Nikon autofocus speedlight SB-80DX, User Manual

Page 1: ...En Instruction Manual Autofocus Speedlight SB 80DX SB 80DX En ...

Page 2: ...increases the angle of coverage to match a 14mm 17mm lens p 25 Flash head tilts up to 90 or down to 7 and rotates horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right enabling bounce flash p 66 or close up photography p 70 Use of the provided Nikon Diffusion Dome in combination with the built in wide flash adapter p 69 in bounce flash p 66 or close up photography p 70 diffuses the light from the flash...

Page 3: ...ur Speedlight correctly The Nikon Speedlight SB 80DX s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras accessories including lenses Camera accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon s criteria for specifications and nonconforming cameras accessories could damage the SB 80DX s components Nikon cannot guarantee the SB 80DX s performance when used with non Nikon produc...

Page 4: ... F 401x N5005 V F 501 N2020 F 401s N4004s F 401 N4004 F 301 N2000 2 VI FM3A FA FE2 FG Nikonos V F3 Series with the AS 17 VII New FM2 FM10 FE10 F3 Series F55 N55 Digital D1 Series D100 SLRs 1 Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is not possible with the Pronea 600i 6i 2 Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set 3 TTL auto flash mode for Nikon Digital SLRs 4 Possible only when a non CPU lens is attache...

Page 5: ... Available Not available 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash for Digital SLRs Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash for Digital SLRs 6 I II III IV V 5 VI VII Digital 4 SLRs D TTL auto flash 3 p 35 Manual mode Group Center Weighted Fill Flash for Digital SLRs Standard TTL flash for Digital SLRs Non TTL Auto Flash p 40 Auto Aperture Flash p 42 Manual Flash p 46 Repeating Flash p 48 FP High Speed Flash sy...

Page 6: ...sitivity 22 5 Adjusting the zoom head position 24 6 Setting the camera s exposure mode and metering system 26 7 Setting the SB 80DX s flash mode 28 8 Compose the picture and shoot with flash 30 Using the SB 80DX with the COOLPIX 32 Detailed operation SB 80DX available flash modes 34 TTL D TTL auto flash mode 35 Usable cameras compatible with the TTL D TTL auto flash mode 36 Non TTL auto flash mode...

Page 7: ...ash shooting 82 Reference information Optional accessories 92 Tips on Speedlight care 95 Notes on batteries 96 Troubleshooting 97 Specifications 100 Index 104 Preparation This section provides preliminary information on using the SB 80DX Basic operation Basic procedures to take simple well balanced flash photographs in the TTL D TTL auto flash mode Detailed operation A variety of flash modes avail...

Page 8: ... coverage to match a 14mm or 17mm lens 7 Red eye reduction lamp p 60 Lights up to prevent red eye from occurring 8 AF assist illuminator p 62 Automatically turns on for autofocus operation when the light is dim 9 External power source terminal p 94 Allows connection of a power cord to the SB 80DX s external power source terminal supplied with a cover 10 Light sensor window for Non TTL auto flash p...

Page 9: ...e scale p 68 18 Terminal cover 19 TTL multiple flash terminal p 78 Connects the SB 80DX to the slave flash unit s in TTL multiple flash operation 20 Sync terminal p 79 Connects the SB 80DX to the sync terminal of the slave flash unit s in other than TTL multiple flash operations 21 LCD panel p 10 22 Control buttons p 11 23 Ready light Lights up when the SB 80DX is fully recycled and ready to fire ...

Page 10: ...illuminator go to the Custom settings mode and set it to OFF p 13 1 Flash mode pp 34 51 DE Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with TTL Multi Sensor CDE Automatic Balanced Fill Flash with TTL Multi Sensor for Digital SLRs DF Matrix Balanced Fill Flash Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash CDF Center Weighted Fill Flash for Digital SLRs D Standard TTL Flash Matrix Balanced Fill Flash Center Weighted...

Page 11: ...ress to test fire the flash p 18 2 a button Press to set the flash mode p 28 3 g button Press to select these functions Flash output level compensation aperture number of repeating flashes per frame frequency and flash output level The selected item blinks and can be set using the e and f buttons Press for approx 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode p 12 4 e button f button Press to increase ...

Page 12: ...dby function canceled Custom settings The SB 80DX can easily set activate or cancel various operations using the Custom settings function as shown below Control button quick reference Procedures for Custom settings recalling the underexposure value in the TTL auto flash mode and resetting all settings to their default settings are shown in the Control button quick reference chart on the back of th...

Page 13: ...mera s LCD panel illuminator is turned on The LCD panel illuminator also lights up when the Custom settings mode is displayed lSelecting the distance unit m or ft using Custom settings Set the distance unit on the LCD panel to either meters m or feet ft nThe SB 80DX is preset to meters when the SB 80DX is shipped from the factory 1 Press the g button for more than 2 sec to display the Custom setti...

