Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-27, Instruction Manual

Page 1: ...Instruction Manual En SB 27 SB 27 Autofocus Speedlight Autofocus Speedlight Autofocus Speedlight ...

Page 2: ...t using the SB 27 with your camera in the section corresponding to your camera group Please refer to the camera group table on the following page Ⅰ Ⅱ Ⅲ Ⅳ Ⅴ Ⅵ Ⅶ Group Camera name Flash operation F 501 N2020 8 F 401s N4004s 1 F 401 N4004 1 F 301 N2000 8 F5 F100 F90X N90 1 s F90 Series N90 1 F80 Series N80 Series 1 3 F70 Series N70 1 F4 Series F65 Series N65 Series 1 F 801s N8008s 1 F 801 N8008 1 Pro...

Page 3: ... refer to Group VII NOTE For details on the SB 27 s available TTL Auto Flash operations see the separate Quick Reference sheet and the Glossary of terms on pages 83 to 88 Ⅰ Ⅱ Ⅲ Ⅳ Ⅴ Ⅵ Ⅶ Group Camera name Flash operation F 501 N2020 8 F 401s N4004s 1 F 401 N4004 1 F 301 N2000 8 F5 F100 F90X N90 1 s F90 Series N90 1 F80 Series N80 Series 1 3 F70 Series N70 1 F4 Series F65 Series N65 Series 1 F 801s N...

Page 4: ...s shown below unless otherwise noted Except AF Nikkor lenses for F3AF IX Nikkor lenses are designed for use with the Nikon Advanced Photo System IX240 format SLR camera body only and cannot be used with 35mm SLR cameras Notices used in this manual Denotes important points where caution or mandatory action is required NOTE Denotes a useful point that should be remembered for future reference Nikkor...

Page 5: ...sible for malfunctions caused by using the SB 27 in ways not specified in this manual or using the SB 27 with a camera made by another manufacturer For further details on camera operation read the instruction manual provided with each camera before use Take special care when detaching the SB 27 from your camera 1 For cameras with a safety lock system loosen the mounting foot locking wheel all the ...

Page 6: ... Series F70 Series N70 24 25 Flash operation in AUTO mode Cameras in Group II F4 Series F65 Series N65 Series F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 Pronea 600i 6i 26 27 Flash operation in AUTO mode Cameras in Group III F 601 N6006 F 601M N6000 28 29 Flash operation in AUTO mode Cameras in Group IV F60 Series N60 F50 Series N50 F 401x N5005 30 31 Flash operation in AUTO mode Cameras in Group V F 501 N2020 F 30...

Page 7: ...ion using more than one Speedlight Applicable to all camera groups 63 68 TTL multiple flash operation procedures 64 System chart for TTL multiple flash 66 67 Manual multiple flash operation procedures 68 Setting Forced TTL and Forced A modes Applicable to all camera groups 69 70 Setting and canceling Forced TTL and Forced A modes 69 Forced TTL mode 69 Forced A mode 70 Canceling Forced TTL and Forc...

Page 8: ... 29 31 33 35 37 39 and 61 8 LCD panel See page 9 9 Ready light See page 17 10 Flash mode selector OFF M AUTO See page 18 11 Open flash button See page 18 12 Mounting foot locking wheel See page 14 13 Mounting foot See page 14 14 Hot shoe contacts See page 14 15 Mount pin See page 14 16 Battery chamber lid See page 11 17 Camera setting switch See pages 12 69 18 ZOOM button See page 20 19 M M ISO bu...

Page 9: ...ator bars 9 Flash shooting distance scale m 10 Bounce flash indicator 11 Exposure compensation indicator 12 Light output exposure compensation value indicator LCDs are temperature sensitive and may turn black at high temperatures approx 40 C 104 F or above and become hard to read In cold temperatures approx 5 C 41 F or below the LCD s response time slows down These reactions are typical of LCDs an...

Page 10: ...10 Preparationsfor takingflashphotographs ...

