Nikon SB-800 - 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 an...

4 Foreword Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-800. To get themost out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manualthoroughly before use. Also, read the separate booklet, “A collection ofexample photos,” which provides an overview of the SB-800’s flash-shooting capabilities w...

5 The SB-800 features the Nikon Creative Lighting System ( CLS ). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by takingadvantage of camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is availableonly when the SB-800 is used with compatible Nikon cameras. The SB-800o...

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 Make trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings orgraduations. 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 ...

In this manual, Nikon cameras are divided into 10 groups, including camerascompatible with CLS * , digital SLRs not compatible with CLS * and cameras in Groups I to VII, unless otherwise noted. First, consult the camera group table tosee which group your camera belongs to. Then as you read the manua...

9 * 4 Distance-priority manual flash p is not possible with D1 X and D1 H digital cameras. * 5 While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no o icon appears. * 6 Repeating flash is not possible with the F3-Series (using the AS-17). Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38) Manual mode ( p. 42) Wireless multiple fla...

10 Speedlight parts and their functions 1 Control button quick reference (p. 12) 2 Flash head (p. 100) Can be tilted up to 90° or down to –7°, androtated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° tothe right. 3 Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (p. 22) 4 Light sensor window for wireless re...

12 Control buttons Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL autoflash mode Press the a and g buttons simultaneously to recall the underexposure value (p. 33). Resetting the settings Press the a and b buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec. to reset all settings, including the customsettings (e...

13 Icons on the LCD panel Auto Aperture flash In addition to Non-TTL auto A flash (see below), the SB-800’s built-in sensorcorrectly controls the flashoutput in combination with dataautomatically transmitted fromthe camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISOsensitivity, aperture, focallength, ...

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(except for 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 flash photography in the TTL auto flash mode.You can easily perform flash photography byfollowing Steps 1–8 on the left-hand pages. In this section, basic procedures are described when aCPU lens is mounte...

18 1 Slide open the battery chamber lid in thedirection of the arrow. 2 Install the batteries following the i and j marks as shown. Align the battery chamber lid attachment indexes, thenclose the battery chamber lid by sliding itinto place while pressing down. v Usable batteries Install four AA-type...

19 ■ ■ ■ Minimum number of flashes and recycling times When using four (or five) fresh batteries of the same type and the Speedlightfires at M1/1 output. Batteries Number of Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/ batteries (approx.) recycling time Alkaline- x4 6.0 sec. 130 / 6-30 sec. manganese...

20 1 Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn on the SB-800. Make sure theready-light comes on. 2 Press the FLASH button to test fire the flash. ■ ■ ■ Test firing CAUTION! When test firing the Speedlight, never position your eyes close to the flash head. • The SB-800 fires at specified output...

21 t Standby function to conserve battery power If the SB-800 and the camera are not used for more than a specified time, thestandby function activates and automatically turns the SB-800 off to conservebattery power (it goes into the standby mode). • In the standby mode, the R indicator appears on t...

22 1 Make sure the SB-800 and the camerabody are turned off. 2 Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to theleft, slide the SB-800’s mounting foot intothe camera’s accessory shoe and turn thelock lever to the right. 3 Hold down the flash head tilting/rotatinglock release button to adjust the flashhead ...

23 adjust the flash head t Warning indication If the flash head is not adjusted to the horizontal/front position, when the poweris turned on, this warning appears on the LCD panel. See page 100 for theflash head’s rotating angle. • A dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilt...

24 In this manual, the sensitivity for digital SLRs and the film speed for film-basedcameras are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity. For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS,cameras in Groups I to II, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL, theISO sensitivity is...

25 ■ ■ ■ Setting the ISO sensitivity for cameras in Groups III to VII For cameras in Groups III to VII, set the ISO sensitivity in the Custom settingsmode (p. 67). 1 Turn the SB-800 off once, then turn it backon. After that, turn on the camera body. 2 Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display...

