Flashes & lighting
Nikon Speedlight SB-23 User manual
User manual for Nikon Speedlight SB-23. 42 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Nikon
- Model / document
- Nikon Speedlight SB-23
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 42
- File size
- 1.6 MB
- Category
- Flashes & lighting
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
FOREWORD www.orphancameras.com
Thankyou for purchasingthe Nikon Gamera Groups and TTL auto flash availablewith the SB-23
NikonAutofocusSpeedlight
SB-23.We hope the SB-23will Camera name Group Type of TTL auto flash with the SB-23
make photographya much F90VN90s. Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flashbiggerpart of your life.Get to Fill-Flash/SpotFill-Flash F90-series/N90* I Center-Weightedknow your SB-23, but before F70-series/N70" Standard TTL Flash
using it, be sure to read both
your camerainstructionmanual F4-series Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash F-801s/N8008s. tl Center-WeightedFill-Flash/SpotFill-Flashand this manual.Nikoncannot F-801/N8008. Standard TTL Flashbe held resoonsiblefor
o Matrix Balanced Fill-Flashmalfunctions resulting from use F-601/N6006. Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/SpotFill-Flashof the SB-23 other than as F601M/N6000 ilt .. Standard TTL Flashspecifiedin this manual,or from
o Matrix Balanced Fill-Flashuse of the SB-23 with a camera F50-Series/N50. tv
made by a manufacturerother F-401x/N5005. . Center-WeightedFill-Flash
than-Nikon. F-501/N2020*
F-401s/N4004s. o Standard TTL Flash including
V Programmed TTL Auto Flasho For ease of explanation,the F-401lN4004.
relationshiosbetweenthe F-301/N2000*
SB-23and variousNikon FA
cameras are classifiedinto six FE2 FG VI o Standard TTL Flash right. groups at
o Beforeusingthe SB-23, NikonosV*""
determineyour Nikon camera " Sold exclusivelyin the U.S.A.
group in the Camera Group "- Sold exclusivelyin the U.S.A.and Canada.
Table shown at right. *"* OptionalV-Type Sync Cord is necessary.
ATTENTION: The SB-23 will not operate with Nikon cameras other
2 than those listed above.
<View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
FLASH MODES AVAILABLEwww.orphancameras.comWITH S8.23
The SB-23 providestwo flash modes,TTL auto flash output with ambientlight.
and manual.In TTL auto flash mode, you can This combinationensuresa correct exposureeven
performeitherAutomaticBalancedFill-Flashor in difficultsituations,includingsceneswith a highly
StandardTTL Flash. reflectiveobject such as a mirroror white wall, and
When usingStandardTTL Flashcontrol,the sceneswith a very dark background.
Speedlighttends to providethe main subjectwith Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash-with Group ll,moreilluminationthan needed,resultingin an Group lll and Group lV camerasunnaturallybrightsubjectwith a dark background. This combinationenablesyou to take well-With AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash,the flash balancedphotos with a correct exposurefor bothoutput levelis automaticallycompensatedto the backgroundand foregroundsubject. Whencreatea naturalbalancebetweenthe overall shootingsceneswith a highlyreflectiveobject or aexposureand the flash-illuminatedsubject. very dark background,however,there is aDependingon the combinationof camerayou use possibilityof under- or overexposure.with the SB-23,your meteringsystemand
exposuremode, the followingmay be availableas Genter-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-
AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash:Multi-Sensor Flash-with Group l, Group ll, Group lll
BalancedFill-Flash,Matrix BalancedFill-Flash,. and Group lV cameras
Center-WeightedFill-Flashand Spot Fill-Flash. With this combination,if you are usinga lens
In manualflash mode, the SB-23 fires at maximum without a CPU (any lens other than an AF Nikkoror
output. Al-P-Nikkor),Center-WeightedFill-Flashand Spot
StandardTTL flash and manualflash mode are Fill-Flashwill be performedas AutomaticBalanced
availablewith all of the Nikon cameragroups. Fill-Flashinsteadof Multi-SensorBalancedFill-
Flashor Matrix BalancedFill-Flash.Flashoutput isMulti-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash-with properlycompensatedto producea naturalfill-Group I cameras flash effect.The camera'sTTL Multi-Sensoranalyzes a
brightnessand contrast,automatically
compensatingthe flash output levelto balancethe #
- 'View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
t:*&; www.orphancameras.comREAD BEFOREUSING
Nikkor lenses Neverfire the flash toward or near anyone's
Nikon offers two types of Nikkor lenses- eyes; it may damagetheir retinas.
those with a built-inCPU and those without a Nikon cannot be responsiblefor
built-inCPU. malfunctionsor other problemsresulting
Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU include: from the use of other manufacturers'flash
. D-type AF lenses units,camerasor accessories,including
. Non-D-typeAF Nikkor lensesexcept AF- lensesand external power sources.
