User Manual
Page 3
... imaging sensitivity of digital SLR cameras and the film sensitivity of purchase are referred to as the "default settings." CLS (Nikon Creative Lighting System): the Nikon Creative Lighting System is a generic term that the SB-900 will be used in this user's manual Default settings: the function and mode settings at the time of 35mm film based cameras. t Includes information or tips to avoid Speedlight malfunction or mistakes...
... imaging sensitivity of digital SLR cameras and the film sensitivity of purchase are referred to as the "default settings." CLS (Nikon Creative Lighting System): the Nikon Creative Lighting System is a generic term that the SB-900 will be used in this user's manual Default settings: the function and mode settings at the time of 35mm film based cameras. t Includes information or tips to avoid Speedlight malfunction or mistakes...
User Manual
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...; Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode • Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) • Slow-sync flash B • Red-eye reduction/Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash • Rear-curtain sync Flash shooting support functions D-57 • Power zoom function C • AF-Assist Illuminator • Setting the ISO sensitivity • Test firing function • Modeling illuminator function D • FX-/DX selection E For use with cameras other than CLS compatible SLR cameras E Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras E-2 For usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras...
...; Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode • Flash Value Lock (FV Lock) • Slow-sync flash B • Red-eye reduction/Red-eye reduction with slow-sync flash • Rear-curtain sync Flash shooting support functions D-57 • Power zoom function C • AF-Assist Illuminator • Setting the ISO sensitivity • Test firing function • Modeling illuminator function D • FX-/DX selection E For use with cameras other than CLS compatible SLR cameras E Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras E-2 For usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras...
User Manual
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... subject. Using FV Lock with compatible cameras, you change the aperture or composition, or zoom the lens in and out. (kD-55). ■ Flash Color Information Communication When the SB-900 is used with the SB-900. ■ Auto FP High-Speed Sync High-Speed flash synchronization at all times. The subject is correctly exposed by ambient light (kD-2). ■ Advanced Wireless Lighting With Advanced Wireless Lighting, wireless multiple flash operation in the TTL (i-TTL) mode can lock...
... subject. Using FV Lock with compatible cameras, you change the aperture or composition, or zoom the lens in and out. (kD-55). ■ Flash Color Information Communication When the SB-900 is used with the SB-900. ■ Auto FP High-Speed Sync High-Speed flash synchronization at all times. The subject is correctly exposed by ambient light (kD-2). ■ Advanced Wireless Lighting With Advanced Wireless Lighting, wireless multiple flash operation in the TTL (i-TTL) mode can lock...
User Manual
Page 22
... flash (kF-5) The SB-900 fires continuously in standby mode to a certain level, the SB-900 will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-900. Key lock (kC-9) The control buttons can be updated through the camera. LCD panel contrast setting (kC-25) This function adjusts the contrast of the unit rises to conserve battery power. B-6 Standby function (kC-28) This function automatically puts the SB-900 in sync...
... flash (kF-5) The SB-900 fires continuously in standby mode to a certain level, the SB-900 will receive the correct exposure by test firing the SB-900. Key lock (kC-9) The control buttons can be updated through the camera. LCD panel contrast setting (kC-25) This function adjusts the contrast of the unit rises to conserve battery power. B-6 Standby function (kC-28) This function automatically puts the SB-900 in sync...
User Manual
Page 36
Operation LCD SB-900 condition C Test firing button functions Type of attached color filter Illumination pattern: Standard Illumination pattern: Center-weighted Illumination pattern: Even Bounce flash operation Tilt 7° down Back light is on AF-assist illumination Communicating with a CLS compatible camera Thermal Cut-out on Thermal Cut-out off Key lock Test firing Modeling illumination C-14
Operation LCD SB-900 condition C Test firing button functions Type of attached color filter Illumination pattern: Standard Illumination pattern: Center-weighted Illumination pattern: Even Bounce flash operation Tilt 7° down Back light is on AF-assist illumination Communicating with a CLS compatible camera Thermal Cut-out on Thermal Cut-out off Key lock Test firing Modeling illumination C-14
User Manual
Page 42
...-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting (kC-22) Illumination pattern (kC-22) Test firing button (kC-22) Flash output level of test firing in i-TTL mode (kC-23) FX/DX selection (kC-23) Power zoom off (kC-23) AF-assist illuminator/flash firing off (kC-23) Standby function (kC-23) ISO sensitivity (kC-24) Ready-light setting of remote flash units (kC-24...
