Nikon SB-80DX - Manuals

6 Contents Preparation Foreword........................................................................2Tips on using the Speedlight .........................................3Camera groups and available flash modes ...................4Speedlight parts ...................................................

7 Advanced operation Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation ...................................................56 The flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable aperture ..............................59 Slow-sync flash mode/Red-eye reduction control........60...

8 Speedlight parts 4 3 1 2 7 6 5 9 8 10 11 14 13 12 1 Control button quick reference (p. 12) Easy reference chart for two-button operationsand custom settings 2 Flash head (p. 68) Can be tilted up to 90° or down to –7°, and rotated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right. 3 Flash head til...

9 Preparation 20 19 15 18 16 17 24 23 22 21 15 Flash head tilting angle scale (p. 68) 16 Modeling illuminator button (p. 61) Press to fire flash repeatedly to check theillumination and the shadows cast on thesubject before taking pictures. Wireless slave flash cancel button (p. 85) The SB-80DX will ...

10 For reference, all indications are displayed in the illustration. LCD panel 2 3 4 5 678 1 9 10 11 12131415161718 About the LCD panel • Because of the directional characteristics of the liquid crystal, the LCD is difficult to read when viewed diagonally from above; however, the display can be seen...

11 Preparation Press the MODE and SEL buttons simultaneously To recall the underexposure value in the TTL/D-TTL auto flashmode (p. 31). Press the MODE and ON/OFF buttons simultaneouslyfor approx. 2 sec. To reset all settings, including custom settings, to theirdefault settings (except the distance u...

12 Item Setting (Bold: default) Wireless flash mode* 1 (p. 84) OFF (canceled) ON (activated) Sound monitor* 2 in the wireless L (sound on) M (sound off) flash mode (p. 89) AF-assist illuminator (p. 62) AF ILL (activated) NO AF ILL (canceled) Standby function (p. 19) Selecting the distance unit (m, f...

13 Preparation l Setting the LCD panel illuminator using Custom settings 1 Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode. 2 Press the e or f button to choose the Q LCD panel illuminator setting. 3 Press the c or d button to turn the LCD panel illuminator on or off. 4 To g...

14 In this manual, Nikkor lenses are divided into two types: CPU Nikkor lenses andnon-CPU Nikkor lenses. Lenses CPU Nikkor lenses G-type Nikkor‚ D-type Nikkor‚ Non-G/D-type AF Nikkor (except for AF Nikkor for the F3AF)‚ AI-P Nikkor Non-CPU Nikkor lenses AI-S Nikkor, AI Nikkor‚ Series E CPU lenses CP...

16 l Usable batteries m Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of these types: (1) Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) (2) Lithium (1.5V) (3) NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2V) (4) Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable, 1.2V) n When replacing batteries, use fresh batteries of the same bran...

17 Basic operation n Minimum recycling time is for operation using fresh batteries. n The data was measured without using AF-assist illuminator, zoom-head position adjustment, or LCD panel illumination. n The above data may vary due to variations in battery performance. l Replacing / recharging the ...

18 2 Test firing (confirming exposure) l Test firing CAUTION! When test firing the Speedlight, never position your eyes close to the flashhead. m The SB-80DX fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx.1/16 output in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode. m In the Non-TTL auto flash/Auto...

19 Basic operation l Standby function to conserve battery power m If the SB-80DX and the camera are not used for approx. 40 seconds, thestandby function activates and automatically turns the SB-80DX off toconserve battery power (standby-off state). n Only the R indicator appears on the LCD panel in ...

20 3 Attach the SB-80DX to the camera and l Turn the mounting foot lock lever securely until it stops. m To lock the Speedlight in place, turn the lock lever approx. 90° clockwise untilit stops. To unlock, turn the lever counterclockwise until it stops. Lock Unlock 1 Make sure the SB-80DX and the ca...

21 Basic operation The underbar blinks when the flash head is tilted down –7°. The flash shooting distance range disappearsif the flash head is adjusted to other thanthe horizontal/front or down –7° position. l Warning indication m If the flash head is not adjusted to the horizontal/front position, ...