Nikkor lensesfor F3AF
o Al-P Nikkor lenses
Nikkor lenses without a built-in GPU
o Non-AFAl-S Nikkor lenses
o Nikon SeriesE lenses
o Al-modifiedNikkor lensesand others
For TTL multiple flash photography
TheSB-23can be usedonlyas a masterflash
unit,not as slaveflashunit.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
NOMENCLATURE www.orphancameras.com
Flash head Battery chamber
Batterychamberlid
Autofocusassist illuminatorLEDView original page 6Page 8 · Read text
CONTENTS www.orphancameras.com
FoREWoRD ...........................2MANUAL FLASH OPERATION...............92
FLASHMoDESAVAil-ABLEW|THSB-23......................3-4CLOSE.UP FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
READBEFoREUSrNG....... ............................4 lN TTL AUTO FLASH MODE................30 NoMENCLATURE............. .........................5-6
C0NTENTS... ........7 MISCELLANEOUS.
PREPARATION AUToFoCUSFLASHpHoTocRApHy....................
IF THEUNDEREXPOSUREALERTAPPEARSINSIDE ATTACHING"APERTURE/
VIEWFINDER .......35 sHooTrNGD|STANCERANGELABEL'........................8
EXPOSURECOMPENSATION... ....36 INSTALLINGBATTERIES.. .....8.9
TRoUBLESH0oTTNG................... ....37 ATTACHTNGFLASHUNtr............ ..........10-11
READY-LIGHTtND|CATIoNS............... .......12
TTLAUTOFLASHANDMANUALFLASHOPERATION.....13
SHOOTINGIN TTL AUTO FLASH
MODE .14-31
TTLAutoFlash0perationwith GroupI cameras.,..l4-15
TTLAutoFlashOperationwith Groupll cameras...l6-18
TTLAutoFlashOperationwith Grouplll cameras.19-20
TTLAutoFlashOperationwith GrouplV cameras.21-23
TTLAutoFlash0perationwith GroupV cameras..24-27
TTLAutoFlashOperationwith GroupVl cameras28-29
SelectingAperture. .................30-31
,AView original page 8Page 10 · Read text
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I Slide open the battery t, Load four batteries into 2 Glose the battery chamber I r chamber lid. Z. the battery chamber. rJr lid.
o Batterieswith a "+" terminal
exceeding6mm in diameter
cannotbe used.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
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ATTACHINGFLASH UNIT
1 Turn the mounting foot O Slide the mounting foot 2 Tightenthe mounting lock I r lock nut of the SB-23 Z. lorward into the camera's \Jr nut firmly.
clockwise as far as it accessory shoe as far as
goes. it goes.
.Power switchesof the SB-23
and cameramust be turned off.
1 0View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
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About the SB-23's standby system
Settingthe SB-23's power switch/flashmode Caution:
selectorto TTL or M positionturns on the SB-23. When not usingthe SB-23or when carryingit in
At eitherof thesepositions,the SB-23 a bag, etc., alwaysset the power switch/flash
automaticallyturns off approx.B0 secondsafter mode selectorto OFF position.
the SB-23 is used to conservebatteryenergy.
To turn the SB-23on again,lightlypressthe
camera'sshutterreleasebutton .
The standbysystem does not function in the
followingcases.
FA,,FE2=When you have selecteda mechanical
shuttersettingof "M250" or "B," or when using
the NikonMotor DriveMD-12.
FG, NikonosV: Whenthe shutterspeeddial is
set to "M90" or B.
1 1View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
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::::l:::tl l!!:::?./tr
READY.LIGHTINDICATIONS
READY
OC
t$kon
The SB-23'sready-lightlightsup or blinksin the exposure.Check aperture/shootingdistance
followingcases. rangetable on the SB-23 to determinewhether
The ready-light comes on-flash is ready to you were beyondthe indicatedmaximumrange.
fire Dependingon conditions,choosea wider
With the SB-23's flash mode selectorat TTL or aperturefor maximumflash range(if exposure
M, the ready-lightlightsup to indicatethe flash mode is set at Programmedor Shutter-Priority
is readyto fire. Auto, switch to Aperture-PriorityAuto or
Flashshootingis possiblewheneverthe ready- Manual), or move closerto the subject.
lightlightsup. Notes:
Both viewfinder ready-light and SB-23's . lf the ready-lighttakes more than 30 sec. to
ready-light blink for a few seconds after lightup when usingalkaline-manganese
shooting-light output might be insufficient batteries,replacewith a fresh set.