Page 14: ...ave CPU contacts G type Nikkor lenses G type Nikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body but do not have an aperture ring Therefore set the aperture on the camera body With some cameras the usable exposure mode is limited For more details refer to the lens instruction manual D type Nikkor lenses D type Nikkor lenses send distance information to the camera body Set the aperture eithe...

Page 15: ...c operation In this section basic procedures are clearly illustrated so that you can easily perform flash photography in the TTL D TTL auto flash mode For more details on other flash modes refer to Detailed operation p 33 ...

Page 16: ...CAUTION n Do not use batteries not specified in this instruction manual as this may cause them to explode leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire n Do not mix battery brands or types or use old with new batteries Otherwise the batteries may explode leak corrosive liquids or catch on fire n Do not recharge non rechargeable batteries in a battery charger Otherwise the batteries may leak corrosive li...

Page 17: ...Batteries Min recycling time Min number of flashes approx recycling time Alkaline manganese 6 0 sec 150 6 30 sec Lithium 7 5 sec 190 7 5 30 sec NiCd 1000 mAh 4 0 sec 90 4 30 sec Ni MH 1600 mA 4 0 sec 110 4 30 sec Type of battery Recycling time Remedy Alkaline manganese More than 30 seconds Replace Lithium More than 10 seconds Ni Cd rechargeable More than 10 seconds Recharge Ni MH rechargeable lExt...

Page 18: ...led by the ISO sensitivity aperture and zoom head position mIn the Non TTL auto Auto Aperture flash mode you can check the amount of insufficient flash output by pressing the h button before taking the actual picture p 54 lb button m Pressing the b button for approx 0 5 sec turns the SB 80DX on and the indications appear on the LCD panel Pressing the button again turns the SB 80DX off and the indi...

Page 19: ...h unit nIf the ready light does not come on in approx 60 seconds after turning the power on the SB 80DX goes into standby off state and the R indicator appears nTo avoid accidental firing or a malfunction when carrying the SB 80DX in your camera bag press the b button to turn the flash unit off and make sure the R indicator disappears Adjusting standby duration canceling standby function using Cus...

Page 20: ...ock turn the lever counterclockwise until it stops Lock Unlock 1 Make sure the SB 80DX and the camera body are turned off 2 Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the left slide the SB 80DX s mounting foot into the camera s accessory shoe and turn the lock lever to the right 3 Hold down the flash head tilting rotating lock release button to adjust the flash head to the horizontal front position ...

Page 21: ... is turned on Camera group camera name Possible cause Cameras in Groups I to VI In the TTL auto flash mode the SB 80DX is not properly except F70 Series N70 attached to the camera body Cameras in Groups V and VI In the TTL auto flash mode the ISO film speed set on the camera is higher than the available range of the Speedlight nThe ISO film speed set on the camera is higher or lower than the avail...

Page 22: ...are generally referred to as ISO sensitivity m For cameras in Groups I and II and Digital SLRs cameras the ISO sensitivity is automatically set and appears on the LCD panel m For other camera bodies set the ISO sensitivity using the following procedure 1 Turn the SB 80DX off once then turn it back on After that turn on the camera body 2 The ISO sensitivity starts blinking on the LCD panel nNo sett...

Page 23: ...peedlight s ISO sensitivity In the TTL D TTL auto flash mode and Manual flash mode there is no direct connection between setting the ISO sensitivity on the Speedlight and controlling the flash output level Setting the ISO sensitivity is for correctly displaying the flash shooting distance range or the shooting distance indication on the Speedlight s LCD panel In the Non TTL auto flash mode and Aut...

Page 24: ...l be automatically adjusted If a small M appears press the c or d button several times until it disappears Power zoom activated Power zoom canceled lSetting the zoom head position manually m When the SB 80DX 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...

Page 25: ... The zoom head position changes as follows 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm 105mm 1 Press the g button for more than 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode 2 Press the e or f button to choose Canceling the power zoom function 3 Press the c or d button to select ON 4 Press the g button for more than 2 sec or press the b button to return to the normal setting mode lUsing the built in wide flash adap...

Page 26: ...to Detailed operation p 33 and your camera s instruction manual m In Programmed Auto P mode the shutter speed is automatically set to the highest flash sync shutter speed 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to Programmed Auto P nIf Programmed Auto P cannot be set refer to page 27 to select another exposure mode 2 Set the camera s metering system to Matrix Metering Y nIf Matrix Metering Y cannot be se...

Page 27: ...iority Auto exposure A mode m By selecting the aperture you can control depth of field and the flash shooting distance range nThe camera selects the correct shutter speed For detains see your camera s instruction manual nTo determine the aperture refer to the guide number p 45 and the Flash shooting distance range in the TTL D TTL auto flash modes p 29 In Manual exposure M mode m By selecting the ...

Page 28: ... auto flash modes will be skipped and do not appear when pressing the MODE button nThe SB 80DX s available flash modes vary depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode and metering system Refer to Detailed operation p 33 and your camera s instruction manual 28 7 Setting the SB 80DX s flash mode DE DF D A G GH For film based cameras For Digital SLRs cameras B A CDE CDF ...

