Nikon SB-500 manual

En Nikon Manual Viewer 2 Use the Nikon Manual V iewer 2 app to view manuals anytime, an ywhere on your smartphone or tablet. User's Manual (with Warranty) Speedlight SB - 500 En[...]

A A - 2 Preparation About the SB-500 and This User’ s Manual Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Speedlight SB-500. T o get the most out of your Speedlight, please read this user’ s manual thor oughly before use. How to find what you are looking for i T able of contents ( 0 A-10) Y ou can search by item, such as operation method, flash control m[...]

A - 3 A Preparation Included items Check that all items listed below are included with the SB-500. If any items are missing, inform the stor e where the SB-500 was purchased or the seller immediately . ❑ Speedlight Stand AS-23 ❑ User’ s manual (this manual) ❑ Soft Case SS-DC2 ❑ W arranty card SPEEDLIGHT SB-500 SB-500 Speedlight Stand AS-2[...]

A A - 4 Preparation About the SB-500 and This User’ s Manual About the SB-500 The S B -50 0 is a light and co mpac t Sp ee dlight com patibl e with Nikon Creative Li ghting Sys tem (CLS) w ith a gui de numb er of 24/ 78.7 (ISO 100, m / f t ). The SB -5 0 0 work s as b oth a mas ter flash unit and a re mote flash unit in w irele ss multip le flash[...]

A - 5 A Preparation v Describes a point to which you should pay particular attention in order to avoid Speedlight malfunctions or mistakes. t Includes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier . 0 Reference to other pages in this manual Icons used in this manual t Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses CPU lenses have CPU contacts. • The S[...]

A A - 6 Preparation About the SB-500 and This User’ s Manual T erminology Nikon Creative Lighting System ( CLS): a lighting system that enables flash photography functions listed below with improved communication between Nikon Speedlights and cameras i-TTL flash control/Advanced Wireless Lighting/Modeling flash/ FV lock/Flash (LED Light) Color In[...]

A - 7 A Preparation i-TTL balanced fill-flash: i-TTL flash control type in which flash output level is adjusted to well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background Standard i-TTL flash: i-TTL flash contr ol type in which flash output level is adjusted to the correct exposur e of the main subject regar dless of background brightness Manual [...]

A A - 8 Preparation Q&A Index B C D E F G H Y ou can search for specific explanations according to objective. Flash photography 1 Using the SB-500 mounted on a camera’ s accessory shoe Question Key phrase 0 Which flash control mode can I take pictures with? Flash control modes C-1 How can I take pictures in the simplest way? Basic operations [...]

A - 9 A Preparation B C D E F G H LED light photography and movie recor ding Using the LED light Question Key phrase 0 What are the featur es of the LED light? LED light D-1 How can I use the LED light? Using the LED light D-3 Flash photography 2 Using the wireless SB-500 Question Key phrase 0 How do I take pictures using multiple flash units? Adva[...]

A A - 10 Preparation T able of Contents A Preparation About the SB-500 and This User’ s Manual ........................ A-2 Q&A Index ....................................................................... A-8 For Y our Safety .............................................................. A-13 Check before Use ................................[...]

A - 11 A Preparation F Functions Bounce Flash Operation .................................................... F-2 Flash Photography Support Functions ................................ F-7 • T est firing • Modeling flash • Standby function • Thermal cut-out Functions to Be Set on the Camera ................................. F-12 • Auto FP Hi[...]

A A - 12 Preparation T able of Contents H Tips on Speedlight Care and Refer ence Information T roubleshooting ............................................................... H-1 Guide Number , Aperture and Flash-to-subject Distance .... H-5 Tips on Speedlight Care ................................................... H-6 Notes on Batteries...........[...]

A - 13 A Preparation For Y our Safety T o prevent damage to your Nikon pr oduct or injury to yourself or others, read the following safety pr ecautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will r ead them. This icon marks warnings and information that should be read before[...]

