Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

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Chapter 1 Main Features/Functions

FP High-Speed Sync Flash

TTL Multi-Sensor Automatic Balanced FillFlash with F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70
After you depress the shutter release button and prior to the shutter being activated, the SB-26 fires a series of nearly invisible preflash, or Monitor Preflash. These preflash are detected by the F5, F90X/N90s, F90Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70s TTL multi-sensor, analyzed for brightness and contrast, then integrated with distance information from the lens (D-type Nikkor) and other exposure control information for a balanced fill-flash exposure. 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash can be performed with any built-in metering system, and is most effectively used to achieve correct exposure in scenes that include: A mirror, white wall or other surface with extremely high reflectivity Obstacle(s) in front of subject you wish to avoid Sunlight Subject against an infinite background (empty sky, clouds, etc.) With non-D-type AF or AI-P Nikkor lenses, Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash will be performed. Although the TTL multi-sensor does not process distance information, the advanced sensor system generally provides superior results to Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. Standard TTL Flash It is possible to manually select a flash compensation level instead of having the computer do it automatically. Simply press the SB-26s button to cancel Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash. The cameras computer-controlled TTL flash sensor detects the total amount of light passing through the lens and reflected from the film surface. The system controls flash output so that the combination of ambient light and flash illumination will result in a correct exposure. Under bright-light conditions, the flash is automatically controlled to provide less light; under dim light conditions, it will produce more light. This system is not designed to automatically provide a balance between flash and ambient light; it is limited to efficient operation in dim-light conditions and is not recommended for use in very bright lighting conditions. This system does not directly link the ambient light meter and the flashs TTL meter. The SB-26 is capable of flash synchronization at shutter speeds of 1/250 sec. or faster when used with the F5, F90X/N90s and F90-Series/N90. Unlike other flash synchronization methods, the flash consecutively emits light at an extremely rapid cycle and exposure begins with the opening of the front (first) curtain and ends with the closing of the rear (second) curtain.
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash photography: particularly effective for subject standing against a shiny object.
FP High-Speed Sync Flash: Allows a wider aperture, thus, shallower depth of field for a blurred background.

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Rear-Curtain Sync Flash

Confirm indicator bars / appear in the flash shooting distance scale (LCD panel). Bars do not appear or will blink if the flash head is not set horizontal and straight ahead. If indicator bars do not appear in the LCD panel at all, check whether the camera is turned on. If it is, lightly press the shutter release button. If not, turn on the camera, then lightly press the shutter release button. Indicator bars appear for eight seconds once activated (they disappear after eight seconds). Lightly pressing the shutter release button causes the bars to reappear.

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Chapter 2 Adjustment Functions
Using LCD Panel For Shooting-Distance Computation
Note: All LCD (liquid crystal display) figures and marks do not appear simultaneously, as shown below. They are shown together for ease of explanation.
Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment)
Flash mode selector u for Non-TTL Auto Flash exposure control i for Manual Flash exposure control G for repeating flash p for TTL Auto Flash exposure control Exposure compensation indicator Underexposure indicator
Flash sync mode selector LCD panel
Flash mode indicator Wireless Slave Flash indicator Film speed/Repeating flash indicator Flash shooting distance scale Zoom-head position indicator
Confirming flash shooting distance is an indispensable step for successful flash photography. The SB-26 can be used to compute the appropriate distance range. An appropriate flash shooting distance is determined using the following variables: ISO FILM SPEED IN USE APERTURE VALUE ZOOM-HEAD POSITION Indicator bars / will appear to show a proper shooting distance range only after all those variables have been set in the LCD panel.
Exposure compensation/ underexposure value Red-eye reduction control indicator Light amount indicator
Automatic ISO film speed adjustment: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/ N8008s No manual adjustment is required with these camera models, because ISO speed of film in use is automatically set and indicated in the SB-26s LCD panel. When a film is not installed in the camera, ISO 100 is indicated. If no indication shows in the LCD panel, lightly press the cameras shutter release button.
Push button so a film speed number starts blinking beside the s indication in the LCD panel. Press adjustment button or to set the film speed.

