Nikon SB-800 Page 12 Instruction Manual Download

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Foreword

■

Notes

•

Default:

Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory
are referred to as “Default” settings in this manual.

•

CLS:

Hereafter, Nikon’s new Speedlight system “Nikon

reative

ighting

ystem” is abbreviated “

CLS

.”

■

Marks used in this manual

•

Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure.

•

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

•

Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-800

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Supplied accessories

Quick Recycling Battery Pack

Speedlight Stand

Nikon Diffusion Dome

SD-800

AS-19

SW-10H

Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800:

Soft Case SS-800

FL-G1, TN-A1

Summary of Contents for SB-800

Page 1: ...En SB 800 En SB 800 Autofocus Speedlight Instruction Manual ...

Page 2: ...y to yourself or others For quick reference by those who use the product please keep these safety instructions near the product In this manual safety instructions are indicated with these symbols Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in personal injury or death and property damage Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in property damage WARNING CAU...

Page 3: ...ies to prevent the unit from catching on fire or melting Allow the flash unit to cool down so that you can safely touch it and remove the batteries Then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair 6 The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to rain saltwater or moisture unless it is properly protected from the liquids and moisture Underwate...

Page 4: ... C D or other common rechargeable batteries such as NiCd and Ni MH battery types or when recharging them be sure to use only the battery charger specified by the battery maker and read the instructions thoroughly Do not recharge these batteries with their terminals reversed in the charger or before the batteries have cooled off sufficiently because they could leak corrosive liquids explode or catc...

Page 5: ...llic materials such as necklaces and hair pins because such materials could cause the batteries to short circuit leading to battery leakage heat generation or an explosion In addition specially when carrying a quantity of batteries place them carefully in a storage case that prevents the battery terminals from touching another battery s terminals because if they touch in reverse order it could als...

Page 6: ...erate heat 15 Stop recharging rechargeable batteries if you notice that recharging is not completed within the specified time to help prevent the possibility of the battery leaking corrosive liquids or generating heat 16 When recycling or disposing of batteries be sure to insulate their terminals with tape If the battery s positive and negative terminals short circuit after coming into contact wit...

Page 7: ... position 26 27 6 Setting the camera s exposure mode and metering system 28 29 7 Setting the SB 800 s flash mode 30 31 8 Compose the picture and shoot with flash 32 33 Using the SB 800 with the COOLPIX 34 Detailed operation 35 SB 800 s available flash modes 36 TTL auto flash mode 37 Non TTL auto flash mode 38 41 Manual mode 42 50 Notes on continuous flash shooting 51 Checking the correct exposure ...

Page 8: ...tiple flash shooting 84 88 Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the ready light or the beeping sound 89 Multiple flash shooting using cords 90 93 System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords 94 95 Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras using colored gel filters 96 97 Bounce flash operation 98 101 Close up flash operation 102 105 Flash shooting in the 1 300 TTL High Spee...

Page 9: ...e Detailed operation A variety of flash modes available with the SB 800 are explained Other functions Detailed information on each function of the SB 800 is provided Advanced operations Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB 800 is described Reference information Optional accessories Troubleshooting Speedlight care Specifications etc are presented in this section ...

Page 10: ...e left and 90 to the right enabling bounce flash p 98 or close up flash photography p 102 The Nikon Creative Lighting System provides a variety of advanced wireless multiple flash operations when the SB 800 is used with compatible cameras p 5 When doing bounce flash or taking close ups with flash you can use the built in wide flash adapter in conjunction with Nikon Diffusion Dome to create extreme...

Page 11: ...ash exposure for the subject Using FV Lock with compatible cameras you can lock in the appropriate flash exposure for the main subject This flash exposure is locked in even if you change the aperture or composition or zoom the lens in and out p 61 Flash Color Information Communication When the SB 800 is used with compatible digital SLRs color temperature information is automatically transmitted to...

Page 12: ... abbreviated CLS Marks used in this manual v Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure t Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB 800 u Provides convenient reference information when using the SB 800 Supplied accessories Quick Recycling Battery Pack Speedlight Stand Nikon Diffusion Dome SD 800 AS 19 SW 10H Colored Gel Filter Set SJ 800 Soft Case ...

Page 13: ...brand cameras accessories including lenses Camera accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon s criteria for specifications and nonconforming cameras accessories could damage the SB 800 s components Nikon cannot guarantee the SB 800 s performance when used with non Nikon products Notes The Nikon N90s N90 N75 Series N70 N60 N55 Series N50 N8008 N8008s PRONEA 6i N6006 N6000 N5005 N400...

Page 14: ... p 37 2 Wireless multiple flash in the i TTL mode is possible 3 TTL mode is not possible TTL auto flash mode p 37 Group Camera name D D D o i TTL D TTL TTL 1 Cameras compatible D2H D70 with CLS Digital SLRs not D1 Series D100 compatible with CLS F5 F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 I F80 Series N80 Series F75 Series N75 Series F70 Series N70 F4 Series F65 Series N65 Series II F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008...

Page 15: ...Advanced B A Distance G q Wireless SU 4 type Auto Non TTL priority Manual Repeating Lighting master flash Aperture flash auto flash manual flash flash p 76 p 84 flash 2 3 4 3 6 The SB 800 s available flash modes vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode and metering system For more details refer to Detailed operation p 35 TTL auto flash modes available with the ...

