Nikon SB-50DX Instruction Manual Download

Page: 5 / 39

LCD Panel

Lenses

• All indications are displayed in the illustration for easy reference.

Flash mode

P. 18

D-TTL auto flash

: TTL auto flash

: Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash

with TTL Multi-Sensor

: Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash,

Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash

: Manual flash

Wide-flash adapter

P. 44

Wireless Flash mode

P. 51

Sound monitor off

P. 50

Flash head tilting up/double flash
(horizontal position)

P. 15, 54

AF-Assist Illuminator cancel

P. 37

Flash output level compensation P. 35

Underexposure

P. 21

Underexposure value/flash output
level compensation value

P. 21, 35

Flash head tilting down (close-up
photography)

P. 15

Camera’s built-in Speedlight P. 42, 54

Zoom-head position

P. 16

•

About 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-50DX in dim light

• Press the SLAVE/

button to turn the illuminator on (when the SB-50DX

power is on). Press the button again to turn the illuminator off. It turns off
automatically after approx. 16 sec. when the SB-50DX is not in use.

Types of CPU Nikkor lenses and non-CPU Nikkor lenses

CPU Nikkor lenses

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

Non-CPU Nikkor lenses

AI-S Nikkor
AI Nikkor
Series E

•

CPU lenses

• CPU lens has CPU contacts.

•

G-type AF Nikkor lenses

• The G-type Nikkor lens does not include an

aperture ring. The lens sends the distance
information to the camera body. With some
camera bodies, the usable exposure mode is
limited (see the lens’ instruction manual).

•

D-type AF Nikkor lenses

• The lens sends the distance information to

the camera body. (See the lens’ instruction
manual).

Preparation

SB-50DX (E) 02.12.9 2:33 PM Page 8

http://www.mynikon.com.pl

Summary of Contents for SB-50DX

Page 1: ...En INSTRUCTION MANUAL Autofocus Speedlight En SB 50DX E 02 12 9 2 33 PM Page 1 http www mynikon com pl ...

Page 2: ...is also possible The supplied Infrared Filter SW 9IR enables you to use the SB 50DX as an infrared remote commander p 53 For operation in dim light an illuminator for the LCD panel is provided p 8 and light condensing paint is applied to characters and symbols on the backside p 7 The Nikon N90s N90 N70 N8008 N8008s PRONEA 6i N6006 N6000 N60 N50 N5005 and N4004 N4004s are sold exclusively in the U ...

Page 3: ...sation 38 Preparation Basic Operation Detailed Operation Technical Operation Speedlight Placement Miscellaneous TECHNICAL OPERATION 39 56 Bounce Flash Photography 40 42 Bounce flash operation with single flash 41 Bounce flash operation with double flash SB 50DX and camera s built in Speedlight 42 Close Up Flash Photography 43 45 Multiple Flash Photography 46 56 Wireless Multiple Flash Operation 48...

Page 4: ...0DX 8 Light sensor P 48 Senses light from the master flash unit in wireless multiple flash operation 9 Tilting angle scale P 15 p LCD panel P 8 q Ready light P 12 21 Lights up when the SB 50DX is fully charged and ready to fire Blinks after the SB 50DX fires at its maximum output in TTL D TTL auto flash mode telling you that light may be insufficient w FLASH button P 12 Press to test fire the flas...

Page 5: ...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 50DX in dim light Press the SLAVE button to turn the illuminator on when the SB 50DX power is on Press the button again to...

Page 6: ...the left hand pages More detailed information is given on the right hand pages 11 E x a m p l e P h o t o s Bounce flash p 40 Bounce flash with single Speedlight Bounce flash with double flash using SB 50DX and camera s built in Speedlight Regular flash with single built in Speedlight SB 50DX E 02 12 9 2 33 PM Page 10 http www mynikon com pl ...

Page 7: ... D TTL auto flash mode p 25 or at maximum output in Manual flash mode p 31 When performing test firing never place your eyes near the flash head ON OFF button and standby function Pressing the ON OFF button turns on the SB 50DX and indications appear in the LCD panel Pressing the button again turns off the SB 50DX and indications disappear If the SB 50DX is left unused for approx 40 seconds the st...

