Nikon SB-600 User Manual

SB-600

Autofocus Speedlight

Instruction Manual

SB-600

(

)

Contents

Preparation

· Foreword ............................................................................4-6

·Tips on using the Speedlight ................................................7

· Camera groups and available flash modes ......................8-9

· Speedlight parts and their functions .............................10-11

· Control buttons....................................................................12

Easy setting for the optimum TTL auto flash mode...............13

· LCD panel ......................................................................14-15

· Lenses.................................................................................16

•

Basic operation .................................................................17

1 Installing the batteries ..................................................18-19

2Test firing (Confirming the exposure) ...........................20-21

3 Attach the SB-600 to the camera and adjust

the flash head ............................................................22-23

4 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

metering system.........................................................24-25

5 Setting the SB-600’s flash mode ..................................26-27

6 Compose the picture and shoot with flash...................28-29

Using the SB-600 with the COOLPIX....................................30

•

Detailed operation.............................................................31

· SB-600’s available flash modes..........................................32

· TTL auto flash mode ...........................................................33

· Manual mode .................................................................34-37

· Notes on continuous flash shooting....................................38

•

Other functions .................................................................39

· Setting the zoom-head position .....................................40-41

· Exposure compensation and flash output-level

compensation..............................................................42-44

· Checking the illumination before actually taking

the picture (Modeling illuminator).....................................45

· Slow-sync flash mode, red-eye reduction control,

and rear-curtain sync ..................................................46-47

Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode (for compatible cameras)

...48

Preparation

This section provides preliminary information on using the SB-600.

Basic operation

Basic procedures to take simple, properly exposed flash photographs in the TTL auto flash mode.

Detailed operation

A variety of flash modes available with the SB-600 are explained.

Other functions

Detailed information on each function of the SB-600 is provided.

Advanced operations

Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB-600 is described.

Reference information

Optional accessories, Tr oubleshooting, Speedlight care, Specifications, etc. are presented in this section.

· Flash Value Lock (FV Lock)

(for compatible cameras).......................................49

· Autofocus flash operation in dim light .................50-51

· Custom Settings...................................................52-54

• Advanced operations..............................................55

·Overview of multiple flash operation ...................56-57

·Wireless multiple flash shooting ..........................58-59

· Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting ...60-64

· Confirming wireless multiple flash operation

using the ready-light or the beeping sound...........65

· Multiple flash shooting using cords.....................66-67

· System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting

using cords .......................................................68-69

· Bounce flash operation........................................70-72

· Close-up flash operation .....................................73-75

Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed

Flash sync mode (F5 only).....................................76

• Reference information............................................77

· TTL auto flash modes available

with the SB-600 .................................................78-80

· Optional accessories...........................................81-82

·Tips on Speedlight care............................................83

· Notes on handling batteries......................................84

·Troubleshooting ...................................................85-86

· Specifications ......................................................87-89

·Index ....................................................................90-91

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-600. To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual thoroughly before use. Also, read the separate booklet, “A collection of example photos,” which provides an overview of the SB-600’s flash-shooting capabilities with example photos. In addition, keep your camera instruction manual handy for quick reference.

●●●

Main features and functions of the SB-600

•The SB-600 is a high-performance Speedlight with a guide number of 30/98 (ISO 100, m/ft.) or 42/138 (ISO 200, m/ft.) (at the 35mm zoom-head position, 20°C/68°F.) According to the camera and lens combination used with the SB-600, you can perform various types of TTL auto flash (p. 33) and Manual flash operations (p. 34).

•A power zoom function automatically adjusts the zoom-head position to match the lens focal length (with the exception of some camera/lens combinations) (p. 40). When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used, the zoom-head position is automatically set to match a 14mm lens (p. 41).

• The flash head can be tilted from 0° to 90° and rotated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right, enabling bounce flash (p. 70) or close-up flash photography (p. 73).

•In wireless multiple flash photography, the SB-600 can be used as a wireless remote flash unit when the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (p. 5).

• When using bounce flash or taking close-ups with flash, you can use the built-in wide-flash adapter to create soft, diffused lighting with virtually no shadows, while maintaining balanced lighting for the main subject and the background (pp. 70, 73).

• Custom settings are provided to set values, or activate or cancel functions that are unnecessary to set each time (p. 52).