Page 11: ...is Speedlight See page 81 for Notes on batteries 1 Open the battery chamber lid and set the camera setting switch 2 1 2 Install four penlight batteries and close the battery chamber lid Do not mix battery brands or types or new and old batteries With cameras in Groups I thru VI be sure to set the camera setting switch to K and set it to for cameras in Group VII See pages 12 69 on camera setting sw...

Page 12: ...o the standby function will not work To turn the SB 27 s power ON again Lightly press the shutter release button to turn the power ON Pressing the open flash button also turns the SB 27 s power ON In this case the flash does not fire See page 18 Standby function will not work when Shutter speed is set at M250 or B Bulb for FA and FE2 Shutter speed is set at M90 or B Bulb for FG and Nikonos V Shutt...

Page 13: ... t mode with the camera featuring TTL Auto Flash and to mode with the camera without TTL Auto Flash capability Be sure to turn the SB 27 s power OFF when the camera setting switch is set to as the standby function will not work For F50 Series N50 F 601 N6006 and F 601M N6000 If camera power shuts OFF with the camera setting switch inside the SB 27 s battery chamber set to the t indicator in the LC...

Page 14: ... tighten the locking wheel NOTE Loosen the mounting foot locking wheel all the way to detach the SB 27 With cameras equipped with a safety lock system the mount pin is automatically inserted into the locking hole in the camera s accessory shoe to secure the SB 27 To detach the SB 27 loosen the mounting foot locking wheel all the way See page 9 A squeaky sound can be heard when loosening the mounti...

Page 15: ...shooting When the flash head is set to the left as viewed by the photographer a shadow falls to the right of the subject and if the flash head is set to the right the shadow falls to the left When the flash head is set in the vertical position the shadow appears under the subject s chin or just behind the subject as the flash illuminates the subject from the top This flash head adjustment capabili...

Page 16: ...rs m when shipped from the factory TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 Set the flash mode selector from OFF to M or AUTO while holding down the F button and select the desired indication m or ft If you replace the batteries with the SB 27 s power ON the measurement system returns to the default meters m system even if feet ft had been previously set ...

Page 17: ...s after shooting it means that the flash has fired at its maximum output but the light may have been insufficient See page 40 In that case reconfirm the flash shooting distance range aperture and flash to subject distance and if necessary use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and then reshoot Replace batteries with a fresh set Replace alkaline manganese batteries or lithium batteries ...

Page 18: ...lash button to ensure that the SB 27 is firing properly TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 When battery power becomes weak the ready light takes longer to come ON or the power may automatically shut OFF NOTE Pressing the open flash button also turns ON the SB 27 after it has been turned OFF by the standby function See page 12 In this case the flash will not fire Press the op...

Page 19: ...r in the LCD panel Manual ISO film speed setting is not possible With cameras in Groups III thru VII Set the ISO film speed manually as follows 1 Press the M button to see the film speed indicator in the LCD panel TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 2 Set the ISO film speed of the film loaded TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 Press the M button to adva...

Page 20: ... s available range the zoom head automatically adjusts to the closest focal length setting Note Automatic zoom head positioning is not possible if a small M appears above the ZOOM Press the ZOOM button several times until the M disappears NOTE To cancel automatic zoom head positioning and set the position manually 1 Press the ZOOM and M buttons simultaneously for approx 2 sec until the small M abo...

Page 21: ...A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 1 Press the ZOOM button to adjust the zoom head position The indicator changes every time you press the ZOOM button When using a Zoom Nikkor lens set the lens at its shortest length in order to cover the full zoom length range e g select the 28mm setting when using a Zoom Nikkor 28 85mm lens 2 Confirm that the small M above the ZOOM is displaye...

Page 22: ...lable in AUTO mode for each camera group See page 42 for Manual M flash operation See page 69 for non TTL Auto Flash with cameras in Groups I thru VI Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with TTL Multi Sensor For details on each flash operation refer to the Glossary of terms on pages 83 to 88 ...

Page 23: ...32 Standard TTL Flash VI Standard TTL Flash P 36 VII Non TTL Auto Flash R P 38 TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 Flash mode indicator Flash shooting distance scale Flash mode selector Aperture indicator M M ISO button The SB 27 s flash mode indicator changes every time the M button is pressed Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is not possible with F80 Series N80 Ser...