1 The zoom-head position is indicated onthe LCD panel. • The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the power zoom function or it canbe manually adjusted. • The guide number indicating flash output level varies according to the zoom-headposition (p. 43). ■ ■ ■ The power zoom function When t...

27 ■ ■ ■ Setting the zoom-head position manually When the SB-800 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. • Press the c butto...

28 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode toProgrammed Auto (P). • If Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, select another exposure mode. See the oppositepage. 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 an...

29 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 instruction man...

30 7 Setting the SB-800’s flash mode 1 Press the a button to set the flash mode. • Display Do on the LCD panel. 2 Confirm that the main subject is within theflash shooting distance range. ■ ■ ■ Selecting the flash mode Every time you press the a button, the available flash mode icon changes. Refer t...

31 ■ ■ ■ About the flash shooting distance range The SB-800’s flash shooting distance range is 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) andvaries, depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use. Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode * 1 With the Nikon Diffusion Do...

32 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-800 or in thecamera’s viewfinder is on, then shoot. v Set the camera’s flash sync mode to Front-curtain sync. With cameras featu...

33 v If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might beinsufficient for correct exposure. In the TTL auto and Non-TTL auto flash modes, when the flash has fired at itsmaximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-lights onthe SB-800 and in the camera’s viewfinder blink for ...

34 For COOLPIX cameras, such as the COOLPIX 8800 and4500, having an accessory shoe (hot-shoe) or TTL multiple flash terminal: When more powerful illumination is required or when performing multiple flash, it isrecommended to connect the SB-800 or another NikonSpeedlight compatible with TTL auto flas...

Detailed operation This section provides a variety of flashmodes available with the SB-800.Be sure to refer to your camera’s instructionmanual for specific information on camerasettings and functions.

36 SB-800’s available flash modes The SB-800’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 (Indicators, usable cameras) TTL auto flash mode •...

Detailed oper ation 37 TTL auto flash mode ■ ■ ■ TTL auto flash: 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 Balance...

38 Non-TTL auto flash mode Auto Aperture B flash The SB-800’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected from thesubject and controls the flash output in combination with data automaticallytransmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISOsensitivity value and expos...

Detailed oper ation 39 5 Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-lightis on, then shoot. • When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light onthe SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate,use a wider aperture or move closer to the subjectan...

Detailed oper ation 41 5 Set the camera to its highest flash sync shutterspeed. • For details, see your camera’s instruction manual. 6 Compose the picture, make sure the ready-light ison, then shoot. • When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-ligh...

42 Manual mode Manual mode The SB-800 features three manual modes. • Distance-priority manual flash p • Manual flash G • Repeating flash q You can calculate the correct aperture by using the guide number table andthe shooting distance. Then set the same aperture manually on the lens.In this case, se...

43 ISO sensitivity factors For sensitivities other than ISO 100, multiply the guide number by the factors shown in thetable below. To calculate the correct aperture Calculate the correct aperture by using this equation and the guide number table,according to the ISO sensitivity, shooting distance, f...

44 Manual mode Distance-priority manual p flash In this flash operation, the SB-800 automatically controls the light outputaccording to the distance value and aperture set. Enter the distance value andyou can take pictures having the same exposure even when shooting atdifferent apertures. • Distance...

45 5 Set the aperture that appears on the SB-800’sLCD panel on the lens or camera. • With cameras in Groups III to VII. 6 Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot. ■ ■ ■ Distance values that can be entered when performingDistance-priority manual p flash operation (m/ft.) 0.3/1 0.4/1.3 0.5/1.6 ...

46 Manual mode Manual G flash In Manual flash photography, you select the aperture and flash output level. In this way, you can control the exposure and flash shooting distance whenshooting subjects where the correct exposure is difficult to obtain in the TTL orNon-TTL auto flash mode. The flash out...

