Chapter 4: Flash-Shooting Applications
FP High-Speed Sync Flash Flash Photography At Higher Shutter Speeds..Guide number in FP High-Speed Sync Flash..Red-Eye Reduction Control For Better Flash Portraits...104 Rear-Curtain Sync Flash For Natural Light Flows...105 Flash Exposure Compensation To Make FlashIlluminated Subject Lighter or Darker.Exposure Compensation with Cameras Dial To Make Background Lighter or Darker.Open Flash Button For Test Firing.110 Built-In Wide Flash Adapter For Shorter Focal-Length Lenses..111 Zoom-Lock Capability To Fix Zoom-Head Position..Trouble With Wide Flash Adapter..113 AF Assist LED Autofocus Flash Photography in Dim Light..Power Switch Standby (STBY) Position To Conserve Energy and Shorten Recycling Time..116 117
Chapter 3: Shooting Practice in Flash Modes
TTL Auto Flash Mode Fill-Flash with Automatically Compensated Flash Output.For F90-Series/N90 Camera Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.For F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.For F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.For F-401x/N5005 Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice.76 79
Chapter 5: Notes on Speedlight
Red Eye...134 Flash Sync Mode Selector vs. Position...135 Tips on Speedlight Care..About Batteries..138 Specifications..Usable Aperture/Flash Shooting Distance Ranges In TTL Auto And Non-TTL Flash Modes...142
Chapter 2: Before Flash Shooting
WARNING TO AVOID INJURY..20 CAUTION TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SB-25 SPEEDLIGHT..20 Getting Started SB-25 Set-Up.Selecting Measurement System, Meters or Feet...21 Installing Batteries..Attaching Flash Unit to the Camera Accessory Shoe..Checking Battery Power...23

Page 6

Chapter 1
Introducing the SB-25 Autofocus Speedlight

Page 8

Nomenclature

Built-in diffuser card

Flash head Locks at the front position and the 90 position; tilts up to 90 and down to 7; rotates 90 to the right and 180 to the left. Autofocus assist illuminator LED Enables autofocus operation in dim light or total darkness. Light sensor for Non-TTL Auto Flash operation In Non-TTL Auto Flash operation, be careful not to cover or otherwise obstruct the sensor.

Repeating Flash

When used with any Nikon SLR, the SB-25 is capable of strobo-effect multiple flash exposure at up to 160 flash per frame; it also allows control of the amount of flash light output. Operation becomes simple once you learn how to match the number and speed of flash to your desired shutter speed. For details, see Repeating Flash Mode For Multiple Exposure, pages 90 to 95.
SB-25 Feature Comparison: Flash Operations Available with Your Camera
F9 0S F4 er -S ies F- erie /Ns F- /N F- s/ N1 F- /N 60 s F- M/ N6 1x 00 F50 /NF- /N 20 1/ 20 F- N F- /N 40 1s 04 FA / N FE s 2 FG pa ge s
Repeating flash mode offers strobo effect, multiple exposure on a single frame. 16
TTL Auto Flash 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash Center-Weighted Fill-Flash Spot Fill-Flash Programmed TTL Auto Flash Standard TTL Flash Non-TTL Auto Flash Manual Flash Repeating Flash (strobo effect) FP High-Speed Sync Flash Red-Eye Reduction Control Rear-Curtain Sync Flash Flash Exposure Compensation Open Flash Button (test firing) Built-in Wide Flash Adapter Zoom-Lock Capability AF Assist LED Standby Position (power switch) Bounce Flash (built-in diffuser card) Close-up Photography (TTL Auto Flash) Multiple Flash Photography
1) 1) 2) 2) 2) 3) 3) 4) 1) 2) 2) 2) 3) 3) 4) 1) 2) 3) 1) 2) 2) 2) 3) 3) 5) 5) 6) 6) 5) 5) 6) 6) 7) 7) 7) 7)
For details regarding your camera, see pages: 1) 33 to 39. 2) 40 to 47. 3) 48 to 56. 4) 57 to 63. 5) 64 to 69. 6) 70 to 75. 7) 76 to 79.

126 132

N ik o F3 nos -S V F2 erie -S s FM erie 2 s FG -2 0

Page 18

Chapter 2

Before Flash Shooting

Page 20

WARNING TO AVOID INJURY

DO NOT FIRE FLASH NEAR THE EYES: Firing the flash light very close to any persons eyes can injure the retina, thereby weakening eyesight or causing blindness. DO NOT TOUCH THE FLASH HEAD WHEN FIRING THE SB-25: The flash head generates significant heat during normal operation, which may cause burns. Also, when using the flash, keep delicate materials away from the flash head.
Getting Started SB-25 Set-Up

This section introduces preparations for using the SB-25, such as installing batteries, attaching flash unit to your camera, and finally, turning the unit on. Follow these steps in order, especially when using for the first time. This section should serve as a practical guide for later reference.
Selecting Measurement System, Meters or Feet

Installing Batteries

CAUTION TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SB-25 SPEEDLIGHT
DO NOT MIX OR USE THE SB-25 WITH OTHER MANUFACTURERS CAMERAS, FLASH UNITS, OR ACCESSORIES (INCLUDING EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES): Nikon is not responsible for malfunctions or other problems resulting from use of this product with any equipment other than Nikon brand products. PROPER CARE AND STORAGE OF THE SB-25 SPEEDLIGHT SEE PAGES 136 AND 137, Tips on Speedlight Care. BATTERIES: CARE AND CAUTION SEE PAGE 138, About Batteries. ABNORMAL LC (LIQUID CRYSTAL) DISPLAY AND MALFUNCTIONING In certain cases, due to normal characteristics of the built-in microcomputer, the speedlight may not operate or an abnormal display may appear, even with fresh, properly installed batteries. If this occurs, turn off flash and remove the batteries, then reinstall batteries and turn the power on. This should properly reset the computer.
Slide the battery chamber cover in the > direction and lift to open.
Slide the meter/feet lever (small switch in the mouth of the chamber) to select desired indication (m or ft.); this will appear in the LCD panel while the speedlight is in use. The lever is preset to meters (m) when shipped from the factory.
Load four 1.5V AA-type penlight alkaline-manganese or 1.2V NiCd batteries into the battery chamber. Be sure to follow the indication inside the chamber to ensure the batteries are properly loaded.
Using an external power source For an external power source, use optional Nikon DC Unit SD-7 or SD-8. For battery information, see page 138.

