Instruction Manual
Page 2
...supplied Infrared Filter SW-9IR enables you have your Speedlight serviced by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon's criteria for double-flash photography. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-50DX's performance when it is applied to characters and symbols on Using the Speedlight • Take trial... • Thank you can be sure to read this manual thoroughly before shooting at important occasions like weddings or graduations. • Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly Nikon recommends that you to use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories (including lenses). The built-in dim...
...supplied Infrared Filter SW-9IR enables you have your Speedlight serviced by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon's criteria for double-flash photography. Nikon cannot guarantee the SB-50DX's performance when it is applied to characters and symbols on Using the Speedlight • Take trial... • Thank you can be sure to read this manual thoroughly before shooting at important occasions like weddings or graduations. • Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly Nikon recommends that you to use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories (including lenses). The built-in dim...
Instruction Manual
Page 3
... Auto Flash 28-30 Manual Flash 31 Reading Variable Aperture of the subject 60 Illuminating a subject mainly from the side 61 Illuminating a distant subject 62 MISCELLANEOUS 63-73 Speedlight Care 64 Notes on Using the Speedlight 3 Nomenclature 6-7 LCD Panel 8 Lenses 9 Example Photos (Bounce-flash photography 10 BASIC OPERATION 11-21 1. Setting Camera and SB-50DX Modes...
... Auto Flash 28-30 Manual Flash 31 Reading Variable Aperture of the subject 60 Illuminating a subject mainly from the side 61 Illuminating a distant subject 62 MISCELLANEOUS 63-73 Speedlight Care 64 Notes on Using the Speedlight 3 Nomenclature 6-7 LCD Panel 8 Lenses 9 Example Photos (Bounce-flash photography 10 BASIC OPERATION 11-21 1. Setting Camera and SB-50DX Modes...
Instruction Manual
Page 5
...to normal. • The LCD's response time tends to turn the illuminator on (when the SB-50DX power is limited (see the lens' instruction manual). • D-type AF Nikkor lenses • The lens sends the distance information to the...illustration for easy reference. 1 Flash mode P. 18 D: D-TTL auto flash H: TTL auto flash K: Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor J: Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash D: Manual flash 2 Wide-flash adapter P. 44 3 Wireless Flash mode P. 51 4 Sound monitor off P. 50 5 Flash head tilting up photography) P....
...to normal. • The LCD's response time tends to turn the illuminator on (when the SB-50DX power is limited (see the lens' instruction manual). • D-type AF Nikkor lenses • The lens sends the distance information to the...illustration for easy reference. 1 Flash mode P. 18 D: D-TTL auto flash H: TTL auto flash K: Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi-Sensor J: Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash D: Manual flash 2 Wide-flash adapter P. 44 3 Wireless Flash mode P. 51 4 Sound monitor off P. 50 5 Flash head tilting up photography) P....
Instruction Manual
Page 7
...you take approx. 3.5 sec. Note: Storing batteries Keep the batteries out of batteries (in Manual flash mode (p. 31), the SB-50DX will take spare batteries with the "+" and "-" ends positioned as a slave flash unit, p. 48). • With a camera body that it is being carried. If ... Manual flash mode). 13 Basic Operation In Wireless Flash mode (p. 48), standby function activates in this case). Other power sources cannot be deactivated. Turn the SB-50DX on, confirm that the SB-50DX is on batteries", see p. 65). If the SB-50DX has been turned off the SB-50DX,...
...you take approx. 3.5 sec. Note: Storing batteries Keep the batteries out of batteries (in Manual flash mode (p. 31), the SB-50DX will take spare batteries with the "+" and "-" ends positioned as a slave flash unit, p. 48). • With a camera body that it is being carried. If ... Manual flash mode). 13 Basic Operation In Wireless Flash mode (p. 48), standby function activates in this case). Other power sources cannot be deactivated. Turn the SB-50DX on, confirm that the SB-50DX is on batteries", see p. 65). If the SB-50DX has been turned off the SB-50DX,...
Instruction Manual
Page 8
...set on the SB-50DX and camera body. • Lock lever • With the SB-50DX attached to "0". 4. p. 44.) • For details, see your camera's instruction manual). 14 15 Basic Operation 2 Attaching the SB-50DX to the Camera Turn off the camera. • Flash head • For normal flash shooting, keep the flash head in ... range for F3-series with camera in the LCD panel. However, this range also depends on the camera body's accessory shoe. Adjust the flash head to the horizontal position. • Set the tilting angle scale of camera body. (For details, see "Tilting the...
