Nikon SB-25 Instruction Manual
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Nikon SB-25 Instruction Manual

Autofocus speedlight
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  • Page 1 Autofocus Speedlight Instruction Manual...

  • Page 2: For Effective Use Of This Manual

    We urge you, however, to thoroughly read the manuals before you begin using the SB-25. That way you will be fully familiar with the features and the way they work. For the convenience of latest Nikon SLR users, the SB-25 offers automatic adjustment functions when used with cer- tain lenses.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    For F-401x/N5005 Users: THE SB-25 SPEEDLIGHT ...20 Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice...57 — 63 Getting Started — SB-25 Set-Up...20 — 23 For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users: Selecting Measurement System, Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice...64 — 69 Meters or Feet ...21...

  • Page 4: Chapter 1: Introducing The Sb-25 Autofocus Speedlight

    Chapter Introducing the SB-25 Autofocus Speedlight...

  • Page 5: Nomenclature

    In Non-TTL Auto Flash operation, be careful not to cover or otherwise obstruct the sensor. Rotating angle scale External power source terminal Accepts power cord of Nikon DC unit SD-8/SD-7. Terminal cover Keep terminal covered when not in use. Mounting foot locking...

  • Page 6: Main Features/Functions - Sb-25'S Flash Capabilities

    Main Features/Functions — SB-25’s Flash Capabilities The SB-25 is a most versatile Speedlight which offers vari- Fully Automatic Fill Flash ety of convenient features to enhance your flash photogra- phy. To understand these features/function will help you Generally performed at night or in dim light, flash photogra-...

  • Page 7: Ttl Multi-Sensor" Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash With F90-Series/N90

    “TTL Multi-Sensor” Automatic Balanced Fill- Flash with F90-Series/N90 After you depress the shutter release button and prior to the shutter being activated, the SB-25 fires a series of nearly invisible preflash, or Monitor Preflash. These preflash are detected by the F90-Series/N90’s TTL...

  • Page 8: Rear-Curtain Sync Flash

    The combination of high shutter-speed range and flash FP high-speed sync flash is only available in the SB-25’s sync capability provides you with more options for flash Manual flash mode when using the F90-Series/N90. For photography in day-light conditions. It enables you to use a details, see “FP High-Speed Sync Flash —...

  • Page 9: Red-Eye Reduction Control

    Repeating Flash “Red eye” effect occurs in flash photography when flash When used with any Nikon SLR, the SB-25 is capable of pictures are taken in dim surroundings where the subject’s strobo-effect multiple flash exposure at up to 160 flash per eye pupils will be dilated (opened very wide).

  • Page 10: Chapter 2: Before Flash Shooting

    Chapter Before Flash Shooting...

  • Page 11: Warning - To Avoid Injury

    CAUTION — TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SB-25 SPEEDLIGHT • DO NOT MIX OR USE THE SB-25 WITH OTHER MANU- FACTURER’S CAMERAS, FLASH UNITS, OR ACCES- SORIES (INCLUDING EXTERNAL POWER SOURCES): Nikon is not responsible for malfunctions or other prob- lems resulting from use of this product with any equip- ment other than Nikon brand products.

  • Page 12: Attaching Flash Unit To The Camera Accessory Shoe

    For Nikon F3 Series users The SB-25 can only be mounted on an F3 Series cam- era that uses a DE-2 or DE-3 finder. Be sure to attach Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 or AS-7 to the camera’s accessory shoe before mounting the SB-25 on the camera.

  • Page 13: Adjustment Functions - Using Lcd Panel And Built-In Functions

    Once you have learned them, as close-ups or bounce flash photography. you can make the most of the SB-25 for all kinds of flash techniques. Operation can be controlled manually or automatically, depending on which Nikon SLR model is used.

  • Page 14: Using Lcd Panel For Shooting-Distance Computation

    Flash mode selector Confirming flash shooting distance is an indispensable step for Non-TTL Auto Flash expo- sure control for successful flash photography. The SB-25 can be used to for Manual Flash exposure con- compute the appropriate distance range. trol An appropriate flash shooting distance is determined...

