Nikon SB-28 User manual

Instruction Manual E
SB-28
Autofocus Speedlight
En

Congratulations. You are now the proud owner of the Nikon
Autofocus Speedlight SB-28, a flash unit offering sleek new styling
and simple push-button operation. When used with Nikon SLR
cameras, the SB-28’s extensive capabilities range from 3D Multi-
Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, today’s most advanced flash
technology, to full manual operation.
To get the most out of your new flash unit, please read this manual
before use.
WARNING—To avoid injury
• Do not fire the flash directly into a person’s eyes at close
range as this may damage the retina, leading to partial or
complete blindness.
• Avoid touching the front of the flash head while using the
SB-28. The flash head generates significant heat during
normal operation, which could cause burns.
• Do not expose the SB-28 to water as this may result in
electric shock or cause the unit to catch on fire.
Determine which group your camera belongs to.
In this manual, Nikon SLR cameras are divided into seven 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-28 with your particular camera.
Please open the front fold-out page for easy reference.
Foreword
2

3
1Sold exclusively in the USA.
2
F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70 cannot perform FP High-Speed Flash Sync.
3Center-Weighted Fill-Flash is not possible.
4Sold exclusively in the USA and Canada.
5An optional sync cord for land use is required.
*For cameras such as the Nikon F or Nikon F2, refer to Group VII. TTL Auto Flash mode cannot
be performed with cameras in this group. If flash is fired with the tindicator appeared on
the LCD panel, the flash fires at full output.
For details on the SB-28’s available TTL Auto Flash operations,
see the separate Quick Reference sheet.
Camera groups and available flash modes
Ⅰ Ⅱ Ⅲ Ⅳ Ⅴ Ⅵ Ⅶ
P.26-30
Group
Camera
name
Flash
operation
F-501/
N2020 4
F-401s/
N4004s1
F-401/
N40041
F-301/
N20004
F5
F100
F90X/N90s
1
F90-Series/
N90
1
F80-Series/
N80-Series
1,2, 3
F70-Series/
N701,2
F4-Series
F65-Series/
N65-Series1,3
F-801s/
N8008s1
F-801/
N80081
Pronea 600 i/
6i
1,3
F-601/
N60061
F-601M/
N60001
F60- Series/
N601
F50- Series/
N501
F-401x/
N50051
FM3A
FA
FE2
FG
NikonosV5
F3-Series6
New FM2
FM10
FE10
: Available : Not available
3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced
Fill-Flash 7
Multi-Sensor
Balanced
Fill-Flash 7
Matrix
Balanced
Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash/Spot
Fill-Flash
Standard
TTL Flash
Programmed
TTL AutoFlash
Non-TTL
Auto Flash
Manual Flash
FP High-Speed
Flash Sync
Repeating
Flash
P.26-30
P.31-32 P.33-34 P.35-37
P.46-51
P.52-55
P.49-51
P.42-43
P.38-39
T
T
L
M
P.26-30 P.31-32 P.33-34 P.40-41
A
*
6Optional flash Unit coupler AS-4 or AS-7 is required. With AS-17, Standard
TTL flash (p. 40-41) is possible, but not Repeating flash.
73D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash are generally referred to as Automatic
Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor.

4
* Because the European version of the SB-28 comes with a different shaped connector, Nikon
DC Units SD-7, SD-8 and the Power Bracket Unit SK-6 are not compatible.
Speedlight parts
Built-in bounce card (P.61)
Built-in wide flash adapter (P.21)
Mounting foot
locking wheel (P.14)
Mount pin (P.14)
For cameras featuring
a safety lock system.
Hot-shoe contacts (P.14)
Mounting foot (P.14)
Flash head (P.13)
Red-eye reduction lamp (P.76)
Light sensor for Non-TTL
Auto Flash operation (P.42)
AF assist illuminator LED (P.81)
Flash head tilting/rotating
lock release button (P.13)
Battery chamber lid (P.12)
External power source
terminal (P.85)
External power source
terminal (for European
market)* (P.85)
Tilting angle scale (P.60)
Rotating angle scale (P.60)
Terminal cover
TTL multiple flash terminal (P.66)
Sync/multiple flash terminal (P.70)
LCD panel (P.5)
Control buttons (P.10)
Ready-light (P.16)

