Home

Nikon SB-600 Camera Flash User Manual

1. odeling illuminator lonitor Preflashes ounting foot lock lever 22 ultiple flash operation ee ultiple flash shooting using cords 66 QAF ko Cee eerecey test eereererrerns tee jlon CPU lenses umber of flashes Ready light Rear curtain sync Red eye reduction control Red eye reduction with slow sync PASM E AR A ET Remote flash unit Sound monitor Speedlight Stand Speedlight parts and their functions 10 Standard TTL flash 33 Standby function Supplied accessories Underexposure value in the TTL AULO flash MODE rsr 29 Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator 5 50 Wireless master flash unit 56 Wireless multiple flash shooting 56 Wireless remote flash unit 60 Zoom head position eects 40 A Reference information 91 Nikon No reproduction in any form of this manual in whole or in part except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION Printed in China NIKON CORPORATION 114D00310202 11 Fuji Bldg 2 3 Marunouchi 3 chome Chiyoda ku Tokyo 100 8331 Japan 8MSA1411
2. a 24 Hm gt os am ON OFF Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M Set the camera s metering system to Matrix Metering or Center Weighted Metering Set the flash mode to TTL auto flash Set the camera s aperture e Between 2 and 3 stops of light can be lost when using bounce flash compared with normal flash photography so use a wider aperture A Advanced operations Adjust the flash head Make sure that the ready light is on then shoot e When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred the ready light on the SB 600 blinks for approx 3 sec To compensate use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot 71 Bounce flash operation 0 Setting the flash head As shown in the illustrations tilt or rotate the SB 600 s flash head by holding down the flash head tilting rotating lock release button and adjusting the flash head to match the shooing environment or your creative preferences Flash head tilting and rotating angles The SB 600 s flash head tilts from 0 to 90 and rotates horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right e Set the flash head at a click stop at the angles shown 90 75 72 Close up flash operation When the built in wide flash adapter is used close up
3. 1 el 2 TNI Hh Te TH ohal 12 i D S CH GROUP 13 Mi os NO AF ILL S14 5 a LS TEY 18 6 17 1 Flash mode p 26 2 Wireless remote flash p 60 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 monitor p 65 When the SB 600 is set as a remote flash unit you can monitor its operation by listening to the beeping sound 4 Compatible with CLS p 5 The SB 600 is connected to cameras compatible with CLS 5 Zoom head position p 40 6 Channel p 61 Represents the communication channel number through which the master and remote flash units exchange data in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode 7 Auto FP High Speed Sync p 48 The SB 600 automatically fires at faster shutter speeds exceeding the camera s sync shutter speed 8 Flash output level p 34 9 Flash output level compensation p 44 10 Underexposure in TTL auto flash p 29 11 Flash output level compensation value p 44 Underexposure value in TTL auto flash p 29 Indicates the underexposure value showing that the light might be insufficient in the TTL auto flash mode Flash output level in Manual flash p 34 12 Group p 61 Represents the group of each remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode 13 Control buttons being locked p 12 Control buttons except the ON OFF and FLASH buttons are
4. aT TL nw a zoom Sii OD ia Imm GE Make sure the SB 600 and camera body are turned off Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the left slide the SB 600 s mounting foot into the camera s accessory shoe and turn the lock lever to the right 3 Hold down the flash head tilting rotating lock release button to adjust the flash head to the horizontal front position 4 Turn on the SB 600 and the camera body e The zoom head position is automatically adjusted according to the lens focal length when the SB 600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Il in combination with a CPU lens When the SB 600 is used with cameras other than those listed above or you want to adjust the zoom head position manually refer to Setting the zoom head position p 40 the flash head M Turn the mounting foot lock lever securely until it stops To lock the Speedlight in place turn the lock lever approx 90 clockwise until it stops To unlock turn the lever counter clockwise until it stops Unlock Digital data communication with the SB 600 Digital data communication is performed when the SB 600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Il With a CPU lens data such as focal length are automatically transferred to the SB 600 A Basic operation 23 24 4 Setti
5. Zoom head position setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally p 86 Setting to activate or cancel the zoom head position setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally When set to ON the zoom head position display blinks e OFF Manual setting canceled e ON Manual setting activated LCD panel illuminator p 15 Setting the LCD panel illuminator to turn on or off e ON Turn on e OFF Turn off Advanced operations Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB 600 is described in this section 56 Overview of multiple flash operation Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural looking pictures by using several flash units to emphasize the subject s shape or eliminate shadows The following wireless multiple flash operations are available Multiple flash Usable cameras Usable Speedlights operation Advanced Wireless Cameras Only those featuring CLS Lighting p 60 compatible with such as SB 800 and SB 600 CLS e The SB 600 can be used as a remote flash unit only Multiple flash No limitation Speedlights compatible with operation using TTL multiple flash the TTL mode cords p 66 operation is not id Spa an HAN SB 14 i B 140 and SB 21B cannot be Pe Een used with the F 401 N4004 or g F 401s N4004s as either master or remote flash units e It s not possible to use different types of mult
6. i TTL mode 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 32 Advanced Wireless Lighting With 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 creative multiple flash shooting techniques The SB 600 can be used only as a wireless remote flash unit p 60 Flash Value Lock Flash Value FV is the amount of flash exposure needed for a subject Using FV Lock with compatible cameras you can lock in the appropriate flash exposure for the main subject This flash exposure will remain fixed even if you change the aperture or composition or zoom the lens in or out p 49 Flash Color Information Communication When the SB 600 is 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 the SB 600 Auto FP High Speed Sync High Speed flash synchronization at your camera s highest shutter speed is n
7. 2 9 sec 90 4 30 sec Ni MH 2000 mA rechargeable 2 5 sec 220 4 30 sec With fresh batteries e These data were measured without using the wide area AF assist illuminator zoom head position adjustment or LCD panel illumination e The above data may vary due to variations in battery performance 0 Replacing recharging the batteries Refer to the following table to determine when to replace or recharge your batteries if the ready light takes a long time to come on Type of battery Recycling time Remedy Alkaline manganese More than 30 seconds Lithium More than 10 seconds Replace Nickel More than 10 seconds Ni Cd rechargeable More than 10 seconds Recharge Ni MH rechargeable A Basic operation 19 20 2 Test firing Confirming the exposure SPEEDLIGHT SB 600 1 Press the button for approx 0 3 second to turn on the SB 600 Make sure the ready light comes on 2 Press the button to test fire the flash 0 Test firing CAUTION Do not test fire the Speedlight near your eyes e The SB 600 fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx 1 16 output in the TTL auto flash mode 0 button Pressing the button for approx 0 3 second turns on the SB 600 and the indications appear on the LCD panel Pressing the button again turns off the SB 600 and the indications disappear Standby function to conserve
8. Standard i TTL flash in the i TTL mode Standard TTL flash for Digital SLRs in the D TTL mode and Standard TTL flash in the TTL film based mode Detailed operation A Notes on TTL mode indicators Comparison tables are provided on page 78 to show the SB 600 s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the current Speedlight instruction manuals e For details on shooting procedures in the TTL auto flash mode refer to Basic operation p 17 33 34 Manual mode 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 the correct exposure is difficult to obtain in the TTL auto flash mode The flash output level can be set from M1 1 full output to M1 64 to suit your creative preferences You can calculate the correct aperture by using the guide number table and the shooting distance Then set the same aperture manually on the lens In this case set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M e No limitation on usable cameras e Refer to your camera s instruction manual for details on camera and lens aperture settings e The shutter might not be released if the camera s exposure mode is at a setting other than Aperture Priority A or Manual M and the SB 600 is in Manual mode depending on the camera in use For details refer to your camera s instruc
9. The ready light blinks when pressing The SB 600 is not correctly attached to he shutter release button slightly in the the camera TTL auto flash mode Cameras in Group VI p 80 The ready light blinks in the TTL auto The shutter speed is set to M90 M250 ash mode or B bulb FM3A New FM2 cameras The ready light blinks The shutter speed set is faster than the flash sync speed ew FM2 F55 Series N55 Series cameras p 80 The ready light blinks when the flash The SB 600 s flash mode is set to TTL mode is set to TTL auto flash auto flash Note The SB 600 incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations In rare cases the SB 600 may not work properly even after fresh batteries are properly installed If this happens replace the batteries while the SB 600 s power is turned on Warning e Batteries should not be exposed to excessive heat such as strong sunshine a fire or the like e Dry batteries should never be recharged in a battery charger e Do not expose the SB 600 to water as this may result in an electric shock or cause the unit to catch on fire Specifications Electronic Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor IGBT construction and series circuitry Guide number 30 98 ISO 100 m ft 42 138 ISO 200 m ft at 35 mm zoom head position 20 C 68 F Flash shooting 0 6m to 20m 2 to 66 ft varies depending on the distance range in TTL ISO sensitivity zoom head positi
10. For more details refer to Detailed operation p 31 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB 600 p 78 and your camera s instruction manual TTL auto flash mode p 33 O Available Not available Wireless multiple flash m Advanced Wireless TTL TIL TTL EIN Manual mode Lighting works as a i TTL D TTL TTL p 34 remote flash unit only p 60 O O O OF O O Q E O O O O O O O 8 _ O oO O n O O z G O S O Preparation 10 Speedlight parts and their functions 1 Built in wide flash adapter p 74 Increases the angle of coverage to match a 14 mm lens 2 Flash head p 72 Can be tilted from 0 to 90 and rotated horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right 3 Flash head tilting rotating lock release button p 22 4 Battery chamber lid open close index p 18 5 Battery chamber lid p 18 6 Auxiliary ready light p 65 Works as a ready light when the SB 600 is used as a wireless remote flash unit 7 Wide area AF assist illuminator p 50 Automatically turns on for autofocus operation when the light is dim 8 Light sensor window for wireless remote flash p 58 9 External AF assist illuminator contacts Accepts optional TTL Remote Cord SC 29 10 Mount pin 11 Hot shoe contacts 12 Mounting foot 13
11. flash mode using Custom Settings p 52 e The indicator appears on the LCD panel ON OFF ffo Co Y M Notes on setting the flash mode when the SB 600 is used as a remote flash unit In Advanced Wireless Lighting set the flash mode of the remote flash units on the master flash unit therefore when the SB 600 is used as a remote flash unit do not set the SB 600 s flash mode to Auto Aperture AA or Non TTL auto A flash because these modes are not available with the SB 600 If set the SB 600 will not fire l Settings on the remote flash units In the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode set the following items on the remote flash units Communication channel Select one of the four available channels Be sure to set the same channel number for both the master flash unit and remote flash units Group name A maximum of 3 groups A B C Set the remote flash units flash modes and flash output level compensation values on the master flash unit If wireless repeating flash has been set on the master flash unit remote flash units such as the SB 600 will also perform repeating flash operation If a photographer uses the same type of wireless remote flash setup near you your remote flash units may accidentally fire in sync with that photographer s master flash unit To avoid this use a different channel number Refer to your Speedlight instruction manual for information on master flash unit se
