Nikon Speedlight Sb 16 Users Manual

Nikon-Sb-16-Owner-S-Manual nikon-sb-16-owner-s-manual

sb16 421d1bbf-59be-4e20-b19f-4612f3fe7993 Nikon Camera Flash SB-16 User Guide |

2015-01-26

: Nikon Nikon-Speedlight-Sb-16-Users-Manual-347010 nikon-speedlight-sb-16-users-manual-347010 nikon pdf

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Nikon Speedlight

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

-NOMENCLATURE------------

Wide-Flash Adapter SW-7

Main flash head

® Main flash unit

(J) Light

sensor

® nn .nn/~ln,oo'" knob

Zoom scale

@Shooling mode indicator LEOs

@TTL multiple flash terminal

CONTENTS------------NOMENCLATURE . . . . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2rv 3
ATTENTION!. .. . ......... .... . ... . .. .... . .. . . .... . 5
FOREWORD .. . . . . . ........ .. . ......... . ...... ... 6
BASIC OPERATION . . .... . .... . ......... ... .. 7rv19
CONTROLS IN DETAIL .. . . . . . . ........... . ... 20rv47
Flash Unit Couplers AS-8 and AS-9 .. .... . .... 20
Synchronization Speed ... . ..... . .. .. . ........ 21
Zoom Head ....... . ..... . ..... . ... . . . . . ..... . 22
Shooting Mode Selector ... . ... . .. .. .. . ... 23rv 24
TTL (through -the-lens automatic operation) . ... .... 23
A (non-TTL automatic operation) . .. .... . .. . .... . . 23
M (manual operation) .. . . . . ..... . .............. 23
MD (synchronization with motor drive) .. . . . . ....... 24

Exposure Calculator Dial. . . .. ... ... . ..... 24rv 35
Set the film speed . . .. .. .. . .... . ... . ... ... . .. .. 24
Set t he zoom setting knob ...... . ........ . . . . .. . 25
Determine the exposure . .. . ... . ... .. .... . .. 25rv 32
Exposure compensation .... . .. .. . .. .. .. . . .. 33rv35

Ready-light ... ... . . . . . . ................. 36rv 41
Warn ing functions . ....... .. . . . ... . ... . ... . 37 ~ 41
Open-Flash Button . . .. .. . .. . ...... . .. . .. 42rv 43
Tilting/Rotating Flash Head . . .... . .. .. . ..... . 44
Secondary Flash Head .... .. .... . . . . ...... . .. 45
Wide-Flash Adapter SW-7 .... .. . ....... .. .. . . 46
TTL Multiple Flash Terminal .. ... . . .... . ..... . 47
Sync/Multiple Flash Terminal . . . .. . . .... .. . ... 47

PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES ........... . . . 48rv62
Synchro-Sunlight Fill-In Flash
Photography ..... .. .. .. .. . ............ 48rv53
In the manual mode . . ....... . .. .. . . ... . .... . . . 50
In the TTL-automatic mode ...... . . . . . . . . .. . ... . 51
In the non-TTL automatic mode . ............ .. ... 51
Synchronization with slow shutter speeds .. . .. . 52rv53

Diffusing the light . . . . ....... .. .. . . . .. .. 54rv 57
Bounce flash photography .. . . . . ...... . ..... 54rv 56
Using a diffuser ... .... . ..... ....... . . . .. . . ... 57

Multiple Flash Photography . ..... . . ..... . 58rv62
TTL multiple flash photography .. . .. . . . ...... 59rv61
Manual multiple flash photography ............... . 62

ACCESSORIES . . .... . ..... .. .... ... .... .. . . 63rv65
Sync Cords SC-10, 11, and 15 .. . . .......... .. 63
TTL Remote Cord SC-14
. .. . .. . .. ... .... 63
TTL Remote Cord SC-17 .......... ... . ...... . 63
TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cords
SC-18 and SC-19 .......................... 64
TTL Multi-Flash Adaptor AS-10 .. . .. ... ..... . . 64
Flash Tripod Adaptor AS-11 . .. . .. . ..... . ..... 64
Flash Unit Couplers AS-1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 . . .. ... 64
Soft Flash Unit Case SS-16 .. ..... . .. . ....... 65

"RED EyE" . . .... ... .. . . . . ... ......... ... ....... 65
TIPS ON SPEEDlIGHT CARE ... . .. ........ . . .. 66rv67
OPTIMUM BATTERY PERFORMANCE .. .. . . ... . . .. . 68
SPECIFICATIONS ....... . ........ . .... .. . . . . 69rv 70

ATTENTIONI-------------The Nikon Speedlight S8-16 consists of two parts : the
main flash unit and the flash unit coupler having the
mounting foot. Depending on which type is attached , the
flash unit is identified as the Speedlight S8 -16A or S8-168.
The S8-16A's Flash Unit Coupler AS-B· has a special
mounting foot for the accessory shoe of Nikon F3 series
camera, while the S8-168's Flash Unit Coupler AS-9 features a standard ISO-type mounting foot.

As shown in the table, the S8-16A and S8-168 can be
mounted on any type of Nikon camera either directly
or with the use of another Nikon Flash Unit Coupler.
Usable shooting modes, however, are limited according
to the combination of the flash unit and camera. Please
reconfirm that the flash unit you purchased is suitable for
your camera, referring to the following table .
Usable shooting mode

Flash unit·

58-16A
(with AS-S)

58-168
(wlthAS-9)

Mounting

Camera

TTL

A
(automatic)

M
(manual)

•

•
•
..•.

