Nikon SB-500, User Manual

Page 1: ...En Nikon ManualViewer 2 Use the Nikon ManualViewer 2 app to view manuals anytime anywhere on your smartphone or tablet User s Manual with Warranty Speedlight SB 500 ...

Page 2: ...nts 0A 10 You can search by item such as operation method flash control mode or function i Q A index 0A 8 You can search according to objective without knowing the specific name or term of an item i Index 0H 21 You can search using the alphabetical index i Troubleshooting 0H 1 This is handy when there is a problem with your Speedlight For your safety Before using the Speedlight for the first time ...

Page 3: ...se SS DC2 Warranty card SPEEDLIGHT SB 500 SB 500 Speedlight Stand AS 23 Nikon Manual Viewer 2 Install the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app on your smartphone or tablet to view Nikon digital camera manuals anytime anywhere Nikon Manual Viewer 2 can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play Download of the app and any product manuals requires an Internet connection for which fees may ...

Page 4: ...LR Nikon FX DX format cameras except D1 series and D100 F6 CLS compatible COOLPIX cameras 0G 1 The SB 500 can be used as a master flash unit only when mounted on the D810 or D750 The SB 500 s LED light is designed for photography and movie recording Do not use it for other purposes About this user s manual This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB 500 will be used in combinatio...

Page 5: ...oid Speedlight malfunctions or mistakes t Includes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier 0 Reference to other pages in this manual Icons used in this manual t Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts The SB 500 cannot be used with IX Nikkor lenses CPU contacts ...

Page 6: ...ubject distance mƁorƁft aperture f number ISO 100 Effective flash output distance flash to subject distance with correctly adjusted flash output Effective flash output distance range range of effective flash output distance Flash exposure compensation intentional flash output change to obtain the desired subject brightness i TTL flash control flash control mode in which the Speedlight fires monito...

Page 7: ...ontrol mode in which the flash output level and aperture are manually set to obtain the desired exposure Wireless multiple flash unit photography flash photography with multiple wireless flash units simultaneously firing Master flash unit the flash unit that commands remote flash units in multiple flash unit photography Remote flash unit a flash unit that fires following commands from the master f...

Page 8: ...control modes C 1 How can I take pictures in the simplest way Basic operations B 9 How can I take pictures with soft shadows cast on a wall Bounce flash operation F 2 How can I confirm lighting conditions Modeling flash F 7 How can I take pictures of both the subject and background at night Slow sync F 13 How can I take pictures without the subject s eyes appearing red Red eye reduction F 13 How c...

Page 9: ... D 1 How can I use the LED light Using the LED light D 3 Flash photography 2 Using the wireless SB 500 Question Key phrase 0 How do I take pictures using multiple flash units Advanced Wireless Lighting E 2 E 5 How do I take pictures with the SB 500 and a COOLPIX camera compatible with wireless multiple flash unit photography COOLPIX cameras compatible with CLS G 1 ...

Page 10: ...ations B 9 C Flash Control Modes i TTL Flash Control C 1 Manual Flash Control C 3 D LED Light Features of LED Light D 1 Using the LED Light D 3 E Wireless Multiple Flash unit Photography SB 500 Wireless Multiple Flash unit Photography Setup E 1 SB 500 Wireless Multiple Flash unit Photography Functions E 3 Advanced Wireless Lighting E 5 Remote Flash Units E 7 Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Fl...

Page 11: ...ctions F 7 Test firing Modeling flash Standby function Thermal cut out Functions to Be Set on the Camera F 12 Auto FP High speed sync Flash value lock FV lock Slow sync Red eye reduction Rear curtain sync Exposure compensation Flash exposure compensation G For Use with COOLPIX Cameras G 1 ...

Page 12: ...nce Information Troubleshooting H 1 Guide Number Aperture and Flash to subject Distance H 5 Tips on Speedlight Care H 6 Notes on Batteries H 8 Updating Firmware H 10 Optional Accessories H 11 Specifications H 13 Index H 21 Warranty Terms Nikon Worldwide Service Warranty H 27 ...

