Nikon SB-900 User Manual

© 2008 Nikon CorporationSB-900EnUser’s ManualEnAutofocus SpeedlightNo reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief

A–10APreparationFor your safetyCAUTIONS for SpeedlightsDo not touch the flash unit with wet hands, as this could cause an electric shock.Keep the flas

D–50DFlash modes and functionsSU-4 type wireless multiple flash shootingSetting the SB-900 to SU-4 type wireless multiple flashSU-4 type wireless mult

D–51DFlash modes and functions Master and remote flash units’ available flash modes in the SU-4 type wireless multiple flash operationMaster flash un

D–52DFlash modes and functionsSU-4 type wireless multiple flash shootingv Canceling monitor pre-fl ashesIn SU-4 type wireless multiple flash, cancel th

D–53DFlash modes and functionsProcedures for SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shootingCamera’s control panelMaster fl ash unit’s LCD panelv To prevent

D–54DFlash modes and functionsSU-4 type wireless multiple flash shootingt Adjusting the fl ash output level of the remote fl ash units in the M (manual

D–55DFlash modes and functionsAvailable functions to be set on the cameraThe following functions are available when used with cameras so equipped. Set

D–56DFlash modes and functionsAvailable functions to be set on the cameraRed-eye reduction/Red-eye reduction with slow-sync fl ashTo prevent your subje

D–57DFlash modes and functionsFlash shooting support functions Power zoom functionThe power zoom function automatically adjusts the zoom position to m

D–58DFlash modes and functionsFlash shooting support functions AF-Assist IlluminatorWhen the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-9

D–59DFlash modes and functionst Using the SB-900 off-cameraWhen using the SB-900 off-camera with the TTL Remote Cord SC-29, autofocus flash photograph

A–11APreparationIf corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolo

D–60DFlash modes and functionsFlash shooting support functions Setting the ISO sensitivityThe ISO sensitivity is automatically set based on the inform

D–61DFlash modes and functions Modeling illuminator functionPress the [Test firing] button and the flash fires repeatedly at a reduced flash output le

D–62DFlash modes and functions FX/DX selectionWhen mounted on a camera that can select an image area between FX-format (36 × 24) and DX-format (24 × 1

E–1EFor use with cameras other than CLS-compatible SLR camerasE–1EFor use with cameras other than CLS compatible SLR cameras Refer to this chapter whe

E–2EFor use with cameras other than CLS-compatible SLR camerasUsing the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras Differences between CLS-compatible

E–3EFor use with cameras other than CLS-compatible SLR camerasFor usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX camerasUsing the SB-900 with i-TTL compatible CO

F–1FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationF–1FOptional accessories, troubleshooting, Speedlight care, specifications, etc. are presented he

F–2FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationTroubleshootingIf a warning indicator appears, use the following chart to determine the cause of

F–3FTips on Speedlight care and reference information Warning indicatorsWarning indicator Cause SolutionRef. page“Battery Power Weak” indicator appear

A–12APreparationFor your safetyCAUTION for BatteriesDo not throw or apply strong physical shocks to the batteries as this could cause batteries to lea

F–4FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationTroubleshooting If the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentallyThe wide-flash adapt

F–5FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationNotes on continuous flash shootingTo prevent the SB-900 from overheating, allow the SB-900 to coo

F–6FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationThermal Cut-outLowThe SB-900 features thermal cut-out, which offers protection against raised ope

F–7FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationTips on Speedlight care CleaningUse a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-900 and cl

F–8FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationNotes on batteries Suitable batteriesUse four AA-type batteries of any of the following types:Alk

F–9FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationAbout the LCD panel Characteristics of the LCD panelDue to the directional characteristics of LCD

F–10FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationUpdating firmwareThe latest Nikon firmware can be downloaded from Nikon’s website. Firmware is u

F–11FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationSpeedlight Stand AS-21Same as that provided with this SB-900.Color Filter Set SJ-3A total of 20

F–12FTips on Speedlight care and reference information External power sourceUse of an optional external power source provides a stable power supply, i

F–13FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationExternal power sourceBatteriesMin. recycling time (approx.)*1Min. number of fl ashes*1/recycling

A–13APreparation

F–14FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationSpecificationsElectronic constructionAutomatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and seri

F–15FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationReady-lightThe SB-900 is fully recycled: Rear ready-light lights up and the front light blinks.I

F–16FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationSpecificationsIn FX-format, standard illumination pattern ISO sensitivity Zoom position (mm)6400

F–17FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationAngle of coverage (in FX-format)Zoom position setAngle of coverage (°)Vertical Horizontal12 (BA/

F–18FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationSpecificationsZoom position (mm)FX-format DX-formatStandard illuminationCenter-weighted illumina

F–19FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationStandard illumination pattern, at ISO 100; m/ft Guide number table (in FX-format)BA: With the Ni

F–20FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationGuide number table (with Auto FP High-Speed Sync)Standard illumination pattern, at ISO 100; m/ft

F–21FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationBatteriesMin. recycling time (approx.)*Min. number of fl ashes*/recycling time*Alkaline-manganese

F–22FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationRefer to the “Speedlight parts” (kC-2) and “LCD panel” (kC-10) for each part name and display in

F–23FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationFlash output level compensation value ...D-37Fluorescent filters ...