Page 16: ...the subject s eyes in bounce flash photography 8 Built in wide flash adapter p 104 Increases the angle of coverage to match a 14mm or 17mm lens 9 Wide area AF assist illuminator p 62 Automatically turns on for autofocus operation when the light is dim 10 External power source terminal supplied with cover p 113 11 Light sensor window for Non TTL auto flash p 38 Senses reflected light from the subje...

Page 17: ...nal p 92 Connects the SB 800 to the remote flash unit s in TTL multiple flash operation using cords 21 Sync terminal p 93 Connects the SB 800 to the sync terminal of the remote flash unit s in other than TTL multiple flash operation using cords 22 LCD panel p 119 23 Control buttons p 12 24 Ready light Lights up when the SB 800 is fully recycled and ready to fire Blinks after the SB 800 fires at it...

Page 18: ...utton f button Press to increase or decrease the values of the highlighted items b button Press for approx 0 3 sec to turn the power on and off Multi Selector g button Press to select the items to be set The selected item is highlighted and can be changed using the e and f buttons Press for approx 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode p 68 c button wide d button tele Press to change the zoom h...

Page 19: ...ly during a single exposure creating stroboscopic multiple exposure effects p 48 Icons on the LCD panel show the status of the operations set These icons vary depending on the settings the combination of camera lens and the exposure mode Icons with a single flash unit Icons when a camera compatible with CLS is used Monitor Preflashes Just before the flash fires the SB 800 fires a series of imperce...

Page 20: ...e distance p 30 Compatible with CLS CLS The SB 800 is connected to cameras compatible with CLS p 8 Power zoom function The zoom head position is automatically adjusted to match the lens focal length p 26 Manual zoom head position setting You can adjust the zoom head position manually p 26 Canceling the power zoom function The power zoom is canceled and the zoom head position can only be adjusted m...

Page 21: ...reless Lighting mode p 78 Channel CLS Represents the communication channel number through which the master and remote flash units exchange data in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode p 78 Wireless master In the wireless multiple flash mode the SB 800 is used as the master flash unit connected to the camera p 72 Wireless remote In the wireless multiple flash mode the SB 800 is set as a remote flash...

Page 22: ... 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 eit...

Page 23: ... photography by following Steps 1 8 on the left hand pages In this section basic procedures are described when a CPU lens is mounted on cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II The SB 800 s available functions and the LCD display vary depending on other camera lens combinations CLS Nikon Creative Lighting System p 5 ...

Page 24: ...High power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB 800 Always carry extra batteries when traveling For details on batteries refer to Notes on batteries on page 115 CAUTION Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual as this may cause them to explode leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire Do not mix battery brands or types or use old with new batteries Otherwi...

Page 25: ...tor zoom head position adjustment or LCD panel illumination The above data may vary due to variations in battery performance Replacing recharging the batteries Refer to the following table to determine when to replace or recharge your batteries if the ready light takes a long time to come on Type of battery Recycling time Remedy Alkaline manganese More than 30 seconds Lithium More than 10 seconds ...

Page 26: ...lash mode In Auto Aperture Non TTL auto flash operations the SB 800 fires at a flash output controlled by the ISO sensitivity aperture and zoom head position In Auto Aperture Non TTL auto flash operations you can check the amount of insufficient flash output by pressing the FLASH button before taking the actual picture p 52 b button Pressing the b button for approx 0 3 sec turns the SB 800 on and ...

Page 27: ...lash mode the standby function activates in approx 40 seconds default setting when the SB 800 is used as the master flash unit However the standby function does not work regardless of the SB 800 s setting when the Speedlight is used as a remote flash unit p 73 If the ready light does not come on in approx 60 seconds after turning the power on or after the flash has fired the SB 800 enters the stan...

Page 28: ...ver to the right 3 Hold down the flash head tilting rotating lock release button to adjust the flash head to the horizontal front position v Turn the mounting foot lock lever securely until it stops To lock the Speedlight in place turn the lock lever approx 90 clockwise until it stops To unlock turn the lever counterclockwise until it stops Lock Unlock FLASH 3 Attach the SB 800 to the camera and ...

Page 29: ...wer is turned on this warning appears on the LCD panel See page 100 for the flash head s rotating angle A dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilted down 7 The flash shooting distance range disappears if the flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal front or down 7 position Basic operation ...

Page 30: ...S and cameras in Groups I to II digital data communication is performed The camera automatically sends the ISO sensitivity to the SB 800 With a CPU lens the aperture and focal length are automatically set on the SB 800 u Notes on setting the Speedlight s ISO sensitivity In the TTL auto flash mode and Manual flash mode except Distance priority manual p flash there is no direct connection between se...

Page 31: ...then turn it back on After that turn on the camera body 2 Press the g button for approx 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode 3 Press the e f button and c d button to select ISO then press the g button 4 Press the e or f button to highlight the preferred ISO sensitivity 5 Press the g button for approx 2 sec or press the b button to return to the normal display Basic operation ...

Page 32: ... of 24mm 28mm 35mm to 105mm in increments of 5mm between 35mm and 105mm when the power zoom function is activated When 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 If a small M does not appear above ...