•
•
•
•
•

•

F3-series

Direct

FA, FE2, F-501/N2020', F-301/N2000',
FG, FM 2, FG-20, EM , FE, FM

•

Via AS-6

F2-8eries

Via AS-5

Nikonos-V

Via V:rype Sync Cord and AS-6

F3-series
(except F3AF)'"

Via AS-4 or AS-7

FA, FE2, F-501/N2020', F-301/N2000·.
FG

Direct

•

FM2, FG-20, EM , FE, FM

Direct

F2-series· H

ViaAS-1

Via V-Type Sync Cord

•

Nlkonos-V

•

•
•
•
•
•

•
•
•

•
•
•
...

• The Nlkon N2020 and N2000 are sold exclusively in U.S.A. and Canadian markets.
"Motor drive is not available for the Nikonos-V camera.
'''The SB-16B cannot be used with the Nikon F3AF or other F3-series cameras with the AF Finder OX-I , Action Finder OA-2, Waist-Level Finder OW-3 or 6X
Magnification Finder OW-4 attached.
····The SB-16B cannot be mounted on the Nikon F2-series cameras with the Action Finder OA-l , Waist-Level Finder OW-lor 6X Focusing Finder OW-2 attached.
Hot.: For more detailed information about shooting modes, refer to page 23.

FOREWORD-------------------------The Nikon Speedlight SB-16 is a direct-mounting elec tronic flash unit, providing automatic through-the-Iens
(TTL) control of the flash exposure when used with Nikon
cameras having TTL flash capability. Through the use of
an inte rchangeable mounting foot , the SB -16 can be at tached to the special accessory shoe of all Nikon F3 series cameras, as well as the standard ISO-type shoe
of the Nikon FA, FE2, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000 and FG
camera, or the V-type Sync Cord for the Nikonos-V. Because
light is measured through the picture-taking lens, you are
assured of just the right exposure with a variety of lenses and
accessory attachments at any aperture from f/2 to f/22 .
Programmed TIL auto flash photography can be performed
by using the SB-16 with the Nikon F-501/N2020 or
F-301/N2000 via the AS-g. In programmed TIL auto flash
photography, the proper aperture is automatically set for
correct exposure according to the film speed in use. It is not
necessary to change the lens setting from the minimum
aperture used for non-flash programmed shooting.
Thanks to the incorporation of a front -mounted light
sensor, the SB-16 is also compatible with all other Nikon
cameras for automatic, but not through -the -Iens, flash
output control. In the non -TTL automatic mode, you have
a choice of two apertures. With a silicon -controlled rect ifier and series c ircuitry, the SB-16 is able to conserve
energy when shooting subjects at close range ; thus re cycling times are shorter and the number of flashes per
batte ry set is greater.
6

For trul y c reative bounce flas h photography, the Nikon
Speedlight SB-16 has two separate flash heads-a
combination of til ti ng and rotati ng main flas h head with
zooming capabi lity and a sma ller secondary fl ash head
which faces straig ht ahead to fi ll in the shadows in the
eye sockets and provide a small ca tch ligh t for the eyes.
Moreover, a special MD setting al lows the SB-16 to
synchronize with a motor-driven camera firing at 4
frames per second for shooting 8 pictures in series.
Even thoug h the SB-16 is extremely easy to use, you
should fa miliarize yourse lf with its " Basic Operation" as
presented in the firs t section. For more detailed information , please refer to "Controls in Deta il " and " Photograph ic Techniques. " A few minutes wisely invested now
wi ll payoff later in years of rewarding photographic
experiences.
To insure proper service, make sure the Nikon Warranty
Ca rd is enclosed in the speedlight box.

BASIC O P E R A T I O N - - - - - - - - - - - -

Set the openl closed knob

• ® on the flash unit coupler

to the OPEN position.

Attach the flash unit
. coupler to the flash unit.

Position the flash unit and flash unit
coupler, so that the secondary flash
head ® on the flash unit and the sensor (J) on the flash unit coupler face
the same direction . Insert the positioning claw ® into the slot ® on the
flash unit.

Then , whi le applying pressure to the
open/closed knob, push the flash
unit coupler into the flash unit until it
clicks into place .
Note: If batteries have already been installed in
the battery chamber. make sure the ON/OFF
switch ® is at the "o ff " position to avoid accidental firing.

-BASIC OPERATION-confinued----------

lock the flash unit
. coupler.

Turn the open/closed knob to the
"c losed " position (indicated by a
dot) to lock the flash unit coupler ;
make sure the flash unit and flash
unit coupler fit tightly together.

Remove the Battery
. Holder MS·5 @ .

Note : To remove the flash unit coupler. set the
knob to the OPEN position. and while applying
pressure to the knob. gently pull the coupler off.

Open the battery chamber lid @ by
sliding it in the direction of the arrow
and remove the battery holder.
Note: You may feel slight tension when re moving or replacing the holder. This tension.
however. can be ignored.

6. Replace the holder.

Load four 1.5V AA-type penlight
alkaline-manganese cells or 1.2V
rechargeable NiCd batteries into the
holder, making sure that the positive
and negative (+ and -) terminal s
match the diagrams on the holder.

First, make sure the power switch
@ of the flash unit is at the " off "
position ; then put the holder back
into the chamber, so that the slots at
both sides of the holder are aligned
with the guide rails inside the battery
chamber.

While applying pressure to the
battery holder with your finger, slide
the lid as far as it will go until it clicks
into place .

Load the batteries into
. the holder.

Close the lid.

Notes :
1) Use of manganese batteries is not recom mended because their power is insufficient
for operating the S8-16 at full capacity.
2) Do not mix brands or types of batteries. Also,
avoid mixing new and old batteries since
proper performance will not be obtained.

