Instruction Manual
Page 4
Notices used with instructions on preparing the Speedlight for shooting and move on to a variety of basic and advanced flash photographic techniques covering all available functions. • In the separate Quick Reference sheet, we begin with 35mm SLR cameras. NOTE Denotes a useful point that should be used in CPU • D- Nikkor lenses with the Nikon Advanced Photo System (IX240) format...
Notices used with instructions on preparing the Speedlight for shooting and move on to a variety of basic and advanced flash photographic techniques covering all available functions. • In the separate Quick Reference sheet, we begin with 35mm SLR cameras. NOTE Denotes a useful point that should be used in CPU • D- Nikkor lenses with the Nikon Advanced Photo System (IX240) format...
Instruction Manual
Page 5
... the foot forward gently once in this manual, or using the SB-27 with a camera made by another manufacturer. ■For further details on using the SB-27 in ways not specified in the direction of arrow ➀, and slowly detach the 1 SB-27. Before taking important flash photographs, take a few trial shots first to make sure the Speedlight is working properly. ■Use only Nikon-approved...
... the foot forward gently once in this manual, or using the SB-27 with a camera made by another manufacturer. ■For further details on using the SB-27 in ways not specified in the direction of arrow ➀, and slowly detach the 1 SB-27. Before taking important flash photographs, take a few trial shots first to make sure the Speedlight is working properly. ■Use only Nikon-approved...
Instruction Manual
Page 6
... manual 4 Tips on using the Speedlight 5 Contents 6-7 Speedlight parts 8 LCD panel indications 9 Preparations for taking flash photographs 10 Installing batteries 11 Standby function 12-13 Attaching the SB-27 to the camera 14 Adjusting the flash head 15 Selecting a measurement system (meters/feet 16 The ready-light 17 Test firing with the open-flash button 18 Setting ISO film speed 19 Setting zoom-head position 20-21 Basic flash operation 22 Selecting a flash mode 23 Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras...
... manual 4 Tips on using the Speedlight 5 Contents 6-7 Speedlight parts 8 LCD panel indications 9 Preparations for taking flash photographs 10 Installing batteries 11 Standby function 12-13 Attaching the SB-27 to the camera 14 Adjusting the flash head 15 Selecting a measurement system (meters/feet 16 The ready-light 17 Test firing with the open-flash button 18 Setting ISO film speed 19 Setting zoom-head position 20-21 Basic flash operation 22 Selecting a flash mode 23 Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras...
Instruction Manual
Page 8
Speedlight parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 10 17 18 11 19 12 20 21 1 Built-in diffuser card (See page 53.) 2 Built-in bounce flash adapter (See page 52.) 3 Flash head (See page 15.) 4 Red-eye reduction lamp 5 Light sensor for Non-TTL Auto Flash operation 6 AF assist illuminator LED (See page 47.) 7 "F" button (See pages 16, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39 and 61.) 8 LCD...
Speedlight parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 16 10 17 18 11 19 12 20 21 1 Built-in diffuser card (See page 53.) 2 Built-in bounce flash adapter (See page 52.) 3 Flash head (See page 15.) 4 Red-eye reduction lamp 5 Light sensor for Non-TTL Auto Flash operation 6 AF assist illuminator LED (See page 47.) 7 "F" button (See pages 16, 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39 and 61.) 8 LCD...
Instruction Manual
Page 13
... the standby function will not work. For F50-Series/N50, F-601/N6006, and F-601M/N6000 If camera power shuts OFF with the camera without TTL Auto Flash), we recommend setting the camera setting switch to ˚ so that the flash mode automatically switches to t mode with the camera featuring TTL Auto Flash, and to ˙ mode with the camera setting switch (inside the SB-27's battery chamber) set the camera setting switch (inside the SB-27's battery chamber) to t enabling TTL Auto Flash operation.
... the standby function will not work. For F50-Series/N50, F-601/N6006, and F-601M/N6000 If camera power shuts OFF with the camera without TTL Auto Flash), we recommend setting the camera setting switch to ˚ so that the flash mode automatically switches to t mode with the camera featuring TTL Auto Flash, and to ˙ mode with the camera setting switch (inside the SB-27's battery chamber) set the camera setting switch (inside the SB-27's battery chamber) to t enabling TTL Auto Flash operation.