Page 8: ...Tilt up the flash head for bounce flash operation p 40 or tilt it down for close up flash shooting p 43 Click stops are provided at 90 75 50 horizontal and 18 positions When the flash head is tilted up is displayed in the LCD panel When the flash head is tilted down is displayed When the flash head is tilted down and the wide flash adapter is not attached wide flash adapter recommend blinks p 44 F...

Page 9: ...usted position of CPU lens zoom head position 24mm 27mm ZOOM 24mm 28mm 34mm ZOOM 28mm 35mm 49mm ZOOM 35mm 50mm or longer ZOOM 50mm Note Zoom head position and guide number The guide number varies according to the zoom head position p 33 Digital Data Communication When the SB 50DX is used with cameras in Groups I and II p 28 or Nikon digital SLR cameras Digital Data Communication is performed With ...

Page 10: ...ng on the lens camera exposure mode and or metering system combination being used For details see table on p 28 and your camera s instruction manual Automatic flash synchronization with TTL D TTL auto flash In TTL D TTL auto flash after the camera s shutter is released and the flash fires the camera measures the amount of light reflected from the subject through the lens to automatically control f...

Page 11: ... the SB 50DX turns on Selecting the camera s flash sync mode In addition to Front Curtain Sync normal sync Slow Sync Rear Curtain Sync Red Eye Reduction etc can be selected Available flash sync mode depends on the camera in use For details see your camera s instruction manual If the ready light blinks after flash shooting In TTL D TTL auto flash mode the ready light on the SB 50DX and or the camer...

Page 12: ...ETAILED OPERATION This chapter features a detailed description of the SB 50DX functions 23 22 Close up photography p 43 E x a m p l e P h o t o s SB 50DX E 02 12 9 2 33 PM Page 22 http www mynikon com pl ...

Page 13: ...tance range p 21 for your subject If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed the camera automatically shifts to its fastest flash sync speed when the SB 50DX is turned on In Aperture Priority Auto exposure A mode By selecting aperture you can control depth of field and flash shooting distance range Camera selects the correct shutter speed The range of automatically controlled shut...

Page 14: ...in that order Take the level of exposure balance on the main subject and the background into account when choosing the camera lens exposure mode metering system combination When the SB 50DX is used in TTL auto flash mode with Nikon digital SLR cameras D TTL auto flash mode is automatically activated and Monitor Pre flashes become available Available types of D TTL auto flash vary depending on the ...

Page 15: ...J R P S A q 10 IV F50 series N50 F 401x N5005 HJ R R M w 2 7 10 Group Camera TTL D TTL auto Lens Exposure Metering Notes flash mode CPU Non CPU mode system p 30 F 501 N2020 F 301 N2000 H R R P A M w 13 14 V F 401s N4004s H R P S A q 13 F 401 N4004 H R R M w 7 FA H R R P A M q w 14 FG H R R P A M w 14 F3 series VI with AS 17 FM3A H R R A M w 14 FE2 Nikonos V H R A M w 15 D1X DHK R P S A M q w 16 17...

Page 16: ...D type Nikkor lenses 18 When Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLR is activated Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLR is automatically selected when the metering system is set to Spot In Manual flash mode the SB 50DX always fires at its maximum output Manual flash can be performed in any camera lens and metering system combination By selecting the aperture you can control the exposure and flash shooting...

Page 17: ...rogrammed Auto Auto Multi Program P or Shutter Priority Auto S exposure mode the aperture value set on the lens cannot be confirmed In addition the shutter cannot be released in Manual flash operation p 31 The guide number indicates the power of the flash It varies according to ISO film speed sensitivity and zoom head position Equations including guide number The table below shows the guide number...

Page 18: ...B 50DX flash output level flash output level compensation p 35 Flash output level compensation is possible only when using cameras of Group I II III or Nikon digital SLR cameras p 28 Controlling background exposure in flash photography By setting Slow Sync p 20 or by selecting a slower shutter speed than flash sync speed in Shutter Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode you can bring out background...

Page 19: ...s on However with F60 series N60 and SB 50DX s flash mode set to manual AF Assist Illuminator of the F60 series N60 turns on See your camera s instruction manual With some cameras AF Assist Illuminator of the SB 50DX may not turn on when performing double flash shooting using the camera s built in Speedlight p 42 54 With cameras having selectable focus areas Set the camera s AF area mode to Single...

