Nikon Speedlight User manual

SYSTEM DIAGRAM
RINGLIGHT
UNI-I
SR1,
MACRO
RING
UN[-I-SM 1
510
VOLT
BATTERY
PACK
SD
3
5M
EXTENSION
CORDSE2 L
\

FOREWORD
The
versatile
Nikon Speedlightfeatures
a
I(odachrome
II (ASA 25) guide number of 46 (feet) and 14
(meters),
fastrecycling
anda built-in monitorcircuit
that delivers
constant
light output for every flash,
throughoutthe entirelife of a battery.Illumination
is evenover the entire wide 650 angleof coverage.
Flash
duration is 1/2000 second
- shortenough
to
freeze
extremely fast motion. Color temperatureis
60000K, sothe light produces
no biaswith daylight
film.And an extension
socketmakes
possible
multiple
flash
hookups
without theuse
of slaves.
More than just an electronicflashunit, the Nikon
Speedlight
isthecoreof aprofessional
lightingsystem
.
that lets
you choose
from among
four power
sources,
two ringlights
for close-up
work andotheraccessories
to meet
almost
any
photographic
lighting
requirement.
The standardunit is supplied
with main unit, Ni-Cd
batteries,
AC unit/charger,
bracket and synchcord.

CONTENTS
Flash
Photographywith BasicAssembly 5
6
8
8
0
0
I
I
2
2
Assemblingthe BasicUnit
InstallingtheNi-CdBatteries
Flash
Synchronization/Shutter
Speed-
ExposureDetermination I
I
I
I
I
I
GNAuto Nikkor 45mm
f12.8
TakingaFlashPhotograph
OpenFlashButton
ShortRangeandClose-UpLighting
RinglightSR-l
Macro
RinglightSM-l l5
l8
l8
l9
20
22
23
24
25
26
OtherPower
Sources
ACPower
Source
Recharging
theNi-CdBatteries
5lOV Battery
Pack
SD-3
D-Cell
Pack
SD-2
Characteristics
of Power
Sources
MultipleFlash
Accessories
I Features/Specifications
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
Frlm
Speed
I
ndex
Power
Switch
Guide Nurnber
Scale
for
GN Auto Nikkor
Neon Pilot Larnp
Open Flash
Button

WITH BASIC ASSEMBLY
Thebasic
speedlight
assembly
consists
of a
main
unit
SB-1,
bracket
SK-2,
synchro
cord SC-l and Ni-Cd
batteries
SN-1.
The
main
unit is
made
up of theflash
head
containing
a xenon flashtube behind a thick plastic
.ou., and
the knurled grip which houses
the Ni-Cd batteries.
Controls
aregrouped
on the flashheadwherethey
are
easy
to get at. The bracket
joins the speedlight
and
camera
in asingle,
solid
unit.
Synchro
Cord
SC-1
Ou
ick-Release
Catch
n(
Flash
Head
racket Clamp
Bracket
SK-2
Locking Screw Bottom Cap

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH BASIC ASSEMBLY - continued
Assembling the Basic Unit
First attach the camera to thebracketSK-2
by screw-
ingthe lockingscrew
ontheunderside
of thebracket
into thecamera's
tripodsocket.
The brackethas
threeholes
for attaching
a Nikon F
or Nikkormat camera,
Nikon F/F-36 Motor Drive
combination
or 2-l14" x 2-l14"SLR
asshown
below.
To removethe locking screwfor usein a different
hole. slide it toward the Nikon trademarkon the
protectivepad,
unscrew
and
remove.
For Nikon Motor Drivr: F 36
Fur
Nrkor F
u'r'l
\iLkorrr.rt
For CorcllessBattery Pack
for Motor Drive
F 3612114" scluareSLR

or storage,
simply
loosen
thelocking
screw
and
press
thequick-release
catch.
Note: The camera bracket and flash unit can be clipped
togetherfor compact storage
as
shown at right.
Lockirrg
Screw

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH BASIC ASSEMBLY - continued
lnstalling the Ni-Cd Batteries
A stackof rechargeable
Nickel-Cadmium
batteries
SN-l is supplied
with the Nikon Speedlight.
Fully
charged.
onestack
of batteries
isgood
for about
80
flashes.
Recycling
time is
4seconds
atfull charge
and
will decrease
graduallyto about6 seconds
after 50
flashes
andto 8 seconds
after
60flashes.
To installthe batteries,
remove
the bottom cap
from
thegrip andslide
the stack
into thebattery
chamber.
The stack is taperedto insure correct insertion.
Note: The batteries supplied with the speedlight are fully
charged. However, some loss of power may occur over a
period of time. even if the batteries are not used' After one
month, about 4 hours of charging
should restorethem to full
charge
(5 hours after 3 to 4 months). For details on recharg-
ingNi-Cd batteries
see
page19.
FIash Synchronization/
Shutter Speed
The Nikon Speedlight
synchronizes
with the shutter
ofthe
Nikon
Fatspeeds of 1/60second
orslowerand
withthe Nikkormatat 1
lI25 orslower.
To connect the speedlight
to the Nikon F, lift and
turn the synchro-selector
ring until the FX mark
appearsin the window (Photomic-series
findersmust
be removed
prior to thisstep).
<- B
Nikon F
Ni Cd tsatterles

