Instruction Manual
Page 2
...provided to diffuse light for bounce-flash photography with the double flash. • Wireless multiple flash photography (p. 48) is used with a camera having a guide number of TTL auto flash (p. 25) and Manual flash (p. 31). Get to know your Speedlight correctly The Nikon Speedlight SB-50DX's performance has been optimized for... enables you to the lens' focal length (incompatible with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash can perform various types of 22/72 (at least once every two years. • Using your SB-50DX, and be performed. • Automatic power zoom continuously ...
...provided to diffuse light for bounce-flash photography with the double flash. • Wireless multiple flash photography (p. 48) is used with a camera having a guide number of TTL auto flash (p. 25) and Manual flash (p. 31). Get to know your Speedlight correctly The Nikon Speedlight SB-50DX's performance has been optimized for... enables you to the lens' focal length (incompatible with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash can perform various types of 22/72 (at least once every two years. • Using your SB-50DX, and be performed. • Automatic power zoom continuously ...
Instruction Manual
Page 3
... 39-56 Bounce-Flash Photography 40-42 Bounce-flash operation with single flash 41 Bounce-flash operation with double flash (SB-50DX and camera's built-in Speedlight 42 Close-Up Flash Photography 43-45 Multiple Flash Photography 46-56 Wireless Multiple Flash Operation 48-52 Multiple Flash Operation Using the Infrared Remote Commander 53 Double-Flash Operation 54 Multiple Flash Operation Using Cords...
... 39-56 Bounce-Flash Photography 40-42 Bounce-flash operation with single flash 41 Bounce-flash operation with double flash (SB-50DX and camera's built-in Speedlight 42 Close-Up Flash Photography 43-45 Multiple Flash Photography 46-56 Wireless Multiple Flash Operation 48-52 Multiple Flash Operation Using the Infrared Remote Commander 53 Double-Flash Operation 54 Multiple Flash Operation Using Cords...
Instruction Manual
Page 4
... Battery chamber lid P. 12 @q Mounting foot @w Lock plate P. 15 @e Infrared Filter SW-9IR P. 53 Attach in front of the flash head to use the SB-50DX as an infrared remote commander Backside indications Light condensing paint is under diffuser. 6 Camera contacts 7 Built-in Speedlight detecting lever P. 42, 51... is fully charged and ready to adjust the SB-50DX zoom- Blinks after the SB-50DX fires at its maximum output in TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode, telling you that light may be tilted up when the SB-50DX is used with the SB-50DX. 8 Light sensor P. 48 Senses light from...
... Battery chamber lid P. 12 @q Mounting foot @w Lock plate P. 15 @e Infrared Filter SW-9IR P. 53 Attach in front of the flash head to use the SB-50DX as an infrared remote commander Backside indications Light condensing paint is under diffuser. 6 Camera contacts 7 Built-in Speedlight detecting lever P. 42, 51... is fully charged and ready to adjust the SB-50DX zoom- Blinks after the SB-50DX fires at its maximum output in TTL/D-TTL auto flash mode, telling you that light may be tilted up when the SB-50DX is used with the SB-50DX. 8 Light sensor P. 48 Senses light from...
Instruction Manual
Page 5
... • The LCD's response time tends to normal. • Using the SB-50DX in use. With some camera bodies, the usable exposure mode is on (when the SB-50DX power is limited (see the lens' instruction manual). • D-type AF ...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/double flash (horizontal position)...
... • The LCD's response time tends to normal. • Using the SB-50DX in use. With some camera bodies, the usable exposure mode is on (when the SB-50DX power is limited (see the lens' instruction manual). • D-type AF ...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/double flash (horizontal position)...
Instruction Manual
Page 6
Example Photos Bounce flash (p. 40) Bounce flash with single builtin Speedlight) 10 11 Bounce flash with single Speedlight Regular flash (with double flash using SB-50DX and camera's builtin Speedlight BASIC OPERATION In this chapter, even first-time users of the SB-50DX can easily perform flash photography by following the instructions on the right-hand pages. More detailed information is given on the left-hand pages.
Example Photos Bounce flash (p. 40) Bounce flash with single builtin Speedlight) 10 11 Bounce flash with single Speedlight Regular flash (with double flash using SB-50DX and camera's builtin Speedlight BASIC OPERATION In this chapter, even first-time users of the SB-50DX can easily perform flash photography by following the instructions on the right-hand pages. More detailed information is given on the left-hand pages.
