Instruction Manual
Page 2
... nonconforming cameras/ accessories could damage the SB-50DX's components. Get to the lens' focal length (incompatible with Nikon brand cameras/accessories (including lenses). When used with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash can perform various types of the SB-50DX: • The SB-50DX is a high-performance Speedlight having a built-in Speedlight, both the SB-50DX and the camera's built-in dim light...
... nonconforming cameras/ accessories could damage the SB-50DX's components. Get to the lens' focal length (incompatible with Nikon brand cameras/accessories (including lenses). When used with Nikon digital SLR cameras, D-TTL auto flash can perform various types of the SB-50DX: • The SB-50DX is a high-performance Speedlight having a built-in Speedlight, both the SB-50DX and the camera's built-in dim light...
Instruction Manual
Page 3
... 18-19 5. Contents PREPARATION 2-9 Foreword 2 Tips on Batteries 65 Troubleshooting 66-68 TTL auto flash shooting distance range (ft 69 Specifications 70-71 Index 72-73 5 Miscellaneous Speedlight Placement Technical Operation Detailed Operation Basic Operation Preparation Attaching the SB-50DX to produce more natural-looking pictures ....58 Eliminating shadows cast by the subject 59 Emphasizing...
... 18-19 5. Contents PREPARATION 2-9 Foreword 2 Tips on Batteries 65 Troubleshooting 66-68 TTL auto flash shooting distance range (ft 69 Specifications 70-71 Index 72-73 5 Miscellaneous Speedlight Placement Technical Operation Detailed Operation Basic Operation Preparation Attaching the SB-50DX to produce more natural-looking pictures ....58 Eliminating shadows cast by the subject 59 Emphasizing...
Instruction Manual
Page 4
... 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 fully charged and ready to fire. Nomenclature 6 1 Flash head P. 15 Can be insufficient. !w FLASH button P. 12 Press to test fire the flash. !e Illuminator... Automatically detects the camera's built-in Speedlight if it down to -18°. 2 Wide-flash adapter P. 17 Attach the wide-flash adapter in front of the flash head to increase the angle of the flash head to use the SB-50DX as an infrared remote commander Backside indications...
... 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 fully charged and ready to fire. Nomenclature 6 1 Flash head P. 15 Can be insufficient. !w FLASH button P. 12 Press to test fire the flash. !e Illuminator... Automatically detects the camera's built-in Speedlight if it down to -18°. 2 Wide-flash adapter P. 17 Attach the wide-flash adapter in front of the flash head to increase the angle of the flash head to use the SB-50DX as an infrared remote commander Backside indications...
Instruction Manual
Page 5
... lenses (except for AF Nikkor 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 automatically after approx. 16 sec. when the SB-50DX is limited (see the lens' instruction manual). •...
... lenses (except for AF Nikkor 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 automatically after approx. 16 sec. when the SB-50DX is limited (see the lens' instruction manual). •...
Instruction Manual
Page 7
... cannot be used as normal mode when the Speedlight is working properly. Note: Completely turning off the SB-50DX, press the ON/OFF button while the LCD panel is left unused for the next shot (with fresh batteries). • Replace batteries with TTL/D-TTL auto flash (p. 28), the SB-50DX automatically turns off when the camera's exposure meter...
... cannot be used as normal mode when the Speedlight is working properly. Note: Completely turning off the SB-50DX, press the ON/OFF button while the LCD panel is left unused for the next shot (with fresh batteries). • Replace batteries with TTL/D-TTL auto flash (p. 28), the SB-50DX automatically turns off when the camera's exposure meter...
Instruction Manual
Page 13
..., the camera automatically shifts to perform wireless multiple flash operation using the built-in Speedlight (p. 48) of the F80-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 Manual flash mode (p. 31) where appropriate aperture should be...
..., the camera automatically shifts to perform wireless multiple flash operation using the built-in Speedlight (p. 48) of the F80-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 Manual flash mode (p. 31) where appropriate aperture should be...