-BASIC OPERATION-confinued----------

With the 5B·16A, turn the locking
ring @ around the mounting foot @
counterclockwise until the AS-8 's
foot is uncovered (fig. 1). Then slide
the mounting foot onto the camera 's
accessory shoe as far as it will go
(fig. 2). Finally, tighten the locking
ring to prevent the unit from acci dentally slipping off (fig . 3).

Attach the flash unit to
. the camera's accessory
shoe.

Notes:
1) If you are using an F3-series camera, make
sure that the ASAIISO film speed is already
set on the camera before attaching the flash
unit, as the camera's ASAIISO dial cannot
be changed after the flash is attached to the
accessory shoe.
2) For the Nikonos- V camera, an optional V- Type
Sync Cord is required. For details about flash
unit attachment to the Nikonos-V, refer to the
Sync Cord's instruction manual.

With the 5B·16B, turn the locking
nut @) on the mounting foot ® counterclockwise until it reaches its upper
limit (fig. 1). Then slide the mounting
foot forward into the shoe as far as it
wil l go (fig. 2). Finally, tighten the
locking nut to prevent the unit from
accidentally slipping off (fig. 3).

-BASIC OPERATION-confinued----------

10.

Tilt the flash head 90°, so that it
faces straight ahead ,

Turn the ASA/ISO film speed
setting ring @ around the exposure
calculator dial @, until the ASAIISO
index @ is opposite the speed of the
film loaded in your camera. Also confirm that the film speed is properly
set on the camera.

Tilt the flash head ® to
. the normal shooting
position.

Set ASAIISO film speed.

Note: For TTL operation with the F3-series, FA,
FE2, FG or Nikonos-V cameras, the usable film
speed range is from ASAIISO 25 to 400 (with no
exposure compensation). With F-5011N2020 and
F-3011N2ooo, the usable film speed range for
TTL operation is ASAIISO 25 to 1000,

11 . Set the zoom head (j]) •
Pu ll out or push In the zoom
head until the number indicated with
an orange background matches the
focal length of the lens on your camera, For lenses longer than 85mm ,
use the 85mm setting , For a 24 mm
lens, attach the Wide -Flash Adapter
CD with the zoom head set at Wl , To
prevent light falloff at the edges of
the picture , do not use lenses wider
than 24mm, In the example , the
zoom head is set at 35 opposite the
letter N,
Note: When the subiect is closer than 1 meter,
it is recommended that you use a loom setting
which is one step less than the lens toea I length
(e,g. use the 35mm setting with a 50mm lens),

12.

13.

Turn the zoom setting knob at the
center on the dial until the zoom setting index @ is opposite the same
letter as you selected in step 11 .

The proper shutter speed setting for
flash synchronization of each camera is listed on page 21 .
For example, set the shutter speed
dial of F3-se ries cameras or the FE2
to A or set the shutter speed/mode
selector of the FG to P or A.

the zoohm setting @
Set b
kno on t e exposure
calculator dial.

Note: The W, setting on the dial is used when
the wide· flash adapter is attached to the flash
unit with the zoom head set at Wi.

Set the shutter speed on
the camera.

Steps 14 through 17 are divided into three sections according to the shooting mode
selected. Section A is for TTL
automatic operation (with an
F3-series, FA, FE2, F-501/N2020,
F-301/N2000, FG, or Nikonos-V
camera), section B is for non.:rTL
automatic operation, and section
C is for progammed TTL auto
operation (with the F-501/N2020
or F-301/N2000 camera set at a
programmed exposure mede).
For manual operation and synchronization with motor drive,
see pages 23 and 24.

Note: For TTL operation with a Nikon F3·series
camera, the camera's backup mechanical
release lever cannot be used with the shutter
speed dial set at T (time). With the Nikon FA ,
FE2, FG or Nikonos -V, a mechanical shutter
speed !i.e., M250, M90 or B) cannot be used for
TTL operation.

-BASIC OPERATION-continued-----------

A-14

Set the S8·16's mode
. selector (45) to TTL

Slide the mode selector to the right
as far as it will go, so that the index
on the selector is opposite the square
mark for automatic through-the-Iens
(TTL) flash exposure control.
With the F-501/N2020 or F-301/N2000
camera , set the camera's exposure/shooting mode selector to A or
a manual setting.

A-15.

Choose an flstop
from the exposure
calculator dial.

Depending on how far away your
subject is from the came ra, you must
se lect an appropriate working aperture by referring to the calculator
dial . You 'll notice that each IIstop
(from 112 to f/22) has its own colorcoded lin e @ above the whi te dis tance sca le @ indicating the range

of distances at which you can shoot.
For example , if you are using ASA/
ISO 100 film with the zoom head set
at N (35mm) and want to shoot subjects up to 4 meters (13 ft.) away, you
can select 118 , 114 , 112.8 or 112 . At f/4 ,
the automatic shooting range indi cates you can shoot any subject
between 1.4 and 8.0 meters (46 and
26 ft.) away

A-16

Set the lens aperture
. ring to the appro·
priate fI stop.

8-14.

If you decide to shoot at f/4, then you
must set the aperture ring on the
lens to f/4 .

For non-TTL automatic operation ,
the exposure calculator dial provides
a choice of two f/stops. The blue and
orange lines @ at the bottom of the
dial show the usable f/stops. For
example , with ASAIISO 100 film , you
can choose f/8 or f/4. The auto
shooting ranges with the zoom setting

Choose an f/stop
from the exposure
calculator dial.
at N (tor a 35mm lens), are 0.6 to 4
meters (20 to 31 ft.) and 0.6 to 8
meters (20 to 26 ft), respectively.
Note: The closest shooting distance for non TTL automatic operation is always 0.6m 12.0 It.!
regardless 01 the film speed and aperture you
select. With the zoom head set at T. however,
the closest distance is o.8m 12.6 It.!.