connectthesynchro
socket
on thespeedlight
to the
flash
terminal
on theside
of thecumira
by means
of
the synchro
cord sc-l supplied
with the speedlight.
To connect
to the Nikkormat, plug thesynchro
cord
sc-l into the 6sx"
terminal
onthe
side
oi the
camera.
N
ikkormat

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY WITH BASIC ASSEMBLY- continued
Exposure Determination
The exposure
calculator disc helps you find the
f-number
for correct
exposure
atanyflash-to-subject
distance.Set the speed
of the film you are usrng
opposite
the triangular
index mark by turning the
disc. Then read off the f-number which appears
opposite
the distance.
There
aretwo indexmarks;
a white mark (B&W)for
black-and-white
film and a red one (COLOR) for
color.
Dots between
the numbers
on the film speed
scale
represent
intermediate
settings
suchas32, 40,
etc.The flash-to-subject
distance
scale
is markedin
bothfeetandmeters.
Forexample,
if color
film with a speed
of ASA25is
used,
12 feetappearsopposite
fl4. lf a black-and-
white
film with a speed
of ASA 125isused,9 feet
appearsopposite
f/16. .
GN Auto Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 lens
TheNikon Speedlight
Unit'sexposure
calculator
disc
also
hasa scale
for use
with theGN Auto Nikkor lens.
Thisingenious
lenshasbeen
designed
to providefully
automaticexposuredetermination in flash photo-
graphy.
Once
thelenshasbeen
set
for thefilm speed
and
speedlight
guide
number,
it automatically
changes
theaperturediaphragm
as
you focus:
there
isnoneed
toestimate
distances
andcalculate
apertures.
To find the guide
number
for a particularfilm/speed-
light combination,
set the film speed
opposite
the
triangular
index mark on the film speedscale.
The
guide
number
will appearopposite
thearrow
on the
guide
numberscale.
The
guide
numberscale
ismarked
inbothfeet
andmeters.
For additional
information,
consultthe instruction
booklet
whichcomes
with theGN Auto Nikkor lens.
F
lash-to-Su
bject
Distance Scale
F/number Scale
GuideNumber
Scale
for GN
Auto Nikkor
Film Speed Index
10

Theintermittent buzzyou hear
after the lamplights
up means
that the built-invortage
stabilizer
iJ
opirat-
ing
to maintain
constant
charge.
Compose,
focus
andpress
thecamera's
shutter
release
button. The speedlight
fires in perfect synchroniza_
tionwith thecamera's
shutter.
Openflashbutton
The
open
flash
button
is
used
for test
firing
and
for
discharging
theunit to "reform"
the
capac-itor
after
longperiods
of disuse.
It
the shutter
heldopenat
effects. etc.
Caution: The spcedlght
condition. If the unit is
sesston,
prcss thc open
srvitch
off the powcr.
is also
used
for firing with
the "B" setting
for strobe
should not be stored in a chiuqcd
still uhargcd
aftcr a picturc-tak*inr
llash button ro dischargc
it. thci
Neon Pilot Lamp
Open Flash Butto
Power Switch

SHORT.RANGE AND CLOSE-UP
LIGHTING
Ringlight SR-l
A compact, lightweight unit designed
to provide
shadowless
lightingfor short-range
work. With 65"
angle
of illumination, it fits any Nikkor lensfrom
35mm to 200mm. Recycling
time and numberof
flashes
are the same
asfor the main unit with the
different
powersources.
A switch
on top of the ring-
light
allows
it to be
used
atfullor ll4 output
depend-
ing on working distance.
The Nikon F synchro
set-
tings
are l/60 sec.or slower
with the FX synchro
selector
setting.
With the Nikkormat,shutter
speeds
of l/125sec.orslower
can
be
used.
Ringlight
4-Pin
Plug
Power Cord
Light-Output
Selector
Switch
':tffiF:' '.f':iafi, ,,
Synchro Cord

To usethe ringlight,
attach the camera
to the main
speedlight
unit andscrew
the ringlight
into thefront
of thelens
by turning
the knurledringin the center.
Thesynchro
cord should
bedisconnected
before
vou
dothis.
Connect
the4-pinplug at theend of thepower
cord
into the ringlight
socket
on theside
of theflash
head.
Plugthe synchro
cord into the synchroterminal
of
the Nikon F, or the X terminalof the Nikkormat.
Switch
on the powerswitch
on the backof theflash
Exposure Determination
For subjects
at distances
greater
than 0.6m (2 feet),
use the guide numbers
givenin the table below
Divide the guide number by the flash-to-subject
distance
to find thecorrect
aperture.
pondsto the measured
distance.
Nikon and Nikkor_
mat cameras
have
a film plane
indicator
whichshows
the
exact
position
of thefilm.