Page 33: ...Custom settings mode p 67 When the power zoom function is canceled the zoom head can be manually adjusted but the zoom head position indicator does not change even if the lens is zoomed a lens is changed or the b button is pressed When the power zoom function is canceled a small appears on the LCD panel Press the c button to move toward a wideangle setting and the d button to move toward a telepho...

Page 34: ...de and metering system The camera s available exposure mode and metering system vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the SB 800 s flash modes For details refer to Detailed operation p 35 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB 800 p 108 and your camera s instruction manual In the Programmed Auto P mode the shutter speed is automatically set to the camera s sync shutter speed excep...

Page 35: ...p 60 In Aperture Priority Auto exposure A mode By selecting the aperture you can control depth of field and the flash shooting distance range The camera selects the correct shutter speed For details see your camera s instruction manual To determine the aperture refer to the Guide number p 43 and Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash modes p 31 In Manual exposure M mode By selecting t...

Page 36: ... icon changes Refer to Icons on the LCD panel p 13 Do D B p G q A Note that the usable flash modes only appear and vary and the unavailable flash modes will be skipped and do not appear when pressing the a button The SB 800 s available flash modes vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode and metering system Refer to Detailed operation p 35 TTL auto flash modes ...

Page 37: ...12 66 0 6 6 3 0 7 8 0 0 8 9 0 0 8 10 1 3 15 1 4 16 1 7 19 2 0 20 2 2 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 0 21 2 3 26 2 6 29 2 6 33 4 3 49 4 6 52 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 3 0 7 7 0 1 0 10 1 0 11 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 23 3 1 35 3 3 37 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 5 0 6 5 0 0 7 7 5 0 7 8 0 0 8 9 5 1 0 11 1 1 13 1 2 13 1 ...

Page 38: ... the camera s flash sync mode to Front curtain sync With cameras featuring a Rear curtain sync flash mode make sure the camera s flash sync mode is set to Front curtain sync For other flash sync modes refer to Slow sync flash p 58 Red eye reduction with slow sync flash mode p 58 or Rear curtain sync p 59 Refer to the camera s instruction manual for details on the flash sync mode 8 Compose the pict...

Page 39: ...y light on the SB 800 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 For cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Group I and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i TTL in the TTL auto flash mode the amount of underexposure 0 to 3 0 EV appears for approx 3 sec ...

Page 40: ...iring This is controlled by Standard i TTL flash operation with COOLPIX cameras compatible with i TTL and by Non TTL operation with other COOLPIX cameras For connection to COOLPIX cameras featuring hot shoe contacts such as the COOLPIX 8800 attach the Speedlight directly to the accessory shoe Optional accessories such as the Multi Flash Bracket Unit SK E900 should be used for connection with COOLP...

Page 41: ...Detailed operation This section provides a variety of flash modes available with the SB 800 Be sure to refer to your camera s instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions ...

Page 42: ...d D1H digital cameras Manual flash G p 46 No limitation Repeating flash q p 48 No limitation u Monitor Preflashes The SB 800 fires a series of imperceptible Monitor Preflashes just before the flash fires to obtain information on the subject in these cases 1 when the SB 800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Group I with a CPU lens and COOLPIX c...

Page 43: ...D on the LCD panel and Standard TTL flash is performed The main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness This is useful when you want to highlight the main subject D indicates Standard i TTL flash in the i TTL mode Standard TTL flash for Digital SLRs in the D TTL mode and Standard TTL flash in the TTL film based mode t Notes on TTL mode indicators Comparison tables are ...

Page 44: ... TTL Auto Aperture flash is automatically set default setting for the above camera lens combinations To cancel Auto Aperture flash and set to Non TTL auto flash p 40 use Custom settings p 67 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to Programmed Auto P or Aperture Priority Auto A If FEE appears on the camera s LCD panel while the camera s exposure mode is set to Programmed Auto P reset the exposure mode t...

Page 45: ...8 10 1 3 15 1 4 16 1 7 19 2 0 20 2 2 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 0 21 2 3 26 2 6 29 2 6 33 4 3 49 4 6 52 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 3 0 7 7 0 1 0 10 1 0 11 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 23 3 1 35 3 3 37 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 5 0 6 5 0 0 7 7 5 0 7 8 0 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...

Page 46: ...atically set default setting when a CPU lens is mounted on cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups I and II and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i TTL To cancel Auto Aperture flash and set to Non TTL auto flash use Custom settings p 67 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M 2 Press the a button to display A on the LCD pane...

Page 47: ...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 6 6 3 0 7 8 0 0 8 9 0 0 8 10 1 3 15 1 4 16 1 7 19 2 0 20 2 2 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 0 21 2 3 26 2 6 29 2 6 33 4 3 49 4 6 52 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 3 0 7 7 0 1 0 10 1 0 11 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 23 3 1 35 3 3 37 3 9 44 4 6 52 5 2 59...

Page 48: ...ation to calculate the aperture flash output level and shooting distance to obtain the correct exposure The 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 Guide number ISO 100 m ft 1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide flash adapter in place 2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached 3 With the w...