Page 13: ... smoke or an unusual smell coming from the product remove the batteries immediately taking care to avoid burns Continued operation could result in injury After removing the power source take the product to a Nikon authorized service representative for inspection Do not disassemble or subject to powerful physical shocks Touching the product s internal parts could result in injury Repairs should be ...

Page 14: ...o not clean with organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene spray with insecticide or store with naphtha or camphor moth balls Failure to observe this precaution could damage or discolor the product s plastic parts Observe caution when handling batteries Batteries may leak overheat or rupture if improperly handled When handling batteries for use in this product follow all instructions and w...

Page 15: ... such as necklaces or hairpins Batteries are prone to leakage when fully discharged To avoid damage to the product be sure to remove the batteries when no charge remains or if the product will not be used for an extended period Discontinue use immediately should you notice any change in the batteries such as discoloration or deformation If liquid from damaged batteries comes in contact with clothi...

Page 16: ...ator of a motor vehicle Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents Observe caution when using the LED light Using the LED light in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns Looking directly at the LED light or shining it directly in subject s eyes particularly those of infant could cause temporary visual impairment Keep the light at least 1 m 3 3 ft from the ...

Page 17: ...sers in European countries This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point Do not dispose of as household waste Separate collection and recycling helps conserve natural resources and prevent negative consequences for human health and the environment that might result from incorrect disposal For more information contact the retailer or the local authorities in ...

Page 18: ...een optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras accessories including lenses Cameras accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon s criteria for specifications and incompatible cameras accessories could damage the SB 500 s components Nikon cannot guarantee the SB 500 s performance when used with non Nikon products A collection of example photos A collection of example photos provides ...

Page 19: ...m For users in Europe and Africa http www europe nikon com support For users in Asia Oceania and the Middle East http www nikon asia com Visit these sites to keep up to date with the latest product information tips answers to frequently asked questions FAQs and general advice on digital imaging and photography Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area See t...

Page 20: ...B 1 B Operation Operation B 8 4 3 1 2 7 5 6 SPEEDLIG HT SB 500 Speedlight Parts ...

Page 21: ...B 2 B Operation 1 Flash head 2 LED light 0D 1 3 Light sensor window for wireless remote flash 0E 7 4 Battery chamber cover 5 Locking pin 6 Accessory shoe contacts 7 Mounting foot 8 Flash panel ...

Page 22: ...B 3 B Operation Speedlight Parts 9 10 12 11 ...

Page 23: ...B 4 B Operation 9 Flash head tilting angle scale 0F 3 10 Flash head rotating angle scale 0F 3 11 Flash ready indicator 0B 14 E 10 12 Mounting foot lock lever 0B 12 ...

Page 24: ...B 5 B Operation Speedlight Parts 16 17 18 13 14 15 ...

Page 25: ... lamps Indicate flash control mode TTL i TTL flash control M Manual flash control CMD Commander mode 16 Test firing button 0F 7 Controls test firing 17 Power switch Rotate to turn power on and off Set the index to choose the function to be used Flash 0B 14 C 3 E 5 LED light 0D 3 A Remote mode group A 0E 6 B Remote mode group B 0E 6 18 Lock release 0D 3 E 6 Rotate the power switch while pressing th...

Page 26: ...8 Up to 40 times When continuous flash firing is repeated in quick succession the internal safety function extends the recycling time If flash firing continues it may be temporarily suspended The internal safety function is deactivated and flash firing becomes available after cooling down for several minutes 0F 9 The condition in which the internal safety function is activated differs depending on...

Page 27: ...nger period the internal safety function turns the LED light off The internal safety function is deactivated and the LED light becomes available after cooling down for several minutes 0F 9 The condition in which the internal safety function is activated differs depending on the LED light output level and the ambient temperature The condition in which the internal safety function is deactivated dif...

