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SB-600 En
En
Autofocus Speedlight
SB-600
Instruction Manual
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Contents Preparation · Foreword ............................................................................4-6 ·Tips on using the Speedlight................................................7 · Camera groups and available flash modes ......................8-9 · Speedlight parts and their functions .............................10-11 · Control buttons....................................................................12 Easy setting for the optimum TTL auto flash mode...............13 · LCD panel..
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Preparation · Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) This section provides (for compatible cameras).......................................49 preliminary information on using the SB-600. · Autofocus flash operation in dim light.................50-51 · Custom Settings...................................................52-54 Basic operation • Advanced operations..............................................55 Basic procedures to ·Overview of multiple flash operation ...................56-57 take simple, proper
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Foreword Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-600. To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual thoroughly before use. Also, read the separate booklet, “A collection of example photos,” which provides an overview of the SB-600’s flash-shooting capabilities with example photos. In addition, keep your camera instruction manual handy for quick reference. ●●● Main features and functions of the SB-600 •The SB-600 is a high-performance Speedlight with a guide
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Creative Lighting System The SB-600 features a new Nikon Speedlight system, called Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by taking advantage of a camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is available only when the SB-600 is used with compatible Nikon cameras. The SB-600 offers these major features: • i-TTL mode This is a new TTL auto flash mode in the Creative Lighting System. Monitor Preflashes are fired at all ti
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Foreword ●●● Notes • Default: Functions and flash modes preset when shipped from the factory are referred to as “Default” settings in this manual. • CLS: Hereafter, Nikon’s new Speedlight system “Creative Lighting System” is abbreviated “CLS.” ●●● Marks used in this manual • v: Denotes important points to prevent malfunction or shooting failure. • t: Useful points that should be remembered for better usage of the SB-600. • u: Provides convenient reference information when using the SB-600. ●●● S
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Tips on using the Speedlight Take trial shots Take trial shots before photographing important occasions like weddings or graduations. Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every two years. Using your Speedlight correctly The Nikon Speedlight SB-600’s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories, including lenses. Camera/accessories made by other
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Camera groups and available flash modes In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into nine groups: cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Groups I to VII unless otherwise noted. First, consult the camera group table to see which group your camera belongs to. Then as you read the manual, you will find specific information on how to use the SB-600 with your particular camera. * CLS: Creative Lighting System (p. 5) Group Camera name Cameras compatib
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The SB-600’s available flash modes vary, depending on the cameras and lenses in use or the camera’s exposure mode and metering system. For more details, refer to “Detailed operation” (p. 31), “TTL auto flash modes available with the SB-600” (p. 78) and your camera’s instruction manual. ● ●: Available –: Not available TTL auto flash mode (p. 33) Wireless multiple flash Advanced Wireless G 1 * Lighting (works as a o DDD Manual mode remote flash unit only) i-TTL D-TTL TTL (p. 34) (p. 60) 2 * –– ––
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Speedlight parts and their functions 1 6 2 7 8 3 9 4 10 5 11 12 1 Built-in wide-flash adapter (p. 74) 6Auxiliary ready-light (p. 65) Increases the angle of coverage to match a Works as a ready-light when the SB-600 is used 14 mm lens. as a wireless remote flash unit. 2 Flash head (p. 72) 7 Wide-area AF-assist illuminator Can be tilted from 0° to 90° and rotated (p. 50) horizontally 180° to the left and 90° to the right. Automatically turns on for autofocus operation when the light is dim. 3 Flas
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13 14 16 15 17 18 13 Flash head tilting-angle scale 16 Ready-light (p. 72) Lights up when the SB-600 is fully recycled and ready to fire. Blinks after the SB-600 fires at its 14 Flash head rotating-angle scale maximum output in the TTL auto flash mode, (p. 72) indicating that the light may be insufficient. 15 LCD panel (p. 14) 17 Control buttons (p. 12) 18 Mounting-foot lock lever (p. 22) 11 Preparation
