Nikon SB-26 - Speedlight User manual

E
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2 3
F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users
F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s Users
F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users
F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users
F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users
F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users
FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users
F3-Series, F2-Series, FM2 and FG-20 Users
For Effective Use of This Manual
Using this manual is simple. Read the pages with shaded
index tabs indicating your camera name. These index tabs
lead you to all of the information you need to learn about
using the SB-26 with your camera.
The SB-26 and today’s newest Nikon models offer
exceptionally high performance. They include more features
than ever before, all of which can help you make great pic-
tures.
Because there are so many features, the instruction man-
ual is extensive, and may seem a little intimidating. We urge
you, however, to thoroughly read the manuals before you
begin using the SB-26. That way you will be fully familiar
with the features and the way they work.
For the convenience of latest Nikon SLR users, the SB-26
offers automatic adjustment functions when used with cer-
tain lenses. Automatic operations is detailed beside manual
operation in shaded boxes with mark.
By becoming thoroughly familiar with the SB-26, you will
be able to use its advanced features more effectively and
enjoy great results from the very beginning.
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Autofocus Speedlight
SB-26. Used with Nikon’s newest SLRs (F5, F90X/N90s,
F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008,
F-801s/N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/N6000, F50-Series/
N50, F-401x/N5005, F-401/N4004 and F-401s/ N4004s), it
offers you the most advanced and complete system for
automatic flash photography available.
To get the maximum performance from your new SB-26,
be sure to take time to read the instruction manual carefully.
The Nikon N70, N90s, N90, N8008, N8008s, N6006,
N6000, N50, N5005, N4004 and N4004s are sold
exclusively in the U.S.A. The Nikon N2020 and N2000
are sold exclusively in the U.S.A. and Canada.
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54
For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......77 — 80
Non-TTL Auto Flash AMode — Shooting
with Varied Lens Apertures.............................81 — 84
Manual Flash DMode — Manual Light-
Output Control .................................................85 — 90
Synchronization in Continuous Shooting........................90
Repeating Flash GMode — For Multiple
Exposure...........................................................91 — 96
Chapter 4: Flash-Shooting Applications
FP High-Speed Sync Flash — Flash Photography
At Higher Shutter Speeds .............................98 — 103
Guide number in FP High-Speed Sync Flash .....102 — 103
Red-Eye Reduction Control — For Better
Flash Portraits..........................................................104
Rear-Curtain Sync Flash — For Natural
Light Flows...............................................................105
Flash Exposure Compensation — To Make Flash-
Illuminated Subject Lighter or Darker........106 — 107
Exposure Compensation with Camera’s Dial —
To Make Background Lighter or Darker....108 — 109
Open Flash Button — For Test Firing................110
Built-In Wide Flash Adapter — For Shorter
Focal-Length Lenses...............................................111
Zoom-Lock Capability — To Fix Zoom-Head
Position .........................................................112 — 113
Trouble With Wide Flash Adapter ............................113
AF Assist LED — Autofocus Flash Photography
in Dim Light ..................................................114 — 115
Power Switch Standby (STBY) Position — To
Conserve Energy and
Shorten Recycling Time ..............................116 — 117
Guide Number — To Calculate
a Proper Aperture....................................................118
Diffusing Light — To Soften Harsh
Shadow ..........................................................119 —123
Bounce Flash Photography.....................................122
Using a Diffuser ....................................................123
Close-Up Flash Photography in
TTL Auto Flash Mode — To Flash
On A Very Close Subject .............................124 — 125
Multiple Flash Photography — Using More
Than One Speedlights .................................126 — 136
Wireless Slave Flash Photography ...............128 — 131
Multiple Flash Photography Using Cord........131 — 133
System Chart for TTL Multiple Flash ............134 — 135
Accessories for TTL Multiple Flash..........................136
Chapter 5: Notes on Speedlight
“Red Eye” .....................................................................138
Flash Sync Mode Selector W vs. q
Position.....................................................................139
Tips on Speedlight Care..................................140 — 141
About Batteries............................................................142
Specifications ..................................................143 — 145
Usable Aperture/Flash Shooting Distance
Ranges In TTL Auto HAnd Non-TTL A
Flash Modes.............................................................146
Table Of Contents
FOREWORD
For Effective Use of This Manual.....................................2
Table of Contents ....................................................4 — 5
Chapter 1: Introducing the SB-26 Autofocus
Speedlight
Nomenclature...........................................................8 — 9
Main Features/Functions —
SB-26’s Flash Capabilities ..............................10 — 17
Fully Automatic Fill Flash ...................................10 — 13
Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash.............................11
“TTL Multi-Sensor” Automatic Balanced
Fill-Flash With F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90
and F70-Series/N70.........................................12
FP High-Speed Sync Flash..................................13 — 14
Rear-Curtain Sync Flash ..............................................15
Red-Eye Reduction Control...........................................16
Repeating Flash..........................................................16
SB-26 Feature Comparison: Flash Operations
Available with Your Camera .....................................17
Chapter 2: Before Flash Shooting
WARNING — TO AVOID INJURY..................................20
CAUTION — TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO
THE SB-26 SPEEDLIGHT ..........................................20
Getting Started — SB-26 Set-Up........................20 — 23
Selecting Measurement System,
Meters or Feet ........................................................21
Installing Batteries ............................................21 — 22
Attaching Flash Unit to the Camera
Accessory Shoe.............................................22 — 23
Checking Battery Power ..............................................23
Adjustment Functions — Using LCD Panel
and Built-in Functions .....................................24 — 30
Adjusting Flash Head To Horizontal/
Front Position ...............................................24 — 25
Using LCD Panel For Shooting-
Distance Computation....................................26 — 30
Setting ISO Film Speed
(Manual Adjustment)...............................27 — 28
Setting Aperture Value
(Manual Adjustment)...............................28 — 29
Setting Zoom-Head Position
(Manual Adjustment)...............................29 — 30
Chapter 3: Shooting Practice in Flash Modes
TTL Auto Flash HMode — Fill-Flash with
Automatically Compensated Flash Output ...32 — 80
For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and
F70-Series/N70 Camera Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......36 — 41
For F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s
Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......42 — 49
For F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......50 — 58
For F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......59 — 64
For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......65 — 70
For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users:
Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice......71 — 76
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6
Chapter 1
S D OFF
SB-26
Introducing the SB-26 Autofocus Speedlight
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98
Flash head rotating
lock release lever
LCD panel
See page 26.