12. since it does not absorb moisture effectively after a while 0 Operating location e An extreme temperature change can cause condensation inside the SB 600 When taking the SB 600 to a very hot place from a very cold place or vice versa place it inside an airtight container such as plastic bag Leave it inside for a while then expose the SB 600 gradually to the outside temperature e Avoid exposing the SB 600 to strong magnetism or radio waves from TVs or high voltage power transmission towers as this may cause it to malfunction A Reference information 83 84 Notes on handling batteries Usable batteries Use four AA type batteries 1 5V or lower of any of the following types e High power manganese batteries are not recommended Alkaline manganese 1 5V Nickel 1 5V batteries Non rechargeable Never attempt to charge these batteries in a battery charger Otherwise they may explode Lithium 1 5V batteries Non rechargeable Never attempt to charge these batteries in a battery charger Otherwise they may explode e Depending on battery specifications when these batteries become hot the safety circuits are activated cutting off power This often occurs when the flash unit is operated in the repeating flash mode Battery power will recover when the temperature returns to normal NiCd battery rechargeable 1 2V Ni MH rechargeable 1 2V Rechargeable Before recharging the batteries be sure to read the inst
13. 9 9 5 4 7 15 5 41 17 5 6 18 6 6 22 7 3 24 8 26 50 4 0 13 6 7 22 7 2 24 8 26 9 3 31 10 3 34 11 4 37 100 5 7 19 9 4 31 10 1 33 11 3 37 13 1 43 14 5 48 16 52 200 8 26 13 2 43 14 1 46 15 8 52 18 3 60 20 66 22 4 73 400 11 4 37 18 8 62 20 2 66 22 6 74 26 2 86 29 95 32 105 800 16 52 26 3 86 28 3 93 31 6 104 36 7 120 40 6 133 44 8 147 With the wide flash adapter in place e For example when shooting with an ISO sensitivity of 100 at a 35mm zoom head position and an aperture of f 5 6 D 11 3 5 6 f stop 2 0 in meters farthest flash shooting distance D 37 5 6 f stop 6 6 in feet farthest flash shooting distance 76 Reference information This section contains information on optional accessories troubleshooting Speedlight care and specifications 78 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 the SB 600 s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the current Speedlight manuals when the flash unit is used with various cameras not compatible with CLS e Refer to your camera s instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions Exposure mode Metering system P Programmed Auto Matrix S Shutter Priority Auto Center Weighted A Aperture Pr
14. SB 600 directly Set it on the camera e Available flash mode is i TTL S5 A Other functions 49 50 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 camera s shutter release button is lightly pressed if an AF lens is mounted and the camera s focus mode is set to S Single Servo AF with focus priority AF or A The effective shooting distance with the Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is approx 1m to 10m 3 3 to 33 ft with a 50mm f 1 8 lens or less depending on the lens in use Usable lens focal length 24mm to 105mm 35 to 105mm for F 501 N2020 cameras Use the center focus area in your camera s viewfinder when using the wide area AF Assist Illuminator for cameras not compatible with CLS For cameras compatible with CLS e The SB 600 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator supports the dynamic area AF system of cameras compatible with CLS e With a D2H camera for example A total of 11 focus areas are usable at lens focal lengths of 35mm to 85mm as shown in he figure below A total of 9 focus areas excluding the extreme right and left hand ones are usable at ens focal lengths of 24mm to 85mm e With AF cameras such as the D2H the
15. are performed as shown in the WARNING table below A Do not exceed the maximum number of continuous firings Max number of continuous firings Max number of continuous firings at 6 frames sec Flash mode TTL auto flash Manual flash Flash output level M1 1 M1 2 15 Manual flash Flash output level M1 4 to M1 64 40 i Synchronization during continuous flash shooting The table below shows the maximum number of frames that can be taken during continuous flash shooting If the number of continuous frames shot exceeds the value shown in the table allow the SB 600 to cool off for at least 10 minutes Maximum number of frames during continuous flash shooting at six frames per sec Flash output level 1 16 1 32 1 64 Alkaline manganese Lithium Nickel Up to 4 Up to 8 Up to 16 Up to 30 NiCd Ni MH Batteries Other functions Detailed information on each function of the SB 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 e The guide number indicating flash output level varies according to the zoom head position p 35 0 The power zoom function When the SB 600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Il in combination with a CPU lens the power zoom function activates and the zoom
16. effective shooting range of the wide area AF assist Illuminator is approx 1m to 10m 3 3 to 33 ft or less in the mid portion of the rame and 1m to 7m 3 3 to 23 ft or less at the periphery with a 50mm f 1 8 lens These ranges may vary depending on the lens in use e For details see your camera s instruction manual M Notes on using the Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator e f the focus indicator does not appear in the camera s viewfinder even through the Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator turns on focus manually e The Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator will not light up if the camera s autofocus is locked or the SB 600 s ready light does not come on e Refer to your camera s instruction manual for more information Activating and canceling the Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator You can set the SB 600 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator to activate or cancel in the Custom Settings mode p 52 e By default the Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is set to activate For cameras having a built in Speedlight e Even when the camera s AF Assist Illuminator is set to activate the SB 600 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is given priority and the camera s AF Assist Illuminator does not light up However the camera s AF Assist Illuminator lights up only when the SB 600 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is canceled e With F80 Series N80 Series F75 Series N75 Series and F65 Series N65 Series cameras C Other functio
17. flash shooting can be performed The built in wide flash adapter diffuses the light from the flash to soften shadows When the SB 600 is used off camera you can take more natural looking close up pictures e Be sure to use the wide flash adapter when taking close up flash photographs e Be careful when using a long lens that the light from the flash is not obstructed by the lens barrel e Vignetting may occur in close up flash photography due to the lighting situation lens in use focal length setting etc Therefore make test shots before shooting an important assignment Flash shooting with two flash units light bounced from the side and top Shooting data e Camera D2H Focal length 50 mm e e Master flash unit SB 800 set to e Remote flash unit SB 600 set to e e Aperture 20 Shooting distance Approx 1 5 m 4 9 ft q g Master flash unit Use either the SC 29 SC 28 or SC 17 INN flash unit A Bounced off the ceiling l Remote 4 Flash shooting with one camera mounted flash unit Shooting data e Camera D2H e Focal length 50 mm e Master flash unit SB 800 set to e Aperture f 10 e Shooting distance Approx 1 5 m 4 9 ft A Advanced operations Example of close up shooting with two flash units Illumination bounced from the side and top provided by two flash units eliminates backgrou
18. head is automatically adjusted e The zoom head position is automatically adjusted to match focal lengths of 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm and 85mm when the power zoom function is activated e When the lens focal length is not one of those indicated above the zoom head adjusts to the closest wide angle setting of the lens in use For example if the zoom setting of a CPU lens was between 36mm and 49mm the zoom head position would be adjusted to 35mm e f a small M does not appear above the ZOOM indication on the LCD panel the zoom head position will be automatically adjusted If a small M appears keep pressing the button until it disappears Pa 1 TL BL LE ad a Gas AF ILL zod ws m mm Ga imm ama Power zoom activated Power zoom canceled 0 Setting the zoom head position manually When the SB 600 is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination with anon CPU lens or you want to change the zoom head position to one that does not match the focal length you should adjust the zoom head position manually by pressing the button e A small M above the ZOOM indication appears on the LCD panel while manually setting the zoom head position e Every time you press the button the zoom head position changes as follows ne rene ree pee rere p e When the camera lens combination is compatible with the power zoom function the zoom head position changes as follows when a 35mm lens is attached aa a la e
19. low reflectivity is included in the scene or when you want to create flash photographs to match your creative preferences e Some plus compensation may be necessary when the background includes a mirror white wall or other highly reflective surface Likewise some minus compensation may be required when the background is dark or includes subjects of low reflectivity e Making exposure compensation for both the main subject and background the main subject only without affecting the background or the background only without affecting the main subject is possible depending on the flash shooting situation Exposure compensation on the SB 600 can be performed in these ways Exposure compensation Available flash mode Usable camera Making exposure compensation All flash modes Cameras in all groups for both the main subject and background Making exposure compensation TTL auto flash mode Cameras compatible with CLS for the main subject only digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Ill Manual flash mode Cameras in all groups Making exposure compensation Flash shooting at slow shutter Cameras in all groups for the background only speeds 40 Making exposure compensation for both the main subject and background In the TTL auto flash mode Use the camera s exposure compensation function to modify both the SB 600 s flash output level and the background exposure For details see
20. multiple flash terminal but no hot shoe contacts For details see your camera s instruction manual Please note that wireless multiple flash using the COOLPIX s built in flash as a master flash unit and the SB 600 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed Detailed operation This section provides a variety of flash modes available with the SB 600 Be sure to refer to your camera s instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions 32 SB 600 s available flash modes The SB 600 s available flash modes vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode Using the TTL auto flash mode is recommended for normal flash photography l Available flash modes and usable cameras Available flash mode Usable cameras i TTL mode Cameras compatible with CLS D TTL mode Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS TTL auto flash mode TTL film based mode Cameras film based in Groups to VI No appears with cameras in Groups III and IV while performing Balanced Fill Flash Manual mode Manual flash No limitation Monitor Preflashes The SB 600 fires a series of imperceptible This applies to situations when the SB 600 with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with a CPU lens and the flash mode is set to TI e Monitor Preflashes are fired instantaneously an main flash onitor Preflashes just before the flash fires so that the ca
21. of the flash illumination is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the flash unit and the subject For example if the distance between Speedlight A and the subject is 1 m 3 3 ft and Speedlight B is 2 m 6 6 ft the combined brightness of the two Speedlights will be A B 1 2 1 4 in meters or 3 3 6 6 approx 11 44 in feet Therefore the illumination provided by Speedlight A is four times or two steps brighter than that provided by Speedlight B To ensure good results it s recommended to make test shots before shooting important events Be sure to read the instruction manuals of your camera and Speedlight s before use A Advanced operations 57 Wireless multiple flash shooting Read the following when setting up the SB 600 as a remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode 0 Flash set up in the Advanced Wireless Lighting Set up the camera master flash unit and remote flash units as shown in the igure below Group C Be sure to direct the light sensor window of Less than PR the remote flash unit toward the master flash 10 m 83 ft __ AppIOK 5 to 7 m 16 to 23 ft Within oa Group B ae a Master flash unit Y Within P at Approx 5 to 7 m 16 to 23 ft Group A N As a basic guide the effective shooting distance between the master and remote flash units is approx 10 m 33 ft or less in the front position and approx 5 to 7 m 16