-BASIC OPERATION-continued----------

B-15

Set the mode selector
to the blue or
orange dot for automatic
operation.
• @

If you select 1/4, you must set the
selector to the orange dot, corres ponding to f/4 on the exposure calculator dial.

B-16

Set the lens aperture
. ring to the appro·
priate f/stop.
In the example, 1/4 is set on the lens.

C-14

Set the exposure
. mode selector of the
F·501/N2020 to P DUAL, P or
PHI, or set the shooting
mode selector of the
F·301/N2000 to P or PHI.
For programmed TTL auto flash
photography, use AI·S type lenses
only.

I
•

....
r

fffIl

For TTL operation
I

• •
,

, )

(

{

.o.
II

C-15.

S~t ,lens to the
minimum aperture
(largest f·number),

C-16.
to TTL.

Set the 58·16'5
mode selector

For automatic
operation (A2)

17.

Turn on the flash

unit.

Slide the S8-16's ON/OFF switch to
the right. Immediately, an LED will light
up (green LED for TTL operation , or
red A1 or A2 LED for automatic
operation).
Note: The LED may blink for a short while after
the flash unit is turned on. This does not indicate
a malfunction.

-BASIC OPERATION-continued----------

18.

Wait for the ready· light
@ tocomeon.

As soon as the flash ready-light built
into the back of the flash unit comes
on , the 88 -16 is ready to fire. With
the except ion of the Nikon F2 -series,
if your camera has an LED readylight inside the viewfinder, make sure
that it is lit up, indicating that the 8816 is ready to fire. Note that with the
Nikon FA, FE2, F-501/N 2020, F-3011
N2000, FG, FG-20 or Nikonos-V, you
must first turn on the exposure meter to
activate the finde r ready-l ight.

Notes:
1) With the 58-16A and F3·series cameras
If both ready·fights blink, make sure that:
a. The flash unit is securely locked in place.
b. The film speed setting on the camera is
within the usable range when the flash unit
is used in the TTL mode.
With the 58-168 and FA, FE2, F-5011N2020,
F-301IN2000, FG or Nikonos-V
If the camera 's ready·light blinks, check to
see if:
a. A mechanical setting is not used in the
TTL mode.
b. The film speed setting on the camera is
within the usable range when the flash unit
is used in the TTL mode.
For more detailed information about the
ready-light warning, refer to page 37.
2) If the ready·light does not come on, first make
sure the batteries are properly installed. If
they are, replace them with a fresh set.

Take the picture.

• When the shutter is tripped,
both the main and secondary flashes
fire as the picture is taken.

20. Turn off the flash unit.
After you take the shot, watch the
ready-light inside the camera 's viewfinder or the one on the 88 -16. After
a short while , it will light up again to
tell you the flash unit is recycled and
ready to fire for the next shot.

To conserve battery power
between shooting sessions , slide the
power switch to the left.

Note : If the flash unit fired at its maximum
output, the ready-light blinks as a warning im medialely following the shot to indica te there
still may be underexposure. In this case. check
the combination of shooting distance and
aperture setected. and use a wider aperture or
move closer to the subject If necessary. This
warning is also provided in the viewfinder of all
Nikon ca meras having a built -in ready-light
(except F2-series cameras).

-CONTROLS IN D E T A I L - - - - - - - - - - - -

AS-8

Flash Unit Couplers AS·S @ and AS·9 ®
The detachable lower part of the SB -16, cal led the Flash
Unit Coupler AS-8 or AS-9 , houses the mounting foot , the
shooting mode selector with shooting mode indication
LEDs , the ready-lightlopen -flash button , the light sensor,
the sync/multiple flash terminal @, and the special ter minal @ for TTL multiple fla sh.
The only difference in appearance between the AS -8 and
AS -9 is the type of mounting foot. The AS-8 's mounting
foot is specially designed for use with Nikon F3-series
camera , while the AS -9 has a standard ISO-type mounting foot.
The flash unit with the AS-8 attached is identified as the
Speed light SB -16A, whereas the flash unit with the AS -9
as the Speedlight SB -16B. The SB-16A and SB-16B can
be mounted on almost any type of Nikon camera * either
directly or with the use of another Nikon Flash Unit
20

Coupler. The TTL automatic shooting mode, however, is
avai lable only when th e SB-16A is used with a Nikon F3se ri es came ra or wh en the SB -16 B is used with either the
Nikon FA, FE2, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, FG or NikonosV (via V.:rype Sync Cord). For more detailed informatin about
flash unit/camera combinations, refer to the table on page 5.
*Even with use of the Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 or AS-7, the S8-168 cannot
be used with F3-series cameras with the AF Finder OX-I, Action Finder
OA-2, Waist-Level Finder OW-3 or 6X Magnification Finder OW-4.

Note: 8e careful not to soif or damage the contact pins @on the coupler
or the contacts ® on the main flash unit as this may cause poor connec tion and possible malfunction.

Synchronization Speed
In flash photography, the shutter speed with which electron ic fl ash will synchron ize depends on the camera in
use. The table shows the usable shutter speeds with
variou s c ameras . As shown in the table, automatic
Hlko" cam.r.

1160 or slower

coupler)

11250 or slower

1/80

1120oo - I, , 2598 C '
e S8C. , X, Band T
All shutler speed settings except M 250 and B
In P, S and A modes '
114000 - 1/500 sec. In M mode "
112 50

FE.

'/250 or slower

FE·'

1/12Sorslower

FM 2 (wilh 1/250

sec.

sync s peed) " ·
FM2 (w ith 1/200
sync speed) ' •

1/250 o r slower

sec.

1/200 or slowe r

F· 50" N2020

F- 30 1 fN200Q

1 1125 or s lower

111 25 or slower

sec.

