light blinks when the flash fires at maximum output.

In TTL Auto Flash t or Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙ mode, if the ready-lights on the SB-28 and inside the camera’s viewfinder blink for approx. 3 seconds after the picture is taken, the flash has fired at its maximum output, indicating that light may have been insufficient for correct exposure.

•In that case, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject before taking any more pictures.

Replace batteries.

•Replace alkaline-manganese batteries if the ready-light takes more than 30 seconds to light up. Replace lithium batteries if the readylight takes more than 10 seconds to light up. See page 87-88, Notes on batteries.

•Recharge NiCd or Ni-MH batteries if the ready-light takes more than 10 seconds to come on.

•When exhausted batteries are used in the SB-28, the zoom-head position adjustment may be activated repeatedly, producing sound inside the unit, even when the power is turned off.

16

Test firing

You can perform simple test firing by pressing the ~ button to ensure that the SB-28 is working properly.

1 Press the = button to turn the SB-28 on.

2After the ready-light comes on, press the ~ button to fire the SB-28.

NOTE

If the SB-28 enters the standby mode, press the ~ button once

to turn the flash back on, then press the ~ button again to test-fire the unit.

17

Setting the ISO film speed

Cameras in Groups I and II

The ISO film speed is automatically set and indicated on the SB-28’s LCD panel.

• The usable film speed in TTL Auto Flash t mode is ISO 25 to 1000.

Cameras in Groups III through VII

Set the ISO film speed manually in this manner:

1 Turn the SB-28 off.

2 Turn it on again. The film speed starts blinking.

3Press the { or } button to increase or decrease the film speed.

—Press the [ button to stop the film speed from blinking.

•The film speed indicator blinks during adjustment and stops after 8 seconds unless the [ button is pressed. The last blinking number is the one automatically set.

•The following ISO film speeds can be used in TTL Auto Flash t mode : ISO 25 to 1000 for cameras in Groups III and IV, plus F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 cameras.

ISO 25 to ISO 400 for cameras in Group VI, plus F-401s/N4004s and F-401/N4004 cameras.

18

Adjusting the zoom-head position

The SB-28 has six zoom-head position settings: 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm and 85mm. (The zoom head is set to either 18mm or 20mm when the built-in wide flash adapter is used.)

Cameras in Groups I and II with Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU

1 The zoom head is automatically adjusted.

•Automatic zoom-head positioning is not possible if a small M appears above the ZOOM on the LCD panel. Press the ' button several times until the M disappears.

2After automatic adjustment, make sure the zoom-head position on the LCD panel matches the focal length of the lens in use.

—With a zoom lens, the zoom head automatically adjusts within the range of 24mm to 85mm. When the focal length exceeds the SB-28's available range, the zoom-head adjusts to the closest wideangle or telephoto setting of the lens in use.

19

Adjusting the zoom-head position

NOTE

To cancel automatic zoom-head positioning and set the position manually:

1Press the ' and { buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec. until the small M above ZOOM starts blinking.

Then press the ' button and set the desired zoom-head position manually.

2The zoom-head position indicator changes every time you press the ' button:

24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm

Once set manually, the zoom-head position is locked and does not change even when the power is turned off and on again or the lens is changed.

—To resume automatic zoom-head position adjustment, press the ' and { buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec. until the small M above ZOOM disappears.

Other camera/lens combinations

Press the ' button and adjust the zoom-head position manually to match the focal length of the lens in use.

•The indicator changes each time you press the ' button:

24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm

When set manually, a small M appears above the ZOOM on the LCD panel.

—When using a Zoom-Nikkor lens, set the zoom-head position on the SB-28 to correspond to the shortest focal length of the lens (for example, select the 28mm setting when using a Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm lens). Then, the flash will cover all the focal lengths.

20

Setting the built-in wide flash adapter

The SB-28 comes with a wide flash adapter to increase the angle of coverage to match an 18mm or 20mm lens.

1Slide out the wide flash adapter 1 and gently push it down into place in front of the flash head 2.

•Because the bounce card comes out at the same time, return it 3 to its original position inside the flash head.

•The zoom-head position indicator changes to 20mm and the indicator bars _ display the appropriate flash shooting distance range.

2 To change to 18mm, press the ' button once.

—The zoom-head position indicator toggles between 18mm and 20mm each time you press the ' button.

•To replace the wide flash adapter, lift it up and slide it back into its original place inside the flash head.

If the built-in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally, it is no longer possible to set 18 or 20mm.

In this case, press the ' and [ buttons simultaneously for approx. 4 sec. until the zoom-head position indicator starts blinking, making it possible to adjust the zoom-head automatically or manually to its six basic settings (24, 28, 35, 50, 70, 85mm).

21

Selecting a flash mode

When the µ button on the back of the SB-28 is pressed, the flash mode indicator sequences through these modes:

tØ

t ˙ Q " tø

Note that the LCD indications and available flash modes differ depending on which Nikon camera and lens you are using.