22. to 23 ft at both sides These ranges vary slightly depending on the ambient light Be sure to place all remote flash units that are set in the same group close together M Setting up the master and remote flash units n most cases position the remote flash unit s closer to the subject than the camera so hat light from the master flash unit can reach the light sensor of the remote flash unit s This is particularly necessary when holding a remote flash unit in your hand Data communication cannot be performed properly if there is an obstacle between the master unit and remote flash units Take care not to let light from the remote flash unit enter the camera lens directly or indirectly in TTL auto flash mode Also prevent light from entering the master flash unit s light sensor in lon TTL auto flash mode Otherwise the correct exposure cannot be obtained There is no limit to the number of remote flash units that can be used together However if too much light from other remote flash units enters the light sensor of the master flash unit correct operation may be impossible For practicality the number of remote flash units should be limited to three per group e Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS 19 for stable placement of the remote flash units Be sure to perform test firing after setting up all flash units p 20 0 Using the Speedlight Stand Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS 19 for stable placement of the re
23. u3 OO9 as Nikon Autofocus Speedlight Instruction Manual CE Contents Preparation PIFOL SO WON Olena tate absaceatcetsaeran nse ances tecteccetas satearestuetetes sapintnes 4 6 Tips on using the Speedlight cecceeceeeeeeereeseereeetes 7 Camera groups and available flash modes ee Speedlight parts and their functions 00 0 eee COMTO DUTONS Sz ssacs 2302 cece s e ube aa esis E Easy setting for the optimum TTL auto flash mode 7 ECD Panel ensenen a A AEN s beng ESen ereen weno ces a aa ae a eiei Basic operation ccseccssesseeesseesseesseeessneesseeseneeseeseneeeeee 17 1 Installing the batteries oe 18 19 2 Test firing Confirming the exposure 3 Attach the SB 600 to the camera and adjust THE TASMANSAG sengena 22 23 4 Setting the camera s exposure mode and metering Syste senmisin an 24 25 5 Setting the SB 600 s flash mode n 26 27 6 Compose the picture and shoot with flash 28 29 Using the SB 600 with the COOLPIX 30 Detailed Operation ccsccsecsseessesssestesseesseeseeseeeneee 31 SB 600 s available flash MOdES siisii no niisiis 32 gt THE Ato flash MON Eaire ee 33 Manual mode cece 34 37 Notes on continuous flash SHOOtING cececeeeeteeteeeees 38 Other TUNCHONSG sesisicscecctecesesecs cacsscwsivesestexseceevsercssternnniv Setting the zoom head position Exposure compensation and flash output leve
24. 0 F80 Series N80 Series a4 F75 Series N75 Series F70 Series N70 ees al SB 21B 4 __ PORSE SB 15 SB 20 SB 22 SB 22s SB 23 SB 27 SB 30 SB 50DX SB 600 OD HESS erkels I I I I I I I I I I I m A 1 I I J I I I I I I I I Group II F4 Series with DW 20 DW 21 F4 Series with DA 20 DP 20 F65 Series N65 Series F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 Pronea 600i 6i SB 16B SB 24 SB 25 B 26 sB 28 se 21s B 80Dx B 800 Group Ill 28DX F 601 N6006 F 601wN6000 Group IV F60 Series N60 F50 Series N50 F 401x N5005 am F 501 N2020 F 401s N4004s F 401 N4004 ff Pe j F 301 N2000 y i m A Group VI amA FM3a FA FE2 alls crD A m A V type Sync Cord SC 14 ret aon pageto AS 17 O connected to item on page 69 Remote flash unit SB 16B sB 24 sB 25 sp 26 sB 28 280x 18829295 gp gonx sB s00 ep Vp on io Qual e SC 18 26 As 1o l SC 18 26 ef aa SC 19 27 8 1 om SB 15 SB 20 SB 21B SB 22 SB 22s SB 27 SB 30 B 600 a C 19 27 3 om E z S je Whee lt I Pe se sox 8 800 m ann l eglgigmibor B gi i i I I i I J l I mee ee ee ee dJ SB 16A SB 17 SB 21A
25. 0 or the beeping sound during and after shooting l Using the SB 600 s ready light and beeping sound in the wireless remote flash mode When the SB 600 is used as a wireless remote flash unit you can monitor its operation by checking the auxiliary ready light and listening to the beeping sound This function can be activated or canceled using the Custom Settings p 52 Confirming flash operation using the ready light or beeping sound Bias ei Remote flash unit o Speedlight condition Ready Auxiliary Beeping light ready light sound Lights up Blinks slowly One beep Ready to fire Lights up Blinks slowly Two beeps Fired properly when when recycling is recycling is completed completed after firing after firing Blinks for Blinks Beeps for Both the master and remote flash units approx quickly for approx have fired at full output and light may have 3 sec approx 3 sec been insufficient for correct exposure 3 sec Use a wider aperture and reshoot Lights up Blinks Beeps for The remote flash unit has fired at full when quickly for approx output and light may have been recycling is approx 3 sec insufficient for correct exposure The light completed 3 sec sensor could not detect when to stop after firing firing in sync with the master flash unit because a strong reflection from the remote flash unit itself or light from another remote flash unit may have entered the light se
26. 14 Preparation A 15 13 Flash head tilting angle scale p 72 14 Flash head rotating angle scale p 72 15 LCD panel p 14 16 Ready light Lights up when the SB 600 is fully recycled and ready to fire Blinks after the SB 600 fires at its maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode indicating that the light may be insufficient 17 Control buttons p 12 18 Mounting foot lock lever p 22 11 l Control buttons FLASH button Press to test fire the flash p 20 ZOOM button Press to change the zoom head position p 40 e Press to adjust the settings in the Custom Settings mode p 52 ON OFF button Press for approx 0 3 second to turn the power on or off button button button Press to increase or decrease the values Press to set the flash mode p 26 e Press to choose the desired settings in e Press to adjust the settings in the Custom the Custom Settings mode p 52 Settings mode p 52 e Press to adjust the settings when setting e Press to choose the desired settings when the remote flash unit p 61 setting the remote flash unit p 61 Two button control function Goon fuooe pod O Press two buttons simultaneously to perform the following operations Follow the procedures shown on the flash unit Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode Press the and buttons simultaneously to recall the underexposur
27. 2016 2627 26 29 30 32 3336 39 39 39 44 3 2 06 35 065 7 06 62 o7 70 08 80 08 90 09 10 g TM 1 8 156 4 28 2 oot 20 19 20 20 23 23 2626 26 30 29 33 lt 06 24 06 4 0 06 44 06 49 06 56 06 63 07 7 0 2 16 11 8 58 4 28 z079 2013 2014 2046 2048 2021 23 23 o6 1 7 06 28 06 31 06 35 06 40 06 45 0 6 5 0 2 2 16 1 8 58 4 z056 2002 2010 2071 2043 20 15 2016 06 1 2 06 20 06 22 06 24 06 28 06 31 06 35 2 16 1 8 58 2039 20 66 20 72 20 79 20 92 20 0 20 11 y a g tl g Ceos 0614 08457 06 7 06 20 06 227 0625 20 26 20 46 20 49 20 56 20 66 20 72 20 82 ya ea oto ostar 062 0644 06 157 0647 20 33 20 36 20 39 2046 2049 20 56 yla gl osa7 06 07 osos 061 07 06 1 06 427 20 23 20 23 20 26 2633 2036 26 39 1 With the wide flash adapter in place 2 TT aperture for ISO 800 3 L auto flash operai ion is not possible at this ISO sensitivity For ISO 1000 use an aperture 2 3 of an f stop smaller than the aperture for ISO 1600 or 1 3 larger than the Flash shooting distance range m ft Programmed TTL Auto Flash with the F 501 N2020 F 401s N4004s F 401 N4004 and F 301 N2000 ISO 25 to ISO 400 for the F 401s N4004s and F 401 N4004 ISO sensitivity The sensitivity of digital SLRs and the film speed for film based cameras are ref
28. 7 5 0 16 4 With the wide flash adapter in place To calculate the correct aperture Calculate the correct aperture by using this equation and the guide number table according to the flash output level zoom head position and ISO sensitivity set on the camera f stop aperture guide number GN x ISO sensitivity factor Shooting distance m ft e Set this aperture on the camera or lens To calculate the guide number Calculate the guide number by using this equation according to the shooting distance and aperture required Guide number GN Shooting distance m ft x Aperture ISO sensitivity factor e Referring to the guide number table determine an appropriate flash output level corresponding to the guide number obtained above then set the same value on the SB 600 ISO sensitivity factors For sensitivities other than ISO 100 multiply the guide number by the factors shown in the table below ISO 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 Factors x0 5 x0 71 x1 x1 4 x2 x2 8 x4 A Detailed operation 35 Manual mode Manual M flash operation Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M Press the button until M appears on the LCD panel Determine the flash output level and aperture to match the flash shooting distance e For details on determining the flash output level
29. 8 28 mm 28 mm 53 70 35 mm 35 mm 45 60 50 mm 50 mm 34 46 70 mm 70 mm 26 36 85 mm 85 mm 23 31 With the built in wide flash adapter set A Reference information 88 Specifications Bounce Flash head tilts from 0 to 90 with click stops at 0 45 capability 60 75 90 flash head rotates horizontally 180 to the left or 90 to the right with click stops at 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 ON OFF e Press the button for approx 0 3 sec to turn the button SB 600 on or off e Standby function can be set Power source min recycling time no of flashes at M1 1 output Four AA type penlight batteries 1 5 V or lower of any of these types Alkaline manganese 1 5 V Lithium 1 5 V Nickel 1 5 V NiCd rechargeable 1 2 V or Ni MH rechargeable 1 2 V Battery type Min recycling Min number of flashes time approx recycling time approx Alkaline manganese 3 5 sec 200 6 30 sec Lithium 4 0 sec 400 7 5 30 sec Nickel 2 5 SEC 180 6 30 sec NiCd 1000 mAh rechargeable 2 9 sec 90 4 30 sec Ni MH 2000 mA rechargeable 2 5 sec 220 4 30 sec With fresh batteries e M1 1 output without use of AF assist illuminator zoom operation and LCD panel illuminator Ready light e Lights up when the SB 600 is recycled and ready to fire e Blinks for 3 sec when flash fires at its maximum
30. A M o Non CPU lens 1 Only appears on the SB 600 s LCD panel Matrix Balanced Fill Flash or Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is selected when appears on the camera s LCD panel F60 Series N6O Kia TTL P S A toy CPU lens IV F50 Series N5O INNE TTL M o CPU non CPU lens F 401x N5005 F 501 N2020 iil TTL fei P o CPU non CPU lens 5 F 301 N2000 EMNE TTL A M o CPU non CPU lens 1 Matrix Balanced Fill Flash is set 2 Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is set 3 Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set 4 G type Nikkor lenses cannot be used Nikkor lenses for F3AF usable 5 Al S Al Series E lenses only usable K F 401s N4004s EMNE W e P S CPU lens F 401 N4004 TTL TTL A M CPU lens TTL TTL M Non CPU lens 1 Center Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M 2 Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set FM3A TTL TTL A M o CPU except G type non CPU lens FA TTL TTL P A M ao CPU except G type non CPU lens FE2 TTL TTL A M CPU except G type non CPU lens Nikonos V iii TTL A M CPU except G type inon CPU lens 1 2 VI F8 Series III TTL A M o CPU except G type non CPU lens 1 Standard TTL Flash is not possible if the shutter speed is set to M250 or B bulb for the FA FE2 and M90 for the Nikonos V cameras 2 An optional sync cord for land use is required 3 Optional TTL Unit Co
31. A SC 18 26 7 IS SC 19 27 l l l Using SC 18 26 or l l SC 19 27 up to five flash units can be Ca aaa aaa Sba aas ne a po kaa E e aA aih reg ey a E Jused for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m 33 ft 69 70 Bounce flash operation With the SB 600 mounted on your camera s hot shoe you can tilt or rotate the flash head to bounce the light off the ceiling or walls This is a good technique to use when shooting indoors because you get more natural looking pictures of people with softer shadows Bounce flash Normal flash Shooting data Shooting data e Camera D2H e Camera D2H e Focal length 60 mm e Focal length 60 mm e Speedlight SB 600 set to e Speedlight SB 600 set to e Aperture 8 e Aperture 9 e Shooting distance Approx 4m 13 1 ft Shooting distance Approx 4 m 13 1 ft Tilting the flash head For effective bounce flash off the ceiling tilt the flash head up at least 50 Also make sure that the light from the flash head does not directly illuminate the subject e Optimum results are obtained when the flash head is positioned 1 2m 3 3 6 6 ft from the reflecting surface Choosing the reflecting surface In color photography select white or highly reflective surfaces to bounce the light off of Otherwise your pictures will come out with an unnatural color cast similar to that of the reflecting surface x
