Nikon SB-5000 User Manual
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Nikon SB-5000 User Manual

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SB - 5000
User's Manual
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  • Page 1 Speedlight SB - 5000 User’s Manual Nikon Manual Viewer 2 Install the Nikon Manual Viewer 2 app on your smartphone or tablet to view Nikon digital camera manuals, anytime, anywhere. Nikon Manual Viewer 2 can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play.

  • Page 2: For Your Safety

    Before using the Speedlight for the first time, read the safety instructions in “For Your Safety” (0A-7 – A-10). Included items Check that all items listed below are included with the SB-5000. If any items are missing, inform the store where the SB-5000 was purchased or the seller immediately.
  • Page 3 The SB-5000 is a high-performance Speedlight compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) with a guide number of 34.5/113 (ISO 100, m/ft) (at the 35 mm zoom head position in Nikon FX format with standard illumination pattern). In addition to conventional optical control, radio control is possible in wireless multiple flash-unit photography.
  • Page 4 Icons used in this manual Describes a point to which you should pay particular attention in order to avoid Speedlight malfunctions or mistakes. Includes information or tips to make Speedlight use easier. Reference to other pages in this manual...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Preparation About the SB-5000 and This User’s Manual ..........A-1 For Your Safety......................A-7 Wireless Regulation Data.................A-11 Check before Use ....................A-13 Operation Speedlight Parts ....................... B-1 Settings and the LCD .................... B-5 Menu .......................... B-9 Unified Flash Control ..................B-12 Basic Operations ....................
  • Page 6 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Examples ......................D-1 SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Using Radio Control ....................D-4 SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Using Optical Control ....................D-5 SB-5000 Functions for Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography ....................D-7 Setting the Master Flash Unit .................
  • Page 7 Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information Troubleshooting ...................... F-1 Tips on Speedlight Care ..................F-6 Notes on Batteries ....................F-8 About the LCD Panel ..................... F-9 Optional Accessories...................F-10 Specifications ......................F-14...

  • Page 8: For Your Safety

    For Your Safety To prevent damage to your Nikon product or injury to yourself or others, read the following safety precautions in their entirety before using this equipment. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use the product will read them.
  • Page 9 " Do not handle with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock. " Do not use in the presence of flammable gas or dust. Use of electronic equipment in the presence of flammable gas or dust could result in explosion or fire.
  • Page 10 • Do not short or disassemble batteries or attempt to remove or otherwise damage the battery insulation or casing. • Do not expose to flame or excessive heat, immerse in or expose to water, or subject to physical force. • Do not transport or store with metal objects such as necklaces or hairpins.
  • Page 11 Notice for customers in Canada CAN ICES-3B / NMB-3B 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.

  • Page 12: Wireless Regulation Data

    Nikon will not be held could void the user’s authority liable for use of these features to operate the equipment.
  • Page 13 Nikon accepts following measures: no responsibility for the use of • Reorient or relocate the receiving this device in countries other than antenna.

  • Page 14: Check Before Use

    Take trial shots before photographing important occasions such as weddings or graduations. Use your Speedlight with Nikon equipment The Nikon Speedlight SB-5000’s performance has been optimized for use with Nikon brand cameras/accessories including lenses. Cameras/accessories made by other manufacturers may not meet Nikon’s criteria for specifications, and incompatible cameras/accessories could damage the SB-5000’s components.
  • Page 15 Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information, tips, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and general advice on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the URL below for contact information: http://imaging.nikon.com/...

  • Page 16: Operation

    Operation Speedlight Parts...
  • Page 17 1 Flash head 12 External power source terminal (supplied with 2 Flash head tilting/rotating cover) (0F-13) lock release button (0B-18) 13 Light sensor for non-TTL auto 3 Light sensor window for flash (0C-6) wireless remote flash (0D-25) 14 External AF-assist illuminator 4 Battery-chamber cover contacts 5 Battery-chamber cover lock...
  • Page 18 18 Flash head tilting angle scale 25 Modeling illumination button • Controls modeling 19 Flash head rotating angle illumination (0E-14) scale button 20 Sync terminal • Displays menu settings 21 Sync terminal cover (0B-9) 22 LCD panel (0B-5) 27 MENU button •...
  • Page 19 28 Wireless setting button 30 Power switch • Selects control type • Rotate to turn power on • Configurable items vary and off depending on the position • Set the index to choose the of the power switch desired function REMOTE: REMOTE: Optical control remote...