Instruction Manual
Page 7
... at maximum output in Manual flash mode (p. 31), the SB-50DX will take spare batteries with TTL/D-TTL auto flash (p. 28), the SB-50DX automatically turns off when the camera's exposure meter turns off the SB-50DX and indications disappear. • If the SB-50DX is on. In Wireless Flash mode (p. 48), standby function...while the LCD panel is left unused for the next shot (with fresh batteries). • Replace batteries with TTL/D-TTL auto flash, the SB-50DX automatically turns on when the camera's exposure meter turns on batteries", see p. 65). to be used as marked inside the ...
... at maximum output in Manual flash mode (p. 31), the SB-50DX will take spare batteries with TTL/D-TTL auto flash (p. 28), the SB-50DX automatically turns off when the camera's exposure meter turns off the SB-50DX and indications disappear. • If the SB-50DX is on. In Wireless Flash mode (p. 48), standby function...while the LCD panel is left unused for the next shot (with fresh batteries). • Replace batteries with TTL/D-TTL auto flash, the SB-50DX automatically turns on when the camera's exposure meter turns on batteries", see p. 65). to be used as marked inside the ...
Instruction Manual
Page 8
... When the flash head is not properly attached to ISO 1600. This prevents the SB-50DX from accidentally slipping off the SB-50DX and camera body. 2. Basic Operation 2 Attaching the SB-50DX to the Camera Turn off the SB-50DX and camera body, and attach the SB-50DX to unlock ...the unit. 3. Usable film speed (sensitivity) range The usable film speed (sensitivity) range for TTL/D-TTL auto flash is ISO 25 to the camera body (except for FE 10). • The ISO film speed (sensitivity) set on the camera body's accessory shoe...
... When the flash head is not properly attached to ISO 1600. This prevents the SB-50DX from accidentally slipping off the SB-50DX and camera body. 2. Basic Operation 2 Attaching the SB-50DX to the Camera Turn off the SB-50DX and camera body, and attach the SB-50DX to unlock ...the unit. 3. Usable film speed (sensitivity) range The usable film speed (sensitivity) range for TTL/D-TTL auto flash is ISO 25 to the camera body (except for FE 10). • The ISO film speed (sensitivity) set on the camera body's accessory shoe...
Instruction Manual
Page 9
... to the periphery, so the peripheral area might not be sufficiently lit in Groups I and II (p. 28) or Nikon digital SLR cameras, Digital Data Communication is incompatible with the flash head tilted down , the Power Zoom function becomes inactive. If M is compatible with the Power Zoom function, pressing the... 24mm, 28mm, 35mm or 50mm, the zoom head adjusts to the zoom-head position (p. 33). When the wide-flash adapter is used with Digital Data Communication is attached to the SB-50DX and a CPU lens is used , the zoom-head position is fixed at 14mm, and "ZOOM14mm" is tilted up...
... to the periphery, so the peripheral area might not be sufficiently lit in Groups I and II (p. 28) or Nikon digital SLR cameras, Digital Data Communication is incompatible with the flash head tilted down , the Power Zoom function becomes inactive. If M is compatible with the Power Zoom function, pressing the... 24mm, 28mm, 35mm or 50mm, the zoom head adjusts to the zoom-head position (p. 33). When the wide-flash adapter is used with Digital Data Communication is attached to the SB-50DX and a CPU lens is used , the zoom-head position is fixed at 14mm, and "ZOOM14mm" is tilted up...
Instruction Manual
Page 10
... Matrix Balanced/Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash, H Standard TTL Flash and D Manual Flash. If K or J does not appear in use, the SB-50DX offers various types of TTL auto flash changes in well-balanced photos. With some cameras, TTL/D-TTL auto flash cannot be used with a Nikon digital SLR camera, D-TTL auto flash (p. 27) will be set, select another...
... Matrix Balanced/Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash, H Standard TTL Flash and D Manual Flash. If K or J does not appear in use, the SB-50DX offers various types of TTL auto flash changes in well-balanced photos. With some cameras, TTL/D-TTL auto flash cannot be used with a Nikon digital SLR camera, D-TTL auto flash (p. 27) will be set, select another...
