Nikon SB-5000 User manual

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© 2015 Nikon Corporation 8MSA8511-01
TT6B01(11)
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SB-5000
Speedlight
En
Reference Manual
En-01

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Preparation
About the SB-5000 and This
Reference Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-5000. To get the most
out of your Speedlight, please read the user’s manual and the reference
manual (this manual) thoroughly before use.
How to find what you are looking for
iTable of contents (0A-12)
You can search by item, such as operation method, flash mode or function.
iQ&A index (0A-9)
You can search according to objective without knowing the specific name
or term of an item.
iIndex (0H-31)
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-16 – A-19).
SB-5000
Model Name: N1502

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About the SB-5000
The SB-5000 is a high-performance Speedlight compatible with Nikon
Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of 34.5/113 (ISO 100,
m/ft) (at the 35 mm zoom head position in Nikon FX format with standard
illumination pattern). In addition to conventional optical control, radio
control is possible in wireless multiple flash-unit photography.
CLS-compatible cameras
Nikon digital SLR (Nikon FX/DX format) cameras (except
D1 series and D100), F6, CLS-compatible COOLPIX
cameras (0G-1)
About this reference manual
This manual has been compiled with the assumption that the
SB-5000 will be used in combination with a camera compatible
with CLS and a CPU lens (0A-3).To get the most out of your
Speedlight, please read the user’s manual and the reference manual (this
manual) thoroughly before use.
• For use with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras, see “For Use with Non-
CLS-compatible SLR Cameras”(0F-1).
• For use with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras (P5100, P5000, E8800,
E8700, E8400), see “For Use with COOLPIX Cameras”(0G-1).
• For details about camera functions and settings, see the camera user’s
manual.
• Illustrations and monitor content shown in this manual may differ from
the actual product.

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Icons used in this manual
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
tTips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses
CPU lenses have CPU contacts.
CPU contacts
• The SB-5000 cannot be used with IX-Nikkor
lenses.
tA collection of example photos
“A collection of example photos”provides an overview of the SB-5000’s
flash photography capabilities with example images. To download the PDF
file of “A collection of example photos”, access the link below.
http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/

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Terminology
■Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
A lighting system that enables various flash photography functions with
improved communication between Nikon Speedlights and cameras
■Unified flash control
A function that enables flash function settings to be shared by the
Speedlight and the camera
■i-TTL mode
Flash mode in which the Speedlight fires monitor pre-flashes and the
camera measures the reflected light and controls the Speedlight flash
output
i-TTL balanced fill-flash
i-TTL mode type in which flash output level is adjusted to well-
balanced exposure of the main subject and background
Standard i-TTL
i-TTL mode type in which flash output level is adjusted to the correct
exposure of the main subject regardless of background brightness
■Manual flash mode
Flash mode in which the flash output level and aperture are manually set
to obtain the desired exposure

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■Auto aperture flash mode
Non-TTL auto flash mode with aperture priority; the Speedlight measures
the reflected flash and controls the flash output according to the reflected
flash data and the lens and camera information
■Non-TTL auto flash mode
Auto flash mode without TTL; the Speedlight measures the reflected flash
and controls the flash output according to the reflected flash data
■Distance-priority manual flash mode
Manual flash mode with distance priority; the flash-to-subject distance is
set and the Speedlight flash output level is adjusted in accordance with
the camera settings
■Repeating flash mode
Flash mode in which the Speedlight fires repeatedly during a single
exposure to create stroboscopic multiple effects
■Wireless multiple flash-unit photography
Flash photography with multiple wireless flash units simultaneously firing
Radio control
A type of control for multiple flash units using radio signals
Optical control
A type of control for multiple flash units using an optical pulse
Master flash unit
The flash unit attached to a camera in multiple flash-unit photography
Remote flash unit
A flash unit that fires following commands from the master flash unit
or camera

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Advanced Wireless Lighting
Wireless multiple flash-unit photography with CLS; multiple remote
flash unit groups can be controlled with the master flash unit.
Quick wireless control
Wireless multiple flash-unit photography in which the flash output
level ratios of 2 remote flash unit groups (A and B) can be easily
balanced
Direct remote wireless multiple flash-unit photography
Wireless multiple flash-unit photography suited to taking pictures of
a fast-moving subjects; the master and remote flash units fire almost
simultaneously because the master flash unit does not emit monitor
pre-flashes.
Link mode
Enables selection of communication type between Nikon Speedlight
and camera. Available selections are pairing and PIN code.
Pairing
Speedlight and a camera paired beforehand communicate.
PIN code
Speedlight and a camera with the same 4-digit PIN code
communicate.

