Nikon Speedlite SB-400: инструкция

Speedlight

SB-400

Instruction Manual

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■ Preparation

• For your safety .................................................................................................2

• Foreword .........................................................................................................8

• Confirm receipt ................................................................................................8

• Compatible cameras.......................................................................................10

• Speedlight parts .............................................................................................10

• Installing the batteries ....................................................................................10

■ Basic operation

• Attach the SB-400 to the camera ...................................................................12

• Adjust the flash head .....................................................................................12

• Setting the camera's mode.............................................................................13

• Flash shooting distance range.........................................................................13

■ Available flash modes

• Slow-sync flash/Red-eye reduction/Red-eye reduction with slow-sync

flash mode/Rear-curtain sync/FV (Flash Value) Lock/Exposure compensation

and flash output level compensation/Manual mode ........................................14

■ Effective usage of Speedlight

• Bounce flash ..................................................................................................15

• Notes on bounce flash....................................................................................16

■ Reference information

• Optional accessories .......................................................................................18

• Tips on Speedlight care ..................................................................................18

• Notes on handling batteries............................................................................19

• Notes on continuous flash shooting................................................................20

• Troubleshooting .............................................................................................21

• Specifications .................................................................................................22

1

Preparation

For your safety

Before using your product, please read the following safety

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precautions carefully and thoroughly to ensure correct and safe

use and to help prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury

to yourself or others.

For quick reference by those who use the product, please keep

these safety instructions near the product.

In this manual, safety instructions are indicated with these

symbols:

Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol

WARNING

could result in personal injury, or death and

property damage.

Disregarding instructions marked with this symbol

CAUTION

could result in property damage.

WARNINGS for Speedlights

1 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your eyes,

immediately wash your eyes with running water and consult with a

doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if they are not treated quickly.

2 Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash unit by yourself, as this

could result in you receiving an electric shock and could also cause the unit to

malfunction; such malfunction could lead to personal injury.

3 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your

skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact

could injure your skin.

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4 If the flash unit is dropped and damaged, do not touch any exposed

interior metal parts. Such parts, especially the speedlight's capacitor and

associated parts, could be in a high-charge state and if touched could cause an

electric shock. Disconnect the power or remove the batteries and be sure that

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you do not touch any of the product's electrical components, and then bring the

flash unit to your local Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair.

5 If you detect heat, smoke or notice a burning smell,

immediately stop operation and remove the batteries to prevent the unit

from catching on fire or melting. Allow the flash unit to cool down so that you

can safely touch it and remove the batteries. Then bring the unit to your local

Nikon dealer or authorized service center for repair.

6 The flash unit should never be submerged in liquid or exposed to rain,

saltwater or moisture unless it is properly protected from the liquids and

moisture. Underwater use requires a certified underwater housing. If

water or moisture gets inside the unit, this could cause the unit to catch on fire

or cause an electric shock. In such instances you should immediately remove the

batteries from the speedlight and then bring the unit to your local Nikon dealer

or authorized service center for repair.

Note: electronic devices that are penetrated by water or moisture are often not

economically repairable.

7 Do not use the unit in the presence of flammable or explosive gas. If the

flash unit is operated in areas where there is a flammable gas, including propane,

gasoline and dust, it could cause an explosion or fire.

8 Do not fire the flash unit directly at the driver of a moving car, as this

could temporarily impair the driver's vision and cause an accident.

9 Do not fire the flash unit directly into the eyes of someone that is at

close range, as it could damage their eyes' retinas. Never fire the flash unit

closer than 1 meter from infants.

10 Do not fire the unit while the flash head is touching a person or object.

Such use can result in the person being burned, and/or their clothes igniting

from the heat of the flash's firing.

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Preparation

11 Keep small accessories out of the reach of children to avoid the possibility

of the accessory being swallowed. If an accessory is accidentally swallowed,

immediately consult with a doctor.

12 Use only the batteries specified in this instruction manual.

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Batteries other than those specified could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch

on fire or otherwise not perform satisfactorily.