The table below shows the auto flash mode recommended for use with each camera group.

—Refer to the reference pages corresponding to your camera.

	Camera group	Recommended auto flash mode	Reference
			page
	I	Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor tØ	26–30
	II	Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash tø	31–32
	III	Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash t	33–34
	IV	Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash t	35–37
	V	Programmed TTL Auto Flash t	38–39
	VI	Standard TTL Flash t	40–41
	VII	Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙	42–43

•For available flash operations with the SB-28 and each camera group, refer to the table on the fold-out page at the front of this manual.

22

Basic operation

Shooting in the auto flash mode

The SB-28 provides a variety of flash modes to cover virtually all shooting situations. These modes range from TTL Auto Flash t to Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙ and Manual Flash ƒ.

In this section, TTL and Non-TTL Auto Flash modes are explained.

TTL Auto Flash t :

If your camera is in group I to VI, refer to pages 24-25, t flash modes, to get the most out of TTL automatic flash operations.

Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙ :

If your camera is in Group VII with no TTL Auto Flash t mode available, refer to pages 42-43, Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙ mode. This mode can also be used with cameras in all groups.

t flash modes

Six flash operations are possible in the TTL Auto Flash mode:

3D Multi-Sensor Balanced					flash modes
Fill-Flash					Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash
Multi-Sensor Balanced					with TTL Multi Sensor**
Fill-Flash								Automatic
Matrix Balanced
								Balanced
Fill-Flash								Fill-Flash*
Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/
Spot Fill-Flash
Programmed TTL
Auto Flash

Standard TTL Flash

*In combination with the camera’s exposure meter and TTL flash sensor, the shutter speed, aperture, and SB-28’s flash output are automatically controlled to keep both subject and background correctly exposed.

**3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash are generally referred to as Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor.

3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

(Applicable to F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70)

This mode automatically controls flash output to keep both subject and background correctly exposed. The SB-28 fires a series of nearly invisible preflashes, called Monitor Preflash. These preflashes are detected by the TTL multi-sensor in Group I cameras and the data is then integrated with distance information from D-type Nikkor lenses and other exposure data to determine the optimal flash shooting distance range and flash output level for balanced fill-flash exposure. This is especially effective for scenes that include: (1) a mirror, white wall or other highly reflective surface or (2) unwanted obstacles in front of the subject.

Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

(Applicable to F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70)

This mode automatically controls flash output to keep both subject and background correctly exposed when non-D-type AF or AI-P-type Nikkor lenses are used. The SB-28 fires a series of nearly invisible Monitor Preflashes, which are detected by the TTL multi-sensor to help determine the best exposure for both subject and background. This method is most effective for scenes that include: (1) a mirror, white wall, or other surface highly reflective surface, or (2) a subject positioned against a distant and/or plain background, such as an empty sky, clouds, etc.

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Matrix Balanced Fill Flash

(Applicable to F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series, F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000, F-401x/N5005, Pronea 600i/6i)

This mode automatically controls flash output to keep both subject and background correctly exposed when D or non-D-type AF Nikkor lenses are used. The camera's Matrix Metering System determines the correct exposure based on the ambient light. Flash illumination brightens the main foreground subject but does not overpower the background.

Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash

(Applicable to F5, F4-Series, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F60-Series/N60,F50-Series/N50, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, F-601/N6006, F- 601M/N6000, F-401x/N5005)

This mode operates with Center-Weighted or Spot metering. Centerweighted fill-flash measures the entire scene, but places emphasis on the center area. Spot fill-flash reads a narrower central area or spot. Not all Nikon AF cameras provide spot fill-flash.

Programmed TTL Auto Flash

(Applicable to F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000)

In this mode, you can perform auto flash operation with the lens set to its minimum aperture (highest f-number). The camera automatically controls the aperture according to the ISO film speed.

Standard TTL Flash

(Applicable to F5, F4-Series, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70, F65-Series/N65-Series, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000, F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000, FM3A, FA, FE2, FG, Pronea 600i/6i, Nikonos V)

You manually select a flash output level so that the main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness. This system is not designed to automatically provide a balance between flash and ambient light; it is limited to efficient operation in dim-light conditions and is not recommended for use in very bright lighting conditions. This system does not directly link the camera’s light meter and the SB-28’s TTL sensor.

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TTL Auto Flash t Mode

For cameras in Group I: F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70

Available flash operation in TTL Auto Flash t Mode

	Lens in use	Available flash		Camera’s	Camera’s
				exposure	metering
		operation*	1
				mode	system*2
	D- or G-type*3	3D Multi-Sensor		Desired	Desired
	Nikkor lenses	Balanced Fill-Flash		mode	metering
		t Ø			system
	Non-D/G-type	Multi-Sensor		Desired	Desired
	AF Nikkor lenses/	Balanced Fill-Flash		mode	metering
	AI-P lenses	t Ø			system
	Other Nikkor	Center-Weighted		Aperture-priority	Center-Weighted
	lenses*4	Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-		auto (A)	Metering
		Flash		Manual (M)
		t ø			Spot Metering*2

*1 All of the above flash modes can be changed to Standard TTL Flash t.

