Nikon SB 800 - AF Speedlight Flash Instruction Manual

●

SB-800 (En)

●

SB-800

Autofocus Speedlight

Instruction Manual

i 125

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 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:

Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in personal injury, or death and property damage.

Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in property damage.

WARNING

CAUTION

WARNINGS for Speedlights

1 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your 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.

2 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with

your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged

contact could injure your skin.

3 Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash unit by 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.

4 If the flash unit is dropped and damaged, do not touch 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.

5 If you detect heat, smoke or notice a burning smell, 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.

6 The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or 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.

7 Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or 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.

8 Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving car, as this

could temporarily impair the driver’s vision and cause an accident.

9 Do not fire the flash unit directly into the eyes of someone that is at

close range, as it could damage their eyes’ retinas. Never fire the flash unit

closer than 1 meter from infants.

Preparation

iii

For your safety

10 Do not fire the unit while the flash head is touching a 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.

11 Keep small accessories out of the reach of children to avoid the

possibility of the accessory being swallowed. If an accessory is accidentally swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor.

12 Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual. Batteries

other than those specified could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire or otherwise not perform satisfactorily.

13 Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, 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.

14 Non-rechargeable batteries such as manganese, alkaline-manganese

and lithium batteries should never be charged in a battery charger

because they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire.

15 When using standard size (AA, AAA, C, D) or other common

rechargeable batteries such as NiCd and Ni-MH battery types, 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.

CAUTIONS for Speedlights

1 Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands, as this could cause an

electric shock.

2 Keep the flash unit away from children to prevent them 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.

3 Do not apply strong physical shocks to the unit, as this could cause a

malfunction that could cause the unit to explode or catch on fire.

4 Never use active agents that contain flammable substances such as

paint thinner, benzene or paint remover to clean 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.

5 Remove any batteries from the unit before storing the unit for a long

time to prevent the unit from catching on fire or leaking corrosive liquids.

WARNINGS for Batteries

1 Never heat or throw batteries into a fire, as this could cause the batteries

to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

2 Do not short-circuit or disassemble the batteries because this could

cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

3 Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, as this could

cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

4 Do not install batteries in the reverse direction as this could 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.

5 Be sure to use the battery charger specified by the battery maker to

avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, generating heat or exploding.

6 Do not carry or store batteries along with metallic materials 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, specially 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.

7 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your 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.

8 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with

your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged

contact could injure your skin.

9 Always follow the warnings and instructions printed on the batteries to

avoid activities that could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or catch on fire.

10 Be sure to use only batteries specified in this instruction manual, to

avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, generating heat or exploding.

Preparation

For your safety

11 Never open the casing surrounding batteries or use batteries whose

casing has been breached as such batteries could leak corrosive liquids,

generate heat or explode.

12 Keep batteries out of the reach of children to help avoid the possibility of

them being swallowed. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor.

13 Batteries should not be submerged in water, exposed 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.

14 Do not use any battery that appears abnormal in any way, including a

change in color or shape. Such batteries could leak corrosive liquids or

generate heat.

15 Stop recharging rechargeable batteries if you notice that recharging is

not completed within the specified time to help prevent the possibility of

the battery leaking corrosive liquids or generating heat.

16 When recycling or disposing of batteries, be sure to insulate 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.

17 Non-rechargeable batteries should never be charged in a battery

charger because they could leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

18 Remove dead batteries from your equipment immediately, as they could

leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

CAUTION for Batteries

Do not throw or apply strong physical shocks to the batteries as this

could cause batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

Contents

Preparation

· For your safety.....................................................................i-v

· 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

· Icons on the LCD panel.................................................13-15

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

•

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

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

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

3 Attach the SB-800 to the camera and adjust

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

4 Setting the ISO sensitivity.............................................24-25

5 Adjust the zoom-head position.....................................26-27

6 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

metering system.........................................................28-29

7 Setting the SB-800’s flash mode ..................................30-31

8 Compose the picture and shoot with flash...................32-33

Using the SB-800 with the COOLPIX....................................34

•

Detailed operation.............................................................35