Instruction Manual
Page 11
...to Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, etc. after flash shooting • 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 approx. 3 sec. Aperture ISO film...camera's flash sync mode. • Set the camera's flash sync mode to FrontCurtain Sync for normal flash shooting. • If your camera's instruction manual). 5 Shooting with Flash Set the camera's flash sync mode, confirm the ready-light comes on, then take a shot with cameras of Group I or Nikon Digital cameras...
...to Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync), Slow Sync, Rear-Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, etc. after flash shooting • 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 approx. 3 sec. Aperture ISO film...camera's flash sync mode. • Set the camera's flash sync mode to FrontCurtain Sync for normal flash shooting. • If your camera's instruction manual). 5 Shooting with Flash Set the camera's flash sync mode, confirm the ready-light comes on, then take a shot with cameras of Group I or Nikon Digital cameras...
Instruction Manual
Page 13
...series/N80-series or F70-series/ N70. 24 Flash Modes and Types 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 Nikon Digital SLR cameras and Manual flash. Note that the automatically controlled aperture should provide ...being used . (See your subject. • If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically shifts to its fastest flash sync speed when the SB-50DX is turned on. • In Aperture-Priority Auto exposure (A) mode By selecting aperture, you set...
...series/N80-series or F70-series/ N70. 24 Flash Modes and Types 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 Nikon Digital SLR cameras and Manual flash. Note that the automatically controlled aperture should provide ...being used . (See your subject. • If you set a shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed, the camera automatically shifts to its fastest flash sync speed when the SB-50DX is turned on. • In Aperture-Priority Auto exposure (A) mode By selecting aperture, you set...
Instruction Manual
Page 14
...exposure mode/metering system combination. 26 When the SB-50DX is used in that order. (With D-TTL auto flash, it for a natural fill-flash effect (with a combination of the cameras of the subject. Monitor Pre-flashes Monitor Pre-flashes are integrated to highlight the main subject. ... very difficult situations, such as a scene that includes an object with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash mode is automatically activated. or D-type lens is integrated to automatically compensate the flash output level for well-balanced exposure on the main subject and the background...
...exposure mode/metering system combination. 26 When the SB-50DX is used in that order. (With D-TTL auto flash, it for a natural fill-flash effect (with a combination of the cameras of the subject. Monitor Pre-flashes Monitor Pre-flashes are integrated to highlight the main subject. ... very difficult situations, such as a scene that includes an object with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash mode is automatically activated. or D-type lens is integrated to automatically compensate the flash output level for well-balanced exposure on the main subject and the background...
Instruction Manual
Page 15
... 9, 12 F60-series/N60 HJ R PSA q IV F50-series/N50 F-401x/N5005 HJ R R M w 10 2, 7, 10 28 Group Camera TTL/D-TTL auto Lens flash mode CPU Non-CPU Exposure mode Metering system Notes (p. 30) F-501/N2020 H F-301/N2000 R RP AM w 13, 14 V F-401s/N4004s H R PSA q 13...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...
... 9, 12 F60-series/N60 HJ R PSA q IV F50-series/N50 F-401x/N5005 HJ R R M w 10 2, 7, 10 28 Group Camera TTL/D-TTL auto Lens flash mode CPU Non-CPU Exposure mode Metering system Notes (p. 30) F-501/N2020 H F-301/N2000 R RP AM w 13, 14 V F-401s/N4004s H R PSA q 13...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...
Instruction Manual
Page 16
...modes other than Aperture-Priority Auto and Manual, the shutter in some cameras may not be manually selected in the SB-50DX's LCD panel but Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash is set to Aperture Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). (See camera's instruction manual.) 2. however, Aperture-Priority... Auto and Manual exposure modes cannot be used with the F-601M/N6000; Manual flash can control the exposure and flash shooting distance. Press the SB-50DX's MODE button until the "M" for Manual flash appears in any camera, lens and metering system combination. Set the camera's exposure mode...
...modes other than Aperture-Priority Auto and Manual, the shutter in some cameras may not be manually selected in the SB-50DX's LCD panel but Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash is set to Aperture Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M). (See camera's instruction manual.) 2. however, Aperture-Priority... Auto and Manual exposure modes cannot be used with the F-601M/N6000; Manual flash can control the exposure and flash shooting distance. Press the SB-50DX's MODE button until the "M" for Manual flash appears in any camera, lens and metering system combination. Set the camera's exposure mode...
