Speedlight Sb 800 Manual

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Amazon's Choice for manual speedlight Neewer NW-561 LCD Display Speedlite Flash for Canon & Nikon DSLR Cameras,Such as Canon EOS 1100D 550D,5D Mark II III and Nikon D7200 D7100 D7000 and Other DSLR Cameras with Standard Hot Shoe. Save sb 800 manual to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay Feed. Manual NIKON Speedlight sb-800 sb800 SB 800 Instruction Manual.

Speedlight is the brand name used by Nikon Corporation for their photographic flash units, used since the company's introduction of strobe flashes in the 1960s. Nikon's standalone Speedlights (those not built into the company's cameras) have the SB- prefix as part of their model designation. Current Speedlights and other Nikon accessories make up part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS), which includes the Advanced Wireless Lighting, that enables various Nikon cameras to control multiple Nikon flash units in up to three separate controlled groups by sending encoded pre-flash signals to slave units.

Nikon's competitors like Canon and Ricoh use the similar name Speedlite for their flashes. Both names indicate that strobe flashes produce much shorter and more intense bursts of light than earlier photographic lighting systems, such as flashbulbs, or continuous lamps used in some studio situations.

  • 1Models
    • 1.1Models compatible with the latest I-TTL System

Models[edit]

Nikon's Speedlight units are: (Update September 15, 2014)

  • SB-1 (discontinued)
  • SB-2 (discontinued, c. 1970)
  • SB-3 (discontinued, c. 1970)
  • SB-4 (discontinued, c. 1971)
  • SB-6 (discontinued, c. 1965)
  • SB-7E (discontinued, c. 1974)
  • SB-8E (discontinued, c. 1975)
  • SB-9 (discontinued, c. 1978)
  • SB-10 (discontinued, c. 1978)
  • SB-E (discontinued, c. 1979)
  • SB-11 (discontinued, c. 1980)
  • SB-12 (discontinued)
  • SB-14 (discontinued)
Nikon SB-23 Speedlight flash unit, with distance scale for ISO & f/stop combinations
  • SB-15 (discontinued)
  • SB-16 (discontinued)
  • SB-17 (discontinued, c. 1983)
  • SB-20 (discontinued)
  • SB-22 (discontinued)
  • SB-22s (discontinued)
  • SB-23 (discontinued)
  • SB-24 (discontinued)
  • SB-25 (discontinued)
  • SB-26 (discontinued)
  • SB-28 (discontinued)

D-TTL Units

  • SB-28DX (discontinued)
  • SB-50DX (discontinued)
  • SB-80DX (discontinued)

I-TTL Units

  • SB-300 (2013)
  • SB-400 (discontinued)
  • SB-500 (2014)
  • SB-600 (28 January 2004)(discontinued)
  • SB-700 (15 September 2010)
  • SB-800 (22 July 2003)(discontinued)
  • SB-900 (01 July 2008)(discontinued)
  • SB-910 (30 November 2011)
  • SB-N5 (2011)
  • SB-N7 (2012)
  • SB-R200
  • SB-5000 (First Model with Radio Transmission)

Models compatible with the latest I-TTL System[edit]

Current models (guide numbers - ISO 100, 35FF):

SB-300 and SB-N7[edit]

(GN 59 ft, 18 m @ 27 mm) Nikon's latest smaller shoe mount flash unit which replaces SB-400. It is less powerful than SB-400 and uses AAA-size batteries. SB-300 is derived from the SB-N7, the same flash unit previously released for the Nikon 1 'multi-accessory port,' instead of the ISO 518:2006 hot shoe. Both SB-300 and SB-N7 have a variable angle 'bounce' head up to 120 degrees but has no horizontal swiveling.

SB-400 (discontinued)[edit]

Nikon SB-400 Flash

(GN 69 ft, 21 m @ 27 mm)The SB-400 is a lightweight and very compact shoe-mount flash unit, powered by only two AA-size batteries. It uses a 40mm xenon tube. Despite its small size, SB-400 is a very capable flash with a variable angle 'bounce' head (up to 90 deg.). The head lacks tilt movement which is common to larger flashes.SB-400 cannot be used in slave or master mode in Nikon's CLS system. It weighs 127g (without batteries) and is mostly made in China.

