Nikon SB-80DX User Manual

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Instruction Manual

Autofocus Speedlight

SB-80DX

(

)

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-80DX. To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual thoroughly before use.

n (p. xx) indicates the reference page.

Main features and functions of the SB-80DX

• The SB-80DX is a high-performance Speedlight having a guide number of 38/125 (at the 35mm zoom-head position, ISO 100, m/ft., 20°C/68°F). According to the camera/lens combination used with the SB-80DX, you can perform various types of TTL auto flash (p. 35), Non-TTL auto flash (p. 40)‚ and Manual flash (p. 44). When used with Nikon Digital SLRs cameras, D-TTL auto flash (p. 35) and AA (Auto Aperture) flash (p. 42) can be performed.

• Automatic power zoom changes the zoom-head position continuously to match the lens focal length (incompatible with some cameras and lenses, see p. 24). The built-in wide-flash adapter increases the angle of coverage to match a 14mm/17mm lens (p. 25).

• 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. 66) or close-up photography (p. 70).

• Use of the provided Nikon Diffusion Dome in combination with the built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 69) in bounce flash (p.66) or close-up photography (p.70) diffuses the light from the flash to soften shadows and creates wellbalanced, more natural-looking pictures.

• Wireless multiple flash photography (p. 82) is also possible.

• For operation in dim light, an illuminator for the LCD panel is provided (p. 10).

• Custom settings are provided to set values, or activate or cancel functions that are not necessary to set each time (p. 12).

Note

• The Nikon N90s, N90, N70, N60, N55, N50, N8008‚ N8008s, PRONEA 6i, N6006, N6000,

N5005, N4004‚ and N4004s 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

Take trial shots

Take trial shots before shooting at 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-80DX’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-80DX’s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-80DX’s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

Supplied accessories

Tips on using the Speedlight

Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-10H (p. 69)

Soft Case SS-80

Camera groups and available flash modes

In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into eight groups (I to VII, and Digital SLRs) 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-80DX with your particular camera.

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

– 

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

––

∗1



III

F-601/N6006, F-601

M/N6000

––

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

–––

F-401x/N5005

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

–––

∗2



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

––– –

VII

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

––– ––

Digital

D1-Series, D100

SLRs

––– – –

∗1 Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is not possible with the Pronea 600i/6i. ∗2 Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set. ∗3 TTL auto flash mode for Nikon Digital SLRs. ∗4 Possible only when a non-CPU lens is attached. ∗5 Repeating Flash is not possible with the F3-Series (using the AS-17). ∗6 FP High-Speed Flash sync is not possible with F80-Series/N80-Series and F70-Series/N70 cameras.

Group

Camera name

TTL auto flash (p. 35)

Multi-Sensor

Balanced Fill-Flash

Multi-

Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

Center-

Weighted

Fill-Flash/Spot

Fill-Flash

Standard TTL flash

The SB-80DX’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. 33) and your camera’s instruction manual.



: Available

–:Not available

Multi-Sensor

Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

Multi-Sensor

Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

– ––– – ∗6I

– ––– – – II

– ––– – – III

– ––– – – IV

– ––– – –

– ––– – ∗5– VI

– ––– – – VII

Digital

 

∗4

  

SLRs

D-TTL auto flash∗3(p. 35)

Manual mode

Group

Center-

Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

Standard TTL flash

for

Digital SLRs

Non-TTL

Auto Flash

(p. 40)

Auto

Aperture

Flash

(p. 42)

Manual

Flash

(p. 46)

Repeating

Flash

(p. 48)

High-Speed

Flash sync

(p. 51)

Contents

Preparation

Foreword........................................................................2

Tips on using the Speedlight .........................................3

Camera groups and available flash modes ...................4

Speedlight parts.............................................................8

LCD panel....................................................................10

Control buttons ...........................................................11

Custom settings...........................................................12

Lenses.........................................................................14

Basic operation

1 Installing batteries.....................................................16

2 Test firing..................................................................18

3 Attach the SB-80DX to the camera and adjust

the flash head...........................................................20

4 Setting the ISO sensitivity.........................................22

5 Adjusting the zoom-head position............................24

6 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

metering system.......................................................26

7 Setting the SB-80DX’s flash mode...........................28

8 Compose the picture and shoot with flash.....................30

Using the SB-80DX with the COOLPIX.......................32

Detailed operation

SB-80DX available flash modes..................................34

TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode.........................................35

Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL

auto flash mode........................................................36

Non-TTL auto flash mode............................................40

Auto Aperture flash mode............................................42

Manual mode...............................................................44

Notes on continuous flash shooting.............................53

Checking the correct exposure before shooting..........54

Advanced operation

Exposure compensation and flash output

level compensation...................................................56

The flash shooting distance range with zoom

lenses having a variable aperture

..............................59

Slow-sync flash mode/Red-eye reduction control........60

Rear-curtain sync and Modeling illumination ..............61

Autofocus flash operation in dim light..........................62

Technical operation/ Effective Speedlight placement

Bounce flash operation ...............................................66

Close-up flash operation..............................................70

Multiple flash operation................................................74

Multiple flash shooting using cords..............................76

System chart for TTL multiple flash.............................80

Wireless multiple flash shooting ..................................82

Reference information

Optional accessories ...................................................92

Tips on Speedlight care...............................................95

Notes on batteries........................................................96

Troubleshooting...........................................................97

Specifications.............................................................100

Index..........................................................................104

Preparation

This section provides preliminary information on using the SB-80DX.

Basic operation

Basic procedures to take simple, well-balanced flash photographs in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode.

Detailed operation

A variety of flash modes available with the SB-80DX are provided.

Advanced operation

Advanced information on each function of the SB-80DX is provided.

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

Bounce, close-up, multiple flash, and their recommended positions are described.

Reference information

Troubleshooting, Speedlight care, etc. are described in this section.

Speedlight parts

1 Control button quick reference (p. 12)

Easy reference chart for two-button operations and custom settings

2Flash head (p. 68)

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. 20) 4 Battery chamber lid (p. 16) 5 Built-in bounce card (p. 69)

Creates a highlight in the subject’s eyes in

bounce flash photography.

6 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 72)

Increases the angle of coverage to match a

14mm or 17mm lens.

7 Red-eye reduction lamp (p. 60)

Lights up to prevent red-eye from occurring.

8 AF-assist illuminator (p. 62)

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

9 External power source

terminal (p. 94)

Allows connection of a power cord to the SB-80DX’s external power source terminal (supplied with a cover).

10 Light sensor window for

Non-TTL auto flash (p. 40)

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

11 Light sensor window for wireless

slave flash (p. 82)

Senses light from the master flash unit in wireless multiple flash operation.

12 Mount pin

For cameras featuring a safety lock system.

13 Hot-shoe contacts 14 Mounting foot

5 6

7 8

9 10 11 12

13 14

Preparation

15 Flash head tilting angle scale (p. 68) 16 Modeling illuminator button (p. 61)

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

Wireless slave flash cancel button (p. 85)

The SB-80DX will not fire, while this button is pressed.

17 Flash head rotating angle

scale (p. 68)

18 Terminal cover 19 TTL multiple flash terminal (p. 78)

Connects the SB-80DX to the slave flash unit(s) in TTL multiple flash operation.

20 Sync terminal (p. 79)

Connects the SB-80DX to the sync terminal of the slave flash unit(s) in other than TTL multiple flash operations.

21 LCD panel (p. 10) 22 Control buttons (p. 11) 23 Ready-light

Lights up when the SB-80DX is fully recycled and ready to fire. Blinks after the SB-80DX fires at its maximum output in various auto flash modes, indicating that the light may be insufficient.

24 Mounting foot lock lever (p. 20)

16 17

18 19

22 23

For reference, all indications are displayed in the illustration.

LCD panel

2 3

4 5

6 7 8

10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17

About the LCD panel

• Because of the directional characteristics of the liquid crystal, the LCD is difficult to read when viewed diagonally from above; however, the display can be seen clearly from a somewhat lower angle.

• The LCD panel display tends to be darker at high temperatures (approx. 60°C/140°F). When the temperature returns to normal (20°C/68°F), the display also returns to normal.

• The LCD’s response time tends to slow down at low temperatures (approx. 5°C/41°F and below). When the temperature returns to normal (20°C/68°F), response time also returns to normal.

Using the SB-80DX in dim light

Press any button on the SB-80DX to turn the illuminator on (when the SB-80DX power is on), and it will stay on for approx. 16 seconds. To cancel the LCD panel illuminator, go to the Custom settings mode and set it to OFF (p. 13).

1 Flash mode (pp. 34-51)

DE Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL

Multi Sensor

CDE Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL

Multi Sensor for Digital SLRs

DF Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted

Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

CDF Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs D Standard TTL Flash, Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash,

Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

CD Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs A Non-TTL Auto Flash B Auto Aperture Flash G Manual Flash GH Repeating Flash GK FP High-Speed Flash sync

2 ISO sensitivity (p. 22), No. of repeating

flashes/Frequency (p. 48)

3 Red-eye reduction (p. 60) 4 Sound monitor (p. 89) 5 Wireless flash (p. 84) 6 Zoom-head position (p. 24) 7 Underbar (p. 21) 8 Aperture (p. 40)

9 Flash output level (p. 46) 10 Exposure compensation (p. 58) 11 Underexposure (p. 31) 12 Flash output level compensation value

(p. 58)/Underexposure value (p. 31)

13 Flash shooting distance range (p. 28) 14 ft (feet) (p. 13) 15 LCD panel illuminator (p. 13) 16 m (meters) (p. 13) 17 Standby function (p. 19) 18 AF-assist illuminator (p. 62)

Preparation

Press the MODE and SEL buttons simultaneously

To recall the underexposure value in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

(p. 31)

Press the MODE and ON/OFF buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec.

To reset all settings, including custom settings, to their default settings (except the distance unit selected in m/ft).

Control buttons

4 5

1 h button

Press to test fire the flash (p. 18).

2 a button

Press to set the flash mode (p. 28).

3 g button

• Press to select these functions: Flash output level compensation, aperture, number of repeating flashes per frame, frequency, and flash output level. The selected item blinks and can be set using the e and f buttons.

• Press for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode (p. 12).

4 e button/f button

Press to increase or decrease values.

5 c button (wide)/

d button (tele)

Press to change the zoom-head position (p. 24).

6 b button

Press for approx. 0.5 sec. to turn the power on and off.

Item Setting (Bold: default)

Wireless flash mode*1(p. 84) OFF (canceled) ON (activated)

Sound monitor*2in the wireless L (sound on) M (sound off) flash mode (p. 89)

AF-assist illuminator (p. 62) AF ILL (activated) NO AF ILL (canceled)

Standby function (p. 19)

Selecting the distance unit (m, ft) (p. 13)

m (meters) ft (feet)

Canceling the power zoom function (p. 25) OFF (activated) ON (canceled)

Emergency mode*3(p. 98) OFF (not possible) ON (possible)

LCD panel illuminator (p.13) ON (turn on) OFF (turn off)

40 (sec.) 80 (sec.) 160 (sec.) 300 (sec.)

- - - - (The standby

function canceled)

Custom settings

The SB-80DX can easily set, activate, or cancel various operations using the Custom settings function as shown below.

Control button quick reference

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

*1No display appears when the SB-80DX is attached to Digital SLRs cameras. *

The display appears when the wireless flash mode is set to ON.

No display appears when the built-in wide-flash adapter is not used.

AUTO (the SB-80DX turns off when the camera’s exposure meter turns off.)

Preparation

lSetting the LCD panel illuminator using Custom settings

Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose the Q LCD panel illuminator setting.

Press the c or d button to turn the LCD panel illuminator on or off.

To get out of the custom settings mode, press the g button for approx. 2 sec. or press the b button.

nEven if the LCD panel illuminator is set to OFF, the SB-80DX’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.

lSelecting the distance unit (m or ft) using Custom settings

Set the distance unit on the LCD panel to either meters “m” or feet “ft”.

nThe SB-80DX is preset to meters when the SB-80DX is shipped from the factory.

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose “Selecting the distance unit (m, ft).”

Press the c or d button to set the preferred distance unit.

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. or press the bbutton to return to the normal setting mode.

ON (turn on) OFF (turn off)

m (meters) display

ft (feet) display

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

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

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 clearly illustrated so that you can easily perform flash photography in the TTL/ D-TTL auto flash mode.

For more details on other flash modes, refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 33).

lUsable batteries

m 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) NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2V)

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

n When replacing batteries, use fresh batteries of the same brand. n High-power manganese batteries are not recommended for use

with the SB-80DX.

n Always carry extra batteries when traveling. n Refer to “Notes on batteries” on page 96.

CAUTION!

n Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual, as this may

cause them to explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire.

n 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.

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

Otherwise the batteries may leak corrosive liquids, or generate heat.

Installing batteries

Open the battery chamber lid as indicated by the arrows.

Install the batteries following the i and j marks as shown. Then close the

battery chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down.

Basic operation

nMinimum recycling time is for operation using fresh batteries. nThe data was measured without using AF-assist illuminator, zoom-head position

adjustment, or LCD panel illumination.

nThe above data may vary due to variations in battery performance.

lReplacing / recharging the batteries

m Refer to the following table to determine when to replace or recharge your

batteries‚ if the ready-light takes a long time to light up.

Minimum number of flashes and recycling times

m When using four fresh batteries of the same type, after the Speedlight fires at

M1/1 output.

Batteries Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/

(approx.) recycling time

Alkaline-manganese 6.0 sec. 150 / 6 – 30 sec.

