Nikon SB-600 - Manual

iv 5 Remove any batteries from the unit before storing the unit for a longtime to prevent the unit from catching on fire or leaking corrosive liquids. WARNINGS for Batteries 1 Never heat or throw batteries into a fire, as this could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or exp...

v For your safety 11 Never open the casing surrounding batteries or use batteries whosecasing has been breached as such batteries could leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode. 12 Keep batteries out of the reach of children to help avoid the possibility of them being swallowed. If a battery...

1 Contents Preparation · For your safety.....................................................................i-v· Foreword ............................................................................4-6 · Tips on using the Speedlight ................................................7 · Camera groups ...

4 Foreword Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-600. To get the mostout of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly beforeuse. Also, read the separate booklet, “A collection of example photos,”which provides an overview of the SB-600’s flash-shooting capabilitieswith ex...

5 The SB-600 features the Nikon Creative Lighting System ( CLS ). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by takingadvantage of a camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is availableonly when the SB-600 is used with compatible Nikon cameras. The SB-60...

6 Foreword ● ● ● Notes • Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factoryare referred to as “Default” settings in this manual. • CLS: Hereafter, Nikon’s new Speedlight system “Nikon C reative L ighting S ystem” is abbreviated “ CLS .” ● ● ● Marks used in this manual • v : Deno...

7 Tips on using the Speedlight Take trial shots Take trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddingsor graduations. Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorizeddealer or service center at least once every ...

Group Camera name Cameras compatible D3-Series, D700, D2-Series, D300-Series, D200, D90, D80, with CLS * D70-Series, D5000, D3000, D60, D50, D40-Series, F6 Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS * D1-Series, D100 I F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/N75-Series, F70-...

TTL auto flash mode (p. 33) Wireless multiple flash D D D o * 1 i-TTL D-TTL TTL – – * 2 – – – – – – – – – – – * 3 – – – * 3 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – * 4 9 The SB-600’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use orthe camera’s exposure mode and metering sy...

10 Speedlight parts and their functions 1 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 76) Increases the angle of coverage to match a14 mm lens. 2 Flash head (p. 74) Can be tilted from 0° to 90° and rotatedhorizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right. 3 Flash head tilting/rotating lock- release button (p. ...

12 Control buttons Two-button control function Press two buttons simultaneously to perform the following operations. Follow the procedures shown on the flash unit. a button Press to set the flash mode (p. 26).• Press to adjust the settings in the Custom Settings mode (p. 53). • Press to choose the d...

13 Prepar ation Press the a and b buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds to reset all settings, including thecustom settings, to their default settings. While the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible withCLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras inGroups I to II in combination wi...

For reference, all indications are displayed in the illustration. 9 1011 121314151617 1 234 5 6 7 8 14 LCD panel 1 Flash mode (p. 26) 2 Wireless remote flash (p. 62) In the wireless multiple flash mode,the SB-600 is set as a remote flash unit,which fires in sync with the master flash unit. 3 Sound m...

15 ● ● ● Characteristics of the LCD panel • Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the display is difficult to read when viewed from above. However, the display can be seen clearly from a slightly lower angle. • The LCD display becomes darker at high temperatures (approx. 60°C/140°F), but r...

16 Lenses In this manual, Nikkor lenses are divided into two types: CPU Nikkor lensesand non-CPU Nikkor lenses. CPU Nikkor lenses G-type Nikkor, D-type Nikkor, Non-G/D-type AF Nikkor (exceptfor AF Nikkor for the F3AF), AI-P Nikkor Non-CPU Nikkor lenses AI-S Nikkor, AI Nikkor, Series E, etc. CPU lens...

Basic operation In this section, basic procedures areillustrated so that you can easily perform flashphotography in the TTL auto flash mode.You can easily perform flash photography byfollowing Steps 1-6 on the left-hand pages. The procedures are based on the use of a CPU lensmounted on cameras compa...

18 1 Slide the battery chamber lid in thedirection of the arrow to open. 2 Install the batteries following the i and j marks as shown. Close the battery chamber lid by sliding it into place whilepressing down. v Usable batteries Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5 V or lower) of any of thes...

19 ● ● ● Minimum number of flashes and recycling times The following data are based on a situation in which four fresh batteries of thesame type are used and the Speedlight fires at M1/1 output. Batteries Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/ (approx.) * recycling time * Alkaline-manganese 3.5...

20 2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure) 1 Press the b button for approx. 0.3 second to turn on the SB-600. Make surethe ready-light comes on. 2 Press the h button to test fire the flash. ● ● ● Test firing CAUTION! Do not test fire the Speedlight near your eyes. • The SB-600 fires at specified out...