Page 28: ...c procedures in i TTL flash control in combination with a CLS compatible camera STEP 1 Inserting the batteries Slide the battery chamber cover open Insert the batteries following the and marks Close the battery chamber cover Basic Operations ...

Page 29: ... HR6 AA size rechargeable Ni MH battery For minimum recycling time and number of flashes for each battery type refer to Specifications 0H 20 Alkaline battery performance may vary greatly depending on the manufacturer 1 5 V R6 AA size carbon zinc batteries are not recommended v Additional precautions regarding batteries Read and follow battery cautions on For Your Safety 0A 13 A 17 Be sure to read ...

Page 30: ...g to how long the flash ready indicator takes to light up after turning the SB 500 on or flash firing 1 5 V LR6 AA size alkaline battery 20 sec or more 1 2 V HR6 AA size rechargeable Ni MH battery 15 sec or more Low battery power indication When battery power is low the flash ready indicator flashes repeatedly twice per sec for approximately 40 sec Replace or recharge batteries ...

Page 31: ...ing foot lock lever to LOCK v Lock the Speedlight in place Turn the mounting foot lock lever clockwise until it clicks into place pointing to LOCK v Cameras with auto pop up flash units Turn the SB 500 on when it is mounted on a camera with a built in auto pop up flash unit When the SB 500 is turned off the camera s built in flash may pop up automatically and strike the SB 500 It is recommended to...

Page 32: ...he left and then slide the SB 500 s mounting foot from the camera s accessory shoe If the SB 500 s mounting foot cannot be removed from the camera s accessory shoe turn the mounting foot lock lever 90 to the left again and slide the SB 500 slowly out Do not forcibly remove the SB 500 STEP 3 Adjusting the flash head Adjust the flash head to the forward facing position ...

Page 33: ...ng the power on Turn the camera on Set the SB 500 s power switch to Mode indicator lamp TTL comes on STEP 5 Taking a picture Make sure that the flash ready indicator on the SB 500 or in the camera s viewfinder is on and then shoot ...

Page 34: ...omatically adjust flash output levels To take pictures using the SB 500 set in i TTL flash control see Basic Operations 0B 9 Either the i TTL balanced fill flash or the standard i TTL flash option is available depending on the camera settings i TTL flash control options cannot be selected on the SB 500 i TTL balanced fill flash The flash output level is automatically adjusted for well balanced exp...

Page 35: ... TTL balanced fill flash after changing the camera s metering mode from spot metering to other metering modes v When insufficient flash output for correct exposure is indicated When the flash ready indicators on the SB 500 and in the camera s viewfinder flash slowly for approximately 3 sec after firing underexposure due to insufficient flash output may have occurred To compensate use a wider apert...

Page 36: ...output for correct exposure are not available in manual flash control Manual flash control is not available with D3 series D2 series D200 D80 D70 series D50 and F6 cameras Taking a picture in manual flash control Set the SB 500 s power switch to Set the flash output level with the camera For details see the camera user s manual Mode indicator lamp M comes on when the setting is made with the camer...

Page 37: ...e You can check the lighting effects in real time with live view and so achieve your desired composition easily The LED light is also suitable for additional illumination for recording movies Soft light suitable for close up photography Control of glare on the subject and shadows is a decisive factor in close up photography such as tabletop photography The LED light s soft light beam with natural ...

Page 38: ...ssion Photography using multiple lights usually requires a certain amount of expertise to control lighting effects but the SB 500 makes it easy Simply use multiple SB 500s to achieve your intended results by checking lighting effects in real time with live view Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS 23 for stable positioning of the SB 500 Attach and detach the SB 500 to and from the AS 23 in the sam...

Page 39: ...Rotate the power switch while pressing the lock release Press and hold the LED button until the LED light comes on Turning the LED light off Press and hold the LED button until the LED light goes off Turn the power off with the power switch when not in use Using the LED Light ...