In M mode

M 250 and 8 In p. S, A and M modes
A , "4000 - 1/500 sec,"
1/250-B sec.
M 250 and B
AUlO"
1/125-8 , B

FG-20

Nlkonos-V
(via V-l'fpe Sync cord)

1/90 or s lower

Mao
LCD shows ma nual-set shutter speed ; no indication a t B or T
LCD shows 250

1/250

LCD s hows M250

as sel

LCD shows ma nua ll v-set shutter speed

No indicat ion
1 /250

as set
as set
1/90

11125-1 , X200 , B
1 / 125

11125-1 sec, and B

as set

PH I , p"
A, 1/2000

111 25
1/125

1/250 sec"

1 /125 sec ..

1/60 - 1 sec.

MOO and B
A. 1~ .111000 -1/ 1 25sec "
1 /60- 1 sec., M90 and B

A. 1I1000-1/125sec.
1/90 or s lower

1/250

P DUAL , P, PH I "
A , 1/2000 - 11250 sec"

P, A, 1/ 1000

1190 or slower

1/80

as set

1 /250- 1 sec" B

11125-1 sec. and B

Viewfinder shutt.r ap••d Indlcallon

sp••d ( •• c .)

1/80

(sec)
Actual shutt.r

Synch ronl zaUon
s p •• d (a.c.)
A"

F3-ssrles
(via AS· 4 or AS· 7

sync speed setting is available with Nikon F3-series, FA, FE2,
FE, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, FG, FG-20, EM and NikonosV cameras.

1 /60 - 1/30 sec.

MOO and B

1 / 125

as set
1/90

as set
as set
1/90
as set
1/90

125 light s up
125 light s up and LEO lor proper non-llash shuller speed blinks
LED lor manually-set s hulter speed lights up, and LEO lo r proper nonlIash shutter speed blinks ; no indication 81 B
t 25 light s up
125 lights up and LED lor proper non-fl ash shutler speed blinks
LED lor manually-sel s huller speed lights up. and LEO lor proper nonHash shutter speed blinks; no indication 8 t B
lWo LEOs repre senting 1/90 sec . light up
LEO lor m a nua lly-set shutter speed lights up
No i ndicaUon

LED or proper non-flash s hutler speed blinks
LEO tor proper non-llash shutter speed bUnks
No indication

-Automatic sync speed setting only occurs when the $8-16 Is mounted In the camera's hOi shoe and turned on; It does not occur when the S8-16 is turned of( or when sync cord Is used for off-camefa operation.
- • When the shutter speed dial setting Is higher than flash sync speed, the camera 's ready·llght blinks as a warning.

-CONTROLS IN DETAll-continued-------- -

ZoomHead @
The 88·16's zoom head has four settings which provide
various angles of coverage as shown in the table.
The number with an orange background indicates that
you can use a lens with the same or a longer focal length
at that setting. However, please remember that the lower
the numbered setting, the smaller the guide number and
the narrower the automatic shooting range is. (The guide
number and automatic shooting range for each zoom
setting is shown in the table on pages 31 and 32.). To set
the zoom head, simply pull it out or push it in until your
desired number appears with an orange background
behind it.
Notes:
1) With subjects closer than 1 meter, it is recommended that you select
a setting with a one·stop smaller number than the focal length of the
lens in use to reduce the amount of light at such close distances.
2) With the wide· flash adapter attached, you can usea 24mm lens.

Zoom head setting

Usable lens

Angle of coverage
Vertica l

Horizonta l

T········85

85mm or longer

23°

31°

$·· ..··50

50 mm or longer

34°

46°

N ..··35

35mm or longer

45°

60°

W,·28

28mm or longer

53°

70°

W, (with wide· flash
adapter)

24 mm or longer

60°

78°

control of the flash exposure at any aperture from fl2 to
fl22 to match the camera-to-subject distance: the farther
away the subject, the more light emitted by the flash
unit; the closer the subject, the less light given off.
Because the exposure is measured through the lens, no
exposure compensation is required in off-camera and/or
bounce-flash operation or even with a teleconverter or
filter attached to the lens.
This setting is also used for programmed TTL auto operation with F-501/N2020 and F-301/N2000.

Shooting Mode Selector @l
The shooting mode se lector on the back of the SB-16 has
five click-stop settings. Directly above the selector (read ing from left to right), there are the blue and orange dots
for non-TTL automatic operation, two white dots in the
middle indicating MD (Motor Drive) and M (Manual)
operation respectively, and a white square at the far right
which is for TTL operation.
As soon as the SB-16 is tu rned on , one of the appropriate
LEOs (green for TTL and red for all the rest) above the
selector lights up to indicate the setting selected.
Usable shooting modes depending on the combination of
the type of the flash unit and camera are as listed on
page 5.
TTL (through-the-Iens automatic operation)
This mode provides automatic through-the-Iens (TTL)

A (non-TTL automatic operation)
In the non-TTL automatic (A) mode, the light output of the
flash varies automatically to match the fla sh-to-subject
distance, but instead of the light being measured through
the lens, it is read by the light sensor on the front of the
SB-16. At any film speed setting , you have a choice of
two working apertures indicated by the blue A 1 and
orange A2 aperture indicator lines on the bottom of the
exposure calcu lator dial.
M (manual operation)
At the manu a ~ ~M) setting , the SB-16 fires at its maximum
light output regardless of the flash-to-subject distance.
When it is difficult to obtain correct exposure on auto, I. e ,
when the brightness of the background affects exposure
strongly, use the SB -16 on manual. In the manual mode,
exposure should be determined with the exposure ca lcu lator dial or with the guide number equation found on
page 30.
23

-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--------MD (synchronization with motor drive)
At the motor drive (MD) setting , the S8 -16 is able to
recycle fast enough to synchronize with a motor-driven
camera firing continuously up to four frames per second .
It is possible to take up to eight flash pictures in rapid
succession in this way. At the MD setting , only the main
flash head fires and the light output is approx. onesixteenth that of the flash unit's maximum power. Like
the M setting , this setting is also for manual operation;
therefore , the exposure shou ld be calculated manually
using the exposure calcu lator dial or guide number
equation shown on page 30.
Note : As sufficient power is required for the flash unit to synchronize
with a motor drive, use the newest and freshest batteries whenever
possible. For the same reason, avoid tripping the shutter immediately
after the ready-light comes on. but wait for at least 30 seconds before
beginning the motor drive sequence.