· SB-800’s available flash modes ..........................................36

· TTL auto flash mode ...........................................................37

· Non-TTL auto flash mode ..............................................38-41

· Manual mode .................................................................42-50

· Notes on continuous flash shooting....................................51

· Checking the correct exposure before shooting ................52

•

Other functions .................................................................53

· Exposure compensation and flash output level

compensation..............................................................54-56

· Flash-shooting distance range with zoom lenses

having a variable aperture ...............................................57

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

and Rear-curtain sync .................................................58-59

Contents

· Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode........................................60

· Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) ................................................61

· Autofocus flash operation in dim light ...........................62-63

· Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 .........64-65

· Checking the illumination before actually

taking the picture (Modeling illuminator)..........................66

· Custom functions ................................................................67

· Custom settings .............................................................68-70

•

Advanced operations........................................................71

·Overview of multiple flash operation .............................72-73

·Wireless multiple flash shooting ....................................74-75

· Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting .............76-83

· SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting....................84-88

· Confirming wireless multiple flash operation

using the ready-light or the beeping sound.....................89

· Multiple flash shooting using cords...............................90-93

· System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting

using cords..................................................................94-95

· Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras

using colored gel filters...............................................96-97

· Bounce flash operation................................................98-101

· Close-up flash operation............................................102-105

Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed

Flash sync mode (F5 only) .............................................106

•

Reference information ....................................................107

· TTL auto flash modes available

with the SB-800 .......................................................108-110

· Optional accessories .................................................111-113

·Tips on Speedlight care....................................................114

·Notes on batteries.............................................................115

·Troubleshooting..........................................................116-118

· About the LCD panel ........................................................119

· Specifications.............................................................120-123

· Index ..........................................................................124-125

Preparation

This section provides preliminary information on using the SB-800.

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-800 are explained.

Other functions

Detailed information on each function of the SB-800 is provided.

Advanced operations

Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB-800 is described.

Reference information

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

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-800. 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-800’s flashshooting capabilities with example photos. In addition, keep your camera instruction manual handy for quick reference.

■■■

Main features and functions of the SB-800

• The SB-800 is a high-performance Speedlight with a guide number of 38/125 (ISO 100, m/ft.) or 53/174 (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-800, you can perform various types of TTL auto flash (p. 37), Non-TTL auto flash (p. 38), and Manual flash (p. 42).

•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. 26). When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used or the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached (p. 27), the zoom-head position is automatically set to match a 14mm or 17mm lens.

• The flash head tilts up to 90° or down to –7° and rotates horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right, enabling bounce flash (p. 98) or close-up flash photography (p. 102).

• The Nikon Creative Lighting System provides a variety of advanced wireless multiple flash operations when the SB-800 is used with compatible cameras (p. 5).

• When doing bounce flash or taking close-ups with flash, you can use the built-in wide-flash adapter in conjunction with Nikon Diffusion Dome to create extremely soft, diffused lighting with virtually no shadows, while maintaining balanced lighting for the main subject and the background (pp. 101, 104).

• Custom functions are provided to set values, or activate or cancel functions that are unnecessary to set each time (p. 67).

u 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 may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://nikonimaging.com/

The SB-800 features the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by taking advantage of camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is available only when the SB-800 is used with compatible Nikon cameras. The SB-800 offers these major features:

• i-TTL mode

This is a TTL auto flash mode in the Nikon 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 (p. 37).

• Advanced Wireless Lighting

With the 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 (p. 76).

• Flash Value Lock

Flash Value, or “FV,” is the amount of flash exposure for the subject. Using FV Lock with compatible cameras, you can lock in the appropriate flash exposure for the main subject. This flash exposure is locked in, even if you change the aperture or composition, or zoom the lens in and out (p. 61).

• Flash Color Information Communication

When the SB-800 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-800.

•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. 60).

• Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator

In autofocus operation, the SB-800 emits AF-Assist illumination over a wider area. This enables you to perform autofocus photography in dim light even when you change the camera’s focus area with cameras supporting this function (p. 62).

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

Preparation

Nikon 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 “Nikon Creative Lighting

System” is abbreviated “CLS.”

■■■

Marks used in this manual

•

: Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure.

•

: Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB-800.

•

: Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-800

■■■

Supplied accessories

Quick Recycling Battery Pack Speedlight Stand Nikon Diffusion Dome SD-800 AS-19 SW-10H

Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800: Soft Case SS-800 FL-G1, TN-A1

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Make 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-800’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-800’s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-800’s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

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.

Preparation

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-800 with your particular camera.

*CLS: Nikon Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

Camera groups and available flash modes

*1 o: Balanced Fill-Flash. This always appears together with D (p. 37). *2Wireless multiple flash in the i-TTL mode is possible. *3 TTL mode is not possible.

TTL auto flash mode (p. 37)

Group Camera name

D DDo

i-TTL D-TTL TTL

Cameras

compatible D2H, D70 – –

with CLS*

Digital

SLRs not

D1-Series, D100 – –

compatible

with CLS*

F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90,

I F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/

N75-Series, F70-Series/N70

––

F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series,

II F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, – –

Pronea 600i/6i

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

––

F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50,

F-401x/N5005

––

F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s,

–– –

F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000

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

–– –

VII

New FM2, FM10, FE10, F3-Series,

––––

F55-Series/N55-Series

COOLPIX

cameras

COOLPIX 8400, COOLPIX 8800 – – –

compatible

with i-TTL

*4 Distance-priority manual flash p is not possible with D1X and D1H digital cameras. *5 While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no o icon appears. *6 Repeating flash is not possible with the F3-Series (using the AS-17).

Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38)

Manual mode ( p. 42) Wireless multiple flash

p Advanced

Distance-

Wireless

SU-4 type

Auto Non-TTL priority Manual Repeating

Lighting

(master flash)

Aperture flash

auto flash manual flash flash

(p. 76)

(p. 84)

flash

–

––

–

The SB-800’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. 35), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800” (p.108) and your camera’s instruction manual.

Preparation

●● : Available

–: Not available

Speedlight parts and their functions

1 Control button quick reference

(p. 12)

2 Flash head (p. 100)

Can be tilted up to 90° or down to –7°, and rotated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right.

3 Flash head tilting/rotating lock

release button

(p. 22)

4 Light sensor window for wireless

remote flash

(p. 74)

5 Battery chamber lid attachment

indexes

(p. 18)

6 Battery chamber lid (p. 18)

7 Built-in bounce card (p. 101)

Creates a highlight in the subject’s eyes in bounce flash photography.

8 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 104)

Increases the angle of coverage to match a 14mm or 17mm lens.

9 Wide-area AF-assist illuminator

(p. 62)

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

10 External power source terminal

(supplied with cover) (p. 113)

11 Light sensor window for Non-TTL

auto flash

(p. 38)

Senses reflected light from the subject in Auto Aperture B or Non-TTL auto A flash mode.

12 External AF-assist illuminator

contacts (for SC-29)

Accepts optional TTL Remote Cord SC-29

13 Mount pin

14 Hot-shoe contacts

15 Mounting foot

5 6

3 4

12 13

16 Flash head tilting angle scale

(p. 100)

17 Modeling illuminator button (p. 66)

Press to fire flash repeatedly to check the illumination and the shadows cast on the subject before taking pictures.

Wireless remote flash cancel button

(p. 75)

The SB-800 will not fire, while this button is pressed.

18 Flash head rotating angle scale

(p. 100)

19 Terminal cover

20 TTL multiple flash terminal

(p. 92)

Connects the SB-800 to the remote flash unit(s) in TTL multiple flash operation using cords.

21 Sync terminal

(p. 93)

Connects the SB-800 to the sync terminal of the remote flash unit(s) in other than TTL multiple flash operation using cords.

