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Autofocus Speedlight

SB-800

SB-800 (En)

Instruction Manual
Printed in Japan TT4I02500801 (S033) 11 8MSA0611-A

For your safety

Before using your product, please read the following safety precautions carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and safe use and to help prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others. For quick reference by those who use the product, please keep these safety instructions near the product.
In this manual, safety instructions are indicated with these symbols:
ISO sensitivity..24 ISO sensitivity factors.43 Icons..13
REMOTE...72 Ready-light...20, 33 Rear-curtain sync..59 Red-eye reduction control.58 Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash...58 Remote flash unit..72 Repeating flash..48 Reset...12
LCD panel illuminator..119 LCD panel...119
WARNING result in personal injury, or death and property damage. CAUTION result in property damage.
Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could
MASTER..15, 72 MODE button..30 Manual exposure (M) mode.29 Manual flash..46 Manual mode..42 Master flash unit..72 Metering system..28 Minimum recycling time..19 Modeling illuminator..66 Monitor Preflashes.36 Mounting foot lock lever..22 Multi Selector..12 Multiple flash operation..72 Multiple flash shooting using cords.90
SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting..84 Selecting the distance unit (m or ft.).70 Shutter-priority auto exposure (S).29 Slow-sync flash mode..58 Soft Case..6 Sound monitor..89 Speedlight Stand..75 Speedlight parts and their functions.10 Standard TTL flash..37 Standby function..21 Supplied accessories..6
NO AF-ILL..62 Nikon Creative Lighting System..5 Nikon Diffusion Dome..101 Non-CPU lenses..16 Non-TTL auto flash..40 Non-TTL auto flash mode..38 Number of flashes..19, 48
TTL mode..37 Test firing..20
Underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode..33 Using the built-in bounce card.101

ON/OFF button...12

Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator..5, 62 Wireless flash mode..69 Wireless master flash unit.72 Wireless multiple flash shooting..72 Wireless remote flash.72
Power zoom function..26 Programmed auto (P).28
Quick Recycling Battery Pack..64

Zoom-head position..26

Reference information

WARNINGS for Speedlights

1 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with running water and consult with a doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if they are not treated quickly. 2 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact could injure your skin. 3 Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash unit by yourself, as this could result in you receiving an electric shock and could also cause the unit to malfunction; such malfunction could lead to personal injury. 4 If the flash unit is dropped and damaged, do not touch any exposed interior metal parts. Such parts, especially the speedlights capacitor and associated parts, could be in a high-charge state and if touched could cause an electric shock. Disconnect the power or remove the batteries and be sure that you do not touch any of the products electrical components, and then bring the flash unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair. 5 If you detect heat, smoke or notice a burning smell, immediately stop operation and remove the batteries to prevent the unit from catching on fire or melting. Allow the flash unit to cool down so that you can safely touch it and remove the batteries. Then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair. 6 The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to rain, saltwater or moisture unless it is properly protected from the liquids and moisture. Underwater use requires a certified underwater housing. If water or moisture gets inside the unit, this could cause the unit to catch on fire or cause an electric shock. In such instances you should immediately remove the batteries from the speedlight and then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair. Note: electronic devices that are penetrated by water or moisture are often not economically repairable. 7 Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or explosive gas. If the flash unit is operated in areas where there is a flammable gas, including propane, gasoline and dust, it could cause an explosion or fire. 8 Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving car, as this could temporarily impair the drivers vision and cause an accident. 9 Do not fire the flash unit directly into the eyes of someone that is at close range, as it could damage their eyes retinas. Never fire the flash unit closer than 1 meter from infants. Preparation

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.
u Notes on setting the Speedlights ISO sensitivity
In the TTL auto flash mode and Manual flash mode (except Distance-priority manual p flash), there is no direct connection between setting the ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight and controlling the flash output level. Setting the ISO sensitivity is for correctly displaying the flash shooting distance range or the shooting distance indication on the Speedlights LCD panel. In the Non-TTL auto flash mode (Auto Aperture flash B/Non-TTL auto flash A) and Distance-priority manual p flash operation, the correct exposure can be obtained by setting the cameras ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight, because the Speedlight controls the flash output. For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, and cameras in Groups I and II, the ISO sensitivity is automatically transferred from the camera to the Speedlight.
For cameras in Groups III to VII, set the ISO sensitivity in the Custom settings mode (p. 67).
Turn the SB-800 off once, then turn it back on. After that, turn on the camera body.
Press the g button for approx. 2 sec. to display the Custom settings mode.