13 Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, as the batteries

could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire.

When using more than one battery in a product, always use identical batteries

that were purchased at the same time.

14 Non-rechargeable batteries such as manganese, alkalinemanganese and

lithium batteries should never be charged in a battery charger because

they could leak corrosive liquids, explode or catch on fire.

15 When using standard size (AA, AAA, C, D) or other common rechargeable

batteries such as NiCd and Ni-MH battery types, or when recharging

them, be sure to use only the battery charger specified by the battery

maker and read the instructions thoroughly. Do not recharge these

batteries with their terminals reversed in the charger or before the

batteries have cooled off sufficiently because they could leak corrosive

liquids, explode or catch on fire. The same caution also applies to using the

rechargeable batteries that may be supplied by the photo product's

manufacturer.

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CAUTIONS for Speedlights

1 Do not touch the flash unit with wet hands, as this could cause an electric

shock.

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2 Keep the flash unit away from children to prevent them from putting the

unit in or near their mouth, or otherwise touching a dangerous part of

the product; as such contact could cause an electric shock.

3 Do not apply strong physical shocks to the unit, as this could cause a

malfunction that could cause the unit to explode or catch on fire.

4 Never use active agents that contain flammable substances such as paint

thinner, benzene or paint remover to clean the unit, never spray any

insect deterrent spray on the unit, and never store the unit in locations

containing chemicals such as camphor and naphthalene, as this could

damage the plastic case, cause a fire or cause an electric shock.

5 Remove any batteries from the unit before storing the unit for a long

time to prevent the unit from catching on fire or leaking corrosive liquids.

WARNINGS for Batteries

1 Never heat or throw batteries into a fire, as this could cause the batteries to

leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

2 Do not short-circuit or disassemble the batteries because this could cause

the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

3 Do not mix battery types, brands or old and new batteries, as this could

cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

4 Do not install batteries in the reverse direction as this could cause the

batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode. Even if only one

battery is installed in reverse it will cause the speedlight to malfunction.

5 Be sure to use the battery charger specified by the battery maker to avoid

the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, generating heat or exploding.

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Preparation

6 Do not carry or store batteries along with metallic materials such as

necklaces and hair pins because such materials could cause the batteries to

short-circuit, leading to battery leakage, heat generation or an explosion. In

addition, specially when carrying a quantity of batteries, place them

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carefully in a storage case that prevents the battery terminals from

touching another battery's terminals because if they touch in reverse order it

could also cause the batteries to short-circuit, leading to battery leakage, heat

generation or an explosion.

7 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and get in your eyes,

immediately wash your eyes with running water and consult with a

doctor. Your eyes could be seriously damaged if they are not treated quickly.

8 Always follow the warnings and instructions printed on the batteries to

avoid activities that could cause the batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate

heat or catch on fire.

9 Be sure to use only batteries specified in this instruction manual, to avoid

the possibility of batteries leaking corrosive liquids, generating heat or exploding.

10 Never open the casing surrounding batteries or use batteries whose

casing has been breached as such batteries could leak corrosive liquids,

generate heat or explode.

11 Keep batteries out of the reach of children to help avoid the possibility of

them being swallowed. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, immediately

consult with a doctor.

12 Batteries should not be submerged in water, exposed to rain, moisture or

saltwater unless they are properly protected from the wet environment.

If water or moisture gets inside the batteries, this could cause them to leak

corrosive liquids or generate heat.

13 Do not use any battery that appears abnormal in any way, including a

change in color or shape. Such batteries could leak corrosive liquids or

generate heat.

14 Stop recharging rechargeable batteries if you notice that recharging is

not completed within the specified time to help prevent the possibility of the

battery leaking corrosive liquids or generating heat.

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15 If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries and come in contact with your

skin or clothes, wash immediately with running water. Prolonged contact

could injure your skin.

