Nikon SB-500 User manual

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User's Manual (with Warranty)
Speedlight
SB-500

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About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-500. To get the
most out of your Speedlight, please read this user’s manual thoroughly
before use.
How to find what you are looking for
iTable of contents (0A-10)
You can search by item, such as operation method, flash control mode
or function.
iQ&A index (0A-8)
You can search according to objective without knowing the specific
name or term of an item.
iIndex (0H-21)
You can search using the alphabetical index.
iTroubleshooting (0H-1)
This is handy when there is a problem with your Speedlight.
For your safety
Before using the Speedlight for the first time, read the safety
instructions in “For Your Safety.” (0A-13–A-17)

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Included items
Check that all items listed below are included with the SB-500. If any
items are missing, inform the store where the SB-500 was purchased
or the seller immediately.
❑Speedlight Stand AS-23 ❑User’s manual (this manual)
❑Soft Case SS-DC2 ❑Warranty card
SPEEDLIGHT SB-500
SB-500
Speedlight Stand
AS-23
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About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual
About the SB-500
The SB-500 is a light and compact Speedlight compatible with
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of
24/78.7 (ISO 100, m/ft). The SB-500 works as both a master
flash unit and a remote flash unit in wireless multiple flash-unit
photography. The SB-500’s LED light, which has a maximum output
level of approximately 100 lx at 1 m (3.3 ft), provides illumination for
photography and additional lighting for movie recording.
CLS-compatible cameras
Nikon digital SLR (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 combination with a camera compatible with CLS and a
CPU lens (0A-5). To get the most out of your Speedlight, please read
this user’s manual thoroughly before use.
• For use with COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL flash control
(P5100, P5000, E8800, E8700, E8400), see “For Use with COOLPIX
Cameras.” (0G-1)
• For camera functions and settings, see the camera user’s manual.

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vDescribes a point to which you should pay particular
attention in order to avoid Speedlight malfunctions or
mistakes.
tIncludes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier.
0Reference to other pages in this manual
Icons used in this manual
tTips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses
CPU lenses have CPU contacts.
• The SB-500 cannot be used with
IX-Nikkor lenses.
CPU contacts

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About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual
Terminology
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): a lighting system that
enables flash photography functions listed below with improved
communication between Nikon Speedlights and cameras
i-TTL flash control/Advanced Wireless Lighting/Modeling flash/
FV lock/Flash (LED Light) Color Information Communication/
Auto FP high-speed sync
Guide number (GN): the amount of light generated by a flash
unit; GN = flash-to-subject 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 monitor pre-flashes and the camera measures the reflected
light and controls the Speedlight flash output
Monitor pre-flashes: a series of flashes emitted for a very
short time before the actual firing that enables the camera to
measure the light reflected on a subject

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i-TTL balanced fill-flash: i-TTL flash control type in which flash
output level is adjusted to well-balanced exposure of the main
subject and background
Standard i-TTL flash: i-TTL flash control type in which flash
output level is adjusted to the correct exposure of the main
subject regardless of background brightness
Manual flash control: flash control 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 flash unit
Advanced Wireless Lighting: wireless multiple flash-unit
photography with CLS; multiple remote flash unit groups can
be controlled with the master flash unit

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Q&A Index
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
You can search for specific explanations according to objective.
Flash photography 1
Using the SB-500 mounted on a camera’s accessory shoe
Question Key phrase 0
Which flash control mode can I take
pictures with? Flash 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 can I use the SB-500 with a COOLPIX
camera? COOLPIX camera G-1

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B
C
D
E
F
G
H
LED light photography and movie recording
Using the LED light
Question Key phrase 0
What are the features of the LED light? LED light 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

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Table of Contents
APreparation
About the SB-500 and This User’s Manual........................ A-2
Q&A Index....................................................................... A-8
For Your Safety .............................................................. A-13
Check before Use .......................................................... A-18
BOperation
Speedlight Parts................................................................B-1
Notes on Continuous Use .................................................B-7
Basic Operations ..............................................................B-9
CFlash Control Modes
i-TTL Flash Control ........................................................... C-1
Manual Flash Control....................................................... C-3
DLED Light
Features of LED Light ....................................................... D-1
Using the LED Light ......................................................... D-3
EWireless 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 Flash-unit
Photography..............................................................E-10

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FFunctions
Bounce Flash Operation ....................................................F-2
Flash Photography Support Functions................................ 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
GFor Use with COOLPIX Cameras...................... G-1

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Table of Contents
HTips on Speedlight Care and Reference
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

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For Your Safety
To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or
others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before
using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those
who use the product will read them.
This icon marks warnings and information that should be read
before using this Nikon product to prevent possible injury.
WARNINGS
Turn off in the event of malfunction. Should you notice
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 performed only by qualified technicians. Should the
product break open as the result of a fall or other accident, take it
to a Nikon-authorized service representative for inspection, after
disconnecting the product from the camera and/or removing the
batteries.

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For Your Safety
Keep dry. Do not immerse in or expose to water or rain. Failure
to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.
Do not handle with wet hands. Failure to observe this
precaution could result in electric shock.
Do not use in the presence of flammable gas or dust. Use
of electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas or dust
could result in explosion or fire.
Keep out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution
could result in injury.
Do 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
warnings printed on or included with the batteries and observe
the following precautions:
• Do not combine old and new batteries or batteries of different
makes or types.
• Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
When recharging Ni-MH batteries, follow instructions and use
compatible chargers only.

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• Insert batteries in the correct orientation.
• Batteries may become hot if the flash is fired multiple times in
quick succession. When removing the batteries, take precaution
to avoid burns.
• Do not short or disassemble batteries or attempt to remove or
otherwise damage the battery insulation or casing.
• Do not expose to flame or excessive heat, immerse in or expose
to water, or subject to physical force.
• Do not transport or store with metal objects 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 clothing,
eyes or skin, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
• Dispose of used batteries in accord with local regulations. Prior
to disposal, insulate the terminals with tape. Fire, overheating or
rupture may result should metal objects come into contact with
the terminals.

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For Your Safety
Observe caution when using the flash
• Using a flash in close contact with the skin or other objects
could cause burns.
• Using the flash close to subject’s eyes could cause temporary
visual impairment. Stay at least 1 m (3.3 ft) from the subject
when using the flash.
• Do not aim the flash at the operator 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 subject.
• Do not aim the LED light at the operator of a motor vehicle.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

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Notice for Customers in Canada
CAN ICES-3 B / NMB-3 B
Notice for customers in Europe
This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic
equipment 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 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 charge of waste management.

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Check before Use
Tips on using the Speedlight
Take trial shots
Take trial shots before photographing important occasions such as
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 2 years.
Use your Speedlight with Nikon equipment
The Nikon Speedlight SB-500’s performance has been 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 an overview of the
SB-500’s flash photography capabilities with example images. To
download the PDF file, access the link below and choose “Speedlights”
from the “Digital SLR Cameras” category, then go to the “SB-500.”
http://nikonimglib.com/manual/

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Life-long learning
As part of Nikon’s “life-long learning” commitment to ongoing
product support and education, continually updated information is
available online at the following websites:
• For users in the United States:
http://www.nikonusa.com/
• 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 the URL below for contact information:
http://imaging.nikon.com/

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Operation
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SPEEDLIGHT SB-500
Speedlight Parts