Nikon SB-27 manual

Instruction Man ual En SB-27 SB-27 Autofocus Speedlight Autofocus Speedlight Autofocus Speedlight[...]

2 Foreword Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-27, an easy-to-use flash unit offering you the most convenient system for automatic flash photography in combination with Nikon cameras. The SB-27’s extensive capabilities range from Non-TTL Auto Flash to 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, today’s most advanced flash techno[...]

3 Camera groups *1 Sold exclusively in the USA. *2 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash are generally referred to as Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor. *3 Center-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash is not possible. *4 Some flash functions are controlled on camera. *5 An optional sync cord for la[...]

About this manual The instruction materials comprise the main manual and a separate Quick Reference sheet. • In the main manual, we begin 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 shee[...]

Ti ps on using the Speedlight 5 ■ Take some trial shots. Before taking important flash photographs, take a few trial shots first to make sure the Speedlight is working properly. ■ Use only Nikon-approved equipment. Your Speedlight has been designed for use in combination with Nikon cameras, lenses and accessories. — Using cameras or accessori[...]

Contents 6 Foreword ....................................... 2 Camera groups ..................................... 3 About this manual ................................... 4 Tips on using the Speedlight ........................... 5 Contents ......................................... 6-7 Speedlight parts .................................... 8 LCD pane[...]

7 Guide numbers for determining correct aperture ............ 46 Autofocus flash operation in dim light (For AF SLR cameras only) .......................... 47-48 Bounce flash operation (For cameras in all Groups) ....... 49-53 Procedures for bounce flash operation .............. 51-52 Highlight your subject’s eyes with bounced flash ......... 53[...]

Speedlight parts 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 21 20 19 18 17 16 13 14 15 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[...]

LCD panel indications 9 1 Red-eye reduction control indicator 2 Zoom-head position indicator 3 Flash mode indicator Ø Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor ø Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash t Standard TTL Flash ˙ Non-TTL Auto Flash ƒ Manual Flash 4 Aperture indicator 5 Underexposure indicator 6 Film speed indicator 7 Flash shooting dis[...]

10 Preparations for taking flash photographs[...]

Installing batteries 11 Four penlight batteries (1.5V or lower) of any of the following types may be used: • AA-type alkaline-manganese (1.5V) • AA-type lithium (1.5V) • AA-type NiCd (rechargeable) (1.2V) • AA-type Ni-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) (rechargeable) (1.2V) Note: High powered manganese batteries are not recommended for use with this[...]

Standby function (Applicable to all camera groups) 12 When both the SB-27 and the camera are not in use, the SB-27’s power automatically shuts OFF after approx. 80 seconds in order to conserve battery power. (Standby function) Setting the standby function ■ Cameras in Groups I thru VI (featuring TTL Auto Flash) Set the camera setting switch (in[...]

13 ■ Cameras in Group VII (without TTL Auto Flash) As the standby function is not available, be sure to set the camera setting switch (inside the SB-27's battery chamber) to ˚ . NO TE If you use the SB-27 with two cameras (one featuring TTL Auto Flash and the other without TTL Auto Flash), we recommend setting the camera setting switch to ?[...]

Attaching the SB-27 to the camera 14 When attaching the SB-27, make sure both the Speedlight and the camera are turned OFF to avoid accidental firing. 1 Loosen the SB-27's mounting foot locking wheel. 2 Attach the SB-27 to the camera accessory shoe and tighten the locking wheel. NO TE Loosen the mounting foot locking wheel all the way to detac[...]

Adjusting the flash head 15 The flash head rotates from the horizontal to the vertical position along a 180° arc. From the horizontal position, simply tilt the flash head up 90° until it clicks into position. Keep the flash head in the horizontal position for normal flash shooting. • When the flash head is set to the left as viewed by the photo[...]

Selecting a measurement system (meters/feet) 16 Set the flash shooting distance measurement system in the LCD panel to either meters (m) or feet (ft). —The system is preset to meters (m) when shipped from the factory. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 Set the flash mode selector from “OFF” to “M” or “AUTO” while[...]

The ready-light 17 The ready-light comes ON when c harging is completed. When the SB-27 is fully charged and ready to fire, the ready-light comes ON. Be sure to check that the ready-light is ON when releasing the shutter. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 The ready-light b links when flash fires at its maximum output. In AUTO[...]

T est firing with the open-flash button 18 1 Set the flash mode selector to “M” or “AUTO”. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 The ready-light comes ON when the SB-27 is ready to fire. 2 Check if the ready-light is ON and press the open-flash button to ensure that the SB-27 is firing properly. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m[...]