16 When recycling or disposing of batteries, be sure to insulate their

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terminals with tape. If the battery's positive and negative terminals short-

circuit after coming into contact with metallic objects, it could cause fire, heat

generation or an explosion. Dispose of used batteries in accordance with local

government regulations.

17 Non-rechargeable batteries should never be charged in a battery charger

because they could leak corrosive liquids or generate heat.

18 Remove dead batteries from your equipment immediately, leak corrosive

liquids, generate heat or explode.

CAUTION for Batteries

1 Do not throw or apply strong physical shocks to the batteries as this could

cause batteries to leak corrosive liquids, generate heat or explode.

Symbol for separate collection applicable in European

countries

This symbol indicates that this product is to be collected

separately. The following apply only to users in European

countries.

• This product is designated for separate collection at an

appropriate collection point. Do not dispose of as household

waste.

• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities

in charge of waste management.

7

Preparation

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-400. To get the most

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out of your Speedlight, please read this instruction manual thoroughly

before use. In addition, keep your camera instruction manual handy for

quick reference.

Confirm receipt

Confirm receipt of contents in your kit

Instruction manual

Warranty card

SB-400 Soft Case Instruction manual Warranty card

Using your Speedlight correctly

The Nikon Speedlight's performance has been optimized for use with

Nikon brand cameras and accessories, including lenses.

Camera and accessories made by other manufacturers might not meet

Nikon's specification criteria, and nonconforming cameras and accessories

could damage the Speedlight's components. Nikon cannot guarantee the

Speedlight's performance when used with non-Nikon products.

8

Effective usage of Speedlight

With the SB-400 mounted on your camera's hot shoe, you can tilt

the flash head in four steps (horizontal, 60º, 75º and 90º) to bounce

the light off the ceiling.

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Tilt the flash head 90º upper Horizontal

Bounce flash

Shooting using the light bounced off the ceiling or other surfaces by tilting

the flash head is called the bounce flash operation.

This technique offers following advantages:

• Eliminates Red Eye

• Creates soft shadows

• Prevents hair or clothes appearing to shine.

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Effective usage of Speedlight

Notes on bounce flash

For a simple bounce flash technique, tilt the flash head upward and

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bounce the flash light off the ceiling. Note that the flash should not

directly illuminate the subject.

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White ceiling

Lightproof white paper

• The recommended distance between

• When the distance between the flash

the flash head and reflective surface

head and reflective surfaces is long,

(ex. ceiling) is 1 to 2m (3.3-6.6 ft.).

use some A4-size white paper to

• Note to prevent the flash light directly

bounce the light off. Check that the

illuminating the subject.

bounced light rightly illuminates the

• In color photography, select white or

subject.

highly reflective surfaces to bounce

the light off. Otherwise, your pictures

will come out with an unnatural color

cast similar to that of the reflecting

surface.

When the subject has a mottled appearance with the flash

light, raise the tilting degree of the flash head.

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Illuminated subject in a mottled tone Shooting with the flash head tilted up 90º

Depending on the lens' focal length and tilting degree of the flash head, the

bounced light may illuminate the subject in a mottled tone.

• Tilt the flash head 90º and take the shot.

In case the light is not enough

When the flash light is insufficient Shooting with higher ISO sensitivity

When the reflective surface is too far away, the light from Speedlight may be

not enough to illuminate the subject.

• When taking photograph with digital cameras, set the ISO sensitivity higher than

in normal shooting.

• For bounce flash shooting, set the lens’ aperture larger (f/3.5, f/4.5 or f/5.6) than

for normal shooting.

• Reduce the distance between the reflective surface and the Speedlight.

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Reference information

Optional accessories

TTL Remote Cord SC-28/17 (1.5m)

TTL Remote Cords SC-28/17 provide TTL auto flash

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operation when the SB-400 is used off-camera. Their flash

shoes come with one tripod socket.

Tips on Speedlight care

WARNING

Never use thinner, benzene, or other active agents for cleaning the

Speedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catch fire.

Using these agents may also impair your health.