Exposure Calculator Dial @
The exposure calculator dial on the back of the S8 -16
helps you select the aperture you must set on the lens
depending on the camera-to-subjectlflash-to-subject
distance. To use the dial, follow these steps:

1) Set the film speed
To set the ASAIISO film speed , turn the ASA/ ISO fi lm
speed setting ring until the number corresponding to the
speed of your film is opposite the ASA/ ISO film speed
index. Dots between the numbers on the film speed scale
represent intermediate settings.

2) Set the zoom setting knob

3) Determine the exposure

Turn the zoom setting knob at the center on the dial until
the zoom setting index is opposite the same letter as you
selected in setting the zoom head. For example , if you
set the zoom head at T for a 85mm lens, the zoom setting knob must also be set at T.

Depending on which shooting mode you 've selected,
read off the usable f/stop(s) from the dial. In either the
TTL or non-TTL automatic mode, more than one f/stop is
usable. When choosing an aperture , make sure that your
subject is within the auto shooting range indicated by the
color-coded lines. The larger the aperture (the smaller
the f-number) you select , the greater the maximum
shooting distance, whereas the smaller the aperture (the
larger the f-number), the less the maximum shooting
distance. If the subject distance remains the same , the
larger the aperture you select, the less depth of field in
the final photograph; however, the recycling time is
shorter. On the other hand , the smaller the aperture , the
greater the depth of field , but the recyc ling time is longer.
Therefore , in choosing an flstop , all these factors should
be taken into consideration .

Note: The W, setting on the dial is used when the wide-flash adapter is
attached to the flash unit with the zoom head set at WI.

-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------

For through·the·lens (TTL) operation
On the dial there are eight lis tops ranging from f/2 to
f/22 . Each IIstop determines the usable distance range
in which you can obtain the correct automatic exposure .
These ranges are indicated by a series of color-coded
lines above the distance scale.
For programmed TIL operation , it is not necessary to select
the lens aperture. Once the lens is set to its minimum aperture, the camera automatica lly selects the proper aperture
according to the lens in use. For information on the aperture
selected and automatic shooting range, see page 27 .

Example 1
If you are using ASAIISO 100 film (with the zoom head
set at N for a 35mm lens) and select f/4 , the auto shoot ing range is indicated by an orange line. Thus , you can
take pictures of subjects located between 1.4 and 8.0m
(approx . 4.6 and 26 ft.) from the camera .
Example 2
If you are using ASAIISO 400 fi lm (with the zoom head
set atT for an 85mm lens) and select f/4 , the auto shoot ing range indicated by the orange line thi s time is 3.8 to
21 m (approx . 12 to 69 ft.).

The auto shooting ranges for TTL photography are shown
in the lollowi ng table.

TIL auto shooting range

Unit: m (ft)

Film speed
(A5AJISO)
1000'

5 .6+1/3 5.6

Example 3
If you are using ASA/ISO 100 film (with th e zoom head
set at N for a 35 mm lens) and the subject is 2 m away,
you can select either 1/2.8 , 1/4, 1/56, 1/8, f/11 or f/16. If
a shorter recyc ling time is preferable, use 1/2.8. If greater
depth of fi eld is desi red, use 1/16.

WI··

- - -

7.6-30
(26-98)

6.8-30
(22·98)

6.0-30
(20-98)

4.8-26
(16-85)

3 4· 19

- - -

5.3-29
(17·95)

4.8-26
(18-85)

4.0-22
(13-72)

3.4· 19
(11-62)

2.4· 13
(7 .9-43)

- -

3.8-21
(12-69)

3.4-9
(11-62)

3.0-16
(9.8-52)

2.4-13
(7.9-43)

1.7-95
(5.8-32)

2.7-14
(8.9-46)

2.4-13
(7.9-43)

20-11
(6.8-36)

1.6-9.5
(5.2-31)

(3.9-22)

1.9-10
(6.2-33)

1.7-9.5
(5.8-31)

1.4-8.0
(4 .8-26)

1.2-6.7
(3.9-22)

09-47
(3.0-15)

800 ' 400 200 100 50 25

2.8+113 2.8

4+113

Zoom heed setti ng

2.8

8+1/3

5.6

2.8

11+113

5.6

2.8

16+1/3

5.6

(11-62)

1 2~ , 7

14·74

12-67

'0-56

(46-24)

(3.9-22)

(3 .3-18)

0.9-4 .7
(3.0-15)

06-33
(20-11)

1.0-5.2
(33-17)

0.9-4.7
(3.0-15)

0 .7-4 .0
(2.3-13)

0.8-3.3
(2.0-11)

0.6-23
(20-7 .5)

0.6-3.3
(2.0-11)

08-2.8
(2.0-9.2)

0.6-2.3
(2.0-7.5)

06-16
(2.0-5.2)

5.6

0 .8-3.7
(2.6-12)

0 .8-2.6
(2.6-8.5)

0 .8-2.3
(2.0-7 .5)

0 .6-2.0
(2.0-6.6)

0 .6-1 .6
(2.0-5.2)

08-1.1
(20-3.6)

0.8-1 .8
(2.6-5.9)

0.6-1 .6
(2.0-5.2)

0 .6-14
(2.0-4 .6)

0.6-1.1
(2.0-3.6)

0 .6-0.8
(2.0-2.6)

• For Nikon F-5011N2020 and F-3011N2000 only_
• ' W2 is used when the wide-ffash adapter is attached to the ffas h unit with
the zoom head set at W,
c=:J = Programmed TTL auto ffash in formation.