21 t Standby function to conserve battery power If the SB-600 and camera are not being used, the standby function willautomatically activate after 40 seconds, switching the SB-600 to standby modeto conserve battery power. • In the standby mode, the R indicator appears on the LCD panel. • When used w...

22 3 Attach the SB-600 to the camera and adjust 1 Make sure the SB-600 and camera bodyare turned off. 2 Rotate the mounting-foot lock lever to theleft, slide the SB-600’s mounting foot intothe camera’s accessory shoe and turn thelock lever to the right. 3 Hold down the flash head tilting/rotatingloc...

23 the flash head. 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 itstops. To unlock, turn the lever counter-clockwise until it stops. Lock Unlock t Digital data communication with the SB-600 Digital data ...

24 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode toProgrammed Auto ( P ). • If Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, select another exposure mode. See the opposite page. 2 Set the camera’s metering system toMatrix Metering Y . • If Matrix Metering Y cannot be set, select Center-Weighted Metering W . t Exposure mode...

25 metering system u Exposure modes other than Programmed Auto exposure (P) In Shutter-Priority Auto exposure (S) mode By selecting a slower shutter speed, the proper exposure for the backgroundcan be achieved. • The camera selects the correct aperture. For details, see your camera’s user’s manual. ...

26 1 Press the a button to set the flash mode. • Display Do on the LCD panel. ● ● ● Selecting the flash mode The available flash mode changes each time the a button is pressed. • The information above appears on the LCD panel when the SB-600 is used with digital SLR cameras compatible with CLS. • No...

27 ● ● ● About the flash shooting distance range The SB-600’s flash shooting distance range is 0.6 m to 20 m (2 to 66 ft.) and varies,depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position and lens aperture in use. Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode 1600 800 400 200 100 50 25 14 ...

28 1 Confirm the camera’s sync mode. • For normal flash photography, use the camera’s front-curtain sync mode. 2 Compose the picture, confirm that theready-light on the SB-600 or in thecamera’s viewfinder is on, then shoot. v Set the camera’s flash sync mode to front-curtain sync. With cameras featu...

29 v If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might beinsufficient for correct exposure. When the flash has fired at its maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode andunderexposure possibly occurred, the ready-lights on the SB-600 and in thecamera’s viewfinder blink for approx. 3 seconds. ...

Please note that wireless multiple flash using theCOOLPIX’s built-in flash as a master flash unit and theSB-600 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed. 30 Using the SB-600 with the COOLPIX For COOLPIX cameras, such as the COOLPIX 8800 and4500, that have an accessory shoe (hot-shoe) or TTL multip...

Detailed operation This section provides a variety of flash modesavailable with the SB-600. Be sure to refer toyour camera’s user’s manual for specificinformation on camera settings and functions.

32 The SB-600’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras andlenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode. Using the TTL auto flash modeis recommended for normal flash photography. ● ● ● Available flash modes and usable cameras Available flash mode Usable cameras i-TTL mode Cameras compati...

33 TTL auto flash mode ● ● ● TTL auto flash mode: D In this mode, the flash illumination that is reflected back from the subject isdetected by the camera’s TTL auto flash sensor and the camera automaticallycontrols the flash output level to give the correct exposure. Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash: D...

34 Manual mode In Manual flash photography, you select the aperture and flash output level.This allows you to control the exposure and flash shooting distance when thecorrect exposure is difficult to obtain in the TTL auto flash mode. The flashoutput level can be set from M1/1 (full output) to M1/64...

35 Guide number (ISO 100, m/ft) Flash output Zoom-head position (mm) level 14 * 24 28 35 50 70 85 M1/1 14.0/45.9 26.0/85.3 28.0/91.9 30.0/98.4 36.0/118.1 38.0/124.7 40.0/131.2 M1/2 9.9/32.5 18.4/60.4 19.8/65.0 21.2/69.6 25.5/83.7 26.9/88.3 28.3/92.8 M1/4 7.0/23.0 13.0/42.7 14.0/45.9 15.0/49.2 18.0/5...

36 • When the zoom-head position is adjusted to 28mm, set M1/4 flash output level on the SB-600, which can be obtained from GN 14/45.9 (m/ft.) corresponding to the zoom-headposition of 28mm referring to the guide number table. • In Distance-priority manual flash operation, the correct flash output l...

37 6 Confirm that the ready-light comes on, then shoot. ● ● ● Setting the flash output level The flash output level changes every time you press the j or i button, as shown below. When you press the j button: When you press the i button: • The numbers in parentheses represent the adjustable flash ou...

38 Do not exceed the maximum number of continuous firings You should allow the SB-600 to cool off for at least 10 minutes after themaximum number of continuous firings are performed as shown in thetable below: Max. number of continuous firings Flash mode Max. number of continuousfirings (at 6 frames...

Other functions Detailed information on each function of theSB-600 is provided.