...set on the SB-50DX and camera body. • Lock lever • With the SB-50DX attached to "0". 4. p. 44.) • For details, see your camera's instruction manual). 14 15 Basic Operation 2 Attaching the SB-50DX to the Camera Turn off the camera. • Flash head • For normal flash shooting, keep the flash head in ... range for F3-series with camera in the LCD panel. However, this range also depends on the camera body's accessory shoe. Adjust the flash head to the horizontal position. • Set the tilting angle scale of camera body. (For details, see "Tilting the...
Instruction Manual
Page 9
...(focal length, etc.) to the SB-50DX. 16 • Setting the zoom-head position manually • To change the automatically adjusted zoom-head position, set the zoom-head position manually. (See next page). • When the wide-flash adapter is attached or when the flash head is performed. Pressing the ZOOM...panel, the Power Zoom function is indicated in the LCD panel. • To store the wide-flash adapter, detach it from the flash head, then slide it in Groups I and II (p. 28) or Nikon digital SLR cameras, Digital Data Communication is tilted up/down . However, when the wide...
...(focal length, etc.) to the SB-50DX. 16 • Setting the zoom-head position manually • To change the automatically adjusted zoom-head position, set the zoom-head position manually. (See next page). • When the wide-flash adapter is attached or when the flash head is performed. Pressing the ZOOM...panel, the Power Zoom function is indicated in the LCD panel. • To store the wide-flash adapter, detach it from the flash head, then slide it in Groups I and II (p. 28) or Nikon digital SLR cameras, Digital Data Communication is tilted up/down . However, when the wide...
Instruction Manual
Page 10
... combination in use, the SB-50DX offers various types of TTL auto flash changes in the following order: HK Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash or HJ Matrix Balanced/Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash, H Standard TTL Flash and D Manual Flash. With some cameras, TTL/D-TTL auto flash cannot be set . And...or metering system combination is incompatible with a Nikon digital SLR camera, D-TTL auto flash (p. 27) will be set to flash sync speed. (For details, see table on the lens, camera, exposure mode and/or metering system combination being used . (Perform Manual flash, p. 31, in this case). If...
... combination in use, the SB-50DX offers various types of TTL auto flash changes in the following order: HK Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash or HJ Matrix Balanced/Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash, H Standard TTL Flash and D Manual Flash. With some cameras, TTL/D-TTL auto flash cannot be set . And...or metering system combination is incompatible with a Nikon digital SLR camera, D-TTL auto flash (p. 27) will be set to flash sync speed. (For details, see table on the lens, camera, exposure mode and/or metering system combination being used . (Perform Manual flash, p. 31, in this case). If...
Instruction Manual
Page 11
...• In TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode, the ready-light on the SB-50DX and/or the camera's viewfinder ready-light fi blink for normal flash shooting. • If your camera's instruction manual). 1. To compensate, use . (For details, see your camera's instruction manual). can be set on the ... cameras of Group I or Nikon Digital cameras (p. 28, 29), : blinks and the amount of underexposure (0 to -3.0 EV) appears for approx. 3 sec., then disappears. Pressing the ZOOM button and the - Set the camera's flash sync mode. • Set the camera's flash sync mode to FrontCurtain Sync ...
...• In TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode, the ready-light on the SB-50DX and/or the camera's viewfinder ready-light fi blink for normal flash shooting. • If your camera's instruction manual). 1. To compensate, use . (For details, see your camera's instruction manual). can be set on the ... cameras of Group I or Nikon Digital cameras (p. 28, 29), : blinks and the amount of underexposure (0 to -3.0 EV) appears for approx. 3 sec., then disappears. Pressing the ZOOM button and the - Set the camera's flash sync mode. • Set the camera's flash sync mode to FrontCurtain Sync ...
Instruction Manual
Page 13
... using the built-in D-TTL auto flash). *3 TTL auto flash mode for Nikon Digital SLR is turned on (except for FM3A). • Manual exposure mode can control depth of TTL/D-TTL Auto Flash The Nikon SB-50DX provides three flash modes: TTL auto flash for silver chloride film cameras, D-TTL auto flash for Manual flash mode (p. 31) where appropriate aperture should be taken...
... using the built-in D-TTL auto flash). *3 TTL auto flash mode for Nikon Digital SLR is turned on (except for FM3A). • Manual exposure mode can control depth of TTL/D-TTL Auto Flash The Nikon SB-50DX provides three flash modes: TTL auto flash for silver chloride film cameras, D-TTL auto flash for Manual flash mode (p. 31) where appropriate aperture should be taken...
Instruction Manual
Page 14
...details, see the table on p. 28-29 and your camera's instruction manual.) • 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash (with cameras of Group I and CPU Nikkor lenses other than G/D-type. • Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash HJ/H • Exposure control information obtained by the camera's Matrix meter...into account when choosing the camera/lens/exposure mode/metering system combination. 26 When the SB-50DX is used in TTL auto flash mode with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash mode is automatically activated and Monitor Preflashes become available. The most well-balanced TTL auto...
