EnPrinted in JapanTT3H03000101 (11)8MSA0611--No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical a
10Speedlight parts and their functions1 Control button quick reference (p. 12)2 Flash head (p. 100)Can be tilted up to 90° or down to –7°, androtated
100Bounce flash operation Setting the apertureIn bounce flash, there is a light loss of 2–3 stops when compared with normalflash photography. Theref
101u Using the built-in bounce cardIn bounce flash photography, use the SB-800’s built-in bounce card to create ahighlight in the subject’s eyes, maki
102Close-up flash operationWhen the built-in wide-flash adapter is used, close-up flash shooting can beperformed. The built-in wide-flash adapter diff
1031Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).2Set the camera’s metering system to MatrixMetering Y or Center-Weighte
104Close-up flash operation Setting the built-in wide-flash adapter and adjusting thezoom-head position1Slowly pull out the wide-flash adapter all t
105u When shooting subjects closer than 0.6m (2 ft.)With the SB-800 attached to the camera, sufficient illumination of the subjectcannot be obtained.
106• The farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read on the SB-800’s LCD panel. In this case, use the guide number tableand equation for calculati
Reference informationOptional accessories, Troubleshooting,Speedlight care, Specifications, etc. arepresented here.
108TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800 The available types of TTL auto flash vary, depending on the camera/lens/exposure mode/metering syst
109Reference informationCamera Current TTLTTL modeExposure Metering Lensmode display mode systemF4-SeriesDFP/S/A/MYCPU lens∗1D FA/MYNon-CPU lens∗2D F
1116 Flash head tilting angle scale (p. 100)17 Modeling illuminator button(p. 66)Press to fire flash repeatedly to check theillumination and the shado
110TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800 Camera Current TTLTTL modeExposure Metering Lensmode display mode systemF-601M/DP/SYCPU lens∗1N6000
111Optional accessoriesReference information Accessories for multiple flashTTL Remote Cord SC-29/28/17 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft)TTL Remote Cord SC-24
TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 for F3-Series camerasDedicated adapter for F3-Series cameras providing TTL flashoperation with Nikon Speedlights such as
113Reference information Using external power sourcesConnecting to an external power sourceTo use an external power source, remove the coverand conn
WARNINGNever use thinner, benzene, or other active agents for cleaning theSpeedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catchon fire. U
115Notes on batteriesReference information Usable batteriesUse four (or five) AA-type batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types.• High
116TroubleshootingIf a warning indication appears on the SB-800’s LCD panel or inside thecamera’s viewfinder, use the following chart to determine the
117Reference information If the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentallyIf the wide-flash adapter is subjected to a strong impact whil
118Troubleshooting Ready-light warning inside the camera’s viewfinderNoteThe SB-800 incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations. In rar
119About the LCD panelReference information Characteristics of the LCD panel• Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the LCD display is dif
12Control buttonsRecalling the underexposure value in the TTL autoflash mode Press the a and g buttons simultaneously to recallthe underexposure value
120SpecificationsElectronic constructionAutomatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitryGuide number (at 35mm zoom-head positio
121Reference informationBouncecapability Flash head tilts down to –7° or up to 90° with click-stops at –7°, 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°; flash head rotates
122SpecificationsOther functionsRecalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode, Resetting the settings, Button lockBuilt-in wide- Allows
123Reference informationWeight Approx. 350g (12.3 oz.)(without batteries)Accessories Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800, Speedlight Stand AS-19, Co
124Symbole/f button...12i-TTL mode ...36AAF-ILL...
125IISO sensitivity...24ISO sensitivity factors...43Icons...
EnPrinted in JapanTT3H03000101 (11)8MSA0611--No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical a
13Icons on the LCD panelAuto Aperture flashIn addition to Non-TTL auto A flash (see below), the SB-800’s built-in sensorcorrectly controls the flashou
14Icons on the LCD panelThe wide-area AF-assistilluminator is activatedThe wide-area AF-assistilluminator comes on (p. 62).The wide-area AF-assistillu
15 Highlighted itemsHighlighted items indicate that they can be set orchanged. The highlighted items return to normalafter 8 seconds unless an adjus
16LensesIn this manual, Nikkor lenses are divided into two types: CPU Nikkor lensesand non-CPU Nikkor lenses.CPU Nikkor lensesG-type Nikkor, D-type Ni
Basic operationIn this section, basic procedures areillustrated so that you can easily perform flash photography in the TTL auto flash mode.You can ea
181Slide open the battery chamber lid in thedirection of the arrow.2Install the batteries following the i andj marks as shown. Align the batterychambe
19 Minimum number of flashes and recycling timesWhen using four (or five) fresh batteries of the same type and the Speedlightfires at M1/1 output.Ba
2ContentsPreparation· Foreword ...4-6· Tips on using the Speedlight ...
201Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec.to turn on the SB-800. Make sure theready-light comes on.2Press the FLASH button to test fire theflash. Te
21t Standby function to conserve battery powerIf the SB-800 and the camera are not used for more than a specified time, thestandby function activates
221Make sure the SB-800 and the camerabody are turned off.2Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to theleft, slide the SB-800’s mounting foot intothe ca
23adjust the flash headt Warning indicationIf the flash head is not adjusted to the horizontal/front position, when the poweris turned on, this warnin
24In this manual, the sensitivity for digital SLRs and the film speed for film-basedcameras are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity. For cameras
25 Setting the ISO sensitivity for cameras in Groups III to VIIFor cameras in Groups III to VII, set the ISO sensitivity in the Custom settingsmode
1The zoom-head position is indicated onthe LCD panel.• The zoom-head position is automaticallyadjusted by the power zoom function or it canbe manually
27 Setting the zoom-head position manuallyWhen the SB-800 is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination witha non-CPU lens, or you want t
281Set the camera’s exposure mode toProgrammed Auto (P).• If Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, selectanother exposure mode. See the oppositepage.2Set
29metering systemu Exposure modes other than Programmed Auto exposure (P)In Shutter-Priority Auto exposure (S) modeBy selecting a slower shutter speed
3PreparationThis section providespreliminary informationon using the SB-800.Basic operationBasic procedures totake simple, properlyexposed flashphotog
307 Setting the SB-800’s flash mode1Press the a button to set the flash mode.• Display Do on the LCD panel.2Confirm that the main subject is within th
31 About the flash shooting distance rangeThe SB-800’s flash shooting distance range is 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) andvaries, depending on the ISO se
321Confirm the camera’s sync mode.• For normal flash photography, use thecamera’s Front-curtain sync mode.2Compose the picture, confirm that theready-
33v If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might beinsufficient for correct exposure.In the TTL auto and Non-TTL auto flash modes, when t
34Using the SB-800 with COOLPIX digital camerasFor COOLPIX cameras, such as the COOLPIX 5400 and4500, having an accessory shoe (hot-shoe) or TTLmultip
Detailed operationThis section provides a variety of flashmodes available with the SB-800.Be sure to refer to your camera’s instructionmanual for spec
36SB-800’s available flash modesThe SB-800’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras andlenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode. Usin
Detailed operation37TTL auto flash mode TTL auto flash: DIn this mode, the flash illumination that is reflected back from the subject isdetected by
38Non-TTL auto flash modeAuto Aperture B flashThe SB-800’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected from thesubject and controls the
Detailed operation395Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-lightis on, then shoot.• When the flash has fired at its maximum output andunderexpos
4ForewordThank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-800. To get themost out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manualthoroughly be
40Non-TTL auto flash modeNon-TTL auto A flash The SB-800’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected from thesubject, automatically co
Detailed operation415Set the camera to its highest flash sync shutterspeed.• For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.6Compose the picture, m
42Manual modeManual modeThe SB-800 features three manual modes.• Distance-priority manual flash p• Manual flash G• Repeating flash qYou can calculate
43To calculate the correct apertureCalculate the correct aperture by using this equation and the guide number table,according to the ISO sensitivity,
44Manual modeDistance-priority manual p flashIn this flash operation, the SB-800 automatically controls the light outputaccording to the distance valu
455Set the aperture that appears on the SB-800’sLCD panel on the lens or camera.• With cameras in Groups III to VII.6Confirm that the ready-light is o
46Manual modeManual G flashIn Manual flash photography, you select the aperture and flash output level. In this way, you can control the exposure and
47Detailed operation6Set the same aperture on your camera or lensthat is set on the SB-800.• With cameras in Groups III to VII.7Confirm that the ready
48Manual modeRepeating q flashIn Repeating flash operation, the SB-800 fires repeatedly during a singleexposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposu
492Press the a button to display q.3Press the g button to highlight the flash outputlevel display, then press the e or f button toincrease or decrease
5The SB-800 features a new Nikon Speedlight system, called Creative LightingSystem or “CLS.” This system offers additional flash shooting possibilitie
50Manual mode7Set the same aperture on the camera or lens thatis set on the SB-800.• With cameras in Groups III to VII.8Set the shutter speed.• Use th
51Notes on continuous flash shootingDo not exceed the maximum number of continuous firingsYou should allow the SB-800 to cool off for at least 10 minu
52Checking the correct exposure before shootingYou can determine whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-800 befor
Other functionsDetailed information on each function of theSB-800 is provided.
