nikon sb 700 manual

Nikon SB-700 Manual: A Comprehensive Guide

The Nikon SB-700 is a high-performance Speedlight compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System․ This guide offers detailed instructions and information on using the SB-700 effectively․ It covers everything from basic operation to advanced features․

About the Nikon SB-700

The Nikon SB-700 Speedlight is a versatile and powerful flash unit designed for Nikon DSLR cameras․ It serves as a successor to the SB-600, offering enhanced features and performance․ With a guide number of 28/39 (ISO 100/200, m), it provides ample light output for various shooting scenarios․ Compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS), the SB-700 enables advanced wireless flash control․ Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use․ The SB-700 supports i-TTL, manual, and distance-priority manual flash modes, offering flexibility for different photography styles․ The flash also includes a zoom head adjustment feature․

Key Features and Specifications

The Nikon SB-700 boasts several key features, including i-TTL flash control for accurate exposure․ It has a guide number of 28/39 (ISO 100/200, meters) at the 35mm zoom head position․ The flash supports Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) for wireless operation․ It offers versatile zoom head coverage, adjusting from 24mm to 120mm․ Recycling time is approximately 2․5 seconds with Ni-MH batteries․ Dimensions are approximately 71 x 104․5 x 126 mm, and it weighs around 360 grams without batteries․ The SB-700 includes a wide panel and reflector for enhanced light diffusion and bounce capabilities, improving overall lighting․

Compatibility with Nikon Cameras

The Nikon SB-700 Speedlight is designed to be highly compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, both FX and DX format models․ It fully supports Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS), allowing seamless integration for advanced flash photography․ When mounted on compatible Nikon cameras, the SB-700 enables i-TTL flash metering for accurate and automatic exposure control․ It also works with older Nikon film cameras that support TTL flash․ Users should consult their camera’s manual to confirm full compatibility and specific features supported․ Proper hot shoe connection ensures reliable communication between the camera and flash unit․

Understanding the SB-700’s Controls and Settings

To effectively use the Nikon SB-700, understanding its controls and settings is crucial․ This section will guide you through the Speedlight’s various modes, zoom adjustments, and the rear control panel layout for optimal flash control․

Mode Selection: i-TTL, Manual, and More

The Nikon SB-700 offers a variety of flash modes to suit different shooting scenarios․ Among these, i-TTL (intelligent Through-The-Lens) mode is a popular choice for its automated exposure control, adjusting flash output based on the camera’s metering system․ Manual mode provides complete control over flash power, allowing photographers to set the output level according to their needs․

Additionally, the SB-700 features a distance-priority manual flash mode, adjusting flash output based on the subject distance set by the user․ Exploring these modes enables photographers to adapt to diverse lighting conditions and creative goals, enhancing their flash photography skills․

Zoom Head Adjustment

The Nikon SB-700 features a zoom head that can be adjusted to match the focal length of the lens being used․ This adjustment optimizes the flash coverage, ensuring that the light is distributed evenly across the frame․ The zoom range typically spans from wide-angle to telephoto settings, accommodating various shooting situations․

Users can manually adjust the zoom head or allow the SB-700 to automatically adjust it based on information from the camera․ Proper zoom head adjustment is crucial for maximizing flash efficiency and preventing vignetting or uneven illumination in the final image, leading to better overall results․

Rear Control Panel Overview

The rear control panel of the Nikon SB-700 provides intuitive access to various settings and functions․ A prominent LCD screen displays crucial information such as flash mode, zoom level, and power output․ Surrounding the screen are buttons and a rotary dial that allow users to navigate menus and adjust parameters․

Key controls include mode selection, power level adjustment, and custom settings․ The panel also features indicators for battery status and wireless communication․ Understanding the layout and function of each control is essential for efficiently operating the SB-700 and achieving desired lighting effects in your photographs․

Basic Flash Photography Techniques with the SB-700

Mastering basic flash techniques with the Nikon SB-700 opens creative possibilities․ This section explores on-camera flash, bounce flash for softer light, and utilizing the built-in wide panel for broader coverage․

On-Camera Flash Photography

Using the Nikon SB-700 directly on your camera offers a convenient way to add light to your subjects․ While it can be straightforward, understanding its nuances is key․ Ensure the SB-700 is securely mounted and powered on․ In i-TTL mode, the flash automatically determines the optimal output, but manual mode allows for precise control․ Be mindful of harsh shadows and potential red-eye․ Adjust flash compensation for balanced exposure․ Experiment with different zoom head positions to alter the light’s spread․ Practice makes perfect in achieving natural-looking results with on-camera flash; Always review your images and adjust settings accordingly․