22 4 Setting the ISO sensitivity Digital data communication with the SB-80DX When the SB-80DX is used with cameras in Groups I and II, and NikonDigital SLRs cameras, digital data communication is performed. Thecamera automatically sends the ISO sensitivity to the SB-80DX. With a CPUlens, the apertur...

23 Basic operation l Available ISO sensitivity in TTL/D-TTL auto flash operation m The maximum ISO sensitivity range usable in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash modeis ISO 25 to 1000. n The ISO sensitivity range may become narrower, depending on the cameras in use. Fordetails, see your camera instruction man...

24 5 Adjust the zoom-head position l The power zoom function m When the SB-80DX is used with cameras in Groups I, II, or Nikon Digital SLRs,in combination with a CPU lens, the power zoom function activates and the zoom head is automatically adjusted. n The zoom-head position is automatically adjuste...

25 Basic operation n A small M above the “ZOOM” indication appears on the LCD panel while manually settingthe zoom-head position. n Generally, set the zoom-head position to the focal length of the lens in use or to theclosest wideangle setting.For example, select the 50mm setting when using a 60mm l...

26 6 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and l Exposure mode and metering system m The camera’s available exposure mode and metering system vary, dependingon the cameras and lenses in use or the SB-80DX’s flash modes. For details,refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 33) and your camera’s instruction man...

27 Basic operation metering system l Exposure modes other than Programmed Auto exposure (P) In Shutter-Priority Auto exposure (S) mode m By selecting a slower shutter speed, the proper exposure for the background can be achieved. n The camera selects the correct aperture. Set the shutter speed on th...

l TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode (p. 35) m Every time you press the MODE button, the flash mode changes. In the TTL auto flash mode, the D indicator appears on the LCD panel. m When using Nikon Digital SLRs cameras, D-TTL auto flash is activated and CD appears on the LCD panel. n Note that the usable fla...

29 Basic operation Aperture Flash shooting distance range (m/ft.) ISO sensitivity Zoom-head position (mm) Flash shooting distance range in the TTL/D-TTL auto flash modes ∗ 1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place ∗ 2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached ∗ 3 With...

30 8 Compose the picture and shoot with flash l Set the camera’s flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync. m Set the camera’s flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync with cameras featuring a Rear-curtain sync flash mode. n For other flash sync modes, refer to “Slow-sync flash mode” (p. 60), “Red-eye redu...

31 Basic operation l If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might be insufficient. m In various auto flash modes, when the flash has fired at its maximum outputand underexposure may have occurred, the ready-lights on the SB-80DX andin the camera’s viewfinder blink for approx. 3 sec. Dep...

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

34 SB-80DX available flash modes ∗ 1 Monitor Preflashes are fired. ∗ 2 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash are generally referred to as Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor (Automatic BalancedFill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor for Digital SLRs in D-T...

35 Detailed operation T T L / D - T T L auto flash mode The SB-80DX’s TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode varies, depending on the camerasand lenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode and metering system. Fordetails, refer to “Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flashmode” (p. 36) and your cam...

36 Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL Exposure modeP : Programmed Auto S : Shutter-Priority Auto A : Aperture-Priority Auto M : Manual Metering system Y : Matrix W : Center-Weighted X : Spot The available types of TTL/D-TTL auto flash vary, depending on thecamera/lens/exposure mode/meterin...

37 Detailed operation auto flash mode Camera TTL/D-TTL Exposure Metering Lens auto flash mode mode system F4-Series DF P/S/A/M Y CPU lens ∗ 1 DF A/M Y Non-CPU lens ∗ 2 DF ∗ 3 P/S/A/M W CPU lens ∗ 1 DF ∗ 3 A/M Y Non-CPU lens D P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens ∗ 1 D A/M YWX Non-CPU lens ∗ 1: The A and M exposure ...