Instruction Manual
Page 17
...the aperture scale on the lens. • Reading aperture of the CPU lens with the Nikon F-401x/N5005, F-401s/N4004s, or F-401/N4004 camera • Set the camera's ...guide number flash-to determine aperture with the camera's dial. for the longest focal length setting, read the aperture value with such lens. • Reading aperture in 1/300 TTL High-...Speedlight's instruction manual. Combined guide number in double-flash operation (GN = guide number): Combined GN = (GN of the SB-50DX)2 + (GN of the camera's built-in Speedlight)2 Combined guide number in Speedlight or Accessory Speedlight ...
...the aperture scale on the lens. • Reading aperture of the CPU lens with the Nikon F-401x/N5005, F-401s/N4004s, or F-401/N4004 camera • Set the camera's ...guide number flash-to determine aperture with the camera's dial. for the longest focal length setting, read the aperture value with such lens. • Reading aperture in 1/300 TTL High-...Speedlight's instruction manual. Combined guide number in double-flash operation (GN = guide number): Combined GN = (GN of the SB-50DX)2 + (GN of the camera's built-in Speedlight)2 Combined guide number in Speedlight or Accessory Speedlight ...
Instruction Manual
Page 21
...flash adapter. 40 • Bounce-flash operation with wideflash adapter*3, 4) 12/39 (fixed*4) *1 Generally, the flash head is recommended. Note on the SB-50DX and the camera's viewfinder ready-light fi blink for regular TTL auto flash operation. 6. In addition to the general single-flash bounce operation (center photo), the SB-50DX... the bounce distance (distance between the flash head and reflecting surface and/or distance between the subject and reflecting surface). Bounce-flash with Direct flash (built-in single flash Speedlight) Bounce-flash (off the ceiling or walls, you...
...flash adapter. 40 • Bounce-flash operation with wideflash adapter*3, 4) 12/39 (fixed*4) *1 Generally, the flash head is recommended. Note on the SB-50DX and the camera's viewfinder ready-light fi blink for regular TTL auto flash operation. 6. In addition to the general single-flash bounce operation (center photo), the SB-50DX... the bounce distance (distance between the flash head and reflecting surface and/or distance between the subject and reflecting surface). Bounce-flash with Direct flash (built-in single flash Speedlight) Bounce-flash (off the ceiling or walls, you...
Instruction Manual
Page 22
...-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 and attach the provided diffuser on the SB-50DX detects that the camera's Speedlight is activated and is activated. 3. Exposure mode with double flash (SB-50DX...
...-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 and attach the provided diffuser on the SB-50DX detects that the camera's Speedlight is activated and is activated. 3. Exposure mode with double flash (SB-50DX...
Instruction Manual
Page 24
... multiple flash operation.) Nikon COOLPIX-series Wireless multiple flash operation is not possible using the built-in Speedlight of the master flash unit (p. 48) following multiple flash shootings. • Wireless multiple flash shooting (p. 48) • Multiple flash shooting with the SB-50DX attached with the Infrared Filter SW-9IR used for a master flash unit in the table below. Set Standard TTL Flash. Cannot...
... multiple flash operation.) Nikon COOLPIX-series Wireless multiple flash operation is not possible using the built-in Speedlight of the master flash unit (p. 48) following multiple flash shootings. • Wireless multiple flash shooting (p. 48) • Multiple flash shooting with the SB-50DX attached with the Infrared Filter SW-9IR used for a master flash unit in the table below. Set Standard TTL Flash. Cannot...
Instruction Manual
Page 25
... the camera) where light from the master flash unit to three. 3. Cancel Monitor pre-flashes When using a Group I camera (p. 28), cancel the Monitor pre-flashes of the SB-50DX's light sensor in Speedlight) to the subject than approx. Wireless Multiple Flash Operation You can perform wireless multiple flash operation with TTL auto flash (Nikon FM2, FE10, FM10, etc.). The light sensor...