Page 22

Chapter 2 Getting Started
Attaching Flash Unit to Camera Accessory Shoe

Checking Battery Power

Close the battery chamber lid, then slide cover to close.
Turn the SB-25s mounting foot locking wheel to the loosened position as far as it goes, without forcing.
Slide the mounting foot forward onto the cameras accessory shoe as far as it goes.
Tighten the locking wheel, taking care not to over-tighten.
Set power switch to STBY (standby position) or ON to turn on the speedlight. If batteries are properly installed/ power is sufficient, ready-light will come on, and LCD indications will appear.
LCD figures and symbols for meters (m) and feet (ft) do not appear simultaneously, as shown above. They are shown together throughout this manual for ease of explanation.

Page 44

Mode: For F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s Users
Select one of the following exposure modes: a. Programmed auto (either P, PH, PH or PD) b. Shutter-priority auto (S) c. Aperture-priority auto (A) d. Manual (M) Select a metering system: a. Matrix metering system to perform Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. b. Center-Weighted metering system to perform Center-Weighted Fill-Flash. c. With the F-801s/N8008s, Spot metering system to perform Spot Fill Flash. d. Any metering system can be chosen to perform Standard TTL Flash.

F4-Series

F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Use AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) on the camera to capture exact exposure information for your picture composition (except when in manual exposure mode). Confirm controlled aperture and check that the shutter speed falls between 1/60 sec. and 1/250 sec. With F-801/N8008 or F-801s/N8008s, these also appear in the cameras LCD panel. The aperture in use (shown in the viewfinder) and shooting distance indicator bars appear in the SB-25s LCD panel.
Overexposure warning (background exposure) For overexposure alert, HI appears (together with lens minimum aperture for the F-801/ N8008 and F-801s/ N8008s). in the position that indicates the cameras shutter speed.

Page 46

Check whether subject falls within the range shown by the shooting distance indicator bars in the SB-25s LCD panel. If not, move closer to subject or select a wider aperture (in aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode), then repeat steps 9 and 10.
Fully depress the shutter release button to fire flash. Check again whether ready-light is blinking. Controlled shutter speed and aperture in Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash/Standard TTL Flash When the SB-25 is set at position (for flash sync mode selector), the camera automatically controls the shutter speed and aperture between 30 1/250 sec. in programmed auto and aperture-priority auto exposure mode.
If ready-light blinks for a few seconds after shooting, flash has fired at its maximum output but the light may have been insufficient. Reconfirm shooting distance and, if necessary, move closer to subject or select a wider aperture (in aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode) to compensate underexposure.

Page 48

Chapter 3 TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users
Use the cameras Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash button to perform any of the following fully automatic fill-flash functions, or choose Standard TTL Flash. (Functions are described in detail on pages 10 to 13.): Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash Center-Weighted Fill-Flash Spot Fill-Flash (not available with the F-601M/N6000) Use the chart below to confirm which flash method you will perform with your camera, the lens in use and the metering system set on the camera. In most cases, the lens/meter combination determines the flash method. In other cases, you may have to switch metering systems, change lenses, or both. Standard TTL Flash can be operated regardless of lens type. For practice, see Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash button on the next page and read Set Up and Practice, from page 50 on.

3 ISO speed 10 Aperture

value of film in use
* For SLOW SYNC FLASH or REAR-CURTAIN SYNC FLASH, perform the settings on the camera; setting priorities are determined by the camera and flash sync mode selections on the SB-25 will be ignored.
To perform Matrix Balanced, Center-Weighted or Spot Fill-Flash, use the MODE/ button, and confirm the mark in the LCD panel. To perform Standard TTL Flash, use the MODE/ button, and confirm the mark disappears from the LCD panel. Select one of the following exposure modes: a. Programmed auto (either PM or P) b. Shutter-priority auto (S) c. Aperture-priority auto (A) d. Manual exposure mode (M) Select a metering system: a. Matrix metering system to perform Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. b. Center-Weighted metering system to perform Center-Weighted Fill-Flash. c. With the F-601/N6006, Spot metering system to perform Spot Fill Flash. d. Any metering system can be chosen to perform Standard TTL Flash.
Set ISO speed of the film in use. Usable film 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.
For instruction, see Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 to 30.

4 Zoom-head position

Quick reference on the relationship between usable apertures and flash shooting distance Use table on page 142 in this instruction manual.

Page 52

Confirming Settings Controlled shutter speed and aperture in programmed/aperture-priority auto Aperture and shutter speed are automatically controlled by the camera as specified in the following tables.
Controlled shutter speeds Lens in use (focal length) 60mm or shorter Longer than 60mm Shutter speed 1/(focal length) to 1/125 sec. 1/60 to 1/125 sec.
Usable maximum apertures in programmed auto
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Confirm aperture and shutter speed. These also appear in the cameras LCD panel.
ISO film speed Controlled aperture*

25 f/4

400 f/8 f/8

800 f/9.5 f/11

1000 f/10 f/11+1/3 f/stop
f/4.8 f/5.6 f/6.7 f/4 f/5.6

f/2.8 f/2.8

* Above figures for F-601/N6006, below for F-601M/N6000.
Set the controlled aperture (from step 9)*, then read shooting distance range on the SB-25s LCD panel. For instruction, see Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. Once aperture is set, indicator bars show the shooting distance range for that setting.

* This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 11); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-25 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations a shot will be taken with the aperture set on the camera.
Check whether subject falls within range of the shooting distance indicator bars in the SB-25s LCD panel. If not, move closer to subject or select a wide aperture (when aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode), then repeat steps 10 and 11.

Page 54

F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 warning indications Exposure mode/LCD panel/Viewfinder Cause Troubleshooting

FEE blinks.

Lens not set at smallest aperture. Set lens to the smallest aperture. Shutter locks.

Programmed auto

+ value appears in electronic analog display (F-601/N6006). HI appears in shutter speed position (F-601M/N6000).
Background may be overexposed.
Use a lower ISO film, or add a neutral density filter or circular polarizer.
Fully depress shutter release button to fire flash. Recheck ready-light to see if it is blinking.
value appears in electronic analog display (F-601/N6006).
Background may be underexposed.
If necessary, switch to slow sync to obtain shower shutter speed or switch to shutterpriority auto exposure mode to select slower shutter speed.
If ready-light blinks for a few seconds after shooting, the flash has fired at its maximum output but the light may have been insufficient. Next, reconfirm shooting distance and, if necessary, move closer to the subject or select a wider aperture (in aperturepriority auto or manual exposure mode) to compensate underexposure.