Page 40: ...LED light output level changes as shown in the diagram below The output level is indicated by the LED light output level indicator lamps The LED light output level also can be changed when the LED light is off Holding the LED button switches the LED light on and off and does not change the LED light output level Mid power Low power High power ...

Page 41: ... shown in the table below for photography with the SB 500 s LED light See the camera user s manual for white balance settings White balance settings by camera type Camera White balance setting Nikon digital SLR cameras with LED Light Color Information Communication D810 D750 Auto Flash Nikon digital SLR cameras without LED Light Color Information Communication Auto Direct sunlight Nikon digital SL...

Page 42: ... Setup The SB 500 is compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting The SB 500 has to be mounted on the D810 or D750 to be used as a master flash unit SB 500 wireless multiple flash unit photography compatibility Camera Use as master flash unit Use as remote flash unit With Speedlight commander mode CMD Without Speedlight commander mode CMD ...

Page 43: ...it Group B Master flash unit mounted on camera The SB 500 mounted on the camera is the master flash unit Other Speedlights placed in positions as illustrated function as remote flash units Up to 2 groups A and B of remote flash units can be set up Single or several remote flash units can be allocated for 1 group Channel 3 must be used when the SB 500 is used as a remote flash unit The camera setti...

Page 44: ...ups A and B Channel 4 channels 3 1 4 1 channel 3 only 1 Setting can be applied to group A or B The setting cannot be applied to the master flash unit 2 See the master flash unit Speedlight SB 910 SB 900 SB 800 or the Wireless Speedlight Commander SU 800 user s manual for details of repeating flash photography 3 One of 4 channels can be used Remote flash units can be triggered by other master flash...

Page 45: ...y the remote flash units fire the master flash unit emits a number of weak light signals to trigger the remote flash units This operation will normally not affect the correct exposure of the subject although the exposure might be affected if the subject is close and a high ISO sensitivity has been set To limit this effect tilt up the master flash unit s flash head ...

Page 46: ...et the SB 500 s power switch to Make settings with the camera Choose Commander mode under Optional flash from the camera menu and make settings For details see the camera user s manual Mode indicator lamp CMD comes on when settings are made with the camera Confirm that the flash ready indicator is on and then shoot ...

Page 47: ...nit Set the power switch to A or B to correspond with the remote flash group selected on the master flash unit Rotate the power switch while pressing the lock release Set the remote flash channel to 3 on the master flash unit Confirm that the flash ready indicator is on and then shoot ...

Page 48: ...icient battery power Setting up the remote flash units Position the remote flash units so that light from the master flash unit can reach the light sensor window for wireless remote flash of the remote flash units This is particularly important when holding a remote flash unit in the hand Master flash unit mounted on camera Remote flash unit Group B Remote flash units Group A ...

Page 49: ...e flash units that can be used together However when using many remote flash units light may be unintentionally picked up by the light sensor of the master flash unit and interfere with correct functioning Therefore the number of remote flash units used for wireless multiple flash unit photography should be limited to around 3 for 1 group Place all remote flash units in the same group close togeth...

Page 50: ...s enter the camera lens Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS 23 for stable positioning of remote flash units Attach and detach the SB 500 to and from the AS 23 in the same way it is attached to detached from the camera s accessory shoe When carrying the Speedlight Stand with the SB 500 attached be sure to hold the SB 500 in your hand Be sure to confirm the remote flash unit flash ready indicator i...

Page 51: ...indicator Master flash unit Remote flash unit Speedlight status Lights up Lights up Ready to fire Goes out and lights up when ready to fire Goes out and lights up when ready to fire Fired properly Flashes slowly for approx 3 sec Flashes slowly for approx 3 sec Insufficient flash output for correct exposure Underexposure due to insufficient flash output may have occurred To compensate use a wider a...

