Nikon Speedlight SB-28 User manual

Congratulations.You are now the proud owner of the Nikon
AutofocusSpeedlightSB-28,a flash unit offeringsleeknew styling
and simplepush-buttonoperation.When used with NikonSLR
cameras,the SB-28'sextensivecapabilitiesrangefrom 3D Multi-
SensorBalancedFill-Flash,today'smost advancedflash
technology,to full manualoperation.
To get the most out of your new flash unit,pleaseread this manual
before use.




  / r \
 1,!  ) WARNING-Toavoid injury
       o Do not firethe flashdirectlyintoa person'seyesat close
        rangeas this may damagethe retina,leadingto partialor
        completeblindness
       o Avoidtouchingthe frontof the flashheadwhileusingthe
        SB-28.The flashheadgeneratessignificantheatduring
        normaloperation,whichcouldcauseburns.
       o Do not exposethe SB-28to wateras this may resultin
          electricshockor causethe unitto catchon fire.

Determine which group your camera belongs to.
In this manual,NikonSLR camerasare dividedinto sevengroups
(l to Vll) unlessotherwisenoted.Firstconsultthe cameragroup
tableto see which group your camerabelongsto. Then as you read
the manual,you will find specificinformationon how to use the
SB-28with your particularcamera.
Pleaseopenthelrontlold-outpageforeasyreference.





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Group                  I                      VI
              F5       F65-Series/F-601/  F60-Series/F-501/  FA      F3-Series6
                                                  FE2    NewFM2    \   CameraF'l00F90X/N90s1N65-Series1,3F4-SeriesN60061 N60,   N20204                                    F-601nr/ F50-Series/F-401s/  FG                F90-Series/F-801s/
    \u*u      N90'   N8008s1N6000, N50'   N4004s1 NikonosV
            \       F80-Series/F-801/           F-401x|  F-401t
  Flash  \     N80-Serhs1'z3 N80081        N50051 N40041
                 F70-Series/                        Pronea                               600i/                  F-301/   operation\                                                       ',o                                                bl               N70'2                                        N20004
   3DMulti-Sensor
    Balanced
     Fill-Flash'
     Multi-Sensor
    Balanced
    Fill-Flash'
    Matrix
 T Balanced
 T  Fill-Flash             P.31-32 P.33-34
 L  Center-WeightedFill-Flash/SpotP.26-30
    Fill-Flash
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    ' " :a .  l
   Programmed
    TTLAutoFlash
                                               P.38-39      , :: .
    Standard                 P.26-30  P.31-32  P.33-34                 P.40-41   TTLFlash

                                            P.42-43A  AutoNon-TTLFlash

   ManualFlash                             P.46-51

   FPHigh-SpeedM FlashSvnc     P.49-5'l

    Repeating
    Flash                                  P.52-55

                                                                f,,,-1      : Availabler Soldexclusivelyin theUSA.
'?F80-Series/N80-Series,F70-Series/N70cannotperfonnFPHigh-SpsedFlashSyrn. 6OptionalflashUnitcouplerAS-4or AS-7is required.
3 Center-WeightedFill-Flashis notpossible.             '3D Multi-SensorBalancedFill-FlashandMulti-Sensor
aSoldexclusivelyin theUSAandCanada.              BalancedFill-Flasharegenerallyrelerredto asAutomatic
5Anoptionalsynccordforlanduseis required,          BalancedFill-FlashwithTTLMultiSensor.
* Forcamerassuchas the NikonF or NikonF2,referto GroupVll.TTLAutoFlashmodecannor
 be petlormedwithcamerasin thisgroup.lf flashis firedwiththe lfil  indicatorappearedon
 theLCDpanel,theflashfiresat fulloutput.
For details on the SB-28's available TTL Auto Flash operations,
see the separate Quick Reference sheet.
3

All LCD (liquidcrystaldisplay)figuresand marksdo not appearat
the sametime Theyare showntogetherherefor easeof explanation.
                                                                 6
                                                                 7
                                                                 8
      Am(o>Ee M
         rsoi:lFir,,5iTHzml/n,1-t,-1.,5
                 0 . 6 0 . 81 1 . 5 2 3 4 6 9 1 3 1 8 m
                               < I I I I I I I I I I I >
                  2 3 4 5 7 1 0 1 52 0 3 0 4 0 6 0 f t