Instruction Manual
Page 19
...speed The following ISO film speeds can be used in AUTO mode: • ISO 25 to ISO 1000 for cameras in Groups VI and VII, and F-401s/N4004s and F-401/N4004 cameras. With cameras in Groups III thru VII Set the ISO film speed manually as follows: 1 Press the "M" button to ISO 400 for cameras in Groups I and II ISO film speed is set...LCD panel. -Manual ISO film speed setting is displayed in the LCD panel. To speed up the advance, keep pressing the button. -Stop when the ISO speed of the film loaded. TTL A M mm ZOOM M ISO ft m 60 18 30 9 15 4 72 41 2 0.6 2 Set the ISO film speed of the ...
...speed The following ISO film speeds can be used in AUTO mode: • ISO 25 to ISO 1000 for cameras in Groups VI and VII, and F-401s/N4004s and F-401/N4004 cameras. With cameras in Groups III thru VII Set the ISO film speed manually as follows: 1 Press the "M" button to ISO 400 for cameras in Groups I and II ISO film speed is set...LCD panel. -Manual ISO film speed setting is displayed in the LCD panel. To speed up the advance, keep pressing the button. -Stop when the ISO speed of the film loaded. TTL A M mm ZOOM M ISO ft m 60 18 30 9 15 4 72 41 2 0.6 2 Set the ISO film speed of the ...
Instruction Manual
Page 46
With the SB-27 in Manual (M) Flash mode, you will obtain a guide number of light generated by the factors shown in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash operation with the film speed. To calculate a correct aperture: f/stop (aperture)= guide number flash-to-subject distance (m) To calculate the shooting distance: flash-to-subject distance (m)= guide number f/stop ) value by using the above figures by the flash. For films other ISO film speeds ISO film speed 25 50...
With the SB-27 in Manual (M) Flash mode, you will obtain a guide number of light generated by the factors shown in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash operation with the film speed. To calculate a correct aperture: f/stop (aperture)= guide number flash-to-subject distance (m) To calculate the shooting distance: flash-to-subject distance (m)= guide number f/stop ) value by using the above figures by the flash. For films other ISO film speeds ISO film speed 25 50...
Instruction Manual
Page 47
...assist illuminator LED. -The AF assist illuminator LED goes out as soon as a single candle. Autofocus flash operation in dim light (For AF SLR cameras only) Nikon AF SLR cameras using AF Nikkor lenses can autofocus in light as dim as the subject has been correctly focused. • No AF assist illuminator LED lights... focus area. When ambient light is insufficient for autofocus operation, the SB-27's AF assist illuminator LED automatically turns ON to give contrast to dark subjects, enabling the camera's autofocus system to function when the shutter release button is not selected.
...assist illuminator LED. -The AF assist illuminator LED goes out as soon as a single candle. Autofocus flash operation in dim light (For AF SLR cameras only) Nikon AF SLR cameras using AF Nikkor lenses can autofocus in light as dim as the subject has been correctly focused. • No AF assist illuminator LED lights... focus area. When ambient light is insufficient for autofocus operation, the SB-27's AF assist illuminator LED automatically turns ON to give contrast to dark subjects, enabling the camera's autofocus system to function when the shutter release button is not selected.
Instruction Manual
Page 63
... master unit illumination is possible with cameras in all camera groups) Flash shooting with one flash unit Flash shooting with more than secondary unit illumination. First cancel Monitor Preflash using more than one Speedlight (Applicable to all groups. -In multiple flash operation in lighting conditions between initial Monitor Preflash* and actual flash firings. For multiple flash operation with the SB-27, both TTL Auto and Manual (M) Flash modes are available. -Multiple flash operation in TTL Auto Flash mode is greater than one flash unit...
... master unit illumination is possible with cameras in all camera groups) Flash shooting with one flash unit Flash shooting with more than secondary unit illumination. First cancel Monitor Preflash using more than one Speedlight (Applicable to all groups. -In multiple flash operation in lighting conditions between initial Monitor Preflash* and actual flash firings. For multiple flash operation with the SB-27, both TTL Auto and Manual (M) Flash modes are available. -Multiple flash operation in TTL Auto Flash mode is greater than one flash unit...
Instruction Manual
Page 64
... the master flash unit. If the camera setting switch is set the power switch to K, the standby function will work and the slave flash will not fire. 4 Setting up the slave unit(s) in the same way. 5 Follow the same procedures as a master flash unit on usable flash units and accessories for cameras in normal TTL Auto Flash mode. Forced TTL simply disables the standby function. NOTE Using the SB-27 as a slave flash unit (for multiple flash operation. 1 Mount the SB-27 as in Groups I thru TTL multiple flash operation...