38 Usable cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode Camera TTL/D-TTL Exposure Metering Lens auto flash mode mode system F-601 M / D P/S Y CPU lens ∗ 1 N6000 D P/S W CPU lens ∗ 1 D A/M W Non-CPU lens ∗ 1 D P/S YW CPU lens D A/M W Non-CPU lens ∗ 1: Only D appears on the SB-80DX’s LCD panel...

40 Any camera and lens combination. (For Digital SLRs, it ispossible only when a non-CPU lens is mounted.) Non-TTL auto flash A mode Usable camerasand lenses The SB-80DX’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected backfrom the subject, automatically controlling the SB-80DX’s light ou...

41 Detailed operation 6 Compose the picture, make sure the ready-lightis on, then shoot. n When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-lighton the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. Tocompensate, use a wider aperture or move closer tothe subject and r...

42 Digital SLRs + CPU lenses Auto Aperture AA flash mode In addition to Non-TTL auto flash (p. 40), the SB-80DX’s built-in sensor correctlycontrols the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted fromthe camera and lens to the SB-80DX, including the ISO sensitivity value,aperture...

43 Detailed operation 5 Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-lightis on, then shoot. n When the flash has fired at its maximum output andunderexposure may have occurred, the ready-lighton the SB-80DX blinks for approx. 3 sec. Tocompensate, use a wider aperture or move closer tothe subject and...

44 Manual ÉG mode In this mode, the flash always fires at a specified output. The SB-80DXfeatures three types of manual modes. Types Usable camera Manual flash No limitation Repeating flash No limitation FP High-Speed Flash sync F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, D1-Series m You can calculate the ...

45 Detailed operation ISO 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 Factors x0.5 x0.71 x1 x1.4 x2 x2.8 x4 To calculate the correct aperture n Calculate the correct aperture by using this equation and the guide numbertable, according to the ISO sensitivity and flash output level that are set: f/stop (aperture) = Gu...

46 Manual G mode l Manual flash operation m In Manual flash photography, you select the aperture and flash output level. Inthis way, you can control the exposure and flash shooting distance whenshooting subjects where the correct exposure is difficult to obtain in the TTLor Non-TTL auto flash mode. ...

47 Detailed operation ▲ 1/1 (0.0) ➔ 1/2 (0.0) ➔ 1/2 ( 0.3) ➔ 1/2 ( 0.7) ➔ 1/4 (0.0) FP ➔ 1/128 (0.0) 1/4 ( 0.7) ➔ 1/4 ( 0.3) 1/128 (0.0) ➔ 1/128 ( 0.3) ➔ 1/128 ( 0.7) ➔ 1/64 (0.0) FP ➔ 1/1 (0.0) ➔ 1/2 (0.0) 1/64 ( 0.7) ➔ 1/64 ( 0.3) 5 Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot. ▲ ▲ ➔ ➔ Setting t...

48 Manual G mode l Repeating flash mode m In the Repeating Flash mode, the SB-80DX fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. This mode is useful when shooting fast-moving subjects. n In the Repeating flash mode, use fresh or fully charged batteries. ...

50 8 Set the shutter speed. n Use the equation to determine the shutter speed and set that shutter speed or one slower. Shutter speed = Number of flashes per frame ÷ Frequency of flashes (Hz) n For example, if the number of flashes per frame is 10 and frequency is 5 Hz, divide 10 by 5 to get a shutt...

51 Detailed operation l FP High-Speed Flash sync K mode m High-speed flash synchronization at shutter speeds between 1/250 and 1/4000 sec. (1/500 and 1/16000 sec. for the D1-Series) is possible, allowing you to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field and blur the background. n Do not ...

53 Detailed operation Notes on continuous flash shooting l Maximum number of continuous firings m It is recommended to allow the SB-80DX to cool off for at least 10 minutes after the maximum number of continuous firings as shown in this table: Max. no. of continuous firings l Synchronization during ...

54 Checking the correct exposure before shooting You can determine whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-80DX before actually taking the picture. l TTL auto flash mode m Press the SB-80DX’s MODE button until “ A ” (Non-TTL auto flash) appears on the LCD panel. S...

56 Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures byintentionally modifying the correct exposure when a subject of extremely high or low reflectivity is included in a picture or when you want to create flashphotographs to match your creative preferences. n Some plus compensation may...