With the SB-23 in TTL auto flash mode, if both . With NiCd batteries,if recyclingtime is over 10
the camera'sviewfinderready-lightand SB-23's seconds,rechargethem.
ready-lightblink for a few secondsafter
shooting,the flashhas firedat its maximum
outputand lightmight be insufficientfor correct
12View original page 13Page 14 · Read text
TTL AUTO FLASH AND MANUALwww.orphancameras.comFLASH OPERATION
OFFmml[.[ TTL
IGHT S8.23
To turn on the SB-23, set the power switch/flash
mode selectorto TTL or M position.For TTL auto
flash,set to TTL; for Manualflash,set to M.
For TTL Auto flash operation see pages 14 to
31.
With Group I cameras see pages 14 to 15.
With Group ll cameras see pages 16 to 18.
With Group lll cameras see pages 19 to 20.
With Group lV cameras see pages 21to 23.
With Group V cameras see pages 24 to 27.
With Group Vl cameras see pages 28to 29.
For Manualflash operation with all catrneras,
see page 32.View original page 14Page 15 · Read text
SHOOTINGIN TTL AUTOwww.orphancameras.comFLASH MODE
TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group I cameras (F90X/N90s,F90-series/N90,F70-series/N70)
Lens Metering system Exposure mode Type of TTL auto flash
ProgrammedAuto*, Multi-SensorBalanced Nikkor lens with a Matrix, Shutter-PriorityAuto and Fill-Flash built-in GPU Center-Weighted,Spot Aperture-PriorityAuto
Manual StandardTTL Flash
Apedure-PriorityAuto Center-WeightedFill-
Flash/SpotFill-Flash
Other lenses Center-Weighted/Spot
Manual Standard TTL Flash
* ln Programmed Auto exposure and Shutter-Priority Auto modes, always sef fhe SB-23's flash mode to
TTL. At M. the camera's shutter is locked.View original page 15Page 16 · Read text
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-r Procedure
r
I I Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode A Lightly press the shutter release button
rt I r selector to TTL to turn on the SB-23. tr and confirm focus and exposure
indications inside the viewfinder'
n set the camera,ss syncet'v rr'vsemode torv normar'v' rlrs' For viewfinderexposurealerts,see page 35. Z, ;;;;.'
select aperture.vr rsrv' E, Gonfirm the sB-23's ready-light lights up, e 9r then fully depress the shutter release lJr button to take a picture' In Programmedor shutter-priority Auto
exposuremode, set the lens to its minimum
aperture(largestf-number).
In Aperture-PriorityAuto or Manualexposure
mode, set the apertureso the subject is
positionedwithin the flash shootingdistance
range.(Forflash shootingrange,see page
30.)View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
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TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group ll cameras (F4-series,F801s/N8008s,F801/N8008)
With F4-seriescameras
Lens Metering system Exposure mode Type of TTL auto flash
ProgrammedAuto,
Matrix Shutter-PriorityAuto and Matrix BalancedFill-Flash
Aperture-PriorityAuto
AF Nikkor lenses/ Manual Standard TTL Flash
Al-P type Nikkor lenses/
AF Teleconverter/ ProgrammedAuto,
AF-Nikkor lenses for Shutter-PriorityAuto and Center-WeightedFill-Flash
Nikon F3 AFlAl-type Center-Weighted Aperture-PriorityAuto
Nikon and Nikkor
lenses (including Al-S) Manual StandardTTL Flash
ProgrammedAuto,
Shutter-PriorityAuto and Standard TTL Flash
Aperture-PriorityAuto
Spot
Manual StandardTTL Flash
Matrix/Center- Other lenses Aperture-Priority/Manual Standard TTL Flash Weighted/Spot
1 6View original page 17Page 18 · Read text
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With F-801s/N8008sand F-801/N8008 cameras
Lens Metering system Exposure mode Type of TTL auto flash
ProgrammedAuto*1
srruitei-prioiiivAutoano Matrix BalancedFill-Flash
Matrix Apedure-PriorityAuto
Manual StandardTTL Flash
ProgrammedAuto*1
AF Nikkor lenses/ snuitei-prioiiiyAutoano Center-WeightedFill-Flash Center-Weighted Aperture-PriorityAuto Al-P type Nikkor lenses
Manual StandardTTL Flash
ProgrammedAuto*1
srruitei-prioiiiyAutoano Spot-FillFlash
Spot*z Aperture-PriorityAuto
Manual StandardTTL Flash
Center-WeightedFill- Aperture-Priority Center-Weighted/ Flash/SpotFill-Flash Other lenses Spot*z
Manual StandardTTL Flash
ln Programmed Auto exposure mode, always sef fhe SB-23's flash mode to TTL. At M, the camera's
shutter locks.
