10 Do not fire the unit while the flash head is touching a person or object. Such use can result in the person being burned, and/or their clothes igniting from the heat of the flashs firing. 11 Keep small accessories out of the reach of children to avoid the possibility of the accessory being swallowed. If an accessory is accidentally swallowed, immediately consult with a doctor. 12 Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual. Batteries other than those specified could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire or otherwise not perform satisfactorily. 13 Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, as the batteries could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire. When using more than one battery in a product, always use identical batteries that were purchased at the same time. 14 Non-rechargeable batteries such as manganese, alkaline-manganese and lithium batteries should never be charged in a battery charger because they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire. 15 When using standard size (AA, AAA, C, D) or other common rechargeable batteries such as NiCd and Ni-MH battery types, or when recharging them, be sure to use only the battery charger specified by the battery maker and read the instructions thoroughly. Do not recharge these batteries with their terminals reversed in the charger or before the batteries have cooled off sufficiently because they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire. The same caution also applies to using the rechargeable batteries that may be supplied by the photo products manufacturer.

CAUTIONS for Speedlights

1 Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands, as this could cause an electric shock. 2 Keep the flash unit away from children to prevent them from putting the unit in or near their mouth, or otherwise touching a dangerous part of the product; as such contact could cause an electric shock. 3 Do not apply strong physical shocks to the unit, as this could cause a malfunction that could cause the unit to explode or catch on fire. 4 Never use active agents that contain flammable substances such as paint thinner, benzene or paint remover to clean the unit, and never store the unit in locations containing chemicals such as camphor and naphthalene, as this could damage the plastic case, cause a fire or cause an electric shock.
5 Remove any batteries from the unit before storing the unit for a long time to prevent the unit from catching on fire or leaking corrosive liquids.

Notes

Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory are referred to as Default settings in this manual. CLS: Hereafter, Nikons new Speedlight system Nikon Creative Lighting System is abbreviated CLS.
Marks used in this manual
v: Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure. t: Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB-800. u: Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-800

Supplied accessories

Quick Recycling Battery Pack SD-800

Speedlight Stand AS-19

Nikon Diffusion Dome SW-10H
Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800: FL-G1, TN-A1

Soft Case SS-800

Tips on using the Speedlight

Take trial shots

Preparation Make trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations.
Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly
Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.
Using your Speedlight correctly
The Nikon Speedlight SB-800s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses. Camera/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikons criteria for specifications, and nonconforming cameras/accessories could damage the SB-800s components. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-800s performance when used with non-Nikon products.

Notes:

The Nikon N90s, N90, N75-Series, N70, N60, N55-Series, N50, N8008, N8008s, PRONEA 6i, N6006, N6000, N5005, N4004s and N4004 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. The Nikon N80-Series, N65-Series are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. and Central and South America. The Nikon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in the U.S.A and Canada.
Camera groups and available flash modes
In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into nine groups: cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Groups I to VII unless otherwise noted. First, consult the camera group table to see which group your camera belongs to. Then as you read the manual, you will find specific information on how to use the SB-800 with your particular camera.
*CLS: Nikon Creative Lighting System (p. 5)
TTL auto flash mode (p. 37) Group Camera name

D-TTL TTL

Cameras compatible with CLS* Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS* I

D2H, D70

D1-Series, D100 F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/ N75-Series, F70-Series/N70 F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, Pronea 600i/6i F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000 F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005 F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000 FM3A, FA, FE2, FG, Nikonos V, F3-Series (with the AS-17) New FM2, FM10, FE10, F3-Series, F55-Series/N55-Series COOLPIX 8400, COOLPIX 8800