Lithium 7.5 sec. 190 / 7.5 – 30 sec.

NiCd (1000 mAh) 4.0 sec. 90 / 4 – 30 sec. Ni-MH (1600 mA) 4.0 sec. 110 / 4 –30 sec.

Type of battery Recycling time Remedy

Alkaline-manganese More than 30 seconds

Replace

Lithium More than 10 seconds

Ni-Cd (rechargeable)

More than 10 seconds Recharge

Ni-MH(rechargeable)

lExternal power sources

m Using an external power source increases the number of flash firings and

provides faster recycling times (p. 94).

nIf extremely exhausted batteries are used, a strange sound can be heard caused by

the flash head zooming back and forth even when the SB-80DX is turned off. In this case, replace the SB-80DX’s batteries even if an external battery source is used.

Test firing (confirming exposure)

lTest firing

CAUTION!

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

m The SB-80DX fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx.

1/16 output in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode.

m In the Non-TTL auto flash/Auto Aperture flash modes, the SB-80DX fires at a

flash output controlled by the ISO sensitivity, aperture, and zoom-head position.

m In the Non-TTL auto/Auto Aperture flash mode, you can check the amount of

insufficient flash output by pressing the h button before taking the actual picture (p. 54).

lb button

m Pressing the b button for approx. 0.5 sec. turns the SB-80DX on and

the indications appear on the LCD panel. Pressing the button again turns the SB-80DX off and the indications disappear.

Press the

button for approx. 0.5 sec. to turn on the SB-80DX. Make sure the ready-light comes on.

Press the h button to test fire the flash.

Basic operation

lStandby function to conserve battery power

m If the SB-80DX and the camera are not used for approx. 40 seconds, the

standby function activates and automatically turns the SB-80DX off to conserve battery power (standby-off state).

nOnly the R indicator appears on the LCD panel in the standby-off state. nThe SB-80DX in the standby-off state returns to on again when the SB-80DX’s b or

h button is pressed, or the shutter release button is lightly pressed (when using a

camera body that is compatible with TTL/D-TTL auto flash) (p. 36).

nIn the Wireless Flash mode (p. 84), the standby function activates in approx. 40 seconds

when the Speedlight is attached to the camera body. However, the standby function does not work regardless of the SB-80DX’s setting when the Speedlight is used as a slave flash unit.

nIf the ready-light does not come on in approx. 60 seconds after turning the power on, the

SB-80DX goes into standby-off state and the R indicator appears.

nTo avoid accidental firing or a malfunction when carrying the SB-80DX in your camera

bag, press the b button to turn the flash unit off and make sure the R indicator disappears.

Adjusting standby duration/canceling standby function using Custom settings

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose “Standby function.”

Press the c or d button to set the appropriate standby duration.

(80 sec.)

160

(160 sec.)

300

(300 sec.)

– – – –

Standby function

canceled

AUTO

With a camera body that is compatible with TTL/D-TTL auto flash (p. 36), the SB-80DX automatically turns off when the camera’s exposure meter turns off and turns back on when the exposure meter is turned on.

        

        

 

 

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode.

(40 sec.)

(factory setting)

Attach the SB-80DX to the camera and

lTurn the mounting foot lock lever securely until it stops.

m 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

Make sure the SB-80DX and the camera body are turned off.

Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the left, slide the SB-80DX’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.

Basic operation

The underbar blinks 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.

lWarning indication

m 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 68 for the flash head’s rotating angles.

lThe ready-light only inside the camera’s viewfinder blinks

after the power is turned on:

Camera group/camera name Possible cause

Cameras in Groups I to VI In the TTL auto flash mode, the SB-80DX is not properly (except F70-Series/N70) attached to the camera body.

Cameras in Groups V and VI In the TTL auto flash mode, the ISO film speed set on

the camera is higher than the available range of the Speedlight.

nThe ISO film speed set on the camera is higher or

lower than the available range for the FA camera only.

Cameras in Group VI In the TTL auto flash mode, the shutter speed is set to

M90, M250, or B (bulb).

FM3A, New FM2 The shutter speed set is faster than the flash sync

speed.

New FM2, F55/N55 The SB-80DX’s flash mode is set to TTL auto flash.

adjust the flash head

Setting the ISO sensitivity

Digital data communication with the SB-80DX

When the SB-80DX is used with cameras in Groups I and II, and Nikon Digital SLRs cameras, digital data communication is performed. The camera automatically sends the ISO sensitivity to the SB-80DX. With a CPU lens, the aperture and focal length are automatically set on the SB-80DX.

In this manual, the film speed for film-based cameras and the sensitivity for Digital SLRs cameras are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity.

m For cameras in Groups I and II, and Digital SLRs cameras, the ISO sensitivity

is automatically set and appears on the LCD panel.

m For other camera bodies, set the ISO sensitivity using the following procedure.

Turn the SB-80DX off once, then turn it back on. After that, turn on the camera body.

The ISO sensitivity starts blinking on the LCD panel.

nNo setting is possible if the g button is

pressed to stop the ISO sensitivity from blinking. In this case, return to step 1 above.

Press the e or f button to increase or decrease the ISO sensitivity.

Press the g button to stop the ISO sensitivity from blinking.

Basic operation

lAvailable ISO sensitivity in TTL/D-TTL auto flash operation

m The maximum ISO sensitivity range usable in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

is ISO 25 to 1000.

nThe ISO sensitivity range may become narrower, depending on the cameras in use. For

details, see your camera instruction manual.

nThe flash shooting distance range on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel varies, depending on the

ISO sensitivity. Therefore, be sure to set the ISO sensitivity correctly.

Notes on setting the Speedlight’s ISO sensitivity

In the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode and Manual flash mode, 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 and Auto Aperture flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained by setting the camera’s ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight, because the Speedlight controls the flash output. In the Auto Aperture flash mode, the ISO sensitivity is automatically transferred from the camera to the Speedlight.

Adjust the zoom-head position

lThe power zoom function

m When the SB-80DX is used with cameras in Groups I, II, or Nikon Digital SLRs,

in combination with a CPU lens, the power zoom function activates and the zoom head is automatically adjusted.

nThe zoom-head position is automatically adjusted within the range of 24mm, 28mm,

35mm to 105mm in increments of 5mm between 35mm and 105mm when the power zoom function is activated.

nWhen the lens focal length is not one of those indicated above, the zoom head adjusts to

the closest wideangle setting of the lens in use. For example, if the zoom setting of a CPU lens is between 36mm and 39mm, the zoom-head position is adjusted to 35mm.

nIf a small M does not appear above the “ZOOM” indication on the LCD panel, the zoom-

head position will be automatically adjusted. If a small M appears, press the c or d button several times until it disappears.

Power zoom activated Power zoom canceled

lSetting the zoom-head position manually

m When the SB-80DX is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination

with a non-CPU lens, or you want to change the zoom-head position to one that does not match the focal length, you should adjust the zoom-head position manually.

nPress the c button to move toward a wideangle setting and the d button to move

toward a telephoto setting.

nWhen the camera/lens combination is compatible with the power zoom function, the

zoom-head position changes as follows, when a 35mm lens is attached:

M24mm↔M28mm↔35mm↔M50mm↔M70mm↔M85mm↔M105mm

The zoom-head position is indicated on the LCD panel.

nThe zoom-head position is automatically

adjusted by the power zoom function or it can be manually adjusted.

nThe guide number indicating flash output level

varies according to the zoom-head position (p. 45).

Basic operation

nA small M above the “ZOOM” indication appears on the LCD panel while manually setting

the zoom-head position.

nGenerally, set the zoom-head position to the focal length of the lens in use or to the

closest wideangle setting. For example, select the 50mm setting when using a 60mm lens.

lCanceling the power zoom function using Custom settings

m When the power zoom function is canceled in the Custom settings mode

(p. 12), the small M blinks and the zoom-head position indicator does not change even if the lens is zoomed, a lens is changed, or the b button is pressed.

m The zoom head can manually be adjusted to 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm,

70mm, 85mm, or 105mm by pressing the c or d button.

nPress the c button to move toward a wideangle setting and the d button to move

toward a telephoto setting. The zoom-head position changes as follows:

24mm↔28mm↔35mm↔50mm↔70mm↔85mm↔105mm

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose “Canceling the power zoom function.”

Press the c or d button to select “ON.”

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. or press the b button to return

to the normal setting mode.

lUsing the built-in wide-flash adapter/

Nikon Diffusion Dome

m Use the built-in wide-flash adapter when a 14mm to 23mm lens is mounted (p. 72).

nThe power zoom function becomes inactive when using the wide-flash adapter. Press the

c or d button to adjust the zoom-head position to 14mm or 17mm.

nThe zoom-head position is automatically set at 14mm when the Nikon Diffusion Dome is

attached.

nWhen using a 14mm or 17mm lens or the Nikon Diffusion Dome, the distance between

the camera and subject becomes increasingly pronounced from the center of the frame to the periphery, so the peripheral area might not be sufficiently lit in some cases.

Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

lExposure mode and metering system

m The camera’s available exposure mode and metering system vary, depending

on the cameras and lenses in use or the SB-80DX’s flash modes. For details, refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 33) and your camera’s instruction manual.

m In Programmed Auto (P) mode, the shutter speed is automatically set to the

highest flash sync shutter speed.

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

nIf Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, refer to

page 27 to select another exposure mode.

Set the camera’s metering system to Matrix Metering Y.

nIf Matrix Metering Y cannot be set, select

Center-Weighted Metering W.

Basic operation

metering system

lExposure modes other than Programmed Auto exposure (P)

In Shutter-Priority Auto exposure (S) mode

m By selecting a slower shutter speed, the proper exposure for the background

can be achieved.

nThe camera selects the correct aperture. 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/D-TTL auto flash modes” (p. 29).

nIf you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically

shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB-80DX is turned on.

In Aperture-Priority Auto exposure (A) mode

m By selecting the aperture, you can control depth of field and the flash

shooting distance range.

nThe camera selects the correct shutter speed. For detains, see your camera’s instruction

manual.

nTo determine the aperture, refer to the guide number (p. 45) and the “Flash shooting

distance range in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash modes” (p. 29).

In Manual exposure (M) mode

m By selecting the shutter speed and aperture, you can control the exposure of

the background, the depth of field, and flash shooting distance range.

nIf you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically

shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB-80DX is turned on. This is true of all cameras, except mechanical shutter cameras.

nTo determine the aperture, refer to the “Guide number” (p. 45) and the “Flash shooting

distance range in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash modes” (p. 29).

lTTL/D-TTL auto flash mode (p. 35)

m Every time you press the MODE button, the flash mode changes. In the TTL

auto flash mode, the D indicator appears on the LCD panel.

m When using Nikon Digital SLRs cameras, D-TTL auto flash is activated and

CD appears on the LCD panel.

nNote that the usable flash modes only appear and vary, and the unavailable TTL/D-TTL

auto flash modes will be skipped and do not appear, when pressing the MODE button.

nThe SB-80DX’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. 33) and your camera’s instruction manual.

Setting the SB-80DX’s flash mode

➔DE ➔DF

➔ D ➔ A ➔ G ➔GH

For film-based cameras

For Digital SLRs cameras

➔B ➔ A

➔CDE ➔CDF

➔ CD

➔ G ➔ GH

Press the a button to set the flash mode to TTL/D-TTL auto flash.

Confirm that the main subject is within the flash shooting distance range.

Basic operation

Aperture

Flash shooting distance range (m/ft.)

ISO sensitivity Zoom-head position (mm)

Flash shooting distance range in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash modes

∗1With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place ∗2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached ∗3With the wide-flash adapter in place ∗4 TTL/D-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.

∗5Programmed 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.)

lAbout the flash shooting distance range

nThe SB-80DX’s flash shooting distance range is 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) and varies,

depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position and lens aperture in use.

1600

800 400 200 100

50 25

∗1 ∗2

14 17 24 28 35 50 70 85 105

∗4

2.8 2 1.4

4 2.8 2 1.4

5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

8 5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2

22 16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8

32 22 16 11 8 5.6 4

32 22 16 11 8 5.6

32 22 16 11 8

32 22 16 11

32 22 16

0.8-9.0/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-12/ 1.2-13/ 2.0-20/ 2.1-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.8-20/ 3.0-20/ 3.4-20/ 3.6-20/

2.6-29 3.3-37 3.5-39 3.9-44 6.6-66 7.0-66 7.8-66 9.3-66 10-66 11-66 12-66

0.6-6.3/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.7-8.5/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.4-16/ 1.5-17/ 1.7-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.2-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.5-20/

2.0-21 2.3-26 2.5-28 2.8-31 4.6-52 4.9-56 5.5-62 6.6-66 7.4-66 7.8-66 8.3-66

0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.0/ 0.6-6.7/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-12/ 1.2-13/ 1.4-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.7-19/ 1.8-20/

2.0-15 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-22 3.3-37 3.5-39 3.9-44 4.6-52 5.2-59 5.5-62 5.8-66

0.6-3.2/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.2/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.7-8.5/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-13/ 1.2-13/ 1.3-14/

2.0-10 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.3-26 2.5-28 2.8-31 3.3-37 3.7-42 3.9-44 4.1-47

0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.0/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.0/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.7-7.6/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 0.9-10/

2.0-7.4 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-22 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.8-31 2.9-33

0.6-1.6/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.1/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.2/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.6-7.1/

2.0-5.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.0 2.0-7.8 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.0-19 2.0-21 2.0-22 2.1-23

0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.5/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.0/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-3.7 2.0-4.6 2.0-4.9 2.0-5.5 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16 2.0-17

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.1/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.2/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-3.6/

2.0-2.6 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.5 2.0-3.9 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.0 2.0-7.8 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-12

0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.5/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.5/

2.0-2.3 2.0-2.5 2.0-2.8 2.0-4.6 2.0-4.9 2.0-5.5 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.4 2.0-7.8 2.0-8.3

____

0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-1.8/

2.0-3.3 2.0-3.5 2.0-3.9 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.5 2.0-5.8

∗

Compose the picture and shoot with flash

lSet the camera’s flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync.

m Set the camera’s flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync with cameras

featuring a Rear-curtain sync flash mode.

nFor other flash sync modes, refer to “Slow-sync flash mode” (p. 60), “Red-eye reduction

with slow-sync flash mode” (p. 60), or “Rear-curtain sync flash” (p. 61).