Control buttons
See page 26.
Sync/multiple flash terminal
For manual-exposure multiple flash operation.
TTL multiple flash terminal
For TTL-exposure-control multiple flash
operation.
Terminal cover
Keep terminal covered when not in use.
Rotating angle scale
Tilting angle scale
SDOFF
SB-26
Chapter 1
Nomenclature
Mounting foot locking
wheel
Mount pin
Built-in wide flash adapter
Built-in diffuser card
Flash head
Locks at the front position and the 90˚ position; tilts
up to 90° and down to –7°; rotates 90° to the right
and 180° to the left.
Battery chamber lid
Slide and lift to open.
Flash head tilting lock
release lever
Meter/Feet select lever
(inside battery chamber)
Battery chamber
Accepts four 1.5V AA-type penlight batteries, either
1.5V alkaline-manganese or 1.2V NiCd batteries
(voltage for NiCd batteries varies depending on
manufacturer; maximum permitted is 1.5V).
Autofocus assist illuminator LED
Enables autofocus operation in dim light or total
darkness.
Light sensor for Non-TTL Auto Flash operation
In Non-TTL Auto Flash operation, be careful not to
cover or otherwise obstruct the sensor.
External power source terminal
Accepts power cord of Nikon DC unit
SD-8/SD-7, or Power Bracket Unit SK-6.
Hot-shoe contacts
Mounting foot
Wireless Slave Flash selector
Red-Eye Reduction lamp
Wireless Slave Flash sensor
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10 11
The result is brighter shadows, sharper details and more
vivid colors. Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash operates in virtually
all light conditions within the camera’s metering range and
available synchronized shutter speeds. Operation is fast and
automatic, while it allows manual operation for exposure
compensation techniques to vary fill-flash effects.
Center-Weighted Fill-Flash operates when you switch
the metering system to Center-Weighted. This metering
system measures the entire scene and emphasizes its read-
ing on the center area. By pointing the center-weighted area
at different parts of the scene, you can choose which
brightness level you want for basic available-light exposure.
By selecting Spot Metering System, Spot Fill-Flash oper-
ates in a similar manner as Center-Weighted Fill-Flash,
although the meter reads a narrower center area, or “spot.”
Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash
Thanks to a computer-controlled exposure meter and TTL
(through-the-lens) sensor, shutter speed, aperture, and even
flash output can be automatically controlled to keep both
subject and background in correct exposure.
In Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, the camera’s Matrix
Metering System determines the correct exposure based on
ambient light. Flash output is then controlled with the cen-
ter-bottom-weighted TTL sensor which monitors light
reflection from the film surface and regulates timing to ter-
minate output in realtime with flash illumination. This way,
flash illumination brightens the scene (mainly foreground
subject), but does not overpower the ambient light exposure
(background).
Chapter 1
Main Features/Functions — SB-26’s Flash Capabilities
Fully Automatic Fill Flash
Generally performed at night or in dim light, flash photogra-
phy can also be used to reduce shadows in pictures shot in
bright sunlight, resulting in a pleasing, more natural effect.
Using a flash this way, with ambient light, is called “fill-
flash.” When used with the SB-26, many Nikon SLR cam-
eras provide Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash, to automatically
keep flash brightness in balance with the ambient light.
