Nikon SB-26 Instruction Manual
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Nikon SB-26 Instruction Manual

Autofocus speedlight
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Summary of Contents for Nikon SB-26

  • Page 2: For Effective Use Of This Manual

    We urge you, however, to thoroughly read the manuals before you begin using the SB-26. 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-26 offers automatic adjustment functions when used with cer- tain lenses.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice...50 — 58 THE SB-26 SPEEDLIGHT ...20 For F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users: Getting Started — SB-26 Set-Up...20 — 23 Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up and Practice...59 — 64 Selecting Measurement System, For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users: Meters or Feet ...21...

  • Page 4: Chapter 1: Introducing The Sb-26 Autofocus

    Chapter SB-26 S D OFF Introducing the SB-26 Autofocus Speedlight...

  • Page 5: Product View

    In Non-TTL Auto Flash operation, be careful not to cover or otherwise obstruct the sensor. External power source terminal Accepts power cord of Nikon DC unit Terminal cover SD-8/SD-7, or Power Bracket Unit SK-6. Keep terminal covered when not in use.

  • Page 6: Main Features/Functions - Sb-26'S Flash Capabilities

    Main Features/Functions — SB-26’s Flash Capabilities The SB-26 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 F5, F90X/N90S, F90-Series/N90

    Flash with F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70 After you depress the shutter release button and prior to the shutter being activated, the SB-26 fires a series of nearly invisible preflash, or Monitor Preflash. These preflash are detected by the F5, F90X/N90s, F90- Series/N90 and F70-Series/N70’s TTL multi-sensor, ana-...

  • 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-26’s sync capability provides you with more options for flash Manual flash mode when using the F5, F90X/N90s and F90- photography in day-light conditions. It enables you to use a Series/N90.

  • 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-26 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-26 SPEEDLIGHT • DO NOT MIX OR USE THE SB-26 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-26 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-26 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-26 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 for Non-TTL Auto Flash expo- Confirming flash shooting distance is an indispensable step sure control for successful flash photography. The SB-26 can be used to for Manual Flash exposure con- compute the appropriate distance range. trol An appropriate flash shooting distance is determined...

  • Page 15: Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment)

    D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU manual adjustment required with these camera/lens combinations, because the con- trolled aperture is automatically set and indicated in the SB-26’s When desired LCD panel (except in Non-TTL appears, press Auto Flash mode).

  • Page 16: (Manual Adjustment)

    (shown as No manual adjustment is required with these camera/ resume when the lens combinations, because the SB-26 automatically adjusts the zoom-head position to provide an angle of coverage that matches the focal length of the lens in use. With an AF Nikkor lens of fixed focal length (including the latest D-Type), the zoom head automatically adjusts to the closest available wider focal length setting.

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

    For F-601/N6006 and F-601 Even simple snap shots can be taken with a sophisticat- ed touch. By setting the SB-26 to TTL Auto flash mode, you For F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users can enjoy flash photography that is simple, yet the most advanced available.
  • Page 18 Flash Methods: F90X/N90s or F90-Series/N90 Settings Flash Methods: F70-Series/N70 Settings and Lenses and Lenses Lens in Camera’s Exposure Mode Camera’s Metering System Lens in Camera’s Exposure Mode Center- Matrix Spot Weighted Programmed auto (P, Ps) Programmed auto (P, Ps) D-Type Shutter-priority auto (S) AF Nikkor D-Type...
  • Page 19 For other lenses, set manually according to the Flash, remote operation of the SB-26 works properly shooting situation. See “Setting Aperture Value only if the SB-26 is placed at a distance and angle (Manual Adjustment),” pages 28 and 29, and “Setting similar to the camera-to-subject distance/angle.
  • Page 20 Use AE-L (Auto Exposure Lock) on the camera to capture cally switches over to Spot Area focus when the exact exposure information for your picture composition SB-26 is turned on. In this case, (except when in manual exposure mode). panel, and Confirm controlled aperture and shutter speed.
  • Page 21 Underexposure indication When subject may have been underexposed, and amount of underexposure (for example, appear in the SB-26’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 22: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    Mode: For F4-Series, F-801/N8008 and F-801s/N8008s Users Choosing A Flash Method Flash Methods: F4-Series Settings and Lenses The SB-26 enables you to perform the following flash meth- ods. They are described in detail on pages 10 to 13. Lens in Use •...
  • Page 23 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-26’s LCD panel. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation. See “Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment),”...
  • Page 24 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-26’s LCD panel. Chapter Overexposure warning (back- ground exposure) For overexposure alert, HI appears (together with lens’...
  • Page 25 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-26 is set at position (for flash sync mode selector), the camera automatically controls the shutter speed and aperture between 30 — 1/250 sec.
  • Page 26 To activate Standard TTL Flash, use the same but- ton again so that the in the LCD panel disappears. The SB-26’s buttons cannot be used in either of the above cases for flash method selection. Also, the mark does not appear in the SB-26’s LCD panel. appears...