Cleaning

• Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the Speedlight and clean it with

a soft, clean cloth. After using the Speedlight near saltwater, wipe the flash unit

with a soft, clean cloth moistened slightly with tap water to remove the salt, then

dry it with a dry cloth.

• Do not drop the Speedlight or knock it on a hard surface, as this may damage its

precision mechanisms.

Storage

• Store the Speedlight in a cool, dry place to prevent malfunctions due to high

humidity, as well as the growth of mold or mildew.

• Keep the Speedlight away from chemicals such as camphor or naphthalene. Avoid

exposing the Speedlight to magnetic waves from televisions or radios.

• Do not use or leave the Speedlight in locations subject to high temperatures such

as near a heater or stove, as this may cause damage.

• When not using the Speedlight for more than two weeks, be sure to remove the

batteries to prevent damage due to battery leakage.

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• Take the Speedlight out once a month, insert the batteries, and fire the unit

several times to reform the capacitor.

• When the Speedlight is stored together with a desiccant, renew the desiccant

occasionally.

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Operating location

• An extreme temperature change can cause condensation to form inside the

Speedlight. When exposing the Speedlight to high temperatures from very low

temperatures, or vice versa, place it inside an airtight container such as a plastic

bag. Leave it inside the container for a while before gradually exposing the

Speedlight to the outside temperature.

• Avoid exposing the Speedlight to strong magnetic or radio waves from televisions

or high voltage power transmission towers, as this may cause it to malfunction.

Notes on handling batteries

• Because flash consumes a large amount of battery power, rechargeable batteries

may not operate properly before reaching the end of their stated lifespan or the

number of charging/discharging as specified by the battery manufacturer.

• If the battery terminals become soiled, remove dirt and smudges before use, as

this may cause a malfunction.

• Battery power tends to weaken as the temperature drops. It also gradually

decreases when batteries are not used for a long time and recovers after a short

break following intensive use. Be sure to check battery power and replace the

batteries with fresh ones, if you notice any delays in the recycling time.

• Do not store batteries in locations subject to high temperatures and high

humidity.

To protect the earth's environment, do not

Recycling

dispose of used rechargeable batteries

rechargeable

yourself. Instead, take these batteries to

Ni-MH

batteries

your nearest recycling center.

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Reference information

Notes on continuous flash shooting

Do not exceed the maximum number of continuous

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firings

You should allow the SB-400 to cool off for at least 10 minutes after

the maximum number of continuous firings are performed as shown

WARNING

in the table below:

Max. number of continuous firings

Max. number of continuous

Flash mode

firings

i-TTL auto flash

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Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/1, M1/2)

Manual flash (Flash output level: M1/4 to M1/128) 40

Notes when using the SB-400 with D80, D70-Series, D50,

D40-Series and COOLPIX 8800 cameras

When using the SB-400 with D80, D70-Series, D50, D40-Series or

COOLPIX 8800 cameras, the SB-400 must be turned on.

• If the SB-400 is turned off while mounted on any of the above cameras, and the

camera's "Auto flash" function is on, the camera's built-in flash will automatically

pop up when shooting in poor light, coming into contact with the SB-400.

• It is recommended that the SB-400 be detached from the camera when flash is

not required.

A note on microcomputer-controlled Speedlights

The Speedlight incorporates a microcomputer to control flash operations. In

rare cases, the Speedlight may not work properly even after a fresh battery is

properly installed. If this happens, replace the battery while the Speedlight’s

power is turned on.

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Troubleshooting

If a warning indication appears on the SB-400's ready-light or inside the

camera's viewfinder, use the following chart to determine the cause of the

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problem before you take your Speedlight to a Nikon service center for repair.

Warning indication inside the camera's viewfinder

Warning indication Cause Procedure

The ready-light in the

Underexposure may

• Shorten the shooting distance.

viewfinder blinks for 3

have occurred.

• Set camera’s aperture to a larger

sec. after firing.

(f/3.5, f/4.5 or f/5.6).

• Set the camera's ISO sensitivity

higher.