                                                                 1 2
                                                                 1 3
                                                                 1 4
1 Flashmodeindicator(P.22)                4 Red-eyereductionindicator(P76)
 m  CI AutomaticBalancedFill-FlashwithTTL   5 Zoom-headpositionindicator(P19)
      Multi-Sensor                  6 Flashoutputlevelindicator(P50)
 mE    MatrixBalancedFill-Flash          7 Exposurecompensationindicator(P72)
        Center-Weighted/SpotFiIl-Flash       8 Underexposureindicator(P28)
     lm  StandardTTLFlash               9 Exposurecompensation/underexposurevalue
    M ManualFlash(P46)               (P72lP28)
     EEFPHigh-SpeedFlashsync(P49)     10 Flashshootingdistancescale(m:meter)(P13)
     E RepeatingFlash(P52)            11 Flashshootingdistancescale(ft:feet)(P13)
     A Non-TTLAutoFlash(P42)         12 Standbymodeindicator(P15)
2 Filmspeed(lS0)/numberof repeatingflashesper  13 AFassistilluminatorLEDcanceledindicator(P82)
    frame/frequencyindicators(P1B/ P52)        14 Apertureindicator(P42)
3 Flashshootingrangeindicatorbars(P13)

Notes on LCDs
o BecauseLCDs are difficultto read when viewedfrom the side, you shouldlook at
  the LCD paneldirectly
o LCDsare temperaturesensitiveand may turn black at high temperatures(approx.
 6O'C or 140'F).They clear up when the temperaturereturnsto normal(20"Cor
  6B'F)
o In cold temperatures(approx.5'c or 41'F and below),the LCDs'responsetime
  slowsdown.This is typicalof LCDs and no cause for concern.LCDswill function
  properlyonce the temperaturereturnsto normal(20'C or 6B.F).
NOTE
Usingthe SB-28in dim light
Pressthe(]_.F--) buttontoturntheilluminatoron.Pressthebuttonagarntoturnit off.Theilluminator
turnsoffautomaticallyafterapprox.16secwhentheSB-28is notin use.
                                                                    5

Take some test shots.
Beforetakingimportantflash photographs,take some test shotsto
ascertainthe SB-28is workingas desiredin the mode(s)you have
selected.
Use only Nikon-approvedequipment.
The SB-28is designedfor use with Nikoncameras,lenses,and
accessoIes.
-Using camerasor accessoriesotherthanthosespecifiedby Nikonmay damage
  the SB-28.
  Nikoncannotbe held responsiblefor malfunctionscausedby usingthe SB-28in
  ways not specifiedin thismanual,or usingthe SB-28witha cameramade by
  anothermanufacturer.





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o This instructionmanualconsistsof the mainmanualolus a
  separateQuick Referencesheet.The euick Referencesheet
  providesan overviewof the SB-28'scapabilitiesand features,
  whilethe mainmanualsuppliesdetairedinformationon all
  aspectsof the SB-28.
 . Becauseexplanationsin this manualare basedon the ooeratron
  of the SB-28only,pleaseconsultthe instructionmanualorovided
  with your camerafor specificinformationon its use.

Notices used in this manual
 "t*i:,"."uj "  "     Denotesimportantpointswherecautionis required.
NorE Denotesa usefulpointthat shourdbe rememberedfor
       futurereference.
Determinewhat type of Nikkor lenses you are using.
Nikkorlensesaredividedintotwogroupsunlessotherwiseioteo.
  Nikkor lenses            o D- or G-typeNikkorlenses
  with a built-in CPU*       o lX Nikkorlenses**
                                                   . Non-D/G-typeAF Nlkkorlenses***
                          o Al-P-typeNikkorlenses
 Nikkor lenses                         . Al-S-typeor Al-typeNikkorlenses
 without a built-in CPU*    o NikonSeriesE lenses
                          e Al-modifiedNikkorlensesand others
  .  CPU (Central Processing Unit) acts as an on-board computer,
--
   lX Nikkor lenses are designed for use with the Nikon Advanced Photo System (lX24O) format
  SLR camera body only and cannot be used with 35mm SLR cameras.
-."Except        AF Nikkor lenses for the F3AF