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

Set the camera’s sync mode.

nIn normal flash photography, set the camera’s

flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync.

Compose the picture, confirm that the readylight on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel or in the camera’s viewfinder is on, then shoot.

Basic operation

lIf the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might

be insufficient.

m In various auto flash modes, when the flash has fired at its maximum output

and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-lights on the SB-80DX and in the camera’s viewfinder blink for approx. 3 sec. Depending on the camera in use, the ready-light on the SB-80DX or in the camera’s viewfinder lights up. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

Display of the amount of underexposure

m With cameras in Group I and Nikon Digital SLRs cameras in the TTL/D-TTL

auto flash mode, the amount of underexposure (0 to –3.0 EV) appears for approx. 3 sec on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel; at the same time the ready-lights blink.

nPressing the a and g buttons simultaneously recalls this display.

COOLPIX 900 series (COOLPIX 995, etc.) and COOLPIX 5000 digital cameras have a built-in compact flash unit. When more powerful illumination is required, or when performing multiple flash, connecting the SB-80DX or another Nikon Speedlight to the COOLPIX using cords is recommended as an external flash unit.

Auto flash operation is possible by setting the SB-80DX’s flash mode to the TTL auto flash mode. The flash output level is controlled by detecting signals from the camera to determine when to start and stop firing in sync with the built-in flash, which is controlled by the camera’s Non-TTL auto flash operation.

nUse the dedicated Multi-Flash Bracket Unit SK-E900 (optional) and

Multi-Flash Adapter AS-E900 (optional) for connection with all the COOLPIX 900 series cameras except the COOLPIX 900 itself.

nFor connection to the COOLPIX 5000, attach the Speedlight directly

to the accessory shoe.

Using the SB-80DX with the COOLPIX

Please note that wireless multiple flash using the COOLPIX’s built-in flash as a master flash unit and the SB-80DX as a slave flash unit cannot be performed.

Detailed operation

This section provides a variety of flash modes available with the SB-80DX.

Be sure to refer to your camera’s instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions.

Detailed operation

SB-80DX available flash modes

∗1 Monitor Preflashes are fired. ∗2 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash are generally

referred to as Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor (Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor for Digital SLRs in D-TTL auto flash).

∗3 The TTL auto flash mode for Nikon Digital SLRs is called the D-TTL auto flash mode. ∗4 In the D-TTL auto flash mode, Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times.

The SB-80DX’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode.

TTL auto flash mode (p. 35)

D-TTL auto flash mode (p. 35

)

∗3∗

ANon-TTL auto flash mode (p. 40

)

BAuto Aperture flash mode (p. 42)

Manual mode

DE 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

∗1 ∗2

DE Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

∗1 ∗2

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

DF Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

D Standard TTL Flash

G Manual Flash (p. 46)

H Repeating Flash (p. 48)

K FP High-Speed Flash Sync

(p. 51)

CDE 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

∗1 ∗2

CDE Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

∗1 ∗2

CDF Center-Weighted FillFlash for Di

gital SLRs

∗

CD Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs

∗1

(for film-based SLRs cameras)

(for Digital SLRs cameras)

Detailed operation

TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

The SB-80DX’s TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode varies, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode and metering system. For details, refer to “Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode” (p. 36) and your camera’s instruction manual.

DE3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash/ CDE3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

Information obtained by the Monitor Preflashes, exposure control information, and distance information from a D- or G-type lens are integrated to automatically adjust the flash output level to obtain a well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background.

DE Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash/ CDE Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

Information obtained by the Monitor Preflashes and exposure control information is integrated to automatically adjust the flash output level for a

well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background.

DF Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

Exposure control information obtained by the camera’s Matrix meter is used to automatically adjust the flash output level for a well-balanced exposure of

the main subject and background.

DF Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

Exposure control information with Center-Weighted or Spot Metering is used to adjust the flash output for a natural fill-flash effect.

CDF Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

Exposure control information with Center-Weighted Metering is used to adjust the flash output for a natural fill-flash effect.

D Standard TTL Flash/

D Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs

The main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness. Useful when you want to highlight the main subject.

lBalancing the exposure for the main subject and background

m The degree of exposure balance for the main subject and the background varies as the type of TTL auto

flash mode changes. The most well-balanced TTL auto flash exposure is obtained when using 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and decreases through Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash, down to Standard TTL Flash in that order.

m The above description is applicable to the D-TTL auto flash mode.

lMonitor Preflashes

m Monitor Preflashes are available in Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor and all flash

modes in D-TTL auto flash to determine the condition of the subject. After you press the shutter release button and just before the shutter opens, the SB-80DX fires a series of imperceptible preflashes that are detected by the camera’s TTL Multi-Sensor and analyzed for brightness and contrast. (Please note that Monitor Preflashes are fired instantaneously and cannot be differentiated from the main flash.)

m To cancel Monitor Preflashes, see page 74.

Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL

Exposure mode P : Programmed Auto

S : Shutter-Priority Auto A : Aperture-Priority Auto M: Manual

Metering system

Y : Matrix W : Center-Weighted X : Spot

The available types of TTL/D-TTL auto flash vary, depending on the camera/lens/exposure mode/metering system being used. For details, see the tables on the following pages.

n Refer to your camera’s instruction manual for specific information on camera

settings and functions.

Cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

Camera TTL/D-TTL Exposure Metering Lens

auto flash mode mode system

∗2

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (D/G-type)

F100

∗3

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

A/M

Non-CPU lens

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

A/M

Non-CPU lens

F90X/N90s

∗2

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens (D/G-type)

∗1

F90-Series/

∗3

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

N90

A/M

Non-CPU lens

F70-Series/

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

∗1

N70

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗

1: The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G-type lens.

∗

2: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is set. ∗3: Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is set.

F80-Series/

∗2

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (D/G-type)

N80-Series

∗3

P/S/A/M

CPU lens(Non-D/G-type AF)

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

Non-CPU lens

∗1

∗1: The camera’s exposure meter cannot be used. Set the aperture using the lens aperture ring. ∗2: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is set. ∗3: Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is set.

Camera

Group

TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

DE : Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with

TTL Multi Sensor

DF : Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-

Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

D : Standard TTL Flash

CDE : Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with

TTL Multi Sensor for Digital SLRs

CDF: Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital

SLRs

CD :Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs

Detailed operation

auto flash mode

Camera TTL/D-TTL Exposure Metering Lens

auto flash mode mode system

F4-Series

P/S/A/M

CPU lens

∗1

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗2

∗3

P/S/A/M

CPU lens

∗1

∗3

A/M

Non-CPU lens

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

∗1

A/M

YWX

Non-CPU lens

∗

1: The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G-type lens.

∗

2: AI-S, AI, Series E lens only usable. ∗3: Center-Weighted Fill-Flash is set.

F65-Series/

P/S/A

CPU lens

N65-Series

P/S/A/M

CPU lens

∗1

Non-CPU lens

∗2

∗

1: Center-Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M.

∗

The camera’s exposure meter cannot be used. Set the aperture using the lens aperture ring.

F-801s/

P/S/A/M

CPU lens

∗1

N8008s

∗3

P/S/A/M

CPU lens

∗1/∗2

F-801/

∗3

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗2

N8008

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

∗1/∗2

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗2

∗

1: The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G-type lens.

∗

Spot Metering is not possible with the F-801/N8008.

∗

Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is set.

Pronea

P/S/A

CPU lens

600i/6i

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

Non-CPU lens

∗1

∗1: The camera’s exposure meter cannot be used. Set the aperture using the lens aperture ring.

F-601/

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (except for G-type)

∗1

N6006

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (except for G-type)

∗1

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗1

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens (except for G-type)

∗2

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗2

∗

1: Only D appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel. Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash or Center-

Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is selected when F appears on thecamera’s LCD panel.

∗

Center-Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M.

III

Camera

Group

Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

Camera TTL/D-TTL Exposure Metering Lens

auto flash mode mode system

F-601M/

P/S

CPU lens

∗1

N6000

P/S

CPU lens

∗1

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗1

P/S

CPU lens

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗

1: Only D appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel. Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash or Center-

Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is selected when

appears on the camera’s LCD panel.

F60-Series/N60

∗1

P/S/A

CPU lens

F50-Series/N50

∗2

CPU/non-CPU lens F-401x/N5005 F-501/N2020

∗3

CPU∗4/non-CPU lens

∗5

F-301/N2000

A/M

CPU∗4/non-CPU lens

∗

1: Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash is set. ∗2: Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is set.

∗

3: Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set. ∗4: G-type Nikkor lenses cannot be used. Nikkor lenses

for F3AF usable.

∗

5: AI-S, AI, Series E lenses only usable.

F-401s/N4004s

∗2

P/S

CPU lens F-401/N4004

A/M

CPU lens

∗1

Non-CPU lens

∗

1: Center-Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M.

∗

2: Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set.

FM3A

A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

P/A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

∗1

FE2

A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

∗1

P/A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

∗1

Nikonos V

A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

∗1/∗2

F3-Series

A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

∗3

∗

1: Standard TTL Flash is not possible if the shutter speed is set to M250 or B (bulb)

for the FA, FE2, and M90 for the FG and Nikonos V cameras.

∗

2: An optional sync cord for land use is required.

∗

3: Optional TTL Unit Coupler AS-17 is required.

III

Camera

Group

Digital data communication with the SB-80DX

When the SB-80DX is used with cameras in Groups I and II, and Nikon Digital SLRs cameras listed in the table above, digital data communication is performed. (p. 22)

Detailed operation

Camera TTL/D-TTL Exposure Metering Lens

auto flash mode mode system

D1-Series

CDE

∗1

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (D/G-type)

D100

CDE

∗2

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

CDF

A/M

Non-CPU lens

P/S/A/M

YWX

CPU lens

A/M

Non-CPU lens

∗

1: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs is set

∗

2: Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs is set

lFlash shooting distance range in the 1/300 TTL

High-Speed Flash sync mode (F5 only)

m The farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read on the SB-80DX’s LCD

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

D (farthest flash shooting distance) = Guide number ÷ f/stop (aperture)

Guide number (m/ft.) in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync mode

∗

1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

∗

2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

∗

3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

nFor example, when shooting with an ISO sensitivity of 100, at a 35mm zoom-head position

and an aperture of f/5.6:

D = 14 ÷ 5.6 (f/stop) = 2.5 (in meters) (farthest flash shooting distance) D = 46 ÷ 5.6 (f/stop) = 8.2 (in feet) (farthest flash shooting distance)

Digital SLRs

ISO

Zoom-head position (mm)

sensitivity

∗1∗

2 14

∗

24 28 35 50 70 85 105

2.5/8 3/10 3.5/11 3.5/11 5.5/18 6/20 7/23 8/26 9/30 9.5/31 10/33

3.6/12 4.3/14 5/16 5/16 7.8/26 8.5/28 9.9/32 11.4/37 12.8/42 13.5/44 14.2/47

100

5/16 6/20 7/23 7/23 11/36 12/39 14/46 16/52 18/59 19/62 20/66

200

7/23 8.4/28 9.8/32 9.8/32 15.4/51 16.8/55 19.6/64 22.4/73 25.2/83 26.6/87 28/92

400

10/33 12/39 14/46 14/46 22/72 24/79 28/92 32/105 36/118 38/125 40/131

800

14/46 16.8/55 19.6/64 19.6/64 30.8/101 33.6/110 39.2/129 44.8/147 50.4/165 53.2/174 56/184

Camera

Group

Any camera and lens combination. (For Digital SLRs, it is possible only when a non-CPU lens is mounted.)

Non-TTL auto flash A mode

Usable cameras and lenses

The SB-80DX’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected back from the subject, automatically controlling the SB-80DX’s light output to give the correct exposure. This allows you to make exposure compensation (p. 56) easily by varying the aperture set on the camera or lens.

Press the e or f button to change the aperture, bringing the subject within the flash shooting distance range.

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set the aperture that appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel on the lens or camera.

Set the camera to its highest flash sync shutter speed.

n For details, see the camera’s instruction manual.

Press the a button until “A”appears on the LCD panel.

Detailed operation

Compose the picture, make sure the ready-light is on, then shoot.

nWhen the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

Aperture

Flash shooting distance range (m/ft)

ISO sensitivity Zoom-head position (mm)

Usable flash shooting distance ranges in Non-TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash mode

lSetting the aperture in the Non-TTL auto flash A mode

m Set the aperture within the available range as shown in the table below.

nFor example, for an ISO sensitivity of 100, with the zoom-head position adjusted to 35mm,

and the subject at a distance of 5m (16.4 ft.), selecting apertures from f/2 to f/5.6 from the table will give the correct exposure.

nTo set the aperture on Zoom-Nikkor lenses having variable maximum apertures, refer to

“The flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable aperture” (p. 59).