All LCD (liquid crystal display) figures and marks do not appear at
the same time. They are shown together here for ease of explanation.
1Flash mode indicator (P.22)
tØAutomatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL
Multi-Sensor
tø Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash,
Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash
tStandard TTL Flash
ƒManual Flash (P.46)
%FP High-Speed Flash sync (P.49)
"Repeating Flash (P.52)
˙Non-TTL Auto Flash (P.42)
2Film speed (ISO)/number of repeating flashes per
frame/frequency indicators (P.18 / P.52)
3Flash shooting range indicator bars (P.13)
Notes on LCDs
• Because LCDs are difficult to read when viewed from the side, you should look at
the LCD panel directly.
• LCDs are temperature sensitive and may turn black at high temperatures (approx.
60°C or 140°F). They clear up when the temperature returns to normal (20°C or
68°F).
• In cold temperatures (approx. 5°C or 41°F and below), the LCDs’ response time
slows down. This is typical of LCDs and no cause for concern. LCDs will function
properly once the temperature returns to normal (20°C or 68°F).
NOTE
Using the SB-28 in dim light
Press the .button to turn the illuminator on. Press the button again to turn it off. The illuminator
turns off automatically after approx. 16 sec. when the SB-28 is not in use.
LCD panel indications
4Red-eye reduction indicator (P.76)
5Zoom-head position indicator (P.19)
6Flash output level indicator (P.50)
7Exposure compensation indicator (P.72)
8Underexposure indicator (P.28)
9Exposure compensation/underexposure value
(P.72 / P.28)
10 Flash shooting distance scale (m: meter) (P.13)
11 Flash shooting distance scale (ft: feet) (P.13)
12 Standby mode indicator (P.15)
13 AF assist illuminator LED canceled indicator (P.82)
14 Aperture indicator (P.42)
1
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
5

6
Take some test shots.
Before taking important flash photographs, take some test shots to
ascertain the SB-28 is working as desired in the mode(s) you have
selected.
Use only Nikon-approved equipment.
The SB-28 is designed for use with Nikon cameras, lenses, and
accessories.
—Using cameras or accessories other than those specified by Nikon may damage
the SB-28.
—Nikon cannot be held responsible for malfunctions caused by using the SB-28 in
ways not specified in this manual, or using the SB-28 with a camera made by
another manufacturer.
Tips on using this manual

7
• This instruction manual consists of the main manual plus a
separate Quick Reference sheet. The Quick Reference sheet
provides an overview of the SB-28’s capabilities and features,
while the main manual supplies detailed information on all
aspects of the SB-28.
• Because explanations in this manual are based on the operation
of the SB-28 only, please consult the instruction manual provided
with your camera for specific information on its use.
Notices used in this manual
Denotes important points where caution is required.
NOTE Denotes a useful point that should be remembered for
future reference.
Determine what type of Nikkor lenses you are using.
Nikkor lenses are divided into two groups unless otherwise noted.
* CPU (Central Processing Unit) acts as an on-board computer.
** IX Nikkor lenses are designed for use with the Nikon Advanced Photo System (IX240) format
SLR camera body only and cannot be used with 35mm SLR cameras.
***Except AF Nikkor lenses for the F3AF
About this manual
• AI-S-type or AI-type Nikkor lenses
• Nikon Series E lenses
• AI-modified Nikkor lenses and others
Nikkor lenses
with a built-in CPU*
• D- or G-type Nikkor lenses
• IX Nikkor lenses**
• Non-D/G-type AF Nikkor lenses***
• AI-P-type Nikkor lenses
Nikkor lenses
without a built-in CPU*