Shutter-priority auto

Lens maximum aperture appears with electronic analog display.
If necessary, select slower shutter speed.
+ value appears in electronic analog display. HI appears in shutter speed position (F-601M/N6000).
If necessary, select faster shutter speed.

Page 56

Chapter 3 TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-401x/N5005 Users
F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 warning indications (continued) Exposure mode/LCD panel/Viewfinder Cause Background may be underexposed. Troubleshooting If necessary, select a wider aperture. If under exposure display stays on, change from normal to slow sync, though shutter speed becomes slower.

You can choose Programmed TTL Auto Flash against Standard TTL Flash by setting camera to a programmed auto exposure mode (either PDUAL, P or PHI). Check charts on the previous page. Before proceeding: ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). USE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE MODE. USE FILM WITH A SPEED BETWEEN ISO 25 AND ISO 1000. USE AN AI-S LENS (AF Nikkor, Nikkor lens with built-in CPU or Series E lens).

2 Flash sync mode

selector at NORMAL

3 ISO speed 7 Aperture

To distinguish AI-S lenses from others Look for an orange mark on the minimum aperture scale of the lens.

Page 66

Setting Up Your Camera Confirm Settings
Mode: For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users
Select one of the following exposure modes: a. Programmed auto (either PDUAL, P or PHI) to perform Programmed TTL Auto Flash. b. Aperture-priority auto (A) to perform Standard TTL Flash. c. Manual exposure mode to perform Standard TTL Flash. Perform other settings: a. For programmed auto, set lens to minimum aperture (highest f-number). b. For aperture-priority auto, set desired aperture. c. For manual exposure mode, set desired shutter speed* and aperture.
Set ISO speed of film in use. Usable film 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.
For instruction, see Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 to 30. Shooting indicator bars in the LCD panel move as the figure input changes.
Set aperture in the SB-25s LCD panel*.
For instruction, see Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. In programmed auto exposure mode, aperture is automatically controlled by the camera. Choose a value, using Shutter speed/aperture settings in Programmed TTL Auto Flash in the following page. In aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode, set the aperture value that you have set on the camera (from step 6). Once aperture is set, indicator bars show the shooting distance range.

Caution Use the SB-25 exclusively for on-land conditions; it cannot be used in underwater conditions. Always keep the unit away from salt water, rain or water splashes.

Page 78

Confirm Settings Firing Flash
Mode: For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users

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 or on the SB-25.
Quick reference on relationship between usable apertures and flash shooting distance Use table on page 142 in this instruction manual.

Page 80

Non-TTL Auto Flash
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-25s flash mode selector to 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-25. The SB-25 can be used in Non-TTL Auto Flash mode with any Nikon camera/lens combination. Before proceeding: ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. USE APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO OR MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE. USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M).

selector at Non-TTL Auto

Choose position (flash mode selector). Confirm appears in the LCD panel. Choose position (flash sync mode selector*).

3 ISO film

speed in use and zoom-head position
position is used for Rear-Curtain Sync Flash, and only with the F90-Series/N90, F4Series, F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8008s. For details, see page 105.

4 Aperture

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-25s 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.
APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS F90-Series/N90 F4-Series F-801/N8008 F-801s/N8008s F-601/N6006 F-601M/N6000 F-401x/N5005
F-501/N2020 F-301/N2000 F-401/N4004 F-401s/N4004s FA FE2 FG
Nikonos V F3-Series F2-Series FM2 FG-20

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

Page 82

Chapter 3 Non-TTL Auto Flash Mode
F90-Series/N90s viewfinder
Push button for a test firing (see page 110) when you are not sure whether subject is within the flash shooting range. If ready-light blinks for a few seconds after test firing, flash has fired at its maximum output but light might not have been sufficient. Select a wider aperture or move closer to subject.
Look into the camera viewfinder, compose and lightly the press shutter release button to confirm that subject is in focus. Check that ready-light is on in the cameras viewfinder or on the SB-25.
Exposure compensation Exposure compensation in Non-TTL Auto Flash mode is achieved by purposely setting a different aperture value on the camera (actually on the lens in most cases) than on the SB-25. Use an aperture 1/3 to one stop smaller for an entirely dark background (low reflectance). For backgrounds that include a highly reflective object, use an aperture 1/3 to one stop larger. Note that shooting distance range indication corresponds to the aperture value set on the SB-25 not on the camera. In general, you may want to take a series of pictures using exposure bracketing.
If ready-light blinks for a few seconds after shooting, flash has fired at maximum output but the light may have been insufficient. Reconfirm shooting distance and, if necessary, move closer to subject or select a wider aperture to compensate underexposure.

Page 84

Manual Flash
Mode Manual Light-Output Control
Before proceeding: ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. USE APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO OR MANUAL EXPOSURE MODE. USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). USE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE MODE. Set Up and Practice
With the SB-25s flash mode selector at , you can perform manual flash photography. For manual flash photography, it is important to choose an appropriate aperture and shooting distance to achieve your desired effect. To help approximate these variables, you can use the SB-25s LCD panel and control buttons as a calculator, or use guide numbers (see page 118). To enhance this feature, the SB-25 lets you manually adjust flash output levels from full power (1/1) to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, and FP1 and FP2.

For aperture-priority auto, set desired aperture on the camera. For manual exposure mode, set desired aperture and shutter speed* on the camera.
Using guide number Guide number is helpful to calculate exact flash shooting distance in manual flash operation. For details, see Guide Number To Calculate a Proper Aperture, page 118, and Specification, page 139.