Page 49: ...ture required Guide number GN Shooting distance m ft x Aperture ISO sensitivity factor 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 800 In Distance priority manual flash operation the guide number indicating the amount of light generated by the flash is automatically determined by ...

Page 50: ...Priority Auto A or Manual M 2 Press the a button to display p on the LCD panel 3 Press the g button to highlight the distance display then press the e or f button to increase or decrease the distance values The usable distance range is 0 3m to 20m 1 to 65 6 ft and varies depending on the ISO sensitivity 4 Set the aperture For cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras...

Page 51: ...ve If a desirable distance value is not found in the table use a shorter distance For example if the desired shooting distance is 2 7m 8 9 ft set 2 5m 8 2 ft on the LCD panel t Beyond the flash shooting distance range warning In distance priority manual flash operation the distance exceeding the available flash shooting distance range cannot be displayed on the LCD panel Therefore if the available...

Page 52: ...evel and the aperture refer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode p 42 4 Press the g button to highlight the flash output level display then press the e or f button to increase or decrease the values Refer to Setting the flash output level p 47 5 Set the aperture For cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups I and II with CPU...

Page 53: ... level changes every time you press the e or f button as shown below When you press the f button 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 2 2 3 1 4 1 128 1 4 2 3 1 4 1 3 When you press the e button 1 128 1 128 1 3 1 128 2 3 1 64 1 1 1 2 1 64 2 3 1 64 1 3 The numbers in parentheses represent the adjustable flash output level in 1 3 steps except between 1 1 and 1 2 Therefore 1 32 1 3 and 1 64 2 3 represent the same flash ...

Page 54: ...ncy Hz represents the number of times the flash fires per second The 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 Referring to the table below set the flash output level the frequency and the number of repeating flashes separately for eac...

Page 55: ...r 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 800 Refer to Guide number table p 42 and Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode p 42 For cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups I and II with C...

Page 56: ...d of 2 sec or slower Or you can set the shutter speed to B bulb to accommodate any number of repeating flashes 9 Confirm that the ready light is on then shoot t Making sure the flash fires correctly before shooting Press the FLASH button to make sure the flash fires correctly as set t Exposure compensation in Repeating flash operation The flash shooting distance calculated in step number 6 is the ...

Page 57: ...n in the table above you should allow the SB 800 to cool off for at least 10 minutes Maximum number of frames during continuous flash shooting at six frames per sec With fresh batteries of the same type in both the SB 800 and optional Nikon SD 8A or Power Bracket Unit SK 6 SK 6A Refer to table Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame on page 48 when performing Repeating flash Detailed operati...

Page 58: ...fter 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 Auto Aperture flash Make the necessary settings on the SB 800 and camera press the shutter release button slightly then press the FLASH button to fire the flash If the ready light blinks after firing this indicates the light may ...

Page 59: ...Other functions Detailed information on each function of the SB 800 is provided ...

Page 60: ...groups for both the main subject and background Making exposure compensation TTL auto flash and Auto Cameras compatible with CLS for the main subject only Aperture flash digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups I to III and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i TTL Manual flash mode Cameras in all groups Making exposure compensation Flash shooting at slow shutter Cameras in all groups fo...

Page 61: ...in subject only In TTL auto flash mode and Auto Aperture flash operation Making exposure compensation for a flash illuminated main subject without affecting the background exposure by adjusting the SB 800 s flash output level is called flash output level compensation p 56 This compensation can only be performed with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups...

Page 62: ...ppear on the SB 800 s LCD panel For details see your camera s instruction manual With SLR cameras that have a built in Speedlight with an exposure compensation function you can compensate the flash output level on either the camera or the SB 800 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 ca...

Page 63: ...g the aperture using the scale on the lens 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 800 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 ind...

Page 64: ... output just before the picture is taken Available with cameras having red eye reduction control You cannot set red eye reduction on the SB 800 directly but must set it on the camera For more information refer to your camera s instruction manual After setting your camera to red eye reduction make sure that N appears on the SB 800 s LCD panel Red eye reduction with slow sync flash mode In this mode...

Page 65: ...ear curtain sync the flash fires just before the rear curtain starts to close Available with cameras providing rear curtain sync You cannot set this mode on the SB 800 directly but must set it on the camera For details see your camera s instruction manual Since slow shutter speeds are usually used use a tripod to prevent camera shake This function does not operate in Repeating flash operation In m...

Page 66: ...und Available with compatible cameras You cannot set the Auto FP High Speed sync mode on the SB 800 directly but must set it on the camera High speed flash synchronization is possible exceeding your camera s sync shutter speed up to your camera s highest shutter speed Auto FP High Speed sync also operates in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode Available flash modes are i TTL Auto Aperture flash Di...

Page 67: ...n the appropriate flash exposure for the main subject This flash exposure remains locked in even if you change the aperture or composition or zoom the lens in and out Available with compatible cameras You cannot set the FV Lock function on the SB 800 directly Set it on the camera Available flash modes are i TTL Auto Aperture flash and Non TTL auto flash Other functions ...

Page 68: ...N2020 cameras Use the center focus area in your camera s viewfinder when using the wide area AF Assist Illuminator t For cameras compatible with CLS The SB 800 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator supports the dynamic area AF system of cameras compatible with CLS With a D2H camera for example A total of 11 focus areas are usable at lens focal lengths of 35mm to 105mm as shown in the figure below A to...