Foreword ········································································································2
Camera groups and available flash modes ··················································3
Speedlight parts ····························································································4
LCD panel indications ··················································································5
Tips on using this manual ··············································································6
About this manual ··························································································7
Using control buttons ··················································································10
Getting started ······················································································11
Loading batteries ························································································12
Adjusting the flash head / Selecting the distance scale ····························13
Attaching the SB-28 to the camera ····························································14
Turning the SB-28 on and off / Standby function ········································15
The ready-light ····························································································16
Test firing ····································································································17
Setting the ISO film speed ··········································································18
Adjusting the zoom-head position ························································19-20
Setting the built-in wide flash adapter ························································21
Selecting a flash mode ················································································22
Basic operation ····················································································23
tflash modes ····················································································24-25
TTL Auto Flash tMode (For cameras in Group I)······························26-30
TTL Auto Flash tMode (For cameras in Group II) ····························31-32
TTL Auto Flash tMode (For cameras in Group III)····························33-34
TTL Auto Flash tMode (For cameras in Group IV) ··························35-37
TTL Auto Flash tMode (For cameras in Group V) ····························38-39
TTL Auto Flash tMode (For cameras in Group VI) ··························40-41
Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙Mode (For cameras in all groups) ··················42-43
Contents
8

9
Advanced operation············································································45
Manual Flash ƒMode
(For cameras in all groups) ································································46-51
Repeating Flash "Mode ······································································52-55
Guide Numbers for determining correct aperture in ƒ
and "flash modes ············································································56-57
Bounce flash operation ··········································································58-61
Close-up flash operation in TTL Auto Flash tMode ························62-64
Multiple flash operation in tand ƒflash modes ····························65-70
Exposure compensation in flash photography
(For cameras in all groups) ································································71-75
Red-eye reduction control (For cameras in Group I [except F5]
and Pronea 600i/6i) ··················································································76
Rear-curtain flash sync ··········································································77-78
Additional information ······································································79
Checking the correct exposure (For cameras in all groups) ······················80
Autofocus flash operation in dim light
(For autofocus cameras only) ····························································81-82
Optional accessories ··············································································83-85
Tips on Speedlight care ··············································································86
Notes on batteries ··················································································87-88
Troubleshooting ······················································································89-90
Specifications ························································································91-95

10
By pressing a single button, you can activate frequently used
functions. When two buttons are pressed simultaneously, you
can activate functions which are not necessary to set each time.
For easy reference, refer to the chart on the back of the built-in
bounce card.
One-button operations
'To adjust the zoom-head position (P.19-20)
µTo set the flash mode (P.22)
[To select and set various functions and values
{To increase values
}To decrease values
~To test fire the flash (P.17)
.To illuminate the LCD panel (P.5)
=To turn power on and off (P.15)
Two-button operations
'+{To set or cancel automatic zoom-head adjustment (Buttons must be
pressed for 2 sec.) (P.19-20)
'+[To readjust the zoom-head position, if built-in wide flash adapter is
broken off accidentally (P.21)
µ+}To turn the AF assist illuminator LED on or off (P.81-82)
µ+=To cancel or set the standby function (Buttons must be pushed after
the flash is turned off.) (P.15)
.+=To select the distance scale (meters or feet) (P.13)
(Buttons must be pushed after the flash is turned off.)
Using control buttons
M ZOOM ONLY
NO AF ILL
ON/STBY
(m) /(ft)
FLASH
ZOOM MODE SEL
ON/OFF
+
-

11
Getting started
Becoming familiar with the SB-28
Before starting to take flash pictures, you should familiarize
yourself with various settings and adjustments of the SB-28,
regardless of which Nikon SLR camera you are using.