Page 52: ... unit Change the flash control mode to an operable flash control mode The remote flash unit light sensor has failed to receive the command light from the master flash unit This is because the light sensor cannot detect when to stop firing in sync with the master flash unit either due to a reflection from the remote flash unit itself or light from another remote flash unit that may have entered the...

Page 53: ...garding camera functions and settings refer to the camera user s manual Bounce flash operation 0F 2 Flash photography support functions 0F 7 Test firing Modeling flash Standby function Thermal cut out Functions to be set on the camera 0F 12 Auto FP high speed sync FV lock Slow sync Red eye reduction Rear curtain sync Exposure compensation Flash exposure compensation ...

Page 54: ...off a ceiling or wall using a tilted or rotated flash head This provides the effects listed below compared to those with direct light from a flash unit Overexposure to a subject that is closer than other subjects can be reduced Background shadows can be softened Glare on faces hair and clothes can be reduced ...

Page 55: ...Tilt or rotate the flash head The flash head tilts up from 0 to 90 and rotates horizontally 180 to the left and right Set the flash head at a click stop at the angles shown 90 75 0 60 0 30 6 0 90 1 2 0 1 5 0 180 1 5 0 1 2 0 90 6 0 7 5 7 5 30 ...

Page 56: ...a as opposed to in front of the camera Select white and highly reflective surfaces to bounce the light off Otherwise image colors will be influenced by the color of the reflecting surface Avoid illuminating the subject directly to achieve successful bounce flash photography The recommended distance between the flash head and the reflecting surface is approximately 1 m to 2 m 3 3 ft to 6 5 ft but t...

Page 57: ...F 5 F Functions White ceiling 1 2 m 90º Lightproof white paper Behind the camera ...

Page 58: ...sure in bounce flash operation In bounce flash there is some light loss compared with normal flash photography with flash head adjusted to the forward facing position Therefore a 2 or 3 step wider aperture smaller f number or a 2 or 3 step higher ISO sensitivity should be used when taking pictures with manual exposure Adjust according to results ...

Page 59: ...epeatedly at a reduced flash output level This is useful for checking the illumination and shadows cast on a subject before actually taking the picture When the depth of field preview button on a camera compatible with modeling flash is pressed the modeling flash fires For details see the camera user s manual The modeling flash fires for up to approximately 1 sec Advanced Wireless Lighting When th...

Page 60: ...ected Not connected Flash When camera s standby timer expires When camera is turned off No operation for a certain period LED light When camera s standby timer expires When camera is turned off When light is on does not go into standby When light is off no operation for a certain period A B Remote mode group Does not go into standby Does not go into standby For details regarding the standby timer ...

Page 61: ...age by overheating This function does not prevent the flash head temperature from rising Be careful not to let the SB 500 overheat during continuous use The flash ready indicator flashes slowly when the internal temperature rises as a result of multiple flash firings in quick succession All operations except power off are suspended when there is a risk that the heat could damage the flash unit 0H ...

Page 62: ...F 10 F Functions Flash Photography Support Functions Warning of flash ready indicator Flashes once per sec Wait until the SB 500 cools down Operation can be resumed once the warning goes off ...

Page 63: ...tes high power begins to flash slowly If the temperature rises further the output level falls to low power and the center lamp which indicates mid power also begins to flash If operation continues the flash ready indicator starts to flash slowly and the internal safety function turns the LED light off When this happens allow the SB 500 to cool down for a while and then turn the power on again The ...

Page 64: ... useful even in daylight when a wider aperture is required to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background Auto FP high speed sync also operates in Advanced Wireless Lighting Available flash control modes are i TTL flash control and manual flash control For effective flash output distance range for i TTL flash control and the guide numbers for auto FP high speed sync refer to Specificatio...

Page 65: ... Red eye reduction The SB 500 fires 3 flashes at low output just before the picture is taken to reduce the red eye effect caused by the flash light Rear curtain sync Rear curtain sync flash creates the effect of a smooth stream of light behind the subject A slow shutter speed is usually used Use of a tripod is recommended Exposure compensation Flash exposure compensation Exposure and flash exposur...