SB-500[edit]

(GN of 24m at ISO 100)

The Nikon SB-500 is a lightweight and very compact shoe-mount flash unit with coverage for a 24mm lens on an FX camera or a 16mm lens on DX camera and combined with 100 lux LED for video light, powered by only two AA-size batteries. SB-500 is a very capable flash with a variable angle 'bounce' head (up to 90 deg.) and rotates 180-degrees for soft lighting effects. The flash is part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) with two-group/two-channel control and features the intelligent-TTL (i-TTL) exposure mode.[1]

SB-600 (discontinued)[edit]

(GN 98 ft, 30 m @ 35 mm)

Back
Front

Mid-range model - weighs approximately 300 g without 4 AA batteries

The Nikon SB-600 is a flash made by Nikon for their digital and filmsingle-lens reflex cameras. The SB-600 can mount to any Nikon camera with a four-prong hotshoe. The SB-600 cannot control other flashes through a wireless connection; however, a flash commander can control it wirelessly. The SB-600 is part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) and features the intelligent-TTL (i-TTL) exposure mode. This model is the most compatible unit with older model film and earlier digital cameras like Nikon, F5, F6, and D100 as well as all recent cameras.

SB-700[edit]

(GN 92 ft, 29 m @ 35 mm)

Nikon Speedlight SB-700 Flash shoe contacts

SB-700 is an upgrade to the older SB-600 with refined design in both electronics and mechanics. It is a more reliable and durable flash in many ways than the SB-600 except the weakly made plastic foot section. Professionals consider the unit as more like a compact version of SB-9XX line supporting both master and slave functions. It features a newly designed interior zoom head and locking shoe section which is identical to SB-900 and SB-910 models. SB-700 shares similar features and menu system of SB-900 and SB-910 as well. The SB-700 is part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) and features the intelligent-TTL (i-TTL) exposure mode. It weighs approximately 360 g without 4 AA batteries. It is mostly made in China. Announced September 2010 and available since October 2010.

SB-800 (discontinued)[edit]

Nikon SB-800 Flash

(GN 125 ft, 38 m @ 35 mm)

Shoe Contacts shown on a Nikon SB-800

SB-800 is a very high quality professional model which weighs approximately 350 g without 4 or 5 AA batteries (optional fifth battery for quicker recycling) The Nikon SB-800 is a flash made by Nikon based on the earlier SB-80DX model for their digital and film single-lens reflex cameras. It has electronic interfaces for through-the-lens (TTL) automatic exposure and automatic zoom to match lens focal lengths from 24 to 105 mm (35 mm equivalent), plus 14 and 17 mm with the use of the built-in diffuser or 14 mm with the external Nikon Diffusion Dome,[2] as well as film speed in the range from ISO 3 to 8000 (25 through 1000 in TTL mode with film cameras).[3]Its guide number is 38 meters / 125 feet at ISO 100 and 35 mm, with a maximum range of 58 m when adjusted at 105 mm. [4]

The SB-800 is part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) and features the intelligent-TTL (i-TTL) exposure mode. It is compatible with all SLR cameras (such as the D2H, D2X, D3, D40, D50, D60, D70, D80, D90, D200, D300/s and F6), it can be used as master commander as well as remote flash unit within a CLS wireless lighting setup. It is one of the high-end units for Nikon which features metal joints and supports inside the body. It is sturdier than newer models like SB-700, SB-900, and SB-910 which are prone to impact breakage due to non-reinforced plastic shoe mount bases. All SB-800 units are made in Japan.