Foreword                                                  """"""""""t
                                                                                                                                                              ' ""' ""''Cameragroupsand availableflashmodes
Speedlightparts                                                                              )
LCD oanelindications""
Tioson usinothis manual""'
Aboutthis manual
Usingcontrolbuttons                                                               "' " 1
Getting started                                             """ 1.
Loadingbatteries                                                 """1i
Adjustingthe flashhead/ Selectingthe distancescale         """"""11
Attachingthe SB-28to the camera                         """"""""12
Turningthe SB-28on and off / Standbyfunction""""""'                ""  1
The ready-light                                          """"""""'1(
Testfiring                                                         ""'1
Settingthe ISOfilmspeed                                     """""""'1t
Adjustingthe zoom-headposition                            "19-2
Settingthe built-inwide flashadapter                            "" """""2
Selectinoa flashmode                                        """""'21

Basic operation
 lfll  flashmodes                                             ""'24-2
TTLAuto Flashlill Mode (Forcamerasin Group l)             """'26-3
TTLAuto FlashIfil N71e6s(Forcamerasin Group ll) ""'            '31-3
TTLAuto Flashlfil Mode (Forcamerasin Group lll) """""         33-3
TTL Auto Flashlfil  y166" (For camerasin Group lV)                                  '  35-3
TTL Auto Flashlfil Mode (For camerasin Group V)              38-3
TTLAuto Flashllfil Mode (Forcamerasin GroupVl)            ""' ""'40-4
 Non-TTLAuto FlashEl Mode (Forcamerasin all groups)        ""42-4





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Advanced operation                                                                               " " " " ' / 1 T Ut r '
ManualFlashM Mode
  (Forcamerasin all groups)                              46-51
RepeatingFlash@ Mode                                     .........a2-S
GuideNumbersfor determiningcorrectaperturein M
  and @ flashmooes....


Multipleflashoperationin lfil 2p6 M flasnmodes
Exposurecompensationin flashphotography
  (Forcamerasin all groups)                                ..71-Ts
Red-eyereductioncontrol(Forcamerasin Group | [exceptF5]
  and Pronea600i/6i)                                             ............76
Rear-curtainflashsvnc                                                                    . . . . . . . . 7 7 - 7

Additional information                                                          . . . . . . . . . . . 7 9
Checkingthe correctexposure(Forcamerasin all groups)           ....80
Autofocusflashoperationin dim light
  (Forautofocuscamerasonly)                               ............81-8
n\_/puonar^ + i ^ ^ ^ l  accessones....                                83_85
Tips on Speedlightcare                                                                          .  86
Noteson batteries.'.'.                                    ..BZ-8B
Troubleshooting                                                               ... B9-gO

By pressinga singlebutton,you can activatefrequentlyused
functionsWhen two buttonsare pressedsimultaneously,you
can activatefunctionswhich are not necessaryto set each time.
For easy reference,referto the chart on the back of the built-in
bouncecard
                         M ZOOM ONLY


  @o    @
      orLm -.0,          oN/oFF



One-button operations
@       Toadjustthezoom-headposition(Pl9-20)
@       Tosettheflashmode(P22)
@       Toselectandsetvariousfunctionsandvalues
 @      Toincreasevalues
  D      Todecreasevalues
@        Totestfiretheflash(P.17)
@       TotlluminatetheLCDpanel(P5)
tTN7dF-l  Toturnpoweronandoff(P15)

Two-button operations
@*€           Tosetorcancelautomaticzoom-headadjustment(Buttonsmustbe
                 pressedfor2 sec) (P19-20)
@       * @       Toreadjustthezoom-headposition,if built-inwideflashadapteis
                 brokenoffaccidentally(P.21)
@       * E)       ToturntheAFassistillumtnatorLEDonoroff(PBl-82)
(IooF) + loN-/oril  Tocancelor setthestandbyfunction(Buttonsmustbepushedafte
                   thef lashisturnedoff) (P15)
CE    + lONoiil   Toselectthedistancescale(metersorfeet)(P13)
                   (Buttonswww.orphancameras.commustbepushedaftertheflashisturnedoff.) '1n

Gettingstarted
    Becomingfamiliar with the SB-28
 Beforestartingto takeflashpictures,you shouldfamiliarize
yourselfwithvarioussettingsandadjustmentsof theSB-28,
   regardlessof whichNikonSLRcameraylu areusing.