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash
The SB-26 is a most versatile Speedlight which offers vari-
ety of convenient features to enhance your flash photogra-
phy. To understand these features/function will help you
operate the SB-26 easily, therefore, enjoy more options and
creative possibilities. Each of following topics cover particu-
lar Nikon SLR models:
•Fully Automatic Fill Flash: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/
N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/
N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/ N6000, F50-Series/N50
and F-401x/N5005
• Standard TTL Flash: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90,
F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/N8008s,
F-601/N6006, F-601M/ N6000, F-501/N2020, F-301/
N2000, F-401/N4004, F-401s/N4004s, FA, FE2, FG and
Nikonos V
• FP High-Speed Sync Flash: F5, F90X/N90s and
F90-Series/N90
• Rear-Curtain Sync Flash: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/
N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/
N8008s, F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000
• Red-Eye Reduction Control: F90X/N90s, F90-Series/
N90 and F70-Series/N70
• Repeating Flash: All the Nikon SLR models covered in
this manual
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FP High-Speed Sync Flash
Standard TTL Flash
It is possible to manually select a flash compensation
level instead of having the computer do it automatical-
ly. Simply press the SB-26’s ıbutton to cancel
Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash.
The camera’s computer-controlled TTL flash sensor
detects the total amount of light passing through the
lens and reflected from the film surface. The system
controls flash output so that the combination of ambi-
ent light and flash illumination will result in a correct
exposure.
Under bright-light conditions, the flash is automati-
cally controlled to provide less light; under dim light
conditions, it will produce more light.
This system is not designed to automatically provide
a balance between flash and ambient light; it is limited
to efficient operation in dim-light conditions and is not
recommended for use in very bright lighting condi-
tions. This system does not directly link the ambient
light meter and the flash’s TTL meter.
FP High-Speed Sync Flash: Allows a wider aperture, thus, shallower
depth of field for a blurred background.
The SB-26 is capable of flash synchronization at shutter
speeds of 1/250 sec. or faster when used with the F5,
F90X/N90s and F90-Series/N90. Unlike other flash synchro-
nization methods, the flash consecutively emits light at an
extremely rapid cycle and exposure begins with the opening
of the front (first) curtain and ends with the closing of the
rear (second) curtain.
Chapter 1
Main Features/Functions
“TTL Multi-Sensor” Automatic Balanced Fill-
Flash with F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90
and F70-Series/N70
After you depress the shutter release button and prior to the
shutter being activated, the SB-26 fires a series of nearly
invisible preflash, or Monitor Preflash.
These preflash are detected by the F5, F90X/N90s, F90-
Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70’s TTL multi-sensor, ana-
lyzed for brightness and contrast, then integrated with dis-
tance information from the lens (D-type Nikkor) and other
exposure control information for a balanced fill-flash expo-
sure.
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash can be performed
with any built-in metering system, and is most effectively
used to achieve correct exposure in scenes that include:
• A mirror, white wall or other surface with extremely high
reflectivity
• Obstacle(s) in front of subject you wish to avoid
• Sunlight
• Subject against an “infinite” background (empty sky,
clouds, etc.)
With non-D-type AF or AI-P Nikkor lenses, Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash will be performed. Although the TTL
multi-sensor does not process distance information, the
advanced sensor system generally provides superior results
to Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash.
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash photography: particularly
effective for subject standing against a shiny object.
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1514
Rear-Curtain Sync Flash
In “normal” flash synchronization, the flash fires at an early
stage of exposure (i.e., front-curtain sync). At slow shutter
speeds with a moving subject, this results in unnatural light
patterns.
For more natural lighting, use Rear-Curtain Sync. With
this method, the flash fires at a later stage of the exposure,
just before the rear, or second, shutter curtain starts to
close (i.e., rear-curtain sync), turning available light into a
stream of light that follows the flash-illuminated moving
subject. Rear-Curtain Sync is available with the F5,
F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series,
F-801/N8008, F-801s/N8008s, F-601/N6006 and F-601M/
N6000.
For more details, see “Rear-Curtain Sync Flash — For
Natural Light Flow,” page 105 and “Flash Sync Mode
Selector W vs. q,” page 139.
A slow shutter speed could create light flow from a moving subject.
Rear-Curtain Sync Flash catches him/her with natural-looking light
stream.
Y
F R F R
X
Y
F R
X
Y
X
2 21
Chapter 1
Main Features/Functions
The combination of high shutter-speed range and flash
sync capability provides you with more options for flash
photography in day-light conditions. It enables you to use a
wider aperture to blur the subject’s background (create a
shallow depth of field), light up shadowed areas in outdoor
photography, or even create light flow for fast moving sub-
jects.
FP high-speed sync flash is only available in the SB-26’s
Manual flash mode when using the F5, F90X/N90s and F90-
Series/N90. For details, see “FP High-Speed Sync Flash —
Flash Photography At Higher Shutter Speeds”on page 98.
X: Time duration
Y: Shutter curtain movement
Ï: Front-curtain movement
®: Rear-curtain movement
⁄: Film surface is exposed to
flash light throughout the
entire duration.
¤: Film surface is exposed to
flash light for only part of
the time that the curtain
are open.
FP High-Speed
Sync Flash
Front-curtain sync flash Rear-curtain sync flash
SB-26 sync flash
Light output
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Main Features/Functions
SB-26 Feature Comparison: Flash Operations Available with Your Camera
For details regarding your camera,
see pages:
1) 33 to 41. 2) 42 to 49. 3) 50 to 58.