By many professionals, it is considered the most advanced flash unit when compared to its compact size. The Speedlights.net says that 'for many professional photographers this flash is still the best hot shoe strobe out there today' with smaller size than the successor SB 900, but has bigger Guide Number 38 over 34.[5]

It features the following unlike the newer units:

  • Single piece metal foot (borrowed from SB-80DX)
  • Compact body design
  • 5th battery attachment option
  • High GN power (the same as SB-80DX)
  • Dedicated modeling light button

SB-900 (discontinued) and SB-910 (discontinued)[edit]

(GN 111 ft, 34 m @ 35 mm)SB-900 is a larger professional model released 30 June 2008, weighs approximately 415 g. It is a flash made by Nikon for their digital and film single-lens reflex cameras, released on June 30, 2008. It has electronic interfaces for through-the-lens (TTL) automatic exposure and automatic zoom to match lens focal lengths from 17 to 200 mm (35 mm equivalent) and 12 to 200 mm in Nikon DX Format. Over SB-800, SB-900 features:

  • Larger dot matrix LCD screen
  • Silent charging with upgraded thin transformer and micro-controller ICs
  • Dedicated power and master/slave selector button
  • Jog dial menu navigation
  • Newly designed and tighter shoe lock mechanism
  • Larger Flash head with more sensors for various attachments
  • Newly designed inner zoom head unit with larger distance
  • Three element front AF focus assist LEDs
  • Newly designed battery door (with push button lock addition on SB-910 similar to SB-700)

The SB-900 is part of Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) and features the intelligent-TTL (i-TTL) exposure mode. With compatible SLR cameras (such as the D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D5000, D90, D200, D300, D700, D7000, D2h, D2hs, D2x, D2xs, D3, D3x and F6) can be used as master commander as well as remote flash unit within a CLS wireless lighting setup.

As of November 2011 the SB-900 was replaced by the SB-910 which is technically very similar to the older model. There only are minor changes like the push button on the battery lid, semi-transparent function buttons, redesigned soft case, different accessories and re-adjusted thermal cut off circuit to prevent premature shutdowns. Regarding power level, looks, inner mechanics and PCB design both units are identical. All SB-900 and SB-910 units are made in Japan.

SB-5000[edit]

(GN 113 ft, 34.5 m @ 35 mm)

Nikon Speedlight SB-5000 is the first model featuring 2.4GHz radio communication for slave and master mode which has already been introduced by Canon models. It weighs 420g, slightly heavier than the SB-9XX units. The menu system is similar to SB-700 and 9XX series. It uses a dot matrix display with led illumination unlike SB-700 and 9XX series' EL illuminator. The modeling button makes a return. It is slightly more powerful than the previous models however still less powerful than the SB-800. The head contains a fan activated after a short period of use to prevent overheating. This feature promotes more frequent and consecutive flashes without heat issues.

Wireless accessories[edit]

  • R1C1 Wireless Close-Up System
  • SB-R200 Wireless unit (GN 33 ft, 10m @ 24mm)
  • SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander - no flash, controls other speedlight units

Gallery[edit]

  • Nikon SB-R200 Wireless Speedlight

  • Nikon SB-400 Flash

  • SB-400 - Nikon's simplest and most lightweight flash

  • SB-400 is restricted to vertical angling, no swiveling

Speedlights can be triggered wirelessly for various lighting effects. Here a Speedlite was placed behind the bottle to give it a glow.

References[edit]

  1. ^'Nikon announces SB-500 Speedlight for stills and video'. September 12, 2014.
  2. ^'Autofocus Speedlight SB-800: Instruction manual'(PDF). 24 March 2011. p. 27. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  3. ^'Autofocus Speedlight SB-800: Instruction manual'(PDF). 24 March 2011. p. 31. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  4. ^'Autofocus Speedlight SB-800: Instruction manual'(PDF). 24 March 2011. p. 120. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  5. ^'Nikon Speedlight SB-800 Flash'. Retrieved 31 October 2013.

External links[edit]

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See also: Nikon 1 / F-mount – Teleconverter – CX / DX format – Speedlight – Expeed
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Autofocus Speedlight

SB-800

Instruction Manual

Contents

Preparation

· Foreword ............................................................................

4-6

· Tips on using the Speedlight ................................................

7

· Camera groups and available flash modes ......................

8-9

· Speedlight parts and their functions .............................

10-11

· Control buttons....................................................................

12

· Icons on the LCD panel.................................................

13-15

· Lenses.................................................................................

16

Basic operation .................................................................

17

1 Installing the batteries ..................................................

18-19

2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure) ...........................

