SB-900 User's Manual Autofocus Speedlight En About this user's manual A Preparation How to find what you are looking for You can search for relevant page references using the following methods. k Table of contents ... k Simple search by objective (kA-6) (kA-4) You can search by item, such as operation method, flash mode or function. You can search according to your objective without knowing the specific name or term of the item you are looking for. k Speedlight functions (kB-4) You can search for a particular SB-900 function. This is handy when you know the name of a function and want more information. k Index k Troubleshooting (kF-22) (kF-2) You can search using the alphabetical index. You can determine the cause if there is a problem with your Speedlight. A­2 Camera and lens combinations This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB-900 will be used in combination with a camera compatible with CLS (Nikon Creative Lighting System) and a CPU lens. A Preparation t Tips on identifying CPU Nikkor lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts. CPU contacts · The SB-900 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor lenses. Terms used in this user's manual Default settings: the function and mode settings at the time of purchase are referred to as the "default settings." CLS (Nikon Creative Lighting System): the Nikon Creative Lighting System is often referred to as "CLS." ISO sensitivity: "ISO sensitivity" is a generic term that covers both the imaging sensitivity of digital SLR cameras and the film sensitivity of 35mm film based cameras. Marks used in this manual v t Describes a point to which you should pay particular attention in order to avoid Speedlight malfunction or mistakes during shooting. Includes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier. A­3 Simple search by objective You can search for specific explanations according to your objective. A Preparation About Speedlight parts and indications I want to know about The name of each part The meaning of each icon (displayed) The meaning of the warning symbols Key words Speedlight parts LCD panel Warning indications page C-2 C-10 F-3 About settings and operation I want to know about The functions and usage of control buttons The types of batteries that can be used The minimum recycling time and the number of flashes per recycling time per type of battery When to replace the batteries How to change settings using "Custom settings" How to perform test firings How to tilt or rotate the flash head How to reset various settings How to illuminate the LCD panel How to enhance the readability of the LCD panel How to change the standby lead time How to monitor the remote flash units by sound How to lock the control buttons to avoid mistakes Key words Control buttons Suitable batteries The minimum recycling time and the number of flashes per recycling time Replacing/recharging batteries Custom settings Test firing Adjusting the flash head Two-button reset Using the SB-900 in dim light Enhancing the LCD panel's readability Standby function Sound monitor Key lock page C-8 C-4 F-20 C-27 C-20 D-59 D-26 C-9 C-24 C-25 C-23 C-24 C-9 About flash photography Key words Flash modes and functions Basic operation Illumination pattern: CenterHow to take portrait photos emphasizing the main subject weighted How to take formal group shots Illumination pattern: Even How to take more natural-looking shots of flowers Wireless multiple flash shooting and dolls How to take pictures with soft shadows cast on a wall Bounce flash operation How to take pictures of both the subject and Slow-sync flash background at night I want to know about About the flash modes How to take pictures in the simplest way page D-1 C-4 D-24 D-24 D-39 D-26 D-55 A­4 Flash photography with color filters Flash photography with How to take pictures adding specific color to the scene color filters How to perform autofocus flash photography in dim lighting AF-assist Illuminator How to shoot a fast moving subject using wireless SU-4 type wireless multiple multiple flash shooting flash operation I want to know about How to take pictures using multiple flash units How to confirm lighting conditions How to take brighter (or darker) pictures of both the subject and background How to take brighter (or darker) pictures of the subject How to take pictures without the subject's eyes appearing red How to shoot a moving subject with stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects How to take pictures under fluorescent light and incandescent light and balance the lights' color effects Key words Wireless multiple flash shooting Modeling illumination Exposure compensation Flash output level compensation Red-eye reduction Repeating flash page D-39 D-61 D-38 D-37 D-56 D-17 D-33 D-33 D-58 D-50 A B C D E F About accessories I want to know about About cameras compatible with the SB-900 Key words Compatible cameras page B-2 E-2 E-3 F-11 How to use the SB-900 with cameras not compatible Using the SB-900 with nonwith Nikon Creative Lighting System CLS-compatible SLR cameras How to use the SB-900 with Nikon COOLPIX cameras About optional accessories that are available For usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras Optional accessories Others I want to know about Tips on Speedlight care SB-900 specifications The latest Nikon product information How to update the firmware Key words Tips on Speedlight care Specifications Life-long learning Firmware update page F-7 F-14 A-16 F-10 A­5 Contents A Preparation A Preparation About this user`s manual ......................................................................A-2 How to find what you are looking for .................................................. A-2 Simple search by objective ....................................................................A-4 For your safety ......................................................................................A-8 Check before Use ...............................................................................A-14 B C About the SB-900 SB-900 features .................................................................................... B-2 Main functions...................................................................................... B-4 Operation Speedlight parts ....................................................................................C-2 Basic operations ....................................................................................C-4 Control buttons ....................................................................................C-8 LCD ....................................................................................................C-10 Custom functions and settings ............................................................C-20 Batteries .............................................................................................C-27 D Flash modes and functions i-TTL mode............................................................................................D-2 Auto aperture flash ...............................................................................D-5 Non-TTL auto flash................................................................................D-8 Distance-priority manual flash .............................................................D-11 Manual mode .....................................................................................D-14 Repeating flash ...................................................................................D-17 Determining the aperture, flash output level and shooting distance in the Distance priority, Manual and Repeating flash mode..................D-22 Switching illumination pattern ............................................................D-24 Bounce flash operation .......................................................................D-26 Taking close-up photographs with bounce-down flash ........................D-30 Flash photography with color filters ....................................................D-33 Flash output level compensation and exposure compensation .............D-37 Wireless multiple flash shooting ..........................................................D-39 A­6 · Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting .............................D-43 · SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting ..................................D-50 Available functions to be set on the camera ........................................D-55 · Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode · Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) · Slow-sync flash · Red-eye reduction/Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash · Rear-curtain sync Flash shooting support functions.........................................................D-57 · Power zoom function · AF-Assist Illuminator · Setting the ISO sensitivity · Test firing function · Modeling illuminator function · FX-/DX selection A B C D E F E For use with cameras other than CLS compatible SLR cameras Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras ...................... E-2 For usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras ............................... E-3 F Tips on Speedlight care and reference information Troubleshooting .................................................................................... F-2 Notes on continuous flash shooting ...................................................... F-5 Thermal Cut-out ................................................................................... F-6 Tips on Speedlight care ......................................................................... F-7 Notes on batteries................................................................................. F-8 About the LCD panel ............................................................................ F-9 Updating firmware.............................................................................. F-10 Optional accessories............................................................................ F-11 Specifications ...................................................................................... F-14 Index .................................................................................................. F-22 A­7 For your safety A Preparation Before using your product, please read the following safety precautions carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and safe use and to help prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others. For quick reference by those who use the product, please keep these safety instructions near the product. In this manual, safety instructions are indicated with these symbols: WARNING Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in personal injury, or death and property damage. CAUTION Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in property damage. WARNINGS for Speedlights 1. If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with running water and consult with a doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if they are not treated quickly. 2. If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin. 3. Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash unit by yourself, as this could result in you receiving an electric shock and could also cause the unit to malfunction; such malfunction could lead to personal injury. 4. If the flash unit is dropped and damaged, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. Such parts, especially the Speedlight's capacitor and associated parts, could be in a high-charge state and if touched could cause an electric shock. Disconnect the power or remove the batteries and be sure that you do not touch any of the product's electrical components, and then bring the flash unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair. 5. If you detect heat, smoke or notice a burning smell, immediately stop operation and remove the batteries to prevent the unit from catching on fire or melting. Allow the flash unit to cool down so that you can safely touch it and remove the batteries. Then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair. 6. The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to rain, saltwater or moisture unless it is properly protected from the liquids and moisture. Underwater use requires a certified underwater housing. If water or moisture gets inside the unit, this could cause the unit to catch on fire or cause an electric shock. In such instances you should immediately remove the batteries from the Speedlight and then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair. Note: electronic devices that are penetrated by water or moisture are often not economically repairable. A­8 7. Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or explosive gas. If the flash unit is o ...