4) 59 to 64. 5) 65 to 70. 6) 71 to 76.
7) 77 to 80.
Chapter 1
Repeating Flash
When used with any Nikon SLR, the SB-26 is capable of
strobo-effect multiple flash exposure at up to 160 flash per
frame; it also allows control of the amount of flash light out-
put. Operation becomes simple once you learn how to
match the number and speed of flash to your desired shut-
ter speed.
For details, see “Repeating Flash G Mode —For
Multiple Exposure,”pages 91 to 96.
Red-Eye Reduction Control
“Red eye”effect occurs in flash photography when flash
pictures are taken in dim surroundings where the subject’s
eye pupils will be dilated (opened very wide). Light from the
camera’s flash reflects off the interior of the eye through the
wide-open pupil and back into the camera’s lens; the result
in the photo appears as bright red eyes.
With this function, before the shutter is released the
SB-26’s red-eye reduction lamp illuminates to make the
subject’s eye pupils become smaller, thus reducing the
appearance of red-eye.
The F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70
offers this exclusive Red-Eye Reduction Control, for use in
any flash mode, except Repeating Flash mode. For more
details and setting operation, see page 104, and the cam-
era’s instruction manual.
Red-eye effect can also be controlled by the angle at
which light strikes the subject and is reflected back to the
camera’s lens. For further details, see “Red Eye,”page 138.
Repeating flash mode offers “strobo effect,”multiple exposure on a
single frame.
See pages
F5F90X/N90s
F90-Series/N90
F70-Series/N70
F4-Series
F-801/N8008
F-801s/N8008s
F-601/N6006
F-601M/N6000
F50-Series/N50
F-401x/N5005
F-501/N2020
F-301/N2000
F-401/N4004
FF-401s/N4004s
FAFE2
Nikonos V
F3-Series
F2-Seires
FG20
FG
FM2
TTL Auto Flash 32 –80
3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted Fill-Flash
Spot Fill-Flash
Programmed TTL Auto Flash
Standard TTL Flash
Non-TTL Auto Flash 81 –84
Manual Flash 85 –90
Repeating Flash (strobo effect) 91 –96
FP High-Speed Sync Flash 98 –103
Red-Eye Reduction Control 104
Rear-Curtain Sync Flash 105
Flash Exposure Compensation 106 –107
Open Flash Button (test firing) 110
Built-in Wide Flash Adapter 111
Zoom-Lock Capability 112 –113
AF Assist LED 114 –115
Standby Position (power switch) 116 –117
Bounce Flash (built-in diffuser card) 119 –123
Close-up Photography (TTL Auto Flash) 124 –125
Multiple Flash Photography 126 –136
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18
Chapter 2
Before Flash Shooting
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2120
Selecting Measurement System, Meters or Feet
1
2
1 Slide the battery chamber cover in the ›direction and lift to open. 2 Slide the meter/feet lever (small switch in the mouth of the cham-
ber) to select desired indication (m or
ft.); this will appear in the LCD panel
while the speedlight is in use.
The lever is preset to meters (m) when
shipped from the factory.
Installing Batteries
3 Load four 1.5V AA-type penlight alkaline-manganese or 1.2V NiCd
batteries into the battery chamber. Be
sure to follow the [indication
inside the chamber to ensure the bat-
teries are properly loaded.
Using an external power source
For an external power source, use optional Nikon DC
Unit SD-7 or SD-8 or Power Blacket Unit SK-6. For
battery information, see page 142.
Chapter 2
Getting Started — SB-26 Set-Up
This section introduces preparations for using the SB-26,
such as installing batteries, attaching flash unit to your cam-
era, and finally, turning the unit on. Follow these steps in
order, especially when using for the first time. This section
should serve as a practical guide for later reference.
WARNING — TO AVOID INJURY
•DO NOT FIRE FLASH NEAR THE EYES: Firing the flash
light very close to any person’s eyes can injure the retina,
thereby weakening eyesight or causing blindness.
•DO NOT TOUCH THE FLASH HEAD WHEN FIRING THE
SB-26: The flash head generates significant heat during
normal operation, which may cause burns. Also, when
using the flash, keep delicate materials away from the
flash head.
CAUTION — TO PREVENT
DAMAGE TO THE SB-26
SPEEDLIGHT
•DO NOT MIX OR USE THE SB-26 WITH OTHER MANU-
FACTURER’S CAMERAS, FLASH UNITS, OR ACCES-
SORIES (INCLUDING EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES):
Nikon is not responsible for malfunctions or other prob-
lems resulting from use of this product with any equip-
ment other than Nikon brand products.
PROPER CARE AND STORAGE OF THE SB-26 SPEED-
LIGHT
•SEE PAGES 140 AND 141, “Tips on Speedlight Care.”
BATTERIES: CARE AND CAUTION
•SEE PAGE 142, “About Batteries.”