57 Advanced operation compensation Making exposure compensation in the Non-TTL auto flash and Manual flash mode m Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correctaperture. m In the Non-TTL auto flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained whenthe same aperture is set on ...

58 Usable cameras For cameras in Groups I to III, and Digital SLRs cameras Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation l Flash output level compensation m Make exposure compensation for a flash illuminated subject without affectingthe background exposure by modifying the SB-80DX’s flas...

59 Advanced operation The flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable aperture With zoom lenses having a variable aperture, take note of the following beforesetting the aperture on the SB-80DX and confirming the flash shooting distancerange. Lenses having a variable aperture m T...

60 l Slow-sync flash m The flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the correct exposurefor both the main subject and background in low-light situations or at night. m Available with cameras providing slow-sync. You cannot set the slow-syncfunction on the SB-80DX directly. Set it on the...

Usable cameras All cameras 61 Advanced operation Rear-curtain sync and Modeling illumination Rear-curtain sync Front-curtain sync Shooting data n Camera: F100 (2 seconds, f/4 + 1/2) n Focal length: 70mm n Speedlight: SB-80DX (Manual, flash output level: M1/1) m In normal flash synchronization, when ...

62 Autofocus flash operation in dim light Usable cameras and lenses Cameras with autofocus function + autofocus lens When the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-80DX’s AF-Assist Illuminator enables you to perform autofocus flash photography in dim light.In dim light, the AF-assi...

63 Advanced operation l Activating and canceling the AF-Assist illuminator using Custom settings 1 Press the g button for more than 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode. 2 Press the e or f button to choose “AF-Assist illuminator.” 3 Press the c or d button to activate or cancel the AF-Assist I...

66 Bounce flash Normal flash Bounce flash operation (For taking pictures without Tilt or rotate the flash head to bounce the light off the ceiling or walls tosoften shadows and create more natural-looking portraits indoors. Even softer shadows are possible when using the Nikon DiffusionDome. 90¡ 50¡...

67 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement unattractive shadows) 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Set the camera’s metering system to MatrixMetering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W . 3 Set the flash mode to TTL/D-TTL auto flash, or Non-TTL a...

68 l Setting the aperture m With bounce flash, there is a light loss when compared with normal flash withthe flash head adjusted to the horizontal/front position. You should use anaperture that is 2 to 3 stops wider. m The flash shooting distance range indicator disappears, if the flash head isadjus...

69 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement l Using the built-in bounce card m In bounce flash photography, use the SB-80DX’s built-in bounce card tocreate a highlight in the subject’s eyes, making the eyes look more vibrant. n As shown in the illustrations below, pull out the wide-flash ...

70 Close-up flash operation With the built-in wide-flash adapter attached to the SB-80DX, close-up flashshooting can be performed. The built-in wide-flash adapter diffuses the lightfrom the flash to soften shadows. When the SB-80DX is used off-camera, youcan take more natural-looking close-up pictur...

74 Multiple flash operation (Creating various flash Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking pictures byusing several flash units to eliminate the shadows cast by the subject or toemphasize the subject’s shape. Multiple flash operation can be performed intwo ways: (1) By ...

75 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement effects by using more than one Speedlight) Canceling the power standby function m When using a Speedlight having a standby function as a slave flash unit,make sure that the standby function is set to off, or select a standby durationthat is long...

76 The master flash unit used off-camera illuminates the subject from the side tocreate a more natural-looking picture,and slave flash units and illuminate the subject from the top and the rear toeliminate shadows, helping to give abetter rendition of the subject. Shooting data n Camera: F100 (1/250...

77 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement l Connecting the master and slave flash units m Refer to “System chart for TTL multiple flash” (p. 80). Also see the instructionmanuals of your cameras, Speedlights, and accessories. n Use the optional TTL Remote Cords SC-18 or SC-19 to connect ...

78 l TTL multiple flash 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Attach the master flash unit to the camera, turn the power on, and set the flash mode to TTL auto flash. n Available TTL auto flash modes are Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted Fill-Flash...

