Nikon SB-700 User Manual
Autofocus Speedlight
SB-700
User’s Manual
En
About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-700. To get the
most out of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly
A
before use.
How to find what you are looking for
Table of contents
i
You can search by item, such as operation method, fl ash mode or
Preparation
function.
Q&A index
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You can search according to objective without knowing the specifi c
name or term of an item.
Index
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You can search using the alphabetical index.
Troubleshooting
i
This is handy when there is a problem with your Speedlight.
For your safety
Before using the Speedlight for the fi rst time, read the safety
instructions in “For Your Safety” (0A-14 – A-22).
A–2
(0A-11)
(0A-9)
(0H-28)
(0H-1)
Included items
❑ Speedlight Stand AS-22
❑ Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-14H
❑ Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN
❑ Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL
❑ Soft Case SS-700
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❑ User’s manual (this manual)
❑ A collection of example photos
❑ Warranty card
Speedlight Stand
AS-22
Incandescent Filter SZ-3TN
Fluorescent Filter SZ-3FL
Soft Case SS-700
SB-700
Nikon Diffusion
Dome SW-14H
Preparation
A–3
About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual
About the SB-700
A
The SB-700 is a high-performance Speedlight compatible with Nikon
Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of 28/39 (ISO
100/200, m) (92/128, ft.) (at the 35 mm zoom head position in Nikon
FX format with standard illumination pattern, 20 °C/68 °F).
CLS-compatible cameras
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Nikon digital SLR (Nikon FX/DX format) cameras (except D1
series and D100), F6, COOLPIX cameras (P7000, P6000)
About this user’s manual
This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB-700
will be used in combination with a camera compatible with CLS and a
CPU lens (0A-5). To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read
this user’s manual thoroughly before use.
For use with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras, see “For Use with •
Non-CLS-compatible SLR Cameras.” (0F-1)
For use with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras (P5100, P5000, •
E8800, E8400), see “For Use with COOLPIX Cameras.” (0G-1)
The separate “A collection of example photos” provides an overview •
of the SB-700’s flash photography capabilities with example photos.
For camera functions and settings, see the camera user’s manual.•
A–4
Icons used in this manual
Describes a point to which you should pay particular
v
attention in order to avoid Speedlight malfunctions or
mistakes.
Includes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier.
t
Reference to other pages in this manual
0
t Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses
CPU lenses have CPU contacts.
CPU contacts
The SB-700 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor •
lenses.
A
Preparation
A–5
About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual
Terminology
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Default settings: function and mode settings at the time of purchase
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): a lighting system that enables various
fl ash photography functions with improved communication between Nikon
Speedlights and cameras
Illumination patterns: control types of light falloff at edges; the SB-700 provides
three illumination patterns, standard, center-weighted and even.
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FX format/DX format: Nikon digital SLR camera image area types (FX format:
36 × 24, DX format: 24 × 16)
Guide number (GN): the amount of light generated by a fl ash unit; GN = fl ash-
to-subject distance (m or ft.) × f-number of aperture (ISO 100)
Zoom head position: position of a Speedlight zoom head; the angle of coverage
changes as the zoom head position changes.
Effective fl ash output distance: fl ash-to-subject distance with correctly
adjusted fl ash output
Effective fl ash output distance range: range of effective fl ash output distance
Flash compensation: intentional fl ash output change to obtain the desired
subject brightness
A–6
i-TTL mode: fl ash mode in which the SB-700 fi res monitor pre-fl ashes and the
camera measures the refl ected light and controls the SB-700 fl ash output
Monitor pre-fl ashes: scarcely visible fl ashes emitted before actual fi ring that
enable the camera to measure the light refl ected on a subject
i-TTL balanced fi ll-fl ash: i-TTL mode type in which fl ash output level is
adjusted to well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background
Standard i-TTL: i-TTL mode type in which fl ash output level is adjusted to the
correct exposure of the main subject regardless of background brightness
Manual fl ash mode: fl ash mode in which the fl ash output level and aperture are
manually set to obtain the desired exposure
Distance-priority manual fl ash mode: manual fl ash mode with distance
priority; the fl ash-to-subject distance is set and the Speedlight fl ash output level
is adjusted in accordance with the camera settings.
Step: a unit of the shutter speed or aperture change; a change of one step halves/
doubles the amount of light entering the camera
EV (Exposure Value): each increment of 1 in exposure value corresponds to a
one-step change in exposure, which is made by halving/doubling shutter speed
or aperture
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A–7
About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual
Wireless multiple fl ash-unit photography: fl ash photography with multiple
wireless fl ash units simultaneously fi ring
A
Master fl ash unit: the fl ash unit that commands remote fl ash units in multiple
fl ash-unit photography
Remote fl ash unit: a fl ash unit that fi res following commands from the master
fl ash unit
Advanced Wireless Lighting: wireless multiple fl ash-unit photography with
CLS; multiple remote fl ash unit groups can be controlled with the master fl ash
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unit.