ABNORMAL LC (LIQUID CRYSTAL) DISPLAY AND
MALFUNCTIONING
In certain cases, due to normal characteristics of the
built-in microcomputer, the speedlight may not oper-
ate or an abnormal display may appear, even with
fresh, properly installed batteries.
If this occurs, turn off flash and remove the batter-
ies, then reinstall batteries and turn the power on. This
should properly reset the computer.
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2322
7 Tighten the locking wheel, taking care not to over-tighten.
Checking Battery Power
8 Set power switch to STBY (stand- by position) or ON to turn on the
speedlight.
If batteries are properly installed/
power is sufficient, ready-light will
come on, and LCD indications will
appear.
LCD figures and symbols for meters
(m) and feet (ft) do not appear simulta-
neously, as shown above. They are
shown together throughout this manu-
al for ease of explanation.
Replace batteries with a fresh set:
With alkaline-manganese batteries —replace if ready-
light takes more than 30 sec. to light up.
With NiCd batteries —remove if ready-light takes
more than 10 sec. to light up.
Precaution for Nikon F5, F90X/N90s, F90-
Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 users
As the locking wheel is tightened, the SB-26 is firmly
attached to the accessory shoe with the mount pin. Be
extra careful that the locking wheel is completely loos-
ened before removing the flash unit from the camera or
it may cause damage to both units.
Chapter 2
4 Close the battery chamber lid, then slide cover to close.
Attaching Flash Unit to Camera Accessory Shoe
5 Turn the SB-26’s mounting foot locking wheel to the loosened
position as far as it goes, without forc-
ing.
6 Slide the mounting foot forward onto the camera’s accessory
shoe as far as it goes.
For Nikon F3 Series users
The SB-26 can only be mounted on an F3 Series cam-
era that uses a DE-2 or DE-3 finder. Be sure to attach
Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 or AS-7 to the camera’s
accessory shoe before mounting the SB-26 on the
camera.
Getting Started
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24 25
1 Tilt the flash head to the horizontal, until it click-stops.
The flash head locks both at the horizontal, facing straight-
forward (0°degree), and at the vertical, facing straight-up
(90°degrees).
To release from the locked position, slide the lock release
lever in the ›direction, then, while holding the lever, tilt the
flash head.
2 Adjust the flash head so it faces straight forward — check that it is not rotated to the right or left.
To unlock from the forward position, slide the lock release
lever in ‹direction, then, while holding the lever, rotate
flash head to either the right or left.
3 Confirm indicator bars /appear in the flash shoot- ing distance scale (LCD panel). Bars do not appear or
will blink if the flash head is not set horizontal and straight
ahead.
If indicator bars do not appear in the LCD panel at all, check
whether the camera is turned on. If it is, lightly press the
shutter release button. If not, turn on the camera, then light-
ly press the shutter release button.
Indicator bars appear for eight seconds once activated (they
disappear after eight seconds). Lightly pressing the shutter
release button causes the bars to reappear.
Chapter 2
Adjustment Functions — Using LCD Panel and Built-in Functions
Tilting/rotating flash head, built-in zoom head, LCD panel
and control buttons for aperture/distance computation...
The SB-26 features many convenient functions. Proper
use will help you perform successful flash photography in
every situation.
Before practice, you should understand the adjustments
and reasons behind them. Once you have learned them,
you can make the most of the SB-26 for all kinds of flash
techniques.
Operation can be controlled manually or automatically,
depending on which Nikon SLR model is used. Manual
operation is described for each feature, then automatic
adjustment features are described within the boxed sec-
tions (with a mark).
Before proceeding:
EATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA.
ETURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA.
Adjusting Flash Head To Horizontal/Front
Position
In “normal”shooting situations, the flash head should face
straight forward, tilted in the horizontal position. A
tilted/rotated head can be used for special techniques such
as close-ups or bounce flash photography.
Tilting/Rotating flash head to a position other than
horizontal and straight forward
Downward-tilted flash head (-7°position) is used for
taking pictures of subjects at a distance of less than
1.5m (approx. 5 ft.). When the head is set at this posi-
tion, the distance indicator bars /blink.
An upward-tilted and/or rotated flash head is used
for bounce flash photography. When the head is set
this way, the distance indicator bars /do not
appear, to show the distance indication function is not
available.
See “Diffusing Light —To Soften Harsh Shadows,”
pages 119 to 123, for information on bounce flash
photography.
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2726
Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual Adjustment)
1 Push ◊button so a film speed number starts blink- ing beside the sindication in the LCD panel.
2 Press adjustment button ˛or Çto set the film speed.
Automatic ISO film speed adjustment: F5,
F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70,
F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/ N8008s
No manual adjustment is required with these camera
models, because ISO speed of film in use is automati-
cally set and indicated in the SB-26’s LCD panel.
When a film is not installed in the camera, ISO 100 is
indicated.
If no indication shows in the LCD panel, lightly press
the camera’s shutter release button.
Operation in Repeating GFlash Mode
Setting of ISO film speed is not required. The repeat-
ing flash indicator appears in the place of the film
speed indicator. For details, see pages 91 to 96.