Aperture indicator

M button

Zoom button

Illuminator button
Ready-light/open-flash button Adjustment buttons
Power switch Select button
Operation in Repeating G Flash Mode Setting of ISO film speed is not required. The repeating flash indicator appears in the place of the film speed indicator. For details, see pages 91 to 96. 27

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Chapter 2 Adjustment Functions Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment)
Automatic aperture adjustment: F5, F90X/ N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70Series/ N70, F4-Series, F-801/ N8008 or F-801s/N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU No manual adjustment is required with these camera/lens combinations, because the controlled aperture is automatically set and indicated in the SB-26s LCD panel (except in Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode).
Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment)
When the desired number appears, press button to complete setting. The indication will stop blinking. The film-speed indicator blinks during adjustment, and stops blinking after eight seconds unless an adjustment is made with an adjustment button. The last blinking number is automatically set in this case.
Push button so an aperture value number starts blinking beside the indication in the LCD panel. Press adjustment button or to set the aperture value. When camera is in programmed auto or shutter-priority exposure mode, be sure to use an aperture indicated in the cameras viewfinder (a controlled aperture). In general, first set the aperture on the camera, then use the same value for the SB-26.
When the desired number appears, press button to complete the setting. The indication will stop blinking. The aperture-value indicator blinks during adjustment, and stops blinking after eight seconds unless an adjustment is made with an adjustment button. The last blinking figure is automatically set in this case.
Press the button until the number in the LCD panel shows the focal length of the lens in use or shorter. When using a zoom lens other than AF Zoom Nikkor, set the shortest focal length of the lens to determine the zoom-head position that covers the full zoom length range.
Also, refer to page 143 on Angle of coverage, an angle which flash light can cover in a zoom-head position.

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Chapter 3
Automatic zoom-head position adjustment: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4Series, F-801/N8008, or F-801s/ N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU No manual adjustment is required with these camera/ lens combinations, because the SB-26 automatically adjusts the zoom-head position to provide an angle of coverage that matches the focal length of the lens in use. With an AF Nikkor lens of fixed focal length (including the latest D-Type), the zoom head automatically adjusts to the closest available wider focal length setting. With a zoom lens, the zoom head automatically adjusts within the limits of the available coverage (from 24mm to 85mm). You must set zoom-head position manually when using your camera with other lenses or to select a specifically desired position. For manual adjustment (with same camera/lens combinations as above) Press button until your desired zoom-head position appears in the LCD panel, and note the small m above the z (shown as ). Automatic adjustment will resume when the m disappears.

* Since TTL Auto Flash operation can be performed regardless of the flash sync mode selector setting, for simplicity, always leave the switch at this position.

3 ISO speed 8 Aperture

Set ISO speed of the film in use. Usable speeds are ISO 25 to ISO 1000. For instruction, see Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment), pages 27 to 28. Set the built-in zoom head position.
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Confirm exposure indicator LEDs (+, @, ) in the viewfinder appear, and make adjustments if necessary. Use the following chart to read LEDs.
Quick reference on the relationship between usable apertures and flash shooting distance Use table on page 146 in this instruction manual. 60 61

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Warning indications Selected Viewfinder exposure LED* mode No Programmed indication auto + or + @ Shutterpriority auto Status/cause Background is overexposed. OK: Background is correctly exposed Background is underexposed Background is overexposed OK: Background is correctly exposed Background is underexposed Background is overexposed OK: Background is correctly exposed Background is underexposed Troubleshooting Select faster shutter speed until only @ appears. Select slower shutter speed until only @ appears. Select smaller aperture until only @ appears. Select larger aperture until only @ appears. Select faster shutter speed or smaller aperture. Select slower shutter speed or larger aperture.
Guide to determining aperture Use these suggestions as a guide. To choose a suitable aperture, select aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode.
For F-50-Series/N50 (at ISO 100) For outdoor subjects on a sunny day For outdoor subjects on a cloudy day, in shadows For indoor subjects f/8 f/5.6 f/4

@ or

+ or + @ Aperturepriority auto

+ or + @ Manual

Set aperture in the SB-26s LCD panel*, then read the shooting distance range. For instruction, see Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. In aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode, set the aperture value that you have set on the camera (from step 6). In programmed auto or shutter-priority auto exposure mode, aperture is automatically controlled by the camera. Choose and set a value, using the Guide to determining aperture in the following page. Once aperture is set, indicator bars / show the shooting distance range.