32. A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G type lens 2 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash is set 3 Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash is set Camera TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering Lens group mode display mode system F80 Series P S A M amp 3 CPU lens D G type N80 Series P S A M CPU lens Non D G type AF TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL M Non CPU lens F75 Series oe P S A CPU lens D G type N75 Series ree Psa S CPU lens Non D G type AF TTL TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL TTL M Non CPU lens 1 The camera s exposure meter cannot be used Set the aperture using the lens aperture ring 2 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash is set 3 Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash is set F4 Series TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL Ca A M toy Non CPU lens LET L i P S A M CPU lens LETLI i A M o Non CPU lens TTL TTL P S A M C amp J CPU lens TTL TTL A M E 6 J Non CPU lens 1 The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G type lens 2 Al S Al Series E lens only usable 3 Center Weighted Fill Flash is set F65 Series TTL P S A toy CPU lens N65 Series fmi TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL TTL M o Non CPU lens 1 Center Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M 2 The camera s exposure meter cannot be used Set F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 the aperture
33. As a general rule set the zoom head position to the focal length of the lens in use or to the closest wide angle setting For example select the 50mm setting when using a 60mm lens Canceling the power zoom function using Custom Settings A Other functions The power zoom function can be canceled in the Custom Settings mode p 52 When the power zoom function is canceled the zoom head can be manually adjusted but the zoom head position indicator does not change even if the lens is zoomed a lens is changed or the ON OFF button is pressed LE e When the power zoom function is canceled a small M always blinks on the LCD panel ste re Every time you press the button the zoom head ie Mt Om amp position changes as follows Ce ee G Using the built in wide flash adapter Use the built in wide flash adapter when a 14mm to 23mm lens is mounted p 74 e When using the wide flash adapter the zoom head position is automatically set to 14mm and the power zoom function is deactivated e When using a 14mm or 17mm lens the distance between the camera and subject generally differs greatly from the center of the frame to the periphery so the peripheral area might not be sufficiently lit in some cases 41 l Exposure compensation and flash output level 42 Exposure compensation allows you to take well balanced pictures by intentionally modifying the flash exposure This is useful when a subject of extremely high or
34. Coefficient SB 800 SB 600 SB 80DX SB 50DX SB 30 SB 29 SB 29s SB 28 SB 28DX SB 27 SB 26 SB 25 SB 24 SB 22s SB 14 SB 11 SB 140 SB 23 SB 21 SB 17 SB 16 SB 15 4 SB 22 6 SB 20 9 Notes on multiple flash shooting using cords Be sure to see the instruction manuals of your cameras Speedlights and accessories Use the optional Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 if the remote flash units are not equipped with multiple flash terminals e Use the optional Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 to attach the remote flash unit s to a tripod Use the optional TTL Multi Flash Sync Cords SC 27 SC 26 SC 19 or SC 18 to connect the SB 600 to more than one remote flash unit Multiple flash shooting using cords can be performed in two modes 1 TTL multiple flash and 2 Manual multiple flash Performing multiple flash shooting in the Manual mode however is not recommended since it is difficult to obtain the correct exposure Use the TTL auto flash mode with cameras compatible with TTL auto flash To ensure proper exposure make test shots before shooting important events A Advanced operations 67 68 System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords e Speedlights SB 11 SB 14 SB 140 and SB 21B cannot be used with the F 401 N4004 or F 401s N4004s as either master or remote flash units Master flash unit SB 14 SB 11 SB 140 F5 with DA 30 DP 30 F100 NF L F90X N90s F90 Series N9
35. and the aperture refer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode p 35 Press the or button to increase or decrease the values e Refer to Setting the flash output level p 37 Set the aperture on your camera or lens 36 6 Confirm that the ready light comes on then shoot SPEEDLIGHT SB 600 0 Setting the flash output level The flash output level changes every time you press the or button as shown below When you press the button 1 1 1 2 1 2 0 3 1 2 0 7 1 4 1 64 1 4 0 7 4 ar ae e When you press the amp button 1 64 1 64 0 3 1 64 0 7 1 32 1 1 1 2 1 32 0 7 1 32 0 3 e The numbers in parentheses represent the adjustable flash output level in 1 3 step except between 1 1 and 1 2 Therefore 1 2 0 7 and 1 4 0 3 represent the same flash output level A Detailed operation The same flash zoon E t am Gen pog output level 2000 Ff am ern CB ne Ca e To extend the flash shooting distance choose a flash output level close to M1 1 e The value can be quickly changed by continuously pressing the amp or button e The decimal place blinks during adjustment SPEEDLIGHT SB 600 I 37 38 Notes on continuous flash shooting You should allow the SB 600 to cool off for at least 10 minutes after the maximum number of continuous firings
36. and Manual flash operations p 34 e A power zoom function automatically adjusts the zoom head position to match the lens focal length with the exception of some camera lens combinations p 40 When the built in wide flash adapter is used the zoom head position is automatically set to match a 14mm lens p 41 e The flash head can be tilted from 0 to 90 and rotated horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right enabling bounce flash p 70 or close up flash photography p 73 e In wireless multiple flash photography the SB 600 can be used as a wireless remote flash unit when the SB 600 is used with cameras compatible with Nikon s Creative Lighting System p 5 e When using bounce flash or taking close ups with flash you can use the built in wide flash adapter to create soft diffused lighting with virtually no shadows while maintaining balanced lighting for the main subject and the background pp 70 73 e Custom settings are provided to set values or activate or cancel functions that are unnecessary to set each time p 52 Creative Lighting System The SB 600 features a new Nikon Speedlight system called Creative Lighting System CLS This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by taking advantage of a camera s digital communication capabilities CLS is available only when the SB 600 is used with compatible Nikon cameras The SB 600 offers these major features
37. aperture is f stop gt 2 0 5 4 in meters f stop 2 6 6 1 6 approx 4 in feet Therefore you should use at least f 4 or an even smaller aperture such as f 5 6 or f 8 When shooting subjects closer than 0 6 m 2 ft With the SB 600 attached to the camera sufficient illumination of the subject cannot be obtained In this case use the SB 600 off camera by attaching the optional TTL Remote Cord as shown below Use either the SC 29 SC 28 or SC 17 ein flash operation where Monitor Preflashes are fired when the SB 600 is used with D G type CPU lenses you may not be able to get the correct exposure because distance information from the lens is used In this case position the camera A and the SB 600 B at equal distances from the subject e For F5 cameras with the High Magnification Finder DW 30 or DW 31 or F4 cameras with the High Magnification Finder DW 20 or DW 21 use the optional TTL Remote Cord SC 24 instead of the SC 17 A Advanced operations 75 Flash shooting in the 1 300 TTL i High Speed Flash sync mode F5 only Use the guide number table and equation to calculate the farthest flash shooting distance according to each zoom head position D farthest flash shooting distance Guide number f stop aperture Guide number m ft in the 1 300 TTL High Speed Flash sync mode ISO Zoom head position mm sensitivity 14 24 28 35 50 70 85 25 2
38. ash unit P 65 photography the ready light blinks quickly and slowly and the SB 600 alternately emits high and low tone beeps for 6 seconds is set to Non TTL auto flash on the Master flash unit Reset the flash mode to MTU Manual M or Repeating RPT flash mode The same is applied when the signal from the Master flash unit cannot be received correctly blinks in the zoom head position indicator A zoom head position adjustment error has occurred Turn off the SB 600 and camera and detach the SB 600 from the camera Then reattach the SB 600 to the camera and turn on the power A Reference information 85 86 Troubleshooting 0 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 flash head it may be broken off In this case visit your nearest authorized Nikon service center for repair e f the wide flash adapter is broken off it is no longer possible to set the zoom head position to anything other than 14mm To adjust the zoom head position refer to the Custom Settings Zoom head position setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally p 52 0 Ready light warning inside the camera s viewfinder Ref page Cameras in Groups except for F70 Series N70 to VI and Digital SLR cameras p 22 Problem Cause
39. battery power If the SB 600 and camera are not being used the standby function will automatically activate after 40 seconds switching the SB 600 to standby mode to conserve battery power In the standby mode the indicator appears on the LCD panel When used with a camera body that is compatible with the TTL auto flash mode p 8 the SB 600 will automatically turn off after the camera s exposure meter is switched off When in standby mode the SB 600 turns back on again when its or button is pressed or the shutter release button is lightly pressed when using a camera body that is compatible with the TTL auto flash mode p 8 The standby function does not work in the wireless flash mode regardless of the SB 600 s setting when the Speedlight is used as a remote flash unit p 57 If due to battery exhaustion the ready light does not come on within 60 seconds of turning on the power or after the flash has fired the following indicator appears on the LCD panel and the SB 600 enters standby mode regardless of its setting In this case replace or recharge your batteries A Basic operation To avoid accidental firing or a malfunction when carrying the SB 600 in your camera bag press the button to turn off the flash unit and make sure the indicator disappears Setting the standby function Set the standby function in the Custom Settings mode p 52 21 22 3 Attach the SB 600 to the camera and adjust
40. e value p 29 Resetting the settings to default values Press the and buttons simultaneously for approx 2 seconds to reset all settings including the custom settings to their default settings Fo Button lock Press the and buttons simultaneously for approx 1 second to lock the functions of the control buttons except the and FLASH buttons to avoid accidental malfunction Press the buttons again to release the lock oon 12 Switching to Custom Settings Press the and buttons simultaneously for approx 2 seconds to enter the Custom Settings mode p 52 Easy setting for the optimum TTL auto flash mode A Press the and buttons simultaneously for approx 2 seconds to reset all settings including the custom settings to their default settings Preparation SPEEDLIGHT SB 600 apan BB amp Press these buttons simultaneously for approx 2 seconds While the SB 600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Il in combination with a CPU lens the optimum TTL auto flash mode available with that combination will be performed when you set the camera s exposure mode to Programmed Auto P and turn on the SB 600 to execute Resetting the settings to default values 13 f LCD panel 14 For reference all indications are displayed in the illustration maa e
41. eedlight correctly The Nikon Speedlight SB 600 s performance 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 600 s components Nikon cannot guarantee the SB 600 s performance when used with non Nikon products g Life long learning As part of Nikon s Life long learning commitment to ongoing product support and education continually updated information is available on line at the following sites e For users in the U S A hitp www nikonusa com e For users in Europe http www europe nikon com support e For users in Asia Oceania the Middle East and Africa htto Avww nikon asia com Visit these sites to keep up to date with the latest product information tips answers to frequently asked questions FAQs and general advice on digital imaging and photography Additional information is available from the Nikon representative in your area See the URL below for contact information http Inikonimaging com Notes e 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 e The Nikon N80 Series N65 Series are sold exclusively in the U S A and Central and South America e The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in the U S A a