-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------

For non-TTL automatic (A) operation
For non -TTL automatic operation , you can select one of
two flstops , indicated by the blue and orange aperture
indicator lines at the bottom of the calculator dial. After
determining the aperture , set the shooting mode selector
corresponding to the aperture you selected .

Example 1
If you are using ASA/ISO 100 film (with the zoom head
set at N for a 35mm lens), the usable aperture is f/8 at
the blue A1 setting and f/4 at the orange A2 setting . The
automatic shooting range in this case is 0.6 to 4.0m
(2 .0 to 13 ft.) at A 1 and 0.6m to 8.0m (1 .0 to 26 ft.) at A2 .
For a subject more than 4m away, 'the only usable flstop
is f/4 . With a subject 3m away, you can select either f/8
or f/4 . If a shorter recycling time is preferable , use f/4 . If
greater depth of fi eld is desired, use f/8 .

Example 2
If you are using ASAIISO 400 film, the usable aperture is
now f/16 at A 1 and 1/8 at A2.

Auto shooting range
Zoom head setting

Unit: m(tt)

Shooting mode

The auto shooting range varies according to the zoom
head setting as shown in the table . At the same zoom
head setting, the range is the same regardless 01 the film
speed and the corresponding Iistop available at A 1 or A2 .
As you can see in the table , the closest subject distance
is always 0.6 m (20 It.) except at the T setting of the
zoom head.
Note: Regardless of the settings on the exposure calculator dial. any film
speed can be used for non· TTL automatic operation.

S
N

W,
W,'

Shooting range

0.8-5.2 (2.6-17)

0.8 -10 (26 -33)

0.6 -4.7 (2.0-15)

0.6 -9.5 (2 .0-31)

0.6-4 .0 (2.0-13)

0.6-8.0 (2.0 -26)

0.6-3 .3 (2.0-11)

0.6 -6.7 (2.0-22)

0.6-2.3 (2.0-7.5)

0.6-4.7 (2.0-15)

• W2 is used when the wide-flash adapter is attached to the flash unit
with the zoom head set at W, .

-CONTROLS IN DETAll-continued---------

For manual (M) operation
After setting the ASA/ISO film speed and zoom setting
knob on the exposure calculator dial , focus on the subject; then look at the lens and read off the focused distance to determine exactly how far away the subject
actually is. Now, find the end of the color-coded line
directly above the flash-to-subject distance and read off
the f-number next to this line. Then, set this aperture on
your lens.

Example
When using ASAIISO 100 (with the zoom head set at N
for a 35mm lens) and the subject is located 1.5m (5 .0 ft.)
away, the correct aperture is approx . f/22 . With a subject
3m (10 ft.) away, the aperture is approx. fl11.
Without referring to the exposure calculator dial , you can
also determine the flstop by using the following equation :

flstop

guide number
flash-to-subject distance

With ASAIISO 100 film and meters (and the zoom head
set at N for a 35mm lens), the S8-16's guide number is
32 . If the subject is 4 m away, divide 32 by 4 to get
fiB . Wi th ASAIISO 25 fi lm and feet (and zoom head set at
N for a 35 mm lens), the guide number is 52. Therefore,
if the subject is 20 ft . away, divide 52 by 20 to get approx .
f/2.B.

For motor drive (MD) operation
The guide number at various film speeds and zoom head
settings is shown in the following table:
Guide numbers in the manual mode
Zoom head
setting

T
S

Unit' m(tt)

ASAIISO film speed
800

400

200

100

After setting the ASA/ISO film speed and zoom setting
knob on the exposure calculator dial , focu s on the subject ; then look at the lens and read off the focu sed distance to determine exact ly how far away the subject
actually is.

119(390) 84 (276) 59 (194) 42 (138) 30(98) 21 (69)
107 (351) 76 (250) 54 (177) 38 (125) 27 (89) 19 (62)

90 (295) 64 (210) 45 (148) 32 (105) 22 (72) 16 (52)

W,
W,'

' 76 (250) 54 (177) 38 (125) 27 (89)

19 (62) 13 (43)

54 (177l 38 (125) 27(89)

13 (43) 9.5 (31)

19(62)

* W, is used when the wide-flash adapter is attached to the flash unit
with the zoom head set at W,.

-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued----------

Now, you are ready to read the usable f/stop from the
dial. Each color-coded line indicating the auto shooting
range for each f/stop has a notch on it. Find the notch
directly above the flash-to-subject distance and read
the f-number at the end of the line.
Example
With ASAIISO 100, zoom head set at N for 35mm lens,
a subject 2m (6 .6 ft.} away, the aperture is approx. f/4.
With a subject 4m (13 ft.) away, the aperture is f12.
Without referring to the exposure calculator dial, you can
also determine the f/stop by using the guide number
equation found on page 30.