Page 66: ...compatible with CLS A P7800 P7700 P7100 1 P7000 1 P6000 COOLPIX cameras compatible with i TTL flash control P5100 P5000 E8800 E8700 E8400 See the camera user s manual as well 1 Only the flash light can be used when the SB 500 is mounted on COOLPIX P7100 or P7000 Detach the SB 500 from the camera when using the LED light For Use with COOLPIX Cameras G ...

Page 67: ... 2 Operable wireless mode for multiple flash units Possible only as a remote flash unit Modeling flash Not possible FV lock Possible A only Not possible Auto FP high speed sync Not possible Flash Color Information Communication Possible A P7800 P7700 only Not possible Red eye reduction Possible except P7800 P7700 Not possible Firmware update Possible A only Not possible 2 Flash control modes canno...

Page 68: ...on 0 The power cannot be turned on The batteries are not correctly installed Insert the batteries correctly B 9 Battery power is weak Replace the batteries B 11 The flash ready indicator does not light up The standby function is activated Press the camera shutter release button halfway Set the SB 500 s power switch to any mode other than OFF Press the SB 500 s test firing button F 8 Battery power ...

Page 69: ... the master flash unit does not enter the remote flash unit light sensor window for wireless remote flash The SB 500 does not work properly Microcomputer may have malfunctioned if this occurs even when fresh batteries are properly installed Set the SB 500 s power switch to any mode other than OFF then remove the batteries and insert them again If the problem continues contact your retailer or Niko...

Page 70: ...subject and reshoot C 2 E 10 Flash has not fired Flashes once a sec The Speedlight has overheated When the flash or LED light are used for an extended period of time the thermal cut out function suspends flash firing and the LED light Turn the Speedlight off and wait for it to cool F 9 Flashes twice a sec Battery power is weak Replace batteries B 11 Flashes 8 times a sec Internal circuit error Tur...

Page 71: ...l mode is set on the master flash unit Change the flash control mode to an operable flash control mode The remote flash unit light sensor has failed to receive the command light from the master flash unit This is because the light sensor cannot detect when to stop firing in sync with the master flash unit either due to a reflection from the remote flash unit itself or light from another remote fla...

Page 72: ... is 100 and aperture f number is f 8 the illumination of the SB 500 reaches 3 m 9 8 ft which is determined by the equation flash to subject distance 3 m or 9 8 ft guide number 24 78 7 aperture f number f 8 For ISO sensitivities other than 100 multiply the guide number by the factors ISO sensitivity factors shown in the table below ISO 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 Factor 0 5 0 71 1 1 4 2 2 ...

Page 73: ...sh panel can cause it to break when the flash is fired Clean the flash panel regularly Use a blower to remove dust and lint then wipe gently with a soft dry cloth After using the SB 500 at the beach or seaside wipe off sand or salt with a cloth lightly dampened in distilled water and then dry the product thoroughly by wiping it gently with a dry cloth The SB 500 contains a large amount of precisio...

Page 74: ... of equipment that produces strong electromagnetic fields or are exposed to extremely high temperatures that could cause product malfunction such as next to a heater or in an enclosed vehicle on a hot day Use Sudden changes in temperature such as those that occur when entering or leaving a heated building on a cold day can cause condensation inside the device To prevent condensation place the devi...

Page 75: ... inserting the batteries After being fired multiple times in quick succession or using the LED light for an extended period of time the Speedlight may stop operating to allow the batteries to cool depending on battery specifications Normal operation can be resumed once the batteries have cooled sufficiently Batteries tend to lose capacity at low temperatures recover lost voltage when allowed to re...