42. erred to as ISO sensitivity in this manual A Basic operation 27 l 6 Compose the picture and shoot with flash 28 Peenuanrse s00 SB 600 x a mm AF ILL Confirm the camera s sync mode e For normal flash photography use the camera s front curtain sync mode Compose the picture confirm that the ready light on the SB 600 or in the camera s viewfinder is on then shoot M Set the camera s flash sync mode to front curtain sync With cameras featuring a rear curtain sync flash mode make sure the camera s flash sync mode is set to front curtain sync e For other flash sync modes refer to Slow sync flash p 46 Red eye reduction with slow sync flash mode p 46 or Rear curtain sync p 47 e Refer to the camera s instruction manual for details on the flash sync mode M If the ready light blinks after shooting the light might be insufficient for correct exposure When the flash has fired at its maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode and underexposure possibly occurred the ready lights on the SB 600 and in the camera s viewfinder blink for approx 3 seconds Depending on the camera in use the ready light on the SB 600 or in the camera s viewfinder lights up Basic operation To compensate use a wider aperture after setting the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M or move closer to the subject a
43. fire followed by those in group B If a certain remote flash unit does not fire change the setup by moving the remote unit closer to the subject or redirect its light sensor window toward the master flash unit then test fire the new setup You can check the illumination before actually taking pictures using the Modeling illuminator p 45 Finally confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance just as in TTL flash shooting then shoot e Refer to page 17 for TTL flash shooting e Flash operation can be confirmed by the ready light or the beeping sound p 65 Modeling illuminator in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode When the Modeling illuminator button of the master flash unit featuring CLS is pressed the Modeling illuminator of all remote flash units set on the Master flash unit will fire Further when the compatible camera s Modeling illuminator button is pressed the Modeling illuminator of the master flash unit and all other remote flash units fire e The Modeling illuminator function operates for 1 second e Both the master and remote flash units fire at the flash output level compensation value as set e Refer to your compatible camera instruction manual for details on the camera s Modeling illuminator Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the readl light or the beeping sound You can confirm wireless multiple flash operation by checking the auxiliary ready light on the SB 60
44. hes Preflashes are fired are fired Manual flash i t t i y a a a I MODE 2 ED aus D zoon E e nm Ea zoon E on GED ZooM imm GES The information above appears on the LCD panel when the SB 600 is used with digital SLR cameras compatible with CLS Note that when pressing the button only the usable flash modes appear unavailable modes will be skipped The SB 600 s available flash modes vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode and metering system Refer to Detailed operation p 31 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB 600 p 78 and your camera s instruction manual 0 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 Flash shooting distance range in the ISO sensitivity SO sensitivity Zoom head position and lens aperture in use TTL auto flash mode Zoom head position mm 1600 800 400 200 100 50 25 14 24 28 35 50 70 85 x2 28 2 14 4 28 2 14 alala a 09 98 iste 16 17 1819 20 20 23 20 25 20 i i i 30 32 4952 5256 59 62 33 66 75 66 82 66 RAT oro 1417 1244 1344 15 16 1 648 1 8 20 i 23 23 36 36 39 39 4346 49 52 5259 59 66 06 49 08 81 08 88 09 96 1041 7 12 12 1 2 14 o 8 56 4 28 2 14
45. his may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catch on fire Using these agents may also impair your health l Cleaning e Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB 600 and clean it with a soft clean cloth After using the SB 600 near saltwater wipe the flash unit with a soft clean cloth moistened slightly with plain water to remove the salt then dry it using a dry cloth e On rare occasions the LCD may turn on or turn dark due to static electricity This is not a malfunction The display will soon return to normal e Do not drop the SB 600 or hit it against a hard surface as this may damage its precision mechanisms Do not apply strong pressure to the LCD panel 0 Storage e Store the SB 600 in a cool dry place to prevent malfunctions due to high humidity as well as the growth of mold or mildew e Keep the SB 600 away from chemicals such as camphor or naphthalene Avoid exposing the SB 600 to magnetic waves from TVs or radios e Do not use or leave the SB 600 in locations subject to high temperatures such as those encountered near a heater or stove as this may cause damage e When not using the SB 600 for more than two weeks be sure to remove the batteries to prevent malfunctions due to battery leakage e Take the SB 600 out once a month insert the batteries and fire the unit several times to reform the capacitor When the SB 600 is stored together with a desiccant change the desiccant occasionally
46. iding it into place while pressing down mM Usable batteries Install four AA type penlight batteries 1 5 V or lower of any of these types 1 Alkaline manganese 1 5 V 2 Lithium 1 5 V 3 Nickel 1 5 V 4 NiCd rechargeable 1 2 V 5 Ni MH Nickel Metal Hydride rechargeable 1 2 V When replacing batteries replace all four with fresh ones of the same brand High power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB 600 Always carry extra batteries when travelling For details on batteries refer to Notes on handling batteries p 84 CAUTION e Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual as this may cause them to explode leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire e Do not mix battery brands or types or use old with new batteries as they might explode leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire e Do not place non rechargeable batteries in a battery charger as this might cause them to leak corrosive liquids or generate heat 0 Minimum number of flashes and recycling times The following data are based on a situation in which four fresh batteries of the same type are used and the Speedlight fires at M1 1 output B P Min recycling time Min number of flashes atteries g i approx recycling time Alkaline manganese 3 5 sec 200 6 30 sec Lithium 4 0 sec 400 7 5 30 sec Nickel 2 5 sec 180 6 30 sec NiCd 1000 mAh rechargeable
47. iority Auto J Spot M Manual TTL D TTL auto flash mode W s Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with TTL DiI Fe Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with Multi Sensor TTL Multi Sensor for Digital SLRs WASA Matrix Balanced Fill Flash Center DENEA Center Weighted Fill Flash for Digital Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash SLRs TTL Standard TTL Flash DEN Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs Cameras compatible with the TTL D TTL auto flash mode Camera Camera TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering group mode display mode system Lens D1 Series P S A M CPU lens D G type P S A M CPU lens except for D G type A M Non CPU lens Digtal TTL P S A M CPU lens SLRs not TTL A M Non CPU lens compatible D100 P S A M CPU lens D G type with CLS P S A M CPU lens except for D G type TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL M Cle Non CPU lens 1 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash for Digital SLRs is set 2 Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash for Digital SLRs is set F5 P S A M CPU lens D G type F100 P S A M CPU lens except for D G type DERA A M Non CPU lens TTL Dit P S A M CPU lens TTL Dini A M Non CPU lens I F90X N90s P S A M CPU lens D G type F90 Series P S A M CPU lens except for D G type N90 DERA A M Non CPU lens F70 Series HAHI Dini P S A M CPU lens N70 TTL Dil A M Non CPU lens 1 The
48. iple flash operations together e Wireless multiple flash operation using Speedlights featuring CLS is called Advanced Wireless Lighting e It is only possible to conduct multiple flash shooting in M manual mode using cords when using cameras compatible with CLS and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS Master flash unit and remote flash unit s In this instruction manual the flash unit mounted on the camera or the one directly connected to the camera via a remote cord such as the SC 17 SC 28 or SC 29 is called the master flash unit All other flash units are called the remote flash units M Notes on performing multiple flash common to both wireless and wired operation e To avoid accidental firing turn off the camera and all flash units before mounting the master flash unit on or connecting it to the camera e The SB 600 s SB 800 s and SB 80DX s standby functions are canceled while the SB 50DX s standby duration is prolonged to approx one hour when they are set to wireless remote flash mode e Set the angle of coverage of the remote flash units wider than the picture angle so that the subject will receive sufficient illumination even when the angle of the flash head is off axis from the subject In Advanced Wireless Lighting the zoom head position is automatically set to 24 mm except when the wide flash adapter is attached Remember the closer the subject the wider the angle of coverage required e The brightness
49. kkor lenses for AF Nikkor for the F3AF Al P Nikkor Non CPU Nikkor lenses Al S Nikkor Al Nikkor Series E etc CPU lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts G type Nikkor lenses G type Nikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body but do not have an aperture ring Therefore set the aperture on the camera body With some cameras the usable exposure mode is limited For more details refer to the lens instruction manual D type Nikkor lenses D type Nikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body Set the aperture 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 6 on the left hand pages The procedures are based on the use of a CPU lens mounted on cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Il The SB 600 s functions and the LCD display vary depending on the camera lens combination used CLS Creative Lighting System p 5 18 1 Installing the batteries Slide the battery chamber lid in the direction of the arrow to open 2 Install the batteries following the and marks as shown Close the battery chamber lid by sl
50. l GCOMPEMSALON 4 ercdetetses eb cence eaae eane eiai 42 44 Checking the illumination before actually taking the picture Modeling illuminator ceeeeeeteeeerees 45 Slow sync flash mode red eye reduction control ANd rearcurtaln Syn Cemas RE 46 47 Auto FP High Speed Sync mode for compatible cameras 48 Preparation Flash Value Lock FV Lock This section provides for compatible Cameras s ssisssiesi ereere 49 preliminary information Autofocus flash operation in dim light 50 51 0N using the SB 600 Custom SENGS anrea hed Headed 52 54 Advanced operationS ssesssenserennrnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn 55 solid operation Overview of multiple flash operation 0 0 0 0 56 57 Basic procedures to 3 s take simple properly Wireless multiple flash shooting cceeeeee 58 59 exposed flash photographs in the TTL lt Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting 60 64 uto flash mode Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the ready light or the beeping sound 65 Detailed operation Multiple flash shooting using cords 66 67 A variety of flash modes i available with the System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting SB 600 are explained USING COMES reie ree E e TERE eS Bounce flash operation Close up flash operation eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Flash shooting in the 1 300 TTL High Speed Other functions Detailed information on each functi
51. locked 14 Red eye reduction p 46 15 AF assist illuminator p 50 16 LCD panel illuminator p 15 Pressing any control button turns on the LCD panel illuminator 17 Standby function p 21 0 Characteristics of the LCD panel e 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 e The LCD display becomes darker at high temperatures approx 60 C 140 F but returns to normal at normal temperatures 20 C 68 F e The LCD s response time decreases at low temperatures approx 5 C 41 F and below but returns to normal at normal temperatures 20 C 68 F Using the SB 600 in dim light Press any button on the SB 600 to turn the illuminator on when the SB 600 power is on and it will remain lit for 16 seconds e To cancel the LCD panel illumination go to the Custom Settings mode p 52 and set it to OFF e Even if the LCD panel illuminator is set to OFF the SB 600 s LCD panel illuminator turns on when the camera s LCD panel illuminator is turned on The LCD panel illuminator also lights up when the Custom Settings mode is displayed CLS Creative Lighting System p 5 A Preparation 15 16 Lenses In this manual Nikkor lenses are divided into two types CPU Nikkor lenses and non CPU Nikkor lenses G type Nikkor D type Nikkor Non G D type AF Nikkor except CPU Ni