Page 24: ... Nikkor lens attached to F90X N90s F90 Series N90 or F70 Series N70 cameras the A and M exposure modes cannot be used Standard TTL Flash t 1 Press the M button to change the SB 27 s flash mode indicator 2 If the F5 F100 or F80 Series N80 Series is set to Spot Metering flash operation is automatically set to Standard TTL Flash 3 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash and Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Fla...

Page 25: ...esponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring 2 Press the shutter release button halfway and check the flash shooting distance range in the LCD panel If ready light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range 6 Shooting Exposure mode 4 5 6 6 With the F5 s exposure mode set to S or M when shutter speed is set to 1 300 sec using a custom function setting ...

Page 26: ... 3 Procedures 1 Press the M button to change the SB 27 s flash mode indicator 2 With an F4 Series camera set to Spot Metering flash operation is automatically set to Standard TTL Flash mode 3 S Shutter priority auto P Programmed auto A Aperture priority auto M Manual 4 Matrix Balanced Fill Flash operation is only possible with F4 Series camera even when AI S or AI type Nikkor lenses Nikon Series E...

Page 27: ...Check the indicator bars and the subject s distance as you rotate the camera s command dial or lens aperture ring to determine the aperture value 2 Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring 2 Press the shutter release button halfway and check the shooting distance range in the LCD panel If ready light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distanc...

Page 28: ... t Standard TTL Flash t tø t Center Weighted Spot Metering 2 Center Weighted Spot Fill Flash t Center Weighted Spot Metering 2 Standard TTL Flash t Flash mode and metering system Available flash operation Lens in use Camera settings 1 2 3 tø Matrix Metering tø t Center Weighted Spot Metering 1 G type Nikkor lenses cannot be used with an F 601 N6006 camera 2 Spot Metering is only available with F 6...

Page 29: ... 1 While looking at the indicator bars press the F button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range Next read the aperture value 2 Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring If ready light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range Shooting Exposure mode 4 5 6 S Shutter priority auto P Programmed a...

Page 30: ...in CPU Nikkor lenses without built in CPU Matrix Balanced Fill Flash t Manual M Center Weighted Fill Flash t Manual M Center Weighted Fill Flash t Camera s exposure mode Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 3 Programmed auto P Shutter priority auto S Aperture priority auto A ...

Page 31: ...e SB 27 s LCD panel by pressing the SB 27 s F button Then confirm the flash shooting distance range If ready light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range Shooting 4 5 1 Set the lens to its minimum aperture highest f number except G type Nikkor lenses F50 Flash shooting conditions Sunny Cloudy day or Indoors Series ISO 100 day in shadows N50 Aperture set...

Page 32: ...mode Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 3 Nikkor lenses with built in CPU Nikkor lenses for F3AF AI S type Nikkor lenses AI type Nikkor lenses Nikon Series E lenses Programmed TTL Auto Flash t Standard TTL Flash t Aperture priority auto A Manual M Programmed auto P Other Nikkor lenses G type Nikkor lenses cannot be used ...

Page 33: ...ens aperture ring 2 Read the suggested aperture for the film in use in the table below press the F button to set the corresponding aperture in the LCD panel then confirm the flash shooting distance range If ready light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range Shooting 4 5 ISO film speed 25 50 100 200 400 800 Aperture f 2 8 f 4 f 5 6 f 8 f 11 f 16 TTL A M ...

Page 34: ...th built in CPU Nikkor lenses without built in CPU Programmed TTL Auto Flash t Standard TTL Flash t Manual M Standard TTL Flash t Camera s exposure mode Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 3 Programmed auto P Shutter priority auto S Aperture priority auto A Manual M ...

Page 35: ...aperture value 1 While looking at the indicator bars press the F button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range Next read the aperture value 2 Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring 2 Read the aperture in the table below and press the F button to set the corresponding aperture in the LCD panel then confirm the flash shooting distanc...

Page 36: ...ras in 36 Procedures Nikkor lenses with built in CPU Nikkor lenses without built in CPU Standard TTL Flash t Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 Do not use the SB 27 for underwater photography G type Nikkor lenses cannot be used ...