∗

1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

∗

2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

∗

3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

∗1∗

14 17 24 28 35 50 70 85 105

85.642.8 2 1.4

0.6-6.3/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.7-8.5/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.4-16/ 1.5-17/ 1.7-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.2-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.5-20/

2.0-21 2.3-26 2.5-28 2.8-31 4.6-52 4.9-56 5.5-62 6.6-66 7.4-66 7.8-66 8.3-66

11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.0/ 0.6-6.7/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-12/ 1.2-13/ 1.4-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.7-19/ 1.8-20/

2.0-15 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-22 3.3-37 3.5-39 3.9-44 4.6-52 5.2-59 5.5-62 5.8-66

16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2

0.6-3.2/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.2/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.7-8.5/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-13/ 1.2-13/ 1.3-14/

2.0-10 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.3-26 2.5-28 2.8-31 3.3-37 3.7-42 3.9-44 4.1-47

22 16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8

0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.0/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.0/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.7-7.6/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 0.9-10/

2.0-7.4 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-22 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.8-31 2.9-33

32 22 16 11 8 5.6 4

0.6-1.6/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.1/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.2/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.6-7.1/

2.0-5.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.0 2.0-7.8 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.0-19 2.0-21 2.0-22 2.1-23

45 32 22 16 11 8 5.6

0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.5/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.0/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-3.7 2.0-4.6 2.0-4.9 2.0-5.5 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16 2.0-17

64 45 32 22 16 11 8

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.1/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.2/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-3.6/

2.0-2.6 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.5 2.0-3.9 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.0 2.0-7.8 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-12

∗

Digital SLRs + CPU lenses

Auto Aperture AA flash mode

In addition to Non-TTL auto flash (p. 40), the SB-80DX’s built-in sensor correctly controls the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-80DX, including the ISO sensitivity value, aperture, focal length, and exposure compensation value.

nThe Non-TTL auto flash mode is automatically set when a non-CPU lens is mounted on

Digital SLRs.

Usable cameras and lenses

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Programmed Auto (P) or Aperture-Priority Auto (A).

Lock the CPU lens aperture at its minimum.

n Not necessary with a G-type lens.

Press the a button to select the AA (Auto Aperture flash) mode.

While looking at the flash shooting distance range on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel, set the aperture on the camera.

Detailed operation

Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

n When the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

lSetting the aperture in Auto Aperture AA flash mode

m Set the aperture on the camera or lens within the available range as shown in

the table below.

Usable flash shooting distance ranges in the Non-TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash mode

nFor example, for an ISO sensitivity of 100, with the zoom-head position adjusted to 35mm,

and subject at a distance of 5m (16.4 ft.), selecting an aperture of f/2 to f/5.6 from the table gives the correct exposure.

Aperture

ISO sensitivity Zoom-head position (mm)

∗

1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

∗

2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

∗

3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

∗1∗

14 17 24 28 35 50 70 85 105

85.642.8 2 1.4

0.6-6.3/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.7-8.5/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.4-16/ 1.5-17/ 1.7-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.2-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.5-20/

2.0-21 2.3-26 2.5-28 2.8-31 4.6-52 4.9-56 5.5-62 6.6-66 7.4-66 7.8-66 8.3-66

11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2 1.4

0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.0/ 0.6-6.7/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-12/ 1.2-13/ 1.4-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.7-19/ 1.8-20/

2.0-15 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-22 3.3-37 3.5-39 3.9-44 4.6-52 5.2-59 5.5-62 5.8-66

16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8 2

0.6-3.2/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.2/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.7-8.5/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-13/ 1.2-13/ 1.3-14/

2.0-10 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.3-26 2.5-28 2.8-31 3.3-37 3.7-42 3.9-44 4.1-47

22 16 11 8 5.6 4 2.8

0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.0/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.0/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.7-7.6/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 0.9-10/

2.0-7.4 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-22 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.8-31 2.9-33

32 22 16 11 8 5.6 4

0.6-1.6/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.1/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.2/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.6-7.1/

2.0-5.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.0 2.0-7.8 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.0-19 2.0-21 2.0-22 2.1-23

45 32 22 16 11 8 5.6

0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.5/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.0/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-3.7 2.0-4.6 2.0-4.9 2.0-5.5 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16 2.0-17

64 45 32 22 16 11 8

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.1/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.2/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-3.6/

2.0-2.6 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.5 2.0-3.9 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.0 2.0-7.8 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-12

∗

Flash shooting distance range (m/ft)

Manual ÉG mode

In this mode, the flash always fires at a specified output. The SB-80DX features three types of manual modes.

Types Usable camera Manual flash No limitation Repeating flash No limitation FP High-Speed Flash sync

F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, D1-Series

m You can calculate the correct aperture by using the guide number table and

the shooting distance. Then set the same aperture manually on the lens. In this case, set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

nRefer to your camera’s instruction manual for details on camera and lens aperture

settings.

nIf the camera’s exposure mode is set to other than Aperture-Priority (A) or Manual (M)

mode, the shutter may not be released, depending on the cameras in use. For details, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

nIn the Manual mode, no warning ready-light blinks to indicate that the light may have

been insufficient for correct exposure after shooting.

lDetermining the aperture and flash output level in the

Manual mode

m In the Manual mode, use the guide number table and the following equation

to calculate the aperture, flash output level, and shooting distance to obtain the correct exposure.

nThe guide number (GN at ISO 100; m/ft) indicates the amount of light generated by the

flash. The larger the number, the greater the flash output.

Detailed operation

ISO 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 Factors x0.5 x0.71 x1 x1.4 x2 x2.8 x4

To calculate the correct aperture

n Calculate the correct aperture by using this equation and the guide number

table, according to the ISO sensitivity and flash output level that are set:

f/stop (aperture) = Guide number (GN) x ISO sensitivity factor ÷ Shooting distance (m/ft)

n Set the same aperture on both the SB-80DX and the camera or lens.

To calculate the guide number

n Calculate the guide number by using this equation, according to the shooting

distance and aperture required.

Guide number (GN) = Shooting distance (m/ft) x Aperture x ISO sensitivity factor

n Referring to the guide number table, determine an appropriate flash output

level corresponding to the guide number obtained above, then set the same value on the SB-80DX.

ISO sensitivity factors

n For sensitivity other than ISO 100, multiply the guide number at an ISO

sensitivity of 100 by the factors shown in the guide number table.

*1With the Diffusion Dome attached and the built-in wide-flash adapter in place *

With the Diffusion Dome attached

With the built-in wide-flash adapter in place

Zoom-head position (mm)

∗1 ∗2 14

∗3

17∗324 28 35 50 70 85 105 M1/1 12.5/41 16/52 17/56 19/62 32/105 34/112 38/125 44/144 50/164 53/174 56/184 M1/2 8.8/29 11.3/37 12/39 13.4/44 22.6/74 24/79 26.8/88 31/102 35/115 37.5/123 40/131 M1/4 6.3/21 8.0/26 8.5/28 9.5/31 16/52 17/56 19/62 22/72 25/82 26.5/87 28/92 M1/8 4.4/14 5.6/18 6.0/20 6.7/22 11.3/37 12/39 13.4/44 15.5/51 17.7/58 18.7/61 19.8/65

M1/16 3.1/10 4.0/13 4.3/14 4.8/16 8.0/26 8.5/28 9.5/31 11/36 12.5/41 13.3/44 14/46 M1/32 2.2/7 2.8/9 3.0/10 3.4/11 5.6/18 6.0/20 6.7/22 7.8/26 8.8/29 9.4/31 9.9/32 M1/64 1.6/5 2.0/7 2.1/7 2.4/8 4.0/13 4.3/14 4.8/16 5.5/18 6.3/21 6.6/22 7.0/23

M1/128 1.1/4 1.4/5 1.5/5 1.7/6 2.8/9 3.0/10 3.4/11 3.9/13 4.4/14 4.7/15 4.9/16

-- - -

10.7 /35 11.3/37 12.7/42 14.7/48 16.7/55 17.7/58 18.7/61

Guide number (ISO 100, m/ft)

Flash

output

level

Manual G mode

lManual flash operation

m In Manual flash photography, you select the aperture and flash output level. In

this way, you can control the exposure and flash shooting distance when shooting subjects where the correct exposure is difficult to obtain in the TTL or Non-TTL auto flash mode. In Manual flash operation, the flash output level can be set from M1/1 to M1/128 to match your creative preferences.

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Press the a button until “G” appears on the LCD panel.

Determine the flash output level and aperture to match the flash shooting distance. Then set the flash output level and the aperture on the SB-80DX.

nFor details on determining the flash output level and

the aperture, refer to “Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode” (p. 44).

nFor setting the flash output level, refer to “Setting the

flash output level” (p. 47).

nIf the ISO sensitivity is correctly set, the flash shooting

distance appears on the LCD panel, matching the flash output level and aperture as set.

Set the same aperture on your camera or lens that is set on the SB-80DX.

nFor cameras in Groups I and II, and Digital SLRs

cameras with CPU lenses, set the SB-80DX’s aperture on the camera (p. 4).

Detailed operation

▲

1/1 (0.0) ➔ 1/2 (0.0) ➔ 1/2 (0.3) ➔ 1/2 (0.7) ➔ 1/4(0.0)

FP ➔ 1/128 (0.0)



1/4 (0.7) ➔ 1/4 (0.3)

1/128 (0.0) ➔ 1/128 (0.3) ➔ 1/128 (0.7) ➔ 1/64(0.0)

FP ➔ 1/1 (0.0) ➔ 1/2 (0.0)



1/64 (0.7) ➔ 1/64 (0.3)

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

▲

➔➔

Setting the flash output level

m The flash output level changes every time you press the f or e button as

shown below.

When you press the f button:

When you press the e button:

nThe numbers in parentheses represent the adjustable flash output level in ±1/3 steps

except between 1/1 and 1/2. Therefore, 1/32 (–0.3) and 1/64 (+0.7) represent the same flash output level.

nK indicates FP High-Speed Flash sync (p. 51). This indicator appears only when the

SB-80DX is used in combination with cameras compatible with FP High-Speed Flash sync.

nTo extend the flash shooting distance, choose a flash output level close to M1/1.

➔➔➔

▲

Manual G mode

lRepeating flash mode

m In the Repeating Flash mode, the SB-80DX fires repeatedly during a single

exposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. This mode is useful when shooting fast-moving subjects.

nIn the Repeating flash mode, use fresh or fully charged batteries. Also allow enough time

for the flash to recycle between each repeating flash.

nIn the Repeating flash mode, use a tripod to prevent camera/flash shake, because slower

shutter speeds are used.

Setting the flash output level, the frequency (Hz), and the number of repeating flashes per frame

m Frequency (Hz) represents the number of times the flash fires per second.

nThe actual number of repeating flashes per frame becomes lower than the one set as the

shutter speed increases or the number of flashes per second decreases, because the Speedlight fires during a single exposure.

m Referring to the table below, set the flash output level, the frequency, and the

number of repeating flashes separately for each picture.

Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame

* Frequency (Hz) represents the number of flashes per second.

Frequency*

Flash output level

1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128

1-2 Hz 14 30 60 90 90 3 Hz 12 30 60 90 90 4 Hz 10 20 50 80 80 5 Hz 8 20 40 70 70 6 Hz 6 20 32 56 56 7 Hz 6 20 28 44 44 8 Hz 5 10 24 36 36

9 Hz 5 10 22 32 32 10 Hz 4 8 20 28 28 20-100 Hz 4 8 12 24 24

Detailed operation

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Manual (M).

Press the a button to set the flash mode to the H Repeating Flash mode.

Press the g button and the flash output level starts blinking. Press the e or f button to increase or decrease the values.

nThe flash output level blinks during adjustment and

stops after 8 seconds unless an adjustment is made. The last blinking number is the one automatically set.

Press the g button and the flash output level stops blinking.

nAfter that, the frequency starts blinking.

Repeat the procedures above to set the frequency and the number of repeating flashes per frame.

Frequency (Hz)

Number of repeating flashes per frame

Set the shutter speed.

nUse the equation to determine the shutter speed and

set that shutter speed or one slower.

Shutter speed = Number of flashes per frame ÷

Frequency of flashes (Hz)

nFor example, if the number of flashes per frame is 10

and frequency is 5 Hz, divide 10 by 5 to get a shutter speed of 2 sec. or slower.

nOr you can set the shutter speed to B (bulb) to

accommodate any number of repeating flashes.

Manual G mode

Set the same aperture on the camera or lens that is set on the SB-80DX.

nFor cameras in Groups I and II, and Digital SLRs

cameras with CPU lenses, set the SB-80DX’s aperture on the camera (p. 4).

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

Making sure the flash fires correctly before shooting

m Press the h button to make sure the flash fires correctly as set.

Determine the guide number according to the flash output level and zoom-head position set, then calculate the correct aperture from the guide number and the shooting distance. Finally set this aperture on the SB-80DX.

nRefer to “Guide number table” (p. 45) and

“Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode” (p. 44).

nIf the ISO sensitivity is set correctly, the flash shooting

distance appears on the LCD panel to match to the flash output level and aperture as set.

Detailed operation

lFP High-Speed Flash sync K mode

m High-speed flash synchronization at shutter speeds between 1/250 and

1/4000 sec. (1/500 and 1/16000 sec. for the D1-Series) is possible, allowing you to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field and blur the background.

nDo not use the built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 72) or Nikon Diffusion Dome (p. 69).