The SB-600 features a new Nikon Speedlight system, called Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with

digital cameras by taking advantage of a camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is available only when the SB-600 is used with compatible Nikon cameras. The SB-600 offers these major features:

• i-TTL mode

This is a new TTL auto flash mode in the Creative Lighting System. Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times. The subject is correctly exposed by the light from the flash lighting and the exposure is less affected by the ambient light than in the conventional TTL mode. (p. 32).

• Advanced Wireless Lighting

With Advanced Wireless Lighting, wireless multiple flash operation in the TTL (i-TTL) mode can now be accomplished with digital SLRs. In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into three groups and control the flash output independently for each group, expanding your range of creative multiple-flash shooting techniques. The SB-600 can be used only as a wireless remote flash unit (p. 60).

• Flash Value Lock

Flash Value (FV) is the amount of flash exposure needed for a subject. Using FV Lock with compatible cameras, you can lock in the appropriate flash exposure for the main subject. This flash exposure will remain fixed, even if you change the aperture or composition, or zoom the lens in or out (p. 49).

• Flash Color Information Communication

When the SB-600 is used with compatible digital SLRs, color temperature information is automatically transmitted to the camera. In this way, the camera’s white balance is automatically adjusted to give you the correct color temperature when taking photographs with the SB-600.

•Auto FP High-Speed Sync

High-Speed flash synchronization at your camera’s highest shutter speed is now possible. This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background (p. 48).

• Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator

In autofocus operation, the SB-600 emits AF-Assist illumination over a much wider area than existing Speedlights. This enables you to perform autofocus photography in dim light even after you change the focus area of cameras supporting this function (p. 50).

See your equivalent camera’s instruction manual for details on the Creative Lighting System.

Preparation

Creative Lighting System

Foreword

●●●

Notes

• Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory

are referred to as “Default” settings in this manual.

• CLS: Hereafter, Nikon’s new Speedlight system “Creative Lighting

System” is abbreviated “CLS.”

●●●

Marks used in this manual

•v: Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure.

•t: Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB-600.

•

: Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-600.

●●●

Supplied accessories

Soft Case SS-600

Speedlight Stand AS-19

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Take trial shots before photographing important occasions like 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.

Using your Speedlight correctly

The Nikon Speedlight SB-600’s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories, including lenses. Camera/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon’s criteria for specifications, and nonconforming cameras/accessories could damage the SB-600’s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-600’s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

Life-long learning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-long learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually updated information is available on-line at the following sites:

• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

• For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: 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 is available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://nikonimaging.com/

Preparation

Notes:

• The Nikon N90s, N90, N75-Series, N70, N60, N55-Series, N50, N8008, N8008s, PRONEA 6i, N6006, N6000, N5005, N4004s and N4004 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A.

• The Nikon N80-Series, N65-Series are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. and Central and South America.

• The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A and Canada.

Camera groups and available flash modes

In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into nine groups: cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in 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-600 with your particular camera.

* CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

*1o: Balanced Fill-Flash. This always appears together with D(p. 33). *2Wireless multiple flash in the i-TTL mode is possible. (Works as a remote flash unit

only.) (p. 60)

*3 While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no oindicator appears.

Group Camera name

Cameras compatible

with CLS*

D2H, D70

Digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS*

D1-Series, D100

F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/ N80-Series, F75-Series/N75-Series, F70-Series/N70

F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, Pronea 600i/6i

III F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000

IV F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005

F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000

FM3A, FA, FE2, Nikonos V, F3-Series (with the AS-17)

VII

New FM2, FM10, FE10, F3-Series, F55-Series/ N55-Series

The SB-600’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode and metering system. For more details, refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 31), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600” (p. 78) and your camera’s instruction manual.

●● : Available

–: Not available

Preparation

TTL auto flash mode (p. 33)

Wireless multiple flash

DDD

i-TTL D-TTL TTL

––

–– –

––

–

––

–

–– – –

–––– –

Advanced Wireless

Lighting (works as a

remote flash unit only)

(p. 60)

Manual mode

(p. 34)

Speedlight parts and their functions

1 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 74)

Increases the angle of coverage to match a 14 mm lens.

2 Flash head (p. 72)

Can be tilted from 0° to 90° and rotated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right.