79 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement l Manual multiple flash 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Turn off the power and attach the master flashunit to the camera. 3 Connect the sync terminal on the master flashunit to the slave flash unit...

80 System chart for TTL multiple flash SC-24 SB-21B SB-21A SB-16A SB-17 SC-14 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14SB-140 SB-16B SB-15 SB-25 SB-26 SB-24 Master flash unit SC-17 V-type Sync Cord SB-27 AS-17 SB-29/29s Items marked on page 80 areconnected to item on page 81. SB-28/28DX SB-22 SB-22s SB-20 SB-23 SB-30 SB-50...

82 Wireless multiple flash can be operated in two ways: (1) In the A (auto) mode, inwhich the wireless slave flash units start and stop firing in sync with the masterSpeedlight, and (2) in the M (manual) mode, in which the wireless slave flashunits only fire in sync with the master Speedlight. n In ...

83 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement Three slave flash units are used. Slave flash unit is used to eliminate the shadow caused by the master flash unit , while slave flash units and brightly illuminate the subject from behind as well as the background to create amore natural-lookin...

85 Technical operation/Effective Speedlight placement l Wireless master flash unit m The SB-80DX, when set as a wireless master flash unit, can be used as anormal flash unit, but Monitor Preflashes will not fire even if AutomaticBalanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor is selected. m Use of a wirel...

86 l Wireless multiple flash shooting in A (auto) mode Wireless multiple flash shooting 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture- Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Set up all Speedlights as master and slave flash units. 3 Set all SB-80DX units (used as the master and slave flash units) to the W...

87 Technical operation/Effective S peedlight placement l Wireless multiple flash shooting in M (manual) mode 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Set up all Speedlights as the master and slaveflash units. 3 Set all SB-80DX units (used as the master andslave...

88 Adjusting the flash output level in M (manual) mode Adjusting the slave flash unit’s flash output level manually m Use the following equation to determine the proper manual flash output levelof the slave flash unit, depending on your creative preferences. GN = F x D where GN is the guide number o...

92 Optional accessories l Accessories for multiple flash TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18 (approx. 1.5 m or 4.9 ft) TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-19 (approx. 3 m or 9.8 ft) Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18/SC-19 are useful forconnecting the SB-80DX to the multiple flash terminalof the SC-17 or AS-10 for T...

94 Connecting to an external power source m To use an external power source, remove the coverand connect its power cord to the SB-80DX’sexternal power source terminal. m Using external power sources made by anothermanufacturer is not recommended. Nikon DC UnitSD-7 Nikon High-PerformanceBattery PackS...

95 Reference information l Cleaning m Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-80DX and clean itwith a soft, clean cloth. After using the SB-80DX near saltwater, wipe the SB-80DX with a soft, clean cloth slightly moistened with plain water to removesalt, and then dry it using a dry clo...

96 Notes on batteries Warning m Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire or the like. m Dry batteries shall not be subjected to charging. m Do not expose the SB-80DX to water as this may result in electric shock orcause the unit to catch on fire. l Usable batteries m U...

97 Reference information Problem The power cannot be turned on. The ready-light does not light up. The power turns off automatically. A strange sound can be heard causedby the flash head zooming back andf o r t h e v e n w h e n t h e S B - 8 0 D X i sturned off. The flash shooting distance rangedoe...

98 Problem In the Auto Aperture AA flash mode, the aperture and the flash output levelcompensation value blink and the flashshooting distance range disappears. The zoom-head position displays “ - - mm ” and blinks. Three beeps sound during wirelessmultiple flash shooting. Cause The aperture or flash...

99 Reference information Cameras in Groups I (except for F70-Series/N70) to VI and Digital SLRs cameras Note The SB-80DX incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations. In rare cases, theSB-80DX may not work properly even after fresh batteries are properly installed. If thishappens, replac...

104 Index 1/300 TTL high-speed flash sync mode........................................39 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash....35 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs.................................35 Amount of underexposure ...................31 Aperture-priority auto exposure (A)...