Instruction Manual
Page 17
...and zoom-head position. • Equations including guide number • The table below shows the guide numbers for the SB-50DX with ISO 100 sensitivity: (14mm zoom-head position: with the wide-flash adapter.) Zoom-head position 14mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm Guide number (m/ft.) 9.5/31 10/33 11/35 12/38 14...) and zoom-head position. For guide number information of the camera's built-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 the table below: ISO film speed Factor...
...and zoom-head position. • Equations including guide number • The table below shows the guide numbers for the SB-50DX with ISO 100 sensitivity: (14mm zoom-head position: with the wide-flash adapter.) Zoom-head position 14mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm Guide number (m/ft.) 9.5/31 10/33 11/35 12/38 14...) and zoom-head position. For guide number information of the camera's built-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 the table below: ISO film speed Factor...
Instruction Manual
Page 18
... on only the foreground subject • 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 possible only when using cameras of Group I , II and III and Nikon digital SLR cameras. • Flash output level compensation can be necessary when the background includes a mirror...
... on only the foreground subject • 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 possible only when using cameras of Group I , II and III and Nikon digital SLR cameras. • Flash output level compensation can be necessary when the background includes a mirror...
Instruction Manual
Page 19
... Illuminator can be performed in dim light. • To activate the AF-Assist Illuminator, press the MODE and - However with F60-series/N60 and SB-50DX's flash mode set to manual, AF-Assist Illuminator of the F60-series/N60 turns on. (See your camera's instruction manual.) • With some cameras,... AF-Assist Illuminator of the SB-50DX may not be used with the Nikon AF camera when AF Nikkor lenses are used. • Usable focal length for the AF-Assist Illuminator is approx. 24mm to ...
... Illuminator can be performed in dim light. • To activate the AF-Assist Illuminator, press the MODE and - However with F60-series/N60 and SB-50DX's flash mode set to manual, AF-Assist Illuminator of the F60-series/N60 turns on. (See your camera's instruction manual.) • With some cameras,... AF-Assist Illuminator of the SB-50DX may not be used with the Nikon AF camera when AF Nikkor lenses are used. • Usable focal length for the AF-Assist Illuminator is approx. 24mm to ...
Instruction Manual
Page 21
... to three stops wider (smaller f-number) than you would for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use an aperture two to the general single-flash bounce operation (center photo), the SB-50DX enables you can soften the shadows and produce more natural-looking portraits (left ). If your picture will provide a more natural-looking lighting effect...
... to three stops wider (smaller f-number) than you would for approx. 3 sec. To compensate, use an aperture two to the general single-flash bounce operation (center photo), the SB-50DX enables you can soften the shadows and produce more natural-looking portraits (left ). If your picture will provide a more natural-looking lighting effect...
Instruction Manual
Page 22
... zoom-head position manually. Bounce-Flash Photography-continued • Bounce-flash operation 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 single flash (p. 41). • Set the SB-50DX to TTL auto flash mode (p. 18). Attach the SB-50DX to the camera's exposure...
... zoom-head position manually. Bounce-Flash Photography-continued • Bounce-flash operation 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 single flash (p. 41). • Set the SB-50DX to TTL auto flash mode (p. 18). Attach the SB-50DX to the camera's exposure...
Instruction Manual
Page 23
...Compose, focus, confirm the ready-light comes on, then shoot. • If the ready-light on the SB-50DX and the camera's viewfinder ready-light fi blink for close -up flash shooting With a long-size lens, light may indicate underexposure has occurred. may occur in the LCD panel. ...8226; blinks if the wide-flash adapter is tilted down. after shooting, the flash has fired at least f/4 or even smaller aperture (larger f- This may be used when flash head of the SB-50DX is not attached. Test shooting is : f/stop ≥ 2 = 4 0.5...
...Compose, focus, confirm the ready-light comes on, then shoot. • If the ready-light on the SB-50DX and the camera's viewfinder ready-light fi blink for close -up flash shooting With a long-size lens, light may indicate underexposure has occurred. may occur in the LCD panel. ...8226; blinks if the wide-flash adapter is tilted down. after shooting, the flash has fired at least f/4 or even smaller aperture (larger f- This may be used when flash head of the SB-50DX is not attached. Test shooting is : f/stop ≥ 2 = 4 0.5...