...details, see the table on p. 28-29 and your camera's instruction manual.) • 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash (with cameras of Group I and CPU Nikkor lenses other than G/D-type. • Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash HJ/H • Exposure control information obtained by the camera's Matrix meter...into account when choosing the camera/lens/exposure mode/metering system combination. 26 When the SB-50DX is used in TTL auto flash mode with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash mode is automatically activated and Monitor Preflashes become available. The most well-balanced TTL auto...
Instruction Manual
Page 15
... Digital SLR DH: Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLR • Exposure mode P: Programmed Auto/Auto-Multi Program S: Shutter-Priority Auto A: Aperture-Priority Auto M: Manual • Metering system q: Matrix w: Center-Weighted e: Spot Digital Data Communication With groups I, II and Digital SLR cameras (in shaded area •), the SB-50DX performs Digital Data Communication (p. 16). 29...
... Digital SLR DH: Standard TTL Flash for Digital SLR • Exposure mode P: Programmed Auto/Auto-Multi Program S: Shutter-Priority Auto A: Aperture-Priority Auto M: Manual • Metering system q: Matrix w: Center-Weighted e: Spot Digital Data Communication With groups I, II and Digital SLR cameras (in shaded area •), the SB-50DX performs Digital Data Communication (p. 16). 29...
Instruction Manual
Page 16
... distance and set to Spot.) Manual Flash In Manual flash mode, the SB-50DX always fires at its maximum output. Camera's exposure mode in Manual flash mode The aperture must be performed in Manual flash mode. Control exposure by the guide number and aperture. • Manual flash operation 1. G-type lenses can control the exposure and flash shooting distance. Flash shooting distance is determined by...
... distance and set to Spot.) Manual Flash In Manual flash mode, the SB-50DX always fires at its maximum output. Camera's exposure mode in Manual flash mode The aperture must be performed in Manual flash mode. Control exposure by the guide number and aperture. • Manual flash operation 1. G-type lenses can control the exposure and flash shooting distance. Flash shooting distance is determined by...
Instruction Manual
Page 17
...X0.5 X0.71 X1.4 X2 X2.8 X4 • For close-up flash photography, see the lens' instruction manual.) For example, a lens such as "Reading aperture with the scale on the lens" below shows the guide numbers for the SB-50DX with ISO 100 sensitivity: (14mm zoom-head position: with aperture-direct-...Aperture value displayed in the aperture-direct-readout scale through the camera's viewfinder (of the Nikon F5 or other than ISO 100, multiply the guide number at ISO 100 by the factors shown in Manual flash operation (p. 31). 32 Guide Number The guide number indicates the power of the CPU ...
...X0.5 X0.71 X1.4 X2 X2.8 X4 • For close-up flash photography, see the lens' instruction manual.) For example, a lens such as "Reading aperture with the scale on the lens" below shows the guide numbers for the SB-50DX with ISO 100 sensitivity: (14mm zoom-head position: with aperture-direct-...Aperture value displayed in the aperture-direct-readout scale through the camera's viewfinder (of the Nikon F5 or other than ISO 100, multiply the guide number at ISO 100 by the factors shown in Manual flash operation (p. 31). 32 Guide Number The guide number indicates the power of the CPU ...
Instruction Manual
Page 18
...8226; In TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode, adjust the SB-50DX flash output level (flash output level compensation, p. 35). • Flash output level compensation is out of Groups I , II, III or Nikon digital SLR cameras (p. 28). ...You can compensate exposure on both the foreground subject and background, or compensate exposure on only the subject. • To compensate exposure on both subject and background in Manual flash...
...8226; In TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode, adjust the SB-50DX flash output level (flash output level compensation, p. 35). • Flash output level compensation is out of Groups I , II, III or Nikon digital SLR cameras (p. 28). ...You can compensate exposure on both the foreground subject and background, or compensate exposure on only the subject. • To compensate exposure on both subject and background in Manual flash...
Instruction Manual
Page 19
... turn on when performing double flash shooting using the SB-50DX, the camera's AF- buttons once again so disappears. (Without this operation, the AF-Assist Illuminator remains canceled even after the SB-50DX is approx. 24mm to 105mm (35mm to 105mm with the Nikon AF camera when AF Nikkor ... AF mode, the AF-Assist Illuminator does not turn on). However with F60-series/N60 and SB-50DX's flash mode set Dynamic AF Mode with Focus-Priority), AF or A. (See your camera's instruction manual. • Canceling AF-Assist Illuminator • To cancel the AF-Assist Illuminator, press the MODE...