  • Page 20: Settings And The Lcd

    Icons on the LCD show the status of settings. Displayed icons vary according to selected flash modes and settings. • The basic control of SB-5000 functions is as follows: Use the rotary multi selector to highlight the item to be configured and choose desired setting.
  • Page 21 Normal and highlighted display Normal display Highlighted display Highlighted display indicates that the item is being selected. Settings can be changed while highlighted. The LCD returns to normal display as shown at the left after settings are changed and confirmed. Rotary multi selector The rotary multi selector can be operated by pressing up, down, left, right or by rotating it.
  • Page 22 (0C-4). ] Zoom head position Pressing the rotary multi selector 4 highlights the zoom head position (0E-12). • The zoom head position is automatically set to match the lens focal length when the SB-5000 is attached to a camera.
  • Page 23 ■ Selecting items Pressing the rotary multi selector 1 3 4 2 highlights the items to be configured. In menu and other menus, items can be selected by rotating the rotary multi selector (0B-9, B-22). ■ Changing settings Rotating the rotary multi selector changes the settings for highlighted items.

  • Page 24: Menu

    Menu With menu, items to be configured can be selected. Using menu Press the button to display menu. Press the rotary multi selector 1 3 to highlight the item to be configured. • Alternatively, rotate the rotary multi selector to select items. Press the OK button to confirm the selection.
  • Page 25 menu functions and settings icons Zoom head position Flash mode Flash compensation value/Flash output level in manual flash mode Aperture (in non-TTL auto flash mode) Flash-to-subject distance (in distance-priority manual flash mode) Number of flash firings (in repeating flash mode) Frequency of flash firings (in repeating flash mode) Amount of underexposure due to insufficient flash output (in i-TTL mode, underexposure occurred)
  • Page 26 Two-button reset Press the MENU button and the button simultaneously for 2 seconds to reset all settings except menu settings to default. • This resets only the settings for the item to which the power switch is set. • When reset is complete, the LCD is highlighted and then returns to normal display.

  • Page 27: Unified Flash Control

    Unified Flash Control When the SB-5000 is attached to a camera compatible with unified flash control, flash function settings can be shared by the SB-5000 and the camera. While the SB-5000 settings can be configured on the camera, the settings configured on the SB-5000 are also applied to the camera. The following settings can be configured.
  • Page 28 SB-5000. • If flash function settings are made on the SB-5000 when not attached to a camera, the configured settings will be applied to the camera after the SB-5000 is attached.