Page 76: ...ion provided by the manufacturers of the batteries and the battery charger Do not attempt to recharge non rechargeable batteries Failure to observe this precaution could cause the batteries to rupture Ni MH Recycling rechargeable batteries Used batteries are a valuable resource to protect the environment recycle used batteries in accord with local regulations ...

Page 77: ...n asia com Additional information may be available from the Nikon authorized service representative in your area See the URL below for contact information http imaging nikon com SB 500 firmware can be updated through a D3 camera with firmware A and firmware B version 2 00 or later SB 500 firmware can be updated through a D300 camera with firmware A and firmware B version 1 10 or later If your came...

Page 78: ...om the Speedlight Stand Attach detach your Nikon Speedlight to from the AS 23 in the same way as when attaching detaching your flash unit to from the camera s accessory shoe Note When carrying the Speedlight Stand with the SB 500 attached be sure to hold the SB 500 in your hand Specifications Dimensions W H D approx 57 2 10 4 72 8 mm 2 3 0 5 2 9 in Weight approx 13 g 0 5 oz Specifications and desi...

Page 79: ... SC 28 enables i TTL flash control when the SB 500 is used off camera The SC 28 is equipped with a tripod socket TTL Remote Cord SC 29 approx 1 5 m 4 9 ft The SC 29 enables i TTL flash control when the SB 500 is used off camera The SC 29 features an AF assist illumination function The SB 500 does not support the AF assist illuminator function ...

Page 80: ...ective flash output distance range in i TTL flash control 0 6 m to 20 m 2 ft to 65 6 ft varies with ISO sensitivity and lens aperture Flash control modes i TTL flash control Manual flash control Other available functions Test firing monitor pre flashes modeling flash Nikon Creative Lighting System CLS A number of flash operations are available with compatible cameras i TTL flash control Advanced W...

Page 81: ...8700 and E8400 Flash Multiple flash unit photography operation Advanced Wireless Lighting commander mode remote mode Bounce capability Flash head tilts up to 90 from 0 with click stops at 0 60 75 and 90 Flash head rotates horizontally 180 to the left and right with click stops at 0 30 60 75 90 120 150 180 Flash duration approx 1 1100 sec at full power LED light Maximum output level Approx 100 lx a...

Page 82: ...ntinuous LED light emission for each battery type see H 20 Flash ready indicator Fully recycled lights up Warning indication flashes slowly 0H 3 H 4 Mounting foot lock lever Provides secure attachment of the SB 500 to camera s accessory shoe using locking plate and locking pin to prevent unintentional detachment Other functions Thermal cut out firmware update Cameras compatible with firmware updat...

Page 83: ... Case SS DC2 Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies Specifications and design are subject to change without notice Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain Unless otherwise stated all figures are for a unit with fresh batteries operating at the temperature specified by the Camera...

Page 84: ...2 0 8 8 4 1 1 12 1 5 16 9 2 2 20 3 20 4 3 20 6 20 8 5 20 12 20 2 8 0 6 6 0 8 8 4 1 1 12 1 5 16 9 2 2 20 3 20 4 3 20 6 20 8 5 20 4 0 6 4 2 0 6 6 0 8 8 4 1 1 12 1 5 16 9 2 2 20 3 20 4 3 20 6 20 5 6 0 6 3 0 6 4 2 0 6 6 0 8 8 4 1 1 12 1 5 16 9 2 2 20 3 20 4 3 20 8 0 6 2 1 0 6 3 0 6 4 2 0 6 6 0 8 8 4 1 1 12 1 5 16 9 2 2 20 3 20 11 0 6 1 5 0 6 2 1 0 6 3 0 6 4 2 0 6 6 0 8 8 4 1 1 12 1 5 16 9 2 2 20 16 0 ...