... turn on when performing double flash shooting using the SB-50DX, the camera's AF- buttons once again so disappears. (Without this operation, the AF-Assist Illuminator remains canceled even after the SB-50DX is approx. 24mm to 105mm (35mm to 105mm with the Nikon AF camera when AF Nikkor ... AF mode, the AF-Assist Illuminator does not turn on). However with F60-series/N60 and SB-50DX's flash mode set Dynamic AF Mode with Focus-Priority), AF or A. (See your camera's instruction manual. • Canceling AF-Assist Illuminator • To cancel the AF-Assist Illuminator, press the MODE...
Instruction Manual
Page 21
...camera's instruction manual.) • Generally, set flash sync mode to bounce light off the ceiling. Attach the SB-50DX to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). (See your camera has a built-in Speedlight, perform this double-flash bounce operation. Press the MODE button of the SB-50DX to set the... left and center photos). If your camera's instruction manual). 2. In bounce-flash photography, high ISO sensitivity such as ISO 400 is light loss when compared to the general single-flash bounce operation (center photo), the SB-50DX enables you can soften the shadows and produce more...
...camera's instruction manual.) • Generally, set flash sync mode to bounce light off the ceiling. Attach the SB-50DX to Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). (See your camera has a built-in Speedlight, perform this double-flash bounce operation. Press the MODE button of the SB-50DX to set the... left and center photos). If your camera's instruction manual). 2. In bounce-flash photography, high ISO sensitivity such as ISO 400 is light loss when compared to the general single-flash bounce operation (center photo), the SB-50DX enables you can soften the shadows and produce more...
Instruction Manual
Page 22
...-in Speedlight (see your camera's instruction manual), and then lower the diffuser gently in front of the camera's Speedlight as with the Nikon F70-series/N70 When performing double-flash operation using the Nikon F70-series/N70 or PRONEA 600i/PRONEA 6i When performing double-flash operation with double flash (SB-50DX and camera's built-in Speedlight) (example...
...-in Speedlight (see your camera's instruction manual), and then lower the diffuser gently in front of the camera's Speedlight as with the Nikon F70-series/N70 When performing double-flash operation using the Nikon F70-series/N70 or PRONEA 600i/PRONEA 6i When performing double-flash operation with double flash (SB-50DX and camera's built-in Speedlight) (example...
Instruction Manual
Page 24
... from the side (p. 61) • To illuminate a far subject (p. 62) The SB-50DX enables you to Manual (Standard TTL Flash is not possible using the SB-50DX with TTL MultiSensor (Group I camera, p. 28) Built-in multiple flash operation since Monitor pre-flashes (p. 27) cause incorrect exposure. Master flash unit Automatic Balanced Fill- Cannot be canceled. Set exposure mode to...
... from the side (p. 61) • To illuminate a far subject (p. 62) The SB-50DX enables you to Manual (Standard TTL Flash is not possible using the SB-50DX with TTL MultiSensor (Group I camera, p. 28) Built-in multiple flash operation since Monitor pre-flashes (p. 27) cause incorrect exposure. Master flash unit Automatic Balanced Fill- Cannot be canceled. Set exposure mode to...
Instruction Manual
Page 25
... auto, you can perform auto wireless multiple flash operation with TTL auto flash (Nikon FM2, FE10, FM10, etc.). Attach the master flash unit to the Wireless Flash mode. • Press the SLAVE button for Manual Slave Flash mode indicated in the LCD panel. one second to trigger the SB-50DX and control the flash duration of the Speedlight, correct operation...
... auto, you can perform auto wireless multiple flash operation with TTL auto flash (Nikon FM2, FE10, FM10, etc.). Attach the master flash unit to the Wireless Flash mode. • Press the SLAVE button for Manual Slave Flash mode indicated in the LCD panel. one second to trigger the SB-50DX and control the flash duration of the Speedlight, correct operation...
Instruction Manual
Page 27
... fits into the grooves on camera/Speedlight combination. to set the slave SB-50DX unit to Wireless Flash mode (p. 48) • Use another SB-80DX, 50DX, 30 and/or other flash unit(s) such as in wireless multiple flash operation without cords, set the Speedlight to Manual Slave Flash mode. one side. 2. If the is shown, press the MODE to...
... fits into the grooves on camera/Speedlight combination. to set the slave SB-50DX unit to Wireless Flash mode (p. 48) • Use another SB-80DX, 50DX, 30 and/or other flash unit(s) such as in wireless multiple flash operation without cords, set the Speedlight to Manual Slave Flash mode. one side. 2. If the is shown, press the MODE to...