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Control buttons FLASH button Press to test fire the flash (p. 20). ZOOM button Press to change the zoom-head position (p. 40). •Press to adjust the settings in the Custom Settings mode (p. 52). ON/OFF button Press for approx. 0.3 second to turn the power on or off. button/ button button i j a Press to increase or decrease the values. Press to set the flash mode (p. 26). •Press to choose the desired settings in •Press to adjust the settings in the Custom the Custom Settings mode (p. 52). Settings
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Easy setting for the optimum TTL auto flash mode Press the a and b buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds to reset all settings, including the custom settings, to their default settings. Press these buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 seconds. While the SB-600 is used with cameras compatible with CLS, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS and cameras in Groups I to II in combination with a CPU lens, the optimum TTL auto flash mode available with that combination will be performed when you
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LCD panel For reference, all indications are displayed in the illustration. 7 8 9 1 10 11 2 12 3 13 4 14 15 5 16 6 17 1 Flash mode (p. 26) 10 Underexposure in TTL auto flash (p. 29) 2 Wireless remote flash (p. 60) In the wireless multiple flash mode, 11 Flash output-level compensation the SB-600 is set as a remote flash unit, value (p. 44) which fires in sync with the master flash unit. Underexposure value in TTL auto 3 Sound monitor (p. 65) flash (p. 29) When the SB-600 is set as a remote flash
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●●● Characteristics of the LCD panel • Due to the directional characteristics of LCDs, the display is difficult to read when viewed from above. However, the display can be seen clearly from a slightly lower angle. • The LCD display becomes darker at high temperatures (approx. 60°C/140°F), but returns to normal at normal temperatures (20°C/68°F). • The LCD’s response time decreases at low temperatures (approx. 5°C/41°F and below), but returns to normal at normal temperatures (20°C/68°F). Using th
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Lenses In this manual, Nikkor lenses are divided into two types: CPU Nikkor lenses and non-CPU Nikkor lenses. G-type Nikkor, D-type Nikkor, Non-G/D-type AF Nikkor (except CPU Nikkor lenses for AF Nikkor for the F3AF), AI-P Nikkor Non-CPU Nikkor lenses AI-S Nikkor, AI Nikkor, Series E, etc. CPU lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts. G-type 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
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Basic operation In this section, basic procedures are illustrated so that you can easily perform flash photography in the TTL auto flash mode. You can easily perform flash photography by following Steps 1-6 on the left-hand pages. The procedures are based on the use of a CPU lens mounted on cameras compatible with CLS*, digital SLRs not compatible with CLS*, and cameras in Groups I to II. The SB-600’s functions and the LCD display vary depending on the camera/lens combination used. * CLS: Creati
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1 Installing the batteries Slide the battery chamber lid in the 1 direction of the arrow to open. Install the batteries following the i and 2 j marks as shown. Close the battery chamber lid by sliding it into place while pressing down. Usable batteries v Install four AA-type penlight batteries (1.5 V or lower) of any of these types: (1) Alkaline-manganese (1.5 V) (2) Lithium (1.5 V) (3) Nickel (1.5 V) (4) NiCd (rechargeable, 1.2 V) (5) Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable, 1.2 V) •
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●●● Minimum number of flashes and recycling times The following data are based on a situation in which four fresh batteries of the same type are used and the Speedlight fires at M1/1 output. Min. recycling time Min. number of flashes/ Batteries (approx.)* recycling time* Alkaline-manganese 3.5 sec. 200/6-30 sec. Lithium 4.0 sec. 400/7.5-30 sec. Nickel 2.5 sec. 180/6-30 sec. NiCd (1000 mAh) (rechargeable) 2.9 sec. 90/4-30 sec. Ni-MH (2000 mA) (rechargeable) 2.5 sec. 220/4-30 sec. * With fresh bat
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2 Test firing (Confirming the exposure) Press the button for approx. 0.3 b 1 second to turn on the SB-600. Make sure the ready-light comes on. Press the button to test fire the flash. h 2 ●●● Test firing CAUTION! Do not test fire the Speedlight near your eyes. • The SB-600 fires at specified output in the Manual flash mode or at approx. 1/16 output in the TTL auto flash mode. ●●● button b Pressing the b button for approx. 0.3 second turns on the SB-600 and the indications appear on the LCD panel