A A - 14 Preparation For Y our Safety Keep dry . Do not immerse in or expose to water or rain. Failur e to observe this precaution could r esult in fire or electric shock. Do not handle with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could r esult in electric shock. Do not use in the presence of flammable gas or dust. Use of electronic equipment[...]

A - 15 A Preparation • Insert batteries in the correct orientation. • Batteries may become hot if the flash is fired multiple times in quick succession. When removing the batteries, take pr ecaution to avoid burns. • Do not short or disassemble batteries or attempt to remove or otherwise damage the battery insulation or casing. • Do not exp[...]

A A - 16 Preparation For Y our Safety Observe caution when using the flash • Using a flash in close contact with the skin or other objects could cause burns. • Using the flash close to subject’ s eyes could cause temporary visual impairment. Stay at least 1 m (3.3 ft) from the subject when using the flash. • Do not aim the flash at the oper[...]

A - 17 A Preparation Notice for Customers in Canada CAN ICES-3 B / NMB-3 B Notice for customers in Europe This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic equipment 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. D[...]

A A - 18 Preparation Check befor e Use Tips on using the Speedlight T ake trial shots T ake trial shots before photographing important occasions such as weddings or graduations. Have Nikon spot-check your Speedlight regularly Nikon recommends that you have your Speedlight serviced by an authorized dealer or service center at least once every 2 year[...]

A - 19 A Preparation Life-long learning As part of Nikon’ s “life-long learning” commitment to ongoing product support and education, continually updated information is available online at the following websites: • For users in the United States: http://www .nikonusa.com/ • For users in Europe and Africa: http://www .europe-nikon.com/supp[...]

B - 1 B Operation Operation B 8 4 3 1 2 7 5 6 SPEEDLIGHT SB-500 Speedlight Parts[...]

B - 2 B Operation 1 Flash head 2 LED light ( 0 D-1) 3 Light sensor window for wireless remote flash ( 0 E-7) 4 Battery chamber cover 5 Locking pin 6 Accessory shoe contacts 7 Mounting foot 8 Flash panel[...]

B - 3 B Operation Speedlight Parts 9 10 12 11[...]

B - 4 B Operation 9 Flash head tilting angle scale ( 0 F-3) 10 Flash head rotating angle scale ( 0 F-3) 11 Flash-ready indicator ( 0 B-14, E-10 ) 12 Mounting foot lock lever ( 0 B-12)[...]

B - 5 B Operation Speedlight Parts 16 17 18 13 14 15[...]

B - 6 B Operation 13 LED button ( 0 D-3) : Press and hold down to turn the LED light on and off. : Press briefly to change LED light output level. 14 LED light output level indicator lamps ( 0 D-4) Indicate LED light output level 15 Mode indicator lamps Indicate flash control mode TTL: i-TTL flash control M: Manual flash control CMD: Commander mode[...]

B - 7 B Operation Notes on Continuous Use Notes on continuous flash firing • T o prevent the SB-500 fr om overheating, allow it to cool down for at least 10 minutes after the number of firings indicated below . Flash control mode Firing limit i-TTL flash control Manual flash control (output volume: M 1/1, M 1/2) Up to 15 times Manual flash contro[...]

B - 8 B Operation Notes on LED light operation duration • The internal safety function automatically lowers the LED light output level by 1 level when the LED light is used for an extended period of time. ( 0 F-11) • If the LED light is used for a longer period, the internal safety function turns the LED light off. The internal safety function [...]

B - 9 B Operation This section covers basic procedur es in i-TTL flash control in combination with a CLS-compatible camera. STEP 1 Inserting the batteries Slide the battery chamber cover open. Insert the batteries following the [+] and [ − ] marks. Close the battery chamber cover . Basic Operations[...]

B - 10 B Operation Suitable batteries Replace both batteries at the same time using fresh batteries or fully-charged rechargeable batteries of the same brand fr om any of the following types. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of differ ent types or makes. 1.5 V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline battery 1.2 V HR6 (AA-size) rechargeable Ni-MH batter[...]

