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En
Autofocus Speedlight
-
SB 900
User’s Manual
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 Hong Kong
TT8F01 (11)
En
© 2008 Nikon Corporation 8MSA3311-01
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About this user’s manual How to find what you are looking for A You can search for relevant page references using the following methods. k Table of contents ... (kA-6) You can search by item, such as operation method, flash mode or function. k Simple search by objective (kA-4) You can search according to your objective without knowing the specific name or term of the item you are looking for. k Speedlight functions (kB-4) You can search for a particular SB-900 function. This is handy when you
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Camera and lens combinations A This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the SB-900 will be used in combination with a camera compatible with CLS (Nikon Creative Lighting System) and a CPU lens. t Tips on identifying CPU Nikkor lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts. CPU contacts �The SB-900 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor lenses. Terms used in this user’s manual Default settings: the function and mode settings at the time of purchase are referred to as the “default settings.” CLS (
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Simple search by objective You can search for specific explanations according to your objective. About Speedlight parts and indications A I want to know about Key words page The name of each part Speedlight parts C-2 The meaning of each icon (displayed) LCD panel C-10 The meaning of the warning symbols Warning indications F-3 About settings and operation I want to know about Key words page The functions and usage of control buttons Control buttons C-8 The types of batteries that can be used Su
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A A I want to know about Key words page How to take pictures using multiple fl ash units Wireless multiple fl ash shooting D-39 How to confi rm lighting conditions Modeling illumination D-61 How to take brighter (or darker) pictures of both the B Exposure compensation D-38 subject and background How to take brighter (or darker) pictures of the subject Flash output level compensation D-37 How to take pictures without the subject’s eyes Red-eye reduction D-56 appearing red C How to shoot a moving s
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Contents Preparation A A A About this user‘s manual ......................................................................A-2 How to fi nd what you are looking for .................................................. A-2 Simple search by objective ....................................................................A-4 For your safety ......................................................................................A-8 Check before Use ............................................................
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� Flash shooting in Advanced Wireless Lighting .............................D-43 � SU-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting ..................................D-50 A A Available functions to be set on the camera ........................................D-55 � Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode � Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) � Slow-sync flash B � Red-eye reduction/Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash � Rear-curtain sync Flash shooting support functions ..................................................
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For your safety Before using your product, please read the following safety precautions carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and safe use and to help prevent damage to your A Nikon product or injury to yourself or others. For quick reference by those who use the product, please keep these safety instructions near the product. In this manual, safety instructions are indicated with these symbols: WARNING Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol could result in personal injury, or
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7. Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or explosive gas. If the flash unit is operated in areas where there is a flammable gas, including A propane, gasoline and dust, it could cause an explosion or fire. 8. Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving car, as this could temporarily impair the driver’s vision and cause an accident. 9. Do not fire the flash unit directly into the eyes of someone that is at close range, as it could damage the retinas of their eyes.
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For your safety CAUTIONS for Speedlights 1. Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands, as this could cause an A electric shock. 2. Keep the flash unit away from children to prevent them from putting the unit in or near their mouth, or otherwise touching a dangerous part of the product; as such contact could cause an electric shock. 3. Do not apply strong physical shocks to the unit, as this could cause a malfunction that could cause the unit to explode or catch on fire. 4. Never use active
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8. If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged A contact could injure your skin. 9. Always follow the warnings and instructions printed on the batteries to avoid activities that could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or catch on fire. 10. Be sure to use only batteries specified in this user’s manual, to avoid the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, gener
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For your safety CAUTION for Batteries Do not throw or apply strong physical shocks to the batteries as this could A cause batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode. Symbol for separate collection applicable in European countries This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected separately. The following apply only to users in European countries. � This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household
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A A–13 Preparation
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Check before Use Foreword A Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-900. To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual and the separate booklet “A collection of example photos” thoroughly before use. This user’s manual explains SB-900 functions, operation methods, specifications, etc., and the separate “A collection of example photos” provides an overview of the SB-900’s flash-shooting capabilities with example photos. In addition, keep your camera user’s
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Tips on using the Speedlight A Take trial shots Make 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. Use your Speedlight with Nikon equipment The Nikon Speedlight SB-900’s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses. Camera/accessories
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Check before Use Life-long learning A As part of Nikon’s “Life-long learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually-updated information is available on-line at the following sites: � For users in the U.S.A.: http://www.nikonusa.com/ � For users in Europe: http://www.europe-nikon.com/support � For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa: http://www.nikon-asia.com/ Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers t
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About the SB-900 B B This section explains the features and key functions of the SB-900. � SB-900 features ......................................................B-2 � Main functions ......................................................B-4 B B B–––1 1 1 About the SB-900
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SB-900 features Features of the SB-900 The SB-900 is a high-performance CLS-compatible Speedlight with a large guide number of 34/48 (ISO 100/200, m) (111.5/157.5, ft.) (at the 35 mm zoom position in Nikon FX format with standard illumination pattern, 20°C/68°F.) �Combined with a CLS-compatible camera, the SB-900 can easily perform various B types of flash operations, such as i-TTL auto flash and wireless multiple flash (kD-39). �Three types of illumination patterns (standard, center-weight
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What is the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)? The SB-900 features the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). This system offers additional flash shooting possibilities with digital cameras by taking advantage of your camera’s digital communication capabilities. CLS is available when the SB-900 is used with compatible Nikon cameras. B The SB-900 offers these major features: ■ i-TTL mode This is a Nikon Creative Lighting System TTL auto flash mode. Monitor pre-flashes are fired at all tim
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Main functions Flash modes and functions on the SB-900 i-TTL mode (kD-2) The camera controls the SB SB-900’s flash output level by measuring the light reflected from the subject when the SB-900 fires a series of monitor pre-flashes. B Auto-Aperture flash mode (kD-5) The SB-900 controls the flash output level by measuring the flash illumination reflected back from the subject using the sensor for Non-TTL auto flash and combining this with information from the camera, such as the ISO sensitiv