...-4 type wireless multiple flash shooting (kC-22) Illumination pattern (kC-22) Test firing button (kC-22) Flash output level of test firing in i-TTL mode (kC-23) FX/DX selection (kC-23) Power zoom off (kC-23) AF-assist illuminator/flash firing off (kC-23) Standby function (kC-23) ISO sensitivity (kC-24) Ready-light setting of remote flash units (kC-24...
User Manual
Page 44
Custom functions and settings Available Custom functions and settings • (Bold: default) Non-TTL auto flash mode (kD-5, D-8) Setting Non-TTL auto flash mode Auto aperture flash (with modeling illumination) Auto aperture flash (without modeling illumination) Non-TTL auto flash (with modeling illumination) Non-TTL auto flash (without modeling illumination) C Repeating flash setting of master flash unit (kD-49) The master flash unit's repeating flash setting for multiple flash shooting [ON...
Custom functions and settings Available Custom functions and settings • (Bold: default) Non-TTL auto flash mode (kD-5, D-8) Setting Non-TTL auto flash mode Auto aperture flash (with modeling illumination) Auto aperture flash (without modeling illumination) Non-TTL auto flash (with modeling illumination) Non-TTL auto flash (without modeling illumination) C Repeating flash setting of master flash unit (kD-49) The master flash unit's repeating flash setting for multiple flash shooting [ON...
User Manual
Page 45
...: Power zoom on (manual setting is not available) AF-assist illuminator/flash firing off (kD-58) Set AF-assist illumination on/off and flash on/off ON: Activate AF-assist illumination OFF: Cancel AF-assist illumination AF ONLY: Restrict flash firing (only AF-assist illumination fires) Standby function (kC-28) Adjusting the time before the standby function is activated AUTO: the SB-900 turns off when the camera...
...: Power zoom on (manual setting is not available) AF-assist illuminator/flash firing off (kD-58) Set AF-assist illumination on/off and flash on/off ON: Activate AF-assist illumination OFF: Cancel AF-assist illumination AF ONLY: Restrict flash firing (only AF-assist illumination fires) Standby function (kC-28) Adjusting the time before the standby function is activated AUTO: the SB-900 turns off when the camera...
User Manual
Page 52
... for i-TTL mode Flash modes and functions D-2 : Monitor pre-flashes : i-TTL : Automatic Balanced Fill Flash : Auto FP High-Speed Sync is correctly exposed regardless of the main subject and background. i-TTL mode Information obtained by monitor pre-flashes and exposure control information is integrated by the camera to automatically adjust flash output levels. • TTL is useful when you want to highlight the main subject. D Setting the i-TTL mode Press the [MODE] button...
... for i-TTL mode Flash modes and functions D-2 : Monitor pre-flashes : i-TTL : Automatic Balanced Fill Flash : Auto FP High-Speed Sync is correctly exposed regardless of the main subject and background. i-TTL mode Information obtained by monitor pre-flashes and exposure control information is integrated by the camera to automatically adjust flash output levels. • TTL is useful when you want to highlight the main subject. D Setting the i-TTL mode Press the [MODE] button...
User Manual
Page 81
... is broken off accidentally" to Matrix Metering " " or Center-Weighted Metering " ". Confirm the ready-light is available). (kC-25) D • To put the built-in wideflash adapter. Flash modes and functions Taking close-ups with bounce-down . Set the SB-900's flash mode. Tilt the flash head down flash Camera's control panel Setting the camera's exposure mode and metering mode. • Set the exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). • Set...
... is broken off accidentally" to Matrix Metering " " or Center-Weighted Metering " ". Confirm the ready-light is available). (kC-25) D • To put the built-in wideflash adapter. Flash modes and functions Taking close-ups with bounce-down . Set the SB-900's flash mode. Tilt the flash head down flash Camera's control panel Setting the camera's exposure mode and metering mode. • Set the exposure mode to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). • Set...