40 Setting the zoom-head position The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the power zoom function.It can also be manually adjusted. • The guide number indicating flash output level varies according to the zoom-head position (p. 35). ● ● ● The power zoom function When the SB-600 is used w...

41 ● ● ● Setting the zoom-head position manually When the SB-600 is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination witha non-CPU lens, or you want to change the zoom-head position to one thatdoes not match the focal length, you should adjust the zoom-head positionmanually by pressing the s bu...

42 Exposure compensation and flash output-level Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures byintentionally modifying the flash exposure. This is useful when a subject ofextremely high or low reflectivity is included in the scene or when you want tocreate flash photographs to mat...

43 compensation Other functions Making exposure compensation in the Manual flash mode Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying thecorrect aperture. • Use the guide number and shooting distance to calculate which aperture to use for the correct exposure (p. 35). Then, use a large...

44 Exposure compensation and flash output-level compensation ● ● ● Flash output-level compensation You can make exposure compensation for the flash-illuminated subject withoutaffecting the background exposure by modifying the SB-600’s flash output level. • Available in the TTL auto flash mode.• Flas...

46 Slow-sync flash mode, red-eye reduction control, ● ● ● Slow-sync flash 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. • Available with cameras that have a slow-sync function. The slow-sync...

47 and rear-curtain sync ● ● ● Rear-curtain sync Unnatural-looking pictures can occur when using flash to shoot fast-movingsubjects at slow shutter speeds, because the subject frozen by the flashappears behind or within the blurred movement (see photo below, right).By using rear-curtain sync, howeve...

48 Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode (for compatible cameras) High-Speed flash synchronization at your camera’s highest shutter speed isnow possible. In this mode, the Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode isautomatically set when the shutter speed exceeds the camera’s sync shutterspeed. This is useful when you w...

51 Other functions Autofocus flash operation in dim light When the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-600’s Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator enables you to perform autofocus flash photography. • In dim light, the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator turns on automatically when the cam...

52 Autofocus flash operation in dim light v Notes on using the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator • If the focus indicator does not appear in the camera’s viewfinder even through the Wide- Area AF-Assist Illuminator turns on, focus manually. • The Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator will not light up, if t...

53 Other functions Custom Settings The SB-600 can easily set, activate or cancel various operations using theCustom Settings shown on the opposite page. The displays on the LCD panelvary depending on the settings and the camera/lens combinations used. No item appears when the settings are not availa...

54 Custom Settings ● ● ● Details on Custom Settings (Bold: default setting) Wireless remote flash mode (p. 62) Activating or canceling the wireless remote flash function in wireless multiple flashphotography. • OFF : Remote flash function canceled • ON: Remote flash function activated Sound monitor ...

55 Other functions Power zoom function (p. 40) Setting to activate or cancel the power zoom function, which adjusts the zoom-headposition automatically. • OFF : Activated • ON: Canceled Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is brokenoff accidentally (p. 88) Setting to activat...

Advanced operations Information on advanced flash shootingtechniques using the SB-600 is described inthis section.

58 Overview of multiple flash operation Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking pictures byusing several flash units to emphasize the subject’s shape or eliminate shadows.The following wireless multiple flash operations are available: • It’s not possible to use different...

60 Wireless multiple flash shooting Read the following when setting up the SB-600 as a remote flash unit in theAdvanced Wireless Lighting mode. ● ● ● Flash set-up in the Advanced Wireless Lighting Set up the camera, master flash unit, and remote flash units as shown in thefigure below. • As a basic ...

61 Adv anced oper ations ● ● ● Using the Speedlight Stand Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-19 for stable placement of the remoteflash units. • You can also use the stand for setting up your Nikon Speedlight when using it as a remote flash unit in multiple flash shooting using cords (p. 68). Atta...

62 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Advanced Wireless Lighting is possible when Nikon Speedlights featuringCLS are used with Nikon cameras compatible with CLS.The SB-600 can be used as a remote flash unit only. In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into a maximum of threegr...

● ● ● Settings on the remote flash units In the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode, set the following items on the remoteflash units. Communication channel Select one of the four available channels. Be sure to setthe same channel number for both the master flash unitand remote flash units Group name A ...

64 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting ● ● ● Examples of flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Wireless multiple flash (three flash units) On-camera single flash The master flash unit M illuminates the subject while the light from the remoteflash unit A is bounced off the ceiling to ...

66 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting 7 Confirm that all the ready-lights of the master andremote flash units are on, then press the h button on the master flash unit to test fire the units. • The master flash unit fires first, then the remote flash units in group A fire, followed by those...

68 Multiple flash shooting using cords The SB-600 can be used with Speedlights compatible with the TTL auto flashmode to perform multiple flash shooting using cords. • When using a Speedlight that has a standby function as a remote flash unit, make sure that the standby function is set to off, or se...