When the wide-flash adapter is used, the zoom-head position and K indicator blink on the LCD panel as a warning.

nWhen you remove the SB-80DX from the camera, be sure to cancel FP flash

operation so that K disappears. If the flash unit is removed with the FP setting, K blinks as a warning.

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Manual (M).

Press the a button until “G” appears on the LCD panel.

Press the e or f button until “K” appears on

the LCD panel.

F5, F100, F90X / N90s, F90-Series / N90, D1-Series

Usable cameras

Exposure compensation in the Repeating flash mode

m The flash shooting distance calculated in step number 6 is the correct

exposure for the first flash in the sequence. Therefore, repeating flash at this flash output level will result in overexposure of any overlapping images. To prevent this, set a smaller aperture on the camera.

Manual G mode

Set the same aperture on your camera or lens that is set on the SB-80DX.

Set the shutter speed between 1/250 and 1/4000 sec. (between 1/500 and 1/16000 sec. for the D1-Series).

nSetting a shutter speed slower than 1/250 sec. is not

recommended.

nThe faster the shutter speed, the smaller the

flashoutput (guide number).

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

Determine the aperture and flash output level to match the main subject’s shooting distance. Set the same aperture and flash output level on the SB-80DX.

nFor details on calculating the flash output level and

aperture, refer to “Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode” on page p. 44 and “Guide number table ” on p. 45.

nFor setting the flash output level, refer to “Setting the

flash output level” on page 47.

nFor cameras in Groups I and II, and Digital SLRs

cameras with CPU lenses, set the SB-80DX’s aperture on the camera (p. 4).

nIf ISO sensitivity is correctly set, the flash shooting

distance appears on the LCD panel to match to the flash output level and aperture as set.

Detailed operation

Notes on continuous flash shooting

lMaximum number of continuous firings

m It is recommended to allow the SB-80DX to cool off for at least 10 minutes

after the maximum number of continuous firings as shown in this table:

Max. no. of continuous firings

lSynchronization during continuous flash shooting

m It is possible to take up to the number of frames during continuous shooting

as shown in the table below. However, if the continuous firings exceed the maximum numbers as shown in the table above, you should allow the SB-80DX to cool off for at least 10 minutes.

Flash mode

Max. no. of continuous firings (at 6 frames/sec.)

TTL/D-TTL auto flash Non-TTL auto flash/Auto Aperture flash

Manual flash (

Flash output level: M1/1, M1/2

)

Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/4 to M1/128) 40

nWith fresh batteries of the same type in both the SB-80DX and optional Nikon SD-8A or

Power Bracket Unit SK-6A.

nRefer to table “Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame” on page 48 when

performing Repeating flash.

Maximum number of frames during continuous flash shooting (at six frames per sec.)

1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128

Up to 4

Up to 8 Up to 16 Up to 30

Up to 40

SD-7

Alkaline-manganese Alkaline-manganese Lithium NiCd Ni-MH Alkaline-manganese Lithium NiCd Ni-MH

Up to 6 Up to 10 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40

SD-8A

Up to 5 Up to 10

Up to 20 Up to 30

Up to 40 Up to 40

Up to 5 Up to 10 Up to 40 Up to 40

Up to 30

SK-6A

Up to 5 Up to 10 Up to 20

Up to 40 Up to 40

Up to 5 Up to 10 Up to 30 Up to 40

Up to 40

Batteries inside SB-80DX

Flash output level

SB-80DX only

All types

Optional

power

source

Checking the correct exposure before shooting

You can determine whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-80DX before actually taking the picture.

lTTL auto flash mode

m Press the SB-80DX’s MODE button until “A” (Non-TTL auto flash) appears on

the LCD panel. Set the same aperture on the SB-80DX as set in the TTL auto flash mode. Press the h button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

lD-TTL auto flash mode

m Press the SB-80DX’s MODE button until “B” (Auto Aperture flash) appears

on the LCD panel. Set the same aperture on the SB-80DX as set in the D-TTL auto flash mode. Press the h button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

lNon-TTL auto flash mode

m Make the necessary settings on the SB-80DX and camera, and press the

h button. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may

have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

lAuto Aperture flash mode

m Make the necessary settings on the SB-80DX and camera, and press the

shutter release button slightly, then press the h button. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

lManual flash mode

m In manual flash mode, checking the correct exposure cannot be performed

by test firing. Calculate the correct flash output level, aperture, and flash shooting distance by referring to “Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode” (p. 44).

Advanced operation

In this section advanced information on each function of the SB-80DX’s is provided.

Advanced operation

Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures by intentionally modifying the correct exposure when a subject of extremely high or low reflectivity is included in a picture or when you want to create flash photographs to match your creative preferences.

nSome plus compensation may be necessary when the background includes a mirror,

white wall, or other highly reflective surface. Likewise, some minus compensation may be

required when the background is dark or includes subjects of low reflectivity.

nMaking exposure compensation for both the main subject and background or the main

subject without affecting the background are possible, depending on the flash shooting

situations.

Exposure compensation on the SB-80DX can be performed in the following ways:

Exposure compensation and flash output level

Exposure compensation Making exposure compensation

for both the main subject and background

Making exposure compensation for the main subject only

Making exposure compensation for the background only

Available flash mode

All flash modes

TTL/D-TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash

Manual flash mode Flash shooting at slow shutter

speeds

Usable camera

Cameras in all groups

Cameras in groups I to III, and Digital SLRs

Cameras in all groups Cameras in all groups

lMaking exposure compensation for both the main subject

and background

In TTL/D-TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash

m Use the camera’s exposure compensation function to modify both the

SB-80DX’s flash output level and the background exposure. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

m The exposure compensation value set on the camera is not displayed on the

SB-80DX’s LCD panel.

m Exposure compensation beyond the usable ISO sensitivity range cannot be

performed (p. 23). For example, with an ISO sensitivity of 100, if you try to make an exposure compensation of +3 steps on the camera (equivalent to ISO 12), which is out of the usable ISO sensitivity range (ISO 25-1000) of the SB-80DX. However, exposure compensation up to +2 steps (equivalent to ISO 25) is possible.

Advanced operation

compensation

Making exposure compensation in the Non-TTL auto flash and Manual flash mode

m Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correct

aperture.

m In the Non-TTL auto flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained when

the same aperture is set on the camera as that set on the SB-80DX. Therefore, to make exposure compensation, vary the aperture set on the camera while retaining the aperture set on the SB-80DX or vice versa.

m In the Manual flash mode, calculate the proper aperture for the correct

exposure from the guide number and the shooting distance (p. 45). Then referring to this aperture, modify the aperture on the camera to make exposure compensation.

m As a basic guide, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens to make the

subject brighter or a smaller aperture to make it darker.

lMaking exposure compensation for the main subject only

In TTL/D-TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash

m Making exposure compensation for a flash illuminated subject without

affecting the background exposure is called flash output level compensation (p. 58).

m This compensation is performed with cameras in Groups I to III and Digital

SLRs cameras.

In Manual flash mode

m Making exposure compensation for only the flash illuminated subject by

intentionally modifying the SB-80DX’s flash output level (M1/1 to M1/128). For cameras in all groups.

lMaking exposure compensation for the background only

m Set the camera’s exposure mode to Shutter-Priority Auto (S) or Manual (M),

and set the shutter speed to one slower than its flash sync shutter speed.

m With cameras providing slow-sync, set the camera’s flash sync mode to Slow-

sync (p. 60) to bring out background details in low-light situations.

nFor details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

Usable cameras For cameras in Groups I to III, and Digital SLRs cameras

Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation

lFlash output level compensation

m Make exposure compensation for a flash illuminated subject without affecting

the background exposure by modifying the SB-80DX’s flash output level.

m Available in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash modes. m With cameras in Group III, make flash output level compensation on the

camera. Flash output level compensation cannot be made on the SB-80DX. The amount of compensation set on the camera does not appear on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

Press the g button, or the e or f button, to display the Exposure compensation indicator, and the Flash output level compensation value starts blinking.

Press the e or f button to increase or decrease the compensation in 1/3 steps (or in 1/6 steps with Digital SLRs) from –3.0 to +3.0 EV.

Press the g button and the flash output level compensation value stops blinking.

nThe flash output level blinks during adjustment

and stops after 8 seconds unless an adjustment is made. The last blinking number is the one automatically set.

nWith F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70, and Pronea 600i/6i cameras having an

exposure compensation function, you can compensate the flash output level on either the

camera or SB-80DX. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual. If you use both

controls, the exposure is modified by the sum total of both compensation values. In this

case, the SB-80DX’s LCD panel shows only the compensation value set on the

SB-80DX.

Canceling flash output level compensation

The flash output level compensation cannot be canceled by turning the SB-80DX off. To cancel, press the e or f button to set the compensation value back to 0.0 and make sure the exposure compensation indicator disappears.

Advanced operation

The flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable aperture

With zoom lenses having a variable aperture, take note of the following before setting the aperture on the SB-80DX and confirming the flash shooting distance range.

Lenses having a variable aperture

m There are two maximum aperture values indicated in the lens model name.

For example with the AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D IF, the maximum aperture at 28mm is f/3.5, but decreases to f/4.5 at 105mm.

lReading the aperture on the camera’s LCD panel or in

the viewfinder

m After composing the picture by zooming in or out, read the aperture on the

camera’s LCD panel or in the viewfinder. Then set the same aperture on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel and confirm the flash shooting distance range.

nAperture values are automatically compensated by the camera and appear on the

camera’s LCD panel or in the viewfinder. The aperture value displayed in the aperturedirect-readout scale as seen in the viewfinder of the Nikon F5 or other cameras is fixed and not automatically compensated.

lReading the aperture using the scale on the lens

m After zooming in or out to select the appropriate composition, read the

aperture using the aperture scale on the lens. Then set the same aperture on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel and confirm the flash shooting distance range.

At wideangle zoom settings, read the aperture value at the green index (or line). At telephoto settings, read the aperture value at the yellow index (or dot). At intermediate settings, read the aperture value between the two indexes.

lReading the aperture using the camera’s aperture dial

F-401x/N5005, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004 camera + CPU lens

m After zooming in/out to select the desired composition, read the aperture

using the camera’s aperture dial. Then set the same aperture on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel and confirm the flash shooting distance range.

nSet the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). The

aperture value set on the lens cannot be confirmed in the Programmed Auto (P) or Shutter-Priority Auto (S) exposure mode.

nFor cameras having TTL metering, the aperture on zoom lenses is automatically

compensated by the camera.

nIn case of setting a larger or smaller value than the lens aperture on the camera’s aperture

dial, set the lens’ maximum or minimum aperture on the SB-80DX.

lSlow-sync flash

m The flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the correct exposure

for both the main subject and background in low-light situations or at night.

m Available with cameras providing slow-sync. You cannot set the slow-sync

function on the SB-80DX directly. Set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

nSince slow shutter speeds are usually used, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.

lRed-eye reduction

m To prevent the center of your subject’s eyes from appearing red in color

pictures, the SB-80DX’s red-eye reduction lamp lights up for approx. 1 sec. before the picture is taken.

m Available with cameras having red-eye reduction control. You cannot set red-

eye reduction on the SB-80DX directly. Set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

nAfter setting your camera to red-eye reduction, make sure that “N” appears on the

SB-80DX’s LCD panel.

Slow-sync flash mode/Red-eye reduction control

lRed-eye reduction with slow-sync flash mode

m In this mode, red-eye reduction is combined with slow sync. m Available with cameras having red-eye reduction with slow-sync. You cannot

set this mode on the SB-80DX directly. Set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

nAfter setting your camera to red-eye reduction with slow sync, make sure that “N”

appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel.

nSince slow shutter speeds are usually used, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.

Usable cameras All cameras

Advanced operation

Rear-curtain sync and Modeling illumination

Rear-curtain sync Front-curtain sync

Shooting data

nCamera: F100 (2 seconds, f/4 + 1/2) nFocal length: 70mm nSpeedlight: SB-80DX (Manual, flash output level: M1/1)

m In normal flash synchronization, when shooting fast-moving subjects at slow

shutter speeds, this usually results in unnatural-looking pictures where the subject frozen by the flash appears behind or within the blurred movement. Rear-curtain flash sync creates a picture in which the blur of a moving subject (for example, the taillights of a car) appears behind the subject and not in front.

m Available with cameras providing rear-curtain sync. You cannot set this mode

on the SB-80DX directly. Set it on the camera. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

nSince slow shutter speeds are usually used, use a tripod to prevent camera shake. nThis function does not operate in either the FP High-Speed flash sync or Repeating flash mode. nIn multiple flash, the master flash unit can be set to either front-curtain or rear-curtain

sync flash. The slave units cannot be set to rear-curtain sync flash (p. 74).

lModeling illumination

m Press the Modeling illuminator button and the modeling illuminator lights up

(or the flash fires) repeatedly at a reduced flash output level. This is useful for checking the illumination and the shadows cast on the subject before actually taking the picture.

nThe modeling illuminator lights up for a maximum of

approx. 3 sec. while the modeling illuminator button is pressed.

nThe modeling illuminator can be set to operate only after

the ready-light comes on.

nThe modeling illuminator will not light up in the wireless

slave flash mode (p. 84).

lRear-curtain sync

Autofocus flash operation in dim light

Usable cameras and lenses Cameras with autofocus function + autofocus lens

When the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-80DX’s AF-Assist Illuminator enables you to perform autofocus flash photography in dim light.