Page 88

Synchronization in Continuous Shooting
If necessary, press or button to reset the indicator bar so it points to the measurement scale that matches or nearly equals the actual flash-to-subject distance (can be read from lens barrel). Manipulating indication bar causes the aperture value in the LCD panel to change.
The SB-25 is able to recycle fast enough to synchronize with a motor-driven camera firing continuously at up to six frames per sec. at 1/64 light output. This means you can take up to 40 flash pictures in rapid succession. Batteries must be fresh to achieve the rates indicated.
Caution Let the flash unit rest at least 10 minutes after continuous firing at a maximum number (see the chart), to allow it to cool off. Overuse generates heat that could shorten the Speedlights life.
Safety range in continuous firing Flash mode Max. number 15 at full (1/1) or 1/2 light output, 40 at 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 or 1/64 light output
Set the same aperture value in the SB-25s LCD panel.
On the camera, reset the aperture value obtained in the previous step (the aperture that corresponds to the actual flash-to-subject distance). You have now completed all necessary adjustments for locating the subject within an appropriate shooting distance range for the predetermined light output and aperture. 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 or on the SB-25. Fully depress shutter release button to fire flash.
Continuous firing in Manual Flash Batteries Optional external power source
mode Number of continuous flash (frames) More than 4 More than 8 More than 16 More than 30 More than 6 More than 10 More than 40 More than 40 More than 5 More than 10 More than 20 More than 40 More than 5 More than 10 More than 30 More than 40

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.
Set desired shutter speed and aperture on the camera.
Choose B (bulb) setting or a shutter speed long enough to accommodate the flash you will fire. For calculations, see at right, Determining shutter speed with number/speed of flashes. Use a tripod to minimize camera shake.
Determining shutter speed with number/speed of flash Frequency (Hz) represents the number of flash fired per second. For example, 10Hz will fire 10 times in one second. Or, because firing the flash five times takes 1/2 sec. at 10Hz, the shutter speed must be adjusted to at least as slow as 1/2 sec. For another example, firing six times at 8Hz takes 6/8 sec. to occur. However, because your camera does not have a shutter speed of 6/8 (0.75) sec., you should set it to the closest slower shutter speed, which is one second. The following equation can be applied to calculate an appropriate shutter speed: [Number of flash per frame] [Shutter speed] [Speed of flash (Hz)] where the result (shutter speed) must be rounded off to the closest slower shutter speed available with your camera.
Number of repeating flashes per frame (shown with blinking ) : Figures indicate use with External Power Source hyphens SD-7 or SD-8 Light output amount Flash speed per second Hz Hz Hz 40 93

Page 94

Set the same aperture value in the SB-25s LCD Panel that you set on the camera (step 7). For instruction, see Setting Aperture Values (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. An indicator bar appears to show appropriate shooting distance for the selected aperture.
Automatic aperture adjustment: F90-Series/ N90, 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-25s LCD panel. With other lenses, you must operate manually following steps 8, 9 and 10. To skip steps 8, 9 and 10, check whether subject stands at the location suggested by the LCDs measurement scale. If not, change the aperture by turning the lens aperture ring to adjust the bar. Finally, perform minus exposure compensation* to prevent overexposure of overlapping imagesuse the aperture ring to choose another aperture one or two stops smaller than indicated above.

Set Red-Eye Reduction Control on the camera. Confirm appears in the SB-25s LCD panel. Red-Eye Reduction Control can not be used in Repeating Flash mode.
APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS Rear-Curtain Sync Flash cannot be performed. F90-Series/N90 F4-Series F-801/N8008 F-801s/N8008s F-601/N6006 F-601M/N6000 F-401x/N5005 F-501/N2020 F-301/N2000 F-401/N4004 F-401s/N4004s FA FE2 FG Nikonos V F3-Series F2-Series FM2 FG-20

Page 106

Flash Exposure Compensation To Make Flash-Illuminated Subject
The SB-25 allows you to manually adjust the amount of flash light in a range from 3 to +1 EV. This feature is particularly useful for balanced fill-flash where flash illumination is sufficient to brighten the subject to almost the brightness of the background. Sometimes, you may want to use a little more or less flash to make the subject a little brighter or not quite so bright. Your choice may be based on desired aesthetic qualities, or may be forced by extremes in lighting. Generally speaking, you dont want to make the subject too bright; you just want to brighten shadows. To achieve a subtle fill-flash effect, you may want to use some manually selected minus compensation. However, when the background is extremely bright, and the subject is in deep shadows, you will probably want to use some plus compensation. Although the SB-25 is quite powerful, when using it for fill-flash, it is competing with the suns brightness very strong competition. With Standard TTL Flash you can manually compensate exposure by adjusting the flash output level. You can also adjust flash output level for Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted Fill-Flash or Spot Fill-Flash, in combination with the computers automatic compensation. Before proceeding: ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). USE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE MODE.

Lighter or Darker

button again to complete setting.
The the value indicator will automatically stop blinking in eight seconds unless you press the button. In this case, the last figure indicated will be set in the SB-25. The exposure compensation value remains in the LCD panel.
Choose position (flash mode selector). Confirm in the LCD panel. This feature is available only in TTL Auto Flash mode. Press the button.
To cancel, readjust compensation value to 0 (steps 1 and 2), then press button or leave it more than eight seconds so the indication disappears.

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 F90-Series/N90, F4Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s cameras.
Caution To avoid damage to flash units or incorrect operation, never mix Nikon Speedlights with flash units of other manufacturers.

Page 128

Chapter 4 Multiple Flash Photography
TTL Multiple Flash Photography
type) or AI-P lenses to perform Center-Weighted or Spot Fill-Flash, or (3) performing Standard TTL Flash.
* Because 3D Multi-Sensor and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash take advantage of the SB-25s Monitor Preflash and the cameras TTL Multi-Sensor, it is difficult to manage such fill-flash operations for TTL Multiple Flash Photography, especially when using the SB-25 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-25 (ideally, mounted on the camera) and to control light output from that particular unit, but not from the other slave(s).
Manual Multiple Flash Photography
Use the ON position to activate a slave flash unit; the STBY does not function (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.
Use optional Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18 (1.5m) and/or SC-19 (3m) to connect flash units via the SB-25s TTL multiple flash terminal. Remove the rubber cover to use. 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 following chart 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-25 as a slave flash unit whenever possible, or b. When using the SB-25 as master, avoid Monitor Preflashes* by (1) upward tilting or rotating the flash head (the distance indicator bars disappear), (2) using a lens other than AF Nikkor (including D128
Use optional TTL Remote Cord SC-17 or SC-24* for use with the SB-23, SB-22, SB-21B, SB-20, SB-18 and/or SB-15 as a master flash unit.
Use optional TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 for use with the SB-22, SB-21, SB-20, SB-18 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-21 cannot be used for TTL multiple flash photography with the F-401/ N4004 and F-401s/N4004s.
When a second shot cannot be taken (F90Series/N90, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/ N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000, 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.