Page 69: ...ault FIRE is set to ON t For cameras having a built in Speedlight Even when the camera s AF Assist Illuminator is set to activate the SB 800 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is given priority and the camera s AF Assist Illuminator does not light up However the camera s AF Assist Illuminator lights up only when the SB 800 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is canceled With F80 Series N80 Series F75...

Page 70: ... with new batteries Otherwise the batteries may leak corrosive liquids become hot or explode This battery pack cannot be used when the Power Bracket Unit SK 6 SK 6A is attached to the SB 800 The battery chamber lids for the SB 800 and SD 800 are identical Attaching the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD 800 1 Slide the SB 800 s battery chamber lid in the direction of the arrow to open 2 Push the batt...

Page 71: ...0 s battery chamber lid with the corresponding index mark on the SB 800 and attach the battery pack by sliding it into place Be sure to slide the battery pack until the SD 800 s lock switch clicks into place Detaching the SD 800 Other functions Index 1 Push up the SD 800 s lock switch then slide it to detach 2 Insert one of the hinges of the SB 800 s battery chamber lid as shown 3 Insert the other...

Page 72: ...ble with CLS When the Modeling illuminator button on the master flash unit is pressed the Modeling illuminator of the highlighted master unit or grouped remote flash units fire If the master flash unit and grouped remote flash units are not highlighted the Modeling illuminator of the master flash unit only fires except when the master flash unit s flash firing is set to canceled When the Modeling ...

Page 73: ...ons see Custom settings p 68 Available Custom functions and the icons ISO sensitivity p 24 Wireless flash mode p 72 Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode p 89 Non TTL auto flash mode p 38 Standby function p 21 Selecting the distance unit of measure m ft Power zoom function p 26 Zoom head position setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally p 117 LCD panel illuminator p...

Page 74: ... button and c or d button on the Multi Selector to choose the desired custom functions to be set then press the g button 3 Press the e or f button to highlight the preferred setting Press the c or d button to adjust the LCD panel brightness 4 Press the g button for approx 2 sec or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode ...

Page 75: ...hting mode in Repeating flash REMOTE Remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode SU 4 SU 4 type wireless flash mode Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode p 89 When the SB 800 is used as a wireless remote flash unit you can activate or cancel the sound monitor function ON Sound on OFF Sound off Non TTL auto flash mode p 38 Setting the Non TTL auto flash mode AA Auto Aperture flash A...

Page 76: ...etting canceled ON Manual setting activated LCD panel illuminator p 119 Setting the LCD panel illuminator to turn on or off ON Turn on OFF Turn off LCD panel brightness p 119 Adjusting the brightness of the LCD panel Available brightness levels are graphically displayed in 9 steps on the LCD panel Press the c or d button to adjust the brightness Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator p 62 Setting to acti...

Page 77: ...Advanced operations Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB 800 is described in this section ...

Page 78: ... M manual mode only is possible t Master flash unit and remote flash unit s In this instruction manual the flash unit mounted on the camera or the one directly connected to the camera via a TTL Remote Cord such as the SC 17 SC 28 or SC 29 is called the master flash unit All other flash units are called the remote flash units Usable cameras Cameras compatible with CLS No limitation No limitation TT...

Page 79: ...tion as a remote 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 The SB 800 s and 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 remote flash mode Set the angle of coverage of the remote flash units wider than the pic...

Page 80: ...flash unit s This is particularly necessary when holding a remote flash unit in your hand Data communication cannot be performed properly if there is an obstacle between the master unit and remote flash units Take care not to let light from the remote flash unit enter the camera lens directly or indirectly in TTL auto flash mode Also prevent light from entering the master flash unit s light sensor...

Page 81: ...s from firing accidentally Effective for the SU 4 type wireless multiple flash only Do not leave the power of the remote flash units on Otherwise ambient electric noise due to a discharge of static electricity etc may trigger them accidentally If you are holding the remote flash unit in your hand press the Modeling illuminator button Wireless remote flash cancel button on the SB 800 to avoid accid...

Page 82: ... providing automatic control of the light output Setting the SB 800 to Advanced Wireless Lighting You can set the SB 800 to Advanced Wireless Lighting using Custom settings p 67 Select MASTER to set the SB 800 as the master flash unit in the Custom settings mode Select MASTER RPT in Repeating flash operation The indicator O appears on the LCD panel Select REMOTE to set the SB 800 as a remote flash...

Page 83: ... flash units A maximum of 3 groups A B C 1 Auto Aperture flash is automatically set when a CPU lens is mounted on cameras compatible with CLS However Non TTL auto flash is set when a non CPU lens is mounted or Non TTL auto flash is selected using Custom settings 2 If Repeating flash has been set on the master flash unit either the Repeating flash mode or Flash canceled mode can be set on the remot...

Page 84: ... to M1 128 in the Manual G mode 3 Press the g button to highlight A then press the a button to set the flash mode on the remote flash unit within group A If the master unit s flash mode has been set to Repeating flash the Repeating flash or Flash canceled mode can be set on the remote flash unit 4 Following step 2 above set the flash output level compensation values on the remote flash unit within...