B - 11 B Operation Basic Operations Replacing/recharging batteries Refer to the following table to determine when to replace batteries with fresh ones or r echarge batteries according to how long the flash- ready indicator takes to light up after turning the SB-500 on or flash firing. 1.5 V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline battery 20 sec. or more 1.2 V HR6 ([...]

B - 12 B Operation STEP 2 Attaching the SB-500 to the camera Make sure the SB-500 and the camera body are turned off. Make sure the mounting foot lock lever is on the left. Slide the SB-500’ s mounting foot into the camera’ s accessory shoe. T urn the mounting foot lock lever to “LOCK.” v Lock the Speedlight in place T ur n the mounting foo[...]

B - 13 B Operation Basic Operations Detaching the SB-500 from the camera Make sure the SB-500 and the camera body are turned off, turn the mounting foot lock lever 90° to the left, and then slide the SB-500’ s mounting foot from the camera’ s accessory shoe. • If the SB-500’ s mounting foot cannot be removed fr om the camera’ s accessory[...]

B - 14 B Operation STEP 4 T ur ning the power on T urn the camera on. Set the SB-500’ s power switch to [ ]. • Mode indicator lamp [TTL] comes on. STEP 5 T aking a picture Make sure that the flash- ready indicator on the SB-500 or in the camera’ s viewfinder is on, and then shoot.[...]

C - 1 C Flash Control Modes Flash Contr ol Modes C The SB-500 has 2 flash control modes—manual flash contr ol and i-TTL flash control. • Flash control modes cannot be selected on the SB-500. The setting of the camera on which the SB-500 is mounted automatically applies. i-TTL Flash Contr ol Information obtained by monitor pre-flashes and exposu[...]

C - 2 C Flash Control Modes t Camera’ s metering mode and i-TTL flash contr ol • When the camera’ s metering mode is changed to spot metering while i-TTL balanced fill-flash is in use, the i-TTL flash control automatically changes to the standard i-TTL flash. • The i-TTL flash control automatically changes to i-TTL balanced fill-flash, afte[...]

C - 3 C Flash Control Modes Manual Flash Contr ol When the SB-500 is mounted on a camera, manual setting of flash output level can be enabled by selecting [Manual] under [Optional flash] from the camera menu. • Monitor pre-flash and the indication of insuf ficient flash output for correct exposur e are not available in manual flash control. • M[...]

D - 1 D LED Light LED Light D Featur es of LED Light The SB-500 is equipped with an LED light that has various features, as detailed below . Continuous light that enhances your photography In contrast to a flash light, the LED light is a continuous light source. Y ou can check the lighting effects in r eal time with live view and so achieve your de[...]

D - 2 D LED Light Features of LED Light Off-camera lighting that inspires cr eativity The LED light’ s soft light beam blends smoothly with natural light. Y ou can illuminate your subject freely fr om any angle, height and distance by using the SB-500 off-camera. Flexibility that makes use of multiple light source easier Multiple light sources ex[...]

D - 3 D LED Light T ur ning the LED light on Set the SB-500’ s power switch to [ ]. • Rotate the power switch while pressing the lock release. Press and hold the LED button until the LED light comes on. T ur ning the LED light off Press and hold the LED button until the LED light goes off. • T ur n the power off with the power switch when not[...]

D - 4 D LED Light Using the LED Light Changing the LED light output level Briefly press the LED button to change the LED light output level. • The LED light output level changes as shown in the diagram below . The output level is indicated by the LED light output level indicator lamps. • The LED light output level also can be changed when the L[...]

D - 5 D LED Light v Operation of the LED light when attached to the camera • LED light operation is manual only . The LED light does not synchronize with the camera shutter . • The LED light turns off when the SB-500 is in standby and does not turn on when the SB-500 comes on again. v White balance settings Set the camera’ s white balance as [...]