3 Flash head tilting/rotating lock-

release button

(p. 22)

4 Battery chamber lid open-close

index

(p. 18)

5 Battery chamber lid (p. 18)

6Auxiliary ready-light (p. 65)

Works as a ready-light when the SB-600 is used as a wireless remote flash unit.

7 Wide-area AF-assist illuminator

(p. 50)

Automatically turns on for autofocus operation when the light is dim.

8 Light sensor window for wireless

remote flash

(p. 58)

9External AF-assist illuminator

contacts

Accepts optional TTL Remote Cord SC-29

10 Mount pin

11 Hot-shoe contacts

12 Mounting foot

4 5

9 10 11

13 Flash head tilting-angle scale

(p. 72)

14 Flash head rotating-angle scale

(p. 72)

15 LCD panel (p. 14)

16 Ready-light

Lights up when the SB-600 is fully recycled and ready to fire. Blinks after the SB-600 fires at its maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode, indicating that the light may be insufficient.

17 Control buttons

(p. 12)

18 Mounting-foot lock lever (p. 22)

Preparation

Control buttons

Two-button control function

Press two buttons simultaneously to perform the following operations. Follow the procedures shown on the flash unit.

button

Press to set the flash mode (p. 26).

•Press to adjust the settings in the Custom Settings mode (p. 52).

•Press to choose the desired settings when setting the remote flash unit (p. 61).

ZOOM button

Press to change the zoom-head position (p. 40).

•Press to adjust the settings in the Custom Settings mode (p. 52).

FLASH button

Press to test fire the flash (p. 20).

button/jbutton

Press to increase or decrease the values.

•Press to choose the desired settings in the Custom Settings mode (p. 52).

•Press to adjust the settings when setting the remote flash unit (p. 61).

ON/OFF button

Press for approx. 0.3 second to turn the power on or off.

Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode

Press the

and

buttons simultaneously to

recall the underexposure value (p. 29).

Resetting the settings to default values

Press the

and bbuttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds to reset all settings, including the custom settings, to their default settings.

Button lock

Press the

and jbuttons simultaneously for approx. 1 second to lock the functions of the control buttons (except the band FLASH buttons) to avoid accidental malfunction. Press the buttons again to release the lock.

Switching to Custom Settings

Press the

and jbuttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds to enter the Custom Settings mode (p. 52).

MODEZOOM

MODE

ZOOM

Preparation

Press the

and bbuttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds to reset all settings, including the custom settings, to their default settings.

While the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II in combination with a CPU lens, the optimum TTL auto flash mode available with that combination will be performed when you set the camera’s exposure mode to Programmed Auto (P), and turn on the SB-600 to execute “Resetting the settings to default values.”

Press these buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds.

Easy setting for the optimum TTL auto flash mode

For reference, all indications are displayed in the illustration.

2 3 4

10 11

12 13

14 15 16 17

LCD panel

1 Flash mode (p. 26)

2 Wireless remote flash (p. 60)

In the wireless multiple flash mode, the SB-600 is set as a remote flash unit, which fires in sync with the master flash unit.

3 Sound monitor

(p. 65)

When the SB-600 is set as a remote flash unit, you can monitor its operation by listening to the beeping sound.

4 Compatible with CLS*

(p. 5)

The SB-600 is connected to cameras compatible with CLS*.

5 Zoom-head position (p. 40)

6 Channel (p. 61)

Represents the communication channel number through which the master and remote flash units exchange data in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode.

7Auto FP High-Speed Sync

(p. 48)

The SB-600 automatically fires at faster shutter speeds exceeding the camera’s sync shutter speed.

8 Flash output level

(p. 34)

9 Flash output-level compensation

(p. 44)

10 Underexposure in TTL auto flash

(p. 29)

11 Flash output-level compensation

value

(p. 44)

Underexposure value in TTL auto flash

(p. 29)

Indicates the underexposure value, showing that the light might be insufficient in the TTL auto flash mode.

Flash output level in Manual flash

(p. 34)

12 Group (p. 61)

Represents the group of each remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode.

13 Control buttons being locked

(p. 12)

Control buttons (except the ON/OFF and FLASH buttons) are locked.