In dim light, the AF-assist illuminator turns on automatically when the camera’s shutter release button is lightly pressed if an AF lens is mounted and the camera’s focus mode is set to S (Single Servo AF with focus priority), AF, or A.

nThe effective shooting distance with the AF-assist illuminator is approx. 1m to 10m with a

50mm f/1.8 lens or shorter, depending on the lens in use.

nUsable lens focal length: 24mm to 105mm (35 to 105mm for F-501/N2020 cameras) nThe AF-Assist Illuminator is activated when U appears on the LCD panel.

The AF-Assist Illuminator is canceled when S appears on the LCD panel.

nThe AF-Assist Illuminator is set to activate when shipped from the factory.

nIf the focus indicator does not appear in the camera’s viewfinder even through the

AF-Assist Illuminator turns on, focus manually.

nRefer to your camera’s instruction manual.

The AF-Assist Illuminator will not light up, if:

nThe autofocus is locked or the ready-light does not come on. nThe camera’s center focus area is not selected with cameras having Focus Area

selection. For details, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

Advanced operation

lActivating and canceling the AF-Assist illuminator using

Custom settings

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose “AF-Assist illuminator.”

Press the c or d button to activate or cancel the AF-Assist Illuminator:

U: Activate S: Cancel

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode.

nWhen the AF-Assist Illuminator is canceled, autofocus operation may not be performed

in dim light.

lFor cameras having a built-in Speedlight

nEven when the camera’s AF-Assist Illuminator is set to activate, the SB-80DX’s AF-Assist

Illuminator is given priority and the camera’s AF-Assist illuminator does not light up. (The camera’s AF-Assist Illuminator lights up when the SB-80DX’s AF-Assist Illuminator is canceled.)

nWith F60-Series/N60 cameras, the AF-Assist Illuminator lights up while shooting at full-

output manual.

nWith F80-Series/N80-Series, and F65-Series/N65-Series cameras, the camera’s AF-Assist

Illuminator lights up when the SB-80DX’s AF-Assist illuminator is canceled. To cancel the camera’s AF-Assist Illuminator, cancel it on the camera. For details, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

In this section, information on a variety of photographic techniques such as bounce and close-up flash is provided, explaining how to create flash pictures with softer shadows.

We also present the recommended position of Speedlights in wireless multiple flash photography or when attached with cords.

Technical operation/ Effective Speedlight placement

Bounce flash Normal flash

Bounce flash operation (For taking pictures without

Tilt or rotate the flash head to bounce the light off the ceiling or walls to soften shadows and create more natural-looking portraits indoors. Even softer shadows are possible when using the Nikon Diffusion Dome.

90¡

50¡

Tilting the flash head

m Tilt the flash head up at least 50° to

bounce light off the ceiling for effective bounce flash. Make sure that the light from the flash head does not directly illuminate the subject.

nOptimum results are obtained when the

flash head is positioned 1 to 2m (3.3 to

6.6 ft.) away from the reflecting surface.

Shooting data:

nCamera: F100 nFocal length: 70mm nSpeedlight: SB-80DX set to

Standard TTL flash

nAperture: f/5.6 +1/3 nShooting distance: 3m (9.8 ft.)

Shooting data:

nCamera: F100 nFocal length: 70mm nSpeedlight: SB-80DX set to

Standard TTL flash

nAperture: f/11 +1/3 nShooting distance: 3m (9.8 ft.)

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

unattractive shadows)

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set the camera’s metering system to Matrix Metering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W.

Set the flash mode to TTL/D-TTL auto flash,

or Non-TTL auto/Auto Aperture flash.

Adjust the flash head.

Set the camera’s aperture.

nRefer to page 68 for setting the aperture.

Make sure that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

nWhen the flash has fired at its maximum

output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

lSetting the aperture

m With bounce flash, there is a light loss when compared with normal flash with

the flash head adjusted to the horizontal/front position. You should use an aperture that is 2 to 3 stops wider.

m The flash shooting distance range indicator disappears, if the flash head is

adjusted to other than the horizontal/front position. First, confirm the flash shooting distance range and aperture at the horizontal/front position, then set the aperture on the camera.

nIn the Non-TTL auto flash mode, set the same aperture on the SB-80DX.

lSetting the flash head

m The SB-80DX’s flash head tilts or rotates by holding down the flash head

tilting/rotating lock release button as shown in the illustrations. Adjust the flash head, depending on the shooing environment or your creative preferences.

0°

7°

90°

75°

60°

45°

120

150

180

Flash head tilting and rotating angles

m The SB-80DX’s flash head tilts up 90° and rotates

horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right.

nSet the flash head at a click stop at the angles shown. nWhen taking close-up pictures with flash, tilt the flash

head down to the –7° position (p. 70).

Choosing the reflecting surface

m In color photography, select white or highly

reflective surfaces to bounce the light off of. Otherwise, your pictures will come out with an unnatural color cast similar to that of the reflecting surface.

Bounce flash operation

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lUsing the built-in bounce card

m In bounce flash photography, use the SB-80DX’s built-in bounce card to

create a highlight in the subject’s eyes, making the eyes look more vibrant.

nAs shown in the illustrations below, pull out the wide-flash adapter. While holding the

bounce card, slide the wide-flash adapter back into place inside the flash head.

nTilt the flash head up 90° to use this function most effectively.

90¡

50¡

lShooting with the Nikon Diffusion Dome

m Use of the provided Nikon Diffusion Dome diffuses the light from the flash

much more than with normal bounce flash, allowing you to soften the light from the flash and eliminate shadows. With the camera in the vertical position, the Nikon Diffusion Dome provides the same effect.

nGood results are generally obtained when the flash head is tilted up 60°. nUse of the built-in wide-flash adapter in conjunction with the the Nikon Diffusion Dome

results in much more diffused light (p. 72).

m Attach the Nikon Diffusion Dome

as shown in the illustration.

m The zoom-head position is

automatically set at 14mm.

Nikon Diffusion Dome attached Nikon Diffusion Dome not attached

Close-up flash operation

With the built-in wide-flash adapter attached to the SB-80DX, close-up flash shooting can be performed. The built-in wide-flash adapter diffuses the light from the flash to soften shadows. When the SB-80DX is used off-camera, you can take more natural-looking close-up pictures.

nBe sure to use the wide-flash adapter when taking close-up flash photographs. nTake care that light from the flash is not obstructed by the lens barrel when a long lens

is used.

nVignetting due to the lighting situation, lens in use, focal length, etc. may occur in close-

up flash shooting. It is strongly recommended to make test shots before taking the final

pictures.

Shooting data:

nCamera: F100 nFocal length: 105mm nSpeedlight: Two SB-80DX units set to

Standard TTL flash

nAperture: f/22 + 2/3 nShooting distance: 50cm (20 in.) nISO sensitivity: 100

Shooting data:

nCamera: F100 nFocal length: 105mm nSpeedlight: Single SB-80DX unit set to

Standard TTL flash

nAperture: f/16 nShooting distance: 50cm (20 in.) nISO sensitivity: 100

Flash shooting with one flash unitFlash shooting with two flash units

An example of close-up shooting with two flash units

The subject is illuminated from behind by flash unit  to emphasize the small subject’s contours, while flash unit  is used off-camera to illuminate the subject from the side, softening the shadows.

SC-18

SC-19

SC-17

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set the camera’s metering system to Matrix Metering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W.

Set the SB-80DX’s flash mode to TTL or D-TTL auto flash.

Position the built-in wide-flash adapter over the flash head. Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom-head position to 14mm or 17mm.

Tilt the flash head down to –7°.

nThis position is recommended to illuminate the lower

portion of the subject sufficiently in close-up photography when the SB-80DX is attached to the camera and used as the only flash unit.

nThe underbar blinks when the flash head is tilted

down to this position.

7°

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

nWhen the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

lSetting the aperture

m Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table. Setting a smaller

aperture than the one obtained from the equation is recommended.

f/stop

≥ Coefficient ÷ Flash-to-subject distance

m For example, with a subject 0.5m (1.6 ft) away using an ISO sensitivity of 100

and with the wide-flash adapter in place, the suggested aperture is:

f/stop

≥ 2 ÷ 0.5 = 4 (in meters)

f/stop

≥ 6.6 ÷ 1.6 = approx. 4 (in feet)

Therefore, you should use at least f/4 or an even smaller aperture, such as

f/5.6 or f/8.

lSetting the built-in wide-flash adapter and adjusting the

zoom-head position

Slowly pull out the wide-flash adapter all the way, and position it over the flash head. Then slide the bounce card back into place inside the flash head.

Press the c or d button to adjust the zoomhead position to 14mm or 17mm.

nWhen the wide-flash adapter is set on the flash head,

the power zoom function becomes inactive and the zoom-head position is adjusted to 14mm or 17mm.

nTo slide the wide-flash adapter back into place, raise

it and push it into the flash head as far as it will go.

ISO sensitivity 25 50 100 200 400 800 1000 Coefficient (m/ft) 1.4/4.6 2/6.6 2/6.6 4/13 4/13 5.6/18 5.6/18

Close-up flash operation

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lWhen shooting subjects closer than 0.6m (2 ft)

m With the SB-80DX attached to the camera, sufficient illumination of the subject

cannot be obtained. In this case, use the SB-80DX off-camera by attaching the optional TTL Remote Cord as shown below.

SC-17

nFor cameras in Group I in 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Digital SLRs cameras

in 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs, you may not be able to obtain correct exposure, because distance information from the lens is used. In this case, position the camera (A) and the SB-80DX (B) at equal distances from the subject.

nFor F5 cameras with the High-Magnification Finder DW-30 or DW-31, or F4 cameras with

the High-Magnification Finder DW-20 or DW-21, use the optional TTL Remote Cord SC-24 instead of the SC-17.

Multiple flash operation (Creating various flash

Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking pictures by using several flash units to eliminate the shadows cast by the subject or to emphasize the subject’s shape. Multiple flash operation can be performed in two ways: (1) By using cords or (2) Wireless operation.

lNotes on performing multiple flash (common to both

operations)

m Be sure to read the instruction manuals of your camera and the Speedlight(s)

in use.

Master flash unit and slave flash unit(s)

m In this manual, the flash unit mounted on the camera or the one directly

connected to the camera using a remote cord is called the master flash unit. All other flash units are called slave flash units.

Canceling Monitor Preflashes in multiple flash operation

m Cancel the Monitor preflashes of the master flash unit following either one of the

methods described below, since Monitor Preflashes cause incorrect exposure.

Multiple flash with Nikon Digital SLRs cameras

m Because Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times in the D-TTL auto flash

mode, Digital SLRs cameras cannot be used for multiple flash shooting in this mode.

m With Digital SLRs cameras, only manual multiple flash operation is possible in

multiple flash shooting using cords. In wireless multiple flash shooting, set the master flash unit’s flash mode to the Auto Aperture (AA) or Non-TTL auto flash (A) mode.

Manual multiple flash mode

m FP High-Speed Flash sync and Repeating flash are not possible.

SB-80DX/SB-50DX

1 Set to the wireless flash mode. 2 Set the flash mode to Standard TTL flash. 3 Tilt the flash head up. 4 Use a non-CPU lens.

SB-28/28DX, SB-27,

1 Set the flash mode to Standard TTL flash.

SB-26, SB-25

2 Tilt the flash head up. 3 Use a non-CPU lens.

Built-in Speedlight

Set the exposure mode to Manual.

(F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70)

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

effects by using more than one Speedlight)

Canceling the power standby function

m When using a Speedlight having a standby function as a slave flash unit,

make sure that the standby function is set to off, or select a standby duration that is long enough, using the Custom settings mode.

m The SB-80DX’s standby function is canceled while the SB-50DX’s standby

duration is prolonged to approx. one hour when they are set to the wireless slave flash mode.

Turn off the power

m Turn off the camera and all the flash units before mounting the master flash

unit on the camera or connecting the master flash unit to the slave flash units.

Setting the angle of coverage of the slave flash units

m Set the angle of coverage of the slave flash units wider than the picture angle,

so that the subject will receive sufficient illumination even when the angle of the flash head is off axis from the subject. Remember, the closer the subject, the wider the angle of coverage required.

Compound guide number

m You can calculate the compound guide number (GN) by using the following

equation when more than one Speedlight is used in Manual multiple flash operation.

GN =

√

(GN of Speedlight A)

+ (GN of Speedlight B)2+ . . .

Balancing the illumination when using more than one Speedlight

m The brightness of the flash illumination is inversely proportional to the square

of the distance between the flash unit and the subject. For example, if the distance between Speedlight A and the subject is 1m (3.3 ft.), and Speedlight B is 2m (6.6 ft.), the combined brightness of the two Speedlights will be:

A : B = 1

: 22= 1 : 4 (in meters) or 3.32: 6.62= approx. 11 : 44 (in feet)

Therefore, the illumination provided by Speedlight A is four times (or two steps) brighter than that provided by Speedlight B.

Making test shots

m Making test shots before shooting is recommended.

The master flash unit  used off-camera illuminates the subject from the side to create a more natural-looking picture, and slave flash units  and  illuminate the subject from the top and the rear to eliminate shadows, helping to give a better rendition of the subject.