47 Detailed oper ation 6 Set the same aperture on your camera or lensthat is set on the SB-800. • With cameras in Groups III to VII. 7 Confirm that the ready-light comes on, then shoot. ■ ■ ■ Setting the flash output level Press the g button to highlight the flash output level display. The flash out...

48 Manual mode Repeating q flash In Repeating flash operation, the SB-800 fires repeatedly during a singleexposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. This operation isuseful when shooting fast-moving subjects. • In this operation, q appears on the LCD panel. • Be sure to use fresh or ...

50 Manual mode 7 Set the same aperture on the camera or lens thatis set on the SB-800. • With cameras in Groups III to VII. 8 Set the shutter speed. • Use the equation to determine the shutter speed and use that shutter speed or one slower. Shutter speed = Number of flashes per frame ÷ Frequency of ...

51 Notes on continuous flash shooting Do not exceed the maximum number of continuous firings You should allow the SB-800 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. numbe...

52 Checking the correct exposure before shooting You can determine whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-800 before actually taking the picture in TTL auto flash, AutoAperture, and Non-TTL auto flash operations. • In manual flash mode, checking the correct expos...

Other functions Detailed information on each function of theSB-800 is provided.

54 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...

55 compensation Making exposure compensation in Non-TTL auto flash and Manual flashoperations Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correctaperture. • In the Non-TTL auto flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained when the same aperture is set on the camera as that ...

56 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-800’s flash output level. • Available in TTL auto flash mode, Auto Aper...

57 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-800 and confirming the flash shooting distancerange. • For details, read the instruction manuals of your camera an...

58 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 providing slow-sync. You cannot set the slow-...

59 and Rear-curtain sync ■ ■ ■ Rear-curtain sync In normal flash photography, when shooting fast-moving subjects at slow shutterspeeds, unnatural-looking pictures can occur, because the subject frozen by theflash appears behind or within the blurred movement (see photo below right).Rear-curtain flas...

60 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...

62 Autofocus flash operation in dim light When the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-800’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 camera’s shutter re...

63 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 the camera’s autofocus is locked or the ...

64 Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 Use the provided quick recycling battery pack to install five batteries to shortenthe recycling time (p. 19). Notes on using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 • With the SD-800 attached, be sure to use five batteries.• Be sure to replace all fiv...

66 Checking the illumination before actually taking the picture (Modeling illuminator) Press the Modeling illuminator button and the flash fires repeatedly at areduced flash output level. This is useful for checking the illumination and theshadows cast on the subject before actually taking the pictu...

67 Custom functions The SB-800 can easily set, activate, or cancel various operations using theCustom settings as shown below. Icons appearing on the LCD panel varydepending on the settings and the camera/lens combinations. No icon appears when the settings are not available. For details on setting ...

68 Custom settings ■ ■ ■ Setting Custom functions 1 Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode. 2 Press the e or f button and c or d button on the Multi Selector to choose the desired customfunctions to be set, then press the g button. 3 Press the e or f button to high...

69 ■ ■ ■ Details on Custom settings (Bold: default setting) ISO sensitivity (p. 24) The available ISO sensitivity range is ISO 3 to 8000. Pressing the e or f button increases or decrease the value in increments of 1/3 step. Pressingthe e or f button continuously increases or decreases the value quic...

Advanced operations Information on advanced flash shootingtechniques using the SB-800 is described inthis section.

72 Overview of multiple flash operation Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking picturesby using several flash units to emphasize the subject’s shape or eliminateshadows. The following wireless multiple flash operations are available: Multiple flashoperation Advanced Wir...

73 ■ ■ ■ Be sure to cancel Monitor Preflashes (in TTL multiple flash operation) In SU-4 type wireless multiple flash and multiple flash using cords, cancel theMonitor Preflashes of the master flash unit following one of the methodsdescribed below, since Monitor Preflashes cause incorrect exposure. S...