14 Red-eye reduction (p. 46)

15 AF assist illuminator (p. 50)

16 LCD panel illuminator (p. 15)

Pressing any control button turns on the LCD panel illuminator.

17 Standby function (p. 21)

●●●

Characteristics of the LCD panel

• Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the display is difficult to read when viewed from above. However, the display can be seen clearly from a slightly lower angle.

• The LCD display becomes darker at high temperatures (approx. 60°C/140°F), but returns to normal at normal temperatures (20°C/68°F).

• The LCD’s response time decreases at low temperatures (approx. 5°C/41°F and below), but returns to normal at normal temperatures (20°C/68°F).

Using the SB-600 in dim light

Press any button on the SB-600 to turn the illuminator on (when the SB-600 power is on), and it will remain lit for 16 seconds.

•To cancel the LCD panel illumination, go to the Custom Settings mode (p. 52) and set it to OFF.

• Even if the LCD panel illuminator is set to OFF, the SB-600’s LCD panel illuminator turns on when the camera’s LCD panel illuminator is turned on. The LCD panel illuminator also lights up when the Custom Settings mode is displayed.

* CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

Preparation

Lenses

In this manual, Nikkor lenses are divided into two types: CPU Nikkor lenses and non-CPU Nikkor lenses.

CPU Nikkor lenses

G-type Nikkor, D-type Nikkor, Non-G/D-type AF Nikkor (except for AF Nikkor for the F3AF), AI-P Nikkor

Non-CPU Nikkor lenses AI-S Nikkor, AI Nikkor, Series E, etc.

CPU lenses

CPU lenses have CPU contacts.

G-type Nikkor lenses

G-type Nikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body, but do not have an aperture ring. Therefore, set the aperture on the camera body. With some cameras, the usable exposure mode is limited. For more details, refer to the lens instruction manual.

D-type Nikkor lenses

D-type Nikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body. Set the aperture either on the lens aperture ring or on the camera body. For more details, refer to the lens instruction manual.

Basic operation

In this section, basic procedures are illustrated so that you can easily perform flash photography in the TTL auto flash mode. You can easily perform flash photography by following Steps 1-6 on the left-hand pages.

The procedures are based on the use of a CPU lens mounted on cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Groups I to II. The SB-600’s functions and the LCD display vary depending on the camera/lens combination used.

* CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

Slide the battery chamber lid in the direction of the arrow to open.

Install the batteries following the i and j marks as shown. Close the battery

chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down.

Usable batteries

Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5 V or lower) of any of these types:

(1) Alkaline-manganese (1.5 V) (2) Lithium (1.5 V) (3) Nickel (1.5 V) (4) NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2 V) (5) Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable, 1.2 V)

• When replacing batteries, replace all four with fresh ones of the same brand.

• High-power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB-600.

• Always carry extra batteries when travelling.

• For details on batteries, refer to “Notes on handling batteries” (p. 84).

CAUTION!

• Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual, as this may cause them to explode, leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire.

• Do not mix battery brands or types, or use old with new batteries, as they might explode, leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire.

• Do not place non-rechargeable batteries in a battery charger, as this might cause them to leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

1 Installing the batteries

●●●

Minimum number of flashes and recycling times

The following data are based on a situation in which four fresh batteries of the same type are used and the Speedlight fires at M1/1 output.

Batteries

Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/ (approx.)* recycling time*

Alkaline-manganese 3.5 sec. 200/6-30 sec.

Lithium 4.0 sec. 400/7.5-30 sec.

Nickel 2.5 sec. 180/6-30 sec.

NiCd (1000 mAh) (rechargeable) 2.9 sec. 90/4-30 sec.

Ni-MH (2000 mA) (rechargeable) 2.5 sec. 220/4-30 sec.

* With fresh batteries

• These data were measured without using the wide-area AF-assist illuminator, zoom-head position adjustment or LCD panel illumination.

• The above data may vary due to variations in battery performance.

●●●

Replacing/recharging the batteries

Refer to the following table to determine when to replace or recharge your batteries, if the ready-light takes a long time to come on.

Type of battery Recycling time Remedy

Alkaline-manganese More than 30 seconds

Lithium More than 10 seconds Replace

Nickel More than 10 seconds

Ni-Cd (rechargeable)

More than 10 seconds Recharge

Ni-MH (rechargeable)

Basic operation

2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure)

Press the bbutton for approx. 0.3 second to turn on the SB-600. Make sure the ready-light comes on.