  • Page 15: (Manual Adjustment)

    CPU manual adjustment required with these camera/lens combinations, because the con- trolled aperture is automatically set and indicated in the SB-25’s LCD panel (except in Non-TTL When Auto Flash mode). appears, press complete the setting. The indication will stop blinking.

  • Page 16: (Manual Adjustment)

    D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU appears in the LCD panel, and note the small No manual adjustment is required with these camera/ lens combinations, because the SB-25 automatically resume when the adjusts the zoom-head position to provide an angle of coverage that matches the focal length of the lens in use.

  • Page 17: Ttl Auto Flash Mode - Fill-Flash With

    Even simple snap shots can be taken with a sophisticat- For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V users ed touch. By setting the SB-25 to TTL Auto flash mode, you can enjoy flash photography that is simple, yet the most advanced available.

  • Page 18: N6000 Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    For other lenses, set manually according to the Flash, remote operation of the SB-25 works properly shooting situation. See “Setting Aperture Value only if the SB-25 is placed at a distance and angle (Manual Adjustment),” pages 28 and 29, and “Setting similar to the camera-to-subject distance/angle.
  • Page 19 For underexposure, electronic analog displays (in The aperture in use (shown in the viewfinder) and shooting viewfinder and LCD panel) show Lo or a “– (negative)” distance indicator bars appear in the SB-25’s LCD value. panel. Chapter Mode: For F90-Series/N90 Users...
  • Page 20 When subject may have been underexposed, mark and amount of underexposure (for example, appear in the SB-25’s LCD panel after firing. To compensate underexposure in the above exam- ple, you might consider using an aperture at least 2 f/stops wider, or move closer to subject.
  • Page 21 TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s Users Choosing A Flash Method The SB-25 enables you to perform the following flash meth- Flash Methods: F4-Series Settings and Lenses ods. They are described in detail on pages 10 to 13.

  • Page 22: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The aperture and zoom-head position in use are auto- matically set and indicated in the SB-25’s LCD panel. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation. See “Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment),”...
  • Page 23 1/250 sec. With F-801/N8008 or F-801s/N8008s, these also appear in the camera’s LCD panel. The aperture in use (shown in the viewfinder) and shooting distance indicator bars appear in the SB-25’s LCD panel. Chapter Overexposure warning (back- ground exposure) For overexposure alert, HI appears (together with lens’...
  • Page 24 Mode: For F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s Users Controlled shutter speed and aperture in Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash/Standard TTL Flash When the SB-25 is set at mode selector), the camera automatically controls the shutter speed and aperture between 30 — 1/250 sec.

  • Page 25: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash The SB-25’s Center-Weighted Fill-Flash in either of the above cases for flash method selection. Spot Fill-Flash Also, the mark does not appear in the SB-25’s Standard TTL Flash LCD panel. Chapter button button so that in the LCD panel disappears.
  • Page 26 * For SLOW SYNC FLASH or REAR-CURTAIN SYNC FLASH, perform the set- tings on the camera; setting priorities are determined by the camera and flash ISO speed sync mode selections on the SB-25 will be ignored. of film in Aperture Set ISO speed of the film in use.
  • Page 27 * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 11); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-25 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aper- ture set on the camera.
  • Page 28 Fully depress shutter release button to fire flash. focus. Confirm ready-light is on in the camera’s viewfinder or on the SB-25 Recheck ready-light to see if it is blinking. Check whether subject is in focus by using the in-focus indicator I in the camera’s viewfinder.
  • Page 29 /N6000 Users TTL Auto Flash Choosing A Flash Method The SB-25 enables you to perform Matrix Balanced or Center-Weighted Fill-Flash. These functions are described Troubleshooting in detail on pages 10 and 11. If necessary, select a wider aperture. If...

  • Page 30: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    Set Up and Practice Setting Up SB-25 Check the charts on page 57 to determine which flash is available and suitable for your shooting situation before actual shooting. Before proceeding: Flash sync ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. mode selector TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA.
  • Page 31 Background is + or + R ter speed or small- setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-25 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be overexposed er aperture. taken with the aperture set on the camera.
  • Page 32 1/125 sec. Confirm ready-light is on in the camera viewfinder For outdoor subjects on a cloudy day f/5.6 at 1/125 sec. the SB-25 in shadows Check whether subject is in focus by using the in-focus For indoor subjects f/5.6 at 1/30 sec...