Page 85: ...p then press the e or f button to set the group For remote flash units where the flash mode and flash output level compensation values are to be set identically place these flash units into the same group v Notes on using the Nikon D70 s Commander mode Be sure to set the channel number of the remote flash unit to 3 and set the group of the remote flash unit to Group A when performing wireless mult...

Page 86: ... create a more natural looking picture Remote flash unit B is used with a colored gel filter to create the warmth feeling of a fireplace Shooting data Camera D2H Focal length 25mm Master flash unit M SB 800 D 1 3 flash output level compensation Remote flash unit A SB 800 D 1 3 flash output level compensation Remote flash unit B SB 800 G 1 16 flash output level For more details regarding the above ...

Page 87: ...to highlight M then press the a button to choose D 4 Press the e button on the master flash unit to set the flash output compensation value to 0 3 5 Press the g button on the master flash unit to highlight A then press the a button to set the flash mode to D on the remote flash unit A 6 Likewise press the e button on the master flash unit to set the flash output level compensation value to 0 3 on ...

Page 88: ...highlight the channel number then press the e or f button to set the channel number to 1 10 Set up remote flash units A and B Turn the power on then confirm that the ready lights come on Use a tripod or the Speedlight Stand AS 19 for placement of the remote flash units p 75 11 Set the remote flash units A and B to REMOTE 12 Set the channel number of the remote flash units A and B to 1 Be sure to c...

Page 89: ...ts in group A fire followed by those in group B If a certain remote flash unit does not fire change the setup by moving the remote unit closer to the subject or redirect its light sensor window toward the master flash unit then test fire the new setup You can check the illumination before actually taking pictures using the Modeling illuminator p 66 15 Finally confirm the aperture and flash shootin...

Page 90: ... To perform SU 4 type wireless multiple flash set the wireless flash mode to SU 4 using Custom settings p 67 Master flash and remote flash units First set the SB 800 s wireless multiple flash mode to SU 4 using the Custom settings then attach the SB 800 to the camera The indicator O appears on the LCD panel telling you that the SB 800 is set as a master flash unit If you detach the SB 800 from the...

Page 91: ...e you press the a button A auto mode In the A auto mode the remote flash units start and stop firing in sync with the master flash unit The maximum shooting distance of the SB 800 s light sensor is approx 7m 23 ft M manual mode In the M manual mode the remote flash units only start firing in sync with the master flash unit The maximum shooting distance of the SB 800 s light sensor is approx 40m 13...

Page 92: ...h mode of the master flash unit to the D mode With Nikon digital SLRs not compatible with CLS set the flash mode to Auto Aperture or Non TTL auto flash 6 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal TTL auto flash photography then shoot See page 17 for more information on the TTL auto flash mode See pages 38 and 40 concerning use of Auto Aperture or Non TTL auto flash with digital...

Page 93: ...lash units 3 Set the wireless flash mode of all SB 800 s used as the master and remote flash units to SU 4 4 Press the a button on the remote flash unit to activate the w manual mode 5 Set the flash mode of the master flash unit to Manual flash 6 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal Manual flash shooting then shoot See page 46 for more information on Manual flash FLASH REA...

Page 94: ...ut level to M1 16 Refer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode p 42 Adjusting the flash output level in Non TTL auto flash A applicable when using a Speedlight compatible with Non TTL auto flash mounted on the SU 4 as a remote flash unit Non TTL auto flash A can also be selected on the remote flash unit In this case the remote flash unit controls the flash output bas...

Page 95: ...erly Blinks for approx 3 sec Blinks for approx 3 sec Beeps for approx 3 sec Both the master and remote 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 remote flash unit has fired at full output and light may have been insuffi...

Page 96: ...imum number of flash units to be connected using cords 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 Make 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 If it exceeds these figures you may not be able to take a seco...

Page 97: ...AS 10 if the remote flash units are not equipped with multiple flash terminals Use the optional Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 to attach the remote flash unit s to a tripod Be sure to cancel the master flash unit s Monitor Preflashes Multiple flash shooting using cords can be performed in two modes 1 TTL multiple flash and 2 Manual multiple flash Performing multiple flash shooting in the Manual mode ho...

Page 98: ...nal TTL Multi Flash Sync Cord SC 27 SC 26 SC 19 or SC 18 turn off all flash units before connecting the master flash unit to the remote flash units 4 Turn on all remote flash units and set the flash mode on all remote flash unit to TTL auto flash 5 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal TTL auto flash shooting then shoot See page 17 concerning the TTL auto flash mode When th...

Page 99: ...optional Sync Cord SC 11 or SC 15 4 Turn on the power of all flash units and set the flash mode on all units to Manual flash The flash output level can be adjusted on the SB 800 SB 80DX SB 28 and so forth if necessary p 43 Repeating flash is not possible 5 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal Manual flash shooting then shoot See page 46 for more information about the Manua...

Page 100: ...X SB 800 SB 80DX Master flash unit V type Sync Cord Items marked on page 94 are connected to item on page 95 Group I Group V F 501 N2020 F 401s 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...