  • Page 29: Basic Operations

    Basic Operations This section covers basic procedures in i-TTL mode in combination with a CLS-compatible camera. STEP Inserting the batteries While pressing the battery- chamber cover lock release,  slide the battery-chamber cover and open it. Insert the batteries following the [+] and [−] marks.
  • Page 30 Compatible batteries and replacement/ recharging When replacing batteries, use 4 fresh AA-size batteries or fully-charged rechargeable batteries of the same brand. Refer to the following table to determine when to replace batteries with fresh ones or recharge batteries according to how long the flash-ready indicator takes to come on. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different types or makes.
  • Page 31 LCD and the SB-5000 stops functioning. Replace or recharge batteries. STEP Attaching the SB-5000 to the camera Make sure the SB-5000 and the camera are turned off. Make sure the mounting foot lock lever is on the left (white dot).
  • Page 32 Cameras with auto pop-up flash units Turn the SB-5000 on when it is attached to a camera with a built-in, auto pop-up flash unit. When the SB-5000 is turned off, the camera’s built-in flash may pop-up automatically and strike the SB-5000. It is recommended to detach the SB-5000 from the camera when not in use.
  • Page 33 • The flash head is locked when tilted 90° up or set in the forward-facing position. STEP Turning the camera and SB-5000 on Turn the camera on. Set the SB-5000’s power switch to [ON]. B-18...
  • Page 34 FX format; illumination pattern: standard; ISO sensitivity: 100; zoom head position: 24 mm; aperture f-number: 5.6 • Icons on the LCD may differ depending on the SB-5000 settings and the camera and lens in use. SB-5000 flash information...
  • Page 35 STEP Selecting the flash mode Press the wireless setting button to choose single flash-unit mode. Press the rotary multi selector 2 to highlight the flash mode. Use the rotary multi selector to display (0B-6). Press the OK button. Changing the flash mode Pressing the rotary multi selector 1 2 or rotating it clockwise changes the available flash mode icons displayed on the LCD.
  • Page 36 Make sure that the flash-ready indicator on the SB-5000 or in the camera’s viewfinder is on before taking a picture. • Set the flash compensation value if necessary (0E-12). B-21...

  • Page 37: Menu Items And Settings

    Menu Items and Settings Various operations for the SB-5000 can be easily set using the LCD. • Displayed icons vary according to the combination of camera and status of the SB-5000. • Depending on functions in use, some menu items and settings do not function even though they can be configured and set (for example, flash mode deselection in remote mode).
  • Page 38 Press the rotary multi selector 1 3 to highlight the desired setting, and then press the OK button. • Press the rotary multi selector 4 to return display to menu item selection. Press the MENU button to close the menu settings. •...
  • Page 39 FX/DX format selection Enables selection of image area settings when the zoom head position is manually set DX: Automatically set according to the camera’s image area FX: Nikon FX format (36 × 24) DX: Nikon DX format (24 × 16) B-24...
  • Page 40 AF-assist illumination/canceling flash function (0E-13) ON: Both AF-assist illumination and flash function activated OFF: AF-assist illumination canceled, flash function activated AF ONLY: AF-assist illumination activated, flash function canceled (only AF-assist illuminator lights up) ISO sensitivity manual setting Enables manual setting of ISO sensitivity within the range of 3 to 8000 when ISO sensitivity information has not been received from the camera (non-CLS compatible SLR camera is in use)
  • Page 41 PIN code setting Displays current 4-digit PIN code. PIN codes can also be entered with the rotary multi selector. 0000 Remote flash unit name (0B-27, D-11) Displays registered name in remote mode. Up to 8 characters can be entered. SB-5000 B-26...
  • Page 42 1 character DEL: Delete 1 character Available characters OK: Confirm entry Setup menu Basic settings to make using the SB-5000 easier Illumination pattern (0E-1) CW: Center-weighted STD: Standard EVEN: Even Test firing flash output level in i-TTL mode (0E-13) M1/128: Approx. 1/128 M1/32: Approx.
  • Page 43 Canceling power zoom function ON: Power zoom function canceled (zoom head position must be manually set) OFF: Power zoom function activated (manual setting of zoom head position not possible) Zoom head position in bounce flash photography TELE: Locked at the maximum telephoto position WIDE: Locked at the maximum wide-angle position Cooling system (0E-17) Enables activation and canceling of the cooling system.
  • Page 44 Flash-ready indicator and AF-assist illuminator in remote mode (0D-29) Enables selection of flash/light up of flash-ready indicator and AF-assist illuminator in remote mode to save power ALL: Back indicator lights up, front illuminator flashes slowly in remote mode REAR: Only back indicator lights up FRONT: Only front illuminator flashes slowly in remote mode Sound monitor (0D-29) Standby function (0E-15)
  • Page 45 LCD panel illumination (0F-9) Enables activation and canceling of LCD panel illumination ON: Activated OFF: Canceled Measurement unit (m/ft) m: meters ft: feet Version of firmware 14.001 Reset setup menu settings Resets setup menu settings to default B-30...