Page 85: ...2 65 6 19 7 65 6 27 9 65 6 4 2 13 7 2 19 6 2 7 27 5 3 7 39 3 5 55 4 7 3 65 6 9 9 65 6 14 2 65 6 19 7 65 6 5 6 2 9 8 2 13 7 2 19 6 2 7 27 5 3 7 39 3 5 55 4 7 3 65 6 9 9 65 6 14 2 65 6 8 2 6 8 2 9 8 2 13 7 2 19 6 2 7 27 5 3 7 39 3 5 55 4 7 3 65 6 9 9 65 6 11 2 4 9 2 6 8 2 9 8 2 13 7 2 19 6 2 7 27 5 3 7 39 3 5 55 4 7 3 65 6 16 2 3 2 2 4 9 2 6 8 2 9 8 2 13 7 2 19 3 2 7 27 5 3 7 39 3 5 55 4 22 2 2 2 2 ...

Page 86: ...ble for auto FP high speed sync ISO 100 m ft Flash output level 1 1 1 2 1 4 1 8 1 16 1 32 1 64 1 128 Guide number 10 1 33 1 7 1 23 2 5 1 16 7 3 6 11 8 2 5 8 2 1 8 5 9 1 3 4 2 0 9 2 9 Guide numbers in the above tables are for when the SB 500 is used with a D4 camera with a 1 500 sec shutter speed Guide number for auto FP high speed sync varies depending on the camera s shutter speed For example whe...

Page 87: ...r of times flash can be fired at full power with flash ready indicator illuminating within 30 sec Figures are for fresh batteries actual results may vary with performance and other factors even among batteries of identical ages and makes Minimum duration of continuous LED light emission at high power for each battery type Batteries Duration 1 5 V LR6 AA size alkaline batteries Approx 30 min 1 2 V ...

Page 88: ... CLS compatible cameras A 4 Commander mode E 3 Continuous flash firing B 7 COOLPIX cameras compatible with CLS G 1 COOLPIX cameras compatible with i TTL flash control G 1 CPU lens A 5 E Effective flash output distance A 6 Effective flash output distance range A 6 Effective flash output distance range table H 17 F Firmware update H 10 Flash control mode C 1 Flash head B 13 F 3 Flash ready indicator...

Page 89: ...ontrol C 1 L LED button B 6 LED light D 1 Light sensor window for wireless remote flash E 7 Lock release B 6 Low battery power indication B 11 M Manual flash control C 3 Master flash unit A 7 E 5 Min recycling time H 20 Modeling flash F 7 Monitor pre flashes A 6 Mounting foot B 12 Mounting foot lock lever B 12 Movie recording D 1 Multiple flash unit photography E 1 N Nikon Creative Lighting System...

Page 90: ...me H 20 Red eye reduction F 13 Remote flash unit A 7 E 6 E 7 Remote mode E 3 Replacing batteries B 11 S Slow sync F 13 Speedlight Stand AS 23 D 2 E 9 Standard i TTL flash C 1 Standby function F 8 T Test firing F 7 Thermal cut out F 9 TTL remote cord H 12 W Wireless multiple flash unit photography E 1 ...

Page 91: ...H 24 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information ...

Page 92: ...H 25 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information ...

Page 93: ...H 26 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information ...

Page 94: ...er purchaser via the sales slip or other evidence The warranty is not transferable nor will it be reissued The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident misuse or unauthorized repair damage caused by dropping improper care or storage or damage resulting from sand or water It is only valid at authorized Nikon service facilities The warranties are in lieu of all other express or implied warr...

Page 95: ...ws may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION Nikon User Support Visit the site below to register your camera and keep up to date with the latest product information You will find answers to frequently asked questions FAQs and can contact us for technical assistance http www europe nikon com support ...

Page 96: ...No Purchasedate Name and address of customer Distributor Nikon Europe B V Tripolis 100 Burgerweeshuispad 101 1076 ER Amsterdam The Netherlands Manufacturer NIKON CORPORATION Shin Yurakucho Bldg 12 1 Yurakucho 1 chome Chiyoda ku Tokyo 100 8331 Japan Dealer Nikon Worldwide Service Warranty Card SAMPLE ...