Setting ISO film speed 19 The following ISO film speeds can be used in AUTO mode: •I SO 25 to ISO 1000 for cameras in Groups I thru IV, and F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000 cameras. •I SO 25 to ISO 400 for cameras in Groups VI and VII, and F-401s/N4004s and F-401/N4004 cameras. With cameras in Groups I and II ISO film speed is set automatically, but do[...]

Setting zoom-head position 20 In the horizontal position, the SB-27 has four zoom-head position settings: 24mm, 28mm, 35mm and 50mm. Three zoom-head position settings are available in the vertical position: 35mm, 50mm and 70mm. —All the above stops are indicated in the LCD panel. — Zoom-head positioning differs depending on the camera/lens comb[...]

21 Other camera/lens combinations Adjust the zoom-head position manually to provide an angle of coverage that matches the focal length of the lens in use. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 1 Press the “ZOOM” button to adjust the zoom-head position. — The indicator[...]

22 Basic flash operation This section describes which SB-27 flash operations are available in AUTO mode for each camera group. See page 42 for Manual (M) flash operation. See page 69 for non-TTL Auto Flash with cameras in Groups I thru VI. Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor For details on each flash operation, refer to the Glossary[...]

Selecting a flash mode 23 For available flash operations in each camera group, consult the table below. Camera Available flash operation Flash smode Reference group indicator page. ･ Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor**** P. 24 I */** ･ Center-Weighted/ Spot Fill-Flash ･ Standard TTL Flash ･ Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash II * [...]

Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 24 • Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU except D/G-type and AF Nikkor lenses for the F3AF camera • AI-P-type Nikkor lenses Nikkor lenses * 5 without built-in CPU Metering system* 2 Available flash operation* 1 Lens in use Camera settings 3D Multi-Sensor * 3 Balanced Fill-Flash tØ * 4 Multi-Sensor * 3 Balan[...]

25 Group I: F5, F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70) P, S* 7 A, M* 7 A, M* 7 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number) (except G-type Nikkor lenses) 1) While looking at the indicator bars, press the “F” button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range. N[...]

Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 26 Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU With a G-type Nikkor lens attached to F4-Series, F-801s/ N8008s, F-801/N8008 cameras, the A and M exposure modes cannot be used. Nikkor lenses without built-in CPU* 4 Matrix Metering Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash tø Center- Weighted/Spot Metering Desired metering system Cente[...]

27 Group II: F4-Series, F65-Series/N65-Series, F-801s/N8008s, F-801/N8008, Pronea 600i/6i) P, S * 3 A, M* 3 A, M* 3 Exposure mode* 5 4 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number) (except G-type Nikkor lenses) 1) While looking at the indicator bars, press the “F” button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash sho[...]

28 Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in Procedures Nikkor lenses* 1 with built-in CPU Nikkor lenses without built-in CPU Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash t Desired metering system Center- Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash t Standard TTL Flash t tø t Center- Weighted/ Spot Metering * 2 Center- Weighted/Spot Fill-Flash t Center- Weighted/ Spot Metering * 2 Sta[...]

29 Group III: F-601/N6006, F-601 M /N6000) P, S * A, M * 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number)(except G-type Nikkor lenses). 2) Press the shutter release button halfway and read the controlled aperture in the camera's viewfinder. 3) Press the “F” button to set the corresponding aperture in the LCD panel, then confirm t[...]

Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 30 Procedures Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU Nikkor lenses without built-in CPU Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash t Manual (M) Center- Weighted Fill-Flash t Manual (M) Center- Weighted Fill-Flash t Camera's exposure mode Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 3 • Programmed auto (P) • Shutter-priority [...]

31 Group IV: F60-Series/N60, F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005) 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number) (except G-type Nikkor lenses). 2) While looking at the indicator bars, press the “F” button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range. Next, read the aperture value 3) Set the correspondin[...]

Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 32 Procedures • Aperture-priority auto (A) • Manual (M) Standard TTL Flash t Camera's exposure mode Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 3 • Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU* • Nikkor lenses for F3AF • AI-S-type Nikkor lenses • AI-type Nikkor lenses • Nikon Series E lenses Programmed T[...]

33 Group V: F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000) 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number). 1) While looking at the indicator bars, press the “F” button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range. Next, read the aperture value. 2) Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring. 2) Rea[...]

Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 34 Procedures Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU Nikkor lenses without built-in CPU Programmed TTL Auto Flash t Standard TTL Flash t Manual (M) Standard TTL Flash t Camera's exposure mode Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 3 • Programmed auto (P) • Shutter-priority auto (S) • Aperture- priorit[...]

35 Group V: F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004) Flash shooting Backlit by the sun Sunny Cloudy day or Indoors conditions day in shadows Aperture (ISO 100) f/16 f/8 f/5.6 f/5.6 Usable shutter speed 1/125 sec 1/30 sec 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-number) (except G-type Nikkor lenses). 1) Set the lens to its minimum aperture (highest f-n[...]

Flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 36 Procedures Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU* Nikkor lenses without built-in CPU Standard TTL Flash t Available flash operation Lens in use 1 2 Do not use the SB-27 for underwater photography. *G-type Nikkor lenses cannot be used.[...]

37 Group VI: FM3 A ,F A, FE2, FG, Nikonos V) 1) While looking at the indicator bars, press the “F” button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range. Next, read the aperture value. 2) Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring. If ready- light is ON, release shutter. Setting aperture an[...]

38 With cameras in Group VII, be sure to set the camera setting switch (inside the SB-27's battery chamber) to ˚ , and choose “AUTO” (in the flash mode selector); the flash mode is automatically set to Non-TTL Auto Flash. — In non-TTL Auto Flash mode, flash mode indicator ˙ appears in the SB-27's LCD panel. Procedures Nikkor lense[...]

39 1) While looking at the indicator bars, press the “F” button to change the aperture and bring the subject within flash shooting distance range. Next, read the aperture value. 2) Set the corresponding aperture value on the lens aperture ring. If ready- light is ON, release shutter. Setting aperture and confirming flash shooting distance range[...]

If the ready-light blinks after shooting 40 The ready-lights in the SB-27 and the camera blink for approx. 3 seconds after shooting to signal that the flash has fired at full output but the light may have been insufficient. — When using the SB-27 with cameras in Group I, the underexposure indicator ÷ blinks in the SB-27's LCD panel and the [...]

41 Advanced flash operation This section describes advanced flash shooting applications with the SB-27 Speedlight. Bounce flash Multiple flash[...]

Flash operation in Manual (M) mode (For 42 With the SB-27's flash mode selector set to “M,” light output can be manually controlled. —I ndicator bar “ ¡ ” in the LCD panel shows the approximate flash shooting distance range. To determine the correct aperture value, see page 46 on “Guide numbers for determining the correct aperture[...]

43 cameras in all groups) 3 Press the “M” button to choose the desired light output. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 You can select light output settings ranging from full power (1/1) to one-sixteenth (1/16). LCD indicators change as follows: 1/1 → 1/2 → 1/4 → 1/8 → 1/16. 4 Setting the aperture on both the SB-27[...]

Flash operation in Manual (M) mode (For cameras 44 5 Confirm that the ready-light is ON, then fully depress the shutter release button to fire the flash. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 NO TE Manual light output control and aperture selection: • To extend the flash shooting distance range, select the 1/1 light output sett[...]

45 in all groups) Synchronization in continuous shooting The SB-27 is able to recycle fast enough to synchronize with a motor-driven camera firing continuously up to 15 flashes per second. It is possible to take up to four full flash pictures in rapid succession at a light output ranging from 1/8 to 1/16 (using the SB-27’s internal batteries) in [...]

Guide numbers for determining correct aperture 46 The “guide number” represents the amount of light generated by the flash. With the SB-27 in Manual (M) Flash mode, you can calculate a correct aperture (f/stop) value by using the following equation and the “Guide number” table. —For Guide numbers in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash operati[...]

47 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 a single candle. 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 flash operation in dim light (For AF SLR camera only) 48 Conditions for autofocus flash operation with the AF assist illuminator LED 1) The subject must be sufficiently dark to activate the autofocus assist illuminator LED. Please note that AF assisted autofocus range extends from 1m (3.3 ft.) to 5m (16.4 ft.) at 20˚C (68˚F). 2) AF Nikk[...]

Bounce flash operation (For cameras in all groups) 49 Direct flash causes harsh, unattractive shadows to appear on the faces of subjects in front of a wall. By bouncing the light off the ceiling or walls, you can soften the shadows and produce more natural portraits. The flash head rotates from the horizontal to the vertical position along a 180° [...]

50 Bounce flash operation (Applicable to all camera groups) Notes on taking pictures with vertical bounce flash The settings of the built-in bounce flash adapter and the diffuser card vary depending on the focal length of the lens in use. Nikkor lenses 35mm and longer Set the built-in bounce flash adapter as shown. — When set as above, you cannot[...]