  • Page 46: Flash Modes

    • For details about ISO sensitivity range, see the camera user's manual. • Flash compensation value can be set on the SB-5000. Press the rotary multi selector 1 to highlight the flash compensation value and rotate...

  • Page 47: I-Ttl Mode

    • i-TTL mode is recommended for standard photography. • To take pictures using the SB-5000 in i-TTL mode, see “Basic Operations” (0B-14). • Either the i-TTL balanced fill-flash mode or the standard i-TTL mode option is available.
  • Page 48 Camera’s metering mode and i-TTL mode When the camera’s metering mode is changed to spot metering while i-TTL balanced fill-flash is in use, the i-TTL mode automatically changes to the standard i-TTL mode. i-TTL mode LCD example : Monitor pre-flashes : i-TTL : Balanced fill-flash Effective flash output distance range in i-TTL mode...

  • Page 49: Manual Flash Mode

    Manual Flash Mode In manual flash mode, aperture and flash output level are manually selected. This allows for control of exposure and flash-to-subject distance. • The flash output level can be set from M1/1 (full output) to M1/256 to suit creative preferences. •...
  • Page 50 Check that the flash-ready indicator is on, and then shoot. When no lens aperture information is transmitted When lens aperture information is not transmitted to the SB-5000, aperture can be set in menu. Aperture; underlined when aperture is set on the SB-5000...

  • Page 51: Auto Aperture Flash Mode

    Auto Aperture Flash Mode The SB-5000’s light sensor for non-TTL auto flash measures the flash that is reflected on the subject, and the SB-5000 controls the flash output level according to the lens and camera information transmitted to the SB-5000, including ISO sensitivity, exposure compensation value and aperture.

  • Page 52: Repeating Flash Mode

    Repeating Flash Mode In repeating flash mode, the SB-5000 fires repeatedly during a single exposure, creating stroboscopic multiple-exposure effects. • Be sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries and allow enough time for the flash unit to recycle between each repeating flash session.

  • Page 53: D Wireless Multiple Flash-Unit Photography

    In wireless multiple flash-unit photography, multiple flash units fire simultaneously. Different flash unit positions and function settings provide diverse lighting effects. With the SB-5000, wireless multiple flash-unit photography using optical control or radio control is possible. • In wireless multiple flash-unit photography, the Speedlight attached to a camera is the master flash unit.
  • Page 54 Remote flash unit (SB-5000) Remote flash unit Camera SB-5000 attached to camera Setting the flash functions Setting the flash functions on the SB-5000 attached to on a camera a camera Remote flash unit (SB-5000) Remote flash unit (SB-5000) Speedlight* other than...
  • Page 55 Optical control Combination of WR-R10 and Speedlight* remote flash unit other than SB-5000 attached to camera * A model with the master flash function such as SB-910 • For master flash unit setting, see D-9. • For remote flash unit setting, see D-11.

  • Page 56: Sb-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-Unit Photography Using Radio Control

    For details, see the respective user’s manuals. • Only the SB-5000 can be used as a remote flash unit. • Up to 6 groups of remote flash units (A, B, C, D, E, F) can be set up, but only 3 groups of remote flash units (A, B, C) can be set with quick wireless control.

  • Page 57: Sb-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash-Unit Photography Using Optical Control

    SB-5000 Wireless Multiple Flash- unit Photography Using Optical Control With the SB-5000, Advanced Wireless Lighting and direct remote wireless multiple flash-unit photography (remote mode only) are possible using optical control. • Advanced Wireless Lighting is recommended for standard multiple flash-unit photography.
  • Page 58 ■ Direct remote wireless multiple flash-unit photography • This is the same as the “SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography” of the SB-910 and SB-700. • The camera’s built-in flash or the Speedlight attached to the camera can be used as the master flash unit. •...