* This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 9); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-26 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations a shot will be taken with the aperture set on the camera.
In programmed auto For subjects backlit by the sun For outdoor subjects on a sunny day For outdoor subjects on a cloudy day, in shadows, or for indoor subjects In shutter-priority auto For subjects backlit by the sun For outdoor subjects on a sunny day For outdoor subjects on a cloudy day in shadows For indoor subjects f/16 at 1/125 sec. f/8 at 1/125 sec. f/5.6 at 1/125 sec. f/5.6 at 1/30 sec f/16 f/8 f/5.6
Check whether subject falls within the range of the shooting distance indicator bars / in the SB-26s LCD panel. If not, move closer to subject or select a wider aperture (when aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode), then repeat steps 8 and 9.
*+@, @ or @ appears only with F-401x/N5005.

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TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users
The SB-26 lets you choose between Programmed TTL Auto Flash or Standard TTL Flash in TTL Auto flash mode. Use the charts at right to confirm available flash/exposure mode combinations. Programmed TTL Auto Flash By setting the cameras exposure mode to a programmed auto setting (either P DUAL , P or P HI ), you can choose Programmed TTL Auto Flash. In Programmed TTL Auto Flash, the camera automatically selects a shutter speed of 1/125 sec. and a controlled aperture that corresponds to the ISO speed of the film in use (see chart on page 68). Flash output is regulated by the Speedlight to ensure a correct subject exposure. This enables you to concentrate on picture composition without worrying about exposure settings (including aperture). You can also perform Standard TTL Flash with the camera set at aperture-priority auto (A) or manual exposure mode. In Standard TTL Flash, the Speedlight controls the flash output level to correctly expose the subject. Shutterspeed and/or aperture setting(s) can be selected by the user. TTL Auto flash mode H with F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000
Lens in Use 1) Cameras Exposure Mode Programmed auto (PDUAL, P or PHI) Aperture-priority auto (A) Manual (M) SB-26 Flash Programmed TTL Auto Flash

Set aperture in use.

For instruction, see Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. Shooting indicator bars / in the LCD panel move as the figure input changes. Determine approximate flash-shooting distance range by reading indicator bars.
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Confirm ready-light has come on and subject is in focus. Check if ready-light is on in cameras viewfinder g or on the SB-26.
Quick reference on relationship between usable apertures and flash shooting distance Use table on page 146 in this instruction manual. 78 79

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Non-TTL Auto Flash A Mode Shooting with Various Lens Apertures
To use various lens apertures for the same subject or when camera/lens combination is incompatible with TTL Auto Flash mode, set the SB-26s flash mode selector to u for Non-TTL Auto Flash operation. In Non-TTL Auto Flash shooting, light output automatically changes to match the flash-to-subject distance, but instead of light being measured through the lens, it is measured by the light sensor on the front of the SB-26. The SB-26 can be used in Non-TTL Auto Flash mode with any Nikon camera/lens combination. Before proceeding: E ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. E TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. E USE APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO OR MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE. E USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). Set Up and Practice

selector at Non-TTL Auto

3 ISO film
speed in use and zoom-head position

4 Aperture

APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS F5 E F-601M/N6000 E FE2 F90X/N90s E F50-Series/N50 E FG F90-Series/N90 E F-401x/N5005 E Nikonos V F70-Series/N70 E F-501/N2020 E F3-Series F4-Series E F-301/N2000 E F2-Series F-801/N8008 E F-401/N4004 E FM2 F-801s/N8008s E F-401s/N4004s E FG-20 F-601/N6006 E FA E

E E E E E E E

5 Appears when flash is fully charged and ready
to fire. Push for test firing. Blinks after firing indicates possible underexposure.