Display of the amount of underexposure
For cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Group I and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL in the TTL auto flash mode, the amount of underexposure (0 to 3.0 EV) appears for approx. 3 sec on the SB-800s LCD panel; at the same time the above readylights blink.
Pressing the a and g buttons simultaneously recalls this display.
Using the SB-800 with the COOLPIX
For COOLPIX cameras, such as the COOLPIX 8800 and 4500, having an accessory shoe (hot-shoe) or TTL multiple flash terminal: When more powerful illumination is required or when performing multiple flash, it is recommended to connect the SB-800 or another Nikon Speedlight compatible with TTL auto flash to the COOLPIX. Auto flash operation is possible by setting the SB-800s flash mode to TTL auto flash. The flash output level is controlled by detecting signals from the camera to determine when to start and stop firing. This is controlled by Standard i-TTL flash operation with COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL and by Non-TTL operation with other COOLPIX cameras.
For connection to COOLPIX cameras featuring hot shoe contacts such as the COOLPIX 8800, attach the Speedlight directly to the accessory shoe. Optional accessories such as the Multi-Flash Bracket Unit SK-E900 should be used for connection with COOLPIX cameras having a TTL multiple flash terminal but no hot-shoe contacts. For details, see your cameras instruction manual.
Please note that wireless multiple flash using the COOLPIXs built-in flash as a master flash unit and the SB-800 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed.
This section provides a variety of flash modes available with the SB-800. Be sure to refer to your cameras instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions.
SB-800s available flash modes
The SB-800s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the cameras exposure mode. Using the TTL auto flash mode is recommended for normal flash photography.
Available flash modes (Indicators, usable cameras)
TTL auto flash mode i-TTL mode: Do/D: Cameras compatible with CLS, COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS Cameras in Groups I to VI (No o appears with cameras in Groups III and IV while performing Balanced Fill-Flash) Cameras compatible with CLS, Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, Cameras in Groups I to II No limitation
D-TTL mode: Do/D: TTL (film based) mode: Do/D:
Non-TTL auto flash mode Auto Aperture flash: B (p. 38): Non-TTL auto flash: Manual mode Distance-priority manual flash: Manual flash: Repeating flash: A (p. 40):
p (p. 44): G (p. 46): q (p. 48):
Except D1X and D1H digital cameras. No limitation No limitation

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

Auto Aperture B flash
The SB-800s built-in sensor measures the flash illumination reflected from the subject and controls the flash output in combination with data automatically transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-800, including the ISO sensitivity value and exposure compensation value as well as the aperture and focal length of the lens.
Auto Aperture flash is available with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I and II when used with a CPU lens and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL. Auto Aperture flash is automatically set (default setting) for the above camera/lens combinations. To cancel Auto Aperture flash and set to Non-TTL auto flash (p. 40), use Custom settings (p. 67).
Set the cameras exposure mode to Programmed Auto (P) or Aperture-Priority Auto (A).

If FEE appears on the cameras LCD panel while the cameras exposure mode is set to Programmed Auto (P), reset the exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A).
Lock the CPU lens aperture at its minimum.
Not necessary with a G-type lens.
Press the a button to display B on the LCD panel.
While looking at the flash shooting distance range on the SB-800s LCD panel, set the aperture on the camera when the cameras exposure mode is set to A.
Making exposure compensation on the SB-800 is also possible (p. 56).
Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light is on, then shoot.
When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.
Setting the aperture in Auto Aperture B flash operation
Set the aperture on the camera or lens within the available range as shown in the table below. Usable flash shooting distance ranges in Auto Aperture flash operation

5.2.1.8 5.2.1.11

0.6-6.3/ 2.0-21 0.6-4.5/ 2.0-15 0.6-3.2/ 2.0-10 0.6-2.2/ 2.0-7.4 0.6-1.6/ 2.0-5.2 0.6-1.1/ 2.0-3.7 0.6-0.8/ 2.0-2.6 _ _
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 _
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 _ 1.3-15/ 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
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
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
2.0-20/ 6.6-66 1.4-16/ 4.6-52 1.0-11/ 3.3-37 0.7-7.6/ 2.3-26 0.6-5.3/ 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
2.2-20/ 7.4-66 1.6-18/ 5.2-59 1.1-13/ 3.7-42 0.8-9.0/ 2.6-29 0.6-6.3/ 2.0-21 0.6-4.5/ 2.0-15 0.6-3.2/ 2.0-10 0.6-2.2/ 2.0-7.4 0.6-1.6/ 2.0-5.2
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
2.5-20/ 8.3-66 1.8-20/ 5.8-66 1.3-14/ 4.1-47 0.9-10/ 2.9-33 0.6-7.1/ 2.1-23 0.6-5.0/ 2.0-17 0.6-3.6/ 2.0-12 0.6-2.5/ 2.0-8.3 0.6-1.8/ 2.0-5.8

Optional power source SB-800 only SD-7 SD-8A Batteries inside SB-800
Up to 4 Up to 6 Up to 5 Up to 5 Up to 5 Up to 5
Up to 8 Up to 10 Up to 10 Up to 10 Up to 10 Up to 10
Up to 16 Up to 40 Up to 20 Up to 30 Up to 30 Up to 20 Up to 30
Up to 30 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40
Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40 Up to 40
All types Alkaline-manganese Alkaline-manganese Lithium NiCd Ni-MH Alkaline-manganese Lithium NiCd Ni-MH

SK-6/ SK-6A

With fresh batteries of the same type in both the SB-800 and optional Nikon SD-8A or Power Bracket Unit SK-6/SK-6A. Refer to table Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame on page 48 when performing Repeating flash.
Checking the correct exposure before shooting
You can determine whether the subject will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-800 before actually taking the picture in TTL auto flash, Auto Aperture, and Non-TTL auto flash operations.
In manual flash mode, checking the correct exposure cannot be performed by test firing.

TTL auto flash mode

Press the SB-800s a button until B (Auto Aperture flash) or A (NonTTL auto flash) appears on the LCD panel. Set the same aperture on the SB-800 as set in the TTL auto flash mode. Press the shutter release button slightly, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

Auto Aperture flash

Make the necessary settings on the SB-800 and camera, press the shutter release button slightly, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.

Non-TTL auto flash

Make the necessary settings on the SB-800 and camera, then press the FLASH button to fire the flash. If the ready-light blinks after firing, this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens, or move closer to the subject.
Exposure compensation and flash output level
Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictures by intentionally modifying the flash exposure. This is useful when a subject of extremely high or low reflectivity is included in the scene or when you want to create flash photographs to match your creative preferences.

In the Non-TTL auto flash mode, the correct exposure can be obtained when the same aperture is set on the camera as that set on the SB-800. Therefore, to make exposure compensation, vary the aperture set on the camera while retaining the aperture set on the SB-800 or vice versa. In the Manual flash mode, calculate the proper aperture for the correct exposure from the guide number and the shooting distance (p. 43). Then, use a larger or smaller aperture on the camera to make exposure compensation. As a basic guide, set a wider aperture on the camera or lens to make the main subject brighter or a smaller aperture to make it darker.
In TTL auto flash mode and Auto Aperture flash operation Making exposure compensation for a flash illuminated main subject without affecting the background exposure by adjusting the SB-800s flash output level is called flash output level compensation (p. 56).
This compensation can only be performed with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I to III, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL.
In Manual flash mode Making exposure compensation for only the flash illuminated subject by intentionally modifying the SB-800s flash output level (M1/1 to M1/128).
For cameras in all groups.
Making exposure compensation for the background only
Set the cameras exposure mode to Shutter-Priority Auto (S) or Manual (M), and set the shutter speed to one slower than its flash sync shutter speed.
With cameras providing slow-sync, set the cameras flash sync mode to Slow-sync (p. 58) to bring out background details in low-light situations. For details, see your cameras instruction manual.
Making exposure compensation for the main subject only
Exposure compensation and flash output level compensation
Flash output level compensation
You can make exposure compensation for the flash illuminated subject without affecting the background exposure by modifying the SB-800s flash output level.
Available in TTL auto flash mode, Auto Aperture flash and Distance-priority manual flash operations. In the TTL auto flash mode or Auto Aperture flash operation, flash output level compensation is only available with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS, cameras in Groups I to III, and COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL. With F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 cameras, make flash output level compensation on the camera. Flash output level compensation cannot be made on the SB-800. The amount of compensation set on the camera does not appear on the SB-800s LCD panel. For details, see your cameras instruction manual. With SLR cameras that have a built-in Speedlight with an exposure compensation function, you can compensate the flash output level on either the camera or the SB-800. For details, see your cameras instruction manual. If you use both controls, the exposure is modified by the sum total of both compensation values. In this case, the SB-800s LCD panel shows only the compensation value set on the SB-800.

(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.

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.
Wireless multiple flash shooting
Read the following when setting up the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting and SU-4 type wireless multiple flash modes.
Flash set-up in the Advanced Wireless Lighting
Set up the camera, master flash unit, and remote flash units as shown in the figure below.
Less than approx. 10m (33 ft.)

Group C

Be sure to direct the light sensor window of the remote flash unit toward the master flash.
Approx. 5 to 7m (16 to 23 ft.)

Within 30

Speedlight mounting shoe (for all Speedlights except the SB-15 and SB-27)

Tripod socket

Setup example using the SB-27
Attachment to the Speedlight Stand
Attach the SB-800 to the Speedlight Stand in the same way that you attach it to the cameras accessory shoe. The same is true when detaching it from the camera.
t To prevent the remote flash units from firing accidentally
Effective for the SU-4 type wireless multiple flash only
Do not leave the power of the remote flash units on. Otherwise, ambient electric noise due to a discharge of static electricity, etc. may trigger them accidentally. If you are holding the remote flash unit in your hand, press the Modeling illuminator button/Wireless remote flash cancel button on the SB-800 to avoid accidental firing in sync with other Speedlights. The SB-800 will not fire, while this button is pressed.
Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting
When the SB-800 is used with Nikon cameras compatible with CLS, Advanced Wireless Lighting is possible. In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into a maximum of three groups (A, B, C) and set the flash mode and flash output level compensation values separately for each group as well as the master flash unit, providing automatic control of the light output.
Setting the SB-800 to Advanced Wireless Lighting
You can set the SB-800 to Advanced Wireless Lighting using Custom settings (p. 67). Select MASTER to set the SB-800 as the master flash unit in the Custom settings mode.
Select MASTER(RPT) in Repeating flash operation. The indicator O appears on the LCD panel.
Select REMOTE to set the SB-800 as a remote flash unit in the Custom settings mode.
The indicator P appears on the LCD panel.
Settings in Advanced Wireless Lighting
In this mode, set the following items on either the master flash unit or the remote flash units.
Item Flash mode Speedlight to be set Master flash unit Remarks The following five flash modes are available: D : i-TTL mode B(A) : Auto Aperture flash (Non-TTL auto flash) *1 G : Manual flash q : Repeating flash --: Flash canceled Set the flash mode of the remote flash units on the master flash unit. The flash mode can be set independently on the master flash unit and for each group of remote flash units*2. Flash output level compensation values of the remote flash units can also be set on the master flash unit. The flash output level compensation values can be set independently on the master flash unit and for each group of remote flash units. Select one of the four available channels. Be sure to set the same channel number for both the master flash unit and remote flash units A maximum of 3 groups (A, B, C)

Setting a group and channel number on the remote flash units
Press the g button on the remote flash unit to highlight the channel number, then press the e or f button to set the channel number.
Be sure to choose the same channel number as set on the master flash unit.
Press the g button on the remote flash unit to highlight the group, then press the e or f button to set the group.
For remote flash units where the flash mode and flash output level compensation values are to be set identically, place these flash units into the same group.
v Notes on using the Nikon D70s Commander mode
Be sure to set the channel number of the remote flash unit to 3 and set the group of the remote flash unit to Group A when performing wireless multiple flash using the Nikon D70s built-in flash as a master flash unit (Commander mode). Otherwise, the SB-800 does not fire.
Examples of flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting
Wireless multiple flash (three flash units)

On-camera single flash

The master flash unit M illuminates the subject while the light from the remote flash unit A is bounced off the ceiling to illuminate the background and create a more natural-looking picture. Remote flash unit B is used with a colored gel filter to create the warmth feeling of a fireplace. Shooting data
Camera: D2H Focal length: 25mm Master flash unit M: SB-800 (D, +1/3 flash output level compensation) Remote flash unit A: SB-800 (D, +1/3 flash output level compensation) Remote flash unit B: SB-800 (G, 1/16 flash output level) Remote flash unit A

Remote flash unit B

Master flash unit M For more details regarding the above example, see the separate booklet, A collection of example photos.
Set the cameras exposure mode to AperturePriority Auto (A).
Set the wireless flash mode of the on-camera SB-800 to MASTER using Custom Settings (p. 67).
Press the g button on the master flash unit to highlight M, then press the a button to choose D. Advanced operations
Press the e button on the master flash unit to set the flash output compensation value to +0.3.
Press the g button on the master flash unit to highlight A, then press the a button to set the flash mode to D on the remote flash unit A.
Likewise, press the e button on the master flash unit to set the flash output level compensation value to +0.3 on the remote flash unit A.
Press the g button on the master flash unit to highlight B, then press the a button to set the flash mode to G on the remote flash unit B.
Likewise, press the f button on the master flash unit to set the flash output level to 1/16 on the remote flash unit B.
Press the g button on the master flash unit to highlight the channel number, then press the e or f button to set the channel number to 1.
up remote flash A and B. Turn 10 Set then confirm thatunits ready-lights the power on, the come on.

TTL multiple flash (not possible with cameras compatible with CLS
and digital SLRs not compatible with CLS)
Attach the master flash unit to the camera, turn the power on, and set the flash mode to TTL auto flash.
A flash mode, in which Monitor preflashes are fired, cannot be used.
When using either the optional TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-27,SC-26, SC-19 or SC-18, turn off all flash units before connecting the master flash unit to the remote flash units.
Turn on all remote flash units and set the flash mode on all remote flash unit to TTL auto flash.
Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal TTL auto flash shooting, then shoot.
See page 17 concerning the TTL auto flash mode. When the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred, the ready-light on the SB-800 blinks for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot.

Manual multiple flash

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