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.

Page 14

Rear-Curtain Sync Flash
The combination of high shutter-speed range and flash sync capability provides you with more options for flash photography in day-light conditions. It enables you to use a wider aperture to blur the subjects background (create a shallow depth of field), light up shadowed areas in outdoor photography, or even create light flow for fast moving subjects. FP high-speed sync flash is only available in the SB-26s Manual flash mode when using the F5, F90X/N90s and F90Series/N90. For details, see FP High-Speed Sync Flash Flash Photography At Higher Shutter Speeds on page 98. In normal flash synchronization, the flash fires at an early stage of exposure (i.e., front-curtain sync). At slow shutter speeds with a moving subject, this results in unnatural light patterns. For more natural lighting, use Rear-Curtain Sync. With this method, the flash fires at a later stage of the exposure, just before the rear, or second, shutter curtain starts to close (i.e., rear-curtain sync), turning available light into a stream of light that follows the flash-illuminated moving subject. Rear-Curtain Sync is available with the F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/N8008s, F-601/N6006 and F-601M/ N6000. For more details, see Rear-Curtain Sync Flash For Natural Light Flow, page 105 and Flash Sync Mode Selector W vs. q, page 139.

SB-26 sync flash

Y Light output Y Y X: Time duration Y: Shutter curtain movement : Front-curtain movement : Rear-curtain movement : Film surface is exposed to flash light throughout the entire duration. : Film surface is exposed to flash light for only part of the time that the curtain are open.

Front-curtain sync flash

Rear-curtain sync flash
A slow shutter speed could create light flow from a moving subject. Rear-Curtain Sync Flash catches him/her with natural-looking light stream.

Page 16

Red-Eye Reduction Control
Red eye effect occurs in flash photography when flash pictures are taken in dim surroundings where the subjects eye pupils will be dilated (opened very wide). Light from the cameras flash reflects off the interior of the eye through the wide-open pupil and back into the cameras lens; the result in the photo appears as bright red eyes. With this function, before the shutter is released the SB-26s red-eye reduction lamp illuminates to make the subjects eye pupils become smaller, thus reducing the appearance of red-eye. The F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 offers this exclusive Red-Eye Reduction Control, for use in any flash mode, except Repeating Flash mode. For more details and setting operation, see page 104, and the cameras instruction manual. Red-eye effect can also be controlled by the angle at which light strikes the subject and is reflected back to the cameras lens. For further details, see Red Eye, page 138.

Slide the battery chamber cover in the direction and lift to open.
Slide the meter/feet lever (small switch in the mouth of the chamber) to select desired indication (m or ft.); this will appear in the LCD panel while the speedlight is in use. The lever is preset to meters (m) when shipped from the factory.
Load four 1.5V AA-type penlight alkaline-manganese or 1.2V NiCd batteries into the battery chamber. Be sure to follow the [ indication inside the chamber to ensure the batteries are properly loaded.
Using an external power source For an external power source, use optional Nikon DC Unit SD-7 or SD-8 or Power Blacket Unit SK-6. For battery information, see page 142. 21

Page 22

Chapter 2 Getting Started
Attaching Flash Unit to Camera Accessory Shoe

Checking Battery Power

Close the battery chamber lid, then slide cover to close.
Turn the SB-26s mounting foot locking wheel to the loosened position as far as it goes, without forcing.
Slide the mounting foot forward onto the cameras accessory shoe as far as it goes.
Tighten the locking wheel, taking care not to over-tighten.
Set power switch to STBY (standby position) or ON to turn on the speedlight. If batteries are properly installed/ power is sufficient, ready-light will come on, and LCD indications will appear.
LCD figures and symbols for meters (m) and feet (ft) do not appear simultaneously, as shown above. They are shown together throughout this manual for ease of explanation.
For Nikon F3 Series users The SB-26 can only be mounted on an F3 Series camera that uses a DE-2 or DE-3 finder. Be sure to attach Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 or AS-7 to the cameras accessory shoe before mounting the SB-26 on the camera. 22
Precaution for Nikon F5, F90X/N90s, F90Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 users As the locking wheel is tightened, the SB-26 is firmly attached to the accessory shoe with the mount pin. Be extra careful that the locking wheel is completely loosened before removing the flash unit from the camera or it may cause damage to both units.
Replace batteries with a fresh set: With alkaline-manganese batteries replace if readylight takes more than 30 sec. to light up. With NiCd batteries remove if ready-light takes more than 10 sec. to light up. 23

Shooting Practice and Flash Mode

Page 32

TTL Auto Flash H Mode Fill-Flash with Automatically Compensated Flash Output
In TTL Auto Flash mode, the SB-26 Speedlight can be used for just about any shooting situation, from bright scenes to dim lights. For precisely controlled exposures in wider brightness ranges or more complex conditions, you can use fill-flash techniques with automatic operation and/or advanced user-controlled options. The SB-26s TTL Auto Flash mode offers even more flash applications and options, such as flash synchronization with slow shutter speeds (slow sync flash), bounce flash and creative close-up photography. Even simple snap shots can be taken with a sophisticated touch. By setting the SB-26 to TTL Auto flash mode, you can enjoy flash photography that is simple, yet the most advanced available. Using this flash mode with your camera The SB-26 works in different ways, depending on which camera it is used with. TTL Auto Flash mode, in particular, offers several noteworthy features that vary from one model to another. Be sure to read Fully Automatic Fill-In Flash, pages 10 through 13, to become familiar with these SB-26 capabilities. Use the following chart to locate pages relevant to your camera model and the flash operation you wish to use. TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users See pages 33 41
TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users

Choosing A Flash Method

The SB-26 enables you to perform any of the following fully automatic fill-flash functions, or choose Standard TTL Flash. (Functions are described in detail on pages 10 to 13.): 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Center-Weighted Fill-Flash Spot Fill-Flash Use the chart at right to confirm which flash method you will perform with the lens in use and metering system set on the camera. In most cases, the lens/meter combination determines the flash method. If you have extra lens(es), you may be able to select a particular flash method. For example, by replacing a D-Type AF Nikkor with an AI-P lens, you can switch from 3D MultiSensor to Multi-Sensor Fill-Flash. By using the SB-26s button, you can perform Standard TTL Flash (except for P and Ps exposure modes with F90X/N90s or F90-Series/N90 camera), regardless of lens type. Flash Methods in TTL Auto Flash Mode HK 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash HK Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash HJ Center-Weighted Fill-Flash HJ Spot Fill-Flash H Standard TTL Flash Flash Methods: F5 Settings and Lenses
Lens in Use 1) Cameras Metering System Cameras Exposure Mode Programmed auto (P) D-Type Shutter-priority auto (S) AF Nikkor Aperture-priority auto (A) Lenses Manual (M) Programmed auto (P) AF Nikkor Shutter-priority auto (S) lenses 2) AI-P lens- Aperture-priority auto (A) es Manual (M) Other lenses 3) Aperture-Priority auto (A) 3) Manual (M) 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash 3D Color Matrix CenterWeighted Spot

For F4-Series, F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8000s Users For F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users For F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V users 77 80
Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash

Standard TTL Flash

Center-Weighted Fill-Flash 4)
1) Suitable lenses and use depend on camera; see instruction manual for information. 2) Except D-Type and AF Nikkor lenses for F3AF. 3) Exposure mode (P or S) automatically shifts to aperture-priority auto (A), and the mode indication blinks in the cameras LCD panel; set desired aperture manually. 4) 3D Color Matrix Metering system automatically shifts to Center-Weighted, as shown by the indication in the viewfinder
For F3-Series, F2-Series, FM2 and FG-20 users No information is provided for these models in this section, because they do not function in TTL Auto Flash mode. 32

Page 34

Chapter 3 TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users
Flash Methods: F90X/N90s or F90-Series/N90 Settings and Lenses
Lens in Use 1) Cameras Metering System Cameras Exposure Mode Programmed auto (P, Ps) 4) D-Type Shutter-priority auto (S) AF Nikkor Aperture-priority auto (A) Lenses Manual (M) Programmed auto (P, Ps) 4) AF Nikkor Shutter-priority auto (S) lenses 2) AI-P lens- Aperture-priority auto (A) es Manual (M) Other lenses 3) Aperture-Priority auto (A) 5) Manual (M) 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Matrix CenterWeighted Spot
Flash Methods: F70-Series/N70 Settings and Lenses
Lens in Use 1) Cameras Metering System Cameras Exposure Mode Programmed auto (P, Ps) D-Type Shutter-priority auto (S) AF Nikkor Aperture-priority auto (A) Lenses Manual (M) Programmed auto (P, Ps) AF Nikkor Shutter-priority auto (S) lenses 2) AI-P lens- Aperture-priority auto (A) es Manual (M) Other lenses 3) Aperture-Priority auto (A) 4) Manual (M) Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Matrix CenterWeighted Spot
1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync (with F5 only) With the cameras Custom Setting, you can select 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync for Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode. (For details see cameras instruction manual.) Tables below show guide number at ISO 100 and adjustment factor for other ISO film speed in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync. To calculate a proper aperture using guide number, please see page 118.
Guide number in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync
Center-Weighted Fill-Flash

Spot FillFlash

(at ISO 100 for meters/feet)
1) Suitable lenses and use depend on camera; see instruction manual for information. 2) Except D-Type and AF Nikkor lenses for F3AF. 3) You can not use the Ps mode as the shutter locks. 4) Only 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced or Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash can be performed; Standard TTL Flash is not available and the button cannot be used. 5) Exposure mode (P or S) automatically shifts to aperture-priority auto (A), and the mode indication blinks in the cameras LCD panel; set desired aperture manually.

3 Flash sync

To perform Matrix Balanced, Center-Weighted or Spot Fill-Flash, confirm J appears in the LCD panel. To perform Standard TTL Flash, press the button so that J disappears. Choose p (flash mode selector position). Confirm H in the LCD panel. Choose W position (flash sync mode selector).
Automatic zoom-head/aperture adjustment: AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The aperture 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 Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 and 29, and Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment), pages 29 and 30. 44
Confirm the ISO film speed has been set and appears in the SB-26s LCD panel (automatic ISO film speed adjustment). ISO speed of the film in use is automatically set. If not shown in the LCD panel, lightly press the cameras shutter release button. Confirm the aperture value chosen on the camera and zoom-head position have been set and appear in the SB-26s LCD panel (automatic aperture/zoom-head adjustment).

Page 46

Select one of the following exposure modes: a. Programmed auto (either P, PH, P or PD) b. Shutter-priority auto (S) c. Aperture-priority auto (A) d. Manual (M)

F4-Series

Select a metering system: a. Matrix metering system to perform Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash. b. Center-Weighted metering system to perform Center-Weighted Fill-Flash. c. With the F-801s/N8008s, Spot metering system to perform Spot Fill Flash. d. Any metering system can be chosen to perform Standard TTL Flash.
F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Use AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) on the camera to capture exact exposure information for your picture composition (except when in manual exposure mode). Confirm controlled aperture and check that the shutter speed falls between 1/60 sec. and 1/250 sec. With F-801/N8008 or F-801s/N8008s, these also appear in the cameras LCD panel. The aperture in use (shown in the viewfinder) and shooting distance indicator bars / appear in the SB-26s LCD panel.
Overexposure warning (background exposure) For overexposure alert, HI appears (together with lens minimum aperture for the F-801/ N8008 and F-801s/ N8008s). in the position that indicates the cameras shutter speed.

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.

Page 64

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
AI-S type lenses (including AF Nikkor and AI-P) 2)
Confirm ready-light has come on and subject is in focus. Confirm ready-light is on in the camera viewfinder g or on the SB-26. Check whether subject is in focus by using the in-focus indicator ! in the cameras viewfinder.
1) Suitable lenses and use depend on the camera; see instruction manual for information. 2) Except AF lenses for F3AF cameras. For Programmed TTL Auto Flash, use only AI-S lenses, which include AF Nikkor, Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU and Series E lenses.

For instruction, see Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. In programmed auto exposure mode, aperture is automatically controlled by the camera. Choose a value, using Shutter speed/aperture settings in Programmed TTL Auto Flash in the following page. In aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode, set the aperture value that you have set on the camera (from step 6). 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 8); 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.
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 7 and 8.
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Confirm ready-light has come on and subject is in focus. Check that ready-light is on in camera viewfinder g or on the SB-26. Check whether subject is in focus.