51 1 Set the camera's exposure mode to aperture-priority auto (A) or manual (M). With bounce flash operation, there is 2 to 3 f/stops less light available than in normal flash operation. We recommend that you select wider aperture (lowest possible f-number) and bracket to ensure correct exposure. 2 Set the SB-27's flash mode selector to &[...]

52 Bounce flash operation (Applicable to all camera groups) 4 Set up the built-in bounce flash adapter. 2 1 Pull out the bounce flash adapter ➀ , then raise it approx. 45° ➁ . (The bounce flash indicator appears in the LCD panel.) —Do not force the bounce flash adapter. 5 Confirm that the ready-light is ON, then release the shutter to fire t[...]

53 To set up the diffuser card: 1 Set the built-in bounce flash adapter. 2 Unfold the built-in diffuser card. Highlight y our subject’ s eyes using bounced flash The SB-27 comes with a built-in bounce flash adapter for bouncing diffused light off the ceiling. The diffuser card brightens shadows caused by top-lighting or bouncing flash, making you[...]

54 Close-up flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in Groups I thru VI) The SB-27 incorporates a built-in diffuser card which diffuses light, enabling you to take close-up flash pictures from 0.3m (1 ft.), softening harsh shadows and producing natural-looking results with the SB-27 mounted on the camera. Two methods are possible : (1) Mounting the S[...]

55 Notes on close-up flash operation Take note of the following points when shooting close-ups with the SB-27 mounted on the camera. Usable lenses are limited. Avoid using any Nikkor lens whose actual length is shorter than that of the built-in bounce flash adapter ( line in the illustration). If the lens is too short, the incident light falling on[...]

56 3 Pull out the built-in bounce flash adapter. Pull out the bounce flash adapter all the way and tilt it downward approx. 45°. (The bounce flash indicator appears in the LCD panel.) —Do not force the bounce flash adapter. Close-up flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in Groups I NO TE If the bounce flash adapter comes off and you cannot set t[...]

57 4 Set up the diffuser card as shown. The SB-27's built-in diffuser card is effective for close-up flash operation from 0.3m (1 ft). — Avoid using the built-in diffuser card for close-up flash operation in non-TTL Auto Flash mode. (You cannot obtain a correct exposure if the diffuser card is set.) thru VI) 6 Confirm that the ready-light is[...]

Close-up flash operation in AUTO mode (Cameras in 58 When you want to ensure sufficient illumination, or illuminate your subject from the side or the back, detach the SB-27 from the camera and use an optional TTL Remote Cord. Close-up flash operation using a TTL Remote Cord 1 Connect the SB-27 to the camera using a TTL Remote Cord. — Use optional[...]

59 Groups I thru VI) 5 Confirm that the ready-light is ON, then release the shutter to fire the flash. In 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash operation with cameras in Group I, press the "M" button to change the flash mode indicator from tØ to t in order to cancel Monitor Preflash*. This will avoid exposure errors when removing the SB-27[...]

Exposure compensation for flash photography 60 "Plus" compensation "Minus" compensation In AUTO (TTL Auto Flash) mode, difficult scenes, such as bright objects in the background, or a main subject at the edge of the frame, may cause overexposure or underexposure. You can manually adjust the exposure (compensate the Speedlight&ap[...]

61 (Cameras in Groups I thru III) Setting exposure compensation f or flash The setting method varies depending on the camera. Cameras in Groups I and II Cameras with EV compensation control capability allow you to compensate flash exposure on either the SB-27 or the camera (or both.) If you use both controls, exposure is modified by the sum total o[...]

62 Exposure compensation for flash photography (Cameras in Groups I thru III) TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 Canceling exposure compensation Flash exposure compensation cannot be canceled by turning the power OFF. To cancel, reset the exposure compensation amount to 0.0 following the same steps outlined on page 61. Cameras[...]

63 When you wish to eliminate harsh shadows produced by a single flash unit or if you want to extend light up into the background, use more than one flash unit. 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 possible with cameras in Groups I[...]

64 1 Mount the SB-27 as a master flash unit on the camera. 2 Connect the master flash unit to the slave flash unit(s). —Turn OFF all flash units when connecting. 3 Set the flash mode selector of all the flash units to TTL. —Do not set the power switch to the STBY position. 4 Setting up a master flash unit and slave unit(s) Set the zoom-head pos[...]