When mounted to the

Lens' focal length is set

• Set the focal length longer than

D40, blinks in the

shorter than 18mm.

18mm.

camera's viewfinder.

When mounted to the

The flash head of the

• For bounce flash shooting, take

D40, blinks in the

SB-400 is not set to the

the picture without any change.

camera's viewfinder.

horizontal position.

• For standard flash shooting, tilt the

flash head to the horizontal position.

When the ready-light on the SB-400 blinks

Ready-light blinks Cause Procedure

The ready-light blinks

Underexposure may

• Shorten the shooting distance.

for 3 sec. at 4 Hz.

have occurred.

• Set camera’s aperture to a larger

(f/3.5, f/4.5 or f/5.6).

• Set camera's the ISO sensitivity higher.

The ready-light blinks

Battery power is not

• Replace or recharge batteries.

for 40 sec. at 2 Hz.

enough.

The ready-light blinks at

The SB-400 is mounted to a camera which is not compatible

interval of 0.5 sec. at 8

with CLS (SB-400 is usable only with cameras compatible with

Hz.

CLS).

The ready-light blinks at

The body temperature

• Wait until the body temperature

1 Hz.

becomes high because

drops and ready-light turns on

of repeating flash or

again.

other cause.

• Hz (frequency) is blinking time per second.

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Reference information

Specifications

Electronic

Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series

construction

circuitry

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Guide number

30/98.4 (ISO 200, m/ft), 21/69 (ISO 100, m/ft)

(20ºC/68ºF)

Angle of coverage Light distribution covers an 18mm lens when mounted on a

Nikon DX format camera, and a 27mm lens when mounted on

an F6

Flash shooting

0.6m to 20m (2 to 66 ft.) (varies depending on the ISO

distance range

sensitivity, angle of the flash head, and lens aperture in use)

Flash mode i-TTL, M (manual, only with the D40-Series)

Compatible

All cameras compatible with CLS

cameras

Flash exposure

Slow-sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction in slow-sync,

control set on the

Rear-curtain sync flash, FV Lock flash, manual flash

camera

Bounce capability Flash head tilts up to 90º with click-stops at 0º, 60º, 75º, 90º

ON/OFF switch Turn the SB-400 on and off using the ON/OFF switch

Warning

• Batteries should not be exposed to excessive heat such as strong sunshine, a

fire, or the like.

• Dry batteries should never be recharged in a battery charger.

• Do not expose the SB-400 to water as this may result in an electric shock or

cause the unit to catch on fire.

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Power source / min.

Two AA-type penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any types:

recycling time / no.

Batteries Min. recycling

Min. number of flashes*

of flashes (at full

time (approx.)

/ interval between full

output)

flash output and ready

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light on

With fresh batteries

Alkaline-manganese

3.9 sec. 140/3.9-30 sec.

(These data may

(1.5V)

vary depending on

battery condition)

Lithium (1.5V) 4.2 sec. 250/4.2-30 sec.

Oxyride (1.5V) 3.1 sec. 150/3.1-30 sec.

Ni-MH (2600 mAh)

2.5 sec. 210/2.5-30 sec.

(rechargeable) (1.2V)

* When firing the Speedlight at full output once every 30

seconds (120 seconds with lithium batteries).

Ready-light • Lights up when the SB-400 is recharged and ready to fire.

• Blinks to indicate: insufficient light / insufficient battery

power / incompatibility of camera with SB-400 /overheating

Flash duration

1/1300 sec. at full output

(approx.)

Mounting foot

Provides secure attachment of SB-400 to camera’s accessory

lever lock

shoe using mount pin to prevent accidental detachment

Dimensions

Approx. 66 x 56.5 x 80mm (2.6 x 2.2 x 3.1 in.)

(W x H x D)

Weight

Approx. 127g (4.5 oz.)

(without batteries)

Included accessories SS-400 Soft Case

• These performance specifications are applicable when fresh batteries are used at

normal temperature (20ºC/68ºF).

• Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

Oxyride Battery is a registered trademark of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective

companies.

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