Spot Metering is only available with the F-801s/N8008s.View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
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Procedure for Group ll cameras
I Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode e Lightly press the shutter release button to
I r selector to TTL to turn on the SB-23. tJr confirm focus and exposure indications
'fls/ffiffi:",,Hl3|JreO setectaperture. aterts,seepase35.Z t
In Programmedor Shutter-PriorityAuto A Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light comes on,
exposuremode, set the lens to its minimum Tr then fully depress the shutter release
aperture(largestf-number). button to take a picture.
In Aperture-PriorityAuto or Manualexposure
mode, set the apertureso the subject is
positionedwithin the flash shootingdistance
range.(Forflash shootingrange,see page
30.)View original page 19Page 21 · Read text
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;, Procedure for Group lll cameras
i Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode i Lightly press the shutter release button
I r selector to TTL to turn on the SB-23. rtr and confirm focus and exposure
indications inside the viewfinder.
o Make sure that"'"' normar syncetrrv is'.ssetrer onv" thealte For viewfinderexposurealerts,see page 35. Z.;;;;;'-
serectaperrure. nt\Jr 5. :#t:'Slitlll","ti;3n::Xtrr-Jn"ll,n
release button to take a picture' In Programmedor shutter-priority Auto
exposuremode, set the lens to its minimum
aperture(largestf-number). I : ' , - ,
In Aperture-PriorityAuto or Manualexposure
, mode, set the apertureso the subject is
positionedwithin the flash shootingdistance
range.(Forflash shootingrange,see page
30.)
20View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
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TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group lV cameras (F50-series/N50,F401x/N5005)
Lens Gamera's exposure mode Type of TTL auto flash
ProgrammedAuto*l
Shutter-PriorityAuto Matrix BalancedFill-Flash
Nikkor lens with a built-in CPU
Aperture-PriorityAuto
Manual
Center-WeightedFill-Flash
Other lenses Manual
"1 With an F\)-series/N5? camera in Silhouette Program, Close-IJp Program or LandscapeProgram , do
not use the flash.
21View original page 22Page 23 · Read text
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Procedure for Group lV cameras
Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode Lightly press the shutter release button I e
I r selector to TTL to turn on the SB-23. tJr confirm focus and exposure
"ndindications inside the viewfinder.
n Select apefture. For viewfinderexposurealerts,see page 35.3 t
In Programmedor Shutter-PriorityAuto A Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light lights up,
exposuremode, set the lens to its minimum Tr then fully depress the shutter release
aperture(largestf-number).Confirmyour button to take a picture.
subject is within the flash shootingdistance
i range. To verify the controlled aperture,see
the table on page 23. For the flash shooting
range,see page 31.
ln Aperture-PriorityAuto or Manualexposure
mode, set the apertureso the subject is
positionedat a point within the flash shooting
distancerange.For flash shootingrange,see
page 30.
22
,;G);a*View original page 23Page 24 · Read text
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To verify controlled aperture
With F5O-series/N50cameras: See the table
belowto verifythe controlledaperturewith ISO 100
filmin SIMPLEmode.(ln ADVANCEDmode,the
controlledapertureappearsinsidethe viewfinder.)
For outdoor subject(s) t/8i# on a sunny day
For outdoor subject(s) f/5.6 on a cloudy day or in shadows
For indoor subject(s) f/4
With F-401xlN5005cameras: See the table below
to verifythe controlledaperturewith ISO 100 film.
Shutter speed in
Shooting conditions Controlled aperture Shutter-Priority
Auto exposure
Scene that includes the sun 'f/16 1/125 sec.
For outdoor subject(s) on a sunny day f/8 1/125sec.
'f/5.6 For outdoor subject(s) on a cloudy day or in shadows 1/125sec.
For indoor subiect(s) f/5.6 1/30 sec.
23View original page 24Page 25 · Read text
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TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group V cameras
, With F-501/N2020and F-301/N2000cameras
Lens aperture Type of TTL Lens Shutter speed dial Exposure mode ring auto flash
Minimum PDUAL(for F-501 only) ProgrammedTTL ProgrammedAuto Nikkor lenses aperture P, PHI Auto Flash*1
with a built-in CPUI
AF-Nikkor lenses for Apedure-priority A FSAF/Al-type Nikkor Any desired auro StandardTTL and Nikon lenses apedure
(includingAl-S type) Flash 1 / 1 2 5 - 1 s e c . , B * 2 Manual Series E
Aperture-priority A Any desired auto Standard TTL Other lenses aperture Flash
1 / 1 2 5 - 1 s e c . , B * 2 Manual
', *7 ln Programmed TTL Auto Flashshooting, flash output is controlled in the same manner as in Standard
1 ffL Hash, but the controlled aperture is fixed at each ISO film speed. .2i With the shutter speed sef at 1/250 sec. or faster, the camera automatically switches to 1/125 sec. as
I soon as the SB-23 is turned on.
j
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