Four penlight batteries(1.5V or lower) of any of the followingtypes
may be used:
. AA-typealkaline-manganese(1 5V)
. AA-typelithium(1 5V)
o AA-typeNiCd (rechargeable)(1.2v)
. AA-typeN|-MH(NickelMetalHydride)(rechargeable)(1 2V)
NOTE : AA-typehigh-powermanganesebatteriesare not recommended
        for use with the SB-28.
-Soev v v   n2ncs| ! / q v v v    R7-88 Notes on batteries
  Openthe batterychamberlid.1





                                                                       - symbols                              following                                     the                                   + and    Install         four             penlightbatteries2                                                            lid.                              chamber                               battery    inside         the chamber.                   Closethe





        . VariousoptionalexternalpowersourceDC Unitsare availablefor use
      the SB-28.See page 85, Usingan externalpowersource.

  "r*1}u-
 {    fl  i Do not mix batterytypes or brands,or use old with new batteries.  q*dd
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1 2

Adjusting the flash head
Holddowntheflashheadtilting/rotatinglockreleasebuttonwhile
adjustingthe flashheadto the horizontal/frontposition.





. when the lotllOrrlbuttonis pressedfor approx.0.5 sec. afteradjusting
  the flashhead to the horizontallfrontposition,the powerturnson and the
  flashshootingrange indicatorbars -- appearon the LCD panel.They do
  not appearif the flashhead is adjustedto a positionotherthan the
  horizonlallf ront position.
o The indicatorbars -- blinkwhen the flashhead is tilteddown to-7".
Selecting the distance scale (meters/feet)
Setthedistancescaleon the LCDpanelto eithermeters(m)or feet(ft).
1  Pressthe I otllorrI buttonfor approx.0.5 sec. to turn the sB-28 off. T -
t  HolddowntheCil    buttonas you pressthe lbMrrlbutton.-   -To returnto the formersetting,repeatsteps 1 and 2.


                       m (meters)display

                                                                                         ft /foat\   r{icnlorr
                    Zoolvl:,   :f mm   |.  :t.




        . The SB-28is presetto meters(m) when the SB-28is shippedfrom the factory.
 NOTE
 Althoughmeters(m)andfeet(ft)appeartogetherin thismanual
  foreaseof explanation,theydo notappearsimultaneouslyon the
 SB-28'sLCDpane'                                                                  .,                                                    =

Whenattachingthe SB-28to your camera,make sure both unitsare
turnedoff to avoidaccidentallyfiringthe flash.
1  Loosenthe SB-28'smountingfoot lockingwheeland slidethe  '   SB-28intothe camera'saccessoryshoe.





   Tightenthe lockingwheel.





    Withcamerasequippedwith a safetylock system,the mountpin is automatical
    insertedintothe lockinghole in the camera'saccessoryshoeto securethe SB-2
Detachingthe SB-28





        . To detachthe SB-28,loosenthe mountingfoot lockingwheelall the
     way. lf the wheel doesn'tlooseneasily,push the foot forwardgently                        www.orphancameras.com
 1 4   in the directionof the whitearrowand try looseningthe wheelagain

Turning power on and off
Toturn the sB-28 on and off, depressand hold the tbITOFFlbuttonfor
aoorox.0.5 sec.

Standby function
 lf boththe SB-28and cameraare not used for afterapprox,BOseconds,
the SB-28shutsoff automaticallyto conservebatterypower.This is called
the standbyfunction.
Cancelingand setting the standby function
1l - PresstheI otllrcrrI buttonfor approx.0.5 sec.to turnthe SB-28off.
   Hold down the @     buttonas you press the I olrtlorrlbutton.  I,
      the SB-28'sstandbymode indicatorFrfiIn on the LCD panelappearswhen
      the functionis set and disappearswhen it is not set. Performsteps 1 and 2 to
      cancelit or resetit.