A–14APreparationCheck before Use ForewordThank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-900. To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read thi

F–24FTips on Speedlight care and reference informationRear-curtain sync ...D-56Recycling time ...

© 2008 Nikon CorporationNo reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews),

A–15APreparation Tips on using the SpeedlightTake trial shotsMake trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations.Ha

A–16APreparationCheck before Use Life-long learningAs part of Nikon’s “Life-long learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, contin

B–1BAbout the SB-900B–1BThis section explains the features and key functions of the SB-900.About the SB-900SB-900 features ...

B–2BAbout the SB-900SB-900 features Features of the SB-900The SB-900 is a high-performance CLS-compatible Speedlight with a large guide number of 34/4

B–3BAbout the SB-900 What is the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)?The SB-900 features the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system offers

A–2APreparationAbout this user’s manual How to find what you are looking forYou can search for relevant page references using the following methods.k

B–4BAbout the SB-900Main functions Flash modes and functions on the SB-900 i-TTL mode (kD-2)The camera controls the SB SB-900’s flash output level by

B–5BAbout the SB-900Wireless multiple flash (kD-39)Advanced Wireless Lighting (kD-43) In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into three

B–6BAbout the SB-900Main functions Test firing (kD-60)You can verify whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-900.

C–1COperationC–1CThis section explains the Speedlight parts, meaning of each display, and also covers basic procedures for flash photography.Operation

C–2COperationSpeedlight parts245318976111013121415 1 Flash head 2 Flash head tilting/rotating lock release button (kC-6) 3 Battery chamber lid 4 L

C–3COperation18192022171621232425262728293031 16 Flash head tilting angle scale (kD-26) 17 Flash head rotating angle scale (kD-26) 18 Sync termin

C–4COperationBasic operationThis section covers basic procedures in i-TTL mode in combination with a CLS-compatible camera. i-TTL mode enables you to

C–5COperation Make sure the SB-900 and the camera body are turned off.Attaching the SB-900 to the cameraSTEP 2 Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to

C–6COperationBasic operationAdjusting the flash headSTEP 3LCD indicator for flash head status Hold down the flash head tilting/rotating lock release

C–7COperation Press the [MODE] button. Rotate the selector dial to indicate on the LCD. Press the [OK] button. Make sure that the ready-light on the

A–3APreparation Terms used in this user’s manualDefault settings: the function and mode settings at the time of purchase are referred to as the “defau

C–8COperationControl buttons134567892 Names and functions of control buttons 1 [MODE] button: Press to select fl ash mode. (kC-10) 2 [ZOOM] button:

C–9COperation Control button operationThe basic control of SB-900 functions is as follows: Two-button operation Select function to be changed and pre

C–10COperationMonitor pre-fl ashesi-TTL Balanced Fill-FlashAuto FP High-Speed SyncAuto Aperture fl ashNon-TTL auto fl ashDistance-priority manual fl ashMa

C–11COperationISO sensitivityDistance informationISO sensitivityIndication for minimum/maximum flash shooting distancei-TTL/Auto Aperture flash/Non-TT

C–12COperationLCDPower zoomManual setting of angle of coveragePower zoom is not possible (manual only)Angle of coverage at the maximum wide-angle posi

C–13COperationFlash output level compensationAperture value (camera setting)Aperture value (SB-900 setting)Selected aperture value is out of SB-900 fl

C–14COperationType of attached color fi lterIllumination pattern: StandardIllumination pattern: Center-weightedIllumination pattern: EvenBounce fl ash o

C–15COperation Examples of LCD displays in wireless multiple flash shootingDisplayed icons vary according to selected flash mode and settings.Master m

C–16COperation Master fl ash unit at repeating fl ash (with Nikon Advanced Wireless Lighting) (kD-49) Light amountChannelNumber of flashesFrequencyMaste

C–17COperation Functions controlled by Function buttonsFunctions controlled by each button vary according to selected mode and settings.The assigned f

A–4APreparationYou can search for specific explanations according to your objective. About Speedlight parts and indicationsI want to know about Key wo