20-21

3 Attach the SB-800to the camera and adjust

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

22-23

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

24-25

5 Adjust the zoom-headposition.....................................

26-27

6 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

metering system.........................................................

28-29

7 Setting the SB-800’sflash mode ..................................

30-31

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

32-33

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

34

Detailed operation.............................................................

35

· SB-800’savailable flash modes ..........................................

36

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

37

· Non-TTLauto flash mode ..............................................

38-41

· Manual mode .................................................................

42-50

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

51

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

52

Other functions .................................................................

53

· Exposure compensation and flash output level

compensation..............................................................

54-56

· Flash-shootingdistance range with zoom lenses

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

57

· Slow-syncflash mode,Red-eyereduction control,

and Rear-curtainsync .................................................

58-59

· Auto FP High-SpeedSync mode........................................

60

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

61

· Autofocus flash operation in dim light .................

62-63

· Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack

SD-800 ..............................................................

64-65

· Checking the illumination before actually

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

66

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

67

· Custom settings ...................................................

68-70

Advanced operations..............................................

71

· Overview of multiple flash operation ...................

72-73

· Wireless multiple flash shooting ..........................

74-75

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

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

84-88

· Confirming wireless multiple flash operation

using the ready-lightor 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-upflash operation .................................

102-105

Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed

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

106

Reference information ..........................................

107

· TTL auto flash modes available

with the SB-800 .............................................

108-110

· Optional accessories .......................................

111-113

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

114

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

115

· Troubleshooting ...............................................

116-118

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

119

· Specifications ..................................................

120-123

· Index ................................................................

124-125

Preparation

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

Basic operation

Basic procedures to take simple, properly exposed flash photographs in the TTL auto flash mode.

Detailed operation

A variety of flash modes available with the SB-800are explained.

Other functions

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

Advanced operations

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

Reference information

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

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-800.To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual thoroughly before use. Also, read the separate booklet, “Enter the exciting world of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with theSB-800,”which provides an overview of theSB-800’sflash-shootingcapabilities with example photos. In addition, keep your camera instruction manual handy for quick reference.

Main features and functions of theSB-800

The SB-800is ahigh-performanceSpeedlight with a guide number of 38/125 (ISO 100, m/ft.) or 53/174 (ISO 200, m/ft.) (at the 35mmzoom-headposition, 20°C/68°F.) According to the camera and lens combination used with theSB-800,you can perform various types of TTL auto flash (p. 37),Non-TTLauto flash (p. 38), and Manual flash (p. 42).

A power zoom function automatically adjusts the zoom-headposition to match the lens focal length (with the exception of some camera/lens combinations) (p. 26). When thebuilt-inwide-flashadapter is used or the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached (p. 27), thezoom-headposition is automatically set to match a 14mm or 17mm lens.

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

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

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

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

uLife-longlearning

As part of Nikon’s “Life-longlearning” commitment to ongoing product support and education,continually-updatedinformation is availableon-lineat the following sites:

For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.com/

Visit these sites to keep up-to-datewith the latest product information, tips, answers tofrequently-askedquestions (FAQs), and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

Creative Lighting System

The SB-800features a new Nikon Speedlight system, calledCreative Lighting System or “CLS.” This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital SLRs by taking advantage of camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is available only when theSB-800is used with compatible Nikon SLRs cameras. TheSB-800offers these major features:

i-TTLmode

This is a new TTL auto flash mode in the Creative Lighting System. Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times. The subject is correctly exposed by the light from the flash lighting and the exposure is less affected by the ambient light than in the conventional TTL mode (p. 37).

Advanced Wireless Lighting

With the Advanced Wireless Lighting, wireless multiple flash operation in the TTL (i-TTL)mode can now be accomplished with digital SLRs. In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into three groups and control the flash output independently for each group, expanding your range of creativemultiple-flashshooting techniques (p. 76).

Nikon speedlight sb-800 user manual

Flash Value Lock

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

Flash Color Information Communication

When the SB-800is used with compatible digital SLRs, color temperature information is automatically transmitted to the camera. In this way, the camera’s white balance is automatically adjusted to give you the correct color temperature when taking photographs with theSB-800.

