Nikon SB-80DX User Manual

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.

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