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■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
■Effective flash output distance
Flash-to-subject distance with correctly adjusted flash output
■Effective flash output distance range
Range of effective flash output distance
■Zoom head position
Position of a Speedlight zoom head; the angle of coverage changes as the
zoom head position changes.
■Flash exposure compensation
Intentional flash output change to obtain the desired subject brightness
■Default settings
Function and mode settings at the time of purchase
■Illumination patterns
Control types of light falloff at edges; the SB-5000 provides 3 illumination
patterns, standard, even and center-weighted.
■Test firing
Flash firing to determine whether the Speedlight fires properly
■Modeling illumination
Repeated flash firings at a reduced flash output level to check the glare
and shadows cast on a subject

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■FX format/DX format
Nikon digital SLR camera image area types (FX format: 36 × 24, DX format:
24 × 16)
■Guide number (GN)
The amount of light generated by a flash unit; as the number increases,
the light extends further. There is a relation represented by an equation,
GN = flash-to-subject distance (m or ft) × aperture f-number (ISO 100).
■Step
A unit of the shutter speed or aperture change; a change of 1 step halves/
doubles the amount of light entering the camera
■EV (Exposure Value)
Each increment of 1 in exposure value corresponds to a 1-step change in
exposure, which is made by halving/doubling shutter speed or aperture.
An aperture of f/1.4 and a shutter speed of 1 second correspond to EV 1
which provides correct exposure or proper brightness of the subject. As
the exposure value increases, the exposure of the film or imaging device
increases.
■Front-curtain sync/rear-curtain sync
In front-curtain sync, the flash fires immediately after the front curtain
is fully open; the subject frozen by the flash appears behind the blurred
movement. In rear-curtain sync, the flash fires moments before the rear
curtain starts to close; the blur of a moving subject appears behind the
subject and not in front, creating natural pictures.

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Q&A Index
You can search for specific explanations according to objective.
Flash photography 1
Using the SB-5000 attached to a camera’s accessory shoe
Question Key phrase 0
Which ash mode can I take pictures with? Flash modes C-1
How can I take pictures in the simplest way? Basic operations B-16
How can I change the ash mode? Changing the ash mode B-22
How can I conrm the amount of underexposure
due to insucient ash output in i-TTL mode?
Amount of
underexposure due to
insucient ash output
C-4
How can I adjust the zoom head position? Power zoom function E-22
How can I adjust the zoom head position
automatically to match the lens focal length? Power zoom function E-22
How can I adjust the aperture? Non-TTL auto ash mode C-11
How can I adjust the ash output level? Manual ash mode C-5
How can I take formal group shots? Illumination pattern: Even E-2
How can I take portrait photos emphasizing the
main subject?
Illumination pattern:
Center-weighted E-2
How can I take pictures with soft shadows cast
on a wall? Bounce ash operation E-4
How can I take brighter (or darker) pictures of
the subject?
Flash exposure
compensation E-20
How can I conrm lighting conditions? Modeling illumination E-27
How can I take pictures under uorescent light
and incandescent light and balance the lights’
color eects?
Color compensation
lters E-14
How can I take pictures adding specic color to
the light of the Speedlight? Color lters E-14

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Question Key phrase 0
How can I use autofocus in dim lighting? AF-assist illumination E-24
How can I use the SB-5000 with high shutter
speed? Auto FP high-speed sync E-31
How can I take pictures of both the subject and
background at night? Slow sync E-32
How can I take pictures without the subject’s
eyes appearing red? Red-eye reduction E-32
How can I take pictures of a moving subject with
stroboscopic multiple-exposure eects? Repeating ash mode C-18
How can I use the SB-5000 with a non-CLS-
compatible SLR camera?
Non-CLS-compatible SLR
camera F-1
How can I use the SB-5000 with a COOLPIX
camera? COOLPIX camera G-1
Flash photography 2
Using the wireless SB-5000
Question Key phrase 0
How do I take pictures using multiple ash units? Wireless multiple ash-
unit photography D-1
How do I take pictures with the SB-5000 in
wireless multiple ash-unit photography by
setting the ash functions on a camera?
Wireless multiple ash-
unit photography D-1
How do I take pictures of a fast-moving subject
using wireless multiple ash-unit photography?
Direct remote wireless
multiple ash-unit
photography
D-35
How do I take pictures with the SB-5000 and
a COOLPIX camera compatible with wireless
multiple ash-unit photography?
CLS-compatible COOLPIX
camera G-1
How can I use the SB-5000 as the master ash
unit? Master ash unit D-9
How can I use the SB-5000 as a remote ash
unit? Remote ash unit D-11