Four penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types
may be used:
• AA-type alkaline-manganese (1.5V)
• AA-type lithium (1.5V)
• AA-type NiCd (rechargeable) (1.2V)
• AA-type Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable) (1.2V)
NOTE :AA-type high-power manganese batteries are not recommended
for use with the SB-28.
—See pages 87-88, Notes on batteries.
1Open the battery chamber lid.
2Install four penlight batteries following the + and – symbols
inside the chamber. Close the battery chamber lid.
• Various optional external power source DC Units are available for use with
the SB-28. See page 85, Using an external power source.
Do not mix battery types or brands, or use old with new batteries.
12
Loading batteries

Adjusting the flash head
Hold down the flash head tilting/rotating lock release button while
adjusting the flash head to the horizontal/front position.
• The flash head tilts/rotates from the
horizontal/front position to:
90° (up)
–7° (down)
180° (left)
90° (right)
• The flash head has click stops at 30°, 60°
and 90° (to the right), 30°, 60°, 90° 120°,
150° and 180° (to the left), –7° (down), and
45°, 60°, 75° and 90° (up).
• When the =button is pressed for approx. 0.5 sec. after adjusting
the flash head to the horizontal/front position, the power turns on and the
flash shooting range indicator bars _appear on the LCD panel. They do
not appear if the flash head is adjusted to a position other than the
horizontal/front position.
• The indicator bars _blink when the flash head is tilted down to –7°.
Selecting the distance scale (meters/feet)
Set the distance scale on the LCD panel to either meters (m) or feet (ft).
1Press the =button for approx. 0.5 sec. to turn the SB-28 off.
2Hold down the .button as you press the =button.
—To return to the former setting, repeat steps 1 and 2.
m (meters) display
ft (feet) display
• The SB-28 is preset to meters (m) when the SB-28 is shipped from the factory.
NOTE
Although meters (m) and feet (ft) appear together in this manual
for ease of explanation, they do not appear simultaneously on the
SB-28’s LCD panel. 13
Adjusting the flash head / Selecting the distance scale

14
When attaching the SB-28 to your camera, make sure both units are
turned off to avoid accidentally firing the flash.
1Loosen the SB-28's mounting foot locking wheel and slide the
SB-28 into the camera’s accessory shoe.
2Tighten the locking wheel.
With cameras equipped with a safety lock system, the mount pin is automatically
inserted into the locking hole in the camera’s accessory shoe to secure the SB-28.
Detaching the SB-28
• To detach the SB-28, loosen the mounting foot locking wheel all the
way. If the wheel doesn’t loosen easily, push the foot forward gently
in the direction of the white arrow and try loosening the wheel again.
Attaching the SB-28 to the camera

Turning power on and off
To turn the SB-28 on and off, depress and hold the =button for
approx. 0.5 sec.
Standby function
If both the SB-28 and camera are not used for after approx. 80 seconds,
the SB-28 shuts off automatically to conserve battery power. This is called
the standby function.
Canceling and setting the standby function
1Press the =button for approx. 0.5 sec. to turn the SB-28 off.
2Hold down the µbutton as you press the =button.
—The SB-28’s standby mode indicator :on the LCD panel appears when
the function is set and disappears when it is not set. Perform steps 1 and 2 to
cancel it or reset it.
• The standby function is preset when the SB-28 is shipped from the factory.
(Check that the standby mode indicator :appears on the LCD panel
when the SB-28 is turned on.)
When carrying the SB-28 in your camera bag with the standby
function set, make sure to turn off the flash unit to avoid accidental
battery drain.
To turn the SB-28 on again after it enters the standby mode,
you can:
• Lightly press the shutter release button (except cameras in Group VII).
• Press the ~button on the SB-28.
• Press the SB-28’s =button.
15
Turning the SB-28 on and off / Standby function