  • Page 27: For F-601/N6006 And

    Choose * 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 sync mode selections on the SB-26 will be ignored. ISO speed of film in Aperture Set ISO speed of the film in use.
  • Page 28 * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 11); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-26 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aper- ture set on the camera.
  • Page 29 Fully depress shutter release button to fire flash. focus. Confirm ready-light is on in the camera’s viewfinder or on the SB-26 Recheck ready-light to see if it is blinking. Check whether subject is in focus by using the in-focus indicator in the camera’s viewfinder.

  • Page 30: /N6000 Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    /N6000 Users TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 Users Choosing A Flash Method The SB-26 enables you to perform Matrix Balanced or Center-Weighted Fill-Flash. These functions are described in detail on pages 10 and 11. Troubleshooting You can choose Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash when using programmed auto, shutter-priority or aperture-priority expo- If necessary, select a wider aperture.
  • Page 31 Setting Up SB-26 Choose Flash mode selector in the LCD panel. at TTL Auto Choose Flash sync mode selector * Since TTL Auto Flash operation can be performed regardless of the flash sync at NORMAL mode selector setting, for simplicity, always leave the switch at this position.
  • Page 32 * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from Manual is correctly — the indicator bars (step 9); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-26 does exposed not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aper- Select slower ture set on the camera.
  • Page 33 TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000 Users Choosing A Flash Method The SB-26 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 Set Up and Practice Setting Up SB-26 You can choose Programmed TTL Auto Flash against Flash sync mode Standard TTL Flash by setting camera to a programmed selector at NORMAL auto exposure mode (either P , P or P ). Check charts DUAL on the previous page.
  • Page 35 * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 8); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-26 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aperture set on the camera.

  • Page 36: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users Choosing A Flash Method The SB-26 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 For Programmed TTL Auto Flash, use only AF Nikkor lenses (including latest D-Type), except AF Nikkor 80mm f/2.8, 200mm f/3.5 IF-ED and Autofocus Converter TC-16/TC-16A. TTL Auto Flash Mode: For F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s Users Setting Up SB-26 Flash mode Choose Flash sync mode selector at in the LCD panel.
  • Page 38 * This operation is important for reading the appropriate shooting distance from the indicator bars (step 8); setting a wrong aperture value on the SB-26 does not affect all TTL Auto Flash operations — a shot will be taken with the aper- Quick reference on the relationship between ture set on the camera.

  • Page 39: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    Mode: For FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V Users Choosing A Flash Method Setting Up SB-26 FA, FE2, FG or Nikonos V users can use the SB-26 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 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-26 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 146 in this instruction manual.