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Chapter 3 Non-TTL Auto Flash A Mode
Choose u position (flash mode selector). Confirm A appears in the LCD panel. Choose W position (flash sync mode selector*).

F90X/N90s viewfinder

* q position is used for Rear-Curtain Sync Flash, and only with the F5, F90X/N90s, F90Series/ N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8008s. For details, see page 105.
Set ISO film speed and position the built-in zoom head. For instructions, see Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment), pages 27 to 28, and Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 to 30.
Set desired aperture in the SB-26s LCD panel, then set again on the camera. For instructions, see Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. Indicator bars / show a appropriate shooting distance range.

Set ISO film speed and the built-in zoom head position.

4 Flash output level

For instructions, see Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment), pages 27 to 28, and Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 to 30. Automatic ISO film speed/zoom-head position adjustment: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/ N8008, or F-801s/ N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The film speed and zoom-head position in use are automatically set and indicated in the SB-26s LCD panel. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation. See Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment), pages 27 to 28, and Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 to 30.
Press button to choose desired light output.
You can choose an amount ranging from full power (1/1) to one sixty-fourth (1/64). LCD indications change as: - h ' - " - j - k - l - ;-. With the F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70Series/N70, indication 1, and then 2 will appear after ;. At the same time, F appears next to D. This applies exclusively to FP High-Speed Sync Flash and is discussed in the following pages (see pages 98 to 103).
Fine light-output adjustment: F5, F90X/N90s, F90Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 with AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU Additionally, you can manipulate light output in finer increments of 1/3, as long as light output is set between ' and ;. Press button and confirm L appears in the SB-26s LCD panel. By pressing button, you can increase the light amount by +1/3 (blinking +0.3 below the L mark), by +2/3 (blinking +0.7), or by +1 (blinking 0.0). To decrease, use in the same manner; blinking numbers change from _0.3 (by -1/3) to _0.7 (by -2/3) to 0.0 (by -1). *At ', you cannot increase the light amount.

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For aperture-priority auto, set desired aperture on the camera. For manual exposure mode, set desired aperture and shutter speed* on the camera.
Automatic aperture adjustment: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, or F-801s/ N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The aperture in use and an indicator bar / are automatically indicated in the SB-26s LCD panel. With other lenses, you must operate manually and follow steps 6, 7 and 8. To skip steps 6, 7 and 8, check that subject is standing at the location suggested by the LCDs measurement scale. If not, change aperture by turning the lens aperture ring to adjust the bar.

Repeating Flash G Mode For Multiple Exposure
For multiple flash exposures on a single frame, use the SB-26 in the G mode. The flash can be fired up to to 160 times on one frame, and if used in conjunction with the camera bodys multiple exposure control, many more flash can be achieved on the same frame. When making multiple exposures, there are many factors to consider. You may want to experiment before making the final exposure. Before proceeding: E ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. E TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. E USE MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE. E USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). E USE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE MODE. Set Up and Practice

at Repeating Flash

5 Flash
speed per sec. (in hertz)

3 Zoomhead position

8 Aperture
AA-type alkalinemanganese (four sets)

AA-type NiCd (four sets)

SD-8 (when used with NiCd batteries)

6 Number of flash

per frame

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Chapter 3 Repeating Flash G Mode
Choose G position (flash mode selector). Confirm D and G appear in the LCD panel. Choose W position (flash sync mode selector*).
* q position is only used for Rear-Curtain Sync Flash in TTL Auto H, NonTTL Auto A and Manual D Flash, and only with the F5, F90X/N90s, F90Series/ N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8008s. For details, see page 105.
Set the built-in zoom head position.
Automatic zoom-head position adjustment: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/ N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, or F-801s/N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The zoom-head position in use is automatically set and indicated in the SB-26s LCD panel. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation. See Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 and 30.
For instructions, see Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 to 30. Press button to choose desired light output.
You can choose an amount ranging from one eighth of full power (1/8) to one sixty-fourth (1/64). LCD indications change as: - j - k - l -; -.
Press until a number (flash speed per second) starts blinking beside d. Use or to set a desired flash speed. See Determining shutter speed with number/speed of flashes on page 93.
Press again until a number (flashes per frame) starts blinking beside center hyphen -. Use or to set the desired number. The maximum number of flashes per frame depends on light-output amount and flash speed. If two hyphens - blink, the available number of flashes is fixed (no other choice). For details, see the chart below.

Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button to confirm that subject is in focus. Check that ready-light is on in the cameras viewfinder g or on the SB-26. Fully depress shutter release button to fire flash.

Chapter 4

Use an aperture one or two stops smaller than the LCD panel indicates. This will prevent overexposure for overlapping images (minus exposure compensation).*
* Subject will be correctly exposed with the very first flash, but successive overlapping images (form the second flash on) will not be properly exposed, unless you perform minus exposure compensation as indicated in steps 9 and 10. We recommend you take a few additional shots at different apertures (exposure bracketing).
Background brightness and subject overlap Use as dark a background material as possible (e.g., black curtain or cloth). If the overlapping exposed images are too weak or too strong, try repositioning subject at the location suggested by the indicator bar / (or adjust indicator bar). Conditions vary for each situation try experimenting. 96
Flash-Shooting Applications

Page 98

FP High-Speed Sync Flash Flash Photography At Higher Shutter
Unlike other Nikon SLR models the F5, F90X/N90s or F90Series/N90 camera and the SB-26 allow you to use faster shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec. for flash synchronization. Ordinarily the flash fires only when the curtains are fully opened in regular flash syncs. With FP High-Speed Sync Flash, the flash consecutively emits light at an extremely rapid cycle, while the shutter curtains travel to expose the entire film surface but the curtains are never fully opened (i.e. exposure with a slit). By using a high-speed shutter and flash simultaneously, you can create light flow from a rapidly moving subject. In outdoor photography, it also enables you to use both a wider aperture and a faster shutter speed to achieve a shallower depth of field and purposely blur the subjects background. Note that a guide number for FP High-Speed Sync Flash varies with the selected shutter speed and it is smaller than for regular flash synchronization (i.e. smaller light output). Furthermore, we recommend you use shutter speeds between 1/250 and 1/4000 sec. to avoid uneven exposure. Before proceeding: E ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. E TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. E USE MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE. E USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). E USE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE MODE.

Exposure compensation on the camera You can make additional compensation for background by using the cameras exposure compensation dial. For example, with compensation of 2 on the SB-26 and 1 on the camera body, the total compensated value for flash output level is 3, and the compensated value for the background will be 1. Note that the SB-26s LCD panel shows only the compensated value of the SB-26. For further information, see Exposure Compensation with Cameras Dial To Make Background Lighter or Darker, pages 108 and 109. 107

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Exposure Compensation on Camera To Make Background
Some camera models include an EV compensation control. Using this control you can modify the exposure to make your picture lighter or darker. To make the picture lighter, use + compensation. For darker pictures use compensation. How much compensation you choose depends on how much you want to modify the resulting picture. Since the shooting distance range for TTL Auto Flash varies with the amount of exposure compensation, make sure your subject falls within the range before shooting. You can use the LCD panel for confirmation by altering the ISO film speed value and observing changes of distance indicator bars /. Hints and Notes
Flash exposure compensation Additional compensation for the subject can be made by using flash exposure compensation control. For further information, see Flash Exposure Compensation To Make Flash-Illuminated Subject Lighter or Darker, pages 106 and 107.
APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS F5 E F-601M/N6000 E FE2 F90X/N90s E F50-Series/N50 E FG F90-Series/N90 E F-401x/N5005 E Nikonos V F70-Series/N70 E F-501/N2020 E F3-Series F4-Series E F-301/N2000 E F2-Series F-801/N8008 E F-401/N4004 FM2 F-801s/N8008s E F-401s/N4004s E FG-20 F-601/N6006 E FA E 108
First, make necessary exposure compensation on the camera. Then, use the chart on the next page, Assumed ISO film speeds, to set an assumed ISO film speed in the SB-26s LCD panel that corresponds to the actual ISO film speed in use. See Setting Aperture Values (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 and 29. E E E E E E For TTL Auto Flash, be sure the substituted film speed falls within the range of usable films that ensure correct exposure with your camera.
Confirm whether subject is within the range shown by the shooting distance indicator bars /. If not, make necessary adjustments; move farther or closer.
Assumed ISO film speeds Film speed in use 400 800/1000 Exposure compensation value +3 +2 +5 800