Page 29: ...0 66 11 66 12 66 0 6 6 3 0 7 8 0 0 7 8 5 0 8 9 5 1 4 16 1 5 17 1 7 19 2 0 20 2 2 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 0 21 2 3 26 2 5 28 2 8 31 4 6 52 4 9 56 5 5 62 6 6 66 7 4 66 7 8 66 8 3 66 0 6 4 5 0 6 5 7 0 6 6 0 0 6 6 7 1 0 11 1 1 12 1 2 13 1 4 16 1 6 18 1 7 19 1 8 20 2 0 15 2 0 19 2 0 20 2 0 22 3 3 37 3 5 39 3 9 44 4 6 52 5 2 59 5 5 62 5 8 66 0 6 3 2 0 6 4 0 0 6 4 2 0 6 4 8 0 7 8 0 0 7 8 5 0 8 9 5 1 0 11 1 1 ...

Page 30: ...modes refer to Slow sync flash mode p 60 Red eye reduction with slow sync flash mode p 60 or Rear curtain sync flash p 61 nRefer to the camera s instruction manual for details on the flash sync mode 1 Set the camera s sync mode nIn normal flash photography set the camera s flash sync mode to Front curtain sync 2 Compose the picture confirm that the ready light on the SB 80DX s LCD panel or in the ...

Page 31: ...ing on the camera in use the ready light on the SB 80DX or in the camera s viewfinder lights up To compensate use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject and reshoot Display of the amount of underexposure m With cameras in Group I and Nikon Digital SLRs cameras in the TTL D TTL auto flash mode the amount of underexposure 0 to 3 0 EV appears for approx 3 sec on the SB 80DX s LCD panel at the...

Page 32: ...detecting signals from the camera to determine when to start and stop firing in sync with the built in flash which is controlled by the camera s Non TTL auto flash operation nUse the dedicated Multi Flash Bracket Unit SK E900 optional and Multi Flash Adapter AS E900 optional for connection with all the COOLPIX 900 series cameras except the COOLPIX 900 itself nFor connection to the COOLPIX 5000 att...

Page 33: ...operation This section provides a variety of flash modes available with the SB 80DX Be sure to refer to your camera s instruction manual for specific information on camera settings and functions Detailed operation ...

Page 34: ...ding on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera s exposure mode TTL auto flash mode p 35 D TTL auto flash mode p 35 3 4 ANon TTL auto flash mode p 40 BAuto Aperture flash mode p 42 Manual mode DE 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash 1 2 DE Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash 1 2 DF Matrix Balanced Fill Flash DF Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash D Standard TTL Flash G Manual Flash p 46 H R...

Page 35: ...adjust the flash output for a natural fill flash effect CDF Center Weighted Fill Flash for Digital SLRs Exposure control information with Center Weighted Metering is used to adjust the flash output for a natural fill flash effect D Standard TTL Flash CD Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs The main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the background brightness Useful when you want to highligh...

Page 36: ...G type 1 F90 Series DE 3 P S A M YWX CPU lens except for D G type N90 DF A M WX Non CPU lens F70 Series D P S A M YWX CPU lens 1 N70 D A M WX Non CPU lens 1 The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G type lens 2 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash is set 3 Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash is set F80 Series DE 2 P S A M YW CPU lens D G type N80 Series DE 3 P S A M YW CPU lens Non D G type A...

Page 37: ...A M WX CPU lens 1 2 F 801 DF 3 A M WX Non CPU lens 2 N8008 D P S A M YWX CPU lens 1 2 D A M WX Non CPU lens 2 1 The A and M exposure modes cannot be used with a G type lens 2 Spot Metering is not possible with the F 801 N8008 3 Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash is set Pronea DF P S A Y CPU lens 600i 6i D P S A M YWX CPU lens D M WX Non CPU lens 1 1 The camera s exposure meter cannot be us...

Page 38: ...5 AI S AI Series E lenses only usable F 401s N4004s D 2 P S Y CPU lens F 401 N4004 D A M YW CPU lens 1 D M W Non CPU lens 1 Center Weighted Metering is automatically set when the exposure mode is set to M 2 Programmed TTL Auto Flash is set FM3A D A M W CPU except G type non CPU lens FA D P A M YW CPU exceptG type non CPUlens 1 FE2 D A M W CPU exceptG type non CPUlens 1 FG D P A M W CPU exceptG typ...

Page 39: ...lash sync mode 1 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached and the wide flash adapter in place 2 With the Nikon Diffusion Dome attached 3 With the wide flash adapter in place nFor example when shooting with an ISO sensitivity of 100 at a 35mm zoom head position and an aperture of f 5 6 D 14 5 6 f stop 2 5 in meters farthest flash shooting distance D 46 5 6 f stop 8 2 in feet farthest flash shooting d...