Quick wireless control mode: mode for multiple fl ash-unit photography
with Advanced Wireless Lighting in which the fl ash output level ratios of two
remote fl ash unit groups (A and B) can be easily balanced
SU-4 type wireless multiple fl ash-unit photography: wireless multiple
fl ash-unit photography suited to taking picture of a fast-moving subject
A–8
Q&A Index
You can search for specifi c explanations according to objective.
Flash photography 1 (with SB-700 mounted on camera)
Question Key phrase
Which fl ash mode can I take pictures with? Flash modes C-1
How can I take pictures in the simplest way? Basic operation B-7
How can I take portrait photos emphasizing
the main subject?
How can I take formal group shots?
How can I take pictures with soft shadows
cast on a wall?
How can I confi rm lighting conditions? Modeling illumination E-29
How can I take brighter (or darker) pictures of
the subject?
How can I take pictures under fl uorescent
light and incandescent light and balance the
lights’ color effects?
How can I take pictures adding specifi c color
to the light of Speedlight?
Illumination pattern:
Center-weighted
Illumination pattern:
Even
Bounce fl ash operation E-5
Flash compensation E-23
Color compensation
fi lters
Color fi lters E-19
E-17
0
E-3
E-3
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A–9
H
Q&A Index
Question Key phrase
A
How can I use autofocus in dim lighting? AF-assist illumination E-27
How can I take pictures of both the subject
and background at night?
How can I take pictures without the subject’s
eyes appearing red?
How can I use the SB-700 with a non-CLS-
Preparation
compatible SLR camera?
How can I use the SB-700 with a COOLPIX
camera?
Slow sync E-33
Red-eye reduction E-34
Non-CLS-compatible SLR
camera
COOLPIX camera G-1
Flash photography 2 (with wireless SB-700)
Question Key phrase
How do I take pictures using multiple fl ash
units?
How do I take pictures in a quick and simple
way with wireless multiple fl ash units?
How do I take pictures of a fast-moving
subject using wireless multiple fl ash-unit
photography?
How do I take pictures with the SB-700 and
a COOLPIX camera compatible with wireless
multiple fl ash-unit photography?
A–10
Advanced Wireless
Lighting
Quick wireless control
mode
SU-4 type wireless
multiple fl ash-unit
photography
CLS-compatible
COOLPIX camera
0
F-1
0
D-2
D-9
D-13
D-3
D-18
G-1
Table of Contents
Preparation
A
About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual ..........................A-2
Q&A Index .........................................................................A-9
For Your Safety ................................................................A-14
Check before Use ............................................................A-23
Operation
B
Speedlight Parts ................................................................. B-1
Basic Operations ................................................................ B-7
Settings and the LCD ....................................................... B-16
Custom Functions and Settings ........................................ B-17
Flash Modes
C
i-TTL Mode ........................................................................C-1
Manual Flash Mode ...........................................................C-6
Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode ...............................C-11
Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography
D
SB-700 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Setup .....D-1
SB-700 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Functions ....................D-4
Setting the Master Flash Unit .............................................D-6
Setting the Remote Flash Unit ............................................D-8
Advanced Wireless Lighting Operation ...............................D-9
Quick Wireless Control Mode ...........................................D-13
SU-4 Type Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography .........D-18
A
Preparation
A–11
Table of Contents
Remote Flash Units ..........................................................D-23
A
Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit
Photography .................................................................D-27
Functions
E
Switching Illumination Patterns .......................................... E-2
Bounce Flash Operation ..................................................... E-5
Preparation
Taking Close-up Photographs ........................................... E-13
Flash Photography with Color Filters ................................E-17
Flash Photography Support Functions ............................... E-23
Flash compensation• ................................................... E-23
Power zoom function• ................................................ E-25
AF-assist illumination• ................................................. E-27
Test fi ring• .................................................................. E-29
Modeling illumination• ................................................ E-29
Standby function• ....................................................... E-30
Thermal cut-out• ......................................................... E-31
Functions to Be Set on the Camera .................................. E-32
Auto FP high-speed sync• ............................................ E-32
Flash value lock (FV lock)• ........................................... E-33
Slow sync• .................................................................. E-33
Red-eye reduction/red-eye reduction slow sync• .......... E-34
Rear-curtain sync• ....................................................... E-34
A–12
For Use with Non-CLS-compatible SLR
F
Cameras........................................................................ F-1
For Use with COOLPIX Cameras ....................... G-1
G
Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference
H
Information
Troubleshooting .................................................................H-1
Guide Number, Aperture and Flash-to-subject Distance ......H-6
Tips on Speedlight Care .....................................................H-7
Notes on Batteries..............................................................H-9
About the LCD Panel .......................................................H-11
Updating Firmware ..........................................................H-12
Optional Accessories ........................................................H-13
Specifi cations ...................................................................H-15
Index ...............................................................................H-28
A
Preparation
A–13
For Your Safety
Before using your product, please read the following safety precautions
carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and safe use and to help
A
prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others.