The guide number helps you determine a correct aperture or f/stop value for using the SB-26s Manual Flash and Repeating-Flash mode. (See Guide number chart, page 143.) Use the following equation for your calculations, and check the following chart for guide numbers at various film speeds. [guide number] [f/stop] = [flash-to-subject distance] For example, when shooting a subject located 9 m (approx. 30 ft.) away at 1/1 (full) light output in i (Manual Flash) mode, with a zoom-head position of 35mm and a film speed of ISO 100, you will obtain a guide number of 36 (or 118) from the same chart on page 143. If measuring in meters; 36 [f/stop] = 9 = 4 Or, if measuring in feet; 118 [f/stop] = 30 = 3.You should then choose f/4 as the proper aperture. For films other than ISO 100, multiply the above figures by the factors shown in the following chart:
Adjustment factors for other ISO film speeds ISO film speed Factor 100 xx 1.xx 2.x4
Diffusing Light To Soften Harsh Shadows
With a subject in front of a wall, a direct flash causes harsh and unattractive shadows. By bouncing the light off the ceiling or walls, or by diffusing the light with card(s) or paper, you can soften harsh shadows and create attractive portraits. The SB-26 comes with a built-in diffuser. You can use it alone or with a combination of other reflecting surfaces for advanced application. There are a few ways to diffuse light: 1. Bounce light off a broad reflective surface such as the ceiling. 2. Use both the ceiling and the built-in diffuser card to create a catchlight for subject's eyes. 3. Use a diffuser between the flash and the subject.
1. Light can be bounced off the ceiling.

x 0.5 x 0.71

2. Natural-appearing light with a pleasing catchlight in the eyes.
APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS F5 E F-601M/N6000 E FE2 F90X/N90s E F50-Series/N50 E FG F90-Series/N90 E F-401x/N5005 E Nikonos V F70-Series/N70 E F-501/N2020 E F3-Series F4-Series E F-301/N2000 E F2-Series F-801/N8008 E F-401/N4004 E FM2 F-801s/N8008s E F-401s/N4004s E FG-20 F-601/N6006 E FA E 118
If the film speed in the above example was ISO 400 rather than ISO 100: 36 [f/stop] = 9 x 2 = 4 x 2 = 8 Or, if measuring in feet; 118 [f/stop] = 30 x 2 = 3.93 x 2 = 7.You should then choose f/8 as the proper aperture.

Speedlights for TTL multiple flash photography Master Slave SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-23, SB-22, SB-21B, SB-20, SB-18, SB-16B, SB-15, SB-14, SB-11 or SB-140 SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-22, SB-21B, SB-20, SB-18, SB-17, SB-16A, SB-16B, SB-15, SB-14, SB-11 and/or SB-140
Bracketing your exposure If possible, take additional shots with different lighting ratios and or flash units' locations.
Precaution for Rear-Curtain Sync Flash Rear-Curtain Sync Flash can be performed in multiple flash photography only with the F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 cameras. Rear-Curtain Sync Flash cannot be performed in multiple flash shooting with F5, F90X/N90s, F90Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/ N8008 and F-801s/N8008s cameras.