  • Page 59: Sb-5000 Functions For Wireless Multiple Flash-Unit Photography

    SB-5000 Functions for Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography When used in When used in master mode remote mode • Group flash i-TTL The flash mode is set Auto aperture flash on the master flash Manual flash unit (each group can Flash function...
  • Page 60 When used in When used in master mode remote mode • AUTO (auto) Direct • M (manual) remote Flash mode – • OFF (flash function wireless canceled) multiple flash-unit Flash exposure – – photography compensation * Use only 1 channel from among these. Remote flash units can be triggered by other master flash units.

  • Page 61: Setting The Master Flash Unit

    Setting the Master Flash Unit Setting the flash functions of each Speedlight on the SB-5000 attached to a camera: Set the power switch to [ON]. Press the wireless setting button to choose radio or optical control master mode. Press the rotary multi selector 2 on the master flash unit to display the desired flash mode.
  • Page 62 Master mode LCD example (radio control, group flash) Master flash unit flash mode and flash compensation value : Appears when ready to fire Remote flash unit flash mode (--: flash function canceled) and flash compensation value Master flash unit zoom head position D-10...

  • Page 63: Setting A Remote Flash Unit

    Setting a Remote Flash Unit Set the power switch to [REMOTE]. Press the wireless setting button to choose radio control, optical control or direct remote mode. • When using radio control, the remote flash unit name and link mode are displayed. Control type information Optical control remote mode Direct remote mode...

  • Page 64: Preparation For Photography

    Preparation for Photography Radio control only Setting the link for radio control When using radio control, set the link in the wireless item menu. • Set the SB-5000 in radio control remote mode before setting the link (0D-11). STEP Setting the channel Check the channel set on the WR-R10.
  • Page 65 STEP Setting the link mode Check the link mode set on the camera with the WR-R10 attached. • For details about how to check the link mode, see the camera user’s manual. Choose [LINK MODE] from the wireless item menu (0B-22). Press the rotary multi selector 1 3 to choose the same link mode as the camera with the...
  • Page 66 Pairing • Execute pairing beforehand between devices that conduct communication. • Once the SB-5000 and the WR-R10 are paired, it is not necessary to pair them again. • To use multiple SB-5000 units, each unit must be paired with the WR-R10.
  • Page 67 STEP Setting the link ■ When link mode is set to pairing Choose [PAIR] from the wireless item menu (0B-22). Check that [EXECUTE] is highlighted, and then press the OK button while pressing the pairing button on the WR-R10 attached to the camera. •...
  • Page 68 Check the channel setting and try again. • For details about WR-R10 settings, see the WR-R10 user's manual. Pairing failed For link setting with PIN code, see the Speedlight reference manual, which can be downloaded from the Nikon website. D-16...

  • Page 69: Advanced Wireless Lighting

    Advanced Wireless Lighting With the SB-5000, 3 Advanced Wireless Lighting options are available: group flash, which enables desired flash function settings for each flash unit; quick wireless control, with easy setting for wireless multiple flash- unit photography; and multiple flash-unit repeating flash.
  • Page 70 Taking a picture with Advanced Wireless Lighting Master flash unit setting Setting the flash functions of each Speedlight on the SB-5000: Press the rotary multi selector 3 on the master flash unit to highlight (master flash unit). Rotate the rotary multi selector to choose a master flash unit flash mode.
  • Page 71 With optical control only Choose [CHANNEL] in menu (0B-9). • Press the button to display  menu and use the rotary multi selector to choose [CHANNEL]. Use the rotary multi selector to choose a channel, and then press the OK button (0B-6). •...
  • Page 72 Remote flash unit setting Press the rotary multi selector 3 on the remote flash unit to highlight the group, rotate the rotary multi selector to choose a group, and then press the OK button. • Alternatively, press the rotary multi selector 4 2 to choose a group.
  • Page 73 Press the rotary multi selector 4 to highlight the zoom head position,  use the rotary multi selector to choose a zoom head position, and then press the OK button (0B-6). Check the status of the flash units, and then shoot. •...
  • Page 74 Wireless Lighting. • Multiple flash-unit repeating flash mode can be selected by pressing the rotary multi selector 2 when using the SB-5000 as the master flash unit. For direct remote wireless multiple flash-unit photography, see the Speedlight reference manual, which can be downloaded from the Nikon website.