Page 37: ...eady light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range Shooting Camera s exposure mode 3 4 5 Aperture priority auto A 1 Manual M 2 1 In this exposure mode shutter speed is automatically set to 1 250 sec for FM3A FA FE2 and 1 90 sec for FG Nikonos V 2 Standard TTL Flash is not possible if the shutter speed is set to M250 or B bulb for FA FE2 and M90 or B Bulb...

Page 38: ... indicator appears in the SB 27 s LCD panel Procedures Nikkor lenses with built in CPU Nikkor lenses without built in CPU Non TTL Auto Flash Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 Flash operation in AUTO mode Cameras in Group VII NOTE Set the lens to the same aperture value as in the SB 27 to obtain a correct exposure A usable aperture value appears in the SB 27 s LCD panel whenever you press t...

Page 39: ...aperture value 2 Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring If ready light is ON release shutter Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range Shooting Camera s exposure mode 3 4 5 Aperture priority auto A Manual M F3 Series F55 Series N55 Series New FM2 FM10 FE10 TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 ...

Page 40: ...ge Flash shooting distance range in 1 300 TTL High Speed Sync Flash operation F5 only Flash shooting distance range far side cannot be read from the indicator bars on the SB 27 in AUTO flash mode In such a case use the following Guide number table and equation for calculating the shooting distance according to each zoom head position Guide number at ISO 100 for m ft Zoom head position 24mm 28mm 35...

Page 41: ...41 Advanced flash operation This section describes advanced flash shooting applications with the SB 27 Speedlight Bounce flash Multiple flash ...

Page 42: ...ce range To determine the correct aperture value see page 46 on Guide numbers for determining the correct aperture 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to aperture priority auto A or manual M ISO SLOW REAR S 2 Set the SB 27 s flash mode selector to M TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 In Manual M mode confirm that the ƒ indicator appears in the LCD panel F90X N90s LCD panel show...

Page 43: ... follows 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 8 1 16 4 Setting the aperture on both the SB 27 and the camera Rotate the camera s command dial or lens aperture dial the indicator bar in the LCD panel changes Before shooting make sure your subject is within flash shooting distance range Aperture value can be set by rotating the sub command dial F5 only Cameras in Groups I and II with Nikkor lenses with built in CPU TTL A ...

Page 44: ...g or set the lens to a smaller aperture higher f number To ensure sharpness in both background and foreground set the lens to a smaller aperture higher f number and select a larger light output setting closer to 1 1 To shorten flash recycling time select a much smaller light output setting closer to 1 16 and set a larger aperture lower f number Other camera lens combinations 1 While looking at the...

Page 45: ...Optional external power source SD 7 AA type alkaline manganese 6 10 four sets inside the SB 27 Optional external power source SD 8 8A AA type alkaline manganese 5 10 four sets inside the SB 27 SB 27 s light output Max number of flashes AUTO and Manual M mode at 1 1 or 1 2 15 light output Manual M mode at 1 4 1 8 or 1 16 light output 40 Note The maximum number of flashes may vary with the type of b...

Page 46: ...ture Guide number at ISO 100 for m ft at 20 C 68 F Zoom head position Light 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm Output normal 1 1 full 25 82 27 89 30 98 34 112 1 2 17 7 58 19 62 21 2 69 24 79 1 4 12 5 41 13 5 44 15 49 17 56 1 8 8 8 29 9 5 31 10 5 34 12 39 1 16 6 2 20 6 7 22 7 4 24 8 5 28 The guide number varies with the film speed For films other than ISO 100 multiply the above figures by the factors shown in the...

Page 47: ...y turns ON to give contrast to dark subjects enabling the camera s autofocus system to function when the shutter release button is pressed halfway Take care not to block the AF assist illuminator LED The AF assist illuminator LED goes out as soon as the subject has been correctly focused No AF assist illuminator LED lights up if the F5 s F100 s F80 Series N80 Series or F65 Series N65 Series centra...