  • Page 33: For Fa, Fe2, Fg And Nikonos V Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users Choosing A Flash Method The SB-25 lets you choose between Programmed TTL Auto TTL Auto flash mode Flash or Standard TTL Flash in TTL Auto flash mode. F-301/N2000 Use the charts at right to confirm available flash/exposure mode combinations.
  • Page 34 * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 8); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-25 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aperture set on the camera.
  • Page 35 Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly press the shutter release button. Confirm ready-light has come on and subject is in focus. Check that ready-light is on in camera viewfinder or on the SB-25 Check whether subject is in focus. Firing Flash 1000 f/16+ f/2.8...

  • Page 36: Ttl Auto Flash

    TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users Choosing A Flash Method The SB-25 can be used in the same manner as the cam- Programmed TTL Auto Flash era’s built-in TTL flash, but offers more powerful light output When light is low and the flash is needed, the camera asks and a greater shooting distance range.

  • Page 37: Aperture

    * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 8); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-25 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aper- ture set on the camera.

  • Page 38: If Ready-Light Blinks For A Few Seconds After Shooting, The

    Check whether subject falls within the range of the shooting For indoor subjects distance indicator bars in the SB-25’s LCD panel. If not, move closer to subject or select a wider aperture (when aperture-priority auto or manual exposure mode), then repeat steps 7 and 8.
  • Page 39 Mode: For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users Choosing A Flash Method Setting Up SB-25 FA, FE2, FG or Nikonos V users can use the SB-25 Flash sync mode Speedlight to perform Standard TTL Flash, for fully auto- selector at NORMAL matic though-the-lens (TTL) control of flash exposure.

  • Page 40: To Subject Or Select A Wider Aperture

    Adjustment),” pages 28 to 29. Check if ready-light is on in camera’s viewfinder Shooting indicator bars in the LCD panel move as the SB-25 figure input changes. Determine approximate flash-shooting distance range by reading indicator bars. Quick reference on relationship between usable apertures and flash shooting distance Use table on page 142 in this instruction manual.

  • Page 41: Non-Ttl Auto Flash

    (flash mode appears in position Set desired aperture in the SB-25’s LCD panel, then set again on the cam- era. For instructions, see “Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment),” pages 28 to Indicator bars show a appropriate shooting distance range.
  • Page 42 1/3 to one stop larger. Note that shooting distance range indication corresponds to the aperture value set on the SB-25 — not on the camera. In general, you may want to take a series of pictures using exposure bracketing.

  • Page 43: Manual Flash Mode - Manual Light-Output Control

    USE APERTURE-PRIORITY AUTO OR MANUAL EXPO- your desired effect. To help approximate these variables, SURE MODE. you can use the SB-25’s LCD panel and control buttons as USE SINGLE-SERVO AUTOFOCUS (S or A) OR MANU- a “calculator”, or use “guide numbers” (see page 118).
  • Page 44 N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including lat- est D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The aperture in use and an indicator bar automatically indicated in the SB-25’s LCD panel. With other lenses, you must operate manually and follow steps 6, 7 and 8.

  • Page 45: Synchronization In Continuous Shooting

    Set the same aperture value in the SB-25’s LCD panel. Look into camera viewfinder, compose and lightly For instruction, see “Setting Aperture Values (Manual press the shutter release button to confirm that subject Adjustment),”...

  • Page 46: Repeating Flash

    D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built- in CPU , Non- The zoom-head position in use is automatically set and indicated in the SB-25’s LCD panel. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation. See “Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual Adjustment),” pages 29 and 30.
  • Page 47 Press until a number (flash speed per second) Press starts blinking beside center hyphen . starts blinking beside to set a desired flash speed. See “Determining shutter speed with number/speed of The maximum number of flashes per frame depends on flashes”...
  • Page 48 If not, change the aperture by turning the lens’ aperture ring to adjust the bar. Set the same aperture value in the SB-25’s LCD Panel Finally, perform “minus” exposure compensation* to that you set on the camera (step 7).