            ,oo":l 5 rr F 5.




            orgsn -:0j           ON./
          ' Thestandbyfunctionis presetwhentheSB-28is shippedfromthefactory.
    (CheckthatthestandbymodeindicatorlSfl-:ILappearson the LCDpanel
    whentheSB-28is turnedon.)
i*";x.*uruS3 Whencarryingthe SB-28in your cameraoag with the standby      functionset, make sure to turn off the flash unit to avoid accidental
      batterydrain.

To turn the SB-28 on again after  it enters the standby mode,
you can:
. Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebutton(exceptcamerasin GroupVll).
o Pressftre@     buttonon the SB-28.
. Pressthe SB-28'sl oNlorrl button

After the SB-28 is turned on, the ready-light lights up as soon
as the SB-28 is recycled and ready to fire.
-Make surethe ready-lightlightsup beforetakingthe picture.





The ready-light blinks when the flash fires at maximum output.





 In TTL Auto Flash[fil  or Non-TTLAuto FlashA mode, if the ready-lights
on the SB-28and insidethe camera'sviewfinderblinkfor approx.3
secondsafterthe pictureis taken,the flashhas firedat its maximum
output,indicatingthat lightmay have been insufficientfor correctexposur
 . In thatcase,usea widerapertureor movecloserto thesubjectbeforetakingany
 morepictures.

 i :sr;F;'j.f,,} Replace batteries.
      o Replacealkaline-manganesebatteriesif the ready-lighttakes mor
       than 30 secondsto lightup. Replacelithiumbatteriesif the ready
          lighttakesmorethan 10 secondsto lightup. See page B7-BB,
       Noteson batteries.
      o RechargeNiCd or N|-MHbatteriesif the ready-lighttakesmore
        than 1Osecondsto come on.
             . Whenexhaustedbatteriesare used in the SB-28,the zoom-head
        positionadjustmentmay be activatedrepeatedly,producingsoun
        insidethe unit,evenwhen the poweris turnedoff.





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Youcan performsimpletestfiringby pressingthe@     buttonto
ensurethatthe SB-28is workingproperly.
 I  Pressthe l oNlorrI buttonto turnthe SB-2gon. T -
    Afterthe ready-lightcomes on, pressttre @     buttonto fireI2   thE SB-28.





NOTE
lf the sB-28 entersthe standbymode, presstre @D    buttononce
to turn the flash back on, then pressftre@     buttonagain to test-fire
the unit.

You can performsimpletest firingby pressingthe @     buttonto
ensurethat the SB-28is workingproperly.
   Pressthe lbNtrcrrI buttonto turn the SB-2g on.1
    After the ready-lightcomes on, pressthe Gr-n5il buttonto fireI2   thE SB-28.





NOTE
lf the SB-28entersthe standbymode, pressftre@     buttononce
to turn the flashback on, then presstre @     buttonagainto test-fire
the unit.





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Cameras in Groups I and ll
The ISOfilm speed is automaticallyset and indicatedon the SB-28's
LCD panel





           2 3 4 5 7 1 0 1 5 2 0 3 0 4 0 6 0 f t
          ,oot.-ll5"  F5.,5GIEln

       . The usablefilm speed in TTL Auto Flashfill  mode is ISO 25 to lOOO.

Camerasin Groups lll through Vll
SettheISOfilmspeedmanuallyin thismanner:
1  Turnthe SB-28off.   I
   Turnit on again.The film speedstartsblinking.2
?  Pressthe €  or D buttonto increaseor decreasethev    film speed.
    -Press tne CSEL-)buttonto stop the filmspeedfrom blinking.


                 rr    Iflfl  -
           ,$Sl:3:=l'-'*       -
                     2  3  4  5  7  1 0 1 5 2 0 3 0 4 0 6 0 f t
             too":l 5 ',n F 5.,5


   @O

        . The film speed rndicatorblinksduringadjustmentand stopsafterB seconds
     unlesstne @     buttonis pressed.The lastblinkingnumberis the one
      automaticallyset
        . The followingISO film speedscan be used in TTL Auto Flashlfil mode:
     ISO25 to 1000for camerasin Groupslll and lV,plus F-501/N2020and
     F-301/N2000cameras.
     ISO25 to ISO400 for camerasin GroupVl, plus F-401s/N40O4sand
     F-401/N4004cameras.