Page 40: ...This allows you to make exposure compensation p 56 easily by varying the aperture set on the camera or lens 3 Press the e or f button to change the aperture bringing the subject within the flash shooting distance range 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to Aperture Priority Auto A or Manual M 4 Set the aperture that appears on the SB 80DX s LCD panel on the lens or camera 5 Set the camera to its hig...

Page 41: ...00 400 200 100 50 25 1 2 14 17 24 28 35 50 70 85 105 8 5 6 4 2 8 2 1 4 0 6 6 3 0 7 8 0 0 7 8 5 0 8 9 5 1 4 16 1 5 17 1 7 19 2 0 20 2 2 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 0 21 2 3 26 2 5 28 2 8 31 4 6 52 4 9 56 5 5 62 6 6 66 7 4 66 7 8 66 8 3 66 11 8 5 6 4 2 8 2 1 4 0 6 4 5 0 6 5 7 0 6 6 0 0 6 6 7 1 0 11 1 1 12 1 2 13 1 4 16 1 6 18 1 7 19 1 8 20 2 0 15 2 0 19 2 0 20 2 0 22 3 3 37 3 5 39 3 9 44 4 6 52 5 2 59 5 5 62...

Page 42: ...cal length and exposure compensation value nThe Non TTL auto flash mode is automatically set when a non CPU lens is mounted on Digital SLRs Usable cameras and lenses 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to Programmed Auto P or Aperture Priority Auto A 2 Lock the CPU lens aperture at its minimum n Not necessary with a G type lens 3 Press the a button to select the AA Auto Aperture flash mode 4 While lo...

Page 43: ... 1 5 17 1 7 19 2 0 20 2 2 20 2 4 20 2 5 20 2 0 21 2 3 26 2 5 28 2 8 31 4 6 52 4 9 56 5 5 62 6 6 66 7 4 66 7 8 66 8 3 66 11 8 5 6 4 2 8 2 1 4 0 6 4 5 0 6 5 7 0 6 6 0 0 6 6 7 1 0 11 1 1 12 1 2 13 1 4 16 1 6 18 1 7 19 1 8 20 2 0 15 2 0 19 2 0 20 2 0 22 3 3 37 3 5 39 3 9 44 4 6 52 5 2 59 5 5 62 5 8 66 16 11 8 5 6 4 2 8 2 0 6 3 2 0 6 4 0 0 6 4 2 0 6 4 8 0 7 8 0 0 7 8 5 0 8 9 5 1 0 11 1 1 13 1 2 13 1 3 ...

Page 44: ...amera and lens aperture settings nIf the camera s exposure mode is set to other than Aperture Priority A or Manual M mode the shutter may not be released depending on the cameras in use For details refer to your camera s instruction manual nIn the Manual mode no warning ready light blinks to indicate that the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure after shooting lDetermining the ape...

Page 45: ...iply the guide number at an ISO sensitivity of 100 by the factors shown in the guide number table 1 With the Diffusion Dome attached and the built in wide flash adapter in place 2 With the Diffusion Dome attached 3 With the built in wide flash adapter in place Zoom head position mm 1 2 14 3 17 3 24 28 35 50 70 85 105 M1 1 12 5 41 16 52 17 56 19 62 32 105 34 112 38 125 44 144 50 164 53 174 56 184 M...

Page 46: ...he LCD panel 3 Determine the flash output level and aperture to match the flash shooting distance Then set the flash output level and the aperture on the SB 80DX nFor details on determining the flash output level and the aperture refer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode p 44 nFor setting the flash output level refer to Setting the flash output level p 47 nIf the ...

Page 47: ...r e button as shown below When you press the f button When you press the e button nThe numbers in parentheses represent the adjustable flash output level in 1 3 steps except between 1 1 and 1 2 Therefore 1 32 0 3 and 1 64 0 7 represent the same flash output level nK indicates FP High Speed Flash sync p 51 This indicator appears only when the SB 80DX is used in combination with cameras compatible w...

Page 48: ...m Frequency Hz represents the number of times the flash fires per second nThe actual number of repeating flashes per frame becomes lower than the one set as the shutter speed increases or the number of flashes per second decreases because the Speedlight fires during a single exposure m Referring to the table below set the flash output level the frequency and the number of repeating flashes separat...

Page 49: ...ase or decrease the values nThe flash output level blinks during adjustment and stops after 8 seconds unless an adjustment is made The last blinking number is the one automatically set 4 Press the g button and the flash output level stops blinking nAfter that the frequency starts blinking 5 Repeat the procedures above to set the frequency and the number of repeating flashes per frame Frequency Hz ...

Page 50: ...nd Digital SLRs cameras with CPU lenses set the SB 80DX s aperture on the camera p 4 9 Confirm that the ready light is on then shoot Making sure the flash fires correctly before shooting m Press the h button to make sure the flash fires correctly as set 6 Determine the guide number according to the flash output level and zoom head position set then calculate the correct aperture from the guide num...

