Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product SB-600 Nikon
Go to page of 92
En SB-600 Autofocus Speedlight Instruction Manual SB-600 ( En ).
2 Contents Preparation · Forewor d ............................................................................4-6 ·T ips on using the Speedlight ................................................7 · Camera groups and available flash modes ..........
3 Preparation This section provides preliminary information on using the SB-600. Basic operation Basic procedures to take simple, properly e xposed flash photographs in the TTL auto flash mode. Detailed operation A variety of flash modes av ailable with the SB-600 are explained.
4 Foreword Thank you f or purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-600. T o get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual thoroughly bef ore use. Also, read the separ ate booklet, “A collection of example photos, ” which pro vides an o verview of the SB-600’ s flash-shooting capabilities with e xample photos.
5 The SB-600 features a new Nikon Speedlight system, called Creative Lighting System ( CLS ). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by taking advantage of a camera’ s digital communication capabilities. CLS is available only when the SB-600 is used with compatible Nikon cameras.
6 Foreword ● ● ● Notes • Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped fr om the factory are r eferred to as “Default” settings in this manual. • CLS: Hereafter , Nikon’ s new Speedlight system “ C r eative L ighting S ystem” is abbreviated “ CLS .
7 T ips on using the Speedlight T ake trial shots T ake trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations. Have Nik on spot-check y our Speedlight regularly Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years.
8 Camera groups and available flash modes In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras ar e 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 gr oup table to see which group your camera belongs to.
9 The SB-600’ s available flash modes vary , depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera’ s exposure mode and metering system. For more details, r efer to “Detailed operation” (p. 31), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600” (p.
10 Speedlight parts and their functions 1 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p . 74) Increases the angle of coverage to match a 14 mm lens. 2 Flash head (p. 72) Can be tilted from 0° to 90° and rotated horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right.
11 13 Flash head tilting-angle scale (p. 72) 14 Flash head rotating-angle scale (p. 72) 15 LCD panel (p . 14) 16 Ready-light Lights up when the SB-600 is fully recycled and ready to fire. Blinks after the SB-600 fires at its maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode, indicating that the light may be insufficient.
12 Control buttons Tw o-button control function Press two buttons simultaneously to perform the following operations. Follow the procedures shown on the flash unit. a b utton Press to set the flash mode (p. 26). •P ress to adjust the settings in the Custom Settings mode (p.
13 Preparation Press the a and b b uttons simultaneously f or appro x. 2 seconds to reset all settings, including the custom settings, t o their default settings.
For refer ence, all indications are displayed in the illustration. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 6 12 13 14 15 16 17 14 LCD panel 1 Flash mode (p. 26) 2 Wireless remote flash (p. 60) In the wireless multiple flash mode, the SB-600 is set as a remote flash unit, which fires in sync with the master flash unit.
15 ● ● ● Characteristics of the LCD panel • Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the display is difficult to read when viewed from above. However , the display can be seen clearly from a slightly lower angle. • The LCD display becomes darker at high temperatures (approx.
16 Lenses In this manual, Nikkor lenses are divided into two types: CPU Nikkor lenses and non-CPU Nikkor lenses. CPU Nikkor lenses G-type Nikkor , D-type Nikkor , Non-G/D-type AF Nikkor (except for AF Nikkor for the F3AF), AI-P Nikkor Non-CPU Nikkor lenses AI-S Nikkor , AI Nikkor , Series E, etc.
Basic operation In this section, basic procedures are illustrated so that you can easil y perform flash photography in the TTL auto flash mode. Y ou can easily perform flash photograph y by f ollo wing Steps 1-6 on the left-hand pages.
18 1 Slide the batter y chamber lid in the direction of the arrow to open. 2 Install the batteries following the i and j marks as shown. Close the batter y chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down. v Usable batteries Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.
19 ● ● ● Minimum n umber of flashes and recyc ling times The following data are based on a situation in which four fr esh batteries of the same type are used and the Speedlight fir es at M1/1 output. Batteries Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/ (appro x.