74 Wireless multiple flash shooting Read the following when setting up the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in theAdvanced Wireless Lighting and SU-4 type wireless multiple flash modes. ■ ■ ■ Flash set-up in the Advanced Wireless Lighting Set up the camera, master flash unit, and remote flash units as ...

75 ■ ■ ■ 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. 90). Attachment to the Speedlig...

76 When the SB-800 is used with Nikon cameras compatible with CLS,Advanced Wireless Lighting is possible. In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into a maximum of threegroups (A, B, C) and set the flash mode and flash output level compensationvalues separately for each group as well as ...

77 Adv anced oper ations ■ ■ ■ Settings in Advanced Wireless Lighting In this mode, set the following items on either the master flash unit or theremote flash units. Item Speedlight to be set Remarks Flash mode Master flash unit The following five flash modes are available: D : i-TTL mode B ( A ) : ...

79 ■ ■ ■ Setting a group and channel number on the remote flash units 1 Press the g button on the remote flash unit to highlight the channel number, then press the e or f button to set the channel number. • Be sure to choose the same channel number as set on the master flash unit. 2 Press the g butt...

80 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 ...

84 SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting SU-4 type wireless multiple flash can be performed in two ways: (1) In the A(auto) mode, in which the wireless remote flash units start and stop firing insync with the master Speedlight, and (2) in the M (manual) mode, in which thewireless remote flash u...

85 Adv anced oper ations Setting the flash mode on the remote flash units 1 Detach the SB-800, which is already set to theSU-4 type wireless multiple flash mode, from thecamera body. 2 The flash mode on the remote flash unit togglesbetween P A (auto) and P M (manual) every time you press the a butto...

■ ■ ■ Wireless multiple flash shooting in the A (auto) 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 remoteflash units. 3 Set the wireless flash mode of all SB-800’s usedas master and remote flash units to “SU-4.” 4 Pres...

87 Adv anced oper ations ■ ■ ■ Wireless multiple flash shooting in the 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 remoteflash units. 3 Set the wireless flash mode of all SB-800’s usedas the master and remot...

88 t Adjusting the flash output level of the remote flash units in the w (manual) mode Adjusting the flash output level manually Use the following equation to determine the proper manual flash output level ofthe remote flash unit, depending on your creative preferences. GN = F x D where GN is the gu...

89 Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the ready-light or the beeping sound Adv anced oper ations You can confirm wireless multiple flash operation by checking the ready-lighton the SB-800 or the beeping sound during and after shooting. ■ ■ ■ Using the SB-800’s beeping sound in the wi...

90 The SB-800 can be used with Speedlights compatible with the TTL auto flash mode to perform multiple flash shooting using cords. • Use of the SB-50DX and SB-23 as remote flash units is not recommended, because the standby function cannot be canceled. • Speedlights SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B ...

91 ■ ■ ■ Notes on multiple flash shooting using cords • Be sure to see the instruction manuals of your cameras, Speedlights, and accessories.• Refer to “System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords” (p. 94) and your cameras and Speedlights instruction manuals for proper connection. • Use...

92 Multiple flash shooting using cords ■ ■ ■ TTL multiple flash (not possible with digital SLRs and COOLPIXcameras compatible with i-TTL) 1 Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Attach the master flash unit to the camera, turnthe power on, and set the flash mo...

93 ■ ■ ■ 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 remote flash unit using the optionalSync Cord SC-11 or SC-15. 4 ...

94 System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords 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 SC-17/ 28 SB-27 AS-17 SB-29/29s SB-28/ 28DX SB-22 SB-22s SB-20 SB-23 SB-30 SB-50DX SB-800 SB-80DX Master flash unit V-type Sync Cord Items marked ...

96 Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras using Supplied with the SB-800, the Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800 includes two filters:the FL-G1 for taking flash pictures under fluorescent light and the TN-A1 foruse with incandescent/tungsten light. • Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 is also available as an ...