Page 51: ...SB 80DX from the camera be sure to cancel FP flash operation so that K disappears If the flash unit is removed with the FP setting K blinks as a warning 1 Set the camera s exposure mode to Manual M 2 Press the a button until G appears on the LCD panel 3 Press the e or f button until K appears on the LCD panel F5 F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 D1 Series Usable cameras Exposure compensation in the Re...

Page 52: ...ch the main subject s shooting distance Set the same aperture and flash output level on the SB 80DX nFor details on calculating the flash output level and aperture refer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode on page p 44 and Guide number table on p 45 nFor setting the flash output level refer to Setting the flash output level on page 47 nFor cameras in Groups I and ...

Page 53: ...lash 15 Manual flash Flash output level M1 1 M1 2 Manual flash Flash output level M1 4 to M1 128 40 nWith fresh batteries of the same type in both the SB 80DX and optional Nikon SD 8A or Power Bracket Unit SK 6A nRefer to table Maximum number of repeating flashes per frame on page 48 when performing Repeating flash Maximum number of frames during continuous flash shooting at six frames per sec 1 8...

Page 54: ...s the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure In this case set a wider aperture on the camera or lens or move closer to the subject lNon TTL auto flash mode m Make the necessary settings on the SB 80DX and camera and press the h button If the ready light blinks after firing this indicates the light may have been insufficient for correct exposure In this case set a wider aperture on t...

Page 55: ...Advanced operation Advanced operation In this section advanced information on each function of the SB 80DX s is provided Advanced operation ...

Page 56: ...ure compensation for the main subject only Making exposure compensation for the background only Available flash mode All flash modes TTL D TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash Manual flash mode Flash shooting at slow shutter speeds Usable camera Cameras in all groups Cameras in groups I to III and Digital SLRs Cameras in all groups Cameras in all groups lMaking exposure compensation for both the...

Page 57: ...bject brighter or a smaller aperture to make it darker lMaking exposure compensation for the main subject only In TTL D TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash m Making exposure compensation for a flash illuminated subject without affecting the background exposure is called flash output level compensation p 58 m This compensation is performed with cameras in Groups I to III and Digital SLRs cameras...

Page 58: ...button to increase or decrease the compensation in 1 3 steps or in 1 6 steps with Digital SLRs from 3 0 to 3 0 EV 3 Press the g button and the flash output level compensation value stops blinking nThe flash output level blinks during adjustment and stops after 8 seconds unless an adjustment is made The last blinking number is the one automatically set nWith F80 Series N80 Series F70 Series N70 and...

Page 59: ...lReading the aperture using the scale on the lens m After zooming in or out to select the appropriate composition read the aperture using the aperture scale on the lens Then set the same aperture on the SB 80DX s LCD panel and confirm the flash shooting distance range At wideangle zoom settings read the aperture value at the green index or line At telephoto settings read the aperture value at the ...

Page 60: ... m Available with cameras having red eye reduction control You cannot set red eye reduction on the SB 80DX directly Set it on the camera For more information refer to your camera s instruction manual nAfter setting your camera to red eye reduction make sure that N appears on the SB 80DX s LCD panel Slow sync flash mode Red eye reduction control lRed eye reduction with slow sync flash mode m In thi...

Page 61: ...tails see your camera s instruction manual nSince slow shutter speeds are usually used use a tripod to prevent camera shake nThis function does not operate in either the FP High Speed flash sync or Repeating flash mode nIn multiple flash the master flash unit can be set to either front curtain or rear curtain sync flash The slave units cannot be set to rear curtain sync flash p 74 lModeling illumi...

Page 62: ...10m with a 50mm f 1 8 lens or shorter depending on the lens in use nUsable lens focal length 24mm to 105mm 35 to 105mm for F 501 N2020 cameras nThe AF Assist Illuminator is activated when U appears on the LCD panel The AF Assist Illuminator is canceled when S appears on the LCD panel nThe AF Assist Illuminator is set to activate when shipped from the factory nIf the focus indicator does not appear...

Page 63: ...n dim light lFor cameras having a built in Speedlight nEven when the camera s AF Assist Illuminator is set to activate the SB 80DX s AF Assist Illuminator is given priority and the camera s AF Assist illuminator does not light up The camera s AF Assist Illuminator lights up when the SB 80DX s AF Assist Illuminator is canceled nWith F60 Series N60 cameras the AF Assist Illuminator lights up while s...

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Page 65: ...ash is provided explaining how to create flash pictures with softer shadows We also present the recommended position of Speedlights in wireless multiple flash photography or when attached with cords Technical operation Effective Speedlight placement Technical operation Effective Speedlight placement ...

Page 66: ...east 50 to bounce light off the ceiling for effective bounce flash Make sure that the light from the flash head does not directly illuminate the subject nOptimum results are obtained when the flash head is positioned 1 to 2m 3 3 to 6 6 ft away from the reflecting surface Shooting data nCamera F100 nFocal length 70mm nSpeedlight SB 80DX set to Standard TTL flash nAperture f 5 6 1 3 nShooting distan...