For quick reference by those who use the product, please keep these
safety instructions near the product.
In this manual, safety instructions are indicated with these symbols:
WARNING
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Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in
personal injury, or death and property damage.
CAUTION
Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in
property damage.
WARNINGS for Speedlights
If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your 1.
eyes, immediately wash your eyes with running water and
consult with a doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if
they are not treated quickly.
If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in 2.
contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with
running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin.
Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash unit by 3.
yourself, as this could result in you receiving an electric shock and
could also cause the unit to malfunction; such malfunction could
lead to personal injury.
A–14
If the flash unit is dropped and damaged, do not touch 4.
any exposed interior metal parts. Such parts, especially
the Speedlight’s capacitor and associated parts, could be in a
high-charge state and if touched could cause an electric shock.
Disconnect the power or remove the batteries and be sure that you
do not touch any of the product’s electrical components, and then
bring the flash unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service
center for repair.
If you detect heat, smoke or notice a burning smell, 5.
immediately stop operation and remove the batteries to
prevent the unit from catching on fire or melting. Allow the flash
unit to cool down so that you can safely touch it and remove
the batteries. Then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or
authorized service center for repair.
The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or 6.
exposed to rain, saltwater or moisture unless it is properly
protected from the liquids and moisture. Underwater use
requires a certified underwater housing. If water or moisture
gets inside the unit, this could cause the unit to catch on fire or
cause an electric shock. In such instances you should immediately
remove the batteries from the Speedlight and then bring the unit
to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair.
Note: electronic devices that are penetrated by water or moisture
are often not economically repairable.
Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or 7.
explosive gas. If the flash unit is operated in areas where there
is a flammable gas, including propane, gasoline and dust, it could
cause an explosion or fire.
A
Preparation
A–15
For Your Safety
Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving 8.
car, as this could temporarily impair the driver’s vision and cause an
A
accident.
Do not fire the flash unit directly into the eyes of someone 9.
that is at close range, as it could damage the retinas of their
eyes. Never fire the flash unit closer than 1 meter from infants.
Do not fire the unit while the flash head is touching a 10.
person or object. Such use can result in the person being burned,
and/or their clothes igniting from the heat of the flash’s firing.
Preparation
Keep small accessories out of the reach of children11. to avoid
the possibility of the accessory being swallowed. If an accessory is
accidentally swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor.
Use only the batteries specified in this user’s manual.12.
Batteries other than those specified could leak corrosive liquids,
explode or catch on fire or otherwise not perform satisfactorily.
Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries,13.
as the batteries could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on
fire. When using more than one battery in a product, always use
identical batteries that were purchased at the same time.
Non-rechargeable batteries such as manganese, alkaline 14.
and lithium batteries should never be charged in a battery
charger because they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch
on fire.
A–16
When using standard size (AA, AAA, C, D) or other common 15.
rechargeable batteries such as NiMH batteries, or when
recharging them, be sure to use only the battery charger
specified by the battery maker and read the instructions
thoroughly. Do not recharge these batteries with their
terminals reversed in the charger or before the batteries
have cooled off sufficiently because they could leak corrosive
liquids, explode or catch on fire. The same caution also applies to
using the rechargeable batteries that may be supplied by the photo
product’s manufacturer.
A
Preparation
A–17
For Your Safety
CAUTIONS for Speedlights
Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands,1. as this could
A
cause an electric shock.
Keep the flash unit away from children to prevent them 2.
from putting the unit in or near their mouth, or otherwise
touching a dangerous part of the product; as such contact
could cause an electric shock.
Do not apply strong physical shocks to the unit,3. as this could
Preparation
cause a malfunction that could cause the unit to explode or catch
on fire.
Never use active agents that contain flammable substances 4.
such as paint thinner, benzene or paint remover to clean
the unit, never use insect deterrent spray on the unit, and
never store the unit in locations containing chemicals such
as camphor and naphthalene, as this could damage the plastic
case, cause a fire or cause an electric shock.
Remove any batteries from the unit before storing the unit 5.
for a long time to prevent the unit from catching on fire or
leaking corrosive liquids.
A–18
WARNINGS for Batteries
Never heat or throw batteries into a fire,1. as this could cause
the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.
Do not short-circuit or disassemble the batteries2. because this
could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or
explode.
Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries,3.
as this could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate
heat or explode.
Do not install batteries in the reverse direction as this could 4.
cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or
explode. Even if only one battery is installed in reverse it will
cause the Speedlight to malfunction.