52. lowing chart to determine the cause of the problem before you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair Problems with the SB 600 Ref Problem Cause page The power cannot be turned on The batteries are not correctly installed p 18 The ready light does not light up Battery power is weak p 19 The standby function is activated p 21 and operating The power turns off automatically The batteries are extremely exhausted 19 A strange sound can be heard The batteries are extremely exhausted p 19 caused by the flash head zooming back and forth even when the SB 600 is turned off No WA or E indicator appears in The camera s exposure mode or p 78 TTL auto flash mode metering system is not correctly set or a non CPU lens is mounted The zoom head position cannot be The built in wide flash adapter is in use p 74 adjusted to other than 14 mm p 86 The SB 600 does not work when Control buttons are locked p 12 control buttons MODE button A O button or Z0 button are pressed The ready light blinks for 3 sec Underexposure may have occurred p 29 after firing The underexposure indicator blinks and the amount of underexposure is displayed depending on the camera in use Three beeps sound during wireless The flash has fired at its maximum output p 65 multiple flash shooting and underexposure may have occurred In wireless multiple flash The flash mode of the remote fl
53. mera can obtain necessary information on the subject is used with cameras compatible CLS and cameras in Group with TL auto flash d cannot be differentiated from the e When Monitor Preflashes are fired 44 appears on the LCD panel when using a single flash unit For cameras in Group however onitor Preflashes are not fired when the SB 600 s flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal front position or the camera s flash sync mode is set to rear curtain sync even when 44 appears on the LCD panel TTL auto flash mode 0 TTL auto flash mode In this mode the flash illumination that is reflected back from the subject is detected by the camera s TTL auto flash sensor and the camera automatically controls the flash output level to give the correct exposure Automatic Balanced Fill Flash Press the button to display on the LCD panel and Automatic Balanced Fill Flash is performed The flash output level is automatically adjusted for a well balanced exposure of the main subject and background When performing Balanced Fill Flash however no appears with cameras in Groups III and IV indicates i TTL Automatic Balanced Fill Flash in the i TTL mode Standard TTL flash Press the button to display on the LCD panel and Standard TTL flash is performed The main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness This is useful when you want to highlight the main subject indicates
54. mote flash units e 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 66 Speedlight mounting shoes for the SB 15 and SB 27 Speedlight mounting shoe for all Speedlights except the SB 15 and SB 27 Setup examples Tripod socket using the SB 27 Attachment to the Speedlight Stand 1d Attach the SB 600 to the Speedlight Stand in the same way that you attach it to the camera s accessory shoe The same is true when detaching it from the Stand To prevent the remote flash units from firing accidentally e Do not leave the power of the remote flash units on Otherwise ambient electric noise due to a discharge of static electricity etc may trigger them accidentally A Advanced operations 59 60 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Advanced Wireless Lighting is possible when Nikon Speedlights featuring CLS 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 three groups A B C and set the flash mode and flash output level compensation values separately for each group as well as the master flash unit providing automatic control of the light output l Setting the SB 600 as a remote flash unit For Advanced Wireless Lighting the SB 600 can be set to the wireless remote
55. nd Canada Preparation A 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 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 Group ind specific information on how to use the SB 600 with your particular camera CLS Creative Lighting System p 5 Camera name Cameras compatible with CLS D2H D70 Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS D1 Series D100 F5 F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 F80 Series 80 Series F75 Series N75 Series F70 Series N70 F4 Series F65 Series N65 Series F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 Pronea 600i 6i F 601 N6006 F 601mM N6000 IV F60 Series N60 F50 Series N50 F 401x N5005 v F 501 N2020 F 401s N4004s F 401 N4004 F 301 N2000 vi FM3A FA FE2 Nikonos V F3 Series with the AS 17 vil ew FM2 FM10 FE10 F3 Series F55 Series 55 Series 1 H Balanced Fill Flash This always appears together with po 33 2 Wireless multiple flash in the i TTL mode is possible Works as a remote flash unit only p 60 3 While performing Balanced Fill Flash no indicator appears The SB 600 s available flash modes vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode and metering system
56. nd reshoot Display of the amount of underexposure The amount of underexposure 0 to 3 0 EV appears for approx 3 seconds on the SB 600 s LCD panel when used with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Group in the TTL auto flash mode The above ready lights will also blink at the same time e Pressing the and buttons simultaneously recalls this display ON OFF come JA RESET 29 30 Using the SB 600 with the COOLPIX 4h Gy Using the SB 600 with COOLPIX digital cameras For COOLPIX cameras such as the COOLPIX 5400 and 4500 that have an accessory shoe hot shoe or TTL multiple flash terminal When more powerful illumination is required or when performing multiple flash it is recommended to connect the SB 600 or another Nikon Speedlight compatible with TTL auto flash to the COOLPIX Auto flash operation is possible by setting the SB 600 s flash mode to TTL auto flash The flash output level is controlled by detecting signals from the camera to determine when to start and stop firing in sync with the built in flash which is controlled by the camera s non TTL auto flash operation For connection to COOLPIX cameras with hot shoe contacts such as the COOLPIX 5400 attach the Speedlight directly to the accessory shoe Optional accessories such as the Multi Flash Bracket Unit SK E900 should be used for connection with COOLPIX cameras that have a TTL
57. nd shadows to soften the subject s appearance 73 74 Close up flash operation Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M Set the camera s metering system to Matrix Metering or Center Weighted Metering 3 Set the SB 600 s flash mode to TTL auto flash Gently pull out the built in wide flash adapter and position it over the flash head e The zoom head position is automatically set at 14 mm when using the built in wide flash adapter e To slide the wide flash adapter back into place lift and push it into the flash head as far as it will go 5 Confirm that the ready light is on then shoot e When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred the ready light on the SB 600 blinks for approx 3 sec To compensate use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot 0 Setting the aperture Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table To ensure the correct exposure use an aperture smaller than the one obtained from the equation ISO sensitivity 25 50 100 200 400 800 1000 Coefficient m ft 1 4 4 6 2 6 6 2 6 6 4 13 4 13 5 6 18 5 6 18 f stop Coefficient Flash to subject distance For example at an ISO sensitivity of 100 with a subject 0 5 m 1 6 ft away and the wide flash adapter in place the suggested
58. ng of a fireplace Shooting data e Camera D2H Focal length 25 mm Master flash Remote flash unit M SB 800 fT 1 3 flash yates output level compensation Remote flash unit A SB 600 fi 1 3 flash output level compensation Remote flash unit B SB 600 M 1 16 flash output level Remote flash unit B Master flash unit M Serie REMOTE Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A Set up the on camera Speedlight with CLS e Refer to your Speedlight instruction manual Set up remote flash units A and B Turn the power on then confirm that the ready lights come on e Use a tripod or the Speedlight Stand AS 19 for placement of the remote flash units p 59 Set the remote flash units A and B to the wireless remote flash mode A Advanced operations Set the channel number of the remote flash units A and B to 1 e Be sure to choose the same channel number as set on the master flash unit Set the group of the remote flash units A and B e Set the remote flash unit A to group A and the remote flash unit B to group B 63 64 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting 7 Confirm that all the ready lights of the master and remote flash units are on then press the FLASH button on the master flash unit to test fire the units e The master flash unit fires first then the remote flash units in group A
59. ng the camera s exposure mode and d Set the camera s exposure mode to Programmed Auto P e f Programmed Auto P cannot be set select another exposure mode See the opposite page 2 Set the camera s metering system to Matrix Metering amp e If Matrix Metering cannot be set select Center Weighted Metering Exposure mode and metering system The camera s available exposure mode and metering system vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the SB 600 s flash modes For details refer to Detailed operation p 31 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB 600 p 78 and your camera s instruction manual e In the Programmed Auto P mode the shutter speed is automatically set to the camera s sync shutter speed metering system A 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 background can be achieved e The camera selects the correct aperture For details see your camera s instruction manual However set the shutter speed on the camera after confirming that the automatically controlled aperture will provide an appropriate shooting distance range for your subject Refer to Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode p 27 If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed the camera automatically shifts to its fa
60. nitor Preflashes setting by following one of the methods described below Monitor Preflashes can cause incorrect exposures SB 800 e Set the SU 4 type wireless multiple flash mode SB 80DX SB 50DX e Set the wireless flash mode SB 800 SB 600 SB 80DX e Set the flash mode to Standard TTL SB 50DX SB 28 SB 28DX flash SB 27 SB 26 SB 25 e Tilt the flash head up e Use a non CPU lens Built in Speedlight e Set the camera s exposure mode to F80 Series N80 Series F75 Series Manual M N75 Series F70 Series N70 e Cancel the master flash units Monitor Preflashes setting when performing SU 4 type wireless multiple flash operation using the SB 600 as a master flash unit For details refer to instruction manuals provided with the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU 4 and Speedlights such as SB 800 featuring SU 4 type multiple flash operation l The maximum number of flash units to be connected using cords e 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 e Make sure the combined total of the coefficients in the table below for all flash units used together does not exceed 20 at 20 C 68 F or 13 at 40 C 104 F e f it exceeds these figures you may not be able to take a second shot after the first one In this case turn off the power of all flash units and reduce the total number of flash units connected Speedlight
61. ns the camera s AF Assist Illuminator lights up when the SB 600 s Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator is canceled To cancel the camera s AF Assist Illuminator cancel it on the camera For details refer to your camera s instruction manual e With F60 Series N60 cameras the camera s AF Assist Illuminator lights up while shooting at full output manual For details refer to your camera s instruction manual A Using the SB 600 off camera When using the SB 600 off camera with the TTL Remote Cord SC 29 autofocus flash photography in dim light is possible because the SC 29 features an AF assist illuminator function p 81 51 52 Custom Settings The SB 600 can easily set activate or cancel various operations using the Custom Settings shown on the opposite page The displays on the LCD panel vary depending on the settings and the camera lens combinations used No item appears when the settings are not available 0 Setting Custom Settings U AAN F OFF zB ON OFI A l ON OFF csn SAANA RESET osm 7 8 RESET 2000 Hmm EE Press the and buttons simultaneously for approx 2 seconds to display the Custom Settings mode D Press the or button to choose the desired custom settings 3 Press the or button to display the preferred setting 4 Press the and buttons simultaneously for approx 2 seconds or press the button
62. nsation for only the flash illuminated subject by intentionally modifying the SB 600 s flash output level M1 1 to M1 64 e For cameras in all groups A Other functions l Making exposure compensation for the background only Set the camera s exposure mode to Shutter Priority Auto S or Manual M and set the shutter speed to one slower than its flash sync shutter speed e With cameras providing slow sync set the camera s flash sync mode to Slow sync p 46 to bring out background details in low light situations e For details see your camera s instruction manual 43 44 Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation 0 Flash output level compensation You can make exposure compensation for the flash illuminated subject without affecting the background exposure by modifying the SB 600 s flash output level Available in the TTL auto flash mode Flash output level compensation is only available with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to Ill With F 601 N6006 and F 601m N6000 cameras make flash output level compensation on the camera Flash output level compensation cannot be made on the SB 600 The amount of compensation set on the camera does not appear on the SB 600 s LCD panel For details see your camera instruction manual With SLR cameras that have a built in Speedlight with an exposure compensation function you can compensate the flash outpu