Press the hbutton to test fire the flash.

●●●

Test firing

CAUTION!

Do not test fire the Speedlight near your eyes.

• The SB-600 fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx. 1/16 output in the TTL auto flash mode.

●●●bbutton

Pressing the bbutton for approx. 0.3 second turns on the SB-600 and the indications appear on the LCD panel. Pressing the button again turns off the SB-600 and the indications disappear.

Standby function to conserve battery power

If the SB-600 and camera are not being used, the standby function will automatically activate after 40 seconds, switching the SB-600 to standby mode to conserve battery power.

• In the standby mode, the

indicator appears on the LCD panel.

• When used with a camera body that is compatible with the TTL auto flash mode (p. 8), the SB-600 will automatically turn off after the camera’s exposure meter is switched off.

• When in standby mode, the SB-600 turns back on again when its bor hbutton is pressed or the shutter release button is lightly pressed (when using a camera body that is compatible with the TTL auto flash mode) (p. 8).

• The standby function does not work in the wireless flash mode, regardless of the SB-600’s setting, when the Speedlight is used as a remote flash unit (p. 57).

• If, due to battery exhaustion, the ready-light does not come on within 60 seconds of turning on the power or after the flash has fired, the following indicator appears on the LCD panel and the SB-600 enters standby mode regardless of its setting. In this case, replace or recharge your batteries.

•To avoid accidental firing or a malfunction when carrying the SB-600 in your camera bag, press the bbutton to turn off the flash unit, and make sure the

indicator disappears.

Setting the standby function

Set the standby function in the Custom Settings mode (p. 52).

Basic operation

3 Attach the SB-600 to the camera and adjust

Make sure the SB-600 and camera body are turned off.

Rotate the mounting-foot lock lever to the left, slide the SB-600’s mounting foot into the camera’s accessory shoe and turn the lock lever to the right.

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

Tu rn on the SB-600 and the camera body.

• The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted according to the lens focal length when the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II in combination with a CPU lens.

• When the SB-600 is used with cameras other than those listed above, or you want to adjust the zoom-head position manually, refer to “Setting the zoom-head position” (p. 40).

the flash head.

Turn the mounting-foot lock lever securely until it stops.

To lock the Speedlight in place, turn the lock lever approx. 90° clockwise until it stops. To unlock, turn the lever counter-clockwise until it stops.

Lock Unlock

Digital data communication with the SB-600

Digital data communication is performed when the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II. With a CPU lens, data such as focal length are automatically transferred to the SB-600.

Basic operation

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Programmed Auto (P).

• If Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, select another exposure mode. See the opposite page.

Set the camera’s metering system to Matrix MeteringY.

• If Matrix Metering Ycannot be set, select Center-Weighted Metering W.

Exposure mode and metering system

The camera’s available exposure mode and metering system vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the SB-600’s flash modes. For details, refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 31), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600” (p. 78) and your camera’s instruction manual.

• In the Programmed Auto (P) mode, the shutter speed is automatically set to the camera’s sync shutter speed.

4 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

metering system

Exposure modes other than Programmed Auto exposure (P)

In Shutter-Priority Auto exposure (S) mode

By selecting a slower shutter speed, the proper exposure for the background can be achieved.

• The camera selects the correct aperture. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual. However, set the shutter speed on the camera after confirming that the automatically controlled aperture will provide an appropriate shooting distance range for your subject. Refer to “Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode” (p. 27).

• If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB-600 is turned on (except in the Auto FP High-Speed sync mode) (p. 48).

In Aperture-Priority Auto exposure (A) mode

By selecting the aperture, you can control depth of field and the flash shooting distance range.

• The camera selects the correct shutter speed. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

•To determine the aperture, refer to the “Guide number” (p. 35) and “Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode” (p. 27).

In Manual exposure (M) mode

By selecting the shutter speed and aperture, you can control the exposure of the background, the depth of field and the flash shooting distance range.

• If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB-600 is turned on. This is true of all cameras, except mechanical shutter cameras and when using the Auto FP High-Speed sync mode (p. 48).

•To determine the aperture, refer to “Guide number” (p. 35) and “Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode” (p. 27).