  • Page 75: Setting Up Remote Flash Units

    • Use the provided Speedlight Stand AS-22 for stable positioning of the remote flash units. Attach and detach the SB-5000 to and from the AS-22 in the same way it is attached to/detached from the camera’s accessory shoe.
  • Page 76 (0B-22). Less than approx. 30 m (98 ft) Remote flash units (SB-5000) Less than approx. Remote flash units 30 m (98 ft) SB-5000 and (SB-5000) WR-R10 attached to camera D-24...
  • Page 77 ■ When using optical control • Position the remote flash units so that light from the master flash unit can reach the light sensor window for wireless remote flash of the remote flash units. This is particularly important when holding a remote flash unit in the hand.
  • Page 78 • There is no limit to the number of remote flash units that can be used together. However, when using many remote flash units, light may be unintentionally picked up by the light sensor of the master flash unit and interfere with correct functioning. The practical number of remote flash units for wireless multiple flash-unit photography is 3.

  • Page 79: Using Optical Control And Radio Control Concurrently

    A, B and C. • The SB-5000 cannot be used as the master flash unit when using optical control and radio control concurrently.
  • Page 80 Up to 3 groups of remote flash units (A, B, C) can be set up for optical control. • Former Speedlight model attached to a camera is the master flash unit. • Choose optical control remote mode when using the SB-5000 as remote flash unit in groups A, B and C. ■...

  • Page 81: Checking Status In Wireless Multiple Flash-Unit Photography

    This function can be activated or canceled in the setup menu (0B-22). • When the SB-5000 is used in remote mode, the flash-ready indicator and the AF-assist illuminator can be turned off in the setup menu to reduce power consumption.
  • Page 82 Master flash unit Flash-ready LCD panel Status indicator Lights up Ready to fire (radio control only) Goes out and lights up – Fired properly when ready to fire Underexposure due to insufficient flash output may have occurred. Flashes slowly To compensate, use a wider aperture for approx.
  • Page 83 Remote flash unit Flash-ready AF-assist Sound LCD panel Status indicator illuminator monitor Flashes 1 long Lights up – Ready to fire slowly beep Flashes slowly or 2 short Lights up does not – Fired properly beeps light up or flash at all Underexposure due to insufficient flash output may have occurred.
  • Page 84 indicator Status indicator Lights up (green) In radio communication Proper communication is not possible. Check the camera’s wireless setting. Flashes slowly Check if the same channel as the WR-R10 is set. (orange) Check if the same link mode as the camera is set. When link mode is set to PIN code, check if the same PIN code as the camera is set.

  • Page 85: Switching Illumination Patterns

    Switching Illumination Patterns In flash photography, the center of the image is most illuminated, while the edges are darker. The SB-5000 provides 3 types of illumination patterns with different light falloff at edges. Select the suitable pattern according to the photography environment.
  • Page 86 Setting the illumination pattern The illumination pattern can be changed in the setup menu (0B-22). • The selected illumination pattern is indicated with an icon on the LCD. Standard Even Center-weighted...

  • Page 87: Bounce Flash Operation

    • Background shadows can be softened. • Glare on faces, hair and clothes can be reduced. • The shadows can be softened further using the Nikon Diffusion Dome. Nikon Diffusion Dome • By attaching the included Nikon Diffusion Dome over the flash head, light can be further diffused during bounce flash photography to create extremely soft light with virtually no shadow.
  • Page 88 Detaching knob Using the built-in bounce card • In bounce flash photography, use the SB-5000’s built-in bounce card to make a portrait subject’s eyes look more vibrant by reflecting the light in them. • Tilt the flash head up 90°.