Page 48: ...o 105 mm Other AF Nikkor lenses may also be used depending on shooting conditions Be sure to take a few trial shots first 3 The camera s autofocus mode should normally be set to Single Servo AF S 4 Focus lock is not in use 5 The ready light is ON If the ready light becomes dim or blinks after the AF assist illuminator LED lights up replace the SB 27 s batteries with a fresh set If the AF assist il...

Page 49: ...u can soften the shadows and produce more natural portraits The flash head rotates from the horizontal to the vertical position along a 180 arc Normal flash shooting using direct flash Bounce flash shooting using diffused light Vertically bounced light The SB 27 comes with a built in diffuser card useful for highlighting a subject s eyes during bounce flash operation See page 53 Built in diffuser ...

Page 50: ...ffuser card when you want to create a catchlight to highlight the subject s eyes See page 53 Nikkor lenses 24mm and longer Set both the built in bounce flash adapter and diffuser card as shown Even when set as above you cannot use Nikkor lenses wider than 24mm See the illustration bottom on the seal affixed to the bounce flash adapter Always set the diffuser card whether you wish to create a catch...

Page 51: ...18 9 4 2 1 0 6 3 Check the reflective surface and adjust flash head direction NOTE Choose a reflective surface with a high reflection factor such as a white wall for bouncing the light off In color photography only use bounce against white reflective surfaces Otherwise color photographs will come out with an unnatural color cast similar to that of the reflective surface Make sure you set the camer...

Page 52: ...pter 5 Confirm that the ready light is ON then release the shutter to fire the flash TTL A M ISO f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 If the ready light blinks for 3 seconds after shooting reconfirm the flash shooting distance range or select a wider aperture and then reshoot In bounce flash operation no indicator bars appear in the LCD panel The SB 27 no longer indicates the correct relationship b...

Page 53: ...t in diffuser card Highlight your subject s eyes using bounced flash The SB 27 comes with a built in bounce flash adapter for bouncing diffused light off the ceiling The diffuser card brightens shadows caused by top lighting or bouncing flash making your subject s eyes appear more vibrant ...

Page 54: ... results with the SB 27 mounted on the camera Two methods are possible 1 Mounting the SB 27 on the camera See page 56 2 Connecting the SB 27 to the camera using an optional TTL Remote Cord See page 59 With a very light or dark toned subject you may not get a correct exposure due to the subject s reflection factor See page 60 on Exposure compensation for flash photography and page 69 on Setting For...

Page 55: ...e in the illustration If the lens is too short the incident light falling on the lens reflects on the built in bounce flash adapter causing a flare effect on the film See the illustration top on the seal affixed to the bounce flash adapter Other notes In close up flash operation we recommend taking trial shots first because pictures may be slightly dim or a shadow may appear around the edge of the...

Page 56: ... indicator then blinks and you can proceed with automatic or manual zoom head setting Four stops 24mm 28mm 35mm and 50mm are available with the flash head in the horizontal position and 3 stops 35mm 50mm and 70mm with the flash head in the vertical position depending on the camera lens combination See page 20 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to aperture priority auto A or manual M For cameras in G...

Page 57: ... 1 0 6 If the ready light blinks for 3 seconds after shooting see page 40 f stop 1 2 0 5 For example with a subject located 0 5m 1 6 ft away using ISO 100 film and a bounce flash adapter this is how you would calculate the aperture An aperture of f 2 is suggested We recommend using the smallest possible aperture f 2 8 or f 4 5 Set the camera s aperture based on the following equation and table f s...

Page 58: ... a TTL Remote Cord Use optional TTL Remote Cord SC 24 when connecting the SB 27 to an F4 Series camera fitted with a High Magnification Finder DW 20 or DW 21 Use optional TTL Remote Cord SC 17 when connecting the SB 27 to other cameras with an ISO type hot shoe 2 After first setting the camera s exposure mode to A or M set the SB 27 s flash mode selector to AUTO 3 Position the SB 27 properly and a...

Page 59: ...1 6 ft away using ISO 100 film this is how you would calculate the aperture An aperture of f 8 is suggested We recommend using the smallest possible aperture f 11 or f 16 With a very light or dark toned subject you may not obtain a correct exposure due to the subject s reflection factor Use exposure compensation to ensure correct exposure See pages 60 69 f stop coefficient flash to subject distanc...