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Photography, especially when using the SB-26 as a master flash unit with other slave flash unit(s). The Sensor system is designed to analyze Monitor Preflash reflection from a single SB-26 (ideally, mounted on the camera) and to control light output from that particular unit, but not from the other slave(s).
Use optional Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18 (1.5m) and/or SC-19 (3m) to connect flash units via the SB-26s TTL multiple flash terminal. Remove the rubber cover to use. TTL Multiple Flash Photography Use the TTL multiple flash terminal for connecting other Speedlights via optional sync cords. You can use one Speedlight for the master flash unit and up to four other units for slaves. See the chart on pages 134 to 135 to confirm available Speedlights for master and slave use. Note the following when using an F90-Series/N90 camera for TTL Auto Flash operation with multiple Speedlights: a. Use the SB-26 as a slave flash unit whenever possible, or b. When using the SB-26 as master, avoid Monitor Preflashes* by (1) performing Standard TTL Flash, (2) upward tilting or rotating the flash head (the distance indicator bars / disappear), or (3) using a lens other than AF Nikkor (including D-type) or AI-P lenses to perform Center-Weighted or Spot Fill-Flash.
* Because 3D Multi-Sensor and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash take advantage of the SB-26s Monitor Preflash and the cameras TTL Multi-Sensor, it is difficult to manage such fill-flash operations for TTL Multiple Flash
Use optional TTL Remote Cord SC-17 or SC-24* for use with the SB-27, SB-23, SB-22, SB-21B, SB-20 and/or SB-15 as a master flash unit.

Use optional TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 for use with the SB-27, SB-22, SB-21B, SB-20 and or SB-15 as a slave flash unit. Use optional TTL Remote Cord SC-23 for use with the SB-140, SB-14 and/or SB-11. The SB-11/14/140 (even with SC-23) or SB-21B cannot be used for TTL multiple flash photography with the F-401/ N4004 and F-401s/N4004s. Use the ON position to activate a slave flash unit; the STBY does not function (SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-22 and SB-20). The SB-23 offers only OFF and TTL/STBY positions for power switching. This means it cannot be used as a slave. Select Forced TTL mode when using SB-27 as a slave flash unit.
When a second shot cannot be taken (F5, F90X/ N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/ N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/ N6000, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/ N5005, and F-501/ N2020) For multiple flash photography, if the electronic current in the synchro circuit exceeds a certain level, you may not be able to take a second shot after taking the first shot. Take care that the combined total of the coefficients (numbers shown in parentheses below) for all Speedlights used at any one time does not exceed 20 at 20C (68F), or 13 at 40C (104F). If you are unable to take a second shot, disconnect the master Speedlight from the camera, or turn each of the Speedlights off once. This resets the circuits so you can resume shooting.
Speedlight coefficients SB-27 (1) SB-26 (1) SB-25 (1) SB-22 (6) SB-21 (4) SB-20 (9) SB-17 (4) SB-16 (4) SB-15 (4) SB-11 (1) SB-24 (1) SB-19 (2) SB-14 (1) SB-23 (4) SB-18 (16) SB-12 (1)
Manual Multiple Flash Photography Use the sync/multiple flash terminal for connection with other Speedlights via optional sync cords. Use optional Sync Cord SC-11 or SC-15. Set and use Manual i Flash mode on each Speedlight for correct exposure.

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System Chart for TTL Multiple Flash
The SB-11, SB-14, SB-140 and SB-21B cannot be used with the F-401/N4004 or F-401s/N4004s either as a master or slave unit. The SB-21A and SB-23 Speedlights cannot be used as slave units. F5 (with DA-30/DP-30), F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70 F5 (with DW-31/DW-30)

Master flash unit

Slave flash unit
Using SC-18 or SC-19, up to five flash units can be used for multiple flash photography, at a total length of 10m (33 ft.).

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

With the Power Bracket and Speedlight mounting unit coupled, it is recommended that you set the grip to the up position. In the up position, the grip will protect your Speedlight. Wird das Griffteil nach oben geschwenkt, dient es auch als seitlicher Schutz des Blitzgerts. Quand ltrier dalimentation et la monture de flash sont coupls, il est recommand de rgler la poigne en position haute pour protger le flash.
* Installing Batteries/Einlegen von Batterien/Installation des piles
Install the batteries following steps 1 to 5./Die Batterien gem Schritt 1 bis 5 einlegen./Installer les piles en suivant les tapes 1 5.
Install the batteries only when you want to use the SK-6A as an external power supply for the Speedlight. Even when powered with the SK-6A, the Speedlight still requires the use of batteries. Use batteries of the same type and brand as those installed in the Speedlight. When replacing batteries for the Speedlight, also replace the batteries for the SK-6A, and, vice versa.
Legen Sie nur Batterien ein, wenn Sie den SK-6A als externe Spannungsversorgung fr das Speedlight verwenden wollen. Auch bei Spannungsversorgung ber den SK-6A mssen Batterien im Speedlight eingelegt sein. Verwenden Sie Batterien des gleichen Typs und gleichen Fabrikats wie die im Speedlight. Tauschen Sie die Batterien im Speedlight stets gleichzeitig mit denen im SK-6A aus.
Installer les piles seulement quand on souhaite utiliser le SK-6A en tant qualimentation externe pour le flash. Le flash exige lemploi de piles mme quand il est aliment par le SK-6A. Employer des piles de mmes type et marque que celles installes dans le flash. Au remplacement des piles du flash, remplacer galement celles du SK-6A, et vice versa.