Auto Aperture flash In addition to Non-TTL auto A flash (see below), the SB-800s built-in sensor correctly controls the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISO sensitivity, aperture, focal length, and exposure compensation value (p. 38). Non-TTL auto flash The SB-800s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected back from the subject, controlling the SB-800s light output automatically to give the correct exposure (p. 40). Distance-priority manual flash Based on the ISO sensitivity value and aperture, the SB-800 controls the light output according to the distance value entered (p. 44). Manual flash The flash always fires at a specified output in combination with the aperture and light output level (p. 46). Repeating flash The SB-800 fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multipleexposure effects (p. 48).
Compatible with CLS (CLS*) The SB-800 is connected to cameras compatible with CLS* (p. 8). Power zoom function The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted to match the lens focal length (p. 26). Manual zoom-head position setting You can adjust the zoom-head position manually (p. 26). Canceling the power zoom function The power zoom is canceled, and the zoom-head position can only be adjusted manually (p. 26). Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally The zoom-head position can be adjusted if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 117). ISO sensitivity Represents the ISO sensitivity value (p. 24). Flash output level compensation Represents the flash output level compensation value (p. 56). Underexposure Indicates the underexposure value, showing that the light might be insufficient in the TTL auto flash mode (p. 33). Standby duration Represents the time before the standby function is activated (p. 67). The wide-area AF-assist illuminator is activated The wide-area AF-assist illuminator comes on (p. 62). The wide-area AF-assist illuminator is canceled The wide-area AF-assist illuminator does not come on (p. 62).
Flash firing canceled The SB-800 does not fire but the wide-area AF-assist illuminator still comes on (p. 62). Control buttons being locked Control buttons (except the ON/OFF, Modeling illuminator and FLASH buttons) are locked (p. 12). Red-eye reduction Red-eye reduction control is activated (p. 58). LCD panel illuminator Pressing any control button turns on the LCD panel illuminator (p. 119). Beyond the flash-shooting distance range The subject is beyond the flash shooting distance range. : the closest available distance, : the farthest available distance (p. 30).

Adjusting the time before the SB-800 goes into the standby mode Adjust this duration using Custom settings (p. 67).
t Standby function to conserve battery power
Attach the SB-800 to the camera and
Make sure the SB-800 and the camera body are turned off.

FLA SH

Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the left, slide the SB-800s mounting foot into the cameras accessory shoe and turn the lock lever to the right.
Hold down the flash head tilting/rotating lock release button to adjust the flash head to the horizontal/front position.
v Turn the mounting foot lock lever securely until it stops
To lock the Speedlight in place, turn the lock lever approx. 90 clockwise until it stops. To unlock, turn the lever counterclockwise until it stops.

Unlock

adjust the flash head

t Warning indication

If the flash head is not adjusted to the horizontal/front position, when the power is turned on, this warning appears on the LCD panel. See page 100 for the flash heads rotating angle.
A dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilted down 7.
The flash shooting distance range disappears if the flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front or down 7 position.
Setting the ISO sensitivity
In this manual, the sensitivity for digital SLRs and the film speed for film-based cameras are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity. For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II, the ISO sensitivity is automatically set and appears on the LCD panel when the camera and SB-800 are turned ON.
Available ISO sensitivity in TTL auto flash operation
The SB-800s maximum ISO sensitivity range usable in the TTL auto flash mode is ISO 25 to 1000.
The ISO sensitivity range may become narrower, depending on the cameras in use. For details, see your camera instruction manual. The flash shooting distance range on the SB-800s LCD panel varies, depending on the ISO sensitivity. Therefore, be sure to set the ISO sensitivity correctly.
u Digital data communication with the SB-800
When the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II, digital data communication is performed. The camera automatically sends the ISO sensitivity to the SB-800. With a CPU lens, the aperture and focal length are automatically set on the SB-800.

Selecting the flash mode

Every time you press the a button, the available flash mode icon changes. Refer to Icons on the LCD panel (p. 13).
Note that the usable flash modes only appear and vary, and the unavailable flash modes will be skipped and do not appear, when pressing the a button. The SB-800s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the cameras exposure mode and metering system. Refer to Detailed operation (p. 35), TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-800 (p. 108) and your cameras instruction manual.
The SB-800s flash shooting distance range is 0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) and varies, depending on the ISO sensitivity, zoom-head position, and lens aperture in use. Flash shooting distance range in the TTL auto flash mode
ISO sensitivity Zoom-head position (mm)