69 Adv anced oper ations ● ● ● The maximum number of flash units to be connectedusing 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...

70 System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords SC-24 SB-21A SB-16A SB-17 SC-14 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14SB-140 SB-16B SB-25 SB-26 SB-24 SC-17/ 28 AS-17 SB-29/29s SB-28/ 28DX SB-800 SB-80DX Master flash unit V-type Sync Cord Items marked on page 70 areconnected to item on page 71. Group I Group ...

72 With the SB-600 mounted on your camera’s hot shoe, you can tilt or rotate theflash head to bounce the light off the ceiling or walls. This is a good techniqueto use when shooting indoors, because you get more natural-looking picturesof people with softer shadows. Bounce flash Normal flash Shootin...

74 Bounce flash operation ● ● ● Setting the flash head As shown in the illustrations, tilt or rotate the SB-600’s flash head by holdingdown the flash head tilting/rotating lock release button and adjusting the flashhead to match the shooing environment or your creative preferences. Flash head tiltin...

75 Adv anced oper ations Close-up flash operation When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used, close-up flash shooting can beperformed. The built-in wide-flash adapter diffuses the light from the flash tosoften shadows. When the SB-600 is used off-camera, you can take morenatural-looking close-up p...

77 Adv anced oper ations ● ● ● Setting the aperture Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table. To ensure the correctexposure, use an aperture smaller than the one obtained from the equation. ISO sensitivity 25 50 100 200 400 800 1000 Coefficient (m/ft) 1.4/4.6 2/6.6 2/6.6 4/13 4/13 5.6...

Reference information This section contains information on optionalaccessories, troubleshooting, Speedlight care and specifications.

80 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600 The available types of TTL auto flash vary, depending on the camera/lens/exposure mode/metering system in use. The following tables show theSB-600’s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the user’smanuals of Speedlights featuring no ...

81 Camera Camera TTL mode TTL mode Exposure Metering Lens group with no CLS mode system F80-Series/ Do DE * 2 P/S/A/M YW CPU lens (D/G-type) N80-Series Do DE * 3 P/S/A/M YW CPU lens (Non-D/G-type AF) D D P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens D D M WX Non-CPU lens * 1 F75-Series/ Do DE * 2 P/S/A Y CPU lens (D/G-type)...

82 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600 Camera Camera TTL mode TTL mode Exposure Metering Lens group with no CLS mode system F-601/ D D P/S/A/M Y CPU lens (except for G-type) * 1 N6006 D D P/S/A/M WX CPU lens (except for G-type) * 1 D D A/M WX Non-CPU lens * 1 D D P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (exc...

83 ● ● ● Accessories for multiple flash TTL Remote Cord SC-29/28/17 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft) TTL Remote Cord SC-24 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft) TTL Remote Cords SC-29/SC-28/SC-17/SC-24 provide TTLauto flash operation when the SB-600 is used off-camera.Their flash shoes come with one tripod socket and tw...

84 Optional accessories ● ● ● Other accessories Speedlight Stand AS-19 Same as that provided with this SB-600. Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 The color of light can be balanced or specific colors can beadded to a scene by using a Speedlight with the optionalColored Gel Filter Set SJ-1.The optional Colo...

85 WARNING Never use thinner, benzene, or other active agents for cleaning theSpeedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catchon fire. Using these agents may also impair your health. ● ● ● Cleaning • Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-600 and clean it with a sof...

86 Notes on handling batteries ● ● ● Usable batteries Use four AA-type batteries (1.5 V or lower) of any of the following types. • Carbon-zinc batteries are not recommended. Alkaline-manganese (1.5 V)/Nickel (1.5 V) batteries Non-rechargeable. Never attempt to charge these batteries in a batterychar...

87 If a warning indication appears on the SB-600’s LCD panel or inside thecamera’s viewfinder, use the following chart to determine the cause of theproblem before you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair. ● ● ● Problems with the SB-600 Ref erence inf or mation Troubleshooting Pr...

88 Troubleshooting ● ● ● If the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally If the wide-flash adapter is subjected to a strong impact while set on the flashhead, it may be broken off. In this case, visit your nearest authorized Nikonservice center for repair. • If the wide-flash adapter i...

89 Flash exposure control Indicator Available flash mode Usable camera D i-TTL mode Cameras compatible with CLS, COOLPIX cameras compatiblewith i-TTL D D-TTL mode Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS D TTL (film based) mode Cameras in Groups I to VI (film based cameras) o (appears Balanced Fill-Flas...

92 Index Symbol i / j button..............................................12 i-TTL mode ...............................................32 A AF-ILL .......................................................51Accessories..............................................83Advanced Wireless Lighting .............