20 2 T est firing (Confirming the exposure) 1 Press the b b utton f or approx. 0.3 second to turn on the SB-600. Mak e sure the ready-light comes on. 2 Press the h b utton to test fire the flash. ● ● ● T est firing CA UTION! Do not test fire the Speedlight near your eyes.
21 t Standby function to conserve battery power If the SB-600 and camera are not being used, the standby function will automatically activate after 40 seconds, switching the SB-600 to standby mode to conserve battery power . • In the standby mode, the R indicator appears on the LCD panel.
22 3 Attach the SB-600 to the camera and adjust 1 Make sure the SB-600 and camera body are turned off. 2 Rotate the mounting-foot loc k lever to the left, slide the SB-600’ s mounting foot into the camera’ s accessor y shoe and tur n the lock le ver to the right.
23 the flash head. v T urn the mounting-foot lock le ver securely until it stops. To lock the Speedlight in place, turn the lock lever approx. 90° clockwise until it stops.
24 1 Set the camera’ s exposure mode to Programmed A uto ( P ). • If Programmed Auto (P) cannot be set, select another exposure mode. See the opposite page. 2 Set the camera’ s meter ing system to Matrix Meter ing Y . • If Matrix Metering Y cannot be set, select Center -Weighted Metering W .
25 metering system u Exposure modes other than Programmed A uto exposure (P) In Shutter-Priority A uto exposure (S) mode By selecting a slower shutter speed, the proper exposur e for the background can be achieved. • The camera selects the correct aperture.
26 1 Press the a b utton to set the flash mode. • Display Do on the LCD panel. ● ● ● Selecting the flash mode The available flash mode changes each time the a button is pressed. • The information above appears on the LCD panel when the SB-600 is used with digital SLR cameras compatible with CLS.
27 ● ● ● About the flash shooting distance range The SB-600’ s flash shooting distance range is 0.6 m to 20 m (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 1600 800 400 200 100 50 25 14 * 1 24 28 35 50 70 85 * 2 2.
28 1 Confirm the camera’ s sync mode. • For normal flash photography , use the camera’ s front-curtain sync mode. 2 Compose the picture, confirm that the ready-light on the SB-600 or in the camera’ s viewfinder is on, then shoot. v Set the camera’ s flash sync mode to front-curtain sync.
29 v If the ready-light blinks after shooting, the light might be insufficient for correct e xposure. When the flash has fired at its maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode and underexposur e possibly occurred, the r eady-lights on the SB-600 and in the camera’ s viewfinder blink for approx.
Please note that wireless multiple flash using the COOLPIX’ s built-in flash as a master flash unit and the SB-600 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed.
Detailed operation This section pro vides a variety of flash modes av ailable with the SB-600. Be sure to refer to y our camera's instruction manual f or specific information on camera settings and functions.
32 The SB-600's available flash modes vary , depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera's exposure mode. Using the TTL auto flash mode is recommended for normal flash photography .
33 TTL auto flash mode ● ● ● TTL auto flash mode: D In this mode, the flash illumination that is reflected back fr om the subject is detected by the camera's TTL auto flash sensor and the camera automatically controls the flash output level to give the corr ect exposure.
34 Manual mode In Manual flash photography , you select the aper ture and flash output level. This allows you to control the exposur e and flash shooting distance when the correct exposur e is difficult to obtain in the TTL auto flash mode. The flash output level can be set from M1/1 (full output) to M1/64 to suit your cr eative prefer ences.
35 ● ● ● Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode In the Manual mode, use the guide number table and the following equation to calculate the aperture, flash output level and shooting distance to obtain the correct exposur e.
36 Manual G flash operation 1 Set the camera’ s exposure mode to Aperture- Priority Auto ( A ) or Manual ( M ). 2 Press the a b utton until G appears on the LCD panel. 3 Determine the flash output level and aperture to match the flash shooting distance.
37 6 Confirm that the ready-light comes on, then shoot. ● ● ● Setting the flash output level The flash output level changes every time you press the j or i button, as shown below .
38 Do not exceed the maxim um number of continuous firings Y ou should allow the SB-600 to cool off for at least 10 minutes after the maximum number of continuous firings are performed as shown in the table below: Max. number of continuous firings Flash mode Max.
Other functions Detailed information on eac h function of the SB-600 is pro vided..
40 Setting the zoom-head position The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the power zoom function. It can also be manually adjusted. • The guide number indicating flash output level varies according to the zoom-head position (p.
41 ● ● ● Setting the zoom-head position manually When the SB-600 is used with cameras in Groups III to VII in combination with a non-CPU lens, or you want to change the zoom-head position to one that does not match the focal length, you should adjust the zoom-head position manually by pressing the s button.
42 Exposure compensation and flash output-level Exposure compensation allows you to take well-balanced pictur es by intentionally modifying the flash exposure. This is useful when a subject of extremely high or low r eflectivity is included in the scene or when you want to create flash photographs to match your cr eative prefer ences.
43 compensation Other functions Making exposure compensation in the Manual flash mode Exposure compensation is performed by intentionally modifying the correct aperture. • Use the guide number and shooting distance to calculate which aperture to use for the correct exposur e (p.
44 Exposure compensation and flash output-level compensation ● ● ● Flash output-level compensation Y ou can make exposure compensation for the flash-illuminated subject without affecting the backgr ound exposure by modifying the SB-600’ s flash output level.
45 Checking the illumination before actually taking the picture (Modeling illuminator) When using the Modeling illuminator function, the flash fires r epeatedly at a r educed flash output level. This is useful for checking the illumination and the shadows cast on the subject before actually taking the pictur e.
46 Slow-sync flash mode, red-eye reduction control, ● ● ● Slow-sync flash The flash is controlled at a slow shutter speed to obtain the corr ect exposure for both the main subject and background in low-light situations or at night. •A vailable with cameras that have a slow-sync function.
47 and rear -curtain sync ● ● ● Rear-curtain sync Unnatural-looking pictures can occur when using flash to shoot fast-moving subjects at slow shutter speeds, because the subject frozen by the flash appears behind or within the blurred movement (see photo below , right).
48 Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode (for compatible cameras) High-Speed flash synchronization at your camera’ s highest shutter speed is now possible. In this mode, the Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode is automatically set when the shutter speed exceeds the camera’ s sync shutter speed.
49 Flash V alue Lock (FV Lock) (for compatible cameras) Flash V alue, or “FV ,” is the amount of flash exposure for the subject. Using FV Lock with compatible cameras, you can lock in the appropriate flash exposur e for the main subject.
50 Autofocus flash operation in dim light When the light is too dim for normal autofocus operation, the SB-600’ s Wide- Area AF-Assist Illuminator enables you to perform autofocus flash photography .
51 v Notes on using the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator • If the focus indicator does not appear in the camera’ s viewfinder even through the Wide- Area AF-Assist Illuminator turns on, focus manually .
52 Custom Settings The SB-600 can easily set, activate or cancel various operations using the Custom Settings shown on the opposite page. The displays on the LCD panel vary depending on the settings and the camera/lens combinations used. No item appears when the settings are not a v ailab le .
53 ● ● ● Details on Custom Settings (Bold: default setting) Wireless remote flash mode (p. 60) Activating or canceling the wireless remote flash function in wir eless multiple flash photography . • OFF : Remote flash function canceled • ON: Remote flash function activated Sound monitor in the wireless remote flash mode (p.
54 Custom Settings Po wer zoom function (p. 40) Setting to activate or cancel the power zoom function, which adjusts the zoom-head position automatically . • OFF : Activated • ON: Canceled Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide-flash adapter is br oken off accidentally (p.
Advanced operations Information on ad vanced flash shooting techniques using the SB-600 is described in this section..
56 Over view of multiple flash operation Multiple flash photography allows you to create more natural-looking pictur es by using several flash units to emphasize the subject’ s shape or eliminate shadows.
57 v Notes on performing m ultiple flash (common to both wireless and wired operation) •T o avoid accidental firing, tur n off the camera and all flash units before mounting the master flash unit on or connecting it to the camera.
58 Wireless multiple flash shooting Read the following when setting up the SB-600 as a remote flash unit in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode. ● ● ● Flash set-up in the Adv anced Wireless Lighting Set up the camera, master flash unit, and remote flash units as shown in the figure below .
59 ● ● ● Using the Speedlight Stand Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-19 for stable placement of the remote flash units. •Y ou can also use the stand for setting up your Nikon Speedlight when using it as a r emote flash unit in multiple flash shooting using cords (p.
60 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting Adv anced Wireless Lighting is possible when Nikon Speedlights f eaturing CLS are used with Nikon cameras compatible with CLS.
61 ● ● ● Settings on the remote flash units In the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode, set the following items on the r emote flash units. Communication channel Select one of the four available channels.
62 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting ● ● ● Examples of flash shooting in Adv anced Wireless Lighting Wireless multiple flash (three flash units) On-camera single flash The master flas.
63 1 Set the camera’ s exposure mode to Aperture- Priority Auto (A). 2 Set up the on-camera Speedlight with CLS. • Refer to your Speedlight instruction manual. 3 Set up remote flash units A and B. T ur n the power on, then confirm that the ready-lights come on.
64 Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting 7 Confirm that all the ready-lights of the master and remote flash units are on, then press the h b utton on the master flash unit to test fire the units . • The master flash unit fires first, then the remote flash units in group A fire, followed by those in gr oup B.
65 Advanced oper ations Confirming wireless multiple flash operation using the ready-light or the beeping sound Y ou can confirm wireless multiple flash operation by checking the auxiliary ready- light on the SB-600 or the beeping sound during and after shooting.
66 Multiple flash shooting using cords The SB-600 can be used with Speedlights compatible with the TTL auto flash mode to perfor m multiple flash shooting using cords.
67 Advanced oper ations ● ● ● The maximum n umber of flash units to be connected using cords • Up to five units including the master flash unit can be used for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m (33 ft.
68 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.
69 Advanced oper ations SB-21B SB-16B SB-15 SB-22 SB-20 SC-18/26 (1.5m) SC-19/27 (3m) SC-18/26 SC-19/27 SC-18/26 SC-19/27 SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/28DX SB-27 SB-24 SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/ 28DX SB-24 SB-16B AS-10 .
With the SB-600 mounted on your camera’ s hot shoe, you can tilt or rotate the flash head to bounce the light off the ceiling or walls. This is a good technique to use when shooting indoors, because you get more natural-looking pictur es of people with softer shadows.
71 Advanced oper ations 1 Set the camera’ s exposure mode to Aperture- Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Set the camera’ s metering system to Matr ix Metering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W . 3 Set the flash mode to TTL auto flash. 4 Set the camera’ s aper ture.
Bounce flash operation ● ● ● Setting the flash head As shown in the illustrations, tilt or rotate the SB-600’ s flash head by holding down the flash head tilting/rotating lock r elease button and adjusting the flash head to match the shooing environment or your cr eative prefer ences.
73 Advanced oper ations Close-up flash operation When the built-in wide-flash adapter is used, close-up flash shooting can be perfor med. The built-in wide-flash adapter diffuses the light from the flash to soften shadows. When the SB-600 is used off-camera, you can take mor e natural-looking close-up pictures.
1 Set the camera’ s exposure mode to Aperture- Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). 2 Set the camera’ s meter ing system to Matrix Metering Y or Center-Weighted Metering W . 3 Set the SB-600’ s flash mode to TTL auto flash. 4 Gently pull out the built-in wide-flash adapter and position it ov er the flash head.
75 Advanced oper ations ● ● ● Setting the aperture Calculate the aperture by using this equation and table. T o ensure the correct exposure, use an aper tur e smaller than the one obtained fr om the equation . ISO sensitivity 25 50 100 200 400 800 1000 Coefficient (m/ft) 1.
Use the guide number table and equation to calculate the farthest flash shooting distance, according to each zoom-head position. D (f arthest flash shooting distance) = Guide number ÷ f/stop (aper ture) Guide number (m/ft.) in the 1/300 TTL High-Speed Flash sync mode ISO Zoom-head position (mm) sensitivity 14 * 24 28 35 50 70 85 25 2.
Reference information This section contains information on optional accessories, troubleshooting, Speedlight care and specifications..
78 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600 The available types of TTL auto flash vary , depending on the camera/lens/ exposure mode/metering system in use.
79 Camera Camera TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering Lens group mode display mode system F80-Series/ Do DE * 2 P/S/A/M YW CPU lens (D/G-type) N80-Series Do DE * 3 P/S/A/M YW CPU lens (Non-D/G-type .
80 TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600 Camera Camera TTL mode Current TTL Exposure Metering Lens group mode display mode system F-601/ DD P/S/A/M Y CPU lens (except f or G-type) * 1 N6006 D.
81 ● ● ● Accessories for m ultiple flash TTL Remote Cord SC-29/28/17 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft) TTL Remote Cord SC-24 (approx. 1.5m or 4.9 ft) TTL Remote Cords SC-29/SC-28/SC-17/SC-24 provide TTL auto flash operation when the SB-600 is used off-camera.
82 Optional accessories ● ● ● Other accessories Speedlight Stand AS-19 Same as that provided with this SB-600. Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 The color of light can be balanced or specific colors can be added to a scene by using a Speedlight with the optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1.
83 W ARNING Never use thinner , benzene, or other active agents for cleaning the Speedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catch on fire. Using these agents may also impair your health. ● ● ● Cleaning • Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-600 and clean it with a soft, clean cloth.
84 Notes on handling batteries ● ● ● Usable batteries Use four AA-type batteries (1.5V or low er) of any of the f ollowing types. • High-power manganese batteries are not recommended. Alkaline-manganese (1.5V)/Nickel (1.5V) batteries Non-rechargeable.
85 If a warning indication appears on the SB-600’ s LCD panel or inside the camera’ s viewfinder , use the following char t to deter mine the cause of the problem befor e you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair .
86 T roubleshooting ● ● ● If the built-in wide-flash adapter is br oken off accidentally If the wide-flash adapter is subjected to a strong impact while set on the flash head, it may be broken of f. In this case, visit your nearest authorized Nikon service center for repair .
87 Flash exposure contr ol Indicator Av ailable flash mode Usable camera D i-TTL mode Cameras compatible with CLS D D-TTL mode Digital SLRs not compatible with CLS D TTL (film based) mode Cameras in G.
88 Specifications Bounce capability ON/OFF b utton Po wer source/ min. recycling time/no. of flashes (at M1/1 output) Ready-light Flash duration (appro x.
89 The following Custom Settings are possible: Wir eless r emote flash, Auxiliary ready-light, Sound monitor in the wireless r emote flash mode, Standby function, Power zoom function, Zoom-head position setting if the built-in wide- flash adapter is broken of f accidentally , LCD panel illuminator , and AF-assist illuminator .
90 Index Symbol i / j button..............................................12 i-TTL mode ...............................................32 A AF-ILL .......................................................50 Accessories ..................................
91 Modeling illuminator .................................45 Monitor Preflashes....................................32 Mounting foot lock lever ...........................22 Multiple flash operation ............................56 Multiple flash shooting using cords .
Printed in China TT4D00310202(11) 8MSA1411-- No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORA TION.
An important point after buying a device Nikon SB-600 (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Nikon SB-600 yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Nikon SB-600 - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Nikon SB-600 you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Nikon SB-600 will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Nikon SB-600, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Nikon SB-600.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Nikon SB-600. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Nikon SB-600 along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