63. nsor window Change the direction or position of the remote flash unit and reshoot Blinks High and The flash mode of the remote flash unit is quickly and low tone set to Non TTL auto flash on the Master goes out beeps flash unit Reset the flash mode to MTU repeatedly alternate for Manual M or Repeating flash RPT for approx approx mode The same is applied when the 6 sec 6 sec signal from the Master flash unit cannot be received correctly A Advanced operations 65 Multiple flash shooting using cords The SB 600 can be used with Speedlights compatible with the TTL auto flash mode 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 select a standby duration that is long enough by using the Custom Settings 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 cannot be used with the F 401 N4004 or F 401s N4004s as either master or remote flash units e There is no limitation in usable cameras With cameras compatible with CLS and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS Manual flash operation only is possible I Be sure to cancel the master flash units Monitor Preflashes setting When shooting with multiple flash using cords in the TTL mode cancel the master flash units Mo
64. on and lens auto flash mode aperture in use Flash exposure control Indicator Available flash mode Usable camera TTL i TTL mode Cameras compatible with CLS TTL D TTL mode Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS TTL TIL film based mode Cameras in Groups to VI film based cameras appears Balanced Fill Flash Cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with EE with CLS cameras in Groups to IV No E appears with cameras in Groups III to IV m Manual flash No limitation Other available functions Test firing Monitor Preflashes and AF assist illuminator Creative A variety of flash operations are available with compatible Lighting cameras i TTL mode Advanced Wireless Lighting FV Lock System flash Flash color information communication Auto FP High Speed sync and Wide area AF Assist Illuminator Multiple flash operation Available multiple flash Usable camera Advanced Wireless Lighting Cameras compatible with CLS Multiple flash shooting using cords No limitation Flash exposure Slow sync Red eye reduction Red eye reduction in control seton slow sync Rear curtain sync flash Auto FP High Speed the camera sync FV Lock flash Angle of Variable in six steps plus one step with wide flash adapter coverage Zoom head Angle of coverage position Vertical Horizontal 14 mm 14 mm 110 120 24 mm 24 mm 60 7
65. on of the Flash sync mode F5 only cseceeeeeeeseeeereentee 76 B 600 is provided Reference information s sssssssuussennnnnnnnenunnennnnenn 77 TL auto flash modes available Advanced operations With the SB 600 wecisstesi esses ccrsedsarsedansstsengdsnene teats 78 80 OPtiOMalbACCESSONES ynno neinna 81 82 Momon shooting STi j techniques using the ips on Speedlight care P E T 83 SEE Pree oi Notes on handling batteries ences 84 troubleshooting i pees Reference information SOSCIICALOMSicicz sccccerctucetacendeaaadachehecoesaccteranecemtent 87 89 Optional accessories Troubleshooting Speedlight care Specifications etc are presented in this section A A A A A A Foreword Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB 600 To get the most out of your Speedlight please read this instruction manual thoroughly before use Also read the separate booklet A collection of example photos which provides an overview of the SB 600 s flash shooting capabilities with example photos In addition keep your camera instruction manual handy for quick reference 0 Main features and functions of the SB 600 e The SB 600 is a high performance Speedlight with a guide number of 30 98 ISO 100 m ft or 42 138 ISO 200 m ft at the 35mm zoom head position 20 C 68 F According to the camera and lens combination used with the SB 600 you can perform various types of TTL auto flash p 33
66. output indicating light may have been insufficient in TTL auto flash mode Flash duration approx 1 900 sec at M1 1 full output 1 1600 sec at M1 2 output 1 3400 sec at M1 4 output 1 6600 sec at M1 8 output 1 11100 sec at M1 16 output 1 20000 sec at M1 32 output 1 25000 sec at M1 64 output Mounting foot lock lever Provides secure attachment of SB 600 to camera s accessory shoe using locking plate and mount pin to prevent accidental detachment Flash output level compensation 3 0 to 3 0 EV in increments of 1 3 steps in the TTL auto flash mode Custom Settings The following Custom Settings are possible Wireless remote flash Auxiliary ready light Sound monitor in the wireless remote flash mode Standby function Power zoom function Zoom head position setting if the built in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally LCD panel illuminator and AF assist illuminator Other functions Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode Resetting the settings Button lock Built in wide flash adapter Allows SB 600 to be used with a 14 mm lens Dimensions WxHxD Approx 68 0 x 123 5 x 90 0 mm 2 7 x 4 9 x 3 5 in Weight without batteries Approx 300g 10 6 oz Accessories supplied Speedlight Stand AS 19 and Soft Case SS 600 These performance specifications are applicable when fresh batteries are used at normal temperature
67. ow possible This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background p 48 Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator In autofocus operation the SB 600 emits AF Assist illumination over a much wider area than existing Speedlights This enables you to perform autofocus photography in dim light even after you change the focus area of cameras supporting this function p 50 See your equivalent camera s instruction manual for details on the Creative Lighting System Preparation A Foreword 0 Notes e Default Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory are referred to as Default settings in this manual e CLS Hereafter Nikon s new Speedlight system Creative Lighting System is abbreviated CLS 0 Marks used in this manual e Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB 600 e J Provides convenient reference information when using the SB 600 I Supplied accessories Speedlight Stand Soft Case AS 19 SS 600 Tips on using the Speedlight Take trial shots Take trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations Have Nikon spot check your 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 Sp
68. peed 2 sec e Aperture 4 5 e Flash mode Manual e Flash output level M1 1 A Other functions 47 48 Auto FP High Speed Sync mode for compatible cameras High Speed flash synchronization at your camera s highest shutter speed is now possible In this mode the Auto FP High Speed Sync mode is automatically set when the shutter soeed exceeds the camera s sync shutter speed This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background Available with compatible cameras You cannot set the Auto FP High Speed sync mode on the SB 600 directly but must set it on the camera When set on the camera the indicator appears on the LCD panel High speed flash synchronization is possible exceeding your camera s sync shutter speed up to your camera s highest shutter speed Auto FP High Speed sync also operates in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode Available flash modes are i TTL and Manual flash ACN ON OFF Goon LA roo _ COY Flash Value Lock FV Lock for compatible cameras 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 remains locked in even if you change the aperture or composition or zoom the lens in and out e Available with compatible cameras You cannot set the FV Lock function on the
69. refer to your camera instruction manual After setting your camera to red eye reduction with slow sync make sure that appears on the SB 600 s LCD panel As slow shutter speeds are normally used for slow sync a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake and rear curtain sync 0 Rear curtain sync Unnatural looking pictures can occur when using flash to shoot fast moving subjects at slow shutter speeds because the subject frozen by the flash appears behind or within the blurred movement see photo below right By using rear curtain sync however the blur created by a moving subject such as the taillights of a car will appear behind the subject and not in front e In front curtain sync the flash fires immediately after the front curtain opens completely in rear curtain sync the flash fires just before the rear curtain starts to close Available with cameras that have rear curtain sync This mode cannot be set on the SB 600 it can only be set on the camera For more information refer to your camera instruction manual As slow shutter speeds are normally used for rear curtain sync a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake In multiple flash the master flash unit can be set to either front curtain or rear curtain sync flash However the remote units cannot be set to rear curtain sync flash p 56 Rear curtain sync Front curtain sync Shooting data e Focal length 70mm e Shutter s
70. ring an ISO type mounting foot not designed for the F3 Bracket SK 7 A metal plate with attachment screws allowing the camera and Speedlight to be positioned side by side Use the optional TTL Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 to attach the SB 600 to Bracket SK 7 Multi Flash Bracket Unit SK E900 One AS E900 Multi Flash Adapter is included with the SK E900 Multi Flash Adapter AS E900 The SB 600 can be used as a multiple flash unit with Nikon COOLPIX 900 series digital cameras by attaching the COOLPIX to Multi Flash Bracket Unit SK E900 and connecting the SB 600 to the multi flash terminal of the COOLPIX using the Multi Flash Adapter AS E900 p 30 A Reference information 81 82 Optional accessories 10 Other accessories Speedlight Stand AS 19 Colored Gel Filter Set SJ 1 The colored gel filters will 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 be added to a scene by using a Speedlight with the optional The optional Colored Gel Filter Set SU 1 contains a total of 20 filters in 8 kinds of colored gels FL G1 for fluorescent light FL G2 for fluorescent light TN A1 for incandescent tungsten light e e TN A2 for incandescent tungsten light e BLUE YELLOW e RED e AMBER e fade or deteriorate with time When this happens replace them with the backup gels provided in the set Using colored gel filte
71. rs with digital cameras Balancing light from the flash Purpose Gel filter Adjust the camera s white balance to Balances the color of light from the flash to FL G1 FL G2 Fluorescent match that of fluorescent light Balances the color of light from the flash to TN A1 TN A2 Incandescent match that of incandescent or tungsten light Creates interesting effects by changing the Blue Yellow Red Flash light from the flash to a different color Amber e With digital cameras if you shoot flash pictures under luorescent light with the camera s white balance set to Flash the main subject illuminated by the flash will look normal However the background will come out green To compensate use the FL G1 green gel filter to convert the light coming from the flash to the same color as fluorescent light then adjust the camera s white balance to Fluorescen Follow a similar procedure when shooting flash pictures under incandescent tungsten illumination using the applicable filter In this case set the white balance to Available with digital cameras featuring white balance Incandescent You cannot set the white balance on the SB 600 Choose an appropriate white balance setting on your digital camera For more details see your camera s instruction manual Tips on Speedlight care WARNING Never use thinner benzene or other active agents for cleaning the Speedlight as t
72. ruction manuals for your batteries and battery charger for detailed information on how o handle and recharge the batteries XY Recycling To protect the earth s environment do not dispose of amp Y rechargeable used rechargeable batteries yourself Instead take Li ion batteries these batteries to your nearest recycling center 10 Notes on batteries Because flash consumes a large amount of battery power rechargeable batteries may not operate properly before reaching the end of their stated lifespan or the number of charging discharging as specified by the battery manufacturer Replace all four batteries at the same time Do not mix battery types or brands or use old with new batteries When installing batteries turn off the power of the Speedlight and never reverse the polarity of the batteries If the battery terminals become soiled remove dirt and smudges before use as this may cause a malfunction Battery power tends to weaken as the temperature drops It also gradually decreases when batteries are not used for a long time and recovers after a short break following intensive use Be sure to check battery power and replace the batteries with fresh ones if you notice any delays in the recycling time Do not store batteries in locations subject to high temperatures and high humidity Troubleshooting If a warning indication appears on the SB 600 s LCD panel or inside the camera s viewfinder use the fol