  • Page 41: For Fa, Fe2, Fg And Nikonos V Users: Choosing A Flash Method/Set Up And Practice

    In Non-TTL Auto Flash shooting, light output automatical- ly changes to match the flash-to-subject distance, but instead of light being measured through the lens, it is mea- sured by the light sensor on the front of the SB-26. ISO film speed in...
  • Page 42 F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8008s. For details, see page 105. Set ISO film speed and position the built-in zoom head. Set desired aperture in the SB-26’s LCD panel, then set again on the cam- For instructions, see “Setting ISO Film era. Speed (Manual Adjustment),” pages For instructions, see “Setting Aperture Value (Manual Adjustment),”...

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

    To help approximate these variables, you can use the SB-26’s LCD panel and control buttons as a “calculator”, or use “guide numbers” (see page 118). To enhance this feature, the SB-26 lets you manually adjust flash output levels from full power (1/1) to 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64, and FP1 and FP2.
  • Page 44 N8008s used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the lat- est D-Type) or Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU The film speed and zoom-head position in use are automatically set and indicated in the SB-26’s LCD panel. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation.
  • Page 45 For details, see “Guide Number — To Calculate a Proper Aperture,” page 118, and “Specification,” page 143. Set the same aperture value in the SB-26’s LCD panel. For instruction, see “Setting Aperture Values (Manual Adjustment),” pages 28 to 29.

  • Page 46: Synchronization In Continuous Shooting

    Synchronization in Continuous Shooting The SB-26 is able to recycle fast enough to synchronize with a motor-driven camera firing continuously at up to six Caution frames per sec. at 1/64 light output. This means you can Let the flash unit rest at least 10 minutes after take up to 40 flash pictures in rapid succession.
  • Page 47 Flash, and only with the F5, F90X/N90s, F90- The zoom-head position in use is automatically set Series/ N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, and F-801s/N8008s. and indicated in the SB-26’s LCD panel. For details, see page 105. For other lenses, set manually according to the shooting situation.
  • Page 48 Use a tripod to minimize camera shake. camera. Set the same aperture value in the SB-26’s LCD Panel that you set on the camera (step 7). [Number of flash per frame] For instruction, see “Setting Aperture Values (Manual [Speed of flash (Hz)] Adjustment),”...

  • Page 49: Chapter 4: Flash-Shooting Applications

    (can be read this from the lens barrel). Check that ready-light is on in the camera’s viewfinder Manipulating the indication bar causes aperture value in the on the SB-26 LCD panel to change. Fully depress shutter release button to fire flash.

  • Page 50: Fp High-Speed Sync Flash - Flash Photography

    SB-26’s LCD panel. The zoom-head position is automatically set and indicated in the SB-26’s LCD panel when the camera is used with an AF Nikkor lens (including the latest D-Type) or a Nikkor lens having a built-in CPU.
  • Page 51 The aperture value is automatically set and indicated in the We recommend that you not manipulate shutter SB-26’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-26’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 Flash Portraits

    Before proceeding: N70, although it is possible to select REAR-CURTAIN ATTACH SPEEDLIGHT TO CAMERA. SYNC FLASH on the camera, the SB-26’s sync mode set- TURN ON BOTH SPEEDLIGHT AND CAMERA. ting will override what is set on the camera. USE SHUTTER-PRIORITY AUTO OR MANUAL EXPO- SURE MODE.

  • 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-26. The exposure compensation value remains in the LCD panel. To cancel, readjust compensation value to 0 (steps 1...
  • Page 55 Then, use the chart on the next page, “Assumed ISO film speeds,” to set an assumed ISO film speed in the SB-26’s LCD panel that corresponds to the actual ISO film speed in use. See “Setting Aperture Values (Manual APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS 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-26 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- APPLICABLE NIKON SLR MODELS flash button and check that the ready-light remains on.

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

    (see page 30), press button until the indication above disappears. The SB-26 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.

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

    AF Assist LED — Autofocus Flash Photography in Dim Light The SB-26’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-26, but the SB-26 will also automatically shut off to con- serve flash battery energy. When you will not use the SB-26 for a long time, howev- er, it is recommended to set the power switch to OFF. • With the SB-26’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-26 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 Tilting/Rotating flash head • The SB-26’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. LCD panel •...

