Nikon SB-50DX User Manual

EnINSTRUCTION MANUALAutofocusSpeedlight(En)SB-50DX (E) 02.12.9 2:33 PM Page 1

1918Setting Camera and SB-50DX ModesSet the flash mode to TTL/D-TTL to perform TTL/D-TTL autoflash where flash output level isautomatically controlled

• Underexposure indication• If the underexposure has occurred withcameras of Group I or Nikon Digital cameras(p. 28, 29), : blinks and the amount ofun

DETAILED OPERATIONThis chapter features a detailed description of theSB-50DX functions.2322Close-up photography (p. 43)Example PhotosSB-50DX (E) 02.1

2524The Nikon SB-50DX provides three flash modes: TTL auto flash for silverchloride film cameras, D-TTL auto flash for Nikon Digital SLR camerasand Ma

26 27Detailed OperationFlash Modes and Types of TTL/D-TTL Auto Flash—continuedAvailable types of TTL auto flash vary depending on the camera/lens/expo

2928Detailed OperationCameras Compatible with TTL/D-TTL Auto Flash ModeGroup CameraTTL/D-TTL autoLensExposure Metering Notesflash modeCPUNon-CPUmode

3130Detailed OperationCameras Compatible with TTL/D-TTL Auto Flash Mode—continuedManual FlashNotes1: 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash is activated

3332Detailed OperationReading Variable Aperture of Zoom LensesGuide NumberSome zoom lenses have variable aperture (lens’ brightness) with zooming(vari

3534Detailed OperationExposure Compensation in Flash PhotographyExposure compensation lets you intentionally modify the correctexposure. Exposure can

3736Detailed OperationAutofocus Flash Photography in Dim LightThe SB-50DX’s AF-Assist Illuminator enables you to perform autofocusflash photography in

32Foreword Tips on Using the Speedlight• Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-50DX. Get to know your SB-50DX, and be sure to read this man

TECHNICAL OPERATIONThis chapter shows photographic techniques inflash shooting such as bounce flash and multipleflash.3938Flash output level compensat

4140Technical OperationBounce-Flash PhotographyWhen taking pictures of a person in front of a wall, a direct flash often causesharsh, unattractive sha

42Technical OperationBounce-Flash Photography—continued Close-Up Flash Photography• Bounce-flash operation with double flash (SB-50DX and camera’sbuil

44Technical OperationClose-Up Flash Photography—continued5. Tilt the flash head down.• Tilt the flash head down to –18°.• is displayed in the LCD pane

4746Multiple Flash PhotographyPerform multiple flash shooting in the following situations:• To eliminate shadows cast by the subject (p. 59)• To empha

49484. Set the flash mode on the master flash unit to TTL auto (p. 18).• To use the camera’s built-in Speedlight as the master unit, release the built

5150Technical OperationCanceling (preventing accidental) flash firingRaise the camera Speedlight detecting leverwith your finger to prevent accidental

52 53Technical OperationMultiple Flash Operation Using the Infrared Remote CommanderWith the Infrared Filter SW-9IR, you can use the master SB-50DX un

5554Double-Flash OperationBy attaching the SB-50DX to a camera that has a built-in Speedlight, youcan easily perform double-flash operation.• Double-f

56EFFECTIVE SPEEDLIGHTPLACEMENTProperly adjusting the position and angle of theSpeedlights improves results in multiple flashphotography.57To perform

54ContentsPREPARATION...2-9Foreword...

5958Speedlight Placement• Eliminating shadows cast by the subjectTo eliminate unattractive shadows from the background when taking portraits,you can u

6160• Illuminating a subject mainly from the sideBy using the infrared remote commander (p. 53), a subject can be illuminatedmainly from the side with

62MISCELLANEOUS63• Illuminating a distant subjectWhen light from the master flash unit is not strong enough to illuminate asubject at a distance with

6564Nikon cannot be held responsible for any malfunction resulting from the use ofthe camera other than as specified in this manual.• Use two CR123A o

6766CameraCameras ofGroup I andNikon digitalSLR camerasCameras ofGroup IICameras ofGroup V and VIexcept for F3-series with AS-17 and FM3ACameras of Gr

6968Miscellaneous• Microcomputer of the SB-50DXThe SB-50DX is electronically controlled by a microcomputer. In certain cases,the microcomputer may not

7170Recycling time and Minimum recycling type: approx. 3.5 sec. with fresh batteries.number of flashes Number of flashes and recycling time: 260 tim

7372MManual exposure mode ...24Manual flash mode...31Manual Slave Flash mode...52Manual

7574SB-50DX (E) 02.12.9 2:33 PM Page 74

No reproduction in any form of this manual, inwhole or in part (except for brief quotation incritical articles or reviews), may be made withoutwritten

6NomenclatureBackside indicationsLight condensing paint is applied to the backside indications for cleareridentification of the characters and symbols

98LCD Panel Lenses• All indications are displayed in the illustration for easy reference.1 Flash mode P. 18D: D-TTL auto flashH: TTL auto flashK: Aut

10BASIC OPERATIONIn this chapter, even first-time users of the SB-50DXcan easily perform flash photography by followingthe instructions on the left-ha

• Confirming recycling time and replacing batteries• After firing at its maximum output in Manual flash mode (p. 31), the SB-50DX will take approx. 3.

1514Attaching the SB-50DX to the CameraTurn off the SB-50DX andcamera body, and attach theSB-50DX to the camera body.1.Turn off the SB-50DX and camera

1716Adjusting the Zoom-Head PositionThe SB-50DX has four zoom-head positions: 24mm, 28mm35mm and 50mm. When thewide-flash adapter is used, thezoom-hea