User Manual
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... Non-TTL auto flash. *2 If another photographer uses the same type of wireless remote flash setup close by, your remote flash units may accidentally fire in Advanced Wireless Lighting In this , use a different channel number. Flash modes and functions D-46 Flash shooting in sync with that photographer's master flash unit. To avoid this mode, set the following five flash modes are available: · i-TTL mode · Auto Aperture flash*1 · Non-TTL auto flash*1 Flash mode D Master flash unit · Manual flash · Flash canceled • Set the flash mode of...
... Non-TTL auto flash. *2 If another photographer uses the same type of wireless remote flash setup close by, your remote flash units may accidentally fire in Advanced Wireless Lighting In this , use a different channel number. Flash modes and functions D-46 Flash shooting in sync with that photographer's master flash unit. To avoid this mode, set the following five flash modes are available: · i-TTL mode · Auto Aperture flash*1 · Non-TTL auto flash*1 Flash mode D Master flash unit · Manual flash · Flash canceled • Set the flash mode of...
User Manual
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... camera functions and settings, refer to your camera user's manual. ■ Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode High-Speed flash synchronization at a compatible camera's highest shutter speed is possible. • The Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode is automatically set when the shutter speed exceeds the camera's sync shutter speed. • This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background without worrying about sync shutter speed. • Auto FP High-Speed sync also operates in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode. • Available flash modes...
... camera functions and settings, refer to your camera user's manual. ■ Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode High-Speed flash synchronization at a compatible camera's highest shutter speed is possible. • The Auto FP High-Speed Sync mode is automatically set when the shutter speed exceeds the camera's sync shutter speed. • This is useful when you want to use a wider aperture to achieve shallow depth of field to blur the background without worrying about sync shutter speed. • Auto FP High-Speed sync also operates in the Advanced Wireless Lighting mode. • Available flash modes...
User Manual
Page 110
... SB-900 fires at the flash output value set. • In wireless multiple flash photography, the SB-900 does not perform test firing if it is set as a master flash unit. ■ Setting the test firing Set to activate the test firing in the i-TTL flash mode. Test firing function You can set the ISO sensitivity manually using the custom setting. (kC-24) • The available ISO sensitivity range is ISO 3 to 8000. D-60 Flash modes and functions Flash shooting support functions Setting...
... SB-900 fires at the flash output value set. • In wireless multiple flash photography, the SB-900 does not perform test firing if it is set as a master flash unit. ■ Setting the test firing Set to activate the test firing in the i-TTL flash mode. Test firing function You can set the ISO sensitivity manually using the custom setting. (kC-24) • The available ISO sensitivity range is ISO 3 to 8000. D-60 Flash modes and functions Flash shooting support functions Setting...
User Manual
Page 112
..., D700 • icon appears: D300, D60, D40 series • Neither nor icons appear: Cameras not equipped with the camera's image area setting. For details, see your camera user's manual. ■ Automatic switching between FX-format (36 × 24) and DX-format (24 × 16), the SB-900 automatically selects the suitable light distribution angle, in the custom setting Flash modes and functions D-62
..., D700 • icon appears: D300, D60, D40 series • Neither nor icons appear: Cameras not equipped with the camera's image area setting. For details, see your camera user's manual. ■ Automatic switching between FX-format (36 × 24) and DX-format (24 × 16), the SB-900 automatically selects the suitable light distribution angle, in the custom setting Flash modes and functions D-62
User Manual
Page 114
... sync flash Possible Depends on cameras in use AF-Assist illuminator Possible (supporting dynamic-area AF system) Not possible Firmware update Possible (with compatible cameras only) Not possible For use . • See your camera user's manual as well. Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras is possible with the exception of some functions. • The SB-900's available functions vary depending on the camera in use...
... sync flash Possible Depends on cameras in use AF-Assist illuminator Possible (supporting dynamic-area AF system) Not possible Firmware update Possible (with compatible cameras only) Not possible For use . • See your camera user's manual as well. Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras Using the SB-900 with non-CLS-compatible SLR cameras is possible with the exception of some functions. • The SB-900's available functions vary depending on the camera in use...