The SB-28has six zoom-headpositionsettings:24mm,28mm,
35mm,50mm,70mmand B5mm.(Thezoomhead is set to either
lBmm or 20mmwhen the built-inwide flashadapteris used.)
Cameras in Groups  I and  ll with Nikkor lenses with a
built-in CPU
   The zoom head is automaticallyadjusted.1




                                    3  4  6  9 1 3 1 8 m
                     tl,'n                F5.E




    o Automaticzoom-headpositioningis not possibleif a smallM appearsabove
      the ZOOM on the I flD nanol Proectfs @     buttonseveraltimes untilthe
    M disaooears

   Afterautomaticadjustment,make sure the zoom-headposition2 on the LCD panelmatchesthe focal lengthof the lens in use.
    -with  a zoom lens the zoom head automaticallyadjustswithinthe rangeof
    24mm to B5mm.when the focal lengthexceedsthe SB-28'savailablerange,
      the zoom-headadirrctqtn rho nlncoqlwideangleor telephotosettingof the
      lensin use,





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NOTE
To cancel automatic zoom-head positioning and set the position
manually:
1  Presstne @    and @ buttonssimultaneouslyfor approx.2 sec.   '    untilthe smallM aboveZOOM startsblinking.
   Then presstl.re@     buttonand set the desiredzoom-head
    positionmanually.
 t  The zoom-headpositionindicatorchangeseverytime you presstheh   @button:
   24mm.+ 28mm*  35mm*  50mm* 70mm + 85mm
   Once set manually,the zoom-headpositionis lockedand does not
   changeeven when the power is turnedoff and on again or the lens
     is changed.
    -To resumeautomaticzoom-headpositionadjustment,presstfre@
     and@ buttonssimultaneouslyfor approx.2 sec.untilthesmallM above
    ZOOMdisappears.
Other camera/lenscombinations
Presstne @     buttonand adjustthe zoom-headpositionmanuallyto
matchthe focal lenqthof the lens in use.



          0.60.81 r.5 2 3 4 6 9


    .O@  GE


 . The indicatorchangeseach time you pressth'e@     button:
  24mm + 28mm+ 35mm + 50mm -+ 70mm + B5mm
  Whenset manually,a smallM appearsabovethe ZOOM on the LCD panel.
-When usinga Zoom-Nikkorlens,set the zoom-headpositionon the SB-28to
  correspondto the shortestfocal lengthof the lens (for example,selectthe 28mm
  settingwhen usinga Zoom-Nikkor2B-BSmmlens).Then,the flashwillcoverall th
  focallengths.

The SB-28comes with a wide flashadapterto increasethe anqle of
coverageto matchan lBmm or 20mm lens.
    Slideout the wide flashadapter_Oand gentlypush it down into 1'   placein frontof the flash head @.





        . Becausethe bouncecard comes out at the same time, returnit €) to its
      originalpositioninsidethe flashhead.
    o The zoom-headpositionindicatorchangesto 2Ommand the indicatorbars --
      displaythe appropriateflash shootingdistancerange.
   To changeto 18mm,pressthe @     buttononce.2  - The zoom-headpositionindicatortogglesbetweenlBmm and 2omm each
      time you pressthe @     button.




                                 2  3  4  6  9 1 3 1 8 m





    'To replacethe wide flashadapter,liftit up and slideit back intoits original
     placeinsrdethe flashhead.
lf the built-in wide flash adapter is broken off accidentally,  it is
no longer possible to set 18 or 20mm.
In this case, pressft'e @    ano CSEL--.)buttonssimultaneouslyfor
approx.4 sec. untilthe zoom-headpositionindicatorstartsblinking,
makingit possibleto adjustthe zoom-headautomaticallyor manuallyto its
six basicsettings(24,28,35,www.orphancameras.com50, 70, B5mm)
                                                                                                                                      a-l