... the master flash unit. If the camera setting switch is set the power switch to K, the standby function will work and the slave flash will not fire. 4 Setting up the slave unit(s) in the same way. 5 Follow the same procedures as a master flash unit on usable flash units and accessories for cameras in normal TTL Auto Flash mode. Forced TTL simply disables the standby function. NOTE Using the SB-27 as a slave flash unit (for multiple flash operation. 1 Mount the SB-27 as in Groups I thru TTL multiple flash operation...
Instruction Manual
Page 65
..., SB-28/28DX, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-23, SB-22s, SB-22, SB-20, SB-18, SB-16B, SB-15 • For more Speedlights mounted on the camera's hot shoe as slave flash units. In this case, turn each of the slave flash unit in sync with SU-4 the SU-4. The SU-4's built-in light sensor not only detects when the master flash unit fires to trigger the slave flash unit, but also controls the flash duration of the flash units OFF...
..., SB-28/28DX, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-23, SB-22s, SB-22, SB-20, SB-18, SB-16B, SB-15 • For more Speedlights mounted on the camera's hot shoe as slave flash units. In this case, turn each of the slave flash unit in sync with SU-4 the SU-4. The SU-4's built-in light sensor not only detects when the master flash unit fires to trigger the slave flash unit, but also controls the flash duration of the flash units OFF...
Instruction Manual
Page 68
...-17 TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18/SC-19 1 Use the sync terminal for each Speedlight. 3 Setting up a master flash unit and slave unit(s) Set the zoom-head position and the flash-to all camera groups) Manual multiple flash operation procedures (Applicable to -subject shooting distance on each light output in Manual (M) mode, see page 46. For guide numbers for connecting the SB-27 with other Speedlight slave units via optional sync cords. 2 Set Manual (M) Flash mode on the master flash unit. Multiple flash operation-(Applicable to all cameras) Speedlights which...
...-17 TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18/SC-19 1 Use the sync terminal for each Speedlight. 3 Setting up a master flash unit and slave unit(s) Set the zoom-head position and the flash-to all camera groups) Manual multiple flash operation procedures (Applicable to -subject shooting distance on each light output in Manual (M) mode, see page 46. For guide numbers for connecting the SB-27 with other Speedlight slave units via optional sync cords. 2 Set Manual (M) Flash mode on the master flash unit. Multiple flash operation-(Applicable to all cameras) Speedlights which...
Instruction Manual
Page 71
... or red-eye reduction in the SB-27's LCD panel. -You cannot set oncamera, the red-eye reduction control indicator ¤ appears in slow-sync is taken. Light from the SB-27. Refer to your camera's Instruction Manual for approx. 1 sec. before the flash fires and the picture is set the red-eye reduction function from the camera's flash reflects off the retina of the...
... or red-eye reduction in the SB-27's LCD panel. -You cannot set oncamera, the red-eye reduction control indicator ¤ appears in slow-sync is taken. Light from the SB-27. Refer to your camera's Instruction Manual for approx. 1 sec. before the flash fires and the picture is set the red-eye reduction function from the camera's flash reflects off the retina of the...
Instruction Manual
Page 75
... Nikonos V In TTL mode, the flash ready-light blinks when the shutter speed is set to either M90, M250, or B setting. ■FM3A, New FM2 The flash ready-light blinks when the shutter speed set is faster than the flash sync speed. ■Any camera having an accessory shoe capable of TTL Auto Flash operation The flash ready-light blinks when the shutter release button is pressed halfway, indicating that the SB-27 has not been securely mounted on the camera. ■F90X...
... Nikonos V In TTL mode, the flash ready-light blinks when the shutter speed is set to either M90, M250, or B setting. ■FM3A, New FM2 The flash ready-light blinks when the shutter speed set is faster than the flash sync speed. ■Any camera having an accessory shoe capable of TTL Auto Flash operation The flash ready-light blinks when the shutter release button is pressed halfway, indicating that the SB-27 has not been securely mounted on the camera. ■F90X...
Instruction Manual
Page 76
... canceled. output but the light sure compensa- to its minimum (highest f-number). page No J indicator appears. ŋ Batteries are contacts. cameras in CPU is mounted. ŋ Flash mode is set to Standard TTL Flash. ŋ Mount a Nikkor lens with fresh ones. ŋCamera setting switch ŋ Set the camera setting P. 13 is set the exposure mode to be taken Ref. P. 52 M above the ŋ Auto zoom-head ZOOM blinks. contaminated. in Group VII...
... canceled. output but the light sure compensa- to its minimum (highest f-number). page No J indicator appears. ŋ Batteries are contacts. cameras in CPU is mounted. ŋ Flash mode is set to Standard TTL Flash. ŋ Mount a Nikkor lens with fresh ones. ŋCamera setting switch ŋ Set the camera setting P. 13 is set the exposure mode to be taken Ref. P. 52 M above the ŋ Auto zoom-head ZOOM blinks. contaminated. in Group VII...