C–18COperation When using the SB-900 as a remote fl ash unit (with Nikon Advanced Wireless Lighting) (kD-43) When using the SB-900 as a remote fl ash u

C–19COperationChange the selected groupChannelSelect item in the 2nd treeLight emit/not emitFlash output levelNumber of fl ashesFrequencyPower zoom Mas

C–20COperationCustom functions and settingsNon-TTL auto fl ash mode (kC-22)Repeating fl ash setting of master fl ash unit (kC-22)Flash output level at ma

C–21COperation Custom setting Press the [OK] button for approx. one second to display the custom setting Rotate the selector dial to choose the desire

C–22COperationNon-TTL auto fl ash mode (kD-5, D-8)Setting Non-TTL auto fl ash modeAuto aperture fl ash (with modeling illumination)Auto aperture fl ash (w

C–23COperationFlash output level of test fi ring in i-TTL mode (kD-60)Set fl ash output level of test fi ring in i-TTL modeM1/128: Approx. 1/128M1/32: Ap

C–24COperationISO sensitivity (kD-60)Setting ISO sensitivity. ISO sensitivity range is ISO 3 to 8000.100: ISO 100Ready-light setting on remote fl ash

C–25COperationLCD panel contrast (kF-9)Adjust the brightness of the LCD panel. Contrast levels are displayed on the LCD in a nine-step graph.5 levels

C–26COperation My menuWhen frequently used custom setting items are set as “My menu,” only the selected items are displayed on the LCD in the custom s

C–27COperationBatteries Low battery power indicatorWhen battery power is low, the icon shown at the left appears on the LCD and the SB-900 stops worki

A–5AABCDEFI want to know about Key words pageHow to take pictures using multiple fl ash unitsWireless multiple fl ash shootingD-39How to confi rm lightin

C–28COperation Standby function to conserve battery powerTo cancel StandbyTurn the [Power ON-OFF/wireless setting] switch to [ON], [REMOTE] or [MASTER

D–1DFlash modes and functionsD–1DExplanation of the SB-900’s flash modes and functionsThis section explains SB-900 flash modes and functions in combin

D–2DFlash modes and functionsi-TTL mode : Monitor pre-flashes : i-TTL : Automatic Balanced Fill Flash : Auto FP High-Speed Sync is set on the camer

D–3DFlash modes and functionst Monitor pre-fl ashesIn i-TTL mode, immediately before the flash fires, the SB-900 fires a series of imperceptible pre-fl

D–4DFlash modes and functionsi-TTL modev When insuffi cient light for correct exposure is indicatedWhen the SB-900 fires at full flash output level, re

D–5DFlash modes and functions : Monitor pre-flashes on : Auto aperture flash onAuto aperture flashThe SB-900’s built-in sensor measures the flash

D–6DFlash modes and functionsAuto aperture flashThe flash shooting distance range is indicated by numbers and a bar chart in the LCD.Set the shooting

D–7DFlash modes and functionsTaking a picture in Auto aperture flash modeSHOOTCUSTOMt While using a CPU lens which has an aperture ringWhile using a

D–8DFlash modes and functionsNon-TTL auto flashSetting the Non-TTL auto modeThe SB-900’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected fro

D–9DFlash modes and functionst Monitor pre-fl ashesMonitor pre-flashes on or off can be set by using the custom setting. (kC-22)When the monitor pre-fl

A–6APreparationContentsPreparationAbout this user‘s manual ...A-2How to fi nd what y

D–10DFlash modes and functionsNon-TTL auto flashTaking a picture in Non-TTL auto flash modeCamera’s control panelt Checking the correct exposure befor

D–11DFlash modes and functionsDistance priority manual flashSetting the Distance-priority manual flashIn this flash mode, when you enter the shooting

D–12DFlash modes and functionsDistance priority manual flashShooting in Distance priority manual flash mode Set the camera’s exposure mode to “A” (Ape

D–13DFlash modes and functionst When the fl ash head is rotated in Distance-priority manual fl ash modeWhen the flash head is rotated to other than the

D–14DFlash modes and functionsManual modeSetting Manual modeIn Manual flash mode, you select the aperture and flash output level. In this way, you can

D–15DFlash modes and functionsTaking a picture in Manual mode Set the camera’s exposure mode to “A” (Aperture-Priority Auto) or “M” (Manual). Determ

D–16DFlash modes and functionsSetting the fl ash output levelPress the Function button 1, and then rotate the selector dial to change the flash output

D–17DFlash modes and functionsRepeating flashSetting the Repeating flashIn Repeating flash mode, the SB-900 fires repeatedly during a single exposure,

D–18DFlash modes and functionsRepeating flashFrequencyFlash output levelM1/8M1/8–1/3EVM1/8–2/3EVM1/16M1/16–1/3EVM1/16–2/3EVM1/32M1/32–1/3EVM1/32–2/3EV

D–19DFlash modes and functionsShooting with Repeating flash Set the camera’s exposure mode to “M” (Manual). Press the Function button 1, rotate the se

A–7AABCDEFFlash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting ...D-43SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting ...

D–20DFlash modes and functionsRepeating flash Set the shutter speed.Use the following equation to determine the shutter speed and use a shutter speed

D–21DFlash modes and functionst When the aperture value is not displayed in the SB-900's LCDCamera’s aperture data is not transmitted to the SB-9

D–22DFlash modes and functionsDetermining the aperture, flash output level and shooting distance ISO 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400Factors 0.5

D–23DFlash modes and functionsin the Distance-priority, Manual and Repeating flash modesCalculating the correct apertureDetermine the guide number by

D–24DFlash modes and functionsSwitching illumination patternEvenThe light falloff at the edge of the image is less than with the standard illumination

D–25DFlash modes and functions To set/confirm illumination patternThe illumination pattern can be set using custom setting. (kC-22)Standard is the def

D–26DFlash modes and functionsBounce flash operationSetting the flash head90°75°60°45°7°0°0°30°60°90°120°150°180°90°120°150°60°30°306090120150You can

D–27DFlash modes and functionsBounce flash operation Setting the camera’s exposure mode and metering system.Set the exposure mode to Aperture-Priority

D–28DFlash modes and functionsBounce flash operationPull out the bounce card and the wide-flash adapter and, while holding the bounce card, slide the

D–29DFlash modes and functionsAttaching the Nikon Diffusion Domev Notes when using the Nikon Diffusion DomeThe distance between the camera and subject

A–8APreparationFor your safetyBefore using your product, please read the following safety precautions carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and s

D–30DFlash modes and functionsTaking close-up photographs with bounce-down flash7°0°When the distance between the camera and subject is less than appr

D–31DFlash modes and functionsTaking close-ups with bounce-down flash Setting the built-in wide-flash adapter Slowly pull out the wide-flash adapter a

D–32DFlash modes and functionsTaking close-up photographs with bounce-down flashABISO sensitivity 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400Factor (m/ft) 2/6.6 2

D–33DFlash modes and functionsFlash photography with color filtersTwo types of color filters are supplied with the SB-900 for taking flash pictures un

D–34DFlash modes and functionsHow to use color filters Fold along the line marked on the color filter. Attach the filter to the filter holder as shown

D–35DFlash modes and functionsWarningLCD indication while attaching an FL-G1 fi lter Confirm the color filter indicator is displayed.Filter mounted and

D–36DFlash modes and functionsFlash photography with color filters Balancing light from the flash using color filters When using SB-900 with a camera

D–37DFlash modes and functionsMaking flash output level compensationFlash output level compensation and exposure compensationv Canceling fl ash output

D–38DFlash modes and functionsFlash output level compensation and exposure compensation Making exposure compensationExposure compensation allows you t

D–39DFlash modes and functionsWireless multiple flash shootingWith the SB-900, the “Advanced” and “SU-4 type” wireless flash operations are available.

A–9APreparationDo not use the unit in the presence of flammable or explosive gas.If the flash unit is operated in areas where there is a flammable gas

D–40DFlash modes and functionsWireless multiple flash shootingv Notes on performing wireless multiple fl ash photographyTo avoid accidental firing, tur

D–41DFlash modes and functionsTake care not to let light from the remote flash unit enter the camera lens directly or indirectly in i-TTL auto flash m

D–42DFlash modes and functionsWireless multiple flash shootingConfirming flash operation using the ready-light or sound monitor Confirming shooting s

D–43DFlash modes and functionsFlash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Mechanism of the Advanced Wireless LightingWhen the SB-900 is used with Nik

D–44DFlash modes and functionsFlash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Flash set-up in the Advanced Wireless LightingArrange the master and remote

D–45DFlash modes and functionsYou can set the SB-900 to Advanced Wireless Lighting using the Power ON-OFF switch/wireless setting switch.Turn the swit

D–46DFlash modes and functions*1 Auto Aperture flash is automatically set. When the SB-900 cannot receive lens information such as focal length and a

D–47DFlash modes and functionsFlash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting1. Setting the flash mode, flash output level compensation values, and chan

D–48DFlash modes and functions2. Setting a group and channel number on the remote flash units Press the Function button 1, then turn the selector dia

D–49DFlash modes and functions Repeating flash shootingIn the Advanced Wireless Lighting, the repeating flash operation is possible.The Repeating flas