... the camera) where light from the master flash unit to three. 3. Cancel Monitor pre-flashes When using a Group I camera (p. 28), cancel the Monitor pre-flashes of the SB-50DX's light sensor in Speedlight) to the subject than approx. Wireless Multiple Flash Operation You can perform wireless multiple flash operation with TTL auto flash (Nikon FM2, FE10, FM10, etc.). The light sensor...
Instruction Manual
Page 26
...sure to turn the SB-50DX off when not in use the SB-50DX as a master flash unit and attaching it to prevent accidental firing in Wireless Flash mode. Canceling (preventing accidental) flash firing Raise the camera Speedlight detecting lever with your finger to a camera body (other than Nikon digital SLR), appears ... it is replaced by or and you can be fired even if the Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with the master flash unit. Do not leave the SB-50DX turned on in sync with TTL Multi-Sensor (p. 25) is selected. Canceling sound monitor To cancel the sound monitor, press...
...sure to turn the SB-50DX off when not in use the SB-50DX as a master flash unit and attaching it to prevent accidental firing in Wireless Flash mode. Canceling (preventing accidental) flash firing Raise the camera Speedlight detecting lever with your finger to a camera body (other than Nikon digital SLR), appears ... it is replaced by or and you can be fired even if the Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with the master flash unit. Do not leave the SB-50DX turned on in sync with TTL Multi-Sensor (p. 25) is selected. Canceling sound monitor To cancel the sound monitor, press...
Instruction Manual
Page 27
... do not expose normal film to trigger the slave SB-80DX, 50DX, 30 unit or other Speedlight with the SU-4 (p. 56) as a master flash unit and fires at Manual Slave Flash mode To fire the slave SB-50DX unit placed distant from the groove on one second to TTL auto flash mode without infrared remote commander (p. 48). • Press...
... do not expose normal film to trigger the slave SB-80DX, 50DX, 30 unit or other Speedlight with the SU-4 (p. 56) as a master flash unit and fires at Manual Slave Flash mode To fire the slave SB-50DX unit placed distant from the groove on one second to TTL auto flash mode without infrared remote commander (p. 48). • Press...
Instruction Manual
Page 28
... your camera and Speedlight. • TTL multiple flash operation using cords Take care that the combined total of Group I, II or Nikon Digital SLR, the zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the angle coverage of the SB-50DX or SB-23 as in normal TTL auto flash operation (p. 20). • Set the flash mode on the SB-50DX to TTL auto (p. 18...
... your camera and Speedlight. • TTL multiple flash operation using cords Take care that the combined total of Group I, II or Nikon Digital SLR, the zoom-head position is automatically adjusted by the angle coverage of the SB-50DX or SB-23 as in normal TTL auto flash operation (p. 20). • Set the flash mode on the SB-50DX to TTL auto (p. 18...
Instruction Manual
Page 29
... the AS-10 enables stable placement of the SB-50DX (or SB-23) as a slave flash unit to perform wireless multiple flash operation (p. 48). Accessories for Multiple Flash Operation To perform TTL multiple flash operation, use the SC-24. Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 • The SU-4 enables a Speedlight other than the SB-80DX, 50DX and 30 to be connected to perform...
... the AS-10 enables stable placement of the SB-50DX (or SB-23) as a slave flash unit to perform wireless multiple flash operation (p. 48). Accessories for Multiple Flash Operation To perform TTL multiple flash operation, use the SC-24. Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 • The SU-4 enables a Speedlight other than the SB-80DX, 50DX and 30 to be connected to perform...
Instruction Manual
Page 30
... from the master flash unit is too strong, bounce-flash operation is properly exposed. Background (wall) Subject Speedlight Placement Single flash (built-in Speedlight) Camera: F80D (Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Front-Curtain Sync flash mode) Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Master flash unit (built-in Speedlight): Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Standard TTL Flash Single flash (built-in Speedlight) Camera: F80D...