Page 20: ...techniques in flash shooting such as bounce flash and multiple flash 39 38 Flash output level compensation p 35 compensation No compensation compensation No compensation E x a m p l e P h o t o s SB 50DX E 02 12 9 2 33 PM Page 38 http www mynikon com pl ...

Page 21: ... 1 Attach the SB 50DX to the camera body and set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M See your camera s instruction manual 2 Set the camera s metering system to Matrix Metering or Center Weighted Metering and flash sync mode to Front Curtain Sync See your camera s instruction manual Generally set flash sync mode to Front Curtain Sync If your camera does not have the f...

Page 22: ...ONEA 600i PRONEA 6i When performing double flash operation with the Nikon F70 series N70 or PRONEA 600i PRONEA 6i camera the Power Zoom function p 16 standby function linked to the camera s exposure meter p 13 viewfinder ready light warnings p 15 20 21 and AF Assist Illuminator p 36 are not available ZOOM and mm in the SB 50DX s LCD panel blink Set the zoom head position manually Also Rear Curtain...

Page 23: ...ct distance For example with a subject 0 5m 1 6 ft away using ISO 100 film the suggested aperture is f stop 2 4 0 5 Or f stop 6 6 4 1 6 In this instance you should use at least f 4 or even smaller aperture larger f number such as f 5 6 or f 8 7 Compose focus confirm the ready light comes on then shoot If the ready light on the SB 50DX and the camera s viewfinder ready light ﬁ blink for approx 3 se...

Page 24: ... unit p 48 following the methods described in the table below Camera s settings in multiple flash operation Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto or Manual exposure metering system to Matrix or Center Weighted and flash sync mode to Front Curtain Sync in multiple flash operation If your camera does not have the flash sync mode option Front Curtain Sync is automatically activated...

Page 25: ...ars from the LCD panel Turning off the SB 50DX does not cancel the Wireless Flash mode Wireless Multiple Flash Operation You can perform wireless multiple flash operation with the SB 50DX The light sensor on the SB 50DX senses light received from the master flash unit Speedlight such as the SB 50DX attached on the camera or camera s built in Speedlight to trigger the SB 50DX and control the flash ...

Page 26: ... monitor function press the ZOOM and buttons simultaneously again so disappears from the LCD panel and the sound monitor beeps twice 6 Shoot following the same procedure as in normal TTL auto flash operation Flash operation can be confirmed with ready light indication or beeping sound Master flash unit Slave flash unit Ready light Ready light Sound monitor Lights up Lights up Beeps once Lights up ...

Page 27: ...ve Flash mode p 52 Carrying the Infrared Filter SW 9IR When not used the SW 9IR can be placed on top of the flash head Fit the SW 9IR into the grooves on the flash head Wireless Multiple Flash Operation continued Manual wireless multiple flash operation with the SB 50DX set at Manual Slave Flash mode To fire the slave SB 50DX unit placed distant from the master flash unit or where the light of the...

Page 28: ...e flash operation with the F70 series N70 see Exposure mode with the Nikon F70 series N70 on p 42 In double flash operation with the Nikon F70 series N70 or PRONEA 600i PRONEA 6i camera see When using the Nikon F70 series N70 or PRONEA 600i PRONEA 6i on p 42 Multiple Flash Operation Using Cords For detailed information about function operation connection etc see the instruction manual for your cam...

Page 29: ...lash terminal on the AS 10 SC 17 etc for TTL multiple flash operation TTL Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 The TTL Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 can be connected to perform TTL multiple flash operation using cords for slave flash Speedlight units that do not have TTL multiple flash terminals However in TTL multiple flash operation using cords use of the SB 50DX or SB 23 as a slave flash unit is not recommend...

Page 30: ...sh mode Lens AF Zoom Nikkor 28 80mm f 3 3 5 6G Master flash unit built in Speedlight Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit SB 50DX Manual Slave Flash mode Effective Speedlight Placement Bounce flash operation to produce more natural looking pictures Bounce the light off the ceiling or walls to produce more natural looking portraits where the entire frame is properly exposed See Bounce Flash Photogra...