Page 67: ...et the flash mode to TTL D TTL auto flash or Non TTL auto Auto Aperture flash 5 Adjust the flash head 4 Set the camera s aperture nRefer to page 68 for setting the aperture 6 Make sure that the ready light is on then shoot nWhen the flash has fired at its maximum output and underexposure may have occurred the ready light on the SB 80DX blinks for approx 3 sec To compensate use a wider aperture or ...

Page 68: ...tilts or rotates by holding down the flash head tilting rotating lock release button as shown in the illustrations Adjust the flash head depending on the shooing environment or your creative preferences 0 7 90 75 60 45 0 30 6 0 90 1 2 0 1 5 0 180 90 6 0 30 Flash head tilting and rotating angles m The SB 80DX s flash head tilts up 90 and rotates horizontally 180 to the left and 90 to the right nSet...

Page 69: ...the Nikon Diffusion Dome m Use of the provided Nikon Diffusion Dome diffuses the light from the flash much more than with normal bounce flash allowing you to soften the light from the flash and eliminate shadows With the camera in the vertical position the Nikon Diffusion Dome provides the same effect nGood results are generally obtained when the flash head is tilted up 60 nUse of the built in wid...

Page 70: ...lash shooting It is strongly recommended to make test shots before taking the final pictures Shooting data nCamera F100 nFocal length 105mm nSpeedlight Two SB 80DX units set to Standard TTL flash nAperture f 22 2 3 nShooting distance 50cm 20 in nISO sensitivity 100 Shooting data nCamera F100 nFocal length 105mm nSpeedlight Single SB 80DX unit set to Standard TTL flash nAperture f 16 nShooting dist...

Page 71: ...position to 14mm or 17mm 5 Tilt the flash head down to 7 nThis position is recommended to illuminate the lower portion of the subject sufficiently in close up photography when the SB 80DX is attached to the camera and used as the only flash unit nThe underbar blinks when the flash head is tilted down to this position 7 6 Confirm that the ready light is on then shoot nWhen the flash has fired at it...

Page 72: ...8 lSetting the built in wide flash adapter and adjusting the zoom head position 1 Slowly pull out the wide flash adapter all the way and position it over the flash head Then slide the bounce card back into place inside the flash head 2 Press the c or d button to adjust the zoom head position to 14mm or 17mm nWhen the wide flash adapter is set on the flash head the power zoom function becomes inact...

Page 73: ...ameras in Group I in 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash and Digital SLRs cameras in 3D Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash for Digital SLRs you may not be able to obtain correct exposure because distance information from the lens is used In this case position the camera A and the SB 80DX B at equal distances from the subject nFor F5 cameras with the High Magnification Finder DW 30 or DW 31 or F4 cam...

Page 74: ... of the master flash unit following either one of the methods described below since Monitor Preflashes cause incorrect exposure Multiple flash with Nikon Digital SLRs cameras m Because Monitor Preflashes are fired at all times in the D TTL auto flash mode Digital SLRs cameras cannot be used for multiple flash shooting in this mode m With Digital SLRs cameras only manual multiple flash operation is...

Page 75: ...t the subject will receive sufficient illumination even when the angle of the flash head is off axis from the subject Remember the closer the subject the wider the angle of coverage required Compound guide number m You can calculate the compound guide number GN by using the following equation when more than one Speedlight is used in Manual multiple flash operation GN GN of Speedlight A 2 GN of Spe...

Page 76: ... modes for multiple flash shooting using cords m Multiple flash shooting using cords can be performed in two ways 1 TTL multiple flash and 2 Manual multiple flash nPerforming multiple flash shooting in the Manual mode is not recommended since it is difficult to obtain the correct exposure Use the TTL auto flash mode with cameras compatible with TTL auto flash nManual flash is possible with all Nik...

Page 77: ...o a tripod lThe maximum number of flash units to be connected using cords m 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 nMake sure the combined total of the coefficients in the table below for all flash units used together does not exceed 20 at 20 C 68 F or 13 at 40 C 104 F nIf it exceeds these figures you may not...

Page 78: ... fired nD TTL multiple flash shooting using cords is not possible with digital SLRs cameras 3 Turn off all the flash units before connecting the master flash unit to the slave flash units using optional TTL Remote Cords SC 18 or SC 19 4 Turn on all slave flash units and set the flash mode on all slave flash unit to TTL auto flash 5 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance range as in norma...

Page 79: ...aster flash unit to the slave flash unit using optional Sync Cords SC 11 or SC 15 4 Turn on the power of all flash units and set the flash mode on all units to Manual flash nThe flash output level can be adjusted on the SB 80DX SB 28 etc if necessary p 45 nFP High Speed Flash sync and Repeating flash are not possible 5 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance as in normal Manual flash shoo...