The guide number at various film speeds and zoom head
settings is shown in the following table:
Guide numbers in the MD mode
Zoom head
setting

Unit· m(tt)

ASAIISO film speed
25

800

400

200

100

30(98)

21 (69)

14 (46)

10 (33)

27 (89)

19 (62)

13 (43)

9.5 (31)

6.7 (22)

4.7 (15)

N
W,

22(72)

16 (52)

11 (36)

(26)

5.6 (18)

19 (62)

13 (43)

9.5 (31)

6.7 (22)

4.8 (16)

3.3(11)

W2'

12 (39)

8.4 (28)

5.9(19)

4.2 (14)

• W2 is

50
(23)

(98)

(16)
(13)

2.1 (6.9)

used when the wide· flash adapter is attached to the flash unit
with the zoom head set at W,.

Exposure compensation
In TTL or non-TTL automatic operation with a dark subject (one with low reflectivity) or one light in tone (having
high -reflectivity), over- or underexposure may occur. To
prevent th is, exposure compensation is required .
Note : If you photograph a subiect of very high reflectivity. such as when
shooting directly into a mirror or metallic surface. underexposure is
certain to occur. In this case. take the picture on manual.

TTL exposure compensation
When shooti ng TTL auto fla sh pictures, you can use the
camera's exposure compensation dial (or the exposure
compensation button also available when using the
Nikon FG) in the normal way to make exposure compen sation according to the shooting situation or to make
intentionally over- or underexposed photographs .
Turn the dial in the + direction to give more exposure
and turn it in the oPPosite (-) direction to give less expo sure (refer to the camera 's instruction manual for more
information). The TTL auto shooting range changes
according to the amount of exposure compensation .

-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued---------

For example, if you are using ASAIISO 100 film with the
exposure compensation dial set at + 2 (overexposure),
you can read 25 from the table. Reset the exposure
calculator dial of the S8-16 to ASA/ ISO 25, and then the
correct TTL auto shooting range to match the com pen sated amount will be shown on the exposure calculator
dial.

ASAJISO film speed to set for TTL exposure
compensation
value
~n

-1

-2

50
100
200
400
800'

100
200
400
800'

Film speed In use

25
50
100
200
400
800'
1000'

.-/ /
/
25
50
100
200
250

25
25
50
50 100
100 200
200 400
400 800
500 1000

.-/ /

• For Nikon F-5011N2020 and F-301IN2000 only
= Not possible; make the necessary compensation in the non-TTL
automatic mode (see the following) or shoot on manual.

Non-TTL automatic exposure compensation
In the non-TTL automatic exposure mode, exposure
compensation can be performed by stopping down or
opening up the lens. With a dark subject , use a smaller
aperture. When a subject is light in tone , use a larger
aperture.

-CONTROLS IN DETAll-continued--------F3- series

FE2

FM2

F-501/N2020,
F-30 1/N2000

FG·20

Ready· Light @
After the ON /OFF switch is turn ed on , the ready-light at
the back of th e 8B -16 lights up to indicate that the 8B -16
is recyc led and ready to fire. At the same time, the readylig ht inside th e viewfinder of all Nikon F3-se ries cameras,
in addition to the FA, FE2, FM2, FE, F-501/N2020,
F-301/N2000, FG, FG-20, EM and Nikonos-V also lights up.
Thus, without removing your eye from the eyepiece, you can
tell when the flash unit is ready for the next shot.

Notes:
I) With the Nikon FA, FE2, F-SO IIN2020, F-30 1IN2000, FG, FG-20 or
Nikonos-V, the meter must first be turned on by depressing the shutter
release button halfway to activa te the ready-light function.
2) The ready-light will light up when the S8-16 is recycled to approx. 80 %
full capacity. Therefore, it is a good idea to wait for a few more seconds
when shooting subjects located at the far limit of the auto shooting
range.
3) With alkaline-manganese batteries, if the ready-light takes more than
30sec. to light up, you should replace the batteries with a fresh set.
4) The voltage of NiCd batteries decreases rapidly when their power is
almost exhausted, increasing the recycling time. When this occurs,
stop using them immediately and recharge them or they may be
damaged.

Warning functions
In the TTL or non -TTL automatic mode, both the readylights on the fla sh unit and in the camera's viewfinder
blink for 3 seconds after the flash unit fired at its maximum output , indica ting that the light might have been
insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, check the
subj ect distance and if it is out of the automatic shooting
range, use a wider aperture if possible or move closer to
the subject. Because the voltage of batteries decreases
with use, the guide number might also be reduced slightly.
The flash output of the 88-16 depends on the available
ambient light and the reflectivity of the subject. Note that ,
because of these factors, the ready-light may blink to
indicate that the light output was insufficient for correct
exposure , even if the subject is within the auto shooting
rang e.

Other warnings shown by the ready-light's blinking vary
according to the type of flash unit and the camera in use.
(For more detailed information , refer to the tables on the
following pages .)

-CONTROLS IN DETAIL-continued--------With the SB·16A
As soon as the flash unit is turned on, both ready·lights
blink in the following cases :
1) When the AS-8 's mounting foot is not securely locked.
2) When using the TTL mode with the Nikon F3-series
camera and the camera 's film speed setting is set well
beyond the usable range of ASAIISO 25"'400, without
exposure compensation .
3) Wh en the shooting mode selector is set at TTL with
any camera other than the Nikon F3-series.

Note that when the shutter speed setting on the Nikon FE
or FM2 is improper for correct flash synchronization and
the camera 's meter is on (only in the case of the FE), just
the camera 's ready-light blinks as a warning, whi le the
one on the flash unit does not blink but simply lights up to
indicate when the flash is ready to fire.

Shutt.r .peed
Seili ng ( ••c .)

C.mer.
F 3· •• rle.

FA 'II. A S·'

All sel1ings

M25O. B
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Nikon Speedlight Sb 16 Users Manual

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sb16 421d1bbf-59be-4e20-b19f-4612f3fe7993 Nikon Camera Flash SB-16 User Guide |

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