... from the master flash unit is too strong, bounce-flash operation is properly exposed. Background (wall) Subject Speedlight Placement Single flash (built-in Speedlight) Camera: F80D (Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Front-Curtain Sync flash mode) Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Master flash unit (built-in Speedlight): Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Standard TTL Flash Single flash (built-in Speedlight) Camera: F80D...
Instruction Manual
Page 31
... Master flash unit (built-in Speedlight): Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Manual Slave Flash mode 60 Camera: F80D (Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Front-Curtain Sync flash mode) Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Master flash unit (SB-50DX with SW-9IR filter): Wireless Flash mode (Automatic Balanced FillFlash with TTL Multi-Sensor) Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Auto Slave Flash mode Master flash unit...
... Master flash unit (built-in Speedlight): Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Manual Slave Flash mode 60 Camera: F80D (Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Front-Curtain Sync flash mode) Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Master flash unit (SB-50DX with SW-9IR filter): Wireless Flash mode (Automatic Balanced FillFlash with TTL Multi-Sensor) Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Auto Slave Flash mode Master flash unit...
Instruction Manual
Page 32
... optional SK-7 bracket (p. 56) enables you can use several Speedlights in Speedlight) Camera: F80D (Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Front-Curtain Sync flash mode) Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Master flash unit (SB-28): Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Auto Slave Flash mode 62 63 Effective Speedlight Placement-continued • Illuminating a distant subject When light from the...
... optional SK-7 bracket (p. 56) enables you can use several Speedlights in Speedlight) Camera: F80D (Aperture-Priority Auto exposure mode, Front-Curtain Sync flash mode) Lens: AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G Master flash unit (SB-28): Standard TTL Flash Slave flash unit (SB-50DX): Auto Slave Flash mode 62 63 Effective Speedlight Placement-continued • Illuminating a distant subject When light from the...
Instruction Manual
Page 34
...speed than FE10 SB-50DX's) viewfinder TTL auto flash mode) is attached (except when using the F4-series). Spot Metering is exceeded.) Cameras of Ready-light blinks and The SB-50DX has fired Set wider aperture 21 Group I and Nikon digital SLR cameras... TTL/D- not appear in shooting, the camera Speedlight is not set . SB-50DX (in TTL another setting. Weighted Fill-Flash. mode. Cameras of the Use a film with TTL Multi-Sensor. Set Matrix Balanced 18 Flash/Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/CenterFill-Flash is released. SB-50DX lights up flash Camera...
...speed than FE10 SB-50DX's) viewfinder TTL auto flash mode) is attached (except when using the F4-series). Spot Metering is exceeded.) Cameras of Ready-light blinks and The SB-50DX has fired Set wider aperture 21 Group I and Nikon digital SLR cameras... TTL/D- not appear in shooting, the camera Speedlight is not set . SB-50DX (in TTL another setting. Weighted Fill-Flash. mode. Cameras of the Use a film with TTL Multi-Sensor. Set Matrix Balanced 18 Flash/Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/CenterFill-Flash is released. SB-50DX lights up flash Camera...
Instruction Manual
Page 36
...° 60° 46° Flash duration Bounce capacity Power switch Flash exposure control/type of TTL/ D-TTL auto flash. with 3.5 to the camera's built-in Speedlight for guide numbers in the Auto Slave Flash mode. Backside indications Light-condensing paint is pressed; Flash head tilts up when SB-50DX is provided; Blinks when flash fires at 90°, 75°...
...° 60° 46° Flash duration Bounce capacity Power switch Flash exposure control/type of TTL/ D-TTL auto flash. with 3.5 to the camera's built-in Speedlight for guide numbers in the Auto Slave Flash mode. Backside indications Light-condensing paint is pressed; Flash head tilts up when SB-50DX is provided; Blinks when flash fires at 90°, 75°...