Page 60: ...re lighter or darker When the background is extremely bright use compensation and when the background is very dark use compensation In Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with TTL Multi Sensor operation using cameras in Group I the camera automatically compensates exposure according to the shooting conditions Flash light output level compensation is not necessary inside the normal flash shooting distanc...

Page 61: ...exposure compensa tion value indicator will not display the sum total of both compensation values Only the compensation value set on the SB 27 is displayed Setting exposure compensation on the SB 27 TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 1 Simultaneously press the F and M buttons 2 Confirm the exposure compensation value indicator in the LCD panel appears after blinking for appr...

Page 62: ...o the camera s Instruction Manual With Group III cameras the SB 27 s LCD panel does not show the correct flash shooting distance range or the correct compensation amount Use the following chart as a guide for obtaining the correct flash shooting distance range 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 ー 32 40 64 80 125 160 250 320 500 640 1000 1250 For example with ISO 100 film if you want to compensate by 1EV o...

Page 63: ... master unit illumination is greater than secondary unit illumination Flash shooting with one flash unit Flash shooting with more than one unit Multiple flash operation using more than one Speedlight Applicable to all camera groups NOTE Cameras in Group I With the SB 27 as the master flash set to 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash you may not be able to obtain correct exposure because of a change...

Page 64: ...slave unit s in the same way 5 Follow the same procedures as in normal TTL Auto Flash mode Multiple flash operation Cameras in Groups I thru TTL multiple flash operation procedures See page 66 on usable flash units and accessories for multiple flash operation NOTE Using the SB 27 as a slave flash unit for cameras in Groups I thru VI When using the SB 27 as a slave unit set the camera setting switc...

Page 65: ...SB 15 4 SB 14 1 SB 11 1 SB 140 1 Coefficient numbers in parentheses above are in units of 70µA TTL multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU 4 optional TTL multiple flash operation is possible by using the camera s built in Speedlight or a Speedlight mounted on the camera s hot shoe as the master flash unit and one or more Speedlights mounted on the Wireless Slave Flash...

Page 66: ... SB 20 SB 23 SB 30 SB 50DX SB 80DX Master flash unit V type Syns Cord F5 with DA 30 DP 30 F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 F80 Series N80 Series F70 Series N70 Group I F5 with DW 30 DW 31 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 Group III F 601 N6006 F 601M N6000 Group IV F60 Series N60 F50 Series N50 F 401x N5005 Gr...

Page 67: ... SB 28 28DX SB 24 SB 16B AS 10 AS 10 AS 10 SB 16A AS 11 AS 11 SB 17 SB 80DX SB 22s SB 29 29s SB 30 SB 11 SC 23 SB 14 SB 140 SB 80DX SB 29 29s AS 11 SB 21A Slave flash unit SC 18 1 5m 4 9 ft SC 19 3m 9 8 ft Using SC 18 or SC 19 up to five flash units can be used for multiple flash photography at a total cable length of 10m 33 ft ...

Page 68: ...he master flash unit Set the slave unit s in the same way 4 Follow the same procedures as in Manual M Flash mode For guide numbers for each light output in Manual M mode see page 46 Manual multiple flash operation procedures Applicable to all cameras Speedlights which can serve as a slave flash unit SB 80DX SB 30 SB 29s 29 SB 28 28DX SB 27 SB 26 SB 25 SB 24 SB 22s SB 22 SB 20 SB 17 SB 16 SB 15 SB ...

Page 69: ...uto Flash mode when you intentionally want easy exposure compensation with cameras in Groups I thru VI Setting and canceling Forced TTL mode Forced A mode Forced TTL mode 1 Set the camera setting switch inside the SB 27 s battery chamber to 2 Switch the flash mode selector from OFF to AUTO while holding down the ZOOM button TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 The t indictor i...