Page 80: ...401s N4004s F 401 N4004 F 301 N2000 Group III F 601 N6006 F 601M N6000 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 VII F3 Series Group IV F60 Series N60 F50 Series N50 F 401X N5005 Group VI FM3A FA FE2 FG Nikonos V F5 with DA 30 DP 30 F100 F90X N90s F90 Series N90 F80 Series N80 Series F70 Series N70 F5 with DW...

Page 81: ... SB 26 SB 28 28DX SB 27 SB 24 Slave flash unit 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 80DX SB 22s SB 29 29s 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 SB 30 SB 11 SC 23 SB 14 SB 140 SB 80DX SB 29 29s AS 11 SB 21A ...

Page 82: ... no wireless multiple flash function can be used as the master flash unit The optional Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU 4 allows you to use any Speedlight as a slave flash unit Wireless multiple flash two flash units Single flash off camera flash unit The master flash unit used off camera illuminates the subject from the side to create a more natural looking picture and the slave flash unit soft...

Page 83: ...amera so that light from the master flash unit can reach the light sensor of the slave flash unit Particularly when taking pictures while holding a slave flash unit in your hand make sure the slave flash unit is in front of the camera so that light can reach the light sensor of the slave flash unit m Take care not to let light from the slave flash unit enter the camera lens directly or indirectly ...

Page 84: ...ars on the LCD panel when the flash mode is set to D TTL auto flash Therefore be sure to set the flash mode to other than D TTL auto flash 1 Press the g button for more than 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode 2 Press the e or f button to choose the Wireless flash mode 3 Press the c or d button to select ON 4 Press the g button for more than 2 sec or press the b button to return to the norma...

Page 85: ... press the a button A auto mode m The wireless slave flash unit starts and stops firing in sync with the master Speedlight m The maximum shooting distance of the SB 80DX s light sensor is approx 7m 23 ft M manual mode m The wireless slave flash unit only fires in sync with the master Speedlight m The maximum shooting distance of the SB 80DX s light sensor is approx 40m 131 ft m The flash output le...

Page 86: ...mode 5 Set the flash mode of the master Speedlight to the TTL auto flash mode nWith Nikon Digital SLRs cameras wireless flash cannot be set if the flash mode is set to D TTL auto flash In this case set the flash mode to Auto Aperture or Non TTL auto flash 6 Confirm the aperture and flash shooting distance range as in normal TTL auto flash shooting then shoot nSee page 28 about the TTL auto flash m...

Page 87: ...to activate the M manual mode 5 Set the flash mode of the master Speedlight to the Manual flash mode nThe Non TTL auto flash A mode can also be selected on the wireless slave flash unit In this case the flash unit controls the flash output based on the aperture and ISO sensitivity which are set on the slave flash unit and automatically stops firing in sync with the master flash unit p 40 6 Confirm...

Page 88: ...re refer to the Guide Number table p 45 and adjust the flash output level to M1 16 nRefer to Determining the aperture and flash output level in the Manual mode p 44 Adjusting the slave flash unit s flash output level in the Non TTL auto flash A mode m Determine the flash output level by setting the aperture on the slave flash unit and camera 1 Set the same ISO sensitivity on the slave flash unit a...

Page 89: ...en the SB 80DX is used as a wireless slave flash unit you can monitor its operation by listening to the beeping sound p 90 This function can be activated or canceled using the Custom settings 1 Detach the SB 80DX from the camera 2 Press the g button for more than 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode 3 Press e or f button to choose Sound monitor in the wireless flash mode 4 Press the c or d bu...

Page 90: ... slave flash unit has fired at full output and light may have been insufficient for correct exposure The light sensor could not detect when to stop firing in sync with the master flash unit because a strong reflection from the slave flash unit itself or light from another slave flash unit may have entered the light sensor window Change the direction or position of the slave flash unit and reshoot ...

Page 91: ...nce information Reference information Information on optional accessories and tips on Speedlight care are presented here Following that are notes on batteries troubleshooting and the SB 80DX s specifications ...

Page 92: ... AS 15 The Sync Terminal Adapter AS 15 is necessary when connecting the SB 80DX to cameras not having a sync terminal Sync Cord SC 11 approx 25 cm or 9 8 in Sync Cord SC 15 approx 1 m or 3 3 ft Sync Cords SC 11 and SC 15 are handy when you want to use the SB 80DX off camera or for use with cameras not having accessory shoes These cords also allow you to perform multiple flash operation in the Manu...

Page 93: ...s a built in movable light sensor and an accessory shoe for attachment of a slave flash unit The SU 4 s light sensor not only triggers the slave unit to fire in sync with the master unit but controls the flash duration of the slave unit to provide wireless TTL Non TTL or Manual operation TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS 17 for F3 Series cameras Dedicated adapter for F3 Series cameras providing TTL flash ...