  • Page 89: Taking Close-Up Photographs

    Therefore, make test shots if taking an important picture. Effect of the built-in wide panel With the built-in wide panel, the flash from the SB-5000 is diffused. This softens shadows and prevents glare on faces, etc.
  • Page 90 If the built-in wide panel is broken • The built-in wide panel may break if subjected to strong knocks while on the flash head. • In this case, contact your retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative.

  • Page 91: Flash Photography With Color Filters

    • Color filters (Color Filter Set SJ-5 and Color Filter Holder SZ-4) that change the color of the light emitted by the SB-5000 are available separately (0F-10). Using color compensation filters and color...
  • Page 92 How to attach color compensation filters (included) Place the filter on the flash head and insert into the slit at the top. • Place the filter with the Nikon logo facing up, as shown in the diagram. Check the LCD.
  • Page 93 • Attach the filter to the filter holder without creasing the filter or leaving any gaps. Place the filter holder on the flash head with the Nikon logo facing up, as shown in the diagram, and insert it into the slit at the top.
  • Page 94 Check the LCD. • The filter type is displayed. • Be sure that nothing obstructs the filter detector. Red filter is attached FL-G1 (fluorescent filter) FL-G2 (fluorescent filter) BLUE TN-A1 (incandescent filter) YELLOW TN-A2 (incandescent filter) AMBER • When the filter is not properly attached, the warning indicator shown left appears.
  • Page 95 • When an SJ-5 color filter is attached to the SB-5000, set the camera’s white balance to auto, flash or direct sunlight.

  • Page 96: Flash Photography Support Functions

    • Flash exposure compensation is possible in i-TTL, auto aperture flash, non-TTL auto flash and distance-priority manual flash modes. Power zoom function The SB-5000 automatically adjusts the zoom head position to match the lens focal length. • Power zoom function is automatically activated when lens focal length information is transmitted from the attached camera to the SB-5000.
  • Page 97 AF-assist illumination When light is too low for normal autofocus operation, the SB-5000’s AF- assist illumination enables autofocus photography. • The SB-5000’s AF-assist illumination is compatible with the multi-point AF system. • AF-assist illumination cannot be used with non-CLS-compatible cameras and COOLPIX cameras.
  • Page 98 Modeling illumination When the modeling illumination button is pressed, the flash fires repeatedly at a reduced flash output level. This is useful for checking the glare and shadows cast on a subject before actually taking the picture. • The flash fires as a modeling illuminator for up to approx. 1 second. •...
  • Page 99 * The standby timer is called “auto meter off” on some camera models. To cancel standby • Press the camera’s shutter-release button halfway. • Set the SB-5000’s power switch to a position other than [OFF]. • Press the SB-5000’s test firing button. E-15...
  • Page 100 The SB-5000 features a function that offers protection against damage to the flash panel and body from overheating. This function does not stop the flash head temperature rising. Be careful not to let the SB-5000 overheat during continuous flash use.

  • Page 101: Functions To Be Set On The Camera

    ■ Cooling system The SB-5000’s cooling system effectively cools down the flash head. It can extend the time before the thermal cut-out function starts operating. Choose [ON] or [OFF] in the setup menu. • When it is set to [ON], an operating noise is produced after flash firing. If this causes problems, set the function to [OFF].

  • Page 102: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If a warning indicator appears, or any trouble occurs, use the following chart to determine the cause of the problem before taking the Speedlight to a retailer or Nikon-authorized service representative for repair. Problems with the SB-5000 Problem Cause...
  • Page 103 • Detach and reattach the — distance range received from the camera. SB-5000 to the camera. does not The SB-5000 cannot receive Turn the SB-5000 and appear. focal length information camera off, and then turn —...
  • Page 104 Nikon-authorized service representative. Dials or buttons Key lock is activated. Cancel key lock. do not operate. The SB-5000 Wait until the SB-5000 cools does not Thermal cut-out is active. E-16 down. operate. Warning indicators Warning indicator Cause...
  • Page 105 Check the channel and Pairing has failed. link mode setting and D-12 try again. Choose wireless The SB-5000 is attached to a multiple flash-unit camera not compatible with photography using radio control. optical control.
  • Page 106 Set the maximum ― maximum f-number. f-number. ― The camera is turned off. Turn the camera on. • Turn the SB-5000 off and on again. • If the warning Power zoom function does indicator remains, ― not work properly. contact your...