SHORT-RANGE AND CLOSE-I'JP
For example,
if the Nikkor Auto 50mm f/2 lens
is
used
with film of ASA 25 at distance
of 364mm
measured
from the film plane using the extension
ring
K-l, thetable
shows
f/11 as
the
correct
aperture.
The Exposure
Calculating
Diagram
isbased
on expo-
sure
indexes
for ASAspee
d 25 at l/4 reduced
power'
For combinations
other than ASA 25 film at Il4
output,use
thef-number
indicated
by the Exposu
Calculating
Diagram
and
add
orsubtract
the
exposure
factor indicated
in the tablebelow for the combi-
nation
inuse.
Note: Use the f-number engravedon the lens aperture ring.
not the effective number for closedistances
since the tablc
anddiagramaccommodatethe lensextension.
For subjects
closerthan 0.2m, use of the Macro Ringlight
Unit SM-1
is
recommended.
Exposure Factors for Film Speed(ASAI
AssLmedas
a standard
(-1) for the lrght
output 1/4 and the film speed
ASA 25
Film
speed
(ASA} =-'- t*toT
Light output FULL I Light output 1/4
25 1/4X (Decreasa
2 stopsl 1X
32 1/5.2X
(Decrease
2-113
stoPs) 1/1.3X
(Decrease
1/3
stopl
50 1/8X (Decrease
3 stops) 1/2X (Decreasa
I stopl
64 1/10.4X
(Decrease
3-1/3
stopsl 1/2.6X (Decreaso
l-l/3 stops,
100 1/16X(Decrease
4 stopsl 1/4X (Decrease
2 stoPsl
125 1/20.8X (Decrease
4-113stopsl 1/5.2X
(Decrease
2-113stoPs)
160 1125.6x
(Decrease
4'2l3 stoPs) 1/6.4X
(Decrease
2'213
stoPsl
1L
Exposure
Calculating
Diagram
(Subject
distance
= 20Omm-6O0mm)
f-nrrb"t-_-
ASA 25 Light
output 1/4
LfiG[-ITING
500
400
300
20c
(D
=
(D
o
o
3
f
o)
m
x
€
o
ul
C
o
f
(D

I
t
Macro Ringlight SM-l
The Macro Ringlight SM-l is identicalto the Ring-
light SR-l except that it is designed
for usewith
lensesfrom 24mmto l05mm for reproduction
ratios
greater
than l: l. Theringlight
hasa bayonet
mount
for attachment to a lensmountedin reverse
position
on a bellows
unit by means
of the BR-2MacroRing.
A built-in focusinglamp illuminates
precise
focusing,anda selector
switchlocatedon t
backof theringlight
allows
you to use the
unit atfull
outputor ll4 output.
Power Cord
\
l
I
Lens
Aperture Opening
Button Focusing Lamp
Synchro Cord

SHORT-RANGE AND CLOSE-UP LIGHTING continued
Switch
on the powerswitchon the main unit. The
neon
ready
lampwill light up whenthe unit isready
to fire.
Depressthe lens
aperture
opening
button ontheright
sideof theringlight.
This
opens
thelensdiaphragm
to
full aperture
and
lights
thefocusing
lamp.
To remove the ringlight, depress
the spring catch
on the ringlight
and turn it clockwise.
Note: The 510-volt power pack SD-3 cannot be used as a
power source for theringlightSM-1.
Extensionisnot possible.
Exposure Determination
The
exposure
calculating
diagrams
onpage
l7 are
used
to find thecorrect
aperture
for lensesfrom24mm to
the l05mm. The diagrams
arebased
on exposurein-
dexes
for ASA 25 film at full power
orfor ASA 100
film at ll4 power.
F-numbers
arecalculated
taking
intoaccount
the
lens
extension.
For example, if the lensused
is the Micro-Nikkor-P
Auto 55mmf/3.5 with ASA 25 film at distance
of
287mmfrom
the
film plane
atfull power,thediagram
gives
f/12asthecorrect
aperture.
For combinations
otherthan ASA 25 full power
or
100film at Il4 output,use
the f-number
indicated
by the diagramsand add or subtract
the exposure
factor
given
in tablebelow
for the
conrbination
in use.
Exposure Factorsfor Film Speeds
(ASA)
(Assumed
asa standard
(=1) for rhe lrghl oulput FULL and the f
'lm sped ASA 25)
Light-Output Selector
Switch
Film spad
(ASAI Fctor
Li*rt outputFULL LiCrt oulput 1/4
25 1X 4X (lncrro|. 2
nl/1.3x (D.crcd 1/3 3tool 3.2Xllncras l-1/3 nop3l
50 t/2X lDlcre.s I nopl 2X (lncrlE I rtool
g1/2.6X
lD.cr.s 1-113
tl.6X llncrr.r2l3elopl
r@ l/4x lD.crulr 2 rtoFl tx
126 1/5.2X (D.crora 2.1/3 noptt 1/1.3X
(Drcr.n l/3.
160 ll6.4X lDr,scg2-2132 1/1.6X (Dccraa 2/3 nop)
2(n 1/8X (Oscrrr. 3 nop3l 1/2X (D.cr.Gr I noo)
4{Xt l/t6x lD.6cE 4 l/4x lo.croD 2 rtoF)