E - 1 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Wir eless Multiple Flash-unit Photography E SB-500 Wir eless Multiple Flash- unit Photography Setup The SB-500 is compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting. • The SB-500 has to be mounted on the D810 or D750 to be used as a master flash unit. SB-500 wireless multiple flash-unit photography compati[...]

E - 2 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Advanced Wireless Lighting The master flash unit commands the remote flash units to fire monitor pre-flashes. The camera measures the reflected light. The camera controls flash firing. Remote flash units (Group A) Remote flash unit (Group B) Master flash unit mounted on camera • The SB-500 mounted [...]

E - 3 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography SB-500 Wir eless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Functions When used in commander mode When used in remote mode Flash control mode • i-TTL flash control • Manual flash control • Non-TTL auto flash control* 1 • i-TTL flash control • Manual flash control • Repeating flash* 2 Group Up to 2 g[...]

E - 4 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography v Notes on canceling the flash of the master flash unit When the master flash unit flash function is canceled and only the remote flash units fir e, the master flash unit emits a number of weak light signals to trigger the remote flash units. This operation will normally not affect the corr ect expos[...]

E - 5 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Advanced Wir eless Lighting Using the SB-500 as a master flash unit Set the SB-500’ s power switch to [ ]. Make settings with the camera. • Choose [Commander mode] under [Optional flash] from the camera menu and make settings. • For details, see the camera user’ s manual. • Mode indicator l[...]

E - 6 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Using the SB-500 as a remote flash unit Set the power switch to [A] or [B] to correspond with the remote flash group selected on the master flash unit. • Rotate the power switch while pressing the lock release. • Set the remote flash channel to 3 on the master flash unit. Confirm that the flash- [...]

E - 7 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Remote Flash Units Remote flash unit setting • The standby function is canceled when remote mode is set. Make sure that ther e is sufficient battery power . Setting up the remote flash units • Position the remote flash units so that light fr om the master flash unit can reach the light sensor win[...]

E - 8 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography • As a basic guide, the effective distance between the master and remote flash units is up to appr oximately 10 m (32 ft) in the forward-facing position, and appr oximately 7 m (22 ft) at both sides. These ranges vary slightly depending on ambient light. • There is no limit to the number of r emo[...]

E - 9 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Remote Flash Units • An obstacle between the master flash unit and remote flash units can interfere with transmission of data. • T ake care not to let light fr om the remote flash units enter the camera lens. • Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-23 for stable positioning of remote flash units[...]

E - 10 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Checking Status in Wir eless Multiple Flash-unit Photography The flash-ready indicator on the SB-500 can be used to check the status during and after taking a picture in wir eless multiple flash-unit photography . Checking flash operation using the flash-ready indicator Master flash unit Remote flas[...]

E - 11 E Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Master flash unit Remote flash unit Speedlight status Goes out and lights up when ready to fir e Flashes quickly for approx. 6 sec. • Non-TTL auto flash control mode is set on the master flash unit. Change the flash control mode to an ope[...]

F - 1 F Functions Functions F This section explains the SB-500 functions that support flash photography and functions to be set on the camera. • For detailed information regar ding camera functions and settings, refer to the camera user’ s manual. Bounce flash operation ( 0 F-2) Flash photography support functions ( 0 F-7) T est firing Modeling[...]

F - 2 F Functions Bounce Flash Operation Bounce flash is a photographic technique using light that is bounced off a ceiling or wall using a tilted or r otated flash head. This provides the effects listed below compar ed to those with direct light from a flash unit: • Overexposur e to a subject that is closer than other subjects can be reduced. ?[...]

F - 3 F Functions Setting the flash head Tilt or rotate the flash head. • The flash head tilts up from 0° to 90° and rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right. • Set the flash head at a click stop at the angles shown. 90 ̊ 75 ̊ 0 ° 60 ̊ 0 ̊ 30 ̊ 60 ̊ 90 ̊ 120 ̊ 150 ̊ 180 ̊ 150 ̊ 120 ̊ 90 ̊ 60 ̊ 75 ̊ 75 ̊ 30 ̊[...]