  • Page 49: Chapter 4: Flash-Shooting Applications

    Chapter Flash-Shooting Applications...

  • Page 50: Fp High-Speed Sync Flash - Flash Photography At Higher Shutter Speeds

    Unlike other Nikon SLR models the F90-Series/N90 camera Note that a guide number for FP High-Speed Sync Flash and the SB-25 allow you to use faster shutter speeds up to varies with the selected shutter speed and it is smaller than 1/4000 sec.
  • Page 51 The aperture value is automatically set and indicated in the We recommend that you not manipulate shutter SB-25’s LCD panel when the camera is used with an AF speed and aperture on the camera. Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or a Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU.

  • Page 52: Guide Number In Fp High-Speed Sync Flash

    Confirm subject is at the distance shown by the The “guide number” helps you determine an exact flash- indicator bar in the SB-25’s LCD panel (from shooting (flash-to-subject) distance for the selected aper- step 10). ture (f/stop number). FP guide numbers vary with the ISO To determine the subject-to-camera distance, read the dis- film speed in use, shutter speed and zoom-head position.

  • Page 53: Red-Eye Reduction Control - For Better

    With the F90-Series/N90, although it is possible to select REAR-CURTAIN SYNC FLASH on the camera, the SB-25’s sync mode setting will override what is set on the camera. • With the F90-Series/N90, F-601/N6006 and F-601 N6000 used in programmed auto or aperture-priority auto exposure mode, the camera automatically controls the shutter speed down to as slow as 30 sec.

  • Page 54: Flash Exposure Compensation - To Make Flash-Illuminated Subject Lighter Or Darker

    The the value indicator will automatically stop blinking in eight seconds unless you press the button. In this case, the last figure indicated will be set in the SB-25. The exposure compensation value remains in the LCD panel. To cancel, readjust compensation value to 0 (steps 1...

  • Page 55: Exposure Compensation With Camera's Dial - To Make Background Lighter Or Darker

    Then, use the chart on the next page, “Assumed ISO film speeds,” to set an assumed ISO film speed in the SB-25’s LCD panel that corresponds to the actual ISO film speed in use. See “Setting Aperture Values (Manual Adjustment),”...

  • Page 56: Open Flash Button - For Test Firing

    (TTL) on the camera. The results, however, can be used for TTL-auto flash. • Set the SB-25 and your camera in the same manner indi- cated in “Non-TTL Auto Flash • After confirming that the ready-light is on, push the open- flash button and check that the ready-light remains on.

  • Page 57: Zoom-Lock Capability - To Fix Zoom-Head Position

    (see page 30), press indication above The SB-25 automatically adjusts the zoom-head position to provide an angle of coverage that matches the focal length of the lens in use. For details, see page 30. Chapter...

  • Page 58: Af Assist Led - Autofocus Flash Photography In Dim Light

    AF Assist LED — Autofocus Flash Photography in Dim Light The SB-25’s AF assist LED enables you to perform autofo- Hints and Notes cus flash photography in dim light or even total darkness with some Nikon AF cameras. When ambient light is insufficient for autofocus operation, the AF illuminator automatically turns on to start operation and give contrast to a dark subject, allowing the camera’s...

  • Page 59: Shorten Recycling Time

    SB-25, but the SB-25 will also automatically shut off to con- serve flash battery energy. When you will not use the SB-25 for a long time, howev- er, it is recommended to set the power switch to OFF. • With the SB-25’s power switch on standby (STBY) posi- tion, the unit turns off to conserve energy approx.

  • Page 60: Guide Number - To Calculate A Proper Aperture

    = 3.93 The SB-25 comes with a built-in diffuser. You can use it alone or with a combination of other reflecting surfaces for advanced application. There are a few ways to diffuse light: 1.
  • Page 61 90˚ 75˚ 90˚ 75˚ 75˚ • The SB-25’s flash head tilts and rotates as shown at right. • The flash head locks at the front/horizontal and vertical (90° upward) positions. To release, use the tilting or rotat- ing lock release lever.