Chapter 2
Using LCD Panel For Shooting-Distance Computation
Confirming flash shooting distance is an indispensable step
for successful flash photography. The SB-26 can be used to
compute the appropriate distance range.
An appropriate flash shooting distance is determined
using the following variables:
•ISO FILM SPEED IN USE
•APERTURE VALUE
•ZOOM-HEAD POSITION
Indicator bars /will appear to show a proper shooting
distance range only after all those variables have been set in
the LCD panel.
Flash sync mode selector
Flash mode selector
ufor Non-TTL Auto Flash expo-
sure control
ifor Manual Flash exposure con-
trol
Gfor repeating flash
pfor TTL Auto Flash exposure
control
LCD panel
Flash mode indicator
Film speed/Repeating flash indicator
Flash shooting distance scale
Zoom-head position indicator
Aperture indicator
Exposure compensation indicator
Underexposure indicator
Exposure compensation/
underexposure value
Red-eye reduction control indicator
Light amount indicator
Zoom button
Adjustment buttons Select button
M button
Illuminator button
Ready-light/open-flash button Power switch
Note: All LCD (liquid crystal display) figures and marks do
not appear simultaneously, as shown below. They are
shown together for ease of explanation.
Adjustment Functions
Wireless Slave Flash indicator
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2928
3 When the desired number appears, press ◊button to
complete the setting. The indication
will stop blinking.
The aperture-value indicator blinks
during adjustment, and stops blinking
after eight seconds unless an adjust-
ment is made with an adjustment but-
ton. The last blinking figure is auto-
matically set in this case.
Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment)
Press the ¸button until the num-
ber in the LCD panel shows the focal
length of the lens in use or shorter.
When using a zoom lens other than AF
Zoom Nikkor, set the shortest focal
length of the lens to determine the
zoom-head position that covers the
full zoom length range.
Also, refer to page 143 on “Angle of
coverage,”an angle which flash light
can cover in a zoom-head position.
Chapter 2
3 When the desired number appears, press ◊button to
complete setting. The indication will
stop blinking.
The film-speed indicator blinks during
adjustment, and stops blinking after
eight seconds unless an adjustment is
made with an adjustment button. The
last blinking number is automatically
set in this case.
Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment)
1 Push ◊button so an aperture value number starts blinking
beside the ƒindication in the LCD
panel.
2 Press adjustment button ˛or Çto set the aperture value.
When camera is in programmed auto
or shutter-priority exposure mode, be
sure to use an aperture indicated in
the camera’s viewfinder (a “controlled
aperture”).
In general, first set the aperture on the
camera, then use the same value for
the SB-26.
Automatic aperture
adjustment: F5, F90X/
N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-
Series/ N70, F4-Series, F-801/
N8008 or F-801s/N8008s used
with an AF Nikkor lens (includ-
ing the latest D-Type) or Nikkor
lens having a built-in CPU
No manual adjustment is
required with these camera/lens
combinations, because the con-
trolled aperture is automatically
set and indicated in the SB-26’s
LCD panel (except in Non-TTL
Auto Flash Amode).
Adjustment Functions
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30
Chapter 3
Shooting Practice and Flash Mode
Automatic zoom-head position adjustment: F5,
F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-
Series, F-801/N8008, or F-801s/ N8008s used with an
AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor
lens having a built-in CPU
No manual adjustment is required with these camera/
lens combinations, because the SB-26 automatically
adjusts the zoom-head position to provide an angle of
coverage that matches the focal length of the lens in use.
With an AF Nikkor lens of fixed focal length (including
the latest D-Type), the zoom head automatically adjusts
to the closest available wider focal length setting.
With a zoom lens, the zoom head automatically adjusts
within the limits of the available coverage (from 24mm to
85mm).
You must set zoom-head position manually when
using your camera with other lenses or to select a specif-
ically desired position.
For manual adjustment (with same camera/lens com-
binations as above)
Press ¸button until your desired zoom-head position
appears in the LCD panel, and note the small mabove
the z(shown as ≈). Automatic adjustment will
resume when the mdisappears.
Adjustment Functions
Chapter 2
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3332
Choosing A Flash Method
The SB-26 enables you to perform any of the following fully
automatic fill-flash functions, or choose Standard TTL Flash.
(Functions are described in detail on pages 10 to 13.):
•3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
•Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
•Center-Weighted Fill-Flash
•Spot Fill-Flash
Use the chart at right to confirm which flash method you
will perform with the lens in use and metering system set on
the camera. In most cases, the lens/meter combination
determines the flash method.
If you have extra lens(es), you may be able to select a
particular flash method. For example, by replacing a D-Type
AF Nikkor with an AI-P lens, you can switch from 3D Multi-
Sensor to Multi-Sensor Fill-Flash.
By using the SB-26’s ıbutton, you can perform
Standard TTL Flash (except for P and Ps exposure modes
with F90X/N90s or F90-Series/N90 camera), regardless of
lens type.