65 VI and F3-Series cameras) NO TE Cameras in Groups I thru IV • In multiple flash operation, if the electric current in the synchro circuit exceeds a certain level, you may not be able to take a second shot after the first. In this case, turn each of the flash units OFF once or disconnect the master flash unit from the camera. This resets the ci[...]

66 System chart for TTL m ultiple flash • SB-11, SB-14, SB-140, and SB-21B Speedlights cannot be used with the F-401/N4004 or F-401s/N4004s either as a master or a slave unit. Multiple flash operation —(Cameras in Groups I thru VI SC-24 SB-21B SB-21A SB-16A SB-17 SC-14 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14 SB-140 SB-16B SB-15 SB-25 SB-26 SB-24 SC-17 SB-27 AS-17 SB[...]

67 and F3-Series cameras) SB-21B SB-16B SB-15 SB-22 SB-20 SC-18 SC-19 SC-18 SC-19 SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/28DX SB-27 SB-24 SB-25 SB-26 SB-28/28DX SB-24 SB-16B AS-10 AS-10 AS-10 SB-16A AS-11 AS-11 SB-17 SB-80DX SB-22s SB-29/29s SB-30 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14 SB-140 SB-80DX SB-29/29s AS-11 SB-21A Slave flash unit SC-18 (1.5m/4.9 ft.) SC-19 (3m/9.8 ft.) Using SC-1[...]

68 Multiple flash operation —(Applicable to all camera groups) 1 Use the sync terminal for connecting the SB-27 with other Speedlight slave units via optional sync cords. 2 Set Manual (M) Flash mode on each Speedlight. 3 Setting up a master flash unit and slave unit(s) Set the zoom-head position and the flash-to-subject shooting distance on the m[...]

69 Setting Forced TTL and Forced A modes (Applicable to all camera groups) • Select Forced TTL mode when using the SB-27 as a slave unit(s) in multiple flash operation. (See page 63.) Please refer to “NOTE: Using the SB-27 as a slave flash unit” on page 64. • Select Forced A (non-TTL Auto Flash) mode when you intentionally want easy exposur[...]

70 Setting Forced TTL and Forced A modes (Applicable to all camera groups) 3 Switch the flash mode selector from OFF to AUTO while holding down the "ZOOM" button. TTL A M M ZOOM ISO mm ft m 60 30 15 7 4 2 18 9 4 2 1 0.6 The ˙ (non-TTL Auto Flash) indictor in the LCD panel blinks to indicate that the SB-27 is in Forced A mode. ■ Forced [...]

71 When photographing people in dim light using a flash, the subject's eye may appear red in color pictures or white in B/W pictures, a phenomenon known as "red-eye" effect. Light from the camera's flash reflects off the retina of the eye through the pupil and back into the camera's lens. With cameras in Group I (except F5)[...]

72 Other information This section covers troubleshooting procedures, optional accessories, tips on Speedlight care, and contains a glossary of terms.[...]

73 Using an external power source Nikon DC Unit SD-7 or SD-8/8A can be used as an optional external power source supplying long and stable power, increasing the number of flash firings, and providing faster recycling time. To use a DC Unit, connect its power cord to the SB-27's external power source terminal. — Even when powered with a DC Un[...]

74 Connecting the SB-27 to a camera with a sync cord To connect the SB-27 to a camera with a sync cord, connect the sync cord to the SB-27's sync terminal. Usable sync cords SC-11, SC-15 (optional) See page 77. To connect the SB-27 to a camera without a sync terminal, use Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15 (optional). When connected by a sync cord, t[...]

75 W arning indications on the camera The flash ready-light in the camera's viewfinder blinks in the following cases. (No indication appears in the SB-27's LCD panel.) ■ F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000, FA, FE2, FG, and Nikonos V In TTL mode, the flash ready-light blinks to indicate that the ISO film speed of the fi[...]

76 T roubleshooting Cause ･ Batteries are not correctly installed. ･ Battery power is weak. ･ Battery contacts inside the battery chamber are contaminated. ･ Battery power is exhausted. ･ Camera setting switch is set to K for cameras in Group VII. ･ Built-in bounce flash adapter is used for bounce flash operation or not correctly set in[...]

77 Optional accessories Sync Cord SC-11 and SC-15 Use Sync Cord SC-11 or SC-15 when using the SB-27 off-camera or mounting the SB-27 on a camera without an accessory shoe, or performing Multiple Flash operation in manual (M) mode with the SB-27. The SC-11 is approx. 25 cm (9.8 in.) long; the SC-15 is approx. 1m (3.2 ft.) long. TTL Remote Cord SC-17[...]