  • 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-26 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

    SC-24*. * Used for F5 with the DW-30/DW-31 attached or for F4-series with the DW-20/ DW-21 attached. • Position the SB-26 so light from the head covers the sub- ject. • Mount the built-in flash adapter. The zoom-head position is automatically adjusted.

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

    (1) cordless multiple flash photogra- so that the illumination from the main flash unit is a few phy with the SB-26 used as a slave flash unit (pages 128 to times brighter than that from the secondary.

  • Page 65: Wireless Slave Flash Photography

    Wireless Slave Flash Photography When used as a slave flash unit, the SB-26 will fire when its Wireless Slave Flash sensor catches light from the master flash unit. For Wireless Slave Flash photography, the SB-26’s Wireless Slave Flash selector provides two positions—“D”...

  • Page 66: Multiple Flash Photography Using Cord

    (Manual light output adjsutment Set any light output amount on the slave flash unit. is possible with the SB-26, SB-25 and SB-24.) For 1:1 lighting ratio, read the aperture value on the master flash unit (same as the aperture set on the lens), set it on the slave flash unit’s LCD panel then...
  • Page 67 Photography, especially when using the SB-26 as a master flash unit with other slave flash unit(s). The Sensor system is designed to analyze Monitor Preflash reflection from a single SB-26 (ideally, mounted on the camera) and to control light output from that particular unit, but not from the other slave(s).

  • Page 68: System Chart For Ttl Multiple Flash

    F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005 F-501/N2020, F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004, F-301/N2000 FA, FE2, FG SB-16A Nikonos V V-Type Sync Cord SC-14 F3-Series Slave flash unit SB-24 SB-25 SB-26 SB-27 SB-23 SB-20 SB-22 SB-11 AS-10 SC-18 (1.5m/4.9 ft.) SC-19 (3m/9.8 ft.) SC-23 SB-14•140 SB-17 SB-21A SB-16B...

  • Page 69: Accessories For Ttl Multiple Flash

    Use coiled cord SC-17 for TTL Auto Flash operation when Use Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 when using more than three using the SB-26 off the Nikon F5 (with DP-30 or DA-30), units for TTL multiple flash operation. F90X/N90s, F90-Series/ N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series...

  • Page 70: Red Eye

    Flash Sync Mode Selector The SB-26 is capable of synchronizing flash output with shutter curtain movement, for either the front (first) curtain or rear (second) curtain.

  • Page 71: Tips On Speedlight Care

    — they might damage plastic parts. authorized Nikon dealer or service center. • Keep the SB-26 away from salt • Keep the SB-26 away from high tem- water and out of the rain. peratures, and do not store in a damp place.

  • Page 72: Specifications

    About Batteries DC Units SD-8/SD-7 Warning Nikon DC Unit SD-8 or SD-7 can be used as an optional • Batteries shall not be exposed to excessive heat such external power source to enhance flash capacity and pro- as sunshine, fire or the like.

  • Page 73: Specifications

    NiCd Flash sync mode selector: position is used for front-curtain sync with all * With either alkaline-manganese or NiCd batteries installed in the SB-26. **Data measured with fresh batteries. the cameras listed in this manual. Note: Data for light output at 1/1 (full), no use of AF assist LED and LCD panel position is used for Rear-Curtain Sync flash with illuminator.

  • Page 74: Usable Aperture/Flash Shooting Distance Ranges In Ttl Auto

    2.0 — 5.6 2.0 — 6.2 2.0 — 8.6 2.0 — 9.2 2.0 — 3.9 2.0 — 4.3 2.0 — 6.1 2.0 — 6.5 2.0 — 7.3 2.0 — 8.6 2.0 — 9.8 :Programmed TTL Auto Flash with Nikon F50-Series/N50, F-401x/N5005, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, F-401/N4004 and F-401s/N4004s. :Non-TTL Auto Flash mode.
  • Page 75 (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&126-AO11 (S174)

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