Auto FP High-SpeedSync

High-Speedflash synchronization at your camera’s highest shutter speed is now possible. This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background (p. 60).

Wide-AreaAF-AssistIlluminator

In autofocus operation, the SB-800emitsAF-Assistillumination over a much wider area as compared to existing Speedlights. This enables you to perform autofocus photography in dim light even when you change the camera’s focus area with cameras supporting this function (p. 62).

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

Foreword

Notes

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

CLS: Hereafter, Nikon’s new Speedlight system “CreativeLightingSystem” is 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 theSB-800.

u: Provides convenient reference information when using theSB-800

Supplied accessories

Quick Recycling Battery Pack

Speedlight Stand

Nikon Diffusion Dome

SD-800

AS-19

SW-10H

Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800:

Soft Case SS-800

FL-G1,TN-A1

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Make trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations.

Have Nikon spot-checkyour Speedlight regularly

Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.

Using your Speedlight correctly

The Nikon Speedlight SB-800’sperformance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses.

Camera/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon’s criteria for specifications, and nonconforming cameras/accessories could damage the SB-800’scomponents. Nikon cannot guarantee theSB-800’sperformance when used withnon-Nikonproducts.

Notes:

The Nikon N90s, N90, N75-Series,N70, N60,N55-Series,N50, N8008, N8008s, PRONEA 6i, N6006, N6000, N5005, N4004s and N4004 are sold exclusively

in the U.S.A.

The Nikon N80-Series,N65-Seriesare 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.

Camera groups and available flash modes

In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into nine groups: cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras

in Groups I to VII unless otherwise noted. First, consult the camera group table to see which group your camera belongs to. Then as you read the manual, you will find specific information on how to use the SB-800with your

particular camera.

*CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

TTL auto flash mode (p. 37)

Group

Camera name

D

D

D

o*1

i-TTL

D-TTL

TTL

Cameras

compatible

D2H

with CLS*

Digital

SLRs not

D1-Series,D100

compatible

with CLS*

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

I

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

N75-Series,F70-Series/N70

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

II

F-801s/N8008s,F-801/N8008,

Pronea 600i/6i

III

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

*4

IV

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

*4

F-401x/N5005

V

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

F-401/N4004,F-301/N2000

VI

FM3A, FA, FE2, FG, Nikonos V,

F3-Series(with theAS-17)

VII

New FM2, FM10, FE10, F3-Series,

F55-Series/N55-Series

*1

o: Balanced Fill-Flash.This always appears together with D(p. 37).

*2

Wireless multiple flash in the i-TTLmode is possible.

*3

TTL mode is not possible.

*4

While performing Balanced Fill-Flash,no o icon appears.

*5

Repeating flash is not possible with the F3-Series(using theAS-17).

● : Available

– :Not available

Non-TTLauto flash mode(p. 38)

Manual mode ( p. 42)

Wireless multiple flash

B

A

Distancep -

G

q

AdvancedWireless

SU-4type

Auto

Non-TTL

priority

Manual

Repeating

Lighting

(master flash)

Aperture flash

auto flash

manual

flash

flash

(p. 84)

(p. 76)

flash

*2

*3

*3

*5

The SB-800’savailable 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 theSB-800”(p.108) and your camera’s instruction manual.

9

Speedlight parts and their functions

1 Control button quick reference

(p. 12)

2Flash head (p. 100)

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

3Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (p. 22)

4Light sensor window for wireless remote flash (p. 74)

5Battery chamber lid attachment indexes (p. 18)

6Battery chamber lid (p. 18)

7Built-inbounce card(p. 101)

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

8Built-inwide-flashadapter(p. 104)

9 Wide-areaAF-assistilluminator

(p. 62)

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

Speedlight Sb 600 Manual

10 External power source terminal

(supplied with cover) (p. 113)

11 Light sensor window for Non-TTLauto flash(p. 38)

Senses reflected light from the subject in Auto Aperture Bor Non-TTLauto Aflash mode.