73. s 20 C 68 F Specifications and design are subject to change without notice A Reference information 89 90 Index e Refer to the Speedlight parts and their functions p 10 and Icons on the LCD panel p 14 for each part name and display indications O button Accessories iss Advanced Wireless Lighting Aperture priority auto exposure A Auto FP High Speed Sync 48 Automatic Balanced Fill Flash 0 0 33 Batteries Bounce flash operation Built in wide flash adapter Button lock Camera groups Channel Close up flash operation Colored gel filters Communication channel Compatible with CLS Continuous flash shooting Control buttons Creative Lighting System CUSTOM SWINGS pliris 52 D TTL mode D type Nikkor lenses a Default SOUINGS sicccpsstcpsccccszstadcnetetsstexessalece Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS 8 Exposure compensation Exposure mode Flash Color Information Communication ash output level fi ash output level compensation value 44 ash shooting distance range ash sync mode PrONtCURAIN SYNC crated tscicisssseensesensteecrseds G type Nikkor lenses Group Guide number ISO sensitivity ISO sensitivity factors LCD panel illuminator LCD panel ODE DUNO rore anual exposure M mode anual flash anual mode aster flash unit etering system inimum recycling time
74. stest sync speed when the SB 600 is turned on except in the Auto FP High Speed sync mode p 48 A Basic operation In Aperture Priority Auto exposure A mode By selecting the aperture you can control depth of field and the flash shooting distance range e The camera selects the correct shutter speed For details see your camera s instruction manual e To determine the aperture refer to the Guide number p 35 and Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode p 27 In Manual exposure M mode By selecting the shutter speed and aperture you can control the exposure of the background the depth of field and the flash shooting distance range e If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed the camera automatically shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB 600 is turned on This is true of all cameras except mechanical shutter cameras and when using the Auto FP High Speed sync mode p 48 To determine the aperture refer to Guide number p 35 and Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode p 27 25 26 5 Setting the SB 600 s flash mode ALIGHT SB 600 Press the button to set the flash mode e Display on the LCD panel Zoom m4 B Imm an 0 Selecting the flash mode The available flash mode changes each time the button is pressed i TTL Automatic Balanced Standard i TTL flash Fill Flash Monitor Monitor Preflas
75. t level on either the camera or the SB 600 For details see your camera instruction manual If you use both controls the exposure is modified by the sum total of both compensation values In this case the SB 600 s LCD panel shows only the compensation value set on the SB 600 Press the or button to display the flash output level compensation The flash output level compensation value blinks ie 2 Press the or button to increase or decrease the compensation in 1 3 steps from 3 0 to 3 0 EV e The value can be quickly changed by continuously pressing the or button M Canceling flash output level compensation The flash output level compensation cannot be canceled by turning the SB 600 off To cancel press the amp or button to return the compensation value to 0 0 Checking the illumination before actually taking the picture Modeling illuminator When using the Modeling illuminator function the flash fires repeatedly at a reduced flash output level This is useful for checking the illumination and the shadows cast on the subject before actually taking the picture e The Modeling illuminator function operates for 1 second e This function operates only after the ready light comes on 0 Modeling illuminator with cameras compatible with CLS attached The Modeling illuminator fires when the Modeling illuminator button on a compatible camera is pressed e For details see yo
76. tion manual In the Manual mode there is no warning ready light to indicate that the light may have been insufficient to obtain a correct exposure 1 LCD panel in the Manual mode Manual flash Flash output level in Manual flash Represents the flash output level in fractions and decimal places o ZOOM a baad LCD panel when a camera compatible with CLS is used I Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode In the Manual mode use the guide number table and the following equation to calculate the aperture flash output level and shooti correct exposure e The guide number GN at ISO 100 m ft indicates the amount of light generated by the ng distance to obtain the flash The larger the number the greater the flash output 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 59 1 19 0 62 3 20 0 65 6 M1 8 4 9 16 1 9 2 30 2 9 9 32 5 10 6 34 8 12 7 41 7 13 4 44 0 14 1 46 3 M1 16 3 5 11 5 6 5 21 3 7 0 23 0 7 5 24 6 9 0 29 5 9 5 31 2 10 0 32 8 M1 32 2 5 8 2 4 6 15 1 4 9 16 1 5 37 4 6 4 21 0 6 7 22 0 7 1 23 3 M1 64 1 8 5 9 3 3 10 8 3 5 11 5 3 8 12 5 4 5 14 8 4 8 15
77. to return to the normal setting mode 0 Details on Custom Settings Bold default setting Wireless remote flash mode p 60 Activating or canceling the wireless remote flash function in wireless multiple flash photography OFF Gn zy d e OFF Remote flash function canceled ON Remote flash function activated Sound monitor in the wireless remote flash mode p 65 When the SB 600 is used as a wireless remote flash unit in wireless multiple flash photography you can activate or cancel the sound monitor function g OFF D owe D uo e ON Sound on OFF Sound off Auxiliary ready light p 65 The auxiliary ready light can be activated or canceled when the SB 600 is used as a remote flash unit in wireless multiple flash photography Gn OFF b b rh rh e ON Ready light is on e OFF Ready light is off Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator p 50 Setting to activate or cancel the Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator mam NO AF ILL e AF ILL Activated e NO AF ILL Canceled Standby function p 21 Setting the standby function to activate or cancel e AUTO Standby function activated e Standby function canceled A Other functions 53 54 Custom Settings Bold default setting Power zoom function p 40 Setting to activate or cancel the power zoom function which adjusts the zoom head position automatically OFF Gn M M ZOOM ZOOM e OFF Activated e ON Canceled
78. ttings 0 Setting a group and channel number on the remote flash units Press the button on the remote flash unit to display the blinking channel number then press the or button to set the channel number e Be sure to choose the same channel number as set on the master flash unit Press the button on the remote flash unit to display the blinking group press the or button to set the group then press the button e For remote flash units where the flash mode and flash output level compensation values are to be set identically place these flash units into the same group mM Notes on using the Nikon D70 s Commander Mode Be sure to set the channel number of the remote flash unit to 3 and set the group of the remote flash unit to Group A when performing wireless multiple flash using the Nikon D70 s built in flash as a master flash unit Commander Mode If you do not follow this procedure the SB 600 does not fire A Advanced operations 62 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting 0 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 remote flash unit A is bounced off the ceiling to illuminate the background and create a more natural looking picture Remote flash unit B is used with a colored gel filter to create the warmth feeli
79. upler AS 17 is required Optional accessories 0 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 TTL auto flash operation when the SB 600 is used off camera Their flash shoes come with one tripod socket and two TTL multiple flash terminals The TTL Remote Cord SC 24 is for use with F5 cameras mounted with a High Magnification Finder DW 30 or DW 31 or F4 cameras having a High Magnification Finder DW 20 or DW 21 The SC 29 features an AF assist illuminator function The SC 29 is not equipped with a TTL multiple flash terminal TTL Multi Flash Sync Cord SC 26 18 approx 1 5 m or 4 9 ft TTL Multi Flash Sync Cord SC 27 19 approx 3 m or 9 8 ft Multi Flash Sync Cords SC 18 SC 19 SC 26 SC 27 are useful or connecting the SB 600 to the multiple flash terminal of the SC 28 SC 17 or AS 10 for TTL multiple flash operation TTL Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 Use the Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 when connecting more han three flash units together for TTL multiple flash operation or if the remote flash units are not equipped with multiple lash terminals The AS 10 comes with one tripod socket and hree TTL multiple flash terminals TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS 17 for F3 Series cameras Dedicated adapter for F3 Series cameras providing TTL flash operation with Nikon Speedlights such as the SB 600 eatu
80. ur camera instruction manual A Other functions 45 46 Slow sync flash mode red eye reduction control 0 Slow sync flash The flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the correct exposure for both the main subject and background in low light situations or at night e Available with cameras that have a slow sync function The slow sync function cannot be set on the SB 600 it can only be set on the camera For more information refer to your camera instruction manual e As slow shutter speeds are normally used for slow sync a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake 0 Red eye reduction To prevent the center of your subject s eyes from appearing red in color pictures the SB 600 fires three flashes at reduced output just before the picture is taken e Available with cameras that have red eye reduction control The red eye reduction function cannot be set on the SB 600 it can only be set on the camera For more information refer to your camera instruction manual e After setting your camera to red eye reduction make sure that appears on the SB 600 s LCD panel SPEEDLIGHT SB 600 4 era 3 HN ON OFF 0 Red eye reduction with slow sync flash mode In this mode red eye reduction is combined with slow sync e Available with cameras that have a red eye reduction setting with slow sync This mode cannot be set on the SB 600 it can only be set on the camera For more information
81. using the lens aperture ring 1 The A and M exposur Pronea 600i 6i TIL P S A M CPU lens TTL ii P S A M CPU lens TTL ei A M GCG Non CPU lens TTL TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL TTL A M ojo Non CPU lens e modes cannot be used with a G type lens 2 Spot Metering is not possible with the F 801 N8008 3 Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is set TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL TTL P S A M CPU lens TTL TTL M wA Non CPU lens 1 The camera s exposure meter cannot be used Set the aperture using the lens aperture ring A Reference information 79 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB 600 Camera Camera TTL mode CurrentTTL Exposure Metering Lens group mode display mode system F 601 TTL P S A M CPU lens except for G type N6006 TIL P S A M C __ CPU lens except for G type TTL A M aj Non CPU lens TTL P S A M CPU lens except for G type TTL TTL A M OC Non CPU lens 1 Only appears on the SB 600 s LCD panel Matrix Balanced Fill Flash or Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is selected when appears on the camera s LCD panel lIl 2 Center Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M F 601M TTL TTL P S to CPU lens N6000 TTL TTL P S o CPU lens TTL A M Non CPU lens TTL TTL P S ao CPU lens TTL TTL
82. your camera s instruction manual e The exposure compensation value set on the camera is not displayed on the SB 600 s LCD panel e Exposure compensation beyond the usable ISO sensitivity range cannot be performed For example even if you tried to make an exposure compensation of 3 steps when using an ISO sensitivity of 100 which would change it to the equivalent of ISO 12 you would only be able to compensate a maximum of 2 steps ISO 25 because the usable sensitivity range is ISO 25 1000 compensation Making exposure compensation in the Manual flash mode Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correct aperture e Use the guide number and shooting distance to calculate which aperture to use for the correct exposure p 35 Then use a larger or smaller aperture on the camera to make exposure compensation e As a basic guide set a wider aperture on the camera or lens to make the main subject brighter or a smaller aperture to make it darker 0 Making exposure compensation for the main subject only In the TTL auto flash mode Adjusting the SB 600 s flash output level to shoot a flash illuminated main subject without affecting the background exposure is known as flash output level compensation p 44 e This compensation can only be performed with cameras compatible with CLS digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups to III In the Manual flash mode Making exposure compe

Nikon SB-600 Camera Flash User Manual

Contents

Download Pdf Manuals

Related Search

Related Contents