54Exposure compensation and flash output levelExposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures byintentionally modifying the flash expo
55compensationMaking exposure compensation in Non-TTL auto flash and Manual flashoperationsExposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifyi
56Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation Flash output level compensationYou can make exposure compensation for the flash illumina
57Flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable apertureWith zoom lenses having a variable aperture, take note of the following bef
58Slow-sync flash mode, Red-eye reduction control, Slow-sync flashThe flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the correct exposurefor
59and Rear-curtain sync Rear-curtain syncIn normal flash photography, when shooting fast-moving subjects at slow shutterspeeds, unnatural-looking pi
6Foreword Notes• Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factoryare referred to as “Default” settings in this manual.• CLS:
60Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode (for cameras compatible with CLS)High-Speed flash synchronization at your camera’s highest shutter speed isnow possible
61Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) (for cameras compatible with CLS)Flash Value, or “FV,” is the amount of flash exposure for the subject. Using FVLock with
62Autofocus flash operation in dim lightWhen the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-800’s Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator enables
63v Notes on using the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator• If the focus indicator does not appear in the camera’s viewfinder even through the Wide-Area A
64Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800Use the provided quick recycling battery pack to install five batteries to shortenthe recycling time (p
653Open the quick recycling battery pack’s batterychamber lid, then install an extra battery in theQuick Recycling Battery Pack following the iand j m
66Checking the illumination before actually taking the picture (Modeling illuminator)Press the Modeling illuminator button and the flash fires repeate
67Custom functionsThe SB-800 can easily set, activate, or cancel various operations using theCustom settings as shown below. Icons appearing on the LC
68Custom settings Setting Custom functions1Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to displaythe Custom settings mode.2Press the e or f button and c o
69 Details on Custom settings (Bold: default setting)ISO sensitivity (p. 24)The available ISO sensitivity range is ISO 3 to 8000. Pressing the e or
7Tips on using the SpeedlightTake trial shotsMake trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings orgraduations.Have Nikon spot-che
70Custom settingsSelecting the distance unit of measure (m, ft) Setting the distance unit of measure on the LCD panel to either meters “m” or feet “ft
Advanced operationsInformation on advanced flash shootingtechniques using the SB-800 is described inthis section.
72Overview of multiple flash operationMultiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking picturesby using several flash units to emp
73 Be sure to cancel Monitor Preflashes (in TTL multiple flash operation)In SU-4 type wireless multiple flash and multiple flash using cords, cancel
74Wireless multiple flash shootingRead the following when setting up the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in theAdvanced Wireless Lighting and SU-4 type
75 Using the Speedlight StandUse the provided Speedlight Stand AS-19 for stable placement of the remoteflash units.• You can also use the stand for
76When the SB-800 is used with Nikon cameras compatible with CLS,Advanced Wireless Lighting is possible.In this mode, you can divide the remote flash
77Advanced operations Settings in the Advanced Wireless LightingIn this mode, set the following items on either the master flash unit or theremote f
78Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Setting the flash mode, flash output level compensationvalues, and channel number on the master flash
79 Setting a group and channel number on the remote flash units1Press the g button on the remote flash unit tohighlight the channel number, then pre
In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into nine groups: camerascompatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Gro
80Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Examples of flash shooting in Advanced Wireless LightingWireless multiple flash (three flash units) O
81Advanced operations1Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A).2Set the wireless flash mode of the on-camera SB-800 to MASTER usin
7Press the g button on the master flash unit tohighlight “B”, then press the a button to setthe flash mode to G on the remote flash unit B.8Likewise,
83Advanced operations13Set the group of the remote flash units A and B.• Set the remote flash unit A to group A and the remoteflash unit B to group B.
84SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shootingSU-4 type wireless multiple flash can be performed in two ways: (1) In the A(auto) mode, in which the wire
85Advanced operationsSetting the flash mode on the remote flash units1Detach the SB-800, which is already set to theSU-4 type wireless multiple flash
Wireless multiple flash shooting in the A (auto) mode1Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).2Set up all Speedl
87Advanced operations Wireless multiple flash shooting in the M (manual) mode1Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual
88tAdjusting the flash output level of the remote flash units in the w (manual) mode.Adjusting the flash output level manuallyUse the following equati
89Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the ready-light or the beeping soundAdvanced operationsYou can confirm wireless multiple flash op
9Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38)Manual mode ( p. 42) Wireless multiple flashpAdvancedBADistance-GqWirelessSU-4 typeAuto Non-TTL priority Manual Repeat
90The SB-800 can be used with Speedlights compatible with the TTL auto flash mode to perform multiple flash shooting using cords.• Use of the SB-50DX
91 Notes on multiple flash shooting using cords• Be sure to see the instruction manuals of your cameras, Speedlights, and accessories.• Refer to “Sy
92Multiple flash shooting using cords TTL multiple flash (not possible with cameras compatible with CLSand digital SLRs not compatible with CLS)1Set
93 Manual multiple flash1Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).2Turn off the power and attach the master flashu
• Speedlights SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B cannot be used with the F-401/N4004or F-401s/N4004s as either master or remote flash units.94System cha
95Advanced operationsSB-21BSB-16BSB-15SB-22SB-20SC-18/26 (1.5m)SC-19/27 (3m)SC-18/26SC-19/27SC-18/26SC-19/27SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/28DXSB-27SB-24SB-25 SB-2
96Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras usingSupplied with the SB-800, the Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800 includes two filters:the FL-G1 for taking
97colored gel filters How to use colored gels1Fold the colored gel filter securely on the line.2Insert the colored gel filter between the wide-flas
98Bounce flash operationWith the SB-800 mounted on your camera’s hot shoe, you can tilt or rotate theflash head to bounce the light off the ceiling or
991Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).2Set the camera’s metering system to MatrixMetering Y or Center-Weighted
Comments to this Manuals