Page 101: ... SB 27 SB 24 SB 25 SB 26 SB 28 28DX SB 24 SB 16B AS 10 AS 10 AS 10 SB 16A AS 11 AS 11 SB 17 SB 800 SB 22s SB 29 29s SB 30 SB 80DX SB 11 SC 23 SB 14 SB 140 SB 800 SB 29 29s SB 80DX AS 11 SB 21A Using SC 18 26 or SC 19 27 up to five flash units can be used for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m 33 ft Remote flash unit ...

Page 102: ...r procedure when shooting flash pictures under incandescent tungsten illumination using the TN A1 filter In this case set the white balance to Incandescent Available with digital cameras featuring white balance You cannot set the white balance on the SB 800 Choose an appropriate white balance setting on your digital camera For more details see your camera s instruction manual When using tungsten f...

Page 103: ...ins a total of 20 filters in 8 models of colored gels for balancing the color of light or adding specific colors to the scene using a Speedlight p 112 FL G1 for fluorescent light FL G2 for fluorescent light TN A1 for incandescent tungsten light TN A2 for incandescent tungsten light BLUE YELLOW RED AMBER With the last four filters adjust your digital camera s white balance if available to Flash for...

Page 104: ... data Camera D2H Camera D2H Focal length 60mm Focal length 60mm Speedlight SB 800 set to D Speedlight SB 800 set to D Aperture f 8 Aperture f 9 Shooting distance Approx 4m 13 1 ft Shooting distance Approx 4m 13 1 ft For more details on the above example see the separate booklet A collection of example photos Tilting the flash head For effective bounce flash off the ceiling tilt the flash head up a...

Page 105: ...ure or Non TTL auto flash 4 Set the camera s aperture Refer to page 100 for setting the aperture 5 Adjust the flash head 6 Make sure that the ready light is on then shoot When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred the ready light on the SB 800 blinks for approx 3 sec To compensate use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot Advanced operat...

Page 106: ... Setting the flash head As shown in the illustrations tilt or rotate the SB 800 s flash head by holding down the flash head tilting rotating lock release button and adjusting the flash head to match the shooing environment or your creative preferences Flash head tilting and rotating angles The SB 800 s flash head tilts up 90 and down 7 and rotates horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right S...

Page 107: ... provided Nikon Diffusion Dome over the flash head you can diffuse the light even more when doing bounce flash creating extremely soft light with virtually no shadows With the camera in either the horizontal or vertical position you get the same effect Good results are generally obtained when the flash head is tilted up 60 Use of the built in wide flash adapter in conjunction with the Nikon Diffus...

Page 108: ...oting an important assignment Flash shooting with two flash units Flash shooting with one light bounced from the side and top camera mounted flash unit Shooting data Shooting data Camera D2H Camera D2H Focal length 105mm Focal length 105mm Master flash unit SB 800 set to D Master flash unit SB 800 set to D Remote flash unit SB 800 set to D Aperture f 10 Aperture f 22 Shooting distance Approx 1m 3 ...

Page 109: ... 7 When the SB 800 is attached to the camera and used as the only flash unit this position is recommended to ensure sufficient illumination of the lower portion of the subject in close up photography The dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilted down to this position 6 Confirm that the ready light is on then shoot When the flash has fired at its maximum output and undere...

Page 110: ... the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally p 67 To slide the wide flash adapter back into place lift it and push it into the flash head as far as it will go Setting the aperture Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table To ensure the correct exposure use an aperture smaller than the one obtained from the equation ISO sensitivity 25 50 100 200 400 800 1000 Coefficient...

Page 111: ...re fired when the SB 800 is used with D G type CPU lenses you may not be able to get the correct exposure because distance information from the lens is used In this case position the camera A and the SB 800 B at equal distances from the subject For 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 Remot...

Page 112: ...osition 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 Flash shooting in the 1 300 TTL High Speed Flash sync mode F5 only ISO Zoom head position mm sensitivity 1 2 14 3 17 3 24 28 35 50 70 85 105 25 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 50 3 6 12 4 3 14 5 16 5 16 7 8 26 ...

Page 113: ...Reference information Optional accessories Troubleshooting Speedlight care Specifications etc are presented here ...

Page 114: ...al SLRs Camera TTL mode with no CLS TTL mode Exposure Metering Lens mode system F5 DE 2 P S A M YW CPU lens D G type F100 DE 3 P S A M YW CPU lens except for D G type DF A M W Non CPU lens D P S A M YWX CPU lens D A M WX Non CPU lens F90X N90s DE 2 P S A M YWX CPU lens D G type 1 F90 Series DE 3 P S A M YWX CPU lens except for D G type N90 DF A M WX Non CPU lens F70 Series D P S A M YWX CPU lens 1...

Page 115: ...on CPU lens 2 N8008 D P S A M YWX CPU lens 1 2 D A M WX Non CPU lens 2 1 The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G type lens 2 Spot Metering is not possible with the F 801 N8008 3 Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is set Pronea D F P S A M Y CPU lens 600i 6i D P S A M YWX CPU lens D M WX Non CPU lens 1 1 The camera s exposure meter cannot be used Set the aperture using the lens a...

Page 116: ...ng is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M 2 Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set FM3A D A M W CPU except G type non CPU lens FA D P A M YW CPU exceptG type non CPUlens 1 FE2 D A M W CPU exceptG type non CPUlens 1 FG D P A M W CPU exceptG type non CPUlens 1 Nikonos V D A M W CPU exceptG type non CPUlens 1 2 F3 Series D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D A M W CPU exceptG type non CPUl...