78 TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 for F3-Series cameras Dedicated adapter for F3-Series cameras providing TTL flash operation with Nikon Speedlights such as SB-27 and SB-28 featuring ISO-type mounting foot (not designed for F3). DC Unit SD-7 An external power source that increases the number of flash firings, and provides faster recycling time. The S[...]

79 T ips on Speedlight care ■ Avoid physical shocks Do not drop or hit the SB-27 against a hard surface. —This may damage the precision mechanism. ■ Never disassemble Never disassemble or repair the SB-27 when it is damaged or malfunctioning. —The SB-27 houses high-voltage circuitry which is highly dangerous. ■ Keep the SB-27 away from wa[...]

80 T ips on Speedlight care ■ Notes on cleaning Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-27 and clean lightly with a soft, clean cloth . — Do not use commercial cleaners containing active agents such as paint thinner or benzene. ■ Maintenance When not using the SB-27 for prolonged period of time (more than two weeks), be sure to[...]

81 Battery power tends to weaken as the temperature drops; it also drains off slowly when not in use for a long period of time, and recovers after a short break following intensive use. Be sure to replace the batteries with a fresh set if you notice any delays in recycling. • Do not mix battery brands or types, as battery performance differs with[...]

82 Notes on batteries About NiCd batteries Please note the following points when using NiCd batteries. • NiCd batteries feature a faster recycling time and greater efficiency at low temperatures than alkaline-manganese batteries. —Other performance data differs depending on battery conditions, and whether or not batteries are fresh or fully cha[...]

83 Glossar y of terms 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash ............ 84 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash .......... 84 Autofocus assist illumination ................ 84 Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor ... 84 Bounce flash operation .................... 85 Catchlight ............................. 85 Center-Weighted/Spot Fill-Flas[...]

Glossar y of terms 84 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash The F5’s sync shutter speed can be set to 1/300 sec. using a custom function setting. This is available with the SB-27 set to AUTO (TTL) and the camera’s exposure mode set to S or M. In this case the SB-27’s guide number is approx. 14 (at the 35mm zoom-head position, ISO 100: for m). In P [...]

85 Bounce flash operation Bounce the light off the ceiling or walls to illuminate the subject indirectly, softening shadows and producing more natural portraits. The SB-27 comes with a built-in wide flash adapter for this purpose. (Applicable to all camera groups) Catchlight By using the SB-27’s built-in diffuser and bouncing the light off the ce[...]

86 Glossar y of terms Front-curtain sync flash In normal flash synchronization, the Speedlight fires at the beginning of the exposure. The flash therefore fires just after the front-curtain opens. Rear-curtain sync flash is also possible with cameras featuring a rear-curtain flash sync mode set on the camera. (Applicable to all camera groups) Guide[...]

87 Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-flash This mode automatically controls flash output so as to keep both subject and background perfectly exposed. The SB-27 fires a series of nearly invisible preflashes or Monitor Preflash, which are detected by the TTL multi-sensor (5-segment sensor) in Group I cameras to help determine the best exposure for both subj[...]

88 Red-eye reduction The SB-27's red-eye reduction lamp lights up for approx. 1 sec. before the flash fires. This prevents eyes from appearing red in color pictures or white in B/W pictures, a phenomenon known as “red-eye” effect. (Applicable to F100, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F80-Series/N80-Series, F70-Series/N70, F65-Series/N65-Series, [...]

89 Electronic construction Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry. Angle of coverage Horizontal position Vertical position Guide number (at 20˚C/68˚F) (at ISO 100: for m/ft) For Guide numbers for 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Flash in AUTO flash mode (F5 camera only), see page 40. Flash head The flash head rotates fro[...]

90 Specifications Flash mode selector • AUTO mode: TTL Auto Flash operation possible with cameras in Groups I thru VI (Monitor Preflash is available exclusively with cameras in Group I using a Nikkor lens with built-in CPU). Non-TTL Auto Flash operation possible with cameras in Groups I thru VII when camera setting switch is set to ˚ (usable ape[...]

91 Ready-light • Lights up when recharging is completed. • AUTO mode: Blinks for approx. 3 seconds when flash fires 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 the standby function. Built-in diffuser card Used in bounce f[...]

Printed in Japan T2I00101301 (S938) 11 FUJI BLDG., 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8331, JAPAN No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION.[...]