Page 70

TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users
The SB-26 can be used in the same manner as the cameras built-in TTL flash, but offers more powerful light output and a greater shooting distance range. The SB-26s p setting takes full advantage of the F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s multi-sensor metering system for flash photography. Is the scene bright or dark, and which is brighter the subject or background? The algorithm in the metering system checks the amount of light based on these questions, and the camera asks through the viewfinder whether you choose to use the flash or not. In any case, if you decide to use the flash, the camera automatically sets the most appropriate flash method for your shooting situation: Programmed TTL Auto Flash or Standard TTL Flash. Use the chart in the next page to confirm available flash/exposure mode combinations. Programmed TTL Auto Flash When light is low and the flash is needed, the camera asks you to confirm whether you wish to use the flash. If you decide to use it in programmed auto or shutter-priority exposure mode, the right aperture and shutter speed are automatically selected by the camera. Flash output is controlled by the Speedlight to correctly expose the subject. Standard TTL Flash When using aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode, you will be asked to confirm flash use, the same as above. Flash output is controlled by the Speedlight for a correctly exposed subject. Shutter-speed and/or aperture setting(s) can be selected by the user.
Viewfinder prompt: Use flash or not When the SB-26 is attached to the camera but turned off, the cameras viewfinder ready-light g blinks to suggest you use a flash. You can reject or ignore the prompt simply by leaving the SB-26s power off (g continues blinking). 71

For outdoor subjects on a sunny day For subjects beside a bright window For indoor subjects
Quick reference on the relationship between usable apertures and flash shooting distance Use table on page 146 in this instruction manual. 74

Page 76

TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users
FA, FE2, FG or Nikonos V users can use the SB-26 Speedlight to perform Standard TTL Flash, for fully automatic though-the-lens (TTL) control of flash exposure. Standard TTL Flash can be performed by setting the SB-26 at p. In Standard TTL Flash, the flash output level is controlled by the Speedlight to correctly expose subject.

3 ISO speed

Before proceeding: E ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. E TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. E USE FILM WITH A SPEED BETWEEN ISO 25 AND ISO 400.

7 Aperture

of film in use
Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Confirm ready-light has come on and subject is in focus. Confirm ready-light is on in the cameras viewfinder g or on the SB-26. Check whether subject is in focus by using the in-focus indicator ! in the cameras viewfinder
Fully depress the shutter release button to fire flash. Recheck ready-light to see if it is blinking.
If ready-light blinks for a few seconds after shooting, the flash has fired at its maximum output but the light may have been insufficient. Reconfirm shooting distance and, if necessary, move closer to the subject or select a wider aperture (in aperture-priority auto manual exposure mode) to compensate underexposure.
Caution Use the SB-26 exclusively for on-land conditions; it cannot be used in underwater conditions. Always keep the unit away from salt water, rain or water splashes. 77

Page 78

Chapter 3 TTL Auto Flash H Mode: For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users
Setting Up Your Camera Confirm Settings
Set desired shutter speed*.
Set your chosen aperture.
Set ISO speed of the film in use. Usable film speeds are from ISO 25 to ISO 400 For instruction, see Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment), pages 27 to 28. Set position of the built-in zoom head.

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.

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.
Number of repeating flashes per frame (shown with blinking hyphens - -) : Figures indicate use with External Power Source SD-7 or SD-8 Light output amount Flash speed per second j k l ; Hz Hz Hz 80 40

Page 94

F90X/N90s LCD panel
Set desired shutter speed and aperture on the camera.
Choose B (bulb) setting or a shutter speed long enough to accommodate the flash you will fire. For calculations, see at right, Determining shutter speed with number/speed of flashes. Use a tripod to minimize camera shake.
Determining shutter speed with number/speed of flash Frequency (Hz) represents the number of flash fired per second. For example, 10Hz will fire 10 times in one second. Or, because firing the flash five times takes 1/2 sec. at 10Hz, the shutter speed must be adjusted to at least as slow as 1/2 sec. For another example, firing six times at 8Hz takes 6/8 sec. to occur. However, because your camera does not have a shutter speed of 6/8 (0.75) sec., you should set it to the closest slower shutter speed, which is one second. The following equation can be applied to calculate an appropriate shutter speed: [Number of flash per frame] [Shutter speed] [Speed of flash (Hz)] where the result (shutter speed) must be rounded off to the closest slower shutter speed available with your camera.
Set the same aperture value in the SB-26s LCD Panel that you set on the camera (step 7). For instruction, see Setting Aperture Values (Manual Adjustment), pages 28 to 29. An indicator bar / appears to show appropriate shooting distance for the selected aperture.

The guide number helps you determine an exact flashshooting (flash-to-subject) distance for the selected aperture (f/stop number). FP guide numbers vary with the ISO film speed in use, shutter speed and zoom-head position. Use the equation below for your calculations, and check the following chart for guide numbers. This same equation can be applied to determine an appropriate aperture once the distance is known. [guide number] [flash-shooting distance] = [f/stop] For example, in FP1 operation with an aperture of f/4, a shutter speed of 1/500 sec., a zoom-head position of 35mm and a film speed of ISO 100, the chart recommends a guide number of 12 (or 39 for feet): If measuring in meters; 12 [flash-shooting distance] = 4 = 3 if measuring in feet; 39 [flash-shooting distance] = 4 = 9.75 Next, adjust subject and flash/camera location for 3 meters, or 9.75 feet, to obtain correct exposure in FP1 flash operation.
FP1 guide number (at ISO 100; for meters/feet) Shutter speed 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 24mm 14/46 10/33 7/23 5/16 3.5/11 Zoom-head position 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 15/50 17/56 20/65 23/74 11/36 12/39 14/46 16/52 7.5/25 8.5/28 10/33 11/36 5.3/17 6/20 7/23 8/26 3.7/12 4.2/14 5/16 5.6/18 85mm 24/77 17/56 12/39 8.5/28 6/20
FP2 guide number (at ISO 100; for meters/feet) Shutter speed 1/250 1/500 1/1000 1/2000 1/4000 Zoom-head position 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 10/33 11/36 12/39 14/46 16/52 7/23 7.5/25 8.5/28 10/33 11/36 5/16 5.3/17 6/20 7/23 8/26 3.5/11 3.7/12 4.2/14 5/16 5.6/18 2.5/8.2 2.6/8.5 3/10 3.5/11 4/13 85mm 17/56 12/39 8.5/28 6/20 4.2/14
Using a film speed other than ISO 100 For film speeds other than ISO 100, multiply the above figures by the factors shown in the following chart. If the film speed in the previous example had been ISO 400 rather than ISO 100: 12 [flash-shooting distance] = 4 x 2 = 3 x 2 = 6 if measuring in feet; 39 [flash-shooting distance] = 4 x 2 = 9.75 x 2 =19.5 You should have obtained 6 meters, or 19.5 feet, for correct exposure.
Adjustment factors for other ISO film speeds ISO film speed Factor 25 x 0.x 0.xx 1.xx 2.x4

Page 104

Red-Eye Reduction Control For Better Flash Portraits
Light from the cameras flash reflects off the interior of the eye through the wide-open pupil and back into the cameras lens. The result is a portrait with the subjects eyes bright red, a phenomenon known as red-eye effect. When used with the F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 camera, the SB-26s red-eye reduction lamp lights for a moment before the flash fires and the picture is taken. Red-eye effect can also be affected by the angle at which light flash on the subject and is reflected back to the lens. For further details on red eye, see page 138. Before proceeding: E ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. E TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. E USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANUAL FOCUS (M). E USE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE MODE. APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS F5 F-601M/N6000 FE2 F90X/N90s E F50-Series/N50 FG F90-Series/N90 E F-401x/N5005 Nikonos V F70-Series/N70 E F-501/N2020 F3-Series F4-Series F-301/N2000 F2-Series F-801/N8008 F-401/N4004 FM2 F-801s/N8008s F-401s/N4004s FG-20 F-601/N6006 FA 104 Hints and Notes

Confirm the L indicator appears and 0.0 (zero exposure compensation value) blinks in the LCD panel. Press buttons for value adjustment. Adjustment can be made while the value indicator is blinking. Simultaneously, the shooting indicator bars / change.
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

Page 108

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

Page 110

Open Flash Button For Test Firing
Push the button for a test firing when you are not sure whether the subject is within the flash shooting range. For test firing, Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode is used because reflected flash light from subject is measured by the light sensor on the front of the SB-26 rather than through the lens (TTL) on the camera. The results, however, can be used for TTL-auto flash. Hints and Notes
Built-In Wide Flash Adapter For Shorter Focal-Length Lenses
The SB-26 comes with a wide flash adapter to cover the full range of short focal length lenses. For focal lengths shorter than 24mm, consider using the wide flash adapter to achieve expanded coverage. When you use the wide flash adapter, the zoom head is automatically adjusted and the LCD panel shows z 20x with m indication. Pressing the button switches the zoom position, so the LCD panel shows z 18x and m. While the adapter is used, the automatic zoom-head position adjustment does not function for F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008 or F-801s/N8008s cameras, even when used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU.
Set the SB-26 and your camera in the same manner indicated in Non-TTL Auto Flash A Mode, pages 81 to 84.
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 110
After confirming that the ready-light is on, push the openflash button and check that the ready-light remains on. If the ready-light blinks, light may be insufficient at the aperture selected. If so, move closer to the subject or select a wider aperture.
Mounting/Removing wide flash adapter A. To mount the wide-flash adapter, slide out the adapter (the diffuser card comes out with it). B.Close only the adapter to cover the head. C.Slide the diffuser back to its original position. To remove, uncover the adapter and slide back to its original position.

140 times 1.6 sec. 100 times 1.6 sec. 80 times 2 sec.
* With either alkaline-manganese or NiCd batteries installed in the SB-26. **Data measured with fresh batteries. Note: Data for light output at 1/1 (full), no use of AF assist LED and LCD panel illuminator.
Flash exposure control: Four flash modes are provided TTL, A, M and Repeating Flash
TTL mode H: Used with F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/ N5005, F-501/ N2020, F-301/N2000, F-401/N4004, F-401s/N4004s, FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V. Usable aperture range in TTL mode: f/1.4 to f/22 (at ISO 100) Shooting distance range in TTL mode: 0.6 20m (ft.) A mode A: For Non-TTL Auto Flash operation, light is measured via light sensor in front of the flash unit. Usable apertures in A mode: f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8 and f/11 (at ISO 100) Shooting distance range in A mode: 0.6 20m (ft.) M mode D: For Manual Flash operation, light output amount can be varied from 1/1 (full) to 1/64 output (total of 18 steps in 1/3 increments). Flash sync mode selector: W position is used for front-curtain sync with all the cameras listed in this manual. q position is used for Rear-Curtain Sync flash with F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s. Red-eye reduction control: Red-eye reduciton lamp lights before the flash fires to reduce the likelihood of red-eye effect when used with F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70.
AF assist LED: In insufficient light, automatically fires LED beam toward subject when performing autofocus with Nikon F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/N8008s, F-601/N6006, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005, F-501/N2020, F-401/ N4004 or F-401s/N4004s. Ready-light/Open-flash button : Indicates recharged battery power (ready-light). In TTL Auto and Non-TTL Auto Flash mode, indicates possible underexposure by blinking. In Non-TTL Auto Flash mode, can be used as a test-firing button for lightamount detection. In Repeating Flash mode, can be used as a test-firing button for preset strobo flashes. Built-in diffuser card: In bounce flash photography application, creates natural lighting for catchlight in subjects eyes. Mount pin: Fixes F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/ N70 on the hot shoe. LCD panel illuminator: Activated with button. Illumination lasts approx. eight seconds; same button turns illumination off. Flash shooting distance scale: Measurement systems can be switched between meters and feet using the lever inside the battery chamber.
FP High-Speed Sync flash: Available with the F5, F90X/N90s and F90-Series/N90. Enables higher shutter speeds (1/250 sec. or faster) for flash synchronization. Monitor Preflash: Available with F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70Series/N70 cameras when used with an AF Nikkor lens. Other features: External power source terminal, TTL multiple flash terminal and Sync/multiple flash terminal. Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 79 x 135 x 101mm (3.1 x 5.3 x 4.0 in.) Weight (without batteries): Approx. 390g (13.8 oz.) Accessory provided: Soft Case SS-24 Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.