F - 4 F Functions Bounce Flash Operation Selecting flash head tilting/rotating angles and a reflecting surface • Good results ar e most easily achieved when the flash head is tilted up to use the ceiling as a reflecting surface. • Rotate the flash head horizontally to get the same effect when the camera is held in the vertical position. • Ill[...]

F - 5 F Functions White ceiling 1-2 m 90º Lightproof white paper Behind the camera[...]

F - 6 F Functions Bounce Flash Operation T aking a picture with bounce flash Set the SB-500’ s power switch to [ ]. Adjust the flash head and shoot. t Exposure in bounce flash operation In bounce flash, there is some light loss compar ed with normal flash photography (with flash head adjusted to the forward-facing position). Therefor e, a 2- or 3[...]

F - 7 F Functions Flash Photography Support Functions The SB-500 features flash photography support functions. • indicates functions used with the flash light. indicates functions used with the LED light. T est firing Pressing the test firing button determines whether the SB-500 fir es properly . • The flash output level during test firing vari[...]

F - 8 F Functions Flash Photography Support Functions Standby function If the SB-500 and camera are not used for a specified time, the standby function is automatically activated to conserve battery power . Standby activation depends on the functions being used. Power switch Connection with camera Connected Not connected Flash • When camera’ s [...]

F - 9 F Functions T o cancel standby Connection with camera Connected Not connected • Press the camera shutter -r elease button halfway down. • T ur n the camera on. • Select any function other than [OFF] with the SB-500’ s power switch. • Press the SB-500’ s test firing button. • Select any function other than [OFF] with the SB-500?[...]

F - 10 F Functions Flash Photography Support Functions W arning of flash-ready indicator Flashes once per sec. • W ait until the SB-500 cools down. • Operation can be resumed once the warning goes off.[...]

F - 11 F Functions Notes on LED light thermal cut-out High to mid Mid to low Off When the LED light is operating at high power and the internal temperature r eaches a certain point, the LED light output level falls to mid power [ ] and the right lamp of the LED light output level indicator lamps, which indicates high power , begins to flash slowly [...]

F - 12 F Functions The following functions are available when used with cameras so equipped. Set these functions on the camera. They cannot be set on the SB-500 directly . • For detailed information regar ding camera functions and settings, refer to the camera user’ s manual. Auto FP high-speed sync High-speed flash synchronization up to a comp[...]

F - 13 F Functions Slow sync The camera slows the shutter speed to capture both the subject and background illumination. This is suitable for capturing the subject and background illumination during the evening and night. • Use of a tripod is recommended. Red-eye reduction The SB-500 fires 3 flashes at low output just befor e the picture is taken[...]

G - 1 G For Use with COOLPIX Cameras Using the SB-500 with COOLPIX cameras is also possible, although some functions may not be available. COOLPIX cameras compatible with CLS (A, P7800, P7700, P7100* 1 , P7000* 1 , P6000) COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL flash control (P5100, P5000, E8800, E8700, E8400) • See the camera user’ s manual as w[...]

G - 2 G For Use with COOLPIX Cameras When using with COOLPIX cameras Cameras compatible with CLS Cameras compatible with i-TTL flash control Operable flash control mode • i-TTL balanced fill-flash (A, P7800, P7700 only* 2 ) • Standard i-TTL flash • Manual flash control (A, P7800, P7700 only* 2 ) Operable wireless mode for multiple flash units[...]

H - 1 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information This section explains troubleshooting, Speedlight car e, specifications and optional accessories. T roubleshooting If the flash-ready indicator flashes slowly , or any trouble occurs, use the following chart to determine the cause of the problem befor e taking the Speedlight to a retailer or[...]

H - 2 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Problem Cause Solution 0 Remote flash unit does not fire. The distance between the master flash unit and the remote flash unit is too long, or there is an obstacle between them. Change the positioning of the master flash unit and remote flash units. E-7 E-8 E-9 The light from the master flas[...]