Page 70: ...n both the SB 27 and the camera correct exposure is achieved The subject will be overexposed if you set a larger lower f number aperture on the camera than on the SB 27 Conversely the subject will be underexposed if you set a smaller higher f number aperture on the camera than on the SB 27 Canceling Forced TTL and Forced A modes 4 Switch the flash mode selector from OFF to AUTO while holding down ...

Page 71: ... SB 27 s red eye reduction lamp lights up for approx 1 sec before the flash fires and the picture is taken TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm f t m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0 6 When red eye reduction or red eye reduction in slow sync is set on camera the red eye reduction control indicator appears in the SB 27 s LCD panel You cannot set the red eye reduction function from the SB 27 Refer to your camera s Inst...

Page 72: ...72 Other information This section covers troubleshooting procedures optional accessories tips on Speedlight care and contains a glossary of terms ...

Page 73: ...batteries Available external power source optional See page 78 Batteries Min recycling No of flash recycling time approx time approx External power C type alkaline 2 5 sec 500 times 2 5 30 sec source SD 7 manganese x 6 External power AA type alkaline 2 5 sec 350 times 2 5 30 sec source manganese x 6 SD 8 8A AA type NiCd 1 8 sec 150 times 1 8 30 sec x 6 Data measured with fresh batteries Install th...

Page 74: ...nnect the SB 27 to a camera without a sync terminal use Sync Terminal Adapter AS 15 optional When connected by a sync cord the SB 27 s normal functions are inoperative except for flash firing The SB 27 provides neither automatic sync speed setting nor ready light viewfinder indication Use optional TTL Remote Cord SC 17 or SC 24 when using the SB 27 off the camera in order to maintain all functions...

Page 75: ... shutter speed is set to either M90 M250 or B setting FM3A New FM2 The flash ready light blinks when the shutter speed set is faster than the flash sync speed Any camera having an accessory shoe capable of TTL Auto Flash operation The flash ready light blinks when the shutter release button is pressed halfway indicating that the SB 27 has not been securely mounted on the camera F90X N90s F90 Serie...

Page 76: ...ith correct and directions Install new batteries Clean the battery contacts Replace the batteries with fresh ones Set the camera setting switch to Fold the diffuser card back into the unit Resume auto zoom head positioning Mount a Nikkor lens with built in CPU Press the M button until the flash mode indicator Ø appears Reconfirm the flash shooting distance range move closer to the subject or selec...

Page 77: ...rminal of the SC 17 or AS 10 for TTL multiple flash operation The SC 18 is approx 1 5 m 4 9 ft long and the SC 19 is approx 3 m 9 8 ft long TTL Multi Flash Adapter AS 10 Use multi flash adapter AS 10 when using more than three flash units for TTL multiple flash operation or if the slave flash units are not equipped with multiple flash terminals The AS 10 comes with one tripod socket and three TTL ...

Page 78: ...e The SD 7 uses six C type alkaline manganese batteries or six C type NiCd batteries DC Unit SD 8 8A A compact and lightweight external power source that increases the number of flash firings and provides faster recycling time The SD 8 8A uses six AA type alkaline manganese batteries or six AA type NiCd batteries Modulate Remote Control Set ML 2 The ML 2 consists of a receiver and transmitter set ...

Page 79: ... Never disassemble or repair the SB 27 when it is damaged or malfunctioning The SB 27 houses high voltage circuitry which is highly dangerous Keep the SB 27 away from water Do not expose the SB 27 to rain or water as it is not waterproof If water gets inside the SB 27 the internal parts may corrode resulting in high repair costs if repair is at all possible ...

Page 80: ... weeks be sure to remove the batteries before storage Take the SB 27 out about once a month insert the batteries and fire the unit several times to prevent the condenser from deteriorating Finally make sure the ready light is on before turning the power off and removing the batteries Storage Store the SB 27 in a cool dry place to prevent mold Also keep it away from chemicals such as camphor or nap...

Page 81: ...minals are correctly oriented When replacing batteries be sure to replace all the batteries at the same time Always use fresh batteries of the same brand and type Wrong battery usage may shorten battery life or cause malfunction Do not disassemble short circuit or heat batteries Do not dispose of batteries by burning as explosions may result If the SB 27 is not in use for more than two weeks remov...