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Exposure
Calcu
lating
Diagrams
NfKKOR
Auto24mmfl2.8
5.6 I 11
f-number
+
NIKKOR
Auto
35mm
f/2
NIKKORAuto 35mm
f/2.8
NIKKOR
Auto28mmf/3.5
56 I 11 16
f-number +
Micro-NIKKOR Auto
55mm f/3.5
NIKKOR Auto 50mm f/1.4
mm NIKKOR Auto 50mm f/2
350
tmm
o 35O
;
6 300
o
a
o^
zso
J
o
3
3 2oo
;
l
3150
t
(,fim
NIKKOR
Auto
1O5mmf/2.5
NIKKOR
Auto
85mm
f/1.8
11 16 22
f-number --)
o
o
o)
o
:'4OO
t
3
o 35O
O)
;
l
3
22
16
\\\\m
x
\o
atl
c
\\(D
)
o
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OT R POWER SOURCES
TheAC
unit/chargerSA-1,
whichcomes
asastandard
equipment,
adapts
the speedlight
to any standard
housecurrent
andcan be used
with or without the
Ni-Cdbatteries
in place. It hasan AC cord with a
standard
wall pluganda powersource
cord with the
Lpin plugfor connecting
the AC unit/charger
to the
ACsocket
onthemain
unit.
AC Socket
18
AC Unit/Charger
to ,'/ Power Cord

Before / using. check to
makesrire
thevoltage
selec-
tor is $et for the proper
voltage.
There
are100,I17,
)20 and 240-voltsettings.
Insert
asmallcoinintothe
slotand
turn it sothatthe
red indicator is opposite the propervoltage.
Before connecting the power, turn off the power
switch in order to prevent drain on the Ni-Cd bat-
teriesif they are left in place.
Plug the unit into an
AC source.The speedlight begins
to chargeup, emit-
ting a buzzing sound.
Recyclingtakes 5 seconds.
However,
if the speedlight
Itasnot been usedfor some time, it may take longer
for the pilot lamp to light up. Fire the flash several
times using the open flash button to restoreit to its
normal operating condition.
Recharging
the Ni-Cd Batteries
You canalso
usethe AC unit/charger
to recharge
the
batteries
whether
usingthecameraand
speedlight
on
AC power or not. But normally
recharging
is done
when
the
speedlight
isnotin use.
Turnoff thepower
switchonthe
mainunit.
Connect
an AC powersourceto the speedlight
by means of
the AC unit/charger
just asyou would to usethe
speedlightwith an AC power source.
The Ni-Cd
batteries
will startto charge up.
Recharging
time
varies
dependingonhowmany times
theflashhas
beenfired.After about40 flashes,7 to
8 hours shouldbe sufficient.
Completely
depleted
batteriestake
14to 16hours. .
C'aution: It'thc \( unit is to lrc Lrscd
for a long tirnc. the
\i-('tl blttcrics shoultl lrc rclnovctl Othcnr isc thcv rnav be
,llrnr;,rgcri
lrl urer. lurr!.itr:l

OTH
EPOWER SOURCES - continued
510V Pack SD-3 The 510-volt battery pack holds a single510-volt
batteryto powerthe flashand
four 1.S-volt
AA-type
batteries to operatethe built-in voltage stabilizer
which insures
constant
light output. Thehigh-voltage
batterycuts
recycling
timeto 1.5seconds
anddelivers
upto 700flashes.
510-Volt BatterY
Pack SD-3
Ringlight
Socket
Power Cord