Bounce Flash Techniques

Bouncing the SB-700’s flash is a fundamental technique for softer, more flattering light․ Instead of pointing the flash directly at your subject, angle the flash head towards a nearby surface, like a ceiling or wall․ This diffuses the light, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more natural look․ The color of the bounce surface affects the light’s color temperature․ Experiment with different angles and surfaces to achieve the desired effect․ Be aware that bouncing can reduce the flash’s effective range, so adjust the power accordingly․ Mastering bounce flash techniques elevates your photography significantly․

Using the Built-in Wide Panel and Reflector

The SB-700 features a built-in wide panel and reflector for enhancing your flash photography․ The wide panel expands the flash coverage, ideal for wide-angle lenses, ensuring even illumination across the frame․ The reflector, a small white card, can be pulled out to bounce a portion of the flash forward, filling in shadows and adding a catchlight to your subject’s eyes․ These features are particularly useful in situations where direct flash is necessary but a softer, more balanced light is desired․ Experiment with both to see how they improve your results․

Advanced Features and Wireless Operation

Explore the advanced capabilities of the SB-700, including its wireless operation through Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS)․ Learn to set up remote flash configurations for more creative and controlled lighting scenarios․

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) Compatibility

The Nikon SB-700 Speedlight fully supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS), enabling advanced wireless flash control․ When combined with CLS-compatible cameras, the SB-700 allows for seamless integration in complex lighting setups․ This compatibility extends to various Nikon DSLRs, offering features like i-TTL flash control, commander mode, and remote triggering․ Understanding CLS is vital for unlocking the SB-700’s potential in multi-flash photography․ Users can control multiple Speedlights remotely, adjusting power levels and settings directly from the camera․ This streamlines workflow and enhances creative possibilities for photographers․ The SB-700’s CLS compatibility makes it a versatile tool․

Setting up Wireless Remote Flash

Configuring the SB-700 for wireless remote flash operation involves setting both the master and remote units correctly․ First, designate a master flash or commander, often the built-in flash of a compatible Nikon camera or another SB-700․ Then, set the SB-700 to remote mode․ Ensure both master and remote units are on the same channel and group for proper communication․ Adjust the power levels of the remote flash through the master unit’s controls․ Test the setup to confirm that the remote flash is firing correctly and contributing to the desired lighting effect․ Experiment with placement․

Commander Mode Functionality

Commander mode on the SB-700 allows it to control other remote flashes wirelessly, offering creative lighting possibilities․ When set as a commander, the SB-700 can adjust the power output and settings of remote SB-700, SB-900, or SB-600 Speedlights․ This control is facilitated through the camera’s menu, where you can assign groups and channels․ The commander flash emits a series of pre-flashes to communicate settings to the remote units․ Configure each remote flash to the appropriate group (A, B, C) and channel (1-4) to ensure seamless synchronization and precise exposure control, enhancing flexibility․

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Addressing common issues with the Nikon SB-700 ensures smooth operation․ This section provides solutions for problems like flash misfires, incorrect exposure, and error messages, allowing users to quickly resolve technical difficulties․

Flash Not Firing

When your Nikon SB-700 fails to fire, several factors could be at play․ Ensure the flash is properly mounted on the camera’s hot shoe, or correctly set up in wireless mode․ Verify that the flash is powered on and the batteries are adequately charged; low battery power is a frequent culprit․ Check the camera’s flash sync settings, ensuring they are compatible with the SB-700․ Confirm that the flash is not in a stand-by mode or has overheated, triggering a protective shut-down․ Lastly, examine the camera and flash contacts for any dirt or damage that might impede connectivity, cleaning them gently if necessary․ Make sure the SU-4 mode is not selected if you are trying to use it on camera;

Incorrect Exposure

Achieving proper exposure with the Nikon SB-700 involves several considerations․ First, verify that the flash mode (i-TTL, Manual, etc․) is appropriate for your shooting conditions and camera settings․ In i-TTL mode, ensure that flash exposure compensation is correctly set, adjusting it to fine-tune the flash output․ When using manual mode, carefully adjust the flash power level to match the aperture and ISO settings of your camera․ Consider the distance to your subject, as this significantly affects exposure; adjust flash power accordingly․ Also, evaluate the impact of ambient light, as it can influence the overall exposure of your image, and modify your flash settings to compensate․ Finally, check if High-Speed Sync (HSS) is enabled when shooting at faster shutter speeds, as it can impact flash power․

Error Messages and Solutions

Encountering error messages on your Nikon SB-700 can be frustrating, but understanding their meaning is crucial for quick resolution․ Common errors may indicate issues such as overheating, insufficient battery power, or communication