12 External AF-assistilluminator contacts (forSC-29)

Accepts optional TTL Remote Cord SC-29

13 Mount pin

14 Hot-shoecontacts

15 Mounting foot

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

16 Flash head tilting angle scale

(p. 100)

17Modeling illuminator button (p. 66)

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

Wireless remote flash cancel button (p. 75)

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

18Flash head rotating angle scale

(p. 100)

19Terminal cover

21Sync terminal (p. 93)

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

22LCD panel (p. 119)

23Control buttons (p. 12)

24Ready-light

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

25Mounting foot lock lever (p. 22)

20TTL multiple flash terminal (p. 92)

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

11

Control buttons

e button/f button

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

FLASH button

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

a button

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

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 eand fbuttons.

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

c button (wide)/d button (tele)

Press to change the zoom-headposition (p. 26).

Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode

Press the aand gbuttons simultaneously to recall the underexposure value (p. 33).

Resetting the settings

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

Button lock

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

Nikon Speedlight Sb-800 Manual Pdf

recalling the auto flash

default shown in the chart on the

Icons on the LCD panel

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

compatible

with CLS* is used.

Monitor Preflashes

Just before the flash fires, the SB-800fires a series of imperceptible preflashes that are detected by the camera’s TTLMulti-Sensorand analyzed for brightness and contrast

(p. 36).

TTL mode

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

Balanced Fill-Flash

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

Auto FP High-SpeedSync (CLS*)

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

*CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

Auto Aperture flash

In addition to Non-TTLauto A flash (see below), theSB-800’sbuilt-insensor correctly controls the flash

output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800,including the ISO sensitivity, aperture, focal length, and exposure compensation value (p. 38).

Non-TTLauto flash

The SB-800’sbuilt-insensor measures the flash illumination reflected back from the subject, controlling theSB-800’slight output automatically to give the correct exposure (p. 40).

Distance-prioritymanual flash

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

Manual flash

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

Repeating flash

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

13

Compatible with CLS (CLS*)

The wide-areaAF-assist

The SB-800is connected to

illuminator is activated

cameras compatible with CLS*

The wide-areaAF-assist

(p. 8).

illuminator comes on (p. 62).

Power zoom function

The wide-areaAF-assist

The zoom-headposition is

illuminator is canceled

automatically adjusted to match

The wide-areaAF-assist

the lens focal length (p. 26).

illuminator does not come on

Manual zoom-headposition

(p. 62).

setting

You can adjust the zoom-head

position manually (p. 26).

Flash firing canceled

Canceling the power zoom

The SB-800does not fire but the

function

wide-areaAF-assistilluminator

The power zoom is canceled,

still comes on (p. 62).

and the zoom-headposition can

Control buttons being locked

only be adjusted manually (p. 26).

Control buttons (except the

Power zoom function using

ON/OFF, Modeling illuminator

the built-inwide-flashadapter

and FLASH buttons) are locked

With the built-inwide-flash

(p. 12).

adapter attached, the zoom-

Red-eyereduction

head position can automatically

Red-eyereduction control is

be adjusted (p. 67).

activated (p. 58).

The same is true when the built-

in wide-flashadapter is broken

LCD panel illuminator

off accidentally (p. 117).

Pressing any control button

ISO sensitivity

turns on the LCD panel

Represents the ISO sensitivity

illuminator (p. 119).

value (p. 24).

Beyond the flash-shooting

Flash output level

distance range

compensation

The subject is beyond the flash

Represents the flash output level

shooting distance range.

compensation value (p. 56).

Ω: the closest available

Underexposure

distance, º: the farthest

available distance (p. 30).

Indicates the underexposure

value, showing that the light

might be insufficient in the TTL

auto flash mode (p. 33).

Standby duration

Represents the time before the

standby function is activated

(p. 67).

Icons with multiple flash units

Icons in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode

Wireless master

Master (CLS*)

In the wireless multiple flash

Represents the settings of the

mode, the SB-800is used as

flash mode and flash output

the master flash unit connected

level compensation value of the

to the camera (p. 72).

master unit in the Advanced

Wireless Lighting mode (p. 78).

Wireless remote

In the wireless multiple flash

Group A (B, C) (CLS*)

mode, the SB-800is set as a

Represents the settings of the

remote flash unit, which fires in

(B,C) flash mode and flash output

sync with the master flash unit

level compensation value of the

(p. 72).

remote flash unit(s) in Group A

(B, C) in the Advanced Wireless

Wireless remote

Lighting mode (p. 78).