After the SB-28 is turned on, the ready-light lights up as soon
as the SB-28 is recycled and ready to fire.
—Make sure the ready-light lights up before taking the picture.
The ready-light blinks when the flash fires at maximum output.
In TTL Auto Flash tor Non-TTL Auto Flash ˙mode, if the ready-lights
on the SB-28 and inside the camera’s viewfinder blink for approx. 3
seconds after the picture is taken, the flash has fired at its maximum
output, indicating that light may have been insufficient for correct exposure.
• In that case, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject before taking any
more pictures.
Replace batteries.
• Replace alkaline-manganese batteries if the ready-light takes more
than 30 seconds to light up. Replace lithium batteries if the ready-
light takes more than 10 seconds to light up. See page 87-88,
Notes on batteries.
• Recharge NiCd or Ni-MH batteries if the ready-light takes more
than 10 seconds to come on.
• When exhausted batteries are used in the SB-28, the zoom-head
position adjustment may be activated repeatedly, producing sound
inside the unit, even when the power is turned off.
16
The ready-light

You can perform simple test firing by pressing the ~button to
ensure that the SB-28 is working properly.
1Press the =button to turn the SB-28 on.
2After the ready-light comes on, press the ~button to fire
the SB-28.
NOTE
If the SB-28 enters the standby mode, press the ~button once
to turn the flash back on, then press the ~button again to test-fire
the unit.
17
Test firing

Cameras in Groups I and II
The ISO film speed is automatically set and indicated on the SB-28’s
LCD panel.
• The usable film speed in TTL Auto Flash tmode is ISO 25 to 1000.
Cameras in Groups III through VII
Set the ISO film speed manually in this manner:
1Turn the SB-28 off.
2Turn it on again. The film speed starts blinking.
3Press the {or }button to increase or decrease the
film speed.
—Press the [button to stop the film speed from blinking.
• The film speed indicator blinks during adjustment and stops after 8 seconds
unless the [button is pressed. The last blinking number is the one
automatically set.
• The following ISO film speeds can be used in TTL Auto Flash tmode :
ISO 25 to 1000 for cameras in Groups III and IV, plus F-501/N2020 and
F-301/N2000 cameras.
ISO 25 to ISO 400 for cameras in Group VI, plus F-401s/N4004s and
F-401/N4004 cameras.
18
Setting the ISO film speed

The SB-28 has six zoom-head position settings: 24mm, 28mm,
35mm, 50mm, 70mm and 85mm. (The zoom head is set to either
18mm or 20mm when the built-in wide flash adapter is used.)
Cameras in Groups I and II with Nikkor lenses with a
built-in CPU
1The zoom head is automatically adjusted.
• Automatic zoom-head positioning is not possible if a small M appears above
the ZOOM on the LCD panel. Press the 'button several times until the
M disappears.
2After automatic adjustment, make sure the zoom-head position
on the LCD panel matches the focal length of the lens in use.
—With a zoom lens, the zoom head automatically adjusts within the range of
24mm to 85mm. When the focal length exceeds the SB-28's available range,
the zoom-head adjusts to the closest wideangle or telephoto setting of the
lens in use.
19
Adjusting the zoom-head position

Adjusting the zoom-head position
20
NOTE
To cancel automatic zoom-head positioning and set the position
manually:
1Press the 'and {buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec.
until the small M above ZOOM starts blinking.
Then press the 'button and set the desired zoom-head
position manually.
2The zoom-head position indicator changes every time you press the
'button:
24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm
Once set manually, the zoom-head position is locked and does not
change even when the power is turned off and on again or the lens
is changed.
—To resume automatic zoom-head position adjustment, press the '
and {buttons simultaneously for approx. 2 sec. until the small M above
ZOOM disappears.
Other camera/lens combinations
Press the 'button and adjust the zoom-head position manually to
match the focal length of the lens in use.
• The indicator changes each time you press the 'button:
24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm 85mm
When set manually, a small M appears above the ZOOM on the LCD panel.
—When using a Zoom-Nikkor lens, set the zoom-head position on the SB-28 to
correspond to the shortest focal length of the lens (for example, select the 28mm
setting when using a Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm lens). Then, the flash will cover all the
focal lengths.