97 colored gel filters ■ ■ ■ How to use colored gels 1 Fold the colored gel filter securely on the line. 2 Insert the colored gel filter between the wide-flashadapter and the flash head. 3 Adjust the white balance setting on your digitalcamera, then shoot. u Optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 The ...

98 Bounce flash operation With the SB-800 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. Also, you ...

100 Bounce flash operation ■ ■ ■ Setting the aperture In bounce flash, there is a light loss of 2–3 stops when compared with normalflash photography. Therefore, you should use a wider aperture. When the flashhead is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front position, the flash shootingdistance ran...

101 u Using the built-in bounce card In bounce flash photography, use the SB-800’s built-in bounce card to create ahighlight in the subject’s eyes, making the eyes look more vibrant. • As shown in the illustrations, pull out the wide-flash adapter and while holding the bounce card, slide the wide-fl...

102 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-800 is used off-camera, you can take morenatural-looking close-up pictures. • Be sure to...

Reference information Optional accessories, Troubleshooting,Speedlight care, Specifications, etc. arepresented here.

108 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800 The available types of TTL auto flash vary, depending on the camera/lens/exposure mode/metering system in use. The following tables show theSB-800’s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in theinstruction manuals of Speedlights featuri...

109 Ref erence inf or mation Camera TTL mode with no CLS TTL mode Exposure Metering Lens mode system F4-Series D F P/S/A/M Y CPU lens ∗ 1 D F A/M Y Non-CPU lens ∗ 2 D F ∗ 3 P/S/A/M W CPU lens ∗ 1 D F ∗ 3 A/M W 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 m...

110 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800 Camera TTL mode with no CLS TTL mode Exposure Metering Lens 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-800’s LCD panel. Matrix B...

111 Optional accessories Ref erence inf or mation ■ ■ ■ 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-800 is used off-camera.Their...

TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 for F3-Series cameras Dedicated adapter for F3-Series cameras providing TTL flashoperation with Nikon Speedlights such as the SB-800featuring an ISO-type mounting foot (not designed for the F3). Bracket SK-7 A metal plate with attachment screws allowing the cameraand Spe...

113 Ref erence inf or mation ■ ■ ■ Using external power sources Connecting to an external power source To use an external power source, remove the coverand connect its power cord to the SB-800’s externalpower source terminal. • Do not use the power cord SC-16 when connecting the SB-800 to the Nikon ...

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-800 and clean it with a soft, ...

115 Notes on batteries Ref erence inf or mation ■ ■ ■ Usable batteries Use four (or five) AA-type batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types. • High-power manganese batteries are not recommended.• Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 (p. 64) or an external power source (p. 113)...

116 Troubleshooting If a warning indication appears on the SB-800’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-800 Problem The power cannot b...

117 Ref erence inf or mation ■ ■ ■ 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. • When the wide-fla...

118 Troubleshooting ■ ■ ■ Ready-light warning inside the camera’s viewfinder Note The SB-800 incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations. In rare cases, theSB-800 may not work properly even after fresh batteries are properly installed. If thishappens, replace the batteries while the SB-...

119 About the LCD panel Ref erence inf or mation ■ ■ ■ Characteristics of the LCD panel • Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the LCD display is difficult to read when viewed from above. However, the display can be seen clearly from a somewhat lowerangle. • The LCD display becomes darker...

120 Specifications Electronic construction Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry Guide number (at 35mm zoom-head position, 20 ° C/68 ° F) 38/125 (ISO 100, m/ft), 53/174 (ISO 200, m/ft) Flash exposure control set on the camera Slow-sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye re...

123 Ref erence inf or mation Weight Approx. 350g (12.3 oz.) (without batteries) Accessories Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800, 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 specifi...

124 Symbol e / f button .............................................12 i-TTL mode ...............................................36 A AF-ILL .......................................................62AF-ILL ONLY.............................................62Accessories...................................