CAUTION!

Only use the camera speedlight connecting cord to connect your camera and Speedlight. Attempting to connect the sync cord to a computer or telephone line may cause serious injury. Nikon cannot be held responsible for any injury resulting from such action. Make sure to tighten the coupling screw when coupling the bracket and the Speedlight mounting unit. If the coupling screw is not properly tightened, the release lever may be pressed accidentally and the bracket (with camera) may be detached. Only use Nikon products with the SK-6A. Nikon cannot be held responsible for any injury, damage and/or malfunction resulting from the use of other manufacturers flash units, cameras or accessories.

Nombre total dclairs approx. 200 clairs approx. 300 clairs approx. 80 clairs approx. 150 clairs
*DANGER!/*ACHTUNG!/*DANGER!
With SB-22: Power source Alkaline-manganese NiCd Ni-MH
Minimum Recycling time approx. 2.0 sec. approx. 1.5 sec. approx. 1.5 sec.
Total number of flashes approx. 600 times approx. 250 times approx. 350 times
The listed data applies for manual full-light output every 30 sec., without the AF assist LED, and when identical batteries are installed in the Speedlight and SK-6A. (NiCd: 700mAH) Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 273 x 111 x 78mm or 10.8 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches Weight: Approx. 485g or 17.1 oz. (without batteries) Schlaggefahr. Unter keinen Umstnden die Stecker fr die externe Spannungsversorgung mit einem metallischen Gegenstand berhren. Ne jamais essayer de toucher la prise dalimentation externe avec une pingle mtallique ou un objet similaire. Le circuit haute tension interne pourrait provoquer un choc lectrique. All specifications apply when fresh batteries of the same type and brand are used for both the Speedlight and SK-6A, at normal temperature (20C). Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
Blitzfolgezeit ca. 2,0 s ca. 1,5 s ca. 1,5 s
Maximale Blitzzahl ca. 600 ca. 250 ca. 350
Temps de recyclage minimum approx. 2,0 sec. approx. 1,5 sec. approx. 1,5 sec.
Nombre total dclairs approx. 600 clairs approx. 250 clairs approx. 350 clairs
Die Werte gelten fr Abgabe der vollen Blitzleistung alle 30 Sekunden (Manualbetrieb) ohne AF-Illuminator-LED, wenn in Speedlight und SK-6A gleichwertige Batterien eingelegt sind. (NiCd-Akku (Typ AA): 700 mAH) Abmessungen (B x H x T): Ca. 273 x 111 x 78 mm Gewicht: Ca. 485 g (ohne Batterien) Smtliche Angaben gelten fr frische Batterien des gleichen Typs und Fabrikats fr Speedlight und SK-6A bei normaler Temperatur (20 C). nderungen der technischen Daten und der Konstruktion jederzeit vorbehalten.
Les donnes ci-dessus sappliquent au flash manuel pleine puissance, toutes les 30 secondes, sans DEL illuminateur dassistance AF, quand des piles identiques sont installes dans le flash et le SK-6A. (type LR-6 NiCd: 700 mAH) Dimensions (l x h x p): Approx. 273 x 111 x 78 mm Poids: Approx. 485 g (sans piles) Toutes les spcifications sappliquent quand des piles neuves de mmes type et marque sont utilises la fois dans le flash et le SK-6A, temprature normale (20C). Les spcifications et la conception sont modifiables sans pravis.