22 LCD panel

(p. 119)

23 Control buttons (p. 12)

24 Ready-light

Lights up when the SB-800 is fully recycled and ready to fire. Blinks after the SB-800 fires at its maximum output in various auto flash modes, indicating that the light may be insufficient.

25 Mounting foot lock lever

(p. 22)

Preparation

Control buttons

Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode

Press the a and g buttons simultaneously to recall the underexposure value (p. 33).

Resetting the settings

Press the a and b buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec. to reset all settings, including the custom settings (except the distance unit selected in m/ft) to their default values.

Button lock

Press the b and g buttons simultaneously to lock the functions of the control buttons (except the b, Modeling illuminator, and FLASH buttons) to avoid accidental malfunction. Press the buttons again to release the lock.

e button/f button

Press to increase or decrease the values of the highlighted items.

b button

Press for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn the power on and off.

Multi Selector g button

• Press to select the items to be set. The selected item is highlighted and can be changed using the e and f buttons.

• Press for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode (p. 68).

c button (wide)/d button (tele)

Press to change the zoom-head position (p. 26).

FLASH button

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

a button

Press to set the flash mode (p. 30).

Control button quick reference

Procedures for Custom settings, recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode, resetting all settings to their default values, and the button lock are shown in the Control button quick reference chart on the back of the built-in bounce card.

Icons on the LCD panel

Auto Aperture flash

In addition to Non-TTL auto A flash (see below), the SB-800’s built-in sensor correctly controls the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISO sensitivity, aperture, focal length, and exposure compensation value (p. 38).

Non-TTL auto flash

The SB-800’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected back from the subject, controlling the SB-800’s light output automatically to give the correct exposure (p. 40).

Distance-priority manual flash

Based on the ISO sensitivity value and aperture, the SB-800 controls the light output according to the distance value entered (p. 44).

Manual flash

The flash always fires at a specified output in combination with the aperture and light output level (p. 46).

Repeating flash

The SB-800 fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multipleexposure effects (p. 48).

Icons on the LCD panel show the status of the operations set. These icons vary depending on the settings, the combination of camera/lens, and the exposure mode.

■■■

Icons with a single flash unit

Icons when a camera compatible with CLS* is used.

Monitor Preflashes

Just before the flash fires, the SB-800 fires a series of imperceptible preflashes that are detected by the camera’s TTL Multi-Sensor and analyzed for brightness and contrast (p. 36).

TTL mode

Based on the exposure control information, the camera automatically controls the flash output level to give the correct exposure (p. 37).

Balanced Fill-Flash

This always appears together with D. Based on the exposure control information, the flash output level is automatically controlled for a well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background (p.37).

Auto FP High-Speed

Sync

(CLS*)

The SB-800 automatically fires at faster shutter speeds exceeding the camera’s sync shutter speed (p. 60).

Preparation

*CLS: Nikon Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

Icons on the LCD panel

The wide-area AF-assist

illuminator is activated

The wide-area AF-assist illuminator comes on (p. 62).

The wide-area AF-assist illuminator is canceled

The wide-area AF-assist illuminator does not come on (p. 62).

Flash firing canceled

The SB-800 does not fire but the wide-area AF-assist illuminator still comes on (p. 62).

Control buttons being locked

Control buttons (except the ON/OFF, Modeling illuminator and FLASH buttons) are locked (p. 12).

Red-eye reduction

Red-eye reduction control is activated (p. 58).

LCD panel illuminator

Pressing any control button turns on the LCD panel illuminator (p. 119).

Beyond the flash-shooting distance range

The subject is beyond the flash shooting distance range. Ω: the closest available distance, º: the farthest available distance (p. 30).

Compatible with CLS (CLS*)

The SB-800 is connected to cameras compatible with CLS* (p. 8).

Power zoom function

The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted to match the lens focal length (p. 26).

Manual zoom-head position setting

You can adjust the zoom-head position manually (p. 26).

Canceling the power zoom function

The power zoom is canceled, and the zoom-head position can only be adjusted manually (p. 26).

Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally

The zoom-head position can be adjusted if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 117).

ISO sensitivity

Represents the ISO sensitivity value (p. 24).

Flash output level compensation

Represents the flash output level compensation value (p. 56).

Underexposure

Indicates the underexposure value, showing that the light might be insufficient in the TTL auto flash mode (p. 33).

Standby duration

Represents the time before the standby function is activated (p. 67).

■■■

Highlighted items

Highlighted items indicate that they can be set or changed. The highlighted items return to normal after 8 seconds unless an adjustment is made.

*CLS: Nikon Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

■■■

Icons with multiple flash units

Icons in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode

Master (CLS*)

Represents the settings of the flash mode and flash output level compensation value of the master unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode (p. 78).

Group A (B, C) (CLS*)

Represents the settings of the flash mode and flash output level compensation value of the remote flash unit(s) in Group A (B, C) in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode (p. 78).

Channel (CLS*)

Represents the communication channel number through which the master and remote flash units exchange data in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode (p. 78).

Wireless master

In the wireless multiple flash mode, the SB-800 is used as the master flash unit connected to the camera (p. 72).

Wireless remote

In the wireless multiple flash mode, the SB-800 is set as a remote flash unit, which fires in sync with the master flash unit (p. 72).

Wireless remote

In the wireless multiple flash mode, the SB-800 is set as a remote flash unit, which fires in sync with the master flash unit (p. 72).

Sound monitor on

When the SB-800 is set as a remote flash unit, you can monitor its operation by listening to the beeping sound (p. 89).

Sound monitor canceled

“Beeping” sound is off (p. 89).

(B,C)

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 1–8 on the left-hand pages.

In this section, basic procedures are described when a CPU lens is mounted on cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Groups I to II. The SB-800’s available functions and the LCD display vary depending on other camera/lens combinations.

*CLS: Nikon Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

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

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

chamber lid attachment indexes, then close the battery chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down.

v Usable batteries

Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of these types: (1) Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) (2) Lithium (1.5V) (3) Nickel (1.5V)

(4) NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2V) (5) Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable, 1.2V)

• When replacing batteries, replace all four (or five when using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800) with fresh ones of the same brand.

• High-power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB-800.

• Always carry extra batteries when traveling.

• For details on batteries, refer to “Notes on batteries” on page 115.

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.

Otherwise the batteries may explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire.

• Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries in a battery charger.

Otherwise the batteries may leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

t Obtaining faster recycling times using 5 batteries

Use the provided Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 to install five batteries to shorten the recycling time. See page 64 for more details.

1 Installing the batteries

■■■

Minimum number of flashes and recycling times

When using four (or five) fresh batteries of the same type and the Speedlight fires at M1/1 output.

Batteries Number of Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/

batteries (approx.) recycling time

Alkaline- x4 6.0 sec. 130 / 6-30 sec. manganese

x5 5.0 sec. 130 / 5-30 sec.

Lithium x4 7.5 sec. 170 / 7.5-30 sec.

x5 7.5 sec. 190 / 7.5-30 sec.

Nickel x4 6.0 sec. 140 / 6-30 sec.

x5 5.0 sec. 140 / 5-30 sec.

NiCd (1000 mAh)

x4 4.0 sec. 90 / 4-30 sec.

(rechargeable)

x5 3.5 sec. 90 / 3.5-30 sec.

Ni-MH (2000 mA)

x4 4.0 sec. 150 / 4-30 sec.

(rechargeable)

x5 2.9 sec. 150 / 2.9-30 sec.

• Minimum recycling time is for operation using fresh batteries.

• This data was 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)

If extremely exhausted batteries are used, a strange sound can be heard caused by the flash head zooming back and forth even when the SB-800 is turned off. In this case, replace the SB-800’s batteries even if an external battery source is used.

t External power sources

Using an optional external power source increases the number of flash firings and provides faster recycling times (p. 113).

Basic operation

Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn on the SB-800. Make sure the ready-light comes on.