Be sure to use the battery charger specified by the battery 5.
maker to avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids,
generating heat or exploding.
Do not carry or store batteries along with metallic materials 6.
such as necklaces and hair pins because such materials could
cause the batteries to short-circuit, leading to battery leakage,
heat generation or an explosion. In addition, especially when
carrying a quantity of batteries, place them carefully in
a storage case that prevents the battery terminals from
touching another battery’s terminals because if they touch
in reverse order it could also cause the batteries to short-circuit,
leading to battery leakage, heat generation or an explosion.
If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your 7.
eyes, immediately wash your eyes with running water and
consult with a doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if
they are not treated quickly.
A–19
A
Preparation
For Your Safety
If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in 8.
contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with
A
running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin.
Always follow the warnings and instructions printed on the 9.
batteries to avoid activities that could cause the batteries to leak
corrosive liquids, generate heat or catch on fire.
Be sure to use only batteries specified in this user’s manual,10.
to avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids,
generating heat or exploding.
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Never open the casing surrounding batteries or use batteries 11.
whose casing has been breached as such batteries could leak
corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children12. to help avoid the
possibility of them being swallowed. If a battery is accidentally
swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor.
Batteries should not be submerged in water, exposed 13.
to rain, moisture or saltwater unless they are properly
protected from the wet environment. If water or moisture gets
inside the batteries, this could cause them to leak corrosive liquids
or generate heat.
Do not use any battery that appears abnormal in any way, 14.
including a change in color or shape. Such batteries could leak
corrosive liquids or generate heat.
Stop recharging rechargeable batteries if you notice that 15.
recharging is not completed within the specified time to help
prevent the possibility of the battery leaking corrosive liquids or
generating heat.
A–20
When recycling or disposing of batteries, be sure to insulate 16.
their terminals with tape. If the battery’s positive and negative
terminals short-circuit after coming into contact with metallic
objects, it could cause fire, heat generation or an explosion.
Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local government
regulations.
Non-rechargeable batteries should never be charged in a 17.
battery charger because they could leak corrosive liquids or
generate heat.
Remove dead batteries from your equipment immediately,18. as
they could leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.
Be careful when replacing batteries after continuous flash 19.
use, because batteries may generate heat during continuous flash
photography.
A
Preparation
A–21
For Your Safety
CAUTION for Batteries
Do not throw or apply strong physical shocks to the batteries
A
as this could cause batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or
explode.
Symbol for separate collection applicable in European countries
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This symbol indicates that this product is to be
collected separately. The following apply only to users
in European countries.
This product is designated for separate collection at •
an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as
household waste.
For more information, contact the retailer or the •
local authorities in charge of waste management.
A–22
Check before Use
Tips on using the Speedlight
Take trial shots
Take trial shots before photographing important occasions such as
weddings or graduations.
Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly
Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an
authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.
Use your Speedlight with Nikon equipment
The Nikon Speedlight SB-700's performance has been optimized for
use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses.
Cameras/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet
Nikon's criteria for specifi cations, and incompatible cameras/accessories
could damage the SB-700's components. Nikon cannot guarantee the
SB-700's performance when used with non-Nikon products.
A
Preparation
A–23
Check before Use
Life-long learning
A
As part of Nikon’s “life-long learning” commitment to ongoing product
support and education, continually updated information is available
online at the following websites:
For users in the United States:•
http://www.nikonusa.com/
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For users in Europe and Africa: •
http://www.europe-nikon.com/support/
For users in Asia, Oceania and the Middle East: •
http://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up to date with the latest product information,
tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice
on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be
available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL
below for contact information:
http://imaging.nikon.com/
A–24
A–25
A
Preparation
Operation
B
Speedlight Parts
B
Operation
1
2
3
4
5
B–1
6
7
8
9, 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1. Flash head
2. Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (0E-6)
3. Light sensor window for wireless remote fl ash (0D-23)
4. Battery chamber cover
5. Battery chamber cover lock release (0B-8)
6. Built-in bounce card (0E-12)
7. Built-in wide panel (0E-14)
8. Flash panel
9. Filter detector
10. Nikon Diffusion Dome detector
11. Flash-ready indicator (in remote mode) (0D-27)
12. AF-assist illuminator (0E-27)
13. External AF-assist illuminator contacts (0H-14)
14. Locking pin
15. Accessory shoe contacts
16. Mounting foot
B
Operation
B–2
Speedlight Parts
17
B
18
Operation
19
20
21
B–3
17. Flash head tilting angle scale (0E-6)
18. Flash head rotating angle scale (0E-6)
19. Flash-ready indicator (0B-15, D-27)
20. LCD panel (0B-16, H-11)
21. Mounting foot lock lever (0B-11)
B
Operation
B–4
Speedlight Parts
B
Operation
B–5
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
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