Page 31: ...to Manual flash mode Manual Slave Flash mode with the SB 50DX p 52 for rather high output level When using a camera in Group I II or III p 28 compensate flash output level p 35 to the side Subject Single flash built in Speedlight Camera F80D Manual exposure mode Front Curtain Sync flash mode Lens AF Zoom Nikkor 28 80mm f 3 3 5 6G Master flash unit built in Speedlight Standard TTL Flash Slave flash...

Page 32: ...flash unit at the side of the camera and master flash unit as illustrated The optional SK 7 bracket p 56 enables you to easily set the slave flash unit to the side of the camera and master flash unit For calculating the compound guide number see Guide number on p 33 Subject Single flash built in Speedlight Camera F80D Aperture Priority Auto exposure mode Front Curtain Sync flash mode Lens AF Zoom ...

Page 33: ...electricity This is not a malfunction The display soon returns to normal Do not subject the SB 50DX to strong vibration or shock Do not drop the SB 50DX or hit it against a hard surface as this may damage its precision mechanism Avoid strong electric or magnetic fields The SB 50DX may not function properly in strong electric or magnetic fields such as near a transmitter tower Avoid using the SB 50...

Page 34: ...the range or set Manual flash mode Set shutter speed to another setting Set shutter speed to flash sync speed or slower Set Manual flash mode Page 21 9 25 18 18 15 31 31 Miscellaneous Troubleshooting Camera All cameras Cameras other than FE10 Cameras that are compatible with TTL D TTL auto flash Cameras with built in Speedlight Cameras of Group I and Nikon digital SLR cameras Warning indication Re...

Page 35: ... speed Zoom head position 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 14mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 1 4 2 2 8 4 5 6 2 6 29 3 9 39 4 2 46 4 6 49 5 6 59 1 4 2 2 8 4 5 6 8 2 0 20 2 6 30 3 0 33 3 3 36 3 9 43 1 4 2 2 8 4 5 6 8 11 2 0 14 2 0 21 2 3 23 2 3 25 3 0 30 2 2 8 4 5 6 8 11 16 2 0 9 8 2 0 15 2 0 16 2 0 18 2 0 21 2 8 4 5 6 8 11 16 22 2 0 6 9 2 0 10 2 0 12 2 0 13 2 0 15 4 5 6 8 11 16 22 32 2 0 4 9 2 0 7 2 2 0 8 2 2 0 8...

Page 36: ... when the SB 50DX is not in use Backside indications Light condensing paint is applied to the characters and symbols Dimensions W x H x D Approx 63 x 107 x 105 mm 2 5 x 4 2 x 4 1 in Weight without batteries Approx 235g 8 3 oz Accessories supplied Soft Case SS 50 Infrared Filter SW 9IR Miscellaneous Wireless Flash mode Effective range Auto Slave Flash Approx 7m 23 ft Manual Slave Flash Approx 40m 1...

Page 37: ...TL High Speed Sync 33 A AF Assist Illuminator 36 Angle of coverage 16 Aperture Priority Auto exposure mode 24 Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with TTL Multi Sensor 25 Auto Slave Flash mode 49 Auto wireless multiple flash 48 B Bounce flash photography 40 Bounce flash operation with double flash 42 Bounce flash operation with single flash 41 C Center Weighted Fill Flash for Digital SLR 25 27 Center We...

Page 38: ...75 74 SB 50DX E 02 12 9 2 33 PM Page 74 http www mynikon com pl ...

Page 39: ...otation in critical articles or reviews may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION NIKON CORPORATION FUJI BLDG 2 3 MARUNOUCHI 3 CHOME CHIYODA KU TOKYO 100 8331 JAPAN Printed in Japan K2F00500301 S923 11 K SB 50DX E 02 12 9 2 33 PM Page 76 http www mynikon com pl ...

Search results

Summary of Contents for SB-50DX

Reviews:

Related manuals for SB-50DX

Brands by name

Popular brands

Nikon SB-50DX, Instruction Manual

Search results

Summary of Contents for SB-50DX

Reviews:

Related manuals for SB-50DX

Brands by name

Popular brands