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Settings and operations
Question Key phrase 0
What kind of batteries do I use in the Speedlight? Compatible batteries B-17
How long is the recycling time and how many
ashes are possible with each fresh set of
batteries?
Minimum number of
ashes/recycling time for
each battery type
H-23
How can I change the function settings? Menu settings B-24
How can I reset various settings? Two-button reset B-13
How can I lock the dial and buttons of the
Speedlight to prevent accidental use? Key lock B-10
How can I adjust the standby activation lead
time? Menu settings B-24
How can I conrm the version of rmware? Menu settings B-24
How can I update the Speedlight rmware? Firmware update H-11

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About the SB-5000 and This Reference Manual...................................A-1
Q&A Index....................................................................................................................A-9
For Your Safety........................................................................................................A-16
Wireless Regulation Data.................................................................................A-20
Check before Use.................................................................................................A-22
Operation
Speedlight Parts....................................................................................................... B-1
Settings and the LCD............................................................................................ B-5
Menu....................................................................................................................... B-11
Unified Flash Control ......................................................................................... B-14
Basic Operations................................................................................................... B-16
Menu Items and Settings................................................................................ B-24
Flash Modes
i-TTL Mode...................................................................................................................C-2
Manual Flash Mode ...............................................................................................C-5
Auto Aperture Flash Mode................................................................................C-8
Non-TTL Auto Flash Mode..............................................................................C-11
Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode.....................................................C-15
Repeating Flash Mode......................................................................................C-18
Table of Contents
A
B
C

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Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography
SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography
Examples............................................................................................................. D-1
SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Using
Radio Control .................................................................................................. D-4
SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Using
Optical Control ................................................................................................ D-5
SB-5000 Functions for Wireless Multiple Flash-unit
Photography .................................................................................................... D-7
Setting the Master Flash Unit......................................................................... D-9
Setting a Remote Flash Unit..........................................................................D-11
Preparation for Photography .......................................................................D-12
Advanced Wireless Lighting..........................................................................D-19
Direct Remote Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography..........D-35
Setting up Remote Flash Units....................................................................D-39
Using Optical Control and Radio Control Concurrently..............D-43
Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit
Photography...................................................................................................D-45
D

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Functions
Switching Illumination Patterns..................................................................... E-2
Bounce Flash Operation ..................................................................................... E-4
Taking Close-up Photographs.......................................................................E-11
Flash Photography with Color Filters........................................................E-14
Flash Photography Support Functions....................................................E-20
• Flash exposure compensation.............................................................E-20
• Power zoom function................................................................................E-22
• AF-assist illumination.................................................................................E-24
•Test firing............................................................................................................E-26
• Modeling illumination...............................................................................E-27
• Standby function..........................................................................................E-28
•Thermal cut-out.............................................................................................E-29
Functions to Be Set on the Camera...........................................................E-31
• Auto FP high-speed sync ........................................................................E-31
• Flash value lock (FV lock).........................................................................E-32
• Slow sync...........................................................................................................E-32
• Red-eye reduction.......................................................................................E-32
• Rear-curtain sync..........................................................................................E-33
For Use with Non-CLS-compatible SLR
Cameras.................................................................................................................F-1
For Use with COOLPIX Cameras.........................................G-1
F
G
E

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Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference
Information
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................... H-1
Guide Number, Aperture and Flash-to-subject Distance ............. H-6
Tips on Speedlight Care..................................................................................... H-7
Notes on Batteries ................................................................................................. H-9
About the LCD Panel..........................................................................................H-10
Updating Firmware.............................................................................................H-11
Optional Accessories..........................................................................................H-12
Specifications..........................................................................................................H-20
Index ............................................................................................................................H-31
H

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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.
"Keep dry. Do not immerse in or expose to water or rain. Failure to
observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

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"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 the instructions and use
compatible chargers only.
• 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.

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• 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.
"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.

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Notice for customers in Canada
CAN ICES-3B / NMB-3B
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.