Shooting data

nCamera: F100 (1/250 sec. f/11) nFocal length: 70mm nMaster flash unit

 : SB-80DX set to

Standard TTL flash

nSalve flash units

,  : Two SB-80DX units

set to Standard TTL flash

Multiple flash shooting (using 3 flash units) Single flash shooting (on-camera flash unit)

Sample photographs and the positions of the Speedlights

lAvailable flash modes for multiple flash shooting

using cords

m Multiple flash shooting using cords can be performed in two ways:

(1) TTL multiple flash and (2) Manual multiple flash.

nPerforming multiple flash shooting in the Manual mode is not recommended, since it is

difficult to obtain the correct exposure. Use the TTL auto flash mode with cameras

compatible with TTL auto flash.

nManual flash is possible with all Nikon cameras, including Digital SLRs cameras. nUse of the SB-50DX and SB-23 as slave flash units is not recommended, because the

standby function cannot be canceled.

nEven when a master flash unit is used off-camera, the shutter speed is automatically set

through the optional TTL Remote Cord SC-17 in the TTL auto flash mode.

Multiple flash shooting using cords

From the top

SC-18

SC-19

SC-18

SC-19

SC-17

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lConnecting the master and slave flash units

m Refer to “System chart for TTL multiple flash” (p. 80). Also see the instruction

manuals of your cameras, Speedlights, and accessories.

nUse the optional TTL Remote Cords SC-18 or SC-19 to connect the SB-80DX to more

than one slave flash unit.

nUse the optional Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10, if the slave flash units are not equipped with

multiple flash terminals.

nUse optional Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 to attach the slave flash unit(s) to a tripod.

lThe maximum number of flash units to be connected

using cords

m Up to five units including the master flash unit can be used for multiple flash

photography at a total cable length of 10m (33 ft.).

nMake sure the combined total of the coefficients in the table below for all flash units used

together does not exceed 20 at 20°C (68°F) or 13 at 40°C (104°F).

nIf it exceeds these figures, you may not be able to take a second shot after the first one.

In this case, turn off the power of all flash units and reduce the total number of flash units connected.

Speedlight Coefficient

SB-80DX, SB-50DX, SB-30, SB-29, SB-29s, SB-28, SB-28DX, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-22s, SB-14, SB-11, SB-140

SB-23, SB-21, SB-17, SB-16, SB-15 4

SB-22 6

SB-20 9

lTTL multiple flash

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Attach the master flash unit to the camera, turn the power on, and set the flash mode to TTL auto flash.

nAvailable TTL auto flash modes are Matrix Balanced

Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash, and Standard TTL flash. For the usable camera/lens/exposure mode/metering system combination, see page 36.

n3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor

Balanced Fill-Flash cannot be used, because monitor preflashes are fired.

nD-TTL multiple flash shooting using cords is not

possible with digital SLRs cameras.

Turn off all the flash units before connecting the master flash unit to the slave flash units using optional TTL Remote Cords SC-18 or SC-19.

Turn on all slave flash units and set the flash mode on all slave flash unit to TTL auto flash.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance range as in normal TTL auto flash shooting, then shoot.

nSee page 28 about the TTL auto flash mode. nWhen the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

Multiple flash shooting using cords

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lManual multiple flash

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Turn off the power and attach the master flash unit to the camera.

Connect the sync terminal on the master flash unit to the slave flash unit using optional Sync Cords SC-11 or SC-15.

Turn on the power of all flash units and set the flash mode on all units to Manual flash.

nThe flash output level can be adjusted on the SB-80DX,

SB-28, etc., if necessary (p. 45).

nFP High-Speed Flash sync and Repeating flash are

not possible.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal Manual flash shooting, then shoot.

nSee page 46 about the Manual flash mode.

System chart for TTL multiple flash

SC-24

SB-21B

SB-21A

SB-16A SB-17

SC-14

SB-11

SC-23

SB-14 SB-140

SB-16B

SB-15

SB-25 SB-26SB-24

Master flash unit

SC-17

V-type Sync Cord

SB-27

AS-17

SB-29/29s

Items marked on page 80 are connected to item on page 81.

SB-28/28DX

SB-22 SB-22sSB-20 SB-23 SB-30 SB-50DX

SB-80DX

Group I

Group V

F-501/N2020, F-401

s/N4004s,

F-401/N4004 F-301/N2000

Group III

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

Group II

F4-Series (with DW-20/DW-21)

F4-Series (with DA-20/DP-20) F65-Series/N65-Series F-801s/N8008s F-801/N8008 Pronea 600i/6i

Group VII

F3-Series

Group IV

F60-Series/N60 F50-Series/N50 F-401

X/N5005

Group VI

FM3A, FA, FE2, FG Nikonos V

F5 (with DA-30/DP-30) F100 F90X/N90s F90-Series/N90 F80-Series/N80-Series F70-Series/N70

F5 (with DW-30/DW-31)

nSpeedlights SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B cannot be used with the F-401/N4004 or

F-401s/N4004s as either master or slave flash units.

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

Slave flash unit

SC-18 (1.5m) SC-19 (3m)

SB-16B

AS-10

SB-15

AS-10

SC-23

SB-16A

AS-11

SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/28DX

SB-24

AS-10

SB-11

SB-21B

SB-16B

SB-24

SB-17

AS-11

SB-14 SB-140

SB-22SB-20

SB-25 SB-26

SB-21A

SB-22s

AS-11

SB-27

SB-28/28DX

SB-29/29s

SB-30

SB-80DX

SC-18 SC-19

SB-29/29s

SB-80DX

SC-18 SC-19

Using SC-18 or SC-19, up to five flash units can be used for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m (33 ft.).

Wireless multiple flash can be operated in two ways: (1) In the A (auto) mode, in which the wireless slave flash units start and stop firing in sync with the master Speedlight, and (2) in the M (manual) mode, in which the wireless slave flash units only fire in sync with the master Speedlight.

nIn wireless multiple flash, the master flash unit triggers and controls the flash duration of

the slave flash unit(s).

nThe camera’s built-in Speedlight can also be used as a master flash unit. nSpeedlights compatible with TTL auto flash, but having no wireless multiple flash function,

can be used as the master flash unit. The optional Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4

allows you to use any Speedlight as a slave flash unit.

Wireless multiple flash (two flash units) Single flash (off-camera flash unit)

The master flash unit  used off-camera illuminates the subject from the side to create a more natural-looking picture, and the slave flash unit  softens the shadows cast by the subject.

Shooting data

nCamera: F100 (1/250 sec., f/8) nFocal length: 50mm nMaster flash unit

: SB-80DX set to

Standard TTL flash

nSlave flash unit

: SB-80DX set to Auto

wireless slave flash mode

Wireless multiple flash shooting

Wireless multiple flash shooting and examples of effective Speedlight placement

SC-17

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

Three slave flash units are used. Slave flash unit



is used to eliminate the shadow caused by

the master flash unit



, while slave flash units



and brightly illuminate the subject from behind as well as the background to create a more natural-looking picture.

Shooting data

nCamera: F100 (1/125 sec, f/5.6 + 1/2) nFocal length: 40mm nMaster flash unit

: SB-80DX set to

Standard TTL flash

nSlave flash units

,,: Three SB-80DX

units set to Auto wireless slave flash

Wireless multiple flash (four flash units) Single flash (on-camera flash unit)

Notes on setting the slave flash units.

m Position the slave flash unit (usually closer to the subject than the camera), so

that light from the master flash unit can reach the light sensor of the slave flash unit. Particularly when taking pictures while holding a slave flash unit in your hand, make sure the slave flash unit is in front of the camera, so that light can reach the light sensor of the slave flash unit.

m Take care not to let light from the slave flash unit enter the camera lens

directly or indirectly (in TTL auto flash mode) and prevent light from entering the master flash unit’s light sensor for Non-TTL auto flash (in Non-TTL auto flash mode). Otherwise, the correct exposure cannot be obtained.

m There is no limit to the number of slave flash units that can be used together.

However, if too much light from other slave flash units enters the light sensor of the master flash unit, correct operation may not be possible. Practically, the number of slave flash units should be limited to three.

m When the SB-80DX is attached to the camera after activating the Wireless

flash mode, the O indicator appears on the LCD panel, showing that the SB-80DX can be used as a wireless master flash unit. When the flash unit is detached as it is, the indicator automatically changes to P or P and you can use the SB-80DX as a wireless slave flash unit.

m With the SB-80DX attached to Digital SLRs cameras, the wireless flash mode is

canceled and no wireless flash indicator appears on the LCD panel when the flash mode is set to D-TTL auto flash. Therefore, be sure to set the flash mode to other than D-TTL auto flash.

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose the “Wireless flash mode.”

Press the c or d button to select “ON.”

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode.

Detach the SB-80DX from the camera.

Press the a button until the wireless flash indicator appears on the LCD panel.

P (Auto mode) ⇔ P (Manual mode)

lActivating and canceling the wireless flash mode using

Custom settings

Wireless multiple flash shooting

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lWireless master flash unit

m The SB-80DX, when set as a wireless master flash unit, can be used as a

normal flash unit, but Monitor Preflashes will not fire even if Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor is selected.

m Use of a wireless master flash unit set to the TTL auto flash mode is

recommended. With Nikon Digital SLRs cameras, use a wireless master flash unit set to the Auto Aperture or Non-TTL auto flash mode.

lWireless slave flash unit

m When the flash unit is used off-camera, the wireless slave flash mode is

activated and the indication toggles between P (auto) and P (manual) mode every time you press the a button.

A (auto) mode:

m The wireless slave flash unit starts and stops firing in sync with the master

Speedlight.

m The maximum shooting distance of the SB-80DX’s light sensor is approx.

7m (23 ft.).

M (manual) mode:

m The wireless slave flash unit only fires in sync with the master Speedlight. m The maximum shooting distance of the SB-80DX’s light sensor is approx.

40m (131 ft.).

m The flash output level can be set from M1/1 to M1/128.

Note

nDo not leave the power of the wireless slave flash unit on—this includes Speedlights

mounted on the SU-4. Otherwise, ambient electric noise due to a discharge of static electricity, etc. may accidentally trigger the flash.

How to prevent accidental flash firing

m Press the Modeling illuminator button on the SB-80DX to avoid accidental

firing in sync with other Speedlights. The SB-80DX will not fire, while this button is pressed.

lWireless multiple flash shooting in A (auto) mode

Wireless multiple flash shooting

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set up all Speedlights as master and slave

flash units.

Set all SB-80DX units (used as the master and

slave flash units) to the Wireless flash mode.

Press the a button on the slave flash unit to

activate the A (auto) mode.

Set the flash mode of the master Speedlight to

the TTL auto flash mode.

nWith Nikon Digital SLRs cameras, wireless flash

cannot be set, if the flash mode is set to D-TTL auto flash. In this case, set the flash mode to Auto Aperture or Non-TTL auto flash.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance range as in normal TTL auto flash shooting, then shoot.

nSee page 28 about the TTL auto flash mode. nSee pages 42, 40 about the Auto Aperture or Non-

TTL auto flash mode with Digital SLRs cameras.

nFlash operation can be confirmed by the ready-light

or the beeping sound (p. 89).

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lWireless multiple flash shooting in M (manual) mode

Set the camera’s exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set up all Speedlights as the master and slave flash units.

Set all SB-80DX units (used as the master and slave flash units) to the Wireless flash mode.

Press the a button on the slave flash unit to activate the M (manual) mode.

Set the flash mode of the master Speedlight to the Manual flash mode.

nThe Non-TTL auto flash (A) mode can also be

selected on the wireless slave flash unit. In this case, the flash unit controls the flash output based on the aperture and ISO sensitivity which are set on the slave flash unit, and automatically stops firing in sync with the master flash unit (p. 40).

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal Manual flash shooting, then shoot.

nSee page 45 about Setting the flash output level. nSee page 46 about the Manual flash mode.

Adjusting the flash output level in M (manual) mode

Adjusting the slave flash unit’s flash output level manually

m Use the following equation to determine the proper manual flash output level

of the slave flash unit, depending on your creative preferences.

GN = F x D

where GN is the guide number of the slave flash unit (in meters/feet), F is the lens aperture in use, and D is the distance between the slave flash unit and the subject (in meters/feet).

For example, when using an ISO sensitivity of 100 and shooting a subject at a distance of 2m (6.6 ft.) with the SB-80DX’s zoom-head position adjusted to 28mm, and a lens aperture of f/4,

GN = 4 x 2 = 8 (in meters) GN = 4 x 6.6 = approx. 26 (in feet)

Therefore, to get the correct exposure, refer to the Guide Number table (p. 45) and adjust the flash output level to M1/16.

nRefer to “Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode” (p. 44).

Adjusting the slave flash unit’s flash output level in the Non-TTL auto flash (A) mode

m Determine the flash output level by setting the aperture on the slave flash unit

and camera.

Set the same ISO sensitivity on the slave flash unit as set on your camera.

Set the same aperture on both the lens and the slave flash unit to obtain the correct exposure.

nDepending on your creative preferences, you can intentionally overexpose or

underexpose the picture by modifying the aperture.

nThe above setting is applicable only when both the master and slave flash units are

pointed in the same directions. Not applicable, if the directions differ.

nRefer to “Setting apertures in the non-TTL auto flash mode” (p. 41) for more details.

Wireless multiple flash shooting

Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement

lConfirming flash operation using the ready-light or

the beeping sound

m You can confirm flash operation by checking the ready-light on the Speedlight

or the beeping sound during and after shooting.

Activating and canceling the SB-80DX’s beeping sound using Custom settings

m When the SB-80DX is used as a wireless slave flash unit, you can monitor its

operation by listening to the beeping sound (p. 90). This function can be activated or canceled using the Custom settings.

Detach the SB-80DX from the camera.

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press e or f button to choose “Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode.”

Press the c or d button to select:

L : Sound on M : Sound off

Press g button for more than 2 sec. or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode.

Lights up or does not come on (not blinking)

Two beeps

Fired properly

Blinks for approx. 3 sec.