*2 Only Standard TTL Flash is possible when the F5’s, F100’s or F80-Series/N80-Series’ Metering System is set to Spot Metering.

*3 With a G-type Nikkor lens attached to F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70 cameras, the A and M exposure modes cannot be used.

*4 With a non-CPU Nikkor lens attached to F80-Series/N80-Series cameras, Standard TTL Flash can be performed. (Can only be used with exposure mode set to Manual) The camera’s exposure meter cannot be used. Set and confirm the aperture using the lens aperture ring.

Monitor Preflash will not operate:

•If the flash head is tilted up or rotated from the horizontal/front position.

•When the camera’s flash sync mode is set to rear-curtain sync.

•When TTL Auto Flash (not 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash or MultiSensor Balanced Fill-Flash) mode is selected. (In this case no Ø indicator appears.)

•When a Nikkor lens without a built-in CPU is used.

Camera settings

1 Set the aperture.

—The method for setting the aperture differs, depending on the lens in use and the selected exposure mode. (See page 29, Confirming flash shooting distance range in TTL Auto Flash t Mode.)

2 Set the flash sync mode.

—Set the camera’s flash sync mode (if available) to front-curtain sync (Normal).

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Flash settings

3 Select the flash mode.

—Press the µ button until the desired auto flash mode appears on the LCD panel.

tØ Automatic Balanced FillFlash with TTL Multi Sensor

tø Center-Weighted/Spot FillFlash

t Standard TTL Flash

4 Check the shooting distance.

A flash shooting distance range of 0.8 to 6m (2.6 to 20 ft) is shown.

•With the F5 camera’s Custom Setting, you can select 1/300 TTL High-Speed

Sync. In this case, you cannot confirm the shooting distance using the indicator bars _ on the SB-28’s LCD panel. (See page 30 on Flash shooting distance range in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync operation.)

5Wait for the ready-light to come on and make sure the subject is in focus before taking the picture.

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TTL Auto Flash t Mode

For cameras in Group I: F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70

The ready-light blinks when the flash fires at maximum output.

Underexposure indicator

Amount of underexposure

•If the SB-28’s ready-light and the underexposure indicator blink for approx. 3 seconds after shooting, the flash has fired at its maximum output, indicating the light was insufficient for correct exposure. The amount of underexposure (for example, –1.0 to –3.0) also appears on the SB-28's LCD panel. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

•You can recall the amount of underexposure last shown on the LCD panel by pressing the . button.

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Confirming the flash shooting distance range in TTL Auto Flash t Mode

Applicable to cameras in Groups I and II

The method for confirming the shooting distance differs, depending on the lens in use and the selected exposure mode. Check the flash shooting distance range as described below.

Flash shooting distance range

Aperture value

Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU

• In Programmed auto (P, Ps) or Shutter-priority auto (S) mode:

(1)Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number) (except G-type Nikkor lenses).

(2)Press the shutter release button halfway and check the shooting distance range on the SB-28’s LCD panel.

•In Aperture-priority auto (A) or Manual (M) mode:

Check the indicator bars _ and the subject’s distance as you rotate the camera’s command dial or lens aperture ring to determine the aperture value.

Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU

• In Aperture-priority auto (A) or Manual (M) mode only:

(1)While looking at the indicator bars _, press the { or } button to change the aperture and bring the subject within the flash shooting distance range.

(2)Note the aperture and set it on the lens.

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TTL Auto Flash t Mode

For cameras in Group I: F5 only

Flash shooting distance range in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync operation (F5 only)

In combination with the F5 camera, 1/300 High-Speed Flash Sync (with Custom Setting; 1/250 sec. at normal setting) is possible. But the farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read from the indicator bars _ on the SB-28 in TTL Auto Flash t Mode.

In this case, use the guide number table and equation for calculating this distance according to each zoom-head position.

Guide number (at ISO 100 for m/ft)

Zoom head position	18mm	20mm	24mm	28mm	35mm	50mm	70mm	85mm
Guide number	8/26	8/26	11/36	12/39	14/46	16/53	18/59	19/62

Guide number

D (farthest flash shooting distance) = ——————————

f/stop (aperture)

For example, when shooting with ISO 100 film, at a 35mm zoom-head position and an aperture of f/5.6:

D = 14/5.6 = 2.5 (measured in meters) D = 46/5.6 = 8.2 (measured in feet)

The farthest flash shooting distance is 2.5m (8.2ft). You can read the closest shooting distance from the SB-28’s indicator bars _.

•For film speeds other than ISO 100, multiply the figures in the table above by the factors shown below.

ISO film speed	25	50	200	400	800
Factor	x 0.5	x 0.71	x 1.4	x 2	x 2.8

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