Page 117: ...h 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 remote flash units are not equipped with multiple flash terminals The AS 10 comes with one tripod socket and three TTL multiple flash terminals Sync Cord SC 11 approx 25 cm or 9 8 in Sync Cord SC 15 approx 1 m or 3 3 ft Sync Cor...

Page 118: ...th the SK E900 Multi Flash Adapter AS E900 The SB 800 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 800 to the multi flash terminal of the COOLPIX using the Multi Flash Adapter AS E900 p 34 Other accessories Speedlight Stand AS 19 Same as that provided with this SB 800 Colored Ge...

Page 119: ...hed the SB 800 may be powered by its own batteries and the external power source does not operate This is not a malfunction Power Bracket Unit SK 6 SK 6A Nikon High Performance Battery Pack SD 8A Nikon DC Unit SD 7 External power source DC Unit SD 7 1 High Performance Battery Pack SD 8A 2 Power Bracket Unit SK 6 SK 6A 1 C type alkaline manganese x 6 AA type alkaline manganese x 6 AA type NiCd 1000...

Page 120: ...ls such as camphor or naphthalene Avoid exposing the SB 800 to magnetic waves from TVs or radios Do not use or leave the SB 800 in locations subject to high temperatures such as those encountered near a heater or stove as this may cause damage When not using the SB 800 for more than two weeks be sure to remove the batteries to prevent malfunctions due to battery leakage Take the SB 800 out once a ...

Page 121: ...er for detailed information on how to handle and recharge the batteries Recycling rechargeable NiCd batteries Notes on handling batteries 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 When replacing batteries replac...

Page 122: ...ad position cannot be adjusted to other than 14mm or 17mm The SB 800 does not work when control buttons a button e f button or c d button and g button are pressed The SB 800 does not fire Cause The batteries are not correctly installed nBattery power is weak nThe standby function is activated and operating The batteries are extremely exhausted The batteries are extremely exhausted The flash head i...

Page 123: ...n setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally p 67 Warning indications in the SB 800 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 dotted line below the underbar appears Three beeps sound during wireless multiple flash shooting Cause Underexposure may...

Page 124: ...lem 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 800 is not correctly attached to the came...

Page 125: ...B 800 to turn the illuminator on when the SB 800 power is on and it will remain lit for approx 16 seconds To cancel the LCD panel illumination go to the Custom settings mode p 67 and set it off Even if the LCD panel illuminator is set to OFF the SB 800 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 sett...

Page 126: ... based cameras Cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups I to IV No o appears with cameras in Groups III to IV Cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS cameras in Groups I to II D D TTL mode D TTL film based mode o appears with D Balanced Fill Flash B Auto Aperture flash A Non TTL auto flash p Distance priority manual flash q Repeati...

Page 127: ...CD panel illuminator n Batteries Min recycling time approx Number of batteries Min number of flashes recycling time Alkaline manganese 6 0 sec x4 x5 x4 x5 x4 130 6 30 sec Lithium 5 0 sec 130 5 30 sec Nickel 7 5 sec 170 7 5 30 sec NiCd 1000 mAh rechargeable 7 5 sec 190 7 5 30 sec Ni MH 2000 mA rechargeable 6 0 sec 140 6 30 sec x5 5 0 sec 140 5 30 sec x4 4 0 sec 90 4 30 sec x5 3 5 sec 90 3 5 30 sec ...

Page 128: ...y function Selecting the distance unit m ft Canceling power zoom function Zoom head position setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally LCD panel illuminator Brightness of the LCD panel AF assist illuminator and canceling flash firing External power sources optional Ready light nLights up when the SB 800 is recycled and ready to fire nBlinks for 3 sec when flash fires at...

Page 129: ...00 Speedlight Stand AS 19 Colored Gel Filter Set SJ 800 Nikon Diffusion Dome SW 10H External power source terminal cap Soft Case SS 800 supplied These performance specifications are applicable when fresh batteries are used at normal temperatures 20 C 68 F Specifications and design are subject to change without notice ...

Page 130: ... quick reference 12 Control buttons 12 Custom functions 67 D D TTL mode 36 D type Nikkor lenses 16 Default settings 6 Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS 8 Distance priority manual flash 44 Dotted line below the underbar 23 E Exposure compensation 54 Exposure mode 28 External power source 113 F FLASH button 12 FV Lock flash 61 Flash Color Information Communication 5 Flash head 100 Flash head tilt...

Page 131: ...ed auto P 28 Q Quick Recycling Battery Pack 64 R REMOTE 72 Ready light 20 33 Rear curtain sync 59 Red eye reduction control 58 Red eye reduction with slow sync flash 58 Remote flash unit 72 Repeating flash 48 Reset 12 S SU 4 type wireless multiple flash shooting 84 Selecting the distance unit m or ft 70 Shutter priority auto exposure S 29 Slow sync flash mode 58 Soft Case 6 Sound monitor 89 Speedl...

Page 132: ...2500801 S033 11 8MSA0611 A No reproduction in any form of this manual in whole or in part except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION SB 800 En ...

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