Beeps for approx. 3 sec.

Both the master and slave flash units have fired at full output and light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. Use a wider aperture and reshoot.

Lights up or does not come on (not blinking)

Blinks for approx. 3 sec.

Beeps for approx. 3 sec.

The slave flash unit has fired at full output and light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. The light sensor could not detect when to stop firing in sync with the master flash unit, because a strong reflection from the slave flash unit itself or light from another slave flash unit may have entered the light sensor window. Change the direction or position of the slave flash unit and reshoot.

Lights up

One beep Ready to fire

Wireless multiple flash shooting

Confirming flash operation using the ready-light or beeping sound

Master flash Slave flash unit

unit

Speedlight condition

Ready-light Ready-light Beeping

sound

Reference information

Information on optional accessories and tips on Speedlight care are presented here. Following that are notes on batteries, troubleshooting, and the SB-80DX’s specifications.

Optional accessories

lAccessories for multiple flash

TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18 (approx. 1.5 m or 4.9 ft) TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-19 (approx. 3 m or 9.8 ft)

Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18/SC-19 are useful for connecting the SB-80DX to the multiple flash terminal of the SC-17 or AS-10 for TTL multiple flash operation.

TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10

Use the Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 when connecting more than three flash units together for TTL multiple flash operation, or if the slave flash units are not equipped with multiple flash terminals. The AS-10 comes with one tripod socket and three TTL multiple flash terminals.

Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15

The Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15 is necessary when connecting the SB-80DX to cameras not having a sync terminal.

Sync Cord SC-11 (approx. 25 cm or 9.8 in. ) Sync Cord SC-15 (approx. 1 m or 3.3 ft)

Sync Cords SC-11 and SC-15 are handy when you want to use the SB-80DX off-camera or for use with cameras not having accessory shoes. These cords also allow you to perform multiple flash operation in the Manual mode.

TTL Remote Cord SC-17 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft) TTL Remote Cord SC-24 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft)

TTL Remote Cords SC-17/SC-24 provide TTL auto flash operation when the SB-80DX is used off-camera. Their flash shoes come with one tripod socket and two TTL multiple flash terminals. The TTL Remote Cord SC-24 is for use with F5 cameras mounted with a High-Magnification Finder DW-30 or DW-31, or F4 cameras having a High-Magnification Finder DW-20 or DW-21.

Reference information

Multi-Flash Bracket Unit SK-E900

(One AS-E900 Multi-Flash Adapter is included with the SK-E900)

Multi-Flash Adapter AS-E900

The SB-80DX can be used as a multiple flash unit with Nikon COOLPIX 900 series digital cameras by attaching the COOLPIX to Multi-Flash Bracket unit SK-E900 and connecting the SB-80DX to the multiflash terminal of the COOLPIX using the Multi-Flash Adapter AS-E900 (p. 32).

Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4

Useful for multiple flash photography, the SU-4 features a built-in, movable light sensor and an accessory shoe for attachment of a slave flash unit. The SU-4’s light sensor not only triggers the slave unit to fire in sync with the master unit, but controls the flash duration of the slave unit to provide wireless TTL, Non-TTL, or Manual operation.

TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 for F3-Series cameras

Dedicated adapter for F3-Series cameras providing TTL flash operation with Nikon Speedlights such as SB-80DX featuring an ISO-type mounting foot (not designed for the F3).

Bracket SK-7

A metal plate with attachment screws allowing the camera and Speedlight to be positioned side by side. Use the optional TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 to attach the SB-80DX on Bracket SK-7.

Connecting to an external power source

m To use an external power source, remove the cover

and connect its power cord to the SB-80DX’s external power source terminal.

m Using external power sources made by another

manufacturer is not recommended.

Nikon DC Unit SD-7

Nikon High-Performance Battery Pack SD-8A

Power Bracket Unit SK-6A

∗1 With AA-type alkaline-manganese batteries in the SB-80DX. ∗2With the same type of batteries in both the external power source and the SB-80DX. ∗3 When fired at an interval of 120 seconds.

nThe above data may vary due to variations in performance or whether fresh or old

batteries are used.

nIn rare cases, when firing the modeling illuminator with the SD-8A or SK-6A attached, the

SB-80DX may be powered by its own batteries, and the external power source does not

operate. This is not a malfunction.

lUsing external power sources

Optional accessories

External power source

DC Unit SD-7

∗1

HighPerformance Battery Pack SD-8A

∗2

Power Bracket Unit SK-6A

∗1

C-type alkaline-manganese (x 6) AA-type alkaline-manganese (x 6) AA-type NiCd (1000mAh) (x 6) AA-type Ni-MH (x 6) AA-type lithium (x 6)

∗3

AA-type alkaline-manganese (x 4) AA-type NiCd (1000mAh) (x 4) AA-type Ni-MH (x 4) AA-type lithium (x 4)

∗3

2.5 sec.

2.5 sec. 2 sec. 2 sec. 2 sec. 3 sec.

2.5 sec.

3.5 sec.

430 times/2.5-30 sec. 400 times/2.5-30 sec. 190 times/2-30 sec. 300 times/2-30 sec. 300 times/2-30 sec. 300 times/3-30 sec. 150 times/2.5-30 sec. 250 times/2.5-30 sec. 330 times/3.5-30 sec.

Battery type required

Min. recycling time (approx.)

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

Specifications

Reference information

lCleaning

m Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-80DX and clean it

with a soft, clean cloth. After using the SB-80DX near saltwater, wipe the SB-80DX with a soft, clean cloth slightly moistened with plain water to remove salt, and then dry it using a dry cloth.

m On rare occasions, the LCD may turn on or turn dark, due to static electricity.

This is not a malfunction. The display will soon return to normal.

m Do not drop the SB-80DX or hit it against a hard surface, as this may damage

its precision mechanisms. Do not apply strong pressure to the LCD panel.

lStorage

m Store the SB-80DX in a cool, dry place to prevent malfunctions due to high

humidity, as well as the growth of mold or mildew.

m Keep the SB-80DX away from chemicals such as camphor or naphthalene.

Avoid exposing the SB-80DX to magnetic waves from TVs or radios.

m Do not use or leave the SB-80DX in locations subject to high temperatures

such as those encountered near a heater or stove, as this may cause damage.

m When not using the SB-80DX for more than two weeks, be sure to remove the

batteries before storage to prevent malfunctions due to battery leakage.

m Take the SB-80DX out about once a month, insert the batteries and fire the

unit several times to reform the capacitor.

m Change the desiccant occasionally since it does not absorb moisture

effectively after a while.

lOperating location

m An extreme temperature change can cause condensation inside the

SB-80DX. When taking the SB-80DX to a very hot place from a very cold place or vice versa, place it inside an airtight container such as plastic bag. Leave it inside for a while, then expose the SB-80DX gradually to the outside temperature.

m Avoid exposing the SB-80DX to strong magnetism or radio waves from TVs or

high-voltage power transmission towers, as this may cause it to malfunction.

WARNING

Never use thinner, benzene, or other active agents for cleaning the Speedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight, cause it to catch on fire, or harm your health.

Tips on Speedlight care

Notes on batteries

Warning

m Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. m Dry batteries shall not be subjected to charging. m Do not expose the SB-80DX to water as this may result in electric shock or

cause the unit to catch on fire.

lUsable batteries

m Use four AA-type batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types.

nHigh-power manganese batteries are not recommended. nUsing an external power source (p. 94) increases the number of flashes and provides

faster recycling times.

Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) battery

m Non-rechargeable batteries. They should not be charged in a battery charger.

Otherwise, they may explode.

Lithium (1.5V) battery

m Non-rechargeable batteries. They should not be charged in a battery charger.

Otherwise, they may explode.

nDepending on battery specifications, when the battery becomes hot, the safety circuits

are activated, cutting off power. This often occurs when the flash unit is operated in the

repeating flash mode. Battery power will recover when the temperature returns to normal.

NiCd battery (rechargeable, 1.2V) / Ni-MH (rechargeable, 1.2V)

m Rechargeable batteries. Before recharging the batteries, be sure to read the

instruction manuals for your batteries and battery charger for detailed information on how to handle and charge the batteries.

lNotes on handling batteries

m Because flash consumes a large amount of battery power, rechargeable

batteries may not operate properly before reaching the end of their stated lifespan or the number of charging/discharging as specified by the battery manufacturer.

m When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at the same time. Do not

mix battery types or brands or use old with new batteries.

m When installing batteries, turn the power of the Speedlight off, and never

reverse the polarity of the batteries.

mWhen the battery terminals become soiled, remove the dirt and smudges

before use, as this may cause a malfunction.

m Battery power tends to weaken as the temperature drops. It also gradually

decreases when batteries are not used for a long period of time and recovers after a short break following intensive use. Be sure to check battery power and replace the batteries with fresh ones, if you notice any delays in recycling time.

m Do not store batteries in locations subject to high temperatures and high humidity.

Reference information

Problem

The power cannot be turned on. The ready-light does not light up.

The power turns off automatically. A strange sound can be heard caused

by the flash head zooming back and forth even when the SB-80DX is turned off.

The flash shooting distance range does not appear.

D, DE, or

indicator

appears in TTL auto flash mode.

The zoom-head position cannot be adjusted to other than 14mm or 17mm.

Cause

The batteries are not correctly installed.

nBattery power is weak. nThe standby function is activated

and operating.

The batteries are extremely exhausted.

The flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front or down -7˚ position.

The camera’s exposure mode or metering system is not correctly set or a non-CPU lens is mounted.

The built-in wide-flash adapter is in use or the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached.

Ref.

page

p. 16 p. 17

p. 19

p. 17

p. 21

p. 36

p. 69 p. 72

If a warning indication appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel or inside the camera’s viewfinder, use the following chart to determine the cause of the problem before you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair.

Problems with the SB-80DX

Troubleshooting

Problem

The ready-light blinks for 3 sec. after firing. The underexposure indicator blinks and the amount of underexposure is displayed, depending on the camera in use.

The underbar blinks.

The zoom-head position indication blinks.

A small M above the “ZOOM” indication blinks.

The

indicators and the zoom-

head position blink.

blinks.

The aperture indicator displays “

FEE”and the shutter cannot be released.

Cause

Underexposure may have occurred.

The flash head is tilted down –7°.

“Emergency mode” is set to ON.

“Canceling the power zoom function” is set to ON.

The built-in wide-flash adapter is used in the FP High-Speed Flash sync mode.

The SB-80DX is removed from the camera while the

setting is ON.

The aperture on the lens is not set at its minimum.

Ref.

page

p. 31

p. 21 p. 98

p. 25

p. 51

—

Warning indicators in the SB-80DX

Problem

In the Auto Aperture AA flash mode, the aperture and the flash output level compensation value blink and the flash shooting distance range disappears.

The zoom-head position displays “- - mm” and blinks.

Three beeps sound during wireless multiple flash shooting.

Cause

The aperture or flash output level compensation value set is out of the usable flash shooting distance range.

In rare cases, this happens but is not a malfunction. Turn off the power and then turn it back on.

The flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred.

Ref.

page

p. 42

—

p. 90

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button to choose “Emergency mode.”

Press the c or d button to set it to “ON.”

Press the g button for more than 2 sec. or press the ON/OFF button to return to the normal setting mode. The zoom-head position indicator blinks, making it possible to adjust the zoomhead automatically or manually.

If the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally

m The wide-flash adapter may be broken off, if it receives a strong impact while

set on the flash head. If it becomes broken, visit your nearest authorized Nikon service center for repair.

Setting the zoom-head position when the wide-flash adapter is broken off using Custom settings

m It is no longer possible to set the zoom-head position to other than 14mm or

17mm. In this case:

Troubleshooting

Reference information

Cameras in Groups I (except for F70-Series/N70) to VI and Digital SLRs cameras

Note

The SB-80DX incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations. In rare cases, the SB-80DX may not work properly even after fresh batteries are properly installed. If this happens, replace the batteries while the SB-80DX’s power is turned on.

Problem

The ready-light blinks when pressing the shutter release button slightly in the TTL auto flash mode.

Cameras in Groups V and VI The ready-light blinks when the power

is turned on in TTL auto flash mode.

The ready-light blinks in the TTL auto flash mode.

The ready-light blinks.

The ready-light blinks when the flash mode is set to TTL auto flash.

Cause

The SB-80DX is not correctly attached to the camera.

The ISO sensitivity set on the camera is higher than the available range of the Speedlight. The ISO sensitivity set on the camera is higher or lower than the available range for the FA camera.

The shutter speed is set to M90, M250, or B (bulb).

The shutter speed set is faster than the flash sync speed.

The SB-80DX’s flash mode is set to TTL auto flash.

Ref.

page

p. 20

p. 38

—

p. 21

Ready-light warning inside the camera’s viewfinder

Cameras in Group VI

FM3A, New FM2 cameras

New FM2, F55/N55 cameras.

100

Electronic Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) construction and series circuitry

Flash Selected by pressing a button. exposure control

Settings on camera

* Appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel

Indicator Available flash operation

D+E 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash/

Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

C+D+E 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash/Multi-Sensor

Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs

D+F Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash or Center-Weighted Fill-

Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

C+D+F Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs D Standard TTL Flash, Matrix Balanced

Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

C+D Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs A Non-TTL Auto Flash B Auto Aperture Flash G Manual Flash G+H Repeating Flash G+%K FP High-Speed Flash sync

Specifications

Indicator Available flash operation

N* Red-eye reduction \ Rear-curtain sync [ Slow-sync ^ Red-eye reduction in slow-sync

Nikon SB-80DX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual