Nikon SB-600 manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    En SB-600 Autofocus Speedlight Instruction Manual SB-600 ( En )[...]

  • Page 2

    2 Contents Preparation · Forewor d ............................................................................4-6 ·T ips on using the Speedlight ................................................7 · Camera groups and available flash modes ......................8-9 · Speedlight parts and their functions .............................10-11 · Contr[...]

  • Page 3

    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. Other functions Detailed information on each function of the SB-600 is[...]

  • Page 4

    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. In addition,[...]

  • Page 5

    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. The SB-600 offers these ma[...]

  • Page 6

    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 .” ● ● ● Marks used in this manual • v : Denotes important poi[...]

  • Page 7

    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. Using your Speedlight correctl y[...]

  • Page 8

    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. Then as you r ead the manual, you[...]

  • Page 9

    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. 78) and your camera’ s instruction manual. ● ● : Available –: Not available Pre[...]

  • Page 10

    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. 3 Flash head tilting/rotating loc k- release button (p . 22) 4 Battery chamber lid open-close inde[...]

  • Page 11

    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. 17 Control b uttons (p . 12) 18 Mou[...]

  • Page 12

    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. 52). •P ress to choose the desired settings when setting the remote fla[...]

  • Page 13

    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. While the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II in combination with a CPU lens, the optimum TTL auto flash mo[...]

  • Page 14

    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. 3 Sound monitor (p. 65) When the SB-600 is set a[...]

  • Page 15

    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. 60°C/140°F), but re tur ns to normal at nor mal tempera[...]

  • Page 16

    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. CPU lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts. G-type Nikk[...]

  • Page 17

    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. The procedures are based on the use of a CPU lens mounted on cameras compatible with CLS * , digital SLRs not comp[...]

  • Page 18

    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 (1.5 V or lower) of any of these types: (1) Alkaline-manganese (1.5 V) (2) Li[...]

  • Page 19

    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.) * recycling time * Alkaline-manganese 3.5 sec. 200/6-30 sec. Lithium 4.0 sec. 4[...]

  • Page 20

    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. • The SB-600 fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at[...]

  • Page 21

    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. • When used with a camera body that is compatible with t[...]

  • Page 22

    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. 3 Hold down the flash head tilting/rotating lock-release b utton to adjust the fla[...]

  • Page 23

    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. T o unlock, turn the lever counter-clockwise until it stops. Lock Unlock t Digital data communication with the SB-600 Digital data communication is perfor med when the SB-600 i[...]

  • Page 24

    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 . t Exposure mode and metering system The camera’[...]

  • Page 25

    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. For details, see your camera’ s instruction manual. However , set the shutter speed on t[...]

  • Page 26

    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. • Note that when pressing the a button, o[...]

  • Page 27

    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 2.8 2 1.4 42 [...]

  • Page 28

    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. With cameras featuring a rear -curtain sync flash m[...]

  • Page 29

    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. 3 seconds. Depending on the camera in use, the ready[...]

  • Page 30

    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. 30 Using the SB-600 with the COOLPIX Using the SB-600 with COOLPIX digital cameras For COOLPIX cameras, such as the COOLPIX 5400 and 4500, that have an accessory shoe (hot-shoe) or TTL m ul[...]

  • Page 31

    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.[...]

  • Page 32

    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 . ● ● ● Av ailable flash modes and usable cameras A vailable flash mode Usable cameras i-TTL mode Cameras compatible with CLS D-TTL mode Digi[...]

  • Page 33

    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. A utomatic Balanced Fill-Flash: Do Press the a button to display Do[...]

  • Page 34

    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. Y ou [...]

  • Page 35

    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. • The guide number (GN at ISO 100; m/ft) indicates the amount of light generated by the fla[...]

  • Page 36

    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. • For details on determining the flash output level and the aperture, refer to “Determinin[...]

  • Page 37

    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 . When you press the j butt on: When you press the i butt on: • The numbers in parentheses repr esent the adjustable flash output level in  1/3 step except betw[...]

  • Page 38

    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. number of continuous firings (at 6 frames/sec.) TTL auto flash Manual flash (Flash out[...]

  • Page 39

    Other functions Detailed information on eac h function of the SB-600 is pro vided.[...]

  • Page 40

    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. 35). ● ● ● The power zoom function When the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital [...]

  • Page 41

    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. •A small M above the “ZOOM” i[...]

  • Page 42

    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. • Some plus[...]

  • Page 43

    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. 35). Then, use a larger or smaller aperture on the camera to make ex[...]

  • Page 44

    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. •A vailable in the TTL auto flash mode. • Flash output-level compensation is on[...]

  • Page 45

    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. • The Modeling illuminator function[...]

  • Page 46

    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. The slow-sync function cannot be set on the SB-600; i[...]

  • Page 47

    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). By using rear -curtain sync, however , the blur created by a moving subje[...]

  • Page 48

    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. This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve sh[...]

  • Page 49

    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. This flash exposure r emains locked in, even if you change the aperture or composition, or zoom the lens in [...]

  • Page 50

    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 . • In dim light, the Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator turns on automatically when the camera’ s shutter release button is lightly pressed, if an A[...]

  • Page 51

    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 . • The Wide-Area AF-Assist Illuminator will not light up, if the camera’ s autofocus is locked or the SB-600’ s ready-light does not come o[...]

  • Page 52

    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 . ● ● ● Setting Custom Settings 1 Press the s and j[...]

  • Page 53

    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. 65) When the SB[...]

  • Page 54

    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. 86) Setting to activate or cancel the zoom-head position settin[...]

  • Page 55

    Advanced operations Information on ad vanced flash shooting techniques using the SB-600 is described in this section.[...]

  • Page 56

    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. The following wireless multiple flash operations ar e available: • It’ s not possible to use different types of multiple flash operations t[...]

  • Page 57

    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. • The SB-600’ s, SB-800’ s and SB-80DX’ s standby functions are canceled while the SB-50DX’ s standby durat[...]

  • Page 58

    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 . • As a basic guide, the effective shooting distance[...]

  • Page 59

    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. 66). Attachment to the Speedlight Stand 1 Attach the SB-600 to the Spee[...]

  • Page 60

    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. The SB-600 can be used as a remote flash unit only . In this mode, you can divide the remote flash units into a maximum of thr ee groups (A, B, C) and set the flash mode and f[...]

  • Page 61

    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. Be sure to set the same channel number for both the master flash unit and remote flash units Group name A maximum of 3 groups (A, B, C) • Set[...]

  • Page 62

    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 flash unit M illuminates the subject while the light from the r emote flash unit A is bounced off the ceiling to illuminate the backgr ound and create a m[...]

  • Page 63

    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. • Use a tripod or the Speedlight Stand AS-19 for placement of the remote flash uni[...]

  • Page 64

    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. • If a certain remote flash u[...]

  • Page 65

    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. ● ● ● Using the SB-600’ s ready-light and beeping sound in the wireless remote[...]

  • Page 66

    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. • 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 by[...]

  • Page 67

    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.). • Make sure the combined total of the coefficients in the table below for all flash units used together does not[...]

  • Page 68

    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. SC-24 SB-21A SB-16A SB-17 SC-14 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14 SB-140 SB-16B SB-25 SB-26 SB-24 SC-17/ 28 AS-17 SB-29/29s SB-28/ 28DX SB-800 SB-80DX Master flash [...]

  • Page 69

    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 AS-10 AS-10 SB-16A AS-11 AS-11 SB-17 SB-800 SB-22s SB-29/29s SB-30 SB-80DX SB-11 SC-23 SB-14 SB-140 SB-800 SB-29/29s SB-80DX AS-11 SB-21A Using SC-18/[...]

  • Page 70

    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. Bounce flash Normal flash Shooting data: Shooting data: • Camera: D2H • Cam[...]

  • Page 71

    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. • Between 2 and 3 stops of light can be lost when using bounce flash, compare[...]

  • Page 72

    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. Flash head tilting and rotating angles The SB-600’ s f[...]

  • Page 73

    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. • Be sure to use the wide-flash ada[...]

  • Page 74

    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. • The zoom-head position is automa[...]

  • Page 75

    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) 1.4/4.6 2/6.6 2/6.6 4/13 4/13 5.6/18 5.6/18 For example, at an ISO sensi[...]

  • Page 76

    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 2.9/9.5 4.7/15 [...]

  • Page 77

    Reference information This section contains information on optional accessories, troubleshooting, Speedlight care and specifications.[...]

  • Page 78

    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. The following tables show the SB-600’ s TTL mode indicators and the corresponding ones used in the curr ent Speedlight manuals when the flash unit is used with various cameras not compa[...]

  • Page 79

    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 AF) DD P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens DD M WX Non-CPU lens * 1 F75-Series/ Do DE * 2 P/S/A Y CPU lens (D/G-type) N75-Series Do DE * 3 P/S/A Y CPU lens (Non-D/G-[...]

  • Page 80

    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 DD P/S/A/M WX CPU lens (except f or G-type) * 1 DD A/M WX Non-CPU lens * 1 DD P/S/A/M YWX CPU lens (except f or G-type) * 2 DD A/M WX Non-CPU lens * 2 [...]

  • Page 81

    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. Their flash shoes come with one tripod socket and two TTL multiple flash terminals. The TTL R[...]

  • Page 82

    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. The optional Colored Gel Filter Set SJ-1 contains a total [...]

  • Page 83

    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. After using the SB-600[...]

  • Page 84

    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. Never attempt to charge these batteries in a battery charger . Otherwise, they may explode[...]

  • Page 85

    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 . ● ● ● Prob lems with the SB-600 Reference inf or mation T roubleshooting Problem The power cannot be turn[...]

  • Page 86

    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 . • If the wide-flash adapter is broken off, it is no longer possib[...]

  • Page 87

    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 Groups I to VI (film based cameras) o (appears Balanced Fill-Flash Cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with D ) with CLS, cameras [...]

  • Page 88

    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.) Mounting foot lock le ver Flash output- level compensation Flash head tilts from 0° to 90° with click-stops at 0°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°; flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left or[...]

  • Page 89

    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 . Recalling the underex[...]

  • Page 90

    90 Index Symbol i / j button..............................................12 i-TTL mode ...............................................32 A AF-ILL .......................................................50 Accessories ..............................................81 Advanced Wireless Lighting ....................60 Aperture-priority auto exposure (A[...]

  • Page 91

    91 Modeling illuminator .................................45 Monitor Preflashes....................................32 Mounting foot lock lever ...........................22 Multiple flash operation ............................56 Multiple flash shooting using cords .........66 N NO AF-ILL ................................................50 Non-CPU len[...]

  • Page 92

    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.[...]