In the wireless multiple flash

mode, the SB-800is set as a

remote flash unit, which fires in

Channel (CLS*)

sync with the master flash unit

Represents the communication

(p. 72).

channel number through which

Sound monitor on

the master and remote flash

When the SB-800is set as a

units exchange data in the

remote flash unit, you can

Advanced Wireless Lighting

monitor its operation by listening

mode (p. 78).

to the beeping sound (p. 89).

Sound monitor canceled

“Beeping” sound is off (p. 89).

Highlighted items

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

(p. 5)

15

Lenses

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

CPU Nikkor lenses

G-typeNikkor,D-typeNikkor,Non-G/D-typeAF Nikkor (except for AF Nikkor for the F3AF),AI-PNikkor

Non-CPUNikkor lenses

AI-SNikkor, AI Nikkor, Series E, etc.

CPU lenses

CPU lenses have CPU contacts.

G-typeNikkor lenses

G-typeNikkor 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-typeNikkor lenses

D-typeNikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body. Set the aperture either on the lens aperture ring or on the camera body. For more details, refer to the lens instruction manual.

Basic operation

In this section, basic procedures are illustrated so that you can easily perform flash photography in the TTL auto flash mode. You can easily perform flash photography by following Steps 1–8on theleft-handpages.

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. TheSB-800’savailable functions and the LCD display vary depending on other camera/lens combinations.

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

2 Install the batteries following the iand jmarks as shown. Align the battery chamber lid attachment indexes, then close the battery chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down.

AA-typepenlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of these types:

-manganese(1.5V) (2) Lithium (1.5V) (3) Nickel (1.5V) (rechargeable, 1.2V) (5)Ni-MH(Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable, 1.2V)

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

manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB-800.carry extra batteries when traveling.

on batteries, refer to “Notes on batteries” on page 115.

not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual, as this may them to explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire.

not mix battery brands or types, or use old with new batteries.

the batteries may explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire. not recharge non-rechargeablebatteries in a battery charger.

the batteries may leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

faster recycling times using 5 batteries

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

Minimum number of flashes and recycling times

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

Batteries

Number of

Min. recycling time

Min. number of flashes/

batteries

(approx.)

recycling time

Alkaline-

x4

6.0 sec.

130

/ 6-30sec.

manganese

x5

5.0 sec.

130

/ 5-30sec.

Lithium

x4

7.5 sec.

170

/ 7.5-30sec.

x5

7.5 sec.

190

/ 7.5-30sec.

Nickel

x4

6.0 sec.

140

/ 6-30sec.

x5

5.0 sec.

140

/ 5-30sec.

NiCd (1000 mAh)

x4

4.0 sec.

90 / 4-30sec.

(rechargeable)

x5

3.5 sec.

90 / 3.5-30sec.

Ni-MH(2000 mA)

x4

4.0 sec.

150

/ 4-30sec.

(rechargeable)

x5

2.9 sec.

150

/ 2.9-30sec.

Minimum recycling time is for operation using fresh batteries.

This data was measured without using the wide-areaAF-assistilluminator,zoom-headposition 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-lighttakes a long time to come on.

Type of battery

Recycling time

Remedy

Alkaline-manganese

More than 30 seconds

Lithium

More than 10 seconds

Replace

Nickel

More than 10 seconds

Ni-Cd(rechargeable)

More than 10 seconds

Recharge

Ni-MH(rechargeable)

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

tExternal power sources

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

19

2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure)

1 Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn on theSB-800.Make sure theready-lightcomes on.

2 Pressflash. theFLASH button to test fire the

firing

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

-800fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx. output in the TTL auto flash mode.

Aperture/Non-TTLauto flash operations, theSB-800fires at a flash controlled by the ISO sensitivity, aperture, andzoom-headposition.Aperture/Non-TTLauto flash operations, you can check the amount of

flash output by pressing the FLASH button before taking the picture (p. 52).

button

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

off and the indications disappear.

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