User Manual
Page 115
... High-Speed sync. For usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras Using the SB-900 with i-TTL compatible COOLPIX cameras is possible, with the exception of some functions. • The SB-900's available functions vary depending on the LCD panel. In this case, appears on the LCD panel, but the zoom position does not appear on cameras in flash as a master flash unit and the SB-900 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed. Not possible AF-Assist illuminator Not possible E Firmware update...
... High-Speed sync. For usage with i-TTL-compatible COOLPIX cameras Using the SB-900 with i-TTL compatible COOLPIX cameras is possible, with the exception of some functions. • The SB-900's available functions vary depending on the LCD panel. In this case, appears on the LCD panel, but the zoom position does not appear on cameras in flash as a master flash unit and the SB-900 as a remote flash unit cannot be performed. Not possible AF-Assist illuminator Not possible E Firmware update...
User Manual
Page 118
...-25 Power zoom function is weak. Cancel "Canceling flash firing" kC-23 in the custom setting. The SB-900 does not fire. Troubleshooting If a warning indicator appears, use or the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached. • Remove the wideflash adapter or the Diffusion Dome. • Set the following chart to determine the cause of the problem before you take your Speedlight to...
...-25 Power zoom function is weak. Cancel "Canceling flash firing" kC-23 in the custom setting. The SB-900 does not fire. Troubleshooting If a warning indicator appears, use or the Nikon Diffusion Dome is attached. • Remove the wideflash adapter or the Diffusion Dome. • Set the following chart to determine the cause of the problem before you take your Speedlight to...
User Manual
Page 120
... on the flash head. • In this happens, replace the batteries while the SB-900 is turned on Speedlight care and reference information To adjust the zoom position, go to control flash operations. If this case, contact your retailer or Nikon representative. • When the wide-flash adapter is broken off, it is no longer possible to set the zoom position to the desired position. Troubleshooting If...
... on the flash head. • In this happens, replace the batteries while the SB-900 is turned on Speedlight care and reference information To adjust the zoom position, go to control flash operations. If this case, contact your retailer or Nikon representative. • When the wide-flash adapter is broken off, it is no longer possible to set the zoom position to the desired position. Troubleshooting If...
User Manual
Page 127
...-29 provides i-TTL auto flash operation when the SB-900 is used off -camera. Therefore, it is recommended to protect the camera's hot shoe contact when SB-900 is not equipped with this SB-900. ■ Color Filter Set SJ-3 A total of a remote flash unit. The SC-29 features an AF-assist illuminator function. (The SC-29 is mounted on Speedlight care and reference information F-11 Flash shoes come with the master unit. ■ TTL Remote Cord SC...
...-29 provides i-TTL auto flash operation when the SB-900 is used off -camera. Therefore, it is recommended to protect the camera's hot shoe contact when SB-900 is not equipped with this SB-900. ■ Color Filter Set SJ-3 A total of a remote flash unit. The SC-29 features an AF-assist illuminator function. (The SC-29 is mounted on Speedlight care and reference information F-11 Flash shoes come with the master unit. ■ TTL Remote Cord SC...
User Manual
Page 130
... and right with compatible cameras: i-TTL mode, Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV Lock flash, Flash color information communication, Auto FP HighSpeed sync, and Wide-area AF-Assist Illuminator Multiple flash operation • Advanced Wireless Lighting • SU-4 type wireless multiple flash Tips on Speedlight care and reference information Flash exposure control set on camera's (TTL auto flash/Auto Aperture image area setting, illumination pattern, ISO sensitivity, zoom flash/Non-TTL auto flash...
... and right with compatible cameras: i-TTL mode, Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV Lock flash, Flash color information communication, Auto FP HighSpeed sync, and Wide-area AF-Assist Illuminator Multiple flash operation • Advanced Wireless Lighting • SU-4 type wireless multiple flash Tips on Speedlight care and reference information Flash exposure control set on camera's (TTL auto flash/Auto Aperture image area setting, illumination pattern, ISO sensitivity, zoom flash/Non-TTL auto flash...