H - 3 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information T roubleshooting W arning indications of flash-ready indicator Status Flash-r eady indicator Cause/solution 0 After firing Flashes for approx. 3 sec.* 1 Correct exposur e may not have been achieved. Use a wider aperture (smaller f-number) or higher ISO sensitivity , or move the flash unit cl[...]

H - 4 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Status Flash-r eady indicator Cause/solution 0 Flash has not fired Flashes 4 times over 0.5 sec. at intervals of 0.5 sec. The camera does not support CLS. Flash cannot be used. Use a CLS- compatible camera. — Flashes 4 times over 0.5 sec. at intervals of 0.5 sec. for approx. 6 sec.* 2 • [...]

H - 5 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Guide Number , Apertur e and Flash-to-subject Distance The guide number (GN) indicates the amount of light generated by a flash unit. As the number increases, the flash output becomes gr eater and the light extends further . There is a r elation represented by an equation, guide number (ISO [...]

H - 6 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Never use thinner , benzene or other organic solvents when cleaning the Speedlight, as this may damage the Speedlight or cause it to catch fire. Using these agents may also impair your health. " W ARNING Cleaning • Dirt on the flash panel can cause it to break when the flash is fir ed[...]

H - 7 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Tips on Speedlight Care Storage T o prevent mold or mildew , stor e the SB-500 in a dry , well-ventilated area. If it is to be placed in storage for 2 weeks or mor e, remove the batteries to prevent damage caused by the batteries leaking. T ake the device from storage about once a month and [...]

H - 8 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information • The large amounts of current used by the Speedlight may r esult in rechargeable batteries becoming unusable befor e reaching the manufacturer’ s stated recharge/discharge limit. • When replacing the batteries, turn the product of f and insert the replacement batteries in the corr ect[...]

H - 9 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Notes on Batteries • For information on handling and recharging r echargeable batteries, see the documentation provided by the manufactur ers of the batteries and the battery charger . • Do not attempt to recharge non-r echargeable batteries. Failure to observe this precaution could caus[...]

H - 10 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Updating Firmwar e The latest Nikon firmware can be downloaded fr om the Nikon website. Firmware is updated thr ough a Nikon digital SLR camera compatible with SB-500 firmware updates and Nikon COOLPIX A. • For users in the U.S.A.: http://www .nikonusa.com/ • For users in Europe and Afr[...]

H - 11 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Optional Accessories ■ Speedlight Stand AS-23 2 1 Same as that provided with this SB-500. AS-23 parts 1 Speedlight mounting shoe 2 T ripod socket Attaching/detaching a flash unit to/from the Speedlight Stand Attach/detach your Nikon Speedlight to/ from the AS-23 in the same way as when at[...]

H - 12 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information AS-21 AS-22 ■ Speedlight Stand AS-21/AS-22 ■ TTL Remote Cord SC-28 (approx. 1.5 m/4.9 ft) The SC-28 enables i-TTL flash control when the SB-500 is used off-camera. The SC-28 is equipped with a tripod socket. ■ TTL Remote Cord SC-29 (approx. 1.5 m/4.9 ft) The SC-29 enables i-TTL flash [...]

H - 13 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Specifications Electronic construction Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar T ransistor (IGBT) and series circuitry Flash Guide number (23 °C/73.4 °F) 24/78.7 (ISO 100, m/ft) Angle of illumination Covers angle of view of 24mm lens (FX format) or 16mm lens (DX format) Effective flash output di[...]

H - 14 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Compatible cameras • Nikon digital SLR (Nikon FX/DX format) cameras (except D1 series and D100) • Nikon film SLR camera F6 • COOLPIX cameras compatible with CLS (A, P7800, P7700, P7100, P7000, P6000) • COOLPIX cameras compatible with i-TTL flash control (P5100, P5000, E8800, E8700 a[...]