Press the FLASH button to test fire the flash.

■■■

Test firing

CAUTION!

When test firing the Speedlight, never position your eyes close to the flash head.

• The SB-800 fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx. 1/16 output in the TTL auto flash mode.

• In Auto Aperture/Non-TTL auto flash operations, the SB-800 fires at a flash output controlled by the ISO sensitivity, aperture, and zoom-head position.

• In Auto Aperture/Non-TTL auto flash operations, you can check the amount of insufficient flash output by pressing the FLASH button before taking the actual picture (p. 52).

■■■

b button

Pressing the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. turns the SB-800 on and the indications appear on the LCD panel. Pressing the button again turns the SB-800 off and the indications disappear.

2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure)

t Standby function to conserve battery power

If the SB-800 and the camera are not used for more than a specified time, the standby function activates and automatically turns the SB-800 off to conserve battery power (it goes into the standby mode).

• In the standby mode, the R indicator appears on the LCD panel.

• When in the standby mode, the SB-800 turns back on again when the SB-800’s b or

FLASH button is pressed, or the shutter release button is lightly pressed (when using a camera body that is compatible with TTL auto flash) (p. 8).

• In the Wireless flash mode, the standby function activates in approx. 40 seconds (default setting) when the SB-800 is used as the master flash unit. However, the standby function does not work regardless of the SB-800’s setting when the Speedlight is used as a remote flash unit (p. 73).

• If the ready-light does not come on in approx. 60 seconds after turning the power on or after the flash has fired, the SB-800 enters the standby mode regardless of the SB-800’s setting.

•To avoid accidental firing or a malfunction when carrying the SB-800 in your camera bag, press the b button to turn the flash unit off and make sure the R indicator disappears.

Adjusting the time before the SB-800 goes into the standby mode

Adjust this duration using Custom settings (p. 67).

Basic operation

Make sure the SB-800 and the camera body are turned off.

Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the left, slide the SB-800’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.

v 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 counterclockwise until it stops.

Lock Unlock

ASH

3 Attach the SB-800 to the camera and

adjust the flash head

t Warning indication

If the flash head is not adjusted to the horizontal/front position, when the power is turned on, this warning appears on the LCD panel. See page 100 for the flash head’s rotating angle.

•A dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilted down –7°.

• The flash shooting distance range disappears if the flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front or down –7° position.

Basic operation

In this manual, the sensitivity for digital SLRs and the film speed for film-based cameras are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity. For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II, the ISO sensitivity is automatically set and appears on the LCD panel when the camera and SB-800 are turned ON.

■■■

Available ISO sensitivity in TTL auto flash operation

The SB-800’s maximum ISO sensitivity range usable in the TTL auto flash mode is ISO 25 to 1000.

• The ISO sensitivity range may become narrower, depending on the cameras in use. For details, see your camera instruction manual.

• The flash shooting distance range on the SB-800’s LCD panel varies, depending on the ISO sensitivity. Therefore, be sure to set the ISO sensitivity correctly.

u Digital data communication with the SB-800

When the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II, digital data communication is performed. The camera automatically sends the ISO sensitivity to the SB-800. With a CPU lens, the aperture and focal length are automatically set on the SB-800.

Notes on setting the Speedlight’s ISO sensitivity

In the TTL auto flash mode and Manual flash mode (except Distance-priority manual p flash), there is no direct connection between setting the ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight and controlling the flash output level. Setting the ISO sensitivity is for correctly displaying the flash shooting distance range or the shooting distance indication on the Speedlight’s LCD panel. In the Non-TTL auto flash mode (Auto Aperture flash B/Non-TTL auto flash A) and Distance-priority manual p flash operation, the correct exposure can be obtained by setting the camera’s ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight, because the Speedlight controls the flash output. For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II, the ISO sensitivity is automatically transferred from the camera to the Speedlight.

4 Setting the ISO sensitivity

+ 102 hidden pages

Nikon SB 800 - AF Speedlight Flash Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual