Nikon SB 800 User Manual

Autofocus Speedlight

SB-800

Instruction Manual

Contents

Preparation

· Foreword ............................................................................4-6

· Tips on using the Speedlight................................................7

· Camera groups and available flash modes ......................8-9

· Speedlight parts and their functions .............................10-11

· Control buttons....................................................................12

· Icons on the LCD panel.................................................13-15

· Lenses.................................................................................16

Basic operation .................................................................17

•

1 Installing the batteries ..................................................18-19

2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure) ...........................20-21

3 Attach the SB-800 to the camera and adjust

the flash head ............................................................22-23

4 Setting the ISO sensitivity.............................................24-25

5 Adjust the zoom-head position.....................................26-27

6 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

metering system.........................................................28-29

7 Setting the SB-800’s flash mode ..................................30-31

8 Compose the picture and shoot with flash...................32-33

Using the SB-800 with the COOLPIX....................................34

Detailed operation.............................................................35

•

· SB-800’s available flash modes..........................................36

· TTL auto flash mode ...........................................................37

· Non-TTL auto flash mode ..............................................38-41

· Manual mode .................................................................42-50

· Notes on continuous flash shooting....................................51

· Checking the correct exposure before shooting ................52

Other functions .................................................................53

· Exposure compensation and flash output level

•

compensation..............................................................54-56

· Flash-shooting distance range with zoom lenses

having a variable aperture ...............................................57

· Slow-sync flash mode, Red-eye reduction control,

and Rear-curtain sync.................................................58-59

· Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode........................................60

· Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) ................................................61

· Autofocus flash operation in dim light.................62-63

· Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack

SD-800 ..............................................................64-65

· Checking the illumination before actually

Preparation

This section provides

preliminary information

on using the SB-800.

taking the picture (Modeling illuminator)................66

· Custom functions ......................................................67

· Custom settings...................................................68-70

Basic operation

Basic procedures to

take simple, properly

exposed flash

Advanced operations..............................................71

•

· Overview of multiple flash operation ...................72-73

· Wireless multiple flash shooting ..........................74-75

· Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting ...76-83

· SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting..........84-88

· Confirming wireless multiple flash operation

using the ready-light or the beeping sound...........89

· Multiple flash shooting using cords.....................90-93

· System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting

photographs in the TTL

auto flash mode.

Detailed operation

A variety of flash modes

available with the

SB-800 are explained.

using cords .......................................................94-95

· Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras

using colored gel filters.....................................96-97

· Bounce flash operation......................................98-101

· Close-up flash operation .................................102-105

Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed

Other functions

Detailed information on

each function of the

SB-800 is provided.

Advanced operations

Flash sync mode (F5 only)...................................106

Information on

advanced flash shooting

techniques using the

SB-800 is described.

Reference information..........................................107

· TTL auto flash modes available

•

with the SB-800.............................................108-110

· Optional accessories.......................................111-113

· Tips on Speedlight care..........................................114

· Notes on batteries...................................................115

· Troubleshooting ...............................................116-118

· About the LCD panel ..............................................119

· Specifications ..................................................120-123

· Index................................................................124-125

Reference information

Optional accessories,

Troubleshooting,

Speedlight care,

Specifications, etc. are

presented in this section.

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-800. To get the

most out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual

thoroughly before use. Also, read the separate booklet, “Enter the

exciting world of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with the SB-800,”

which provides an overview of the SB-800’s flash-shooting capabilities

with example photos. In addition, keep your camera instruction manual

handy for quick reference.

Main features and functions of the SB-800

• The SB-800 is a high-performance Speedlight with a guide number of 38/125

(ISO 100, m/ft.) or 53/174 (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-800, you can perform various types of TTL auto flash (p. 37), Non-TTL

auto flash (p. 38), and Manual flash (p. 42).

• 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. 26). When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used or the

Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached (p. 27), the zoom-head position is

automatically set to match a 14mm or 17mm lens.

• The flash head tilts up to 90° or down to –7° and rotates horizontally 180° to

the left and 90° to the right, enabling bounce flash (p. 98) or close-up flash

photography (p. 102).

• Nikon’s new Creative Lighting System provides a variety of advanced

wireless multiple flash operations, when the SB-800 is used with compatible

cameras (p. 5).

• When doing bounce flash or taking close-ups with flash, you can use the

built-in wide-flash adapter in conjunction with Nikon Diffusion Dome to create

extremely soft, diffused lighting with virtually no shadows, while maintaining

balanced lighting for the main subject and the background (pp. 101, 104).

• Custom functions are provided to set values, or activate or cancel functions

that are unnecessary to set each time (p. 67).

u 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:

• For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/

• For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support

• For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.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 may be available from the

Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information:

http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/

Creative Lighting System

The SB-800 features a new Nikon Speedlight system, called Creative Lighting

System or “CLS.” This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with

digital SLRs by taking advantage of camera’s digital communication

capabilities. CLS is available only when the SB-800 is used with compatible

Nikon SLRs cameras. The SB-800 offers these major features:

• 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. 37).

• Advanced Wireless Lighting

With the 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 (p. 76).

• Flash Value Lock

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 is locked in, even if you

change the aperture or composition, or zoom the lens in and out (p. 61).

• Flash Color Information Communication

When the SB-800 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-800.

• Auto FP High-Speed Sync

High-Speed flash synchronization at your camera’s highest shutter speed is

now possible. This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve

shallow depth of field to blur the background (p. 60).

• Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator

In autofocus operation, the SB-800 emits AF-Assist illumination over a much

wider area as compared to existing Speedlights. This enables you to perform

autofocus photography in dim light even when you change the camera’s

focus area with cameras supporting this function (p. 62).

See your equivalent camera’s instruction manual for details on the Creative

Lighting System.

Foreword

Notes

• Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory

are referred to as “Default” settings in this manual.

• CLS:

Hereafter, Nikon’s new Speedlight system “Creative Lighting

System” is abbreviated “CLS.”

Marks used in this manual

•

: Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure.

: Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB-800.

: Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-800

Supplied accessories

Quick Recycling Battery Pack

SD-800

Speedlight Stand

AS-19

Nikon Diffusion Dome

SW-10H

Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800:

FL-G1, TN-A1

Soft Case SS-800

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Make 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 Speedlight correctly

The Nikon Speedlight SB-800’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-800’s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-800’s

performance when used with non-Nikon products.

Notes:

• 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.

• The Nikon N80-Series, N65-Series are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. and Central

and South America.

• The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A and Canada.

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 I 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 find specific information on how to use the SB-800 with your

particular camera.

*CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

TTL auto flash mode (p. 37)

Group

Camera name

D D

i-TTL D-TTL TTL

Cameras

compatible

with CLS*

D2H

–

Digital

SLRs not

compatible

with CLS*

D1-Series, D100

–

F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90,

F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/

N75-Series, F70-Series/N70

F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series,

F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008,

Pronea 600i/6i

–

III

F-601/N6006, F-601^M/N6000

F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50,

F-401x/N5005

F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s,

F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000

FM3A, FA, FE2, FG, Nikonos V,

F3-Series (with the AS-17)

–

New FM2, FM10, FE10, F3-Series,

F55-Series/N55-Series

–

VII

*1 o: Balanced Fill-Flash. This always appears together with D (p. 37).

*2 Wireless multiple flash in the i-TTL mode is possible.

*3 TTL mode is not possible.

*4 While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no o icon appears.

*5 Repeating flash is not possible with the F3-Series (using the AS-17).

I : Available

– : Not available

Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38)

Manual mode ( p. 42)

Wireless multiple flash

Advanced

Non-TTL

Manual

flash

Repeating

flash

SU-4 type

Wireless

Distance-

priority

manual

flash

Auto

(master flash)

Lighting

Aperture flash auto flash

(p. 84)

(p. 76)

–

The SB-800’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in

use or the camera’s exposure mode and metering system. For more details, refer to

“Detailed operation” (p. 35), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800” (p.108)

and your camera’s instruction manual.

Speedlight parts and their functions

1 Control button quick reference

(p. 12)

9 Wide-area AF-assist illuminator

(p. 62)

Automatically turns on for autofocus operation

when the light is dim.

2 Flash head (p. 100)

Can be tilted up to 90° or down to –7°, and

rotated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to

the right.

10 External power source terminal

(supplied with cover) (p. 113)

3 Flash head tilting/rotating lock

release button (p. 22)

11 Light sensor window for Non-TTL

auto flash (p. 38)

Senses reflected light from the subject in Auto

Aperture B or Non-TTL auto A flash

mode.

4 Light sensor window for wireless

remote flash (p. 74)

5 Battery chamber lid attachment

indexes (p. 18)

12 External AF-assist illuminator

contacts (for SC-29)

6 Battery chamber lid (p. 18)

Accepts optional TTL Remote Cord SC-29

7 Built-in bounce card (p. 101)

Creates a highlight in the subject’s eyes in

bounce flash photography.

13 Mount pin

14 Hot-shoe contacts

15 Mounting foot

8 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 104)

Increases the angle of coverage to match a

14mm or 17mm lens.

READ

16 Flash head tilting angle scale

21 Sync terminal (p. 93)

(p. 100)

Connects the SB-800 to the sync terminal of

the remote flash unit(s) in other than TTL

multiple flash operation using cords.

17 Modeling illuminator button (p. 66)

Press to fire flash repeatedly to check the

illumination and the shadows cast on the

subject before taking pictures.

22 LCD panel (p. 119)

23 Control buttons (p. 12)

Wireless remote flash cancel

button (p. 75)

The SB-800 will not fire, while this button

is pressed.

24 Ready-light

Lights up when the SB-800 is fully recycled

and ready to fire. Blinks after the SB-800 fires

at its maximum output in various auto flash

modes, indicating that the light may be

insufficient.

18 Flash head rotating angle scale

(p. 100)

19 Terminal cover

25 Mounting foot lock lever (p. 22)

20 TTL multiple flash terminal (p. 92)

Connects the SB-800 to the remote flash

unit(s) in TTL multiple flash operation

using cords.

Control buttons

e button/f button

Press to increase or decrease the values of the

highlighted items.

b button

Press for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn the power on

and off.

Multi Selector

g button

• Press to select the items to be set. The selected

item is highlighted and can be changed using

the e and f buttons.

• Press for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom

settings mode (p. 68).

FLASH button

Press to test fire the flash (p. 20).

c button (wide)/d button (tele)

Press to change the zoom-head position (p. 26).

a button

Press to set the flash mode (p. 30).

Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto

flash mode

Press the a and g buttons simultaneously to recall

the underexposure value (p. 33).

Resetting the settings

Press the a and b buttons simultaneously for

approx. 2 sec. to reset all settings, including the custom

settings (except the distance unit selected in m/ft) to

their default values.

Button lock

Press the b and g buttons simultaneously to lock

the functions of the control buttons (except the b,

Modeling illuminator, and FLASH buttons) to avoid

accidental malfunction. Press the buttons again to

release the lock.

Control button quick reference

Procedures for Custom settings, recalling the

underexposure value in the TTL auto flash

mode, resetting all settings to their default

values, and the button lock are shown in the

Control button quick reference chart on the

back of the built-in bounce card.

Icons on the LCD panel

Icons on the LCD panel show the status of the operations set. These icons

vary depending on the settings, the combination of camera/lens, and the

exposure mode.

Icons with a single flash unit

Auto Aperture flash

In addition to Non-TTL auto

A flash (see below), the

SB-800’s built-in sensor

Icons when a camera compatible

with CLS* is used.

correctly controls the flash

output in combination with data

automatically transmitted from

the camera and lens to the

SB-800, including the ISO

sensitivity, aperture, focal

length, and exposure

Monitor Preflashes

Just before the flash fires, the

SB-800 fires a series of

imperceptible preflashes that

are detected by the camera’s

TTL Multi-Sensor and analyzed

for brightness and contrast

(p. 36).

compensation value (p. 38).

Non-TTL auto flash

The SB-800’s built-in sensor

measures the flash illumination

reflected back from the subject,

controlling the SB-800’s light

output automatically to give the

correct exposure (p. 40).

TTL mode

Based on the exposure control

information, the camera

automatically controls the flash

output level to give the correct

exposure (p. 37).

Distance-priority manual flash

Based on the ISO sensitivity

value and aperture, the SB-800

controls the light output

according to the distance value

entered (p. 44).

Balanced Fill-Flash

This always appears together

with D. Based on the exposure

control information, the flash

output level is automatically

controlled for a well-balanced

exposure of the main subject

and background (p.37).

Manual flash

The flash always fires at a

specified output in combination

with the aperture and light

output level (p. 46).

Sync

Auto FP High-Speed

(CLS*)

Repeating flash

The SB-800 automatically fires

at faster shutter speeds

exceeding the camera’s sync

shutter speed (p. 60).

The SB-800 fires repeatedly

during a single exposure,

creating stroboscopic multiple-

exposure effects (p. 48).

*CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

Icons on the LCD panel

Compatible with CLS (CLS*)

The SB-800 is connected to

cameras compatible with CLS*

(p. 8).

The wide-area AF-assist

illuminator is activated

The wide-area AF-assist

illuminator comes on (p. 62).

Power zoom function

The wide-area AF-assist

illuminator is canceled

The zoom-head position is

automatically adjusted to match

the lens focal length (p. 26).

The wide-area AF-assist

illuminator does not come on

(p. 62).

Manual zoom-head position

setting

You can adjust the zoom-head

position manually (p. 26).

Flash firing canceled

The SB-800 does not fire but the

wide-area AF-assist illuminator

still comes on (p. 62).

Canceling the power zoom

function

The power zoom is canceled,

and the zoom-head position can

only be adjusted manually (p. 26).

Control buttons being locked

Control buttons (except the

ON/OFF, Modeling illuminator

and FLASH buttons) are locked

(p. 12).

Power zoom function using

the built-in wide-flash adapter

With the built-in wide-flash

adapter attached, the zoom-

head position can automatically

be adjusted (p. 67).

The same is true when the built-

in wide-flash adapter is broken

off accidentally (p. 117).

Red-eye reduction

Red-eye reduction control is

activated (p. 58).

LCD panel illuminator

Pressing any control button

turns on the LCD panel

illuminator (p. 119).

ISO sensitivity

Represents the ISO sensitivity

value (p. 24).

Beyond the flash-shooting

distance range

Flash output level

compensation

Represents the flash output level

compensation value (p. 56).

The subject is beyond the flash

shooting distance range.

Ω: the closest available

distance, º: the farthest

available distance (p. 30).

Underexposure

Indicates the underexposure

value, showing that the light

might be insufficient in the TTL

auto flash mode (p. 33).

Standby duration

Represents the time before the

standby function is activated

(p. 67).

Icons with multiple flash units

Icons in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode

Wireless master

Master (CLS*)

In the wireless multiple flash

mode, the SB-800 is used as

the master flash unit connected

to the camera (p. 72).

Represents the settings of the

flash mode and flash output

level compensation value of the

master unit in the Advanced

Wireless Lighting mode (p. 78).

Wireless remote

In the wireless multiple flash

mode, the SB-800 is set as a

remote flash unit, which fires in

sync with the master flash unit

(p. 72).

Group A (B, C) (CLS*)

Represents the settings of the

flash mode and flash output

level compensation value of the

remote flash unit(s) in Group A

(B, C) in the Advanced Wireless

Lighting mode (p. 78).

(B,C)

Wireless remote

In the wireless multiple flash

mode, the SB-800 is set as a

remote flash unit, which fires in

sync with the master flash unit

(p. 72).

Channel (CLS*)

Represents the communication

channel number through which

the master and remote flash

units exchange data in the

Advanced Wireless Lighting

mode (p. 78).

Sound monitor on

When the SB-800 is set as a

remote flash unit, you can

monitor its operation by listening

to the beeping sound (p. 89).

Sound monitor canceled

“Beeping” sound is off (p. 89).

Highlighted items

Highlighted items indicate that they can be set or

changed. The highlighted items return to normal

after 8 seconds unless an adjustment is made.

*CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

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

CPU Nikkor lenses

(except for AF Nikkor for the F3AF), AI-P Nikkor

Non-CPU Nikkor lenses

AI-S Nikkor, AI 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 1–8 on the left-hand pages.

In this section, basic procedures are described when a

CPU lens is mounted on cameras compatible with CLS*,

digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in

Groups I to II. The SB-800’s available functions and the

LCD display vary depending on other camera/lens

combinations.

*CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5)

1 Installing the batteries

Slide open the battery chamber lid in the

direction of the arrow.

Install the batteries following the i and

j marks as shown. Align the battery

chamber lid attachment indexes, then

close the battery chamber lid by sliding it

into place while pressing down.

v Usable batteries

Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of these types:

(1) Alkaline-manganese (1.5V) (2) Lithium (1.5V) (3) Nickel (1.5V)

(4) NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2V) (5) Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable, 1.2V)

• When replacing batteries, replace all four (or five when using the Quick Recycling

Battery Pack SD-800) with fresh ones of the same brand.

• High-power manganese batteries are not recommended for use with the SB-800.

• Always carry extra batteries when traveling.

• For details on batteries, refer to “Notes on batteries” on page 115.

CAUTION!

• Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual, as this may

cause them to explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire.

• Do not mix battery brands or types, or use old with new batteries.

Otherwise the batteries may explode, leak corrosive liquids, or catch on fire.

• Do not recharge non-rechargeable batteries in a battery charger.

Otherwise the batteries may leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

t Obtaining faster recycling times using 5 batteries

Use the provided Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 to install five batteries

to shorten the recycling time. See page 64 for more details.

Minimum number of flashes and recycling times

When using four (or five) fresh batteries of the same type and the Speedlight

fires at M1/1 output.

Batteries

Number of

batteries

Min. recycling time

(approx.)

Min. number of flashes/

recycling time

Alkaline-

6.0 sec.

5.0 sec.

7.5 sec.

6.0 sec.

5.0 sec.

4.0 sec.

3.5 sec.

4.0 sec.

2.9 sec.

130 / 6-30 sec.

130 / 5-30 sec.

170 / 7.5-30 sec.

190 / 7.5-30 sec.

140 / 6-30 sec.

140 / 5-30 sec.

90 / 4-30 sec.

manganese

Lithium

Nickel

NiCd (1000 mAh)

(rechargeable)

90 / 3.5-30 sec.

150 / 4-30 sec.

150 / 2.9-30 sec.

Ni-MH (2000 mA)

(rechargeable)

• Minimum recycling time is for operation using fresh batteries.

• This data was measured without using the wide-area AF-assist illuminator, zoom-head

position adjustment, or LCD panel illumination.

• The above data may vary due to variations in battery performance.

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

Alkaline-manganese

Lithium

Recycling time

Remedy

More than 30 seconds

More than 10 seconds

Replace

Nickel

Ni-Cd (rechargeable)

Ni-MH (rechargeable)

More than 10 seconds

Recharge

If extremely exhausted batteries are used, a strange sound can be heard caused by the

flash head zooming back and forth even when the SB-800 is turned off. In this case,

replace the SB-800’s batteries even if an external battery source is used.

t External power sources

Using an optional external power source increases the number of flash firings

and provides faster recycling times (p. 113).

2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure)

Press the b button for approx. 0.3 sec.

to turn on the SB-800. Make sure the

ready-light comes on.

Press the FLASH button to test fire the

flash.

Test firing

CAUTION!

When test firing the Speedlight, never position your eyes close to the

flash head.

• The SB-800 fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx.

1/16 output in the TTL auto flash mode.

• In Auto Aperture/Non-TTL auto flash operations, the SB-800 fires at a flash

output controlled by the ISO sensitivity, aperture, and zoom-head position.

• In Auto Aperture/Non-TTL auto flash operations, you can check the amount of

insufficient flash output by pressing the FLASH button before taking the

actual picture (p. 52).

b button

Pressing the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. turns the SB-800 on and the

indications appear on the LCD panel. Pressing the button again turns the

SB-800 off and the indications disappear.

t Standby function to conserve battery power

If the SB-800 and the camera are not used for more than a specified time, the

standby function activates and automatically turns the SB-800 off to conserve

battery power (it goes into the standby mode).

• In the standby mode, the R indicator appears on the LCD panel.

• When in the standby mode, the SB-800 turns back on again when the SB-800’s b or

FLASH button is pressed, or the shutter release button is lightly pressed (when using a

camera body that is compatible with TTL auto flash) (p. 8).

• In the Wireless flash mode, the standby function activates in approx. 40 seconds

(default setting) when the SB-800 is used as the master flash unit. However, the standby

function does not work regardless of the SB-800’s setting when the Speedlight is used

as a remote flash unit (p. 73).

• If the ready-light does not come on in approx. 60 seconds after turning the power on or

after the flash has fired, the SB-800 enters the standby mode regardless of the SB-800’s

setting.

• To avoid accidental firing or a malfunction when carrying the SB-800 in your camera

bag, press the b button to turn the flash unit off and make sure the R indicator

disappears.

Adjusting the time before the SB-800 goes into the standby mode

Adjust this duration using Custom settings (p. 67).

3 Attach the SB-800 to the camera and

Make sure the SB-800 and the camera

body are turned off.

Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the

left, slide the SB-800’s mounting foot into

the camera’s accessory shoe and turn the

lock lever to the right.

Hold down the flash head tilting/rotating

lock release button to adjust the flash

head to the horizontal/front position.

v 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 counterclockwise until it stops.

Lock

Unlock

adjust the flash head

t Warning indication

If the flash head is not adjusted to the horizontal/front position, when the power

is turned on, this warning appears on the LCD panel. See page 100 for the

flash head’s rotating angle.

•

A dotted line below the underbar appears when

the flash head is tilted down –7°.

The flash shooting distance range disappears if

the flash head is adjusted to other than the

horizontal/front or down –7° position.

4 Setting the ISO sensitivity

In this manual, the sensitivity for digital SLRs and the film speed for film-based

cameras are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity.

For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and

cameras in Groups I to II, the ISO sensitivity is automatically set and appears

on the LCD panel when the camera and SB-800 are turned ON.

Available ISO sensitivity in TTL auto flash operation

The SB-800’s maximum ISO sensitivity range usable in the TTL auto flash mode

is ISO 25 to 1000.

• The ISO sensitivity range may become narrower, depending on the cameras in use. For

details, see your camera instruction manual.

• The flash shooting distance range on the SB-800’s LCD panel varies, depending on the

ISO sensitivity. Therefore, be sure to set the ISO sensitivity correctly.

u Digital data communication with the SB-800

When the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II, digital data communication

is performed. The camera automatically sends the ISO sensitivity to the

SB-800. With a CPU lens, the aperture and focal length are automatically

set on the SB-800.

Notes on setting the Speedlight’s ISO sensitivity

In the TTL auto flash mode and Manual flash mode (except Distance-priority

manual p flash), there is no direct connection between setting the ISO

sensitivity on the Speedlight and controlling the flash output level. Setting the

ISO sensitivity is for correctly displaying the flash shooting distance range or

the shooting distance indication on the Speedlight’s LCD panel.

In the Non-TTL auto flash mode (Auto Aperture flash B/Non-TTL auto flash

A) and Distance-priority manual p flash operation, the correct exposure can

be obtained by setting the camera’s ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight, because

the Speedlight controls the flash output. For cameras compatible with CLS,

digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II, the ISO

sensitivity is automatically transferred from the camera to the Speedlight.

Setting the ISO sensitivity for cameras in Groups III to VII

For cameras in Groups III to VII, set the ISO sensitivity in the Custom settings

mode (p. 67).

Turn the SB-800 off once, then turn it back

on. After that, turn on the camera body.

Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to

display the Custom settings mode.

Press the e/f button and c/d button

to select “ISO”, then press the g button.

Press the e or f button to highlight the

preferred ISO sensitivity.

Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. or

press the b button to return to the

normal display.

5 Adjust the zoom-head position

The zoom-head position is indicated on

the LCD panel.

• The zoom-head position is automatically

adjusted by the power zoom function or it can

be manually adjusted.

• The guide number indicating flash output

level varies according to the zoom-head

position (p. 43).

The power zoom function

When the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II in combination with a CPU

lens, the power zoom function activates and the zoom head is automatically

adjusted.

• The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted within the range of 24mm, 28mm,

35mm to 105mm in increments of 5mm between 35mm and 105mm when the power

zoom function is activated.

• When the lens focal length is not one of those indicated above, the zoom head adjusts

to the closest wideangle setting of the lens in use. For example, if the zoom setting of a

CPU lens is between 36mm and 39mm, the zoom-head position is adjusted to 35mm.

• If 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, press the c or d

button several times until it disappears.

Power zoom activated

Power zoom canceled

Setting the zoom-head position manually

When the SB-800 is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination with

a non-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.

• Press the c button to move toward a wideangle setting and the d button to move

toward a telephoto setting.

• A small M above the “ZOOM” indication appears on the LCD panel while manually

setting the zoom-head position.

• 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:

M24mm ∞ M28mm ∞ 35mm ∞ M50mm ∞ M70mm ∞ M85mm ∞ M105mm

• Generally, set the zoom-head position to the focal length of the lens in use or to the

closest wideangle setting. For example, select the 50mm setting when using a

60mm lens.

Canceling the power zoom function using Custom settings

The power zoom function can be canceled in the Custom settings mode (p. 67).

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 b button is pressed.

• When the power zoom function is canceled, a small

appears on the LCD panel.

• Press the c button to move toward a wideangle setting and the d button to move

toward a telephoto setting. The zoom-head position changes as follows:

24mm ∞ 28mm ∞ 35mm ∞ 50mm ∞ 70mm ∞ 85mm ∞ 105mm

Using the built-in wide-flash adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome

Use the built-in wide-flash adapter when a 14mm to 23mm lens is mounted

(p. 104).

• The power zoom function becomes inactive when using the wide-flash adapter. Press

the c or d button to adjust the zoom-head position to 14mm or 17mm.

• The zoom-head position is automatically set at 14mm when the Nikon Diffusion Dome is

attached (p. 101).

• To adjust the zoom-head position automatically using the power zoom function while

using the built-in wide-flash adapter or Nikon Diffusion Dome, go to the Custom settings

“Power zoom function using the built-in wide-flash adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome”.

(p. 67)

• Generally, when using a 14mm or 17mm lens, the distance between the camera and

subject differs much from the center of the frame to the periphery, so the peripheral area

might not be sufficiently lit in some cases. The same is true when using the Nikon

Diffusion Dome.

6 Setting the camera’s exposure mode and

Set the camera’s exposure mode to

Programmed Auto (P).

• If Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, select

another exposure mode. See the opposite

page.

Set the camera’s metering system to

Matrix Metering Y.

• If Matrix Metering Y cannot be set, select

Center-Weighted Metering W.

t 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-800’s flash modes. For details,

refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 35), “TTL auto flash modes available with the

SB-800” (p. 108) and your camera’s instruction manual.

• In the Programmed Auto (P) mode, the shutter speed is automatically set to the camera’s

sync shutter speed, except in the Auto FP High-Speed sync mode (p. 60).

metering system

u 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.

• 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. 31).

• If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically

shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB-800 is turned on (except in the Auto FP

High-Speed sync mode) (p. 60).

In Aperture-Priority Auto exposure (A) mode

By selecting the aperture, you can control depth of field and the flash shooting

distance range.

• The camera selects the correct shutter speed. For detains, see your camera’s instruction

manual.

• To determine the aperture, refer to the “Guide number” (p. 43) and “Flash shooting

distance range in the TTL auto flash modes” (p. 31).

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.

• If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically

shifts to its fastest sync speed when the SB-800 is turned on. This is true of all cameras,

except mechanical shutter cameras and when using the Auto FP High-Speed sync

mode (p. 60).

• To determine the aperture, refer to “Guide number” (p. 43) and “Flash shooting distance

range in the TTL auto flash mode” (p. 31).

7 Setting the SB-800’s flash mode

Press the a button to set the

flash mode.

• Display Do on the LCD panel.

Confirm that the main subject is within the

flash shooting distance range.

Selecting the flash mode

Every time you press the a button, the available flash mode icon changes.

Refer to “Icons on the LCD panel” (p. 13).

∞

• Note that the usable flash modes only appear and vary, and the unavailable flash modes

will be skipped and do not appear, when pressing the a button.

• The SB-800’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. 35), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800” (p. 108) and your camera’s

instruction manual.

About the flash shooting distance range

The SB-800’s flash shooting distance range is 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) and

varies, depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens

aperture in use.

Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode

ISO sensitivity

Zoom-head position (mm)

14^∗17^∗24

85 105

∗1

∗2

1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

∗4

2.8

1.4

0.8-9.0/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-12/ 1.3-14/ 1.9-20/ 2.0-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.8-20/ 3.0-20/ 3.4-20/ 3.6-20/

2.6-29 3.3-37 3.7-41 4.1-46 6.2-66 6.6-66 7.8-66 9.3-66 10-66 11-66 12-66

5.6

2.8

1.4

0.6-6.3/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-10/ 1.3-15/ 1.4-16/ 1.7-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.2-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.5-20/

2.0-21 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.6-33 4.3-49 4.6-52 5.5-62 6.6-66 7.4-66 7.8-66 8.3-66

5.6

2.8

1.4

0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.7-7.0/ 1.0-10/ 1.0-11/ 1.2-13/ 1.4-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.7-19/ 1.8-20/

2.0-15 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-23 3.1-35 3.3-37 3.9-44 4.6-52 5.2-59 5.5-62 5.8-66

5.6

2.8

1.4

0.6-3.2/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.0/ 0.7-7.5/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-13/ 1.2-13/ 1.3-14/

2.0-10 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.2-25 2.3-26 2.8-31 3.3-37 3.7-42 3.9-44 4.1-47

∗5

5.6

2.8

0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.1/ 0.6-3.5/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.7-7.6/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 0.9-10/

2.0-7.4 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-17 2.0-19 2.0-22 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.8-31 2.9-33

22 16 11

5.6

2.8

0.6-1.6/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.5/ 0.6-3.7/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.6-7.1/

2.0-5.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.3 2.0-8.2 2.0-12 2.0-13 2.0-16 2.0-19 2.0-21 2.0-22 2.1-23

32 22 16 11

5.6

0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.8/ 0.6-2.6/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-3.7 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.8 2.0-8.7 2.0-9.3 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16 2.0-17

32 22 16 11

5.6

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.8/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.2/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-3.6/

2.0-2.6 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.7 2.0-4.1 2.0-6.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.8 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-12

32 22 16 11

0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.3/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.5/

2.0-2.3 2.0-2.6 2.0-2.9 2.0-4.4 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.5 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.4 2.0-7.8 2.0-8.3

32 22 16 11

32 22 16

0.6-0.9/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-1.8/

2.0-3.1 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.9 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.5 2.0-5.8

*1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

*2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

*3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

*4 TTL auto flash operation 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 aperture for ISO 800.

Programmed TTL Auto Flash with the F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4040s,

F-401/N4004, and F-301/N2000. (ISO 25 to ISO 400 for the F-401s/N4004s and

F-401/N4004)

Compose the picture and shoot with flash

Confirm the camera’s sync mode.

• For normal flash photography, use the

camera’s Front-curtain sync mode.

Compose the picture, confirm that the

ready-light on the SB-800’s LCD panel

or in the camera’s viewfinder is on,

then shoot.

v 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.

• For other flash sync modes, refer to “Slow-sync flash” (p. 58), “Red-eye reduction

with slow-sync flash mode” (p. 58), or “Rear-curtain sync” (p. 59).

• Refer to the camera’s instruction manual for details on the flash sync mode.

v If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might be

insufficient for correct exposure.

In the TTL auto and Non-TTL auto flash modes, when the flash has fired at its

maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-lights on

the SB-800 and in the camera’s viewfinder blink for approx. 3 sec. Depending

on the camera in use, the ready-light on the SB-800 or in the camera’s

viewfinder lights up. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to

the subject and reshoot.

Display of the amount of underexposure

For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and

cameras in Group I in the TTL auto flash mode, the amount of underexposure

(0 to –3.0 EV) appears for approx. 3 sec on the SB-800’s LCD panel; at the

same time the above ready-lights blink.

• Pressing the a and g buttons simultaneously recalls this display.

Using the SB-800 with the COOLPIX

Using the SB-800 with COOLPIX digital cameras

For COOLPIX cameras, such as the COOLPIX 5400 and

4500, having 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-800 or another Nikon

Speedlight compatible with TTL auto flash to the COOLPIX.

Auto flash operation is possible by setting the SB-800’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 featuring 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

having a TTL 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-800 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed.

Detailed operation

This section provides a variety of flash

modes available with the SB-800.

Be sure to refer to your camera’s instruction

manual for specific information on camera

settings and functions.

SB-800’s available flash modes

The SB-800’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.

Available flash modes (Indicators, usable cameras)

TTL auto flash mode

• i-TTL mode:

• D-TTL mode:

Do/D: Cameras compatible with CLS

Do/D: Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS

• TTL (film based) mode: Do/D: Cameras in Groups I to VI (No o

appears with cameras in Groups III

and IV while performing Balanced

Fill-Flash)

Non-TTL auto flash mode

• Auto Aperture flash:

B (p. 38):

Cameras compatible with CLS,

Digital SLRs not compatible with

CLS, Cameras in Groups I to II

No limitation

• Non-TTL auto flash:

A (p. 40):

Manual mode

• Distance-priority

manual flash:

p (p. 44):

G (p. 46):

q (p. 48):

No limitation

• Manual flash:

• Repeating flash:

u Monitor Preflashes

The SB-800 fires a series of imperceptible Monitor Preflashes just before the

flash fires to obtain information on the subject in these cases:

(1) when the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs

not compatible with CLS, and cameras in Group I with a CPU lens, and the

flash mode is set to TTL auto flash, and

(2) when the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS with a CPU

lens, and the flash mode is set to Auto Aperture flash.

Monitor Preflashes are fired instantaneously and cannot be differentiated from

the main flash, but H appears on the LCD panel (using a single flash unit).

However, for cameras in Group I, Monitor Preflashes are not fired when the

SB-800’s flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front or down to –7°

position, or the camera’s flash sync mode is set to Rear-curtain sync, even

when H appears on the LCD panel.

TTL auto flash mode

TTL auto flash: D

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: Do

Press the a button to display Do 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.

(While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no o appears with cameras in Groups

III and IV.)

• Do indicates “i-TTL Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash” in the i-TTL mode.

Standard TTL flash: D

Press the a button to display D 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.

• D indicates “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.

t Notes on TTL mode indicators

Comparison tables are provided on pages 108-110 to show the SB-800’s TTL

mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the current Speedlight

instruction manuals.

• For details on shooting procedures in the TTL auto flash mode, refer to “Basic operation”

(p. 17).

t Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync mode

(F5 only)

The farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read on the SB-800’s LCD

panel. In this case, use the guide number table and equation (p. 106) for

calculating this distance, according to each zoom-head position.

Non-TTL auto flash mode

Auto Aperture B flash

The SB-800’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected from the

subject and controls the flash output in combination with data automatically

transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISO

sensitivity value and exposure compensation value as well as the aperture and

focal length of the lens.

• Auto Aperture flash is available with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II when used with a CPU lens.

• Auto Aperture flash is automatically set (default setting) for the above camera/lens

combinations. To cancel Auto Aperture flash and set to Non-TTL auto flash (p. 40), use

Custom settings (p. 67).

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Programmed

Auto (P) or Aperture-Priority Auto (A).

Lock the CPU lens aperture at its minimum.

• Not necessary with a G-type lens.

Press the a button to display B on the

LCD panel.

While looking at the flash shooting distance range

on the SB-800’s LCD panel, set the aperture on

the camera when the camera’s exposure mode is

set to “A”.

• Making exposure compensation on the SB-800 is also

possible (p. 56).

Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light

is on, then shoot.

• When the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on

the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate,

use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject

and reshoot.

Setting the aperture in Auto Aperture B flash operation

Set the aperture on the camera or lens within the available range as shown in

the table below.

Usable flash shooting distance ranges in Auto Aperture flash operation

ISO sensitivity

Zoom-head position (mm)

14^∗17^∗24

85 105

∗1

∗2

1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

0.6-6.3/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-10/ 1.3-15/ 1.4-16/ 1.7-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.2-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.5-20/

2.0-21 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.6-33 4.3-49 4.6-52 5.5-62 6.6-66 7.4-66 7.8-66 8.3-66

0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.7-7.0/ 1.0-10/ 1.0-11/ 1.2-13/ 1.4-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.7-19/ 1.8-20/

2.0-15 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-23 3.1-35 3.3-37 3.9-44 4.6-52 5.2-59 5.5-62 5.8-66

0.6-3.2/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.0/ 0.7-7.5/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-13/ 1.2-13/ 1.3-14/

2.0-10 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.2-25 2.3-26 2.8-31 3.3-37 3.7-42 3.9-44 4.1-47

5.6

2.8

1.4

∗

5.6

2.8

0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.1/ 0.6-3.5/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.7-7.6/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 0.9-10/

2.0-7.4 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-17 2.0-19 2.0-22 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.8-31 2.9-33

22 16 11

5.6

2.8

0.6-1.6/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.5/ 0.6-3.7/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.6-7.1/

2.0-5.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.3 2.0-8.2 2.0-12 2.0-13 2.0-16 2.0-19 2.0-21 2.0-22 2.1-23

32 22 16 11

5.6

0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.8/ 0.6-2.6/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-3.7 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.8 2.0-8.7 2.0-9.3 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16 2.0-17

32 22 16 11

5.6

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.8/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.2/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-3.6/

2.0-2.6 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.7 2.0-4.1 2.0-6.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.8 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-12

32 22 16 11

0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.3/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.5/

2.0-2.3 2.0-2.6 2.0-2.9 2.0-4.4 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.5 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.4 2.0-7.8 2.0-8.3

32 22 16 11

32 22 16

0.6-0.9/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-1.8/

2.0-3.1 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.9 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.5 2.0-5.8

*1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

*2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

*3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

• For example, for an ISO sensitivity of 100, with the zoom-head position

adjusted to 35mm, and the subject at a distance of 5m (16.4 ft.), selecting

an aperture of f/2 to f/5.6 from the table gives the correct exposure.

Non-TTL auto flash mode

Non-TTL auto A flash

The SB-800’s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected from the

subject, automatically controlling the SB-800’s light output to give the correct

exposure. This allows you to make exposure compensation (p. 54) easily by

varying the aperture set on the camera or lens.

• No limitation on usable cameras.

• Auto Aperture flash (p. 38) is automatically set (default setting) when a CPU lens is

mounted on cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, and

cameras in Groups I and II. To cancel Auto Aperture flash and set to Non-TTL auto flash,

use Custom settings (p. 67).

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Press the a button to display A on the

LCD panel.

Press the e or f button to change the aperture,

bringing the subject within the flash shooting

distance range.

Set the aperture that appears on the SB-800’s

LCD panel on the lens or camera.

Set the camera to its highest flash sync shutter

speed.

• For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

Compose the picture, make sure the ready-light is

on, then shoot.

• When the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on

the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate,

use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject

and reshoot.

Setting the aperture in Non-TTL auto A flash operation

Set the aperture within the available range as shown in the table below.

Usable flash shooting distance ranges in Non-TTL auto flash operation

ISO sensitivity

Zoom-head position (mm)

14^∗17^∗24

85 105

∗1

∗2

1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

0.6-6.3/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-10/ 1.3-15/ 1.4-16/ 1.7-19/ 2.0-20/ 2.2-20/ 2.4-20/ 2.5-20/

2.0-21 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.6-33 4.3-49 4.6-52 5.5-62 6.6-66 7.4-66 7.8-66 8.3-66

0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.7-7.0/ 1.0-10/ 1.0-11/ 1.2-13/ 1.4-16/ 1.6-18/ 1.7-19/ 1.8-20/

2.0-15 2.0-19 2.0-20 2.0-23 3.1-35 3.3-37 3.9-44 4.6-52 5.2-59 5.5-62 5.8-66

0.6-3.2/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-5.0/ 0.7-7.5/ 0.7-8.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 1.0-11/ 1.1-13/ 1.2-13/ 1.3-14/

2.0-10 2.0-13 2.0-14 2.0-16 2.2-25 2.3-26 2.8-31 3.3-37 3.7-42 3.9-44 4.1-47

5.6

2.8

1.4

∗

5.6

2.8

0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.1/ 0.6-3.5/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-5.7/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.7-7.6/ 0.8-9.0/ 0.8-9.5/ 0.9-10/

2.0-7.4 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-17 2.0-19 2.0-22 2.3-26 2.6-29 2.8-31 2.9-33

22 16 11

5.6

2.8

0.6-1.6/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.5/ 0.6-3.7/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.3/ 0.6-6.3/ 0.6-6.7/ 0.6-7.1/

2.0-5.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.3 2.0-8.2 2.0-12 2.0-13 2.0-16 2.0-19 2.0-21 2.0-22 2.1-23

32 22 16 11

5.6

0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.8/ 0.6-2.6/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-4.0/ 0.6-4.5/ 0.6-4.8/ 0.6-5.0/

2.0-3.7 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.8 2.0-8.7 2.0-9.3 2.0-11 2.0-13 2.0-15 2.0-16 2.0-17

32 22 16 11

5.6

0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.1/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.8/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.8/ 0.6-3.2/ 0.6-3.4/ 0.6-3.6/

2.0-2.6 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.7 2.0-4.1 2.0-6.2 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.8 2.0-9.3 2.0-10 2.0-11 2.0-12

32 22 16 11

0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.7/ 0.6-0.8/ 0.6-1.3/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-2.0/ 0.6-2.2/ 0.6-2.4/ 0.6-2.5/

2.0-2.3 2.0-2.6 2.0-2.9 2.0-4.4 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.5 2.0-6.6 2.0-7.4 2.0-7.8 2.0-8.3

32 22 16 11

32 22 16

0.6-0.9/ 0.6-1.0/ 0.6-1.2/ 0.6-1.4/ 0.6-1.6/ 0.6-1.7/ 0.6-1.8/

2.0-3.1 2.0-3.3 2.0-3.9 2.0-4.6 2.0-5.2 2.0-5.5 2.0-5.8

*1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

*2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

*3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

• For example, for an ISO sensitivity of 100, with the zoom-head position adjusted to

35mm, and the subject at a distance of 5m (16.4 ft.), selecting apertures from f/2 to f/5.6

from the table will give the correct exposure.

• To set the aperture on Zoom-Nikkor lenses having variable maximum apertures, refer to

“The flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable aperture” (p. 57).

Manual mode

The SB-800 features three manual modes.

• Distance-priority manual flash p

• Manual flash

• Repeating flash

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).

• No limitation on usable cameras.

• Refer to your camera’s instruction manual for details on camera and lens aperture

settings.

• With the SB-800 in the Manual mode, if the camera’s exposure mode is set to other than

Aperture-Priority (A) or Manual (M), the shutter may not be released, depending on the

cameras in use. For details, refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

• In the Manual mode, no warning ready-light blinks to indicate that the light may have

been insufficient for correct exposure after shooting.

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 shooting distance to obtain the

correct exposure.

• The guide number (GN at ISO 100; m/ft) indicates the amount of light generated by

the flash. The larger the number, the greater the flash output.

Guide number (ISO 100, m/ft)

Flash

output

level

Zoom-head position (mm)

∗1

∗2

14^∗3

17^∗3

105

M1/1 12.5/41 16/52

17/56

19/62

30/98

32/105 38/125 44/144 50/164 53/174 56/184

M1/2

M1/4

M1/8

8.8/29 11.3/37 12/39 13.4/44 21.2/70 22.6/74 26.9/88 31/102 35.4/116 37.5/123 40/131

6.3/21 8.0/26 8.5/28 9.5/31 15.0/49 16/52 19/62 22/72 25/82 26.5/87 28/92

4.4/14 5.7/19 6.0/20 6.7/22 10.6/35 11.3/37 13.4/44 15.6/51 17.7/58 18.7/61 19.8/65

M1/16 3.1/10 4.0/13 4.3/14 4.8/16

7.5/25

5.3/17

3.7/12

2.6/8.5

8.0/26

6.0/20

4.0/13

2.8/9

9.5/31

6.7/22

4.8/16

3.4/11

11/36 12.5/41 13.3/44

14/46

9.9/32

7.0/23

4.9/16

M1/32

M1/64

2.2/7

1.6/5

2.8/9

2.0/7

1.4/5

3.0/10 3.4/11

7.8/26

5.5/18

3.9/13

8.8/29

6.3/21

4.4/14

9.4/31

6.6/22

4.7/15

2.1/7

1.5/5

2.4/8

1.7/6

M1/128 1.1/4

*1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in place

*2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

*3 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 ISO sensitivity, flash output level and zoom-head position that are set:

f/stop (aperture) = Guide number (GN) x ISO sensitivity factor ÷ Shooting distance (m/ft)

• Set the same aperture on both the SB-800 and 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

• 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-800.

• In Distance-priority manual flash operation, the guide number (indicating the amount of

light generated by the flash) is automatically determined by the SB-800 according to

the distance value and aperture set.

ISO sensitivity factors

For sensitivities other than ISO 100, multiply the guide number by the factors

shown in the table below.

ISO

100

200

400

800

1600

Factors

x0.5

x0.71

x1.4

x2.8

Manual mode

Distance-priority manual p flash

In this flash operation, the SB-800 automatically controls the light output

according to the distance value and aperture set. Enter the distance value and

you can take pictures having the same exposure even when shooting at

different apertures.

• This mode allows you to make exposure compensation by varying the flash output level

compensation value (p. 56).

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Press the a button to display p on the

LCD panel.

Press the g button to highlight the distance

display, then press the e or f button to

increase or decrease the distance values.

• The usable distance range is 0.3m to 20m (1 to

65.6 ft.) and varies depending on the ISO sensitivity.

Set the aperture.

• For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II

with CPU lenses, set the SB-800’s aperture on the

camera. You cannot set the aperture on the SB-800

directly.

• For other camera/lens combinations, press the

g button to highlight the aperture display, then press

the e or f button to increase or decrease the

aperture value.

Set the aperture that appears on the SB-800’s

LCD panel on the lens or camera.

• With cameras in Groups III to VII.

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

Distance values that can be entered when performing

Distance-priority manual

flash operation

(m/ft.)

0.3/1

0.4/1.3 0.5/1.6

0.6/2

0.7/2.3 0.8/2.6

0.9/3

1.0/3.3 1.3/4.3 1.4/4.6

1.6/5.2 1.8/5.9 2.0/6.6 2.2/7.2 2.5/8.2 2.8/9.2 3.1/10.2 3.5/11.5 4.0/13.1 4.5/14.8

5.0/16.4 5.6/18.4 6.3/20.7 7.1/23.3 8.0/26.2 9.0/29.6 10/32.8 11/36.0 13/42.7 14/45.9

16/52.5 18/59.1 20/65.6

• Choose an appropriate flash shooting distance from the table above. If a desirable

distance value is not found in the table, use a shorter distance.

For example, if the desired shooting distance is 2.7m (8.9 ft.), set 2.5m (8.2 ft.) on the

LCD panel.

t Beyond the flash-shooting distance range warning

In distance-priority manual flash operation, the distance exceeding the

available flash shooting distance range cannot be displayed on the LCD panel.

Therefore, if the available distance range is shifted by changing the ISO

sensitivity, aperture, or zoom-head position after you have set the shooting

distance and aperture, the farthest (or closest) available flash shooting

distance value is highlighted with an arrow pointing toward the available flash

shooting distance range.

The figure shows that the farthest available flash shooting distance

is 2.5m (8.2 ft.).

Manual mode

Manual G flash

In Manual flash photography, you select the aperture and flash output level.

In this way, you can control the exposure and flash shooting distance when

shooting subjects where the correct exposure is difficult to obtain in the TTL or

Non-TTL auto flash mode. The flash output level can be set from M1/1 (full

output) to M1/128 to match your creative preferences.

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Press the a button until G appears on

the LCD panel.

Determine the flash output level and aperture to

match the flash shooting distance.

• For details on determining the flash output level and

the aperture, refer to “Determining the aperture and

flash output level in the Manual mode” (p. 42).

Press the g button to highlight the flash output

level display, then press the e or f button to

increase or decrease the values.

• Refer to “Setting the flash output level” (p. 47).

Set the aperture.

• For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II

with CPU lenses, set the SB-800’s aperture on the

camera. You cannot set the aperture on the SB-800

directly.

• For other camera/lens combinations, press the

g button to highlight the aperture display, then press

the e or f button to increase or decrease the

aperture value.

• If the ISO sensitivity is correctly set, the flash shooting

distance appears on the LCD panel, matching the

flash output level and aperture as set.

Set the same aperture on your camera or lens

that is set on the SB-800.

• With cameras in Groups III to VII.

Confirm that the ready-light comes on,

then shoot.

Setting the flash output level

Press the g button to highlight the flash output level display. The flash output

level changes every time you press the e or f button as shown below.

When you press the f button:

∞

1/1

∞

1/2

∞

1/2 (–1/3)

∞

1/2 (–2/3)

∞

1/4

1/128 ... 1/4 (–2/3)

1/4 (–1/3)

When you press the e button:

∞

1/128

1/1

∞

1/128 (+1/3)

∞

1/128 (+2/3)

∞

1/64

1/2 ... 1/64 (+2/3)

1/64 (+1/3)

• The numbers in parentheses represent the adjustable flash output level in 1/3 steps

except between 1/1 and 1/2. Therefore, 1/32 (-1/3) and 1/64 (+2/3) represent the same

flash output level.

• To extend the flash shooting distance, choose a flash output level close to M1/1.

Manual mode

Repeating q flash

In Repeating flash operation, the SB-800 fires repeatedly during a single

exposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. This operation is

useful when shooting fast-moving subjects.

• In this operation, q appears on the LCD panel.

• Be sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries and allow enough time for the flash to

recycle between each repeating flash session.

• Also, it is recommended to use a tripod to prevent camera/flash shake, because slower

shutter speeds are used.

Setting the flash output level, the frequency (Hz), and the

number of repeating flashes per frame

• Frequency (Hz) represents the number of times the flash fires per second.

• The actual number of repeating flashes per frame becomes lower than the one set as

the shutter speed increases or the number of flashes per second decreases, because

the Speedlight fires during a single exposure.

• Referring to the table below, set the flash output level, the frequency, and the number of

repeating flashes separately for each picture.

Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame

Flash output level

Frequency*

1/8

1/16

1/32

1/64

1/128

1-2 Hz

3 Hz

4 Hz

5 Hz

6 Hz

7 Hz

8 Hz

9 Hz

10 Hz

20-100 Hz

* Frequency (Hz) represents the number of flashes per second.

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Manual (M).

Press the a button to display q.

Press the g button to highlight the flash output

level display, then press the e or f button to

increase or decrease the values.

• The available range of the flash output level is

between 1/8 and 1/128.

Press the g button.

• The flash output level is set, then the frequency

display is highlighted.

Repeat the procedures above to set the

frequency and the number of repeating flashes

per frame.

Frequency (Hz)

Number of repeating flashes per frame

Determine the guide number according to the

flash output level and zoom-head position set,

then calculate the correct aperture from the guide

number and the shooting distance. Finally set this

aperture on the SB-800.

• Refer to “Guide number table” (p. 43) and

“Determining the aperture and flash output level in

the Manual mode” (p. 42).

• For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II

with CPU lenses, set the SB-800’s aperture on the

camera. You cannot set the aperture on the SB-800

directly.

• If the ISO sensitivity is correctly set, the flash shooting

distance appears on the LCD panel, matching

the flash output level and aperture as set.

Manual mode

Set the same aperture on the camera or lens that

is set on the SB-800.

• With cameras in Groups III to VII.

Set the shutter speed.

• Use the equation to determine the shutter speed and

use that shutter speed or one slower.

Shutter speed = Number of flashes per frame ÷

Frequency of flashes (Hz)

• For example, if the number of flashes per frame is 10

and frequency is 5 Hz, divide 10 by 5 to get a shutter

speed of 2 sec. or slower.

• Or you can set the shutter speed to B (bulb) to

accommodate any number of repeating flashes.

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

t Making sure the flash fires correctly before shooting

Press the FLASH button to make sure the flash fires correctly as set.

Exposure compensation in Repeating flash operation

The flash shooting distance calculated in step number 6 is the correct

exposure for the first flash in the sequence. Therefore, repeating flash at this

flash output level will result in overexposure of any overlapping images.

To prevent this, set a smaller aperture on the camera.

Notes on continuous flash shooting

Do not exceed the maximum number of continuous firings

You should allow the SB-800 to cool off for at least 10 minutes after the

maximum number of continuous firings are performed as shown in the

WARNING

table below:

Max. number of continuous firings

Flash mode

Max. number of continuous firings

(at 6 frames/sec.)

TTL auto flash

Non-TTL auto flash/Auto Aperture flash

Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/1, M1/2)

Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/4 to M1/128)

Synchronization during continuous flash shooting

It is possible to take up to the number of frames during continuous shooting as

shown in the table below. However, if the continuous firings exceed the

maximum numbers as shown in the table above, you should allow the SB-800

to cool off for at least 10 minutes.

Maximum number of frames during continuous flash shooting

(at six frames per sec.)

Optional

Flash output level

1/16 1/32 1/64

Batteries inside

SB-800

power

1/8

1/128

source

SB-800

only

Up to 4

Up to 6

Up to 5

Up to 8

Up to 16 Up to 30 Up to 40

All types

Alkaline-manganese

Lithium

SD-7

Up to 10 Up to 40 Up to 40

Up to 20

Up to 40

SD-8A

Up to 10

Up to 40

Up to 30

NiCd

Ni-MH

Alkaline-manganese

Lithium

NiCd

Up to 30

Up to 5

Up to 10

Up to 40

SK-6

Up to 10 Up to 20

Up to 10 Up to 30 Up to 40

Ni-MH

• With fresh batteries of the same type in both the SB-800 and optional Nikon SD-8A or

Power Bracket Unit SK-6.

• Refer to table “Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame” on page 48 when

performing Repeating flash.

Checking the correct exposure before shooting

You can determine whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by

test firing the SB-800 before actually taking the picture in TTL auto flash, Auto

Aperture, and Non-TTL auto flash operations.

• In manual flash mode, checking the correct exposure cannot be performed by

test firing.

TTL auto flash mode

Press the SB-800’s a button until B (Auto Aperture flash) or A (Non-

TTL auto flash) appears on the LCD panel. Set the same aperture on the

SB-800 as set in the TTL auto flash mode. Press the shutter release button

slightly, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks

after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct

exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move

closer to the subject.

Auto Aperture flash

Make the necessary settings on the SB-800 and camera, press the shutter

release button slightly, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the

ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient

for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens,

or move closer to the subject.

Non-TTL auto flash

Make the necessary settings on the SB-800 and camera, then press the

FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates

the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a

wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

Other functions

Detailed information on each function of the

SB-800 is provided.

Exposure compensation and flash output level

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 low reflectivity is included in the scene or when you want to

create flash photographs to match your creative preferences.

• 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.

• 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 are possible, depending on the flash shooting situation.

Exposure compensation on the SB-800 can be performed in these ways:

Exposure compensation

Available flash mode

Usable camera

Making exposure compensation All flash modes

for both the main subject and

background

Cameras in all groups

Making exposure compensation TTL auto flash and Auto

Cameras compatible with CLS,

digital SLRs not compatible

with CLS, and cameras in

Groups I to III

for the main subject only

Aperture flash

Manual flash mode

Cameras in all groups

Making exposure compensation Flash shooting at slow shutter Cameras in all groups

for the background only speeds

Making exposure compensation for both the main subject and background

In TTL auto flash mode and Auto Aperture flash operation

Use the camera’s exposure compensation function to modify both the SB-800’s

flash output level and the background exposure. For details, see your camera’s

instruction manual.

• The exposure compensation value set on the camera is not displayed on the SB-800’s

LCD panel.

• Exposure compensation beyond the usable ISO sensitivity range cannot be performed

(p. 24). For example, with an ISO sensitivity of 100, if you try to make an exposure

compensation of +3 steps on the camera (equivalent to ISO 12), which is out of the

usable ISO sensitivity range (ISO 25-1000) of the SB-800. In this case, exposure

compensation up to +2 steps (equivalent to ISO 25) is possible.

compensation

Making exposure compensation in Non-TTL auto flash and Manual flash

operations

Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correct

aperture.

• In the Non-TTL auto flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained when the same

aperture is set on the camera as that set on the SB-800. Therefore, to make exposure

compensation, vary the aperture set on the camera while retaining the aperture set on

the SB-800 or vice versa.

• In the Manual flash mode, calculate the proper aperture for the correct exposure from

the guide number and the shooting distance (p. 43). Then, use a larger or smaller

aperture on the camera to make exposure compensation.

• 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.

Making exposure compensation for the main subject only

In TTL auto flash mode and Auto Aperture flash operation

Making exposure compensation for a flash illuminated main subject without

affecting the background exposure by adjusting the SB-800’s flash output level

is called flash output level compensation (p. 56).

• This compensation can only be performed with cameras compatible with CLS, digital

SLRs not compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I to III.

In Manual flash mode

Making exposure compensation for only the flash illuminated subject by

intentionally modifying the SB-800’s flash output level (M1/1 to M1/128).

• For cameras in all groups.

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.

• With cameras providing slow-sync, set the camera’s flash sync mode to Slow-sync

(p. 58) to bring out background details in low-light situations.

• For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation

Flash output level compensation

You can make exposure compensation for the flash illuminated subject without

affecting the background exposure by modifying the SB-800’s flash output level.

• Available in TTL auto flash mode, Auto Aperture flash and Distance-priority manual

flash operations.

• In the TTL auto flash mode or Auto Aperture flash operation, flash output level

compensation is only available with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I to III.

• 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-800. The

amount of compensation set on the camera does not appear on the SB-800’s LCD

panel. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

• With F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70, and Pronea 600i/6i cameras having an

exposure compensation function, you can compensate the flash output level on either the

camera or the SB-800. For details, see your camera’s instruction manual. If you use both

controls, the exposure is modified by the sum total of both compensation values. In this

case, the SB-800’s LCD panel shows only the compensation value set on the SB-800.

Press the g button to highlight the Flash output

level compensation value.

Press the e or f button to increase or decrease

the compensation in 1/3 steps from –3.0 to

+3.0 EV.

Press the g button.

• The highlighted flash output level compensation value

returns to normal display. The last highlighted number

is the one automatically set.

v Canceling flash output level compensation

The flash output level compensation cannot be canceled by turning the SB-800

off. To cancel, press the e or f button to return the compensation value to “0”.

Flash shooting distance range with zoom lenses having a variable aperture

With zoom lenses having a variable aperture, take note of the following before

setting the aperture on the SB-800 and confirming the flash shooting distance

range.

• For details, read the instruction manuals of your camera and lenses.

u Lenses having a variable aperture

There are two maximum aperture values indicated in the lens model name of

certain zoom lenses. For example with the AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-

4.5D IF, the maximum aperture at 28mm is f/3.5, but decreases to f/4.5 at

105mm.

Setting the aperture on the camera’s LCD panel or in the viewfinder

Lock the lens aperture at its minimum. After composing the picture by zooming

in or out, read the aperture on the camera’s LCD panel or in the viewfinder.

Then set the same aperture on the SB-800’s LCD panel and confirm the flash

shooting distance range.

Setting the aperture using the scale on the lens

After zooming in or out to select the appropriate composition, read the

aperture using the aperture scale on the lens. Then set the same aperture

on the SB-800’s LCD panel and confirm the flash shooting distance range.

At wideangle zoom settings, read the aperture value at the green

index (or line).

At telephoto settings, read the aperture value at the yellow index (or dot).

At intermediate settings, read the aperture value between the two indexes.

Setting the aperture on the camera’s aperture dial

(F-401x/N5005, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004 cameras + CPU lens)

After zooming in/out to select the desired composition, set the aperture on the

camera’s aperture dial. Then set the same aperture on the SB-800’s LCD panel

and confirm the flash shooting distance range.

• Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

The aperture cannot be set in the Programmed Auto (P) or Shutter-Priority Auto (S)

exposure mode.

• If the aperture dial is set beyond lens’ aperture range, set the lens’ minimum

(or maximum) aperture on the SB-800’s LCD panel.

Slow-sync flash mode, Red-eye reduction control,

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.

• Available with cameras providing slow-sync. You cannot set the slow-sync function on

the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your

camera’s instruction manual.

• Since slow shutter speeds are normally used, use of a tripod is recommended to

prevent camera shake.

Red-eye reduction

To prevent the center of your subject’s eyes from appearing red in color

pictures, the SB-800 fires three flashes at reduced output just before the

picture is taken.

• Available with cameras having red-eye reduction control. You cannot set red-eye

reduction on the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For more information,

refer to your camera’s instruction manual.

• After setting your camera to red-eye reduction, make sure that “N” appears on the

SB-800’s LCD panel.

Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash mode

In this mode, red-eye reduction is combined with slow sync.

• Available with cameras having red-eye reduction with slow-sync. You cannot set this

mode on the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For more information, refer

to your camera’s instruction manual.

• After setting your camera to red-eye reduction with slow sync, make sure that “N”

appears on the SB-800’s LCD panel.

• Since slow shutter speeds are normally used, use of a tripod is recommended to

prevent camera shake.

and Rear-curtain sync

Rear-curtain sync

In normal flash photography, when shooting fast-moving subjects at slow shutter

speeds, unnatural-looking pictures can occur, because the subject frozen by the

flash appears behind or within the blurred movement (see photo below right).

Rear-curtain flash sync creates a picture in which the blur of a moving subject

(for example, the taillights of a car) appears behind the subject and not in front.

• 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 providing rear-curtain sync. You cannot set this mode on the

SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For details, see your camera’s instruction

manual.

• Since slow shutter speeds are usually used, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.

• This function does not operate in Repeating flash operation.

• 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. 72).

Rear-curtain sync

Front-curtain sync

Shooting data

• Focal length:

• Shutter speed:

• Aperture:

70mm

2 sec.

f/4.5

• Flash mode:

Manual

• Flash output level: M1/1

Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode (for cameras compatible with CLS)

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 speed 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 cameras compatible with CLS. You cannot set the Auto FP High-Speed

sync mode on the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera.

• 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, Auto Aperture flash, Distance-priority manual flash, and

Manual flash when using a single flash unit. i-TTL, Auto Aperture flash, Non-TTL auto

flash, and Manual flash are available in multiple flash operation.

Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) (for cameras compatible with CLS)

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.

• Available with cameras compatible with CLS. You cannot set the FV Lock function on the

SB-800 directly. Set it on the camera.

• Available flash modes are i-TTL, Auto Aperture flash and Non-TTL auto flash.

Autofocus flash operation in dim light

When the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-800’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.

• Use 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.

t For cameras compatible with CLS

• The SB-800’s Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator supports the dynamic-area AF system of

cameras compatible with CLS.

• With a D2H camera, for example:

A total of 11 focus areas are usable at lens focal lengths of 35mm to 105mm as shown

in the figure below.

A total of 9 focus areas excluding the extreme right- and left-hand ones are usable at

lens focal lengths of 24mm to 105mm.

• With AF cameras such as the D2H, the 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 frame, 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.

• For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

v 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 AF-Assist Illuminator turns on, focus manually.

• The Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator will not light up, if the camera’s autofocus is locked

or the SB-800’s ready-light does not come on.

• Refer to your camera’s instruction manual for more information.

t Activating and canceling the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator

You can set the SB-800’s Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator to activate or cancel in the

Custom settings mode (p. 67).

• By default, the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator is set to activate.

t Canceling the SB-800’s flash firing but not the Wide-Area

AF-Assist Illuminator

The SB-800’s Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator comes on but the flash unit will not fire when

“FIRE” is set to OFF (canceled) in the Custom settings mode (p. 67).

• By default, “FIRE” is set to “ON”.

t For cameras having a built-in Speedlight

• Even when the camera’s AF-Assist Illuminator is set to activate, the SB-800’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-800’s

Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator is canceled.

• With F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/N75-Series and F65-Series/N65-Series cameras,

the camera’s AF-Assist Illuminator lights up when the SB-800’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.

• 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.

u Using the SB-800 off-camera

When using the SB-800 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. 111).

Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800

Use the provided quick recycling battery pack to install five batteries to shorten

the recycling time (p. 19).

Notes on using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800

• With the SD-800 attached, be sure to use five batteries.

• Be sure to replace all five batteries, including the one in this pack and

the four inside the SB-800, with fresh ones at the same time.

• Do not mix battery brands or types, or use old with new batteries.

Otherwise, the batteries may leak corrosive liquids, become hot, or

explode.

WARNING

• This battery pack cannot be attached to the Power Bracket Unit SK-6.

Battery chamber lid

attachment index

Quick recycling battery

pack lock switch

Attaching the quick recycling battery pack

Slide open the battery chamber lid in the direction

of the arrow and remove it.

Install the batteries following the i and j marks

as shown.

Open the quick recycling battery pack’s battery

chamber lid, then install an extra battery in the

Quick Recycling Battery Pack following the i

and j marks.

Insert the battery chamber lid in the groove at the

top of the quick recycling battery pack.

Align the battery chamber lid attachment indexes,

then attach the battery chamber lid to the quick

recycling battery pack by sliding it into place while

pressing down.

Align the index on the quick recycling battery

pack with the battery chamber lid attachment

index, then attach the quick recycling battery pack

by sliding it into place.

• Slide the quick recycling battery pack until the quick

recycling battery pack lock switch click stops.

Index

Detaching the quick recycling battery pack

Open the quick recycling battery pack lock switch,

then keep sliding the pack to detach.

Checking the illumination before actually taking the picture (Modeling illuminator)

Press the Modeling illuminator button and 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.

• The flash fires as a Modeling illuminator for a maximum of approx. 3 sec. while the

Modeling illuminator button is pressed.

• This function operates only after the ready-light comes on.

Modeling illuminator with cameras attached

When the Modeling illuminator button on the SB-800 or the one on the

compatible camera is pressed, the Modeling illuminator fires.

For details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

Modeling illuminator in the Advanced Wireless Lighting

mode (p. 76) (Available with cameras compatible with CLS)

When the Modeling illuminator button on the master flash unit is pressed, the

Modeling illuminator of the highlighted master unit or grouped remote flash

units fire.

• If the master flash unit and grouped remote flash units are not highlighted, the Modeling

illuminator of the master flash unit only fires (except when the master flash unit’s flash

firing is set to canceled.)

When the Modeling illuminator button on the camera is pressed, the Modeling

illuminator of the master flash unit and all other remote flash units fire.

• Both the master and remote flash units fire at the flash output level compensation value

as set.

Modeling illuminator in SU-4 type wireless multiple flash

operation (p. 84)

When the Modeling illuminator button on the master flash unit or the one on the

camera is pressed, the Modeling illuminator of the master unit only fires.

• When the SB-800 is set as a remote flash unit, the Modeling illuminator does not fire

even when the Modeling illuminator button is pressed.

Custom functions

The SB-800 can easily set, activate, or cancel various operations using the

Custom settings as shown below. Icons appearing on the LCD panel vary

depending on the settings and the camera/lens combinations. No icon appears

when the settings are not available.

For details on setting custom functions, see “Custom settings” (p. 68).

Available Custom functions and the icons

ISO sensitivity (p. 24)

Wireless flash mode (p. 72)

Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode

(p. 89)

Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38)

Standby function (p. 21)

Selecting the distance unit of measure

(m, ft)

Power zoom function (p. 26)

Power zoom function using the built-in wide-

flash adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome (p. 27)

LCD panel illuminator (p. 119)

LCD panel brightness (p. 119)

Wide-area AF-Assist Illuminator (p. 62)

Canceling flash firing (p. 62)

Custom settings

Setting Custom functions

Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display

the Custom settings mode.

Press the e or f button and c or d button on

the Multi Selector to choose the desired custom

functions to be set, then press the g button.

Press the e or f button to highlight the

preferred setting.

• Press the c or d button to adjust the “LCD panel

brightness”

Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. or press

the b button to return to the normal setting

mode.

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 f

button increases or decrease the value in increments of 1/3 step. Pressing

the e or f button continuously increases or decreases the value quickly.

• 100

Wireless flash mode (p. 72)

Setting the flash mode in wireless multiple flash photography.

• OFF

• MASTER

: Canceled

: Master flash unit in the Advanced Wireless

Lighting mode

• MASTER (RPT) : Master flash unit in the Advanced Wireless

Lighting mode (in Repeating flash)

: Remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless

Lighting mode

• REMOTE

• SU-4

: SU-4 type wireless flash mode

Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode (p. 89)

When the SB-800 is used as a wireless remote flash unit, you can activate

or cancel the sound monitor function.

• ON : Sound on

• OFF : Sound off

Non-TTL auto flash mode (p. 38)

Setting the Non-TTL auto flash mode.

• AA : Auto Aperture flash

• A

: Non-TTL auto flash

Standby function (p. 21)

Adjusting the time before the standby function is activated.

• AUTO : With a camera body that is compatible with TTL auto flash (p. 8),

the SB-800 turns off when the camera’s exposure meter turns off.

• 40

• 80

: 40 sec.

: 80 sec.

• 160 : 160 sec.

• 300 : 300 sec.

• - - - : Standby function canceled

Custom settings

Selecting the distance unit of measure (m, ft)

Setting the distance unit of measure on the LCD panel to either

meters “m” or feet “ft”.

• m: meters

• ft : feet

Power zoom function (p. 26)

Setting to activate or cancel the power zoom function, which adjusts the

zoom-head position automatically.

• OFF : Activated

• ON : Canceled

Power zoom function using the built-in wide-flash

adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome (p. 27)

Setting to activate or cancel the power zoom function using the built-in

wide-flash adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome. The same is true when using

the built-in wide-flash adapter. When set to ON, the zoom-head position

display is framed.

• OFF : Canceled

• ON : Activated

LCD panel illuminator (p. 119)

Setting the LCD panel illuminator to turn on or off.

• ON : Turn on

• OFF : Turn off

LCD panel brightness (p. 119)

Adjusting the brightness of the LCD panel. Available brightness levels are

graphically displayed in 9 steps on the LCD panel. Press the c or d

button to adjust the brightness.

Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator (p. 62)

Setting to activate or cancel the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator.

• ON : Activated (AF-ILL appears on the LCD panel)

• OFF : Canceled (NO AF-ILL appears on the LCD panel)

Canceling flash firing (p. 62)

Setting to activate or cancel flash firing of the SB-800. When it is set to

OFF, the SB-800 does not fire but the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator

still comes on.

• ON : Firing activated

• OFF : Firing canceled (AF-ILL ONLY appears on the LCD panel)

Advanced operations

Information on advanced flash shooting

techniques using the SB-800 is described in

this section.

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

operation

Usable cameras

Usable Speedlights

Advanced Wireless

Lighting (p. 76)

Cameras compatible Only those featuring CLS such

with CLS

as SB-800 for both the master

and remote flash units.

SU-4 type wireless

multiple flash

(p. 84)

No limitation

Master flash unit: Speedlights

compatible with wireless flash

operation, those compatible

with the TTL mode, or the built-

in Speedlights on cameras so

equipped.

Remote flash unit: Except the

SB-23, all Speedlights

compatible with wireless flash

operation or those connected

to the optional Wireless Slave

Flash Controller SU-4.

Multiple flash

No limitation

Speedlights compatible with

the TTL mode.

operation using cords (TTL multiple flash

(p. 90)

operation is not

possible with digital

SLRs.)

• Speedligthts SB-11, SB-14,

SB-140, and SB-21B cannot

be used with the F-401/

N4004 or F-410s/N4004s as

either master or remote flash

units.

• It’s not possible to use different types of multiple flash operations together.

• Wireless multiple flash operation using Speedlights compatible with CLS is called

“Advanced Wireless Lighting”.

For cameras compatible with CLS and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, set the

master flash unit’s flash mode to Auto Aperture B flash or Non-TTL auto A flash in

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash operation. In multiple flash operation using cords,

multiple flash shooting in M (manual) mode only is possible.

t 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 TTL 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.

Be sure to cancel Monitor Preflashes (in TTL multiple flash operation)

In SU-4 type wireless multiple flash and multiple flash using cords, cancel the

Monitor Preflashes of the master flash unit following one of the methods

described below, since Monitor Preflashes cause incorrect exposure.

SB-800

1 Set the SU-4 type wireless multiple flash

mode

SB-80DX/SB-50DX

1 Set the wireless flash mode.

2 Set the flash mode to Standard TTL flash.

3 Tilt the flash head up.

4 Use a non-CPU lens.

SB-28/SB-28DX, SB-27,

SB-26, SB-25

1 Set the flash mode to Standard TTL flash.

2 Tilt the flash head up.

3 Use a non-CPU lens.

Built-in Speedlight

(F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/

N75-Series, F70-Series/N70)

1 Set the exposure mode to Manual.

Notes on performing multiple flash (common to both wireless and wired operation)

• 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.

• 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,

using the Custom settings.

• The SB-800’s and SB-80DX’s standby function is canceled while the SB-50DX’s standby

duration is prolonged to approx. one hour when they are set to the wireless remote flash

mode.

• 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 24mm, except when the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached.)

Remember, the closer the subject, the wider the angle of coverage required.

• The brightness 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 1m (3.3 ft.), and Speedlight B is 2m (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.

Wireless multiple flash shooting

Read the following when setting up the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in the

Advanced Wireless Lighting and SU-4 type wireless multiple flash modes.

Speedlight and camera placement

Set up the camera, master flash unit, and remote flash units as shown in the

figure below.

Be sure to direct the light sensor window of

the remote flash unit toward the master flash.

Group C

Less than approx.

10m (33 ft.)

Less than approx. 5m (16 ft.)

Within 30°

Group B

Master flash unit

Within 30°

Less than approx. 5m (16 ft.)

Group A

Notes on flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting.

• The effective shooting distance between the master and remote flash unit is 7m (23 ft.)

or less.

• Be sure to place all remote flash units that are within the same group together.

v Setting up the master and remote flash units.

• In most cases, position the remote flash unit(s) closer to the subject than the camera,

so that 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 Non-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. Practically, the number of remote flash units

in Advanced Wireless Lighting should be limited to three for one group.

• 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).

Using the Speedlight Stand

Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-19 for stable placement of the remote

flash units.

• 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. 90).

Speedlight mounting shoes

for the SB-15 and SB-27

Speedlight mounting shoe

(for all Speedlights except

the SB-15 and SB-27)

Tripod socket

Setup example using the SB-27

Attachment to the Speedlight Stand

Attach the SB-800 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 camera.

t To prevent the remote flash units from firing accidentally

• 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.

• If you are holding the remote flash unit in your hand, press

the Modeling illuminator button/Wireless remote flash cancel

button on the SB-800 to avoid accidental firing in sync with

other Speedlights. The SB-800 will not fire, while this button

is pressed.

Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting

When 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 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.

Setting the SB-800 to Advanced Wireless Lighting

You can set the SB-800 to Advanced Wireless Lighting using Custom settings

(p. 67).

Select “MASTER” to set the SB-800 as the master flash unit in the Custom

settings mode.

• Select “MASTER(RPT) in Repeating flash operation.

• The indicator O appears on the LCD panel.

Select “REMOTE” to set the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in the Custom

settings mode.

• The indicator P appears on the LCD panel.

Settings in the Advanced Wireless Lighting

In this mode, set the following items on either the master flash unit or the

remote flash units.

Item

Speedlight to be set

Remarks

Flash mode

Master flash unit

The following five flash modes are available:

: i-TTL mode

B(A) : Auto Aperture flash (Non-TTL auto flash) *

- - -

: Manual flash

: Repeating flash

: Flash canceled

Set the flash mode of the remote flash units on the master

flash unit.

The flash mode can be set independently on the master flash

unit and for each group of remote flash units* .

Flash output level Master flash unit

compensation

Flash output level compensation values of the remote flash

units can also be set on the master flash unit. The flash output

level compensation values can be set independently on the

master flash unit and for each group of remote flash units.

Communication

Master and remote flash

units

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

channel*

Group name

Remote flash units

A maximum of 3 groups (A, B, C)

*1 Auto Aperture flash is automatically set when a CPU lens is mounted on cameras

compatible with CLS. However, Non-TTL auto flash is set when a non-CPU lens is

mounted or Non-TTL auto flash is selected using Custom settings.

*2 If Repeating flash has been set on the master flash unit, either the Repeating flash

mode or Flash canceled mode can be set on the remote flash units.

*3 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.

Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting

Setting the flash mode, flash output level compensation

values, and channel number on the master flash unit.

Press the g button on the master flash unit to

highlight “M”, then press the a button to

choose the desired flash mode.

Press the e or f button to increase or decrease

the flash output level compensation values.

• Compensation values can be set in 1/3 steps from

–3.0 to +3.0 EV.

• The flash output level can be set from M1/1 to M1/128

in the Manual G mode.

Press the g button to highlight “A”, then press

the a button to set the flash mode on the

remote flash unit within group A.

• If the master unit’s flash mode has been set to

Repeating flash, the Repeating flash or Flash

canceled mode can be set on the remote flash unit.

Following step 2 above, set the flash output level

compensation values on the remote flash unit

within group A.

As in steps 3 and 4, set the flash mode and flash

output level compensation values on the remote

flash units within groups B and C.

Press the g button on the master flash unit to

highlight the channel number, then press the e

or f button to set the channel number.

Setting a group and channel number on the remote flash units

Press the g button on the remote flash unit to

highlight the channel number, then press the e

or f button to set the channel number.

• Be sure to choose the same channel number as set

on the master flash unit.

Press the g button on the remote flash unit to

highlight the group, then press the e or f

button to set the group.

• 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.

Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting

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 feeling of a fireplace.

Shooting data

• Camera:

D2H

• Focal length: 25mm

Remote flash

unit A

• Master flash

unit M:

SB-800 (D, +1/3 flash

output level

compensation)

• Remote flash

unit A:

SB-800 (D, +1/3 flash

output level

Remote flash

unit B

compensation)

• Remote flash

unit B:

SB-800 (G, +1/16 flash

output level)

Master flash

unit M

For more details regarding the above example, see the separate booklet, “Enter the

exciting world of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with the SB-800.”

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A).

Set the wireless flash mode of the on-camera

SB-800 to MASTER using Custom Settings

(p. 67).

Press the g button on the master flash unit to

highlight “M”, then press the a button to

choose D.

Press the e button on the master flash unit to

set the flash output compensation value to +0.3.

Press the g button on the master flash unit to

highlight “A”, then press the a button to set

the flash mode to D on the remote flash unit A.

Likewise, press the e button on the master flash

unit to set the flash output level compensation

value to +0.3 on the remote flash unit A.

Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting

Press the g button on the master flash unit to

highlight “B”, then press the a button to set

the flash mode to G on the remote flash

unit B.

Likewise, press the f button on the master flash

unit to set the flash output level to 1/16 on the

remote flash unit B.

Press the g button on the master flash unit to

highlight the channel number, then press the e

or f button to set the channel number to 1.

Set up remote flash units A and B. Turn the power

10 _{on, then confirm that the ready-lights}

come on.

• Use a tripod or the Speedlight Stand AS-19 for

placement of the remote flash units (p. 75).

Set the remote flash units A and B to REMOTE.

Set the channel number of the remote flash units

12 _{A and B to 1.}

• Be sure to choose the same channel number as set

on the master flash unit.

Set the group of the remote flash units A

13 _{and B.}

• Set the remote flash unit A to group A and the remote

flash unit B to group B.

Confirm that all the ready-lights of the master

14 _{and remote flash units are on, then press the}

FLASH button on the master flash unit to test

fire the units.

• The master flash unit fires first, then the remote flash

units in group A 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. 66).

Finally confirm the aperture and flash shooting

15 _{distance just as in TTL flash shooting, then shoot.}

• Refer to page 17 for TTL flash shooting.

• Flash operation can be confirmed by the ready-light

or the beeping sound (p. 89).

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash can be performed in two ways: (1) In the A

(auto) mode, in which the wireless remote flash units start and stop firing in

sync with the master Speedlight, and (2) in the M (manual) mode, in which the

wireless remote flash units only start firing in sync with the master Speedlight.

• Speedlights featuring wireless multiple flash capability can be used either as the master

or remote flash unit.

• Speedlights compatible with TTL auto flash can be used as the master flash unit. The

optional Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 is necessary when you want to use these

Speedlights as remote flash units. The one exception is the SB-23.

• The camera’s built-in Speedlight can also be used as a master flash unit.

• There is no limitation in usable cameras.

Setting the SB-800 to SU-4 type wireless multiple flash

To perform SU-4 type wireless multiple flash, set the wireless flash mode to

“SU-4” using Custom settings (p. 67).

Master flash and remote flash units

• First, set the SB-800’s wireless multiple flash mode to “SU-4” using the Custom settings,

then attach the SB-800 to the camera. The indicator O appears on the LCD panel

telling you that the SB-800 is set as a master flash unit. If you detach the SB-800 from

the camera, the indicator automatically changes to P signifying that the SB-800 is set

as a remote flash unit.

Notes on the master flash unit

• When the SB-800 is set as the master flash unit, Monitor Preflashes are canceled. For

other Speedlights, be sure to cancel the master flash unit’s Monitor Preflashes.

• The following flash modes are recommended for the master flash unit.

Master flash unit’s flash mode

Camera group

Recommended flash mode

Icons displayed

All icons

Non-TTL auto flash mode (B or

Cameras compatible

with CLS

TTL mode is not possible although All icons

icons are displayed.

Digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS

All icons

Cameras in Groups I

to VI

TTL mode

Setting the flash mode on the remote flash units

Detach the SB-800, which is already set to the

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash mode, from the

camera body.

The flash mode on the remote flash unit toggles

between PA (auto) and PM (manual) every

time you press the a button.

A (auto) mode

• In the A (auto) mode, the remote flash units start and stop firing in sync with the master

flash unit.

• The maximum shooting distance of the SB-800’s light sensor is approx. 7m (23 ft.).

M (manual) mode

• In the M (manual) mode, the remote flash units only start firing in sync with the master

flash unit.

• The maximum shooting distance of the SB-800’s light sensor is approx. 40m (131 ft.).

• The flash output level can be set from M1/1 to M1/128.

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting

Wireless multiple flash shooting in the A (auto) mode

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set up all Speedlights as the master and remote

flash units.

Set the wireless flash mode of all SB-800’s used

as master and remote flash units to “SU-4.”

Press the a button on the remote flash unit

to activate the A mode.

Set the flash mode of the master flash unit to the

D mode.

• With Nikon digital SLRs not compatible with CLS,

set the flash mode to Auto Aperture or Non-TTL

auto flash.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as

in normal TTL auto flash photography, then shoot.

• See page 17 for more information on the TTL auto

flash mode.

• See pages 38 and 40 concerning use of Auto

Aperture or Non-TTL auto flash with digital SLRs not

compatible with CLS.

• Flash operation can be confirmed by the ready-light

or the beeping sound (p. 89).

Wireless multiple flash shooting in the M (manual) mode

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set up all Speedlights as the master and remote

flash units.

Set the wireless flash mode of all SB-800’s used

as the master and remote flash units to “SU-4.”

Press the a button on the remote flash unit

to activate the w (manual) mode.

Set the flash mode of the master flash unit to

Manual flash.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance

as in normal Manual flash shooting, then shoot.

• See page 46 for more information on Manual flash.

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting

Adjusting the flash output level of the remote flash units in the w (manual) mode.

Adjusting the flash output level manually

Use the following equation to determine the proper manual flash output level of

the remote flash unit, depending on your creative preferences.

GN = F x D

where GN is the guide number of the remote flash unit (in meters/feet), F is the

lens aperture in use, and D is the distance between the remote flash unit and

the subject (in meters/feet).

For example, with the SB-800’s zoom-head position adjusted to 28mm when using an

ISO sensitivity of 100 if a lens aperture (F) of f/4 is used and the subject distance (D) is

2m (6.6 ft.) away, then shooting a subject at a distance of 2m (6.6 ft.), and a lens aperture

of f/4, then

GN (in meters)= 4 x 2 = 8

GN (in feet)= 4 x 6.6 = approx. 26

Therefore, to get the correct exposure, refer to the Guide Number table (p. 42) and adjust

the flash output level to M1/16.

• Refer to “Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode” (p. 42).

Adjusting the flash output level in Non-TTL auto flash (A); applicable when

using a Speedlight compatible with Non-TTL auto flash mounted on the

SU-4 as a remote flash unit

Non-TTL auto flash (A) can also be selected on the remote flash unit. In this

case, the remote flash unit controls the flash output based on the aperture and

ISO sensitivity set on the remote flash unit, and automatically stops firing in

sync with the master flash unit (p. 40).

Set the same ISO sensitivity on the remote flash unit as set on your

camera.

Set the same aperture on both the lens and the remote flash unit to obtain

the correct exposure.

• Depending on your creative preferences, you can intentionally overexpose or

underexpose the picture by modifying the aperture.

• The above setting is applicable ONLY when both the master and remote flash units

are pointed in the same direction.

• Refer to “Setting apertures in Non-TTL auto flash operation” (p. 41) for more details.

Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the ready-light or the beeping sound

You can confirm wireless multiple flash operation by checking the ready-light

on the SB-800 or the beeping sound during and after shooting.

Activating and canceling the SB-800’s beeping sound

in the wireless flash mode

When the SB-800 is used as a wireless remote flash unit, you can monitor its

operation by listening to the beeping sound (p. 67). This function can be

activated or canceled using the Custom settings.

Confirming flash operation using the ready-light or beeping sound

Master flash

unit

Remote flash unit

Speedlight condition

Ready-light Ready-light

Beeping

sound

Lights up

One beep

Ready to fire

Lights up or Two beeps

does not

come on

Lights up or

does not

come on

Fired properly

(not blinking)

Blinks for

approx. 3

sec.

Blinks for

approx. 3

sec.

Beeps for

approx. 3

sec.

Both the master and remote flash units have

fired at full output and light may have been

insufficient for correct exposure. Use a

wider aperture and reshoot.

Lights up or Blinks for

Beeps for

approx. 3

sec.

The remote flash unit has fired at full output

and light may have been insufficient for

correct exposure. The light sensor could

not detect when to stop 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 sensor window.

Change the direction or position of the

remote flash unit and reshoot.

does not

come on

approx. 3

sec.

(not blinking)

Multiple flash shooting using cords

The 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 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.

• 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.

The maximum number of flash units to be connected using cords

• 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.).

• 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).

• If 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

Coefficient

SB-800, 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

SB-22

SB-20

Notes on multiple flash shooting using cords

• Be sure to see the instruction manuals of your cameras, Speedlights, and accessories.

• Refer to “System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords” (p. 94) and your

cameras and Speedlights instruction manuals for proper connection.

• Use the optional TTL Remote Cords SC-27, SC-26, SC-19 or SC-18 to connect the

SB-800 to more than one remote flash unit.

• Use the optional Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10, if the remote flash units are not equipped

with multiple flash terminals.

• Use the optional Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 to attach the remote flash unit(s) to a tripod.

• Be sure to cancel the master flash unit’s Monitor Preflashes.

• 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.

Multiple flash shooting using cords

TTL multiple flash (not possible with cameras compatible with CLS

and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS)

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Attach the master flash unit to the camera, turn

the power on, and set the flash mode to TTL

auto flash.

• A flash mode, in which Monitor preflashes are fired,

cannot be used.

When using either the optional TTL Multi-Flash

Sync Cord SC-27,SC-26, SC-19 or SC-18, turn

off all flash units before connecting the master

flash unit to the remote flash units.

Turn on all remote flash units and set the flash

mode on all remote flash unit to TTL auto flash.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance

as in normal TTL auto flash shooting, then shoot.

• See page 17 concerning the TTL auto flash mode.

• When the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on

the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate,

use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject

and reshoot.

Manual multiple flash

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Turn off the power and attach the master flash

unit to the camera.

Connect the sync terminal on the master flash

unit to the remote flash unit using the optional

Sync Cord SC-11 or SC-15.

Turn on the power of all flash units and set the

flash mode on all units to Manual flash.

• The flash output level can be adjusted on the SB-800,

SB-80DX, SB-28, and so forth, if necessary (p. 43).

• Repeating flash is not possible.

Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance

as in normal Manual flash shooting, then shoot.

• See page 46 for more information about the Manual

flash mode.

System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords

• 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

Group I

SB-14

SB-140

SB-11

F5 (with DA-30/DP-30)

F100

SC-23

F90X/N90s

F90-Series/N90

F80-Series/N80-Series

F75-Series/N75-Series

F70-Series/N70

SB-21B

F5 (with DW-30/DW-31)

SC-24

Group II

F4-Series

SB-15

SB-20

SB-22 SB-22s SB-23 SB-27 SB-30 SB-50DX

(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-24 SB-25 SB-26

SB-29/29s

SB-80DX SB-800

SB-16B

SB-28/

28DX

Group III

F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000

SC-17/

28/29

Group IV

F60-Series/N60

F50-Series/N50

F-401^X/N5005

SB-16A SB-17

SB-21A

Group V

F-501/N2020,

F-401s/N4004s,

F-401/N4004

F-301/N2000

Group VI

FM3A, FA, FE2, FG

Nikonos V

V-type Sync Cord

SC-14

Items marked

connected to item

on page 94 are

on page 95.

Group VII

F3-Series

AS-17

Remote flash unit

SB-29/29s

SB-800

SB-16B

SB-24 SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/28DX

SB-80DX

AS-10

SB-14

SB-11

SB-140

SC-23

SC-18/26

SC-19/27

SC-18/26

(1.5m)

SC-19/27

(3m)

AS-10

SB-15 SB-20 SB-21B

SB-22 SB-22s SB-27 SB-30

SB-29/29s

SB-28/

28DX

SB-800

SB-16B SB-24 SB-25 SB-26

SB-80DX

AS-10

SB-16A

AS-11

SB-17

SB-21A

SC-18/26

SC-19/27

Using SC-18/26 or

SC-19/27, up to five

flash units can be

used for multiple flash

photography at a total

cable length of 10m

(33 ft.).

AS-11

Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras using

Supplied with the SB-800, the Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800 includes two filters:

the FL-G1 for taking flash pictures under fluorescent light and the TN-A1 for

use with incandescent/tungsten light.

• Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 is also available as an option (p. 112).

Using colored gel filters with digital cameras

Purpose

Gel filter

Adjust the camera’s white

balance to:

Balances the color of light from FL-G1

the flash to match that of

fluorescent light

Fluorescent

Incandescent

Flash

Balances the color of light from TN-A1

the flash to match that of

incandescent or tungsten light

Creates interesting effects by

changing the light from the

flash to a different color

Optional color gel

filters

Balancing light from the flash

With digital cameras, if you shoot flash pictures under fluorescent 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 “Fluorescent.” Follow a similar procedure when shooting flash

pictures under incandescent/tungsten illumination using the TN-A1 filter. In this

case, set the white balance to “Incandescent.”

• Available with digital cameras featuring white balance. You cannot set the white balance

on the SB-800. Choose an appropriate white balance setting on your digital camera. For

more details, see your camera’s instruction manual.

• When using tungsten film with a film-based camera, use the TN-A1 (for

incandescent/tungsten light) filter for more effective results.

vNotes on using colored gel filters

• These filters are consumable items. When they extremely fade in color or deteriorate,

purchase optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1.

• Colored gel filters may become deformed due to the heat generated from the flash

head. However, this will not affect their performance. When taking pictures using

repeating flash, do not use these filters, because they may become deformed quickly

due to the heat.

• There is no difference between the front and back of colored gel filters. Even though

they may be curled, this will not affect their performance. Likewise, scratches on these

filters will have no effect on performance.

• The amount of exposure compensation printed on each filter is provided as a guide only.

Be sure to make test shots to determine the actual amount of compensation required.

• To remove dust or dirt, wipe the filter lightly with a soft, clean cloth.

colored gel filters

How to use colored gels

Fold the colored gel filter securely on the line.

Insert the colored gel filter between the wide-flash

adapter and the flash head.

Adjust the white balance setting on your digital

camera, then shoot.

u Optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1

The optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 contains a total of 20 filters in 8 models

of colored gels for balancing the color of light or adding specific colors to the

scene using a Speedlight (p. 112).

• FL-G1 (for fluorescent light)

• TN-A1 (for incandescent/tungsten light)

• BLUE • YELLOW

• FL-G2 (for fluorescent light)

• TN-A2 (for incandescent/tungsten light)

• RED • AMBER

• With the last four filters, adjust your digital camera’s white balance (if available) to

“Flash” for the most effective results.

Bounce flash operation

With the SB-800 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. Also, you can soften the shadows even more by

using the Nikon Diffusion Dome.

Bounce flash

Shooting data:

Normal flash

Shooting data:

• Camera:

D2H

60mm

SB-800 set to D

f/8

• Camera:

D2H

60mm

SB-800 set to D

f/9

• Focal length:

• Speedlight:

• Aperture:

• Focal length:

• Speedlight:

• Aperture:

• Shooting distance:Approx. 4m (13.1 ft.) • Shooting distance: Approx. 4m (13.1 ft.)

For more details on the above example, see the separate booklet, “Enter the exciting

world of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with the SB-800.”

Tilting the flash head

For effective bounce flash off the

ceiling, tilt the flash head up at least

90゜

50゜

50°. Also, make sure that the light

from the flash head does not directly

illuminate the subject.

• Optimum results are obtained when the

flash head is positioned 1–2m (3.3–6.6 ft.)

from the reflecting surface.

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set the camera’s metering system to Matrix

Metering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W.

Set the flash mode to TTL or Auto Aperture or

Non-TTL auto flash.

Set the camera’s aperture.

• Refer to page 100 for setting the aperture.

Adjust the flash head.

Make sure that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

• When the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on

the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate,

use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject

and reshoot.

Bounce flash operation

Setting the aperture

In bounce flash, there is a light loss of 2–3 stops when compared with normal

flash photography. Therefore, you should use a wider aperture. When the flash

head is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front position, the flash shooting

distance range indicator on the SB-800 disappears. To ensure correct

exposure, first confirm the flash shooting distance range and aperture with the

flash head in the normal position. Next, set this aperture on the camera, then

adjust the flash head to the appropriate bounce position.

• In Non-TTL auto flash operation, set the same aperture on the SB-800.

Setting the flash head

As shown in the illustrations, tilt or rotate the SB-800’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

90゜

75゜

60゜

The SB-800’s flash head tilts up 90° and down –7°,

and rotates horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to

the right.

• Set the flash head at a click stop at the angles shown.

• When taking close-up pictures with flash, tilt the flash

head down to the –7° position (p. 102).

45゜

0゜

7゜

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.

0゜

゜

1 8 0

100

u Using the built-in bounce card

In bounce flash photography, use the SB-800’s built-in bounce card to create a

highlight in the subject’s eyes, making the eyes look more vibrant.

• As shown in the illustrations, pull out the wide-flash adapter and while holding the

bounce card, slide the wide-flash adapter back into place inside the flash head.

• Tilt the flash head up 90° to use this feature most effectively.

u Shooting with the Nikon Diffusion Dome

By attaching the provided Nikon Diffusion Dome over the flash head, you can

diffuse the light even more when doing bounce flash, creating extremely soft

light with virtually no shadows. With the camera in either the horizontal or

vertical position, you get the same effect.

• Good results are generally obtained when the flash head is tilted up 60°.

• Use of the built-in wide-flash adapter in conjunction with the Nikon Diffusion Dome

results in the maximum amount of diffused light (p. 104).

90°

50°

Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

Nikon Diffusion Dome not attached

Attach the Nikon Diffusion Dome as shown in

the illustration.

• The zoom-head position is automatically set at 14mm.

To adjust the zoom-head position automatically using

the power zoom function, go to the Custom settings

“Power zoom function using the built-in wide-flash

adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome” (p. 67).

101

Close-up flash operation

When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used, close-up flash shooting can be

performed. The built-in wide-flash adapter diffuses the light from the flash to

soften shadows. When the SB-800 is used off-camera, you can take more

natural-looking close-up pictures.

• Be sure to use the wide-flash adapter when taking close-up flash photographs.

• Be careful when using a long lens that the light from the flash is not obstructed by the

lens barrel.

• 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)

Flash shooting with one

camera-mounted flash unit

Shooting data:

• Camera:

• Focal length:

D2H

105mm

• Camera:

• Focal length:

D2H

105mm

• Master flash unit: SB-800 set to D

• Remote flash unit: SB-800 set to D

• Master flash unit: SB-800 set to D

• Aperture: f/10

• Aperture:

f/22

• Shooting distance: Approx. 1m (3.3 ft.)

Example of close-up shooting

with two flash units

Remote

flash unit

From the

top

Illumination from the side and top

provided by two flash units

emphasizes the small subject’s

contours. Bounced light from the

side softens the shadows.

Master

flash unit

For more details on the above example, see the separate booklet, “Enter the

exciting world of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System using the SB-800.”

102

Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-

Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M).

Set the camera’s metering system to Matrix

Metering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W.

Set the SB-800’s flash mode to TTL auto flash.

Position the built-in wide-flash adapter over the

flash head. Press the c or d button to adjust

the zoom-head position to 14mm or 17mm.

Tilt the flash head down to –7°.

• When the SB-800 is attached to the camera and used

as the only flash unit, this position is recommended to

ensure sufficient illumination of the lower portion of the

subject in close-up photography.

7°

• The dotted line below the underbar appears when the

flash head is tilted down to this position.

Confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.

• When the flash has fired at its maximum output and

underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on

the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate,

use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject

and reshoot.

103

Close-up flash operation

Setting the built-in wide-flash adapter and adjusting the

zoom-head position

Slowly pull out the wide-flash adapter all the way,

and position it over the flash head. Then slide the

bounce card back into place inside the flash

head.

Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom

head position to 14mm or 17mm.

• When the wide-flash adapter is set on the flash head,

the power zoom function becomes inactive and the

zoom-head position is adjusted to 14mm or 17mm. To

adjust the zoom-head position automatically using the

power zoom function, go to the Custom settings

“Power zoom function using the built-in wide-flash

adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome” (p. 67).

• To slide the wide-flash adapter back into place, lift it

and push it into the flash head as far as it will go.

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

100

200

400

800

1000

Coefficient (m/ft)

1.4/4.6 2/6.6

2/6.6

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 0.5m (1.6 ft.) away and

the wide-flash adapter in place, the suggested aperture is:

f/stop ͧ 2 ÷ 0.5 = 4 (in meters)

f/stop ͧ 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.

104

u When shooting subjects closer than 0.6m (2 ft.)

With the SB-800 attached to the camera, sufficient illumination of the subject

cannot be obtained. In this case, use the SB-800 off-camera by attaching the

optional TTL Remote Cord as shown below.

SC-28

• In Do flash operation where Monitor Preflashes are fired, when the SB-800 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-800 (B) at equal distances from the subject.

• 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.

105

Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL

High-Speed Flash sync mode (F5 only)

• The farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read on the

SB-800’s LCD panel. In this case, use the guide number table

and equation for calculating this 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

Zoom-head position (mm)

ISO

sensitivity

∗

14^∗³

3.5/11

5/16

7/23

9.8/32

14/46

17^∗³

3.5/11

5/16

105

2.5/8

3.6/12

5/16

7/23

10/33

3/10

4.3/14

6/20

8.4/28

12/39

5.5/18

7.8/26

11/36

6/20

7/23

8/26

9/30

9.5/31

10/33

8.5/28 9.9/32 11.4/37 12.8/42 13.5/44 14.2/47

12/39 14/46 16/52 18/59 19/62 20/66

100

200

400

800

7/23

9.8/32 15.4/51 16.8/55 19.6/64 22.4/73 25.2/83 26.6/87 28/92

14/46 22/72 24/79 28/92 32/105 36/118 38/125 40/131

14/46 16.8/55 19.6/64 19.6/64 30.8/101 33.6/110 39.2/129 44.8/147 50.4/165 53.2/174 56/184

∗

1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide-flash adapter in

place

∗

2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

3 With the wide-flash adapter in place

∗

• For example, when shooting with an ISO sensitivity of 100, at a 35mm

zoom-head position and an aperture of f/5.6:

D = 14 ÷ 5.6 (f/stop) = 2.5 (in meters)

(farthest flash shooting distance)

D = 46 ÷ 5.6 (f/stop) = 8.2 (in feet)

(farthest flash shooting distance)

106

Reference information

Optional accessories, Troubleshooting,

Speedlight care, Specifications, etc. are

presented here.

TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800

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-800’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.

• Refer to your camera’s instruction manual for specific information on camera settings

and functions.

Exposure mode

Metering system

Y : Matrix

W : Center-Weighted

X : Spot

P : Programmed Auto

S : Shutter-Priority Auto

A : Aperture-Priority Auto

M : Manual

TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

D E : Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with

TTL Multi Sensor

C D E : Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with

TTL Multi Sensor for Digital SLRs

C D F : Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital

SLRs

D F : Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-

Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash

: Standard TTL Flash

C D

: Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs

Cameras compatible with the TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode

Camera

Group

Camera

TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering

Lens

mode display mode

system

∗1

D1-Series

Do C D E

Do C D F

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens (D/G-type)

CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

Non-CPU lens

∗2

P/S/A/M YW

A/M

C D

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens

Digital

A/M

Non-CPU lens

SLRs not

compatible

with CLS

∗1

Do C D E

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens (D/G-type)

D100

∗2

Do C D E

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

C D

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens

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.

DE^∗2

DE^∗3

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens (D/G-type)

CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

Non-CPU lens

F100

P/S/A/M YW

A/M

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens

A/M

Non-CPU lens

F90X/N90s

F90-Series/

N90

DE^∗2

DE^∗3

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (D/G-type)^{∗ 1}

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (except for D/G-type)

A/M

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens^∗1

A/M Non-CPU lens

Non-CPU lens

F70-Series/

N70

∗1: The 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.

108

Camera

Group

Camera

TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering

mode display mode system

Lens

F80-Series/

N80-Series

DE^∗2

DE^∗3

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens (D/G-type)

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens (Non-D/G-type AF)

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens

Non-CPU lens^{∗ 1}

CPU lens (D/G-type)

CPU lens (Non-D/G-type AF)

CPU lens

DE^∗2

DE^∗3

P/S/A

P/S/A/M

F75-Series/

N75-Series

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

Do DF

Do D F

Do D F ^∗3

P/S/A/M

A/M

CPU lens^∗1

Non-CPU lens^∗2

CPU lens^∗1

P/S/A/M

A/M

Non-CPU lens

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens^∗1

A/M YWX Non-CPU lens

∗1: The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G-type lens.

∗2: AI-S, AI, Series E lens only usable. ∗3: Center-Weighted Fill-Flash is set.

F65-Series/

N65-Series

Do D F

P/S/A

CPU lens

P/S/A/M YW

CPU lens^∗1

Non-CPU lens^∗2

∗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 the aperture using the lens aperture ring.

F-801s/

N8008s

Do D F

Do D F ^∗3

P/S/A/M

P/S/A/M WX

A/M WX

CPU lens^∗1

CPU lens ^∗1/∗2

Non-CPU lens^∗2

F-801/

N8008

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens ^∗1/∗2

A/M

Non-CPU lens^∗2

∗1: The A and M exposure 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.

Pronea

600i/6i

Do D F

P/S/A/M

CPU lens

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens

Non

CPU lens^∗1

∗1: The camera’s exposure meter cannot be used. Set the aperture using the lens aperture ring.

109

TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800

Camera

Group

Camera

TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering

Lens

mode display mode

system

F-601/

N6006

P/S/A/M

CPU lens (except for G-type)^∗1

Non-CPU lens^∗1

P/S/A/M WX

A/M

P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (except for G-type)^∗2

A/M

Non-CPU lens^∗2

∗1: Only D appears on the SB-800’s LCD panel. Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash or Center-

Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is selected when F appears on the camera’s LCD panel.

∗2: Center-Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M.

III

F-601M/

N6000

P/S

A/M

P/S

A/M

CPU lens^∗1

Non-CPU lens^∗1

CPU lens

Non-CPU lens

∗

1: Only

appears on the SB-800’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/N60

F50-Series/N50

F-401x/N5005

F-501/N2020

F-301/N2000

D^∗1

D^∗2

P/S/A

CPU lens

CPU/non-CPU lens

D^∗3

CPU^∗4/non-CPU lens^∗5

CPU^∗4/non-CPU lens

A/M

∗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: AI-S, AI, Series E lenses only usable.

F-401s/N4004s

D^∗2

P/S

CPU lens

CPU lens^∗1

F-401/N4004

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

A/M

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens^∗1

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens^∗1/∗2

CPU (except G-type)/non-CPU lens^∗3

P/A/M

A/M

FE2

P/A/M

A/M

Nikonos V

F3-Series

A/M

∗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 FG and Nikonos V cameras.

∗2: An optional sync cord for land use is required.

∗3: Optional TTL Unit Coupler AS-17 is required.

110

Optional accessories

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-800 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.)

SC-29

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

for connecting the SB-800 to the multiple flash terminal of the

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

than three flash units together for TTL multiple flash operation,

or if the remote flash units are not equipped with multiple

flash terminals. The AS-10 comes with one tripod socket and

three TTL multiple flash terminals.

Sync Cord SC-11 (approx. 25 cm or 9.8 in.)

Sync Cord SC-15 (approx. 1 m or 3.3 ft)

Sync Cords SC-11 and SC-15 are handy when you want to

use the SB-800 off-camera or for use with cameras not having

accessory shoes. These cords also allow you to perform

multiple flash operation in the Manual mode.

Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15

The Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15 is necessary when

connecting the SB-800 to cameras not having a sync

terminal.

Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4

Useful for multiple flash photography, the SU-4 features a

built-in, movable light sensor and an accessory shoe for

attachment of a remote flash unit. The SU-4’s light sensor not

only triggers the remote unit to fire in sync with the master

unit, but controls the flash duration of the remote unit to

provide wireless TTL, Non-TTL, or Manual operation.

111

Optional accessories

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-800

featuring 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-800

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-800 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-800 to the multi-flash terminal of the

COOLPIX using the Multi-Flash Adapter AS-E900 (p. 34).

Other accessories

Speedlight Stand AS-19

Same as that provided with this SB-800.

Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1

A total of 20 filters in 8 models are provided.

Colored gel filters are consumable items and subject to a

gradual deterioration in color due to the heat generated when

the flash fires. Therefore, it is recommended to check and

replace these filters when necessary.

112

Using external power sources

Connecting to an external power source

To use an external power source, remove the cover

and connect its power cord to the SB-800’s external

power source terminal.

• Using external power sources made by another

manufacturer is not recommended.

Nikon DC Unit SD-7

Nikon High-Performance

Battery Pack SD-8A

Power Bracket Unit

SK-6

Specifications

Min. number of

flashes/recycling

time (approx.)

External power

source

Min. recycling

time (approx.)

Battery type required

DC Unit SD-7^∗1

C-type alkaline-manganese (x 6) 2.5 sec.

AA-type alkaline-manganese (x 6) 2.5 sec.

350 times/2.5-30 sec.

320 times/2.5-30 sec.

190 times/2-30 sec.

380 times/2-30 sec.

300 times/2-30 sec.

310 times/3.5-30 sec.

230 times/3-30 sec.

150 times/2.5-30 sec.

280 times/3-30 sec.

230 times/2.5-30 sec.

260 times/3.5-30 sec.

High-

AA-type NiCd (1000mAh) (x 6)

AA-type Nickel (x 6)

2 sec.

2.5 sec.

2 sec.

Performance

Battery Pack

SD-8A^∗2

AA-type Ni-MH (2000mA) (x 6)

AA-type lithium (x 6)^∗3

3.5 sec.

AA-type alkaline-manganese (x 4) 3 sec.

AA-type NiCd (1000mAh) (x 4)

AA-type Nickel (x 4)

2.5 sec.

3 sec.

Power Bracket

Unit SK-6^∗1

AA-type Ni-MH (2000mA) (x 4)

AA-type lithium (x 4)^∗3

2.5 sec.

3.5 sec.

∗

1 With AA-type alkaline-manganese batteries in the SB-800.

∗

2 With the same type of batteries in both the external power source and the SB-800.

∗

3 When fired at an interval of 120 seconds.

• The above data may vary due to variations in performance or whether fresh or old

batteries are used.

• In rare cases, when firing the modeling illuminator with the SD-8A or SK-6 attached, the

SB-800 may be powered by its own batteries, and the external power source does not

operate. This is not a malfunction.

113

Tips on Speedlight care

WARNING

Never use thinner, benzene, or other active agents for cleaning the

Speedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catch

on fire. Using these agents may also impair your health.

Cleaning

• Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-800 and clean it with a soft,

clean cloth. After using the SB-800 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.

• 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.

• Do not drop the SB-800 or hit it against a hard surface, as this may damage its precision

mechanisms. Do not apply strong pressure to the LCD panel.

Storage

• Store the SB-800 in a cool, dry place to prevent malfunctions due to high humidity, as

well as the growth of mold or mildew.

• Keep the SB-800 away from chemicals such as camphor or naphthalene. Avoid

exposing the SB-800 to magnetic waves from TVs or radios.

• Do not use or leave the SB-800 in locations subject to high temperatures such as those

encountered near a heater or stove, as this may cause damage.

• When not using the SB-800 for more than two weeks, be sure to remove the batteries to

prevent malfunctions due to battery leakage.

• Take the SB-800 out once a month, insert the batteries, and fire the unit several times to

reform the capacitor.

• When the SB-800 is stored together with a desiccant, change the desiccant occasionally

since it does not absorb moisture effectively after a while.

Operating location

• An extreme temperature change can cause condensation inside the SB-800. When

taking the SB-800 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-800 gradually to the outside temperature.

• Avoid exposing the SB-800 to strong magnetism or radio waves from TVs or high-

voltage power transmission towers, as this may cause it to malfunction.

114

Notes on batteries

Usable batteries

Use four (or five) AA-type batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types.

• High-power manganese batteries are not recommended.

• Using the Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800 (p. 64) or an external power source

(p. 113) increases the number of flashes and provides faster recycling times.

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.

• 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 instruction

manuals for your batteries and battery charger for detailed information on how

to handle and recharge the batteries.

To protect the earth’s environment, do not dispose

of used rechargeable batteries yourself. Instead,

take these batteries to your nearest recycling center.

Recycling

rechargeable

Li-ion batteries

Notes on handling 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.

• When replacing batteries, replace all four (or five) 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.

115

Troubleshooting

If a warning indication appears on the SB-800’s LCD panel or inside the

camera’s viewfinder, use the following chart to determine the cause of the

problem before you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair.

Problems with the SB-800

Ref.

page

Problem

Cause

The power cannot be turned on.

The ready-light does not light up.

The batteries are not correctly installed. p. 18

nBattery power is weak.

nThe standby function is activated

and operating.

p. 19

p. 21

p. 19

The power turns off automatically.

The batteries are extremely exhausted.

A strange sound can be heard caused

by the flash head zooming back and

forth even when the SB-800 is

turned off.

The batteries are extremely exhausted. p. 19

The flash head is adjusted to other than p. 23

the horizontal/front or down -7˚ position.

The flash shooting distance range

does not appear.

The camera’s exposure mode or

metering system is not correctly set or a

non-CPU lens is mounted.

p. 108

No D, or

in TTL auto flash mode.

indicator appears

The built-in wide-flash adapter is in use or p. 101

The zoom-head position cannot be

the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached.

p. 96

p. 12

p. 67

adjusted to other than 14mm or 17mm.

The SB-800 does not work when

control buttons (a button, e/f

button, or c/d button) and g button

are pressed.

Control buttons are locked.

Canceling flash firing is activated in the

Custom settings mode.

The SB-800 does not fire.

116

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.

• When the wide-flash adapter is broken off, it is no longer possible to set the zoom-head

position to other than 14mm or 17mm. To adjust the zoom-head position automatically

using the power zoom function, go to the Custom settings “Power zoom function using

the built-in wide-flash adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome” (p. 67).

Warning indications in the SB-800

Ref.

page

Problem

Cause

The ready-light blinks for 3 sec. after firing.

The underexposure indicator blinks and

the amount of underexposure is

displayed, depending on the camera

in use.

p. 33

p. 23

Underexposure may have occurred.

The dotted line below the underbar

appears.

The flash head is tilted down –7°.

The aperture indicator displays

The aperture on the lens is not set at its

—

“

FEE” and the shutter cannot be released. minimum.

Three beeps sound during wireless multiple The flash has fired at its maximum output

flash shooting. and under exposure may have occurred.

p. 89

117

Troubleshooting

Ready-light warning inside the camera’s viewfinder

Ref.

page

Problem

Cause

p. 22

Cameras in Groups I (except for F70-Series/N70) to VI and Digital SLRs cameras

The ready-light blinks when pressing

The SB-800 is not correctly attached

the shutter release button slightly in the to the camera.

TTL auto flash mode.

—

Cameras in Groups V and VI

The ready-light blinks when the power • The ISO sensitivity set on the camera

is turned on in TTL auto flash mode.

is higher than the available range of

the Speedlight.

• The ISO sensitivity set on the camera

is higher or lower than the available

range for the FA camera.

for the FA camera.

p. 110

—

Cameras in Group VI

The ready-light blinks in the TTL auto

flash mode.

The shutter speed is set to M90, M250,

or B (bulb).

FM3A, New FM2 cameras

The ready-light blinks.

The shutter speed set is faster than the

flash sync speed.

p. 110

New FM2, F55-Series/N55-Series cameras.

The ready-light blinks when the flash

mode is set to TTL auto flash.

The SB-800’s flash mode is set to TTL

auto flash.

Note

The SB-800 incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations. In rare cases, the

SB-800 may not work properly even after fresh batteries are properly installed. If this

happens, replace the batteries while the SB-800’s power is turned on.

Warning

• Batteries should not be exposed to excessive heat such as strong sunshine, a fire,

or the like.

• Dry batteries should never be recharged in a battery charger.

• Do not expose the SB-800 to water as this may result in an electric shock or cause

the unit to catch on fire.

118

About the LCD panel

Characteristics of the LCD panel

• Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the LCD display is difficult to read when

viewed from above. However, the display can be seen clearly from a somewhat lower

angle.

• The LCD display becomes darker at high temperatures (approx. 60°C/140°F), but

returns to normal at normal temperatures (20°C/68°F).

• The LCD’s response time slows down at low temperatures (approx. 5°C/41°F and

below), but returns to normal at normal temperatures (20°C/68°F).

Using the SB-800 in dim light

Press any button on the SB-800 to turn the illuminator on (when the SB-800

power is on), and it will remain lit for approx. 16 seconds.

• To cancel the LCD panel illumination, go to the Custom settings mode (p. 67) and

set it off.

• Even if the LCD panel illuminator is set to OFF, the SB-800’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.

Adjusting the LCD panel brightness

The brightness of the LCD panel can be adjusted in the Custom settings mode

for easier reading (p. 67).

Select “LCD” in the Custom settings mode, then

press the g button.

Press the c or d button to highlight the

desired brightness level.

• Available brightness levels are graphically

displayed in 9 steps on the LCD panel.

119

Specifications

Electronic

construction

Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT)

and series circuitry

Guide number (at 35mm 38/125 (ISO 100, m/ft), 53/174 (ISO 200, m/ft)

zoom-head position,

20°C/68°F)

Flash shooting distance 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) (varies depending on the

range (TTL auto flash/

Auto Aperture flash/

Non-TTL auto flash)

ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture

in use)

Flash exposure control

Indicator

Available flash mode Usable camera

i-TTL mode

D-TTL mode

Cameras compatible with CLS

Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS

TTL (film based) mode

Cameras in Groups I to VI (film based cameras)

o (appears Balanced Fill-Flash

with D)

Cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible

with CLS, cameras in Groups I to IV (No o appears with

cameras in Groups III to IV)

Auto Aperture flash

Non-TTL auto flash

Cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with

CLS, cameras in Groups I to II

No limitation

Distance-priority

manual flash

No limitation

Manual flash

Repeating flash

Other available functions Test firing, Monitor Preflashes, AF-assist

illuminator, and Modeling illuminator

Creative

Lighting

System

A variety of flash operations are available with camera’s

compatible with CLS: i-TTL mode, Advanced Wireless

Lighting, FV Lock flash, Flash color information

communication, Auto FP High-Speed sync, and Wide-area

AF-Assist Illuminator

Multiple flash

operation

Available multiple flash

Advanced Wireless Lighting

Usable camera

Cameras compatible with CLS

No limitation

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash

Multiple flash shooting using cords

No limitation

120

Flash exposure

control set on

the camera

Slow-sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction in

slow-sync, Rear-curtain sync flash, Auto FP High-Speed

sync, FV Lock flash

Angle of

coverage

Variable in 7 steps, plus three steps with wide-flash adapter

and Nikon Diffusion Dome

Angle of coverage

Zoom-head

position

Vertical

110°

100°

60°

53°

45°

34°

26°

Horizontal

120°

110°

78°

14mm ^∗

14mm

17mm

24mm

28mm

35mm

50mm

70mm

85mm

105mm

14mm^∗

17mm^∗

24mm

28mm

35mm

50mm

70mm

85mm

105mm

70°

60°

46°

36°

31°

27°

23°

20°

∗

¹With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached

²With the built-in wide-flash adapter set

∗

Bounce

capability

Flash head tilts down to –7° or up to 90° with click-stops at –7°,

0°, 45°, 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°

nPress the b button for approx. 0.3 sec. to turn the

SB-800 on or off.

nStandby function can be set.

ON/OFF button

Power source/ Four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of these

min. recycling types: Alkaline-manganese (1.5V), Lithium (1.5V), Nickel (1.5V),

time/no. of

NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2V), or Ni-MH (rechargeable, 1.2V)

flashes

(at M1/1 output)

Battery type

Min. recycling Min. number of flashes/

time (approx.)* recycling time (approx.)*

Alkaline-manganese

Lithium

6.0 sec.

7.5 sec.

6.0 sec.

4.0 sec.

130/6–30 sec.

170/7.5–30 sec.

140/6–30 sec.

90/4–30 sec.

Nickel

NiCd (1000mAh) (rechargeable)

Ni-MH (2000mA) (rechargeable)

150/4–30 sec.

With fresh batteries.

n M1/1 output without use of AF-assist illuminator, zoom operation,

and LCD panel illuminator.

121

Specifications

External power

sources

(optional)

External power source

DC Unit SD-7

Battery type

Six C-type alkaline-manganese

Six AA-type alkaline-manganese

High-Performance Battery

Pack SD-8A

Power Bracket Unit SK-6

Four AA-type alkaline-manganese

Ready-light

nLights up when the SB-800 is recycled and ready to fire.

Blinks for 3 sec. when flash fires at its maximum output, indicating

light may have been insufficient (in TTL Auto Flash, Auto Aperture

B Flash and Non-TTL Auto Flash A operations)

Flash

1/1050 sec. at M 1/1 (full) output

duration

(approx.)

1/1100 sec. at M 1/2 output

1/2700 sec. at M 1/4 output

1/5900 sec. at M 1/8 output

1/10900 sec. at M 1/16 output

1/17800 sec. at M 1/32 output

1/32300 sec. at M 1/64 output

1/41600 sec. at M 1/128 output

Mounting foot

lock lever

Provides secure attachment of SB-800 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, Auto Aperture flash modes and Distance-priority

manual flash

Custom

settings

By pressing the

and ef

buttons, the following

custom settings are possible: ISO sensitivity, Wireless flash

auto, Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode, Non-TTL auto

flash, Standby function, Selecting the distance unit (m, ft.),

Canceling power zoom function, Power zoom function using

the built-in wide-flash adapter/Nikon Diffusion Dome, LCD

panel illuminator, Brightness of the LCD panel, AF-assist

illuminator, and canceling flash firing.

Other

functions

Recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode,

Resetting the settings, Button lock

Built-in wide-

flash adapter

Allows SB-800 to be used with 14mm or 17mm lens

Dimensions

(W x H x D)

Approx. 70.5 x 129.5 x 93.0mm (2.8 x 5.1 x 3.7 in.)

122

Weight

(without batteries)

Approx. 350g (12.3 oz.)

Accessories

supplied

Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800, Speedlight Stand

AS-19, Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800, Nikon Diffusion Dome

SW-10H, External power source terminal cap,

Soft Case SS-800

These performance specifications are applicable when fresh batteries are used at normal

temperatures (20 °C/68 °F).

Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

123

Index

• Refer to the Speedlight parts and their functions (p. 10) and Icons on the LCD panel

(p. 13) for each part name and display indications.

Symbol

e/f button.............................................12

i-TTL mode ...............................................36

D-TTL mode .............................................36

D-type Nikkor lenses................................16

Default settings ..........................................6

Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS .......8

Distance-priority manual flash .................44

Dotted line below the underbar ...............23

AF-ILL.......................................................62

AF-ILL ONLY.............................................62

Accessories............................................111

Advanced Wireless Lighting ....................76

Aperture-priority auto exposure (A) .........29

Auto Aperture flash ..................................38

Auto FP High-Speed sync........................60

Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash .................37

Exposure compensation ..........................54

Exposure mode........................................28

External power source ...........................113

FLASH button...........................................12

FV Lock flash............................................61

Flash Color Information

Batteries ...........................................18, 115

Beyond the flash shooting distance

Communication......................................5

Flash head..............................................100

Flash head tilting/rotating lock

release button......................................22

Flash modes.............................................35

Flash output level...............................42, 48

Flash output level

compensation value.............................56

Flash shooting distance range.................31

Flash sync mode......................................32

Frequency ................................................48

Front-curtain sync ....................................32

range warning......................................45

Bounce flash operation............................98

Built-in wide-flash adapter .....................104

Button lock ...............................................12

CLS.............................................................5

COOLPIX..................................................34

CPU Nikkor lenses ...................................16

Camera groups ..........................................8

Canceling flash firing ...............................67

Channel....................................................78

Close-up flash operation........................102

Colored gel filters.....................................96

Communication channel ..........................77

Compatible with CLS .................................8

Continuous flash shooting........................51

Control button quick reference ................12

Control buttons.........................................12

Creative Lighting System ...........................5

Custom functions .....................................67

G-type Nikkor lenses................................16

Group .........................................................8

Guide number ..........................................42

Highlighted items .....................................15

124

ISO sensitivity...........................................24

ISO sensitivity factors...............................43

Icons.........................................................13

REMOTE...................................................72

Ready-light.........................................20, 33

Rear-curtain sync.....................................59

Red-eye reduction control........................58

Red-eye reduction with slow-sync

LCD panel illuminator.............................119

LCD panel ..............................................119

flash .....................................................58

Remote flash unit .....................................72

Repeating flash ........................................48

Reset ........................................................12

MASTER .............................................15, 72

MODE button............................................30

Manual exposure (M) mode.....................29

Manual flash.............................................46

Manual mode ...........................................42

Master flash unit.......................................72

Metering system.......................................28

Minimum recycling time ...........................19

Modeling illuminator.................................66

Monitor Preflashes....................................36

Mounting foot lock lever...........................22

Multi Selector............................................12

Multiple flash operation............................72

Multiple flash shooting using cords .........90

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash

shooting ...............................................84

Selecting the distance unit (m or ft.)........70

Shutter-priority auto exposure (S) ............29

Slow-sync flash mode..............................58

Soft Case....................................................6

Sound monitor..........................................89

Speedlight Stand......................................75

Speedlight parts and their functions........10

Standard TTL flash...................................37

Standby function ......................................21

Supplied accessories.................................6

NO AF-ILL ................................................62

Nikon Diffusion Dome.............................101

Non-CPU lenses.......................................16

Non-TTL auto flash...................................40

Non-TTL auto flash mode.........................38

Number of flashes..............................19, 48

TTL mode .................................................37

Test firing..................................................20

Underexposure value in the TTL

auto flash mode...................................33

Using the built-in bounce card ..............101

ON/OFF button.........................................12

Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator...............62

Wireless flash mode.................................69

Wireless master flash unit ........................72

Wireless multiple flash shooting...............72

Wireless remote flash...............................72

Power zoom function................................26

Programmed auto (P)...............................28

Quick Recycling Battery Pack .................64

Zoom-head position .................................26

125

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