Page 94: ...h the SD 8A or SK 6A attached the SB 80DX may be powered by its own batteries and the external power source does not operate This is not a malfunction lUsing external power sources Optional accessories External power source DC Unit SD 7 1 High Performance Battery Pack SD 8A 2 Power Bracket Unit SK 6A 1 C type alkaline manganese x 6 AA type alkaline manganese x 6 AA type NiCd 1000mAh x 6 AA type Ni...

Page 95: ...o high temperatures such as those encountered near a heater or stove as this may cause damage m When not using the SB 80DX for more than two weeks be sure to remove the batteries before storage to prevent malfunctions due to battery leakage m Take the SB 80DX out about once a month insert the batteries and fire the unit several times to reform the capacitor m Change the desiccant occasionally sinc...

Page 96: ...hargeable 1 2V Ni MH rechargeable 1 2V m Rechargeable batteries Before recharging the batteries be sure to read the instruction manuals for your batteries and battery charger for detailed information on how to handle and charge the batteries lNotes on handling batteries m Because flash consumes a large amount of battery power rechargeable batteries may not operate properly before reaching the end ...

Page 97: ... p 17 p 21 p 36 p 69 p 72 If a warning indication appears on the SB 80DX s LCD panel or inside the camera s viewfinder use the following chart to determine the cause of the problem before you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair Problems with the SB 80DX Troubleshooting Problem The ready light blinks for 3 sec after firing The underexposure indicator blinks and the amount of u...

Page 98: ...an 2 sec to display the Custom settings mode 2 Press the e or f button to choose Emergency mode 3 Press the c or d button to set it to ON 4 Press the g button for more than 2 sec or press the ON OFF button to return to the normal setting mode The zoom head position indicator blinks making it possible to adjust the zoom head automatically or manually If the built in wide flash adapter is broken off...

Page 99: ...is turned on in TTL auto flash mode The ready light blinks in the TTL auto flash mode The ready light blinks The ready light blinks when the flash mode is set to TTL auto flash Cause The SB 80DX is not correctly attached to the camera The ISO sensitivity set on the camera is higher than the available range of the Speedlight The ISO sensitivity set on the camera is higher or lower than the availabl...

Page 100: ... Flash Multi Sensor Balanced Fill Flash for Digital SLRs D F Matrix Balanced Fill Flash or Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash C D F Center Weighted Fill Flash for Digital SLRs D Standard TTL Flash Matrix Balanced Fill Flash Center Weighted Fill Flash Spot Fill Flash C D Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLRs A Non TTL Auto Flash B Auto Aperture Flash G Manual Flash G H Repeating Flash G K FP ...

Page 101: ...source Four AA type penlight batteries 1 5V or lower of any of min recycling these types Alkaline manganese 1 5V Lithium 1 5V time no of NiCd 1 2V or Ni MH 1 2V flashes at M1 1 output With fresh batteries n M1 1 output without use of AF assist illuminator zoom operation and LCD panel illuminator Zoom head Angle of coverage position Vertical Horizontal 14mm 14mm 110 120 14mm 14mm 110 120 17mm 17mm ...

Page 102: ...amera s accessory lock lever shoe using locking plate and mount pin to prevent accidental detachment Exposure 3 0 to 3 0 EV in increments of 1 3 steps or in 1 6 steps compensation with Digital SLRs in the TTL D TTL auto flash and Auto Aperture flash modes AF assist Automatically turns on when performing autofocus in dim illuminator light or in the dark with Nikon AF cameras Effective shooting dist...

Page 103: ...ction Selecting the distance unit m ft Canceling power zoom function Emergency mode and LCD panel illuminator Built in wide Allows SB 80DX to be used with 14mm or 17mm lens flash adapter Dimensions Approx 70 5 x 127 5 x 91 5mm 2 8 x 5 x 3 6 in W x H x D Weight Approx 335g 11 8 oz without batteries Accessories Nikon Diffusion Dome SW 10H supplied External power source terminal cap Soft Case SS 80 T...

Page 104: ...ference 12 Control buttons 11 COOLPIX 32 CPU Nikkor lenses 14 Custom settings 12 C B A Symbols D TTL auto flash mode 34 35 D type Nikkor lenses 14 Exposure compensation 56 Exposure mode 26 36 External power sources 17 94 Flash head tilting rotating lock release button 20 Flash modes 33 Flash output level compensation 56 58 Flash shooting distance range 29 Flash sync mode 30 FP High Speed Flash Syn...

Page 105: ...n TTL auto flash mode 40 Number of flashes 17 48 ON OFF button 18 Optional accessories 92 Power zoom function 24 Programmed auto P 26 P O N M Ready light 9 17 Rear curtain sync 61 Red eye reduction 60 Red eye reduction control 60 Repeating flash mode 48 Selecting the distance unit m or ft 13 Shutter priority auto exposure S mode 27 Slave flash units 74 Slow sync flash mode 60 Soft Case 3 Specifica...

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Page 108: ... 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 Printed in Japan T2J00500403 S940 11 ...