  • Page 107: Tips On Speedlight Care

    • Use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the SB-5000 at the beach or seaside, wipe off sand or salt with a cloth lightly dampened in distilled water and then dry the product thoroughly by wiping it gently with a dry cloth.
  • Page 108 Storage To prevent mold or mildew, store the SB-5000 in a dry, well-ventilated area. If it is to be placed in storage for 2 weeks or more, remove the batteries to prevent damage caused by the batteries leaking. Take the device from storage about once a month and fire it 2 or 3 times to keep the condenser inside the unit from deteriorating.

  • Page 109: Notes On Batteries

    Notes on Batteries • The large amounts of current used by the Speedlight may result in rechargeable batteries becoming unusable before reaching the manufacturer’s stated recharge/discharge limit. • When replacing the batteries, turn the product off and insert the replacement batteries in the correct orientation. •...

  • Page 110: About The Lcd Panel

    Any button or switch will activate the SB-5000 illuminator (when the SB-5000 power is on) to make the LCD panel easier to read. • The illuminator goes off if the SB-5000 is not operated for 16 seconds. • The LCD panel illumination can be canceled in the setup menu (0B-22).

  • Page 111: Optional Accessories

    Optional Accessories ■ Speedlight Stand AS-22 Same as that provided with this SB-5000. ■ Color Filter Set SJ-5 A total of 8 types of 20 filters are included. These are used with the separately available Color Filter Holder SZ-4. Compatible Speedlight...
  • Page 112 The SC-28/17 enables i-TTL mode when the SB-5000 is used off-camera. The flash shoe comes with a tripod socket. ■ TTL Remote Cord SC-29 (approx. 1.5 m/4.9 ft) The SC-29 enables i-TTL mode when the SB-5000 is used off-camera. The SC-29 features an AF-assist illumination function. F-11...
  • Page 113 Battery Pack SD-9 Battery Pack SD-8A • Batteries are required in the SB-5000 body even when an external power source is used. • Use of other external power source brands may cause accidents, or could damage the Speedlight components. Nikon cannot guarantee the Speedlight performance when used with non-Nikon products.
  • Page 114 • Do not use Power Cord SC-16 when connecting the SB-5000 to the Nikon DC Unit SD-7; use the SC-16A instead. Using High-performance Battery Pack SD-9 or SD-8A Conducting continuous flash photography at 8 fps using the SD-9 with 8 batteries or SD-8A with 6 batteries can cause the front part of the flash head to heat up.

  • Page 115: Specifications

    AF and modeling illumination A number of flash operations are available with compatible cameras: i-TTL mode, Advanced Wireless Nikon Creative Lighting Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, Flash Color System (CLS) Information Communication, auto FP high-speed sync, AF-assist illumination for multi-point AF and unified...
  • Page 116 Flash head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180° Rotate the power switch to turn the SB-5000 on or off Power ON/OFF Standby function can also be set...
  • Page 117 1/13470 s at M1/32 output 1/18820 s at M1/64 output 1/24250 s at M1/128 output 1/30820 s at M1/256 output Provides secure attachment of the SB-5000 to camera’s Mounting foot lock accessory shoe using locking plate and locking pin to lever prevent unintentional detachment −3.0 EV to +3.0 EV in increments of 1/3 EV steps...
  • Page 118 • Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Specifications and design are subject to change without notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain.
  • Page 119 TTL auto flash mode) The effective flash output distance range of the SB-5000 is between 0.6 m and 20 m (2 ft and 65.6 ft). The effective flash output distance range differs depending on the camera’s image...
  • Page 120 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. Printed in China TT6A03(11) 8MSA8311-03 © 2015 Nikon Corporation...

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