Page 82: ...ected or before the batteries have cooled off Overcharging and excessive use may shorten battery life Do not overcharge and be sure to turn the power OFF when not using your Speedlight If NiCd batteries do not last as long as they should after being properly charged they are approaching the end of their life Replace them with new ones Using the SB 27 in low temperatures As the temperature drops ba...

Page 83: ...atchlight 85 Center Weighted Spot Fill Flash 85 Flash exposure compensation 85 Flash shooting distance range 85 Front curtain sync flash 86 Guide Number 86 Matrix Balanced Fill Flash 86 Monitor Preflash 86 Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash 87 Multiple flash operation 87 Non TTL auto flash 87 Programmed TTL Auto Flash 87 Rear curtain sync flash 87 Red eye reduction 88 Standard TTL Flash 88 Sync shut...

Page 84: ...bject Applicable to F5 F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 F80 Series N80 Series F70 Series N70 Autofocus assist illumination Allows you to autofocus in dim light or in the dark with Nikon AF cameras When you press the shutter release button halfway the AF illuminator automatically turns ON to give contrast to a dark subject thus enabling the camera s autofocus system to function Applicable to all Nikon...

Page 85: ...ll Flash which cannot be used Applicable to F5 F4 Series F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 F70 Series N70 F60 Series N60 F50 Series N50 F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 F 601 N6006 F 601M N6000 F 401x N5005 Flash exposure compensation In combination with on camera exposure compensation you can manually adjust the amount of flash output when using a Speedlight in AUTO flash mode To achieve correct exposure wi...

Page 86: ...Flash This mode automatically controls flash output so as to keep both subject and background perfectly exposed The camera s Matrix Metering System determines the correct exposure based on ambient light Flash illumination brightens the main foreground subject but does not overpower the background Applicable to F4 Series F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 Pronea 600i 6i F 601 N6006 F 601M N6000 F65 Series N...

Page 87: ...nd Applicable to all camera groups Non TTL auto flash The light output is automatically controlled to match the flash to subject distance measured by the Speedlight s light sensor Applicable to all camera groups Programmed TTL Auto Flash Simply set the lens to its minimum aperture highest f number and the camera automatically controls the aperture according to the ISO film speed Applicable to F 50...

Page 88: ...evel so that the main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness Otherwise the main subject may appear unduly emphasized against the background Applicable to F5 F4 Series F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 F80 Series N80 Series F70 Series N70 F 801s N8008s F 801 N8008 F 601 N6006 F 601M N6000 F 501 N2020 F 401s N4004s F 401 N4004 F 301 N2000 Pronea 600i 6i FM3A FA FE2 FG and N...

Page 89: ...g switch to K power automatically turns OFF after approx 80 seconds when both SB 27 and camera are not in use Angle of coverage Vertical Horizontal Covering the picture angle of 24mm lens 60 78 Covering the picture angle of 28mm lens 53 70 Covering the picture angle of 35mm lens 46 60 Covering the picture angle of 50mm lens 36 46 Specifications Angle of coverage Vertical Horizontal Covering the pi...

Page 90: ... DC Unit SD 8 8A AA type alkaline manganese x 6 or AA type NiCd batteries x 6 Number of flashes Batteries installed in the SB 27 and recycling time Manual full output without use of AF assist illuminator LED and zoom operation Above data may vary according to battery brands or performance Red eye reduction A red eye reduction lamp lights up for approx 1 sec before the flash fires Setting is only p...

Page 91: ...27 from detaching Not provided with all cameras Measurement system Interchangeable meters m or feet ft measurement in LCD panel system by pressing the F button and flash mode selector simultaneously Flash duration approx 1 1000 sec at 1 1 full output 1 1100 sec at 1 2 output 1 2500 sec at 1 4 output 1 4200 sec at 1 8 output 1 6700 sec at 1 16 output Other features External power source terminal sy...

Page 92: ...LDG 2 3 MARUNOUCHI 3 CHOME CHIYODA KU TOKYO 100 8331 JAPAN 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 CORPORATION ...