Basic operation

Press the

button to set

the flash mode.

• Display

on the

LCD panel.

●●●

Selecting the flash mode

The available flash mode changes each time the

button is pressed.

• The information above appears on the LCD panel when the SB-600 is used with digital SLR cameras compatible with CLS.

• Note that when pressing the abutton, only the usable flash modes appear; unavailable modes will be skipped.

• The SB-600’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode and metering system. Refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 31), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600” (p. 78) and your camera’s instruction manual.

5 Setting the SB-600’s flash mode

i-TTL Automatic Balanced

Fill-Flash (Monitor

Preflashes are fired)

Standard i-TTL flash (Monitor Preflashes

are fired) Manual flash

●●●

About the flash shooting distance range

The SB-600’s flash shooting distance range is 0.6 m to 20 m (2 to 66 ft.) and varies, depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position and lens aperture in use.

Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode

1600

800 400 200 100 50 2514*124 28 35 50 70 85

2.8 2 1.4

42.821.4

5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

0.9-9.8/ 1.5-16/ 1.6-17/ 1.8-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.3-20/ 2.5-20/

3.0-32 4.9-52 5.2-56 5.9-62 3.3-66 7.5-66 8.2-66

85.642.821.4

0.7-7.0/ 1.1-11/ 1.2-12/ 1.3-14/ 1.5-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.8-20/

2.3-23 3.6-36 3.9-39 4.3-46 4.9-52 5.2-59 5.9-66

11 8 5.6 42.821.4

0.6-4.9/ 0.8-8.1/ 0.8-8.8/ 0.9-9.8/ 1.0-11/ 1.2-12/ 1.2-14/

2.0-16 2.6-27 2.6-29 3.0-32 3.3-36 3.9-39 3.9-44

*311 8 5.6 42.82

0.6-3.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.2/ 0.7-7.0/ 0.8-8.0/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.9-10/

2.0-11 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.3-23 2.6-26 2.6-30 2.9-33

22 16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8

0.6-2.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.4/ 0.6-4.9/ 0.6-5.6/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.7-7.0/

2.0-7.9 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.0-18 2.0-21 2.3-23

32 22 16 11 8 5.6 4

0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.1/ 0.6-3.5/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-5.6 2.0-9.2 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16

32 22 16 11 8 5.6

0.6-1.2/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.1/ 0.6-3.5/

2.0-3.9 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.2 2.0-7.9 2.0-9.2 2.0-10 2.0-11

32 22 16 11 8

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.5/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.5/

2.0-2.6 2.0-4.6 2.0-4.9 2.0-5.6 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.2 2.0-8.2

32 22 16 11

-0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.5/ 0.6-1.7/

2.0-3.3 2.0-3.6 2.0-3.9 2.0-4.6 2.0-4.9 2.0-5.6

32 22 16

-0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/

2.0-2.3 2.0-2.3 2.0-2.6 2.6-3.3 2.0-3.6 2.6-3.9

*1With the wide-flash adapter in place *2 TTL auto flash operation is not possible at this ISO sensitivity. For ISO 1000, use an

aperture 2/3 of an f/stop smaller than the aperture for ISO 1600, or 1/3 larger than the aperture for ISO 800.

*3Programmed TTL Auto Flash with the F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004,

and F-301/N2000. (ISO 25 to ISO 400 for the F-401s/N4004s and F-401/N4004)

ISO sensitivity

The sensitivity of digital SLRs and the film speed for film-based cameras are referred to as ISO sensitivity in this manual.

Zoom-head position (mm)ISO sensitivity

Basic operation

Aperture

Flash shooting distance range (m/ft.)

Confirm the camera’s sync mode.

• For normal flash photography, use the camera’s front-curtain sync mode.

Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light on the SB-600 or in the camera’s viewfinder is on, then shoot.

Set the camera’s flash sync mode to front-curtain sync.

With cameras featuring a rear-curtain sync flash mode, make sure the camera’s flash sync mode is set to front-curtain sync.

• For other flash sync modes, refer to “Slow-sync flash” (p. 46), “Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash mode” (p. 46), or “Rear-curtain sync” (p. 47).

• Refer to the camera’s instruction manual for details on the flash sync mode.

6 Compose the picture and shoot with flash

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