173 24

2.1.2.1.4
Flash shooting distance range (m/ft.)

5.2.1.5.8

Aperture
0.8-9.0/ 2.6-29 0.6-6.3/ 4 2.1.4 2.0-21 0.6-4.5/ 5.2.1.4 2.0-15 0.6-3.2/ 8 5.2.2.0-10 0.6-2.2/ 5.2.8 2.0-7.4 0.6-1.6/ 8 5.2.0-5.2 0.6-1.1/ 5.6 2.0-3.7 0.6-0.8/ 8 2.0-2.6

16 *1 *2 *3 *4

1.0-11/ 3.3-37 0.7-8.0/ 2.3-26 0.6-5.7/ 2.0-19 0.6-4.0/ 2.0-13 0.6-2.8/ 2.0-9.3 0.6-2.0/ 2.0-6.6 0.6-1.4/ 2.0-4.6 0.6-1.0/ 2.0-3.3 0.6-0.7/ 2.0-2.3 _
1.1-12/ 3.7-41 0.8-9.0/ 2.6-29 0.6-6.3/ 2.0-20 0.6-4.5/ 2.0-14 0.6-3.1/ 2.0-10 0.6-2.2/ 2.0-7.3 0.6-1.6/ 2.0-5.2 0.6-1.1/ 2.0-3.7 0.6-0.7/ 2.0-2.6 _
1.3-14/ 4.1-46 0.8-10/ 2.6-33 0.7-7.0/ 2.0-23 0.6-5.0/ 2.0-16 0.6-3.5/ 2.0-11 0.6-2.5/ 2.0-8.2 0.6-1.8/ 2.0-5.8 0.6-1.2/ 2.0-4.1 0.6-0.8/ 2.0-2.9 _
1.9-20/ 6.2-66 1.3-15/ 4.3-49 1.0-10/ 3.1-35 0.7-7.5/ 2.2-25 0.6-5.3/ 2.0-17 0.6-3.7/ 2.0-12 0.6-2.6/ 2.0-8.7 0.6-1.8/ 2.0-6.2 0.6-1.3/ 2.0-4.4 0.6-0.9/ 2.0-3.1
2.0-20/ 6.6-66 1.4-16/ 4.6-52 1.0-11/ 3.3-37 0.7-8.0/ 2.3-26 0.6-5.7/ 2.0-19 0.6-4.0/ 2.0-13 0.6-2.8/ 2.0-9.3 0.6-2.0/ 2.0-6.6 0.6-1.4/ 2.0-4.6 0.6-1.0/ 2.0-3.3
2.4-20/ 7.8-66 1.7-19/ 5.5-62 1.2-13/ 3.9-44 0.8-9.5/ 2.8-31 0.6-6.7/ 2.0-22 0.6-4.8/ 2.0-16 0.6-3.4/ 2.0-11 0.6-2.4/ 2.0-7.8 0.6-1.7/ 2.0-5.5 0.6-1.2/ 2.0-3.9

u Monitor Preflashes

The SB-800 fires a series of imperceptible Monitor Preflashes just before the flash fires to obtain information on the subject in these cases: (1) when the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Group I with a CPU lens, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL, and flash mode is set to TTL auto flash, and (2) when the SB-800 is used with cameras compatible with CLS with a CPU lens, and the flash mode is set to Auto Aperture flash. Monitor Preflashes are fired instantaneously and cannot be differentiated from the main flash, but H appears on the LCD panel (using a single flash unit). However, for cameras in Group I, Monitor Preflashes are not fired when the SB-800s flash head is adjusted to other than the horizontal/front or down to 7 position, or the cameras flash sync mode is set to Rear-curtain sync, even when H appears on the LCD panel.

TTL auto flash mode

TTL auto flash: D
In this mode, the flash illumination that is reflected back from the subject is detected by the cameras TTL auto flash sensor and the camera automatically controls the flash output level to give the correct exposure. Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash: Do Press the a button to display Do on the LCD panel, and Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash is performed. The flash output level is automatically adjusted for a well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background. (While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no o appears with cameras in Groups III and IV.)
Do indicates i-TTL Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash in the i-TTL mode.
Standard TTL flash: D Press the a button to display D on the LCD panel, and Standard TTL flash is performed. The main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness. This is useful when you want to highlight the main subject.
D indicates Standard i-TTL flash in the i-TTL mode, Standard TTL flash for Digital SLRs in the D-TTL mode, and Standard TTL flash in the TTL (film-based) mode.
t Notes on TTL mode indicators
Comparison tables are provided on pages 108-110 to show the SB-800s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the instruction manuals of Speedlights featuring no CLS.
For details on shooting procedures in the TTL auto flash mode, refer to Basic operation (p. 17).
t Flash shooting in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync mode (F5 only)
The farthest flash shooting distance cannot be read on the SB-800s LCD panel. In this case, use the guide number table and equation (p. 106) for calculating this distance, according to each zoom-head position.

Non-TTL auto flash mode

In Repeating flash operation, the SB-800 fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. This operation is useful when shooting fast-moving subjects.
Setting the flash output level, the frequency (Hz), and the number of repeating flashes per frame
Frequency (Hz) represents the number of times the flash fires per second. The actual number of repeating flashes per frame becomes lower than the one set as the shutter speed increases or the number of flashes per second decreases, because the Speedlight fires during a single exposure. Referring to the table below, set the flash output level, the frequency, and the number of repeating flashes separately for each picture.
Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame Frequency*
1-2 Hz 3 Hz 4 Hz 5 Hz 6 Hz 7 Hz 8 Hz 9 Hz 10 Hz 20-100 Hz

1/4 1/8 1/12 1/24 1/24

* Frequency (Hz) represents the number of flashes per second.
Set the cameras exposure mode to Manual (M).
Press the a button to display q.
The available range of the flash output level is between 1/8 and 1/128.

Press the g button.

The flash output level is set, then the frequency display is highlighted.
Repeat the procedures above to set the frequency and the number of repeating flashes per frame.
Frequency (Hz) Number of repeating flashes per frame
Determine the guide number according to the flash output level and zoom-head position set, then calculate the correct aperture from the guide number and the shooting distance. Finally set this aperture on the SB-800.
Refer to Guide number table (p. 42) and Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode (p. 42). For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I and II with CPU lenses and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL, set the SB-800s aperture on the camera. You cannot set the aperture on the SB-800 directly. If the ISO sensitivity is correctly set, the flash shooting distance appears on the LCD panel, matching the flash output level and aperture as set.
Set the same aperture on the camera or lens that is set on the SB-800.

Set the shutter speed.

Use the equation to determine the shutter speed and use that shutter speed or one slower. Shutter speed = Number of flashes per frame Frequency of flashes (Hz) For example, if the number of flashes per frame is 10 and frequency is 5 Hz, divide 10 by 5 to get a shutter speed of 2 sec. or slower. Or you can set the shutter speed to B (bulb) to accommodate any number of repeating flashes.
t Making sure the flash fires correctly before shooting
Press the FLASH button to make sure the flash fires correctly as set.
t Exposure compensation in Repeating flash operation
The flash shooting distance calculated in step number 6 is the correct exposure for the first flash in the sequence. Therefore, repeating flash at this flash output level will result in overexposure of any overlapping images. To prevent this, set a smaller aperture on the camera.

Setting the aperture on the cameras aperture dial
(F-401x/N5005, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004 cameras + CPU lens) After zooming in/out to select the desired composition, set the aperture on the cameras aperture dial. Then set the same aperture on the SB-800s LCD panel and confirm the flash shooting distance range.
Set the cameras exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). The aperture cannot be set in the Programmed Auto (P) or Shutter-Priority Auto (S) exposure mode. If the aperture dial is set beyond lens aperture range, set the lens minimum (or maximum) aperture on the SB-800s LCD panel.
Slow-sync flash mode, Red-eye reduction control,

Slow-sync flash

The flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the correct exposure for both the main subject and background in low-light situations or at night.
Available with cameras providing slow-sync. You cannot set the slow-sync function on the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your cameras instruction manual. Since slow shutter speeds are normally used, use of a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake.

Red-eye reduction

To prevent the center of your subjects eyes from appearing red in color pictures, the SB-800 fires three flashes at reduced output just before the picture is taken.
Available with cameras having red-eye reduction control. You cannot set red-eye reduction on the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your cameras instruction manual. After setting your camera to red-eye reduction, make sure that N appears on the SB-800s LCD panel.
Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash mode
In this mode, red-eye reduction is combined with slow sync.
Available with cameras having red-eye reduction with slow-sync. You cannot set this mode on the SB-800 directly, but must set it on the camera. For more information, refer to your cameras instruction manual. After setting your camera to red-eye reduction with slow sync, make sure that N appears on the SB-800s LCD panel. Since slow shutter speeds are normally used, use of a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake.

and Rear-curtain sync

Rear-curtain sync
In normal flash photography, when shooting fast-moving subjects at slow shutter speeds, unnatural-looking pictures can occur, because the subject frozen by the flash appears behind or within the blurred movement (see photo below right). Rear-curtain flash sync creates a picture in which the blur of a moving subject (for example, the taillights of a car) appears behind the subject and not in front.

LCD panel illuminator (p. 119)
Setting the LCD panel illuminator to turn on or off. ON : Turn on OFF : Turn off
LCD panel brightness (p. 119)
Adjusting the brightness of the LCD panel. Available brightness levels are graphically displayed in 9 steps on the LCD panel. Press the c or d button to adjust the brightness.
Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator (p. 62)
Setting to activate or cancel the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator. ON : Activated (AF-ILL appears on the LCD panel) OFF : Canceled (NO AF-ILL appears on the LCD panel)
Canceling flash firing (p. 62)
Setting to activate or cancel flash firing of the SB-800. When it is set to OFF, the SB-800 does not fire but the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator still comes on. ON : Firing activated OFF : Firing canceled (AF-ILL ONLY appears on the LCD panel)
Information on advanced flash shooting techniques using the SB-800 is described in this section.
Overview of multiple flash operation
Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking pictures by using several flash units to emphasize the subjects shape or eliminate shadows. The following wireless multiple flash operations are available: Multiple flash operation Advanced Wireless Lighting (p. 76) SU-4 type wireless multiple flash (p. 84) Usable cameras Cameras compatible with CLS No limitation Usable Speedlights Only those featuring CLS such as SB-800 for both the master and remote flash units. Master flash unit: Speedlights compatible with wireless flash operation, those compatible with the TTL mode, or the builtin Speedlights on cameras so equipped. Remote flash unit: Except the SB-23, all Speedlights compatible with wireless flash operation or those connected to the optional Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4. Speedlights compatible with the TTL mode. Speedligthts SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B cannot be used with the F-401/ N4004 or F-401s/N4004s as either master or remote flash units.
Multiple flash No limitation operation using cords (TTL multiple flash (p. 90) operation is not possible with digital SLRs.)
Its not possible to use different types of multiple flash operations together. Wireless multiple flash operation using Speedlights featuring CLS is called Advanced Wireless Lighting. For cameras compatible with CLS and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, set the master flash units flash mode to Auto Aperture B flash or Non-TTL auto A flash in SU-4 type wireless multiple flash operation. In multiple flash operation using cords, multiple flash shooting in M (manual) mode only is possible.

t Master flash unit and remote flash unit(s)
In this instruction manual, the flash unit mounted on the camera or the one directly connected to the camera via a TTL Remote Cord, such as the SC-17, SC-28 or SC-29, is called the master flash unit. All other flash units are called the remote flash units.
Be sure to cancel Monitor Preflashes (in TTL multiple flash operation)
In SU-4 type wireless multiple flash and multiple flash using cords, cancel the Monitor Preflashes of the master flash unit following one of the methods described below, since Monitor Preflashes cause incorrect exposure. SB-800 SB-80DX, SB-50DX SB-800, SB-600, SB-80DX, SB-50DX, SB-28, SB-28DX, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25 Built-in Speedlight
(F80-Series/N80-Series, F75-Series/ N75-Series, F70-Series/N70) Cancel the master flash units Monitor Preflashes setting when performing SU-4 type wireless multiple flash operation using the SB-600 as a master flash unit. For details, refer to instruction manuals provided with the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 and Speedlights (such as SB-800) featuring SU-4 type multiple flash operation.
Set the SU-4 type wireless multiple flash mode Set the wireless flash mode. Set the flash mode to Standard TTL flash. Tilt the flash head up. Use a non-CPU lens. Set the exposure mode to M (Manual).
v Notes on performing multiple flash (common to both wireless and wired operation)
To avoid accidental firing, turn off the camera and all flash units before mounting the master flash unit on or connecting it to the camera. When using a Speedlight that has a standby function as a remote flash unit, make sure that the standby function is set to off, or select a standby duration that is long enough, using the Custom settings. The SB-800s and SB-80DXs standby function is canceled while the SB-50DXs standby duration is prolonged to approx. one hour when they are set to the wireless remote flash mode. Set the angle of coverage of the remote flash units wider than the picture angle, so that the subject will receive sufficient illumination even when the angle of the flash head is off axis from the subject. (In Advanced Wireless Lighting, the zoom-head position is automatically set to 24mm, except when the built-in wide-flash adapter or Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached.) Remember, the closer the subject, the wider the angle of coverage required. The brightness of the flash illumination is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the flash unit and the subject. For example, if the distance between Speedlight A and the subject is 1m (3.3 ft.), and Speedlight B is 2m (6.6 ft.), the combined brightness of the two Speedlights will be: A : B = 12 : 22 = 1 : 4 (in meters) or 3.32 : 6.62 = approx. 11 : 44 (in feet) Therefore, the illumination provided by Speedlight A is four times (or two steps) brighter than that provided by Speedlight B. To ensure good results, its recommended to make test shots before shooting important events. Be sure to read the instruction manuals of your camera and Speedlight(s) before use.

Turn off the power and attach the master flash unit to the camera.

SH FLA

Turn on the power of all flash units and set the flash mode on all units to Manual flash.
The flash output level can be adjusted on the SB-800, SB-80DX, SB-28, and so forth, if necessary (p. 43). Repeating flash is not possible.
See page 46 for more information about the Manual flash mode.
Connect the sync terminal on the master flash unit to the remote flash unit using the optional Sync Cord SC-11 or SC-15.
System chart for TTL multiple flash shooting using cords
Speedlights SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B cannot be used with the F-401/N4004 or F-401s/N4004s as either master or remote flash units.

Group I

F5 (with DA-30/DP-30) F100 F90X/N90s F90-Series/N90 F80-Series/N80-Series F75-Series/N75-Series F70-Series/N70 F5 (with DW-30/DW-31)

SC-24 SB-11 SC-23

SB-14 SB-140

SB-21B

Group II
F4-Series (with DW-20/DW-21) F4-Series (with DA-20/DP-20) F65-Series/N65-Series F-801s/N8008s F-801/N8008 Pronea 600i/6i
SB-15 SB-20 SB-22 SB-22s SB-23 SB-27 SB-30 SB-50DX

Group III

F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000
SB-16B SB-24 SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/ 28DX

SB-29/29s SB-80DX SB-800

Group IV
F60-Series/N60 F50-Series/N50 F-401X/N5005

SC-17/ 28

SB-16A

SB-21A

Group V
F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004 F-301/N2000

Group VI

FM3A, FA, FE2, FG Nikonos V
V-type Sync Cord SC-14 Items marked on page 94 are connected to item on page 95.

Group VII

F3-Series

Remote flash unit

SB-16B

SB-28/28DX

SB-29/29s

SB-80DX

AS-10 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14 SB-140
SC-18/26 (1.5m) SC-19/27 (3m)
AS-10 SB-15 SB-20 SB-21B SB-22 SB-22s SB-27 SB-30

SC-18/26 SC-19/27

SB-16B SB-24 SB-25

SB-28/ 28DX

AS-10 SB-16A SB-17 SB-21A SC-18/26 SC-19/27 Using SC-18/26 or SC-19/27, up to five flash units can be used for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m (33 ft.).
Flash shooting with digital SLRs cameras using
Supplied with the SB-800, the Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-800 includes two filters: the FL-G1 for taking flash pictures under fluorescent light and the TN-A1 for use with incandescent/tungsten light.
Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 is also available as an option (p. 112).
Using colored gel filters with digital cameras
Purpose Balances the color of light from the flash to match that of fluorescent light Balances the color of light from the flash to match that of incandescent or tungsten light Creates interesting effects by changing the light from the flash to a different color Gel filter FL-G1 Adjust the cameras white balance to: Fluorescent

Incandescent

Optional color gel filters
Balancing light from the flash
With digital cameras, if you shoot flash pictures under fluorescent light with the cameras white balance set to Flash, the main subject illuminated by the flash will look normal. However, the background will come out green. To compensate, use the FL-G1 (green gel filter) to convert the light coming from the flash to the same color as fluorescent light, then adjust the cameras white balance to Fluorescent. Follow a similar procedure when shooting flash pictures under incandescent/tungsten illumination using the TN-A1 filter. In this case, set the white balance to Incandescent.
Available with digital cameras featuring white balance. You cannot set the white balance on the SB-800. Choose an appropriate white balance setting on your digital camera. For more details, see your cameras instruction manual. When using tungsten film with a film-based camera, use the TN-A1 (for incandescent/tungsten light) filter for more effective results.
v Notes on using colored gel filters
These filters are consumable items. When they extremely fade in color or deteriorate, purchase optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1. Colored gel filters may become deformed due to the heat generated from the flash head. However, this will not affect their performance. When taking pictures using repeating flash, do not use these filters, because they may become deformed quickly due to the heat. There is no difference between the front and back of colored gel filters. Even though they may be curled, this will not affect their performance. Likewise, scratches on these filters will have no effect on performance. The amount of exposure compensation printed on each filter is provided as a guide only. Be sure to make test shots to determine the actual amount of compensation required. To remove dust or dirt, wipe the filter lightly with a soft, clean cloth.

colored gel filters

How to use colored gels
Fold the colored gel filter securely on the line.
Insert the colored gel filter between the wide-flash adapter and the flash head.

SHOOTING MENU

Auto Incandescent Fluorescent Direct sunlight Flash Cloudy Shade
u Optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1
The optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 contains a total of 20 filters in 8 models of colored gels for balancing the color of light or adding specific colors to the scene using a Speedlight (p. 112).

Flash shooting with two flash units (light bounced from the side and top) Shooting data: Camera: Focal length: Master flash unit: Remote flash unit: Aperture: Shooting distance: D2H 105mm SB-800 set to D SB-800 set to D f/22 Approx. 1m (3.3 ft.)
Flash shooting with one camera-mounted flash unit Shooting data: Camera: Focal length: Master flash unit: Aperture: Shooting distance: D2H 105mm SB-800 set to D f/10 Approx. 1m (3.3 ft.)

From the top

Example of close-up shooting with two flash units Illumination from the side and top provided by two flash units emphasizes the small subjects contours. Bounced light from the side softens the shadows.
Use either the SC-29, SC-28 or SC-17.
Set the SB-800s flash mode to TTL auto flash. Advanced operations
Position the built-in wide-flash adapter over the flash head. Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom-head position to 14mm or 17mm.
Tilt the flash head down to 7.
When the SB-800 is attached to the camera and used as the only flash unit, this position is recommended to ensure sufficient illumination of the lower portion of the subject in close-up photography. The dotted line below the underbar appears when the flash head is tilted down to this position.
Setting the built-in wide-flash adapter and adjusting the zoom-head position
Slowly pull out the wide-flash adapter all the way, and position it over the flash head. Then slide the bounce card back into place inside the flash head.
Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom head position to 14mm or 17mm.
When the wide-flash adapter is set on the flash head, the power zoom function becomes inactive and the zoom-head position is adjusted to 14mm or 17mm. To adjust the zoom-head position, go to the Custom Settings Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is broken off accidentally (p. 67). To slide the wide-flash adapter back into place, lift it and push it into the flash head as far as it will go.
Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table. To ensure the correct exposure, use an aperture smaller than the one obtained from the equation.
ISO sensitivity Coefficient (m/ft)

25 1.4/4.6

50 2/6.6

100 2/6.6

200 4/13

400 4/13