  • Page 62: Bounce Flash Photography

    For optimum results, experiment with different flash-to-dif- fuser distances and with more than one diffuser • In TTL Auto Flash operation, the SB-25 will automatically compensate for the diffuser affect (reduced light amount) in TTL Auto Flash mode.

  • Page 63: Close-Up Flash Photography In Ttl Auto Flash Mode - To Flash On A Very Close Subject

    • Connect the SB-25 to the camera, using the SC-17 or SC-24*. * Used for F4-Series with the DW-20 or DW-21 attached. • Position the SB-25 so light from the head covers the sub- ject. • Mount the built-in flash adapter.

  • Page 64: Multiple Flash Photography - Using More Than One Speedlights

    F-601/N6006 FG-20 multiple flash shooting with F90-Series/N90, F4- F-601 /N6000 Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s cameras. F-401x/N5005 /N6000 cameras. Chapter Caution To avoid damage to flash units or incorrect oper- ation, never mix Nikon Speedlights with flash units of other manufacturers.

  • Page 65: Ttl Multiple Flash Photography

    Spot Fill-Flash, or (3) performing Standard TTL Flash. * Because 3D Multi-Sensor and Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash take advan- tage of the SB-25’s Monitor Preflash and the camera’s TTL Multi-Sensor, it is difficult to manage such fill-flash operations for TTL Multiple Flash Photography, especially when using the SB-25 as a master flash unit with other slave flash unit(s).

  • Page 66: System Chart For Ttl Multiple Flash

    SC-17 F-301/N2000 Nikonos V V-Type Sync Cord SB-21A SB-16A SB-17 SB-11 SC-23 SB-14•140 SC-18 (1.5m/4.9 ft.) SC-19 (3m/9.8 ft.) SB-16B SB-23 SB-24 SB-25 SB-22 SB-20 Slave flash unit SC-23 SB-21B SB-14•140 SB-11 SB-16B SB-15 SB-20 SB-22 SB-24 SB-25 AS-10 SB-17...

  • Page 67: Accessories For Ttl Multiple Flash

    (9.8 ft.) long. TTL Remote Cord SC-24 Use SC-24, for TTL Auto Flash operation when using the SB-25 off a Nikon F4-Series camera fitted either with a 6x High-Magnification Finder DW-21 or Waist-Level Finder DW-20. The SC-24 comes with two TTL multiple flash terminals and one tripod socket.

  • Page 68: Red Eye

    Flash Sync Mode Selector The SB-25 is capable of synchronizing flash output with shutter curtain movement, for either the front (first) curtain or rear (second) curtain.

  • Page 69: Tips On Speedlight Care

    — they might damage plastic parts. authorized Nikon dealer or service center. • Keep the SB-25 away from salt • Keep the SB-25 away from high tem- water and out of the rain. peratures, and do not store in a damp place.

  • Page 70: About Batteries

    About Batteries New batteries DC Units SD-8/SD-7 Purchase the newest (freshest) batteries possible. Nikon DC Unit SD-8 or SD-7 can be used as an optional external power source to enhance flash capacity and pro- Temperature vide faster recycling time. Battery life ratings are based on operation at 20˚C (68˚F).

  • Page 71: Specifications

    SD-8* NiCd F90-Series/N90, F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and * With either alkaline-manganese or NiCd batteries installed in the SB-25. F-801s/N8008s. **Data measured with fresh batteries. Note: Data for light output at 1/1 (full), no use of AF assist LED and LCD panel Red-eye reduction control: illuminator.

  • Page 72: Usable Aperture/Flash Shooting Distance Ranges In Ttl Auto

    2.0 — 9.2 2.0 — 4.1 2.0 — 6.1 2.0 — 6.5 :Programmed TTL Auto Flash with Nikon F-401x/N5005, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s. :Non-TTL Auto Flash mode. • Usable film speeds depend on the camera model used. Chapter Zoom set...
  • Page 73 (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION. NIKON CORPORATION FUJI BLDG., 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100, JAPAN PHONE: 81-3-3214-5311 TELEX: NIKON J22601 FAX: 81-3-3201-5856 Printed in Japan 9&033-CO02 (S603)

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