H - 15 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Specifications Power ON/OFF Power switch Power source Use 2 AA-size batteries of the same brand from any of the following types: • 1.5 V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline batteries • 1.2 V HR6 (AA-size) rechargeable Ni-MH batteries For minimum number of flashes, recycling time and duration of cont[...]

H - 16 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Dimensions (W × H × D) Appr ox. 67 × 114.5 × 70.8 mm (2.7 × 4.6 × 2.8 in.) Weight Approx. 273 g (9.7 oz), including 2 AA-size alkaline batteries Approx. 226 g (8 oz), body only Accessories supplied Speedlight Stand AS-23, Soft Case SS-DC2 • Products and brand names ar e trademarks o[...]

H - 17 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Specifications Effective flash output distance range (for i-TTL flash contr ol) The effective flash output distance range of the SB-500 is between 0.6 m and 20 m (2 ft and 65.6 ft). The effective flash output distance range differs depending on the ISO sensitivity and apertur e. ISO sensiti[...]

H - 18 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information ISO sensitivity 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200 6400 12800 Aperture (f) 1.4 3.7 – 39.3 5 – 55.4 7.3 – 65.6 9.9 – 65.6 14.2 – 65.6 19.7 – 65.6 27.9 – 65.6 39.4 – 65.6 55.8 – 65.6 Effective flash output distance range (ft) 2 2.7 – 27.5 3.7 – 39.3 5 – 55.4 7.3 – 65.6 9.9[...]

H - 19 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Specifications Guide number table The SB-500 guide numbers differ depending on the camera’ s ISO sensitivity and flash output level. ISO 100; m/ft Flash output level 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 Guide number 24/ 78.7 16.9/ 55.4 12/ 39.3 8.4/ 27.5 6/ 19.6 4.2/ 13.7 3/ 9.8 2.1/ 6.8 [...]

H - 20 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Minimum number of flashes/ recycling time for each battery type Batteries Min. r ecycling time (approx.)* 1 Min. number of flashes* 2 /recycling time* 1 1.5 V LR6 (AA-size) alkaline batteries 4.0 sec. 100/4.0 – 30 sec. 1.2 V HR6 (AA-size) rechargeable Ni-MH batteries 3.5 sec. 140/3.5 – [...]

H - 21 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Index • Refer to “Speedlight Parts” ( 0 B-1) for names of parts. A Accessories ........................H-11 Advanced Wireless Lighting .................... E-2, E-5 Aperture ..............................H-5 Auto FP high-speed sync .... F-12 B Batteries .................... B-10, H-8 [...]

H - 22 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information G GN (guide number) ..............H-5 Group .................................. E-3 Guide number .....................H-5 Guide number table ........... H-19 I Insufficient flash output for correct exposure .....C-2, E-10 ISO sensitivity ....................... H-5 ISO sensitivity factors ..[...]

H - 23 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Index R Rear-curtain sync ............... F-13 Recycling time .................... H-20 Red-eye reduction .............. F-13 Remote flash unit ... A-7, E-6, E-7 Remote mode ...................... E-3 Replacing batteries ............. B-11 S Slow sync ........................... F-13 Speedl[...]

H - 24 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information[...]

H - 25 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information[...]

H - 26 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information[...]

H - 27 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information 1) Y our Nikon product is guaranteed against any manufacturing defects for one full year from the date of pur chase. 2) T o validate the warranty card, you are requested to fill in all necessary information (Customer’ s name, address, and date of purchase). The warranty car d together wit[...]

H - 28 H Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information 5) The warranty car d is issued only at the time of original purchase. It is nontransferable and will not be re-issued. For information on authorized Nikon service facilities, visit http://imaging.nikon.com/support/index.htm[...]

No reproduction in any f orm of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without writt en authorization from NIK ON CORPORA TION. Model name SB-500 Serial No. Purchase date Name and address of customer Manufacturer NIKON CORPORATION Dealer Nikon Worldwide Service Warranty Card © 201[...]