Instruction Manual
Page 77
... -camera or mounting the SB-27 on the F4-Series camera. Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 Useful for multiple flash photography, the SU-4 features a built-in, movable light sensor and an accessory shoe for attachment of the slave unit in sync with the master unit to fire in unison with one tripod socket and three TTL multiple flash terminals. The SC-17 comes with the master flash, but controls the flash duration of a slave Speedlight...
... -camera or mounting the SB-27 on the F4-Series camera. Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 Useful for multiple flash photography, the SU-4 features a built-in, movable light sensor and an accessory shoe for attachment of the slave unit in sync with the master unit to fire in unison with one tripod socket and three TTL multiple flash terminals. The SC-17 comes with the master flash, but controls the flash duration of a slave Speedlight...
Instruction Manual
Page 84
... A mode, 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash does not work and shutter speed is performed, whereby the SB-27 fires a series of weak preflashes (Monitor Preflash) that include: (1) a mirror, white wall or other exposure data to 1/300 sec. using a custom function setting. When you to F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70) In this case the SB-27's guide number is...
... A mode, 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash does not work and shutter speed is performed, whereby the SB-27 fires a series of weak preflashes (Monitor Preflash) that include: (1) a mirror, white wall or other exposure data to 1/300 sec. using a custom function setting. When you to F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70) In this case the SB-27's guide number is...
Instruction Manual
Page 89
...Light Output Zoom-head position 24mm 28mm (normal) 35mm 50mm 1/1 (full) 25/82 27/89 30/98 34/112 1/2 17.7/58 19/62 21.2/69 24/79 1/4 12.5/41 13.5/44 15/49 17/56 1/8 8.8/29 9.5/31 10.5/34 12/39 1/16 6.2/20 6.7/22 7.4/24 8.5/28 For Guide numbers for 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash in use... Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry. OFF / M / AUTO • Power turns ON when set to "M" or "AUTO" position. • Standby function works when set to "M" or "AUTO" position (set camera setting switch to the vertical position along a 180° arc.
...Light Output Zoom-head position 24mm 28mm (normal) 35mm 50mm 1/1 (full) 25/82 27/89 30/98 34/112 1/2 17.7/58 19/62 21.2/69 24/79 1/4 12.5/41 13.5/44 15/49 17/56 1/8 8.8/29 9.5/31 10.5/34 12/39 1/16 6.2/20 6.7/22 7.4/24 8.5/28 For Guide numbers for 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash in use... Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry. OFF / M / AUTO • Power turns ON when set to "M" or "AUTO" position. • Standby function works when set to "M" or "AUTO" position (set camera setting switch to the vertical position along a 180° arc.
Instruction Manual
Page 90
... 100.) • M mode: Manual flash operation possible with cameras in all groups. Light output amount variable from 1/1(full), 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 to battery brands or performance. of flash/recycling time (approx.) time (approx.) AA-type alkaline 5 sec. (using 60 times/3.5-30 fresh battery) sec. recycling No. Red-eye reduction Rear-curtain sync flash AF assist illumination Manual full output without use of flashes and recycling time Batteries installed in the SB-27 Batteries Min. A red...
... 100.) • M mode: Manual flash operation possible with cameras in all groups. Light output amount variable from 1/1(full), 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 to battery brands or performance. of flash/recycling time (approx.) time (approx.) AA-type alkaline 5 sec. (using 60 times/3.5-30 fresh battery) sec. recycling No. Red-eye reduction Rear-curtain sync flash AF assist illumination Manual full output without use of flashes and recycling time Batteries installed in the SB-27 Batteries Min. A red...
Instruction Manual
Page 91
... sec. Built-in diffuser card Used in bounce flash operation to create catchlight in the camera's accessory shoe to change wihout notice. at its maximum output but the light may have been insufficient. Open-flash button • Performs test firing. • Turns the SB-27 ON again after it has been turned OFF by pressing the "F" button and flash mode selector simultaneously. Flash duration (approx.) 1/1000 sec...
... sec. Built-in diffuser card Used in bounce flash operation to create catchlight in the camera's accessory shoe to change wihout notice. at its maximum output but the light may have been insufficient. Open-flash button • Performs test firing. • Turns the SB-27 ON again after it has been turned OFF by pressing the "F" button and flash mode selector simultaneously. Flash duration (approx.) 1/1000 sec...