Nikon SB-300 Speedlight - Flash Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Nikon SB-300 Speedlight. When used with a camera that supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), the SB-300 offers i-TTL and manual flash control (the SB-300 can also be used with Nikon COOLPIX cameras that support i-TTL flash control, but some functions may not be available; see the camera manual for details). Before using this product, please carefully read both these instructions and the manual and other documentation provided with the camera.

Parts of the Speedlight

1. Flash head
2. Flash window
3. Locking pin
4. Signal contacts
5. Mounting foot
6. Battery-chamber lid
7. Flash head tilt angle
8. Power switch
9. Mounting foot lock lever
10. Flash-ready light

Installing Batteries

The SB-300 takes two AAA alkaline or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

1. Open the battery-chamber lid ().
2. Insert the batteries in the orientation shown and close the battery-chamber lid ().

Replacing Batteries

Replace both batteries at the same time, using fresh batteries of the same brand and type. Do not mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types or makes.

Attaching the Speedlight

1. Turn off the camera and SB-300.
2. Confirm that the mounting foot lock lever is flipped to the left ().
3. Slide the mounting foot all the way into the camera accessory shoe ().
4. Rotate the mounting foot lock lever to the right until it clicks into place pointing to "LOCK" ().

Cameras with Auto Pop-up Flash Units
Turn the SB-300 on when it is mounted on a camera with a built-in, auto pop-up flash unit. When the SB-300 is off, the camera's built-in flash may pop-up automatically and strike the SB-300. The SB-300 can be removed to prevent it firing when not required.
Continuous Use
If the flash is fired many times in quick succession, the recycling time may be extended to prevent the flash overheating. Normal recycling times will be restored when the flash cools.

Removing the Speedlight

1. Turn off the camera and SB-300.
2. Flip the mounting foot lock lever to the left () and slide the SB-300 from the camera (). Do not use force; if the unit can not be removed from the camera, rotate the mounting foot lock lever all the way to the left and then slide the unit from the camera.
   

Flash Control Mode

i-TTL Flash Control

When the SB-300 is mounted on a camera, flash output is adjusted automatically using i-TTL flash control. The effective range is 0.6 – 20 m (2 – 66 ft.), but note that range varies with sensitivity (ISO equivalency) and aperture.

Manual Flash Control

When the SB-300 is mounted on a camera, manual flash control can be enabled by selecting Manual as the flash control mode for the optional flash unit in the camera menus. Manual flash control is not available with D3-series, D2-series, D200, D80, D70-series, D50, and F6 cameras.

Bounce-Flash Photography

The flash head can be rotated to "bounce" (reflect) light from a ceiling or wall, dispersing the light from the flash to make shadows less harsh, reduce glare from hair, skin and clothing, and prevent foreground objects being "washed out" or overexposed. Choose a bounce angle according to the distance to the subject and between the camera and the reflecting surface.

Product Care

Cleaning

• Use a blower to remove dust and lint, then wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth. After using the SB-300 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.
• The SB-300 contains a large amount of precision electronics. Do not subject to shock or vibration.

Storage

To prevent mold or mildew, store the SB-300 in a dry, well-ventilated area. If it is to be placed in storage for two 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 two or three times to keep the condenser inside the unit from deteriorating. Do not store the device with insecticides or in locations that:

• are in the vicinity of equipment that produces strong electromagnetic fields, or
• are exposed to extremely high temperatures that could cause product malfunction, such as next to a heater or in an enclosed vehicle on a hot day

Use

• Sudden changes in temperature, such as those that occur when entering or leaving a heated building on a cold day, can cause condensation inside the device. To prevent condensation, place the device in a plastic bag or other sealed container before exposing it to sudden changes in temperature.
• Do not use the device in the vicinity of equipment that produces strong electromagnetic fields, such as transmission towers or high-voltage power lines. Failure to observe this precaution could cause product malfunction.

Batteries

• The large amounts of current used by the flash 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.
• Dirt on the battery terminals can interrupt the flow of current. Clean dirt from the terminals before inserting the batteries.
• After being fired multiple times in quick succession, the flash may stop firing to allow the batteries to cool. Normal operation can be resumed once the batteries have cooled sufficiently.
• Batteries tend to lose capacity at low temperatures, recover lost voltage when allowed to rest, and slowly discharge when not in use. Be sure to check the battery level before use and replace the batteries before they are fully discharged.
• Do not store batteries in locations subject to high temperatures or high humidity.
• For information on handling and recharging rechargeable batteries, see the documentation provided by the manufacturers of the batteries and the battery charger.
• Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries. Failure to observe this precaution could cause the batteries to rupture.

Recycling rechargeable batteries
Used batteries are a valuable resource; to protect the environment, recycle used batteries in accord with local regulations.

Standby Mode: Conserving Battery Power

If no operations are performed for 40 s or more, the SB-300 will automatically power down to conserve the batteries (standby mode). When mounted on a camera, the SB-300 will also power down when the camera standby timer expires. Normal operation can be restored using the SB-300 power switch or by pressing the camera shutter-release button halfway.

The Flash-Ready Light

* i-TTL flash control mode only.

Compatible Accessories

TTL Remote Cord SC-29/28/17: These 1.5 m (5-foot) cords can be used to connect the SB-300 to the camera for off -camera use and are equipped with tripod sockets. The SC-29's AF-assist illuminator function is not supported.

Specifications

1. Figures are for fresh batteries; actual results may vary with performance and other factors even among batteries of identical ages and makes.
2. Time between flash firing at full power and flash-ready light illuminating when flash is fired once every 30 s.
3. Number of times flash can be fired at full power with flash-ready light illuminating within 30 s.
4. Firmware can be updated from camera.

Specifications subject to change without notice. Nikon will not be held liable for damages that may result from any mistakes that this manual may contain. Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a unit with fresh batteries operating at the temperature specified by the Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA): 23 ±3°C (73.4 ±5.4°F).