Flash Methods: F5 Settings and Lenses
1) Suitable lenses and use depend on camera; see instruction manual for infor-
mation.
2) Except D-Type and AF Nikkor lenses for F3AF.
3) Exposure mode (P or S) automatically shifts to aperture-priority auto (A), and
the mode indication blinks in the camera’s LCD panel; set desired aperture
manually.
4) 3D Color Matrix Metering system automatically shifts to Center-Weighted, as
shown by the indication in the viewfinder
Lens in
Use 1)
D-Type
AF Nikkor
Lenses
AF Nikkor
lenses 2)
AI-P lens-
es
Other
lenses 3)
Camera’s Exposure Mode
Programmed auto (P)
Programmed auto (P)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Manual (M)
Manual (M)
Aperture-Priority auto (A) 3)
Manual (M)
Camera’s Metering System
3D Color
Matrix
3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash 4)
Standard
TTL Flash
Center-
Weighted Spot
Flash Methods in TTL Auto Flash Mode
HK 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
HK Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash
H Center-Weighted Fill-Flash
H Spot Fill-Flash
HStandard TTL Flash
TTL Auto Flash HMode — Fill-Flash with Automatically
Compensated Flash Output
TTL Auto Flash HMode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users
In TTL Auto Flash mode, the SB-26 Speedlight can be used
for just about any shooting situation, from bright scenes to
dim lights. For precisely controlled exposures in wider
brightness ranges or more complex conditions, you can use
fill-flash techniques with automatic operation and/or
advanced user-controlled options.
The SB-26’s TTL Auto Flash mode offers even more flash
applications and options, such as flash synchronization with
slow shutter speeds (slow sync flash), bounce flash and cre-
ative close-up photography.
Even simple snap shots can be taken with a sophisticat-
ed touch. By setting the SB-26 to TTL Auto flash mode, you
can enjoy flash photography that is simple, yet the most
advanced available.
Using this flash mode with your camera
The SB-26 works in different ways, depending on which
camera it is used with. TTL Auto Flash mode, in particular,
offers several noteworthy features that vary from one model
to another. Be sure to read “Fully Automatic Fill-In Flash,”
pages 10 through 13, to become familiar with these SB-26
capabilities.
Use the following chart to locate pages relevant to your
camera model and the flash operation you wish to use.
Chapter 3
TTL Auto Flash HMode: See pages
For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and
F70-Series/N70 Users 33 — 41
For F4-Series, F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8000s
Users 42 — 49
For F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 Users 50 — 58
For F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users 59 — 64
For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users 65 — 70
For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users 71 — 76
For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V users 77 — 80
For F3-Series, F2-Series, FM2 and FG-20 users
No information is provided for these models in this
section, because they do not function in TTL Auto
Flash mode.
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3534
Chapter 3
TTL Auto Flash HMode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users
Flash Methods: F90X/N90s or F90-Series/N90 Settings
and Lenses
1) Suitable lenses and use depend on camera; see instruction manual for infor-
mation.
2) Except D-Type and AF Nikkor lenses for F3AF.
3) You can not use the Ps mode as the shutter locks.
4) Only 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced or Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash can be
performed; Standard TTL Flash is not available and the ıbutton cannot be
used.
5) Exposure mode (P or S) automatically shifts to aperture-priority auto (A), and
the mode indication blinks in the camera’s LCD panel; set desired aperture
manually.
Lens in
Use 1)
D-Type
AF Nikkor
Lenses
AF Nikkor
lenses 2)
AI-P lens-
es
Other
lenses 3)
Camera’s Exposure Mode
Programmed auto (P, Ps) 4)
Programmed auto (P, Ps) 4)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Manual (M)
Manual (M)
Aperture-Priority auto (A) 5)
Manual (M)
Camera’s Metering System
Matrix
3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash
Spot Fill-
Flash
Center-
Weighted Spot
Flash Methods: F70-Series/N70 Settings and Lenses
1) Suitable lenses and use depend on camera; see instruction manual for infor-
mation.
2) Except D-Type and AF Nikkor lenses for F3AF.
3) You can not use the Ps mode as the shutter locks.
4) Exposure mode (P or S) automatically shifts to aperture-priority auto (A), and
the mode indication blinks in the camera’s LCD panel; set desired aperture
manually.
Lens in
Use 1)
D-Type
AF Nikkor
Lenses
AF Nikkor
lenses 2)
AI-P lens-
es
Other
lenses 3)
Camera’s Exposure Mode
Programmed auto (P, Ps)
Programmed auto (P, Ps)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Shutter-priority auto (S)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Aperture-priority auto (A)
Manual (M)
Manual (M)
Aperture-Priority auto (A) 4)
Manual (M)
Camera’s Metering System
Matrix
3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash
Spot Fill-
Flash
Center-
Weighted Spot
1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync (with F5 only)
With the camera’s Custom Setting, you can select
1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync for Shutter-Priority Auto
or Manual exposure mode. (For details see camera’s
instruction manual.)
Tables below show guide number at ISO 100 and
adjustment factor for other ISO film speed in 1/300 TTL
High-Speed Sync. To calculate a proper aperture using
guide number, please see page 118.
Guide number in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync
(at ISO 100 for meters/feet)
Zoom-head position
18mm 20mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm
8/26 8/26 11/36 12/39 14/46 16/52 18/59 19/62
Adjustment factor for other ISO film speeds
ISO film speed 25 50 100 200 400 800 1600
Factor x 0.5 x 0.7 x 1 x 1.4 x 2 x 2.8 x 4
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3736
Setting Up SB-26
1 Press the ıbutton.
To perform 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced or Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash, confirm Kappears in the LCD panel.
To perform Center-Weighted or Spot Fill-Flash, confirm
appears.
To perform Standard TTL Flash, press the ıbutton so
that both Kand disappears.
2 Choose p(flash mode selector). Confirm Hin the LCD panel.
3 Choose Wposition (flash sync mode selector).
qposition is used for Rear-Curtain Sync Flash (see
page 105).
4 Confirm the ISO film speed has been set and appears in the SB-26’s LCD panel (automatic ISO film speed
adjustment).
If not shown in the LCD panel, lightly press the camera’s
shutter release button.
5 Confirm the aperture value chosen on the camera and zoom-head position have been set and appear in the
SB-26’s LCD panel (automatic aperture/zoom-head adjust-
ment).
1For
selecting
flash
method
2Flash mode
selector at TTL
Auto
3.Flash sync
mode
selector at
NORMAL
4ISO
speed of
film in
use
5Aperture
value and
zoom-head
position
One of these marks appears for fully
automatic fill-flash; both disappear
for Standard TTL Flash
Chapter 3
TTL Auto Flash HMode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users
Set Up and Practice
Some operations can be controlled automatically when the
camera is used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest
D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU. In other cases,
operate manually.
The following instructions describe a situation where you
are using either a D-type Nikkor to operate 3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash, or an AF Nikkor (except for F3AF) or AI-
P lens to operate Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash. With
other lenses, Center-Weighted or Spot Fill-Flash will be per-
formed.
Automatic aperture/zoom-head adjustment:
AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or
Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU
The aperture and zoom-head position in use are auto-
matically set and indicated in the SB-26’s LCD panel.
For other lenses, set manually according to the
shooting situation. See “Setting Aperture Value
(Manual Adjustment),”pages 28 and 29, and “Setting
Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment),”pages 29
and 30.
Before proceeding:
EATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA.
ETURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA.
EUSE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S) OR MANUAL
FOCUS (M).
EUSE SINGLE-FRAME SHOOTING (S) FILM ADVANCE
MODE.
Remote TTL Auto Flash operation
The optional SC-17 cord enables you to use the SB-26
off-camera.
When performing 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-
Flash, remote operation of the SB-26 works properly
only if the SB-26 is placed at a distance and angle
similar to the camera-to-subject distance/angle.
For other situations, switch to a flash method other
than 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash.
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3938
Confirming Settings
9 Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button.
Use AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) on the camera to capture
exact exposure information for your picture composition
(except when in manual exposure mode).
Confirm controlled aperture and shutter speed. These also
appear in the camera’s LCD panel.
The aperture in use (shown in the viewfinder) and shooting
distance indicator bars /appear in the SB-26’s LCD
panel. Over-/Underexposure warning (background
exposure)
For overexposure alert, HI or a “+ (positive)”value
appears in the camera’s viewfinder and LCD panel.
For underexposure, electronic analog displays (in
viewfinder and LCD panel) show Lo or a “– (negative)”
value.
Chapter 3
TTL Auto Flash HMode: For F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 Users
If Wide-Area focus is set on the camera, it automati-
cally switches over to Spot Area focus when the
SB-26 is turned on. In this case, blinks in the LCD
panel, and appears inside the viewfinder.
Setting Up Your Camera
6 Select one of the following exposure modes:
a. Programmed auto (P or Ps)
b. Shutter-priority auto (S)
c. Aperture-priority auto (A)
d. Manual exposure mode (M)
7 Select a metering system:
a. Matrix metering system
b. Center-Weighted metering system
c. Spot metering system
8 Perform other settings:
a. For programmed auto, set lens to minimum aperture
(highest f-number).
b. For shutter-priority auto, set lens to minimum aper-
ture (highest f-number), then set desired shutter
speed*.
c. For aperture-priority auto, set desired aperture.
d. For manual exposure mode, set desired shutter
speed* and aperture.
* Camera automatically shifts to the fastest synchronization speed if you choose
a speed that is not within the synchronization range.
Selecting an exposure-metering system on the F5, F90X/
N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 camera
For 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced or Multi-Sensor Balanced
Fill-Flash, choose a meter to measure background expo-
sure that most effectively meets the photo requirements
you with to achieve. (With F5, Standard TTL Flash will
always performs when Spot Metering is selected.)
Quick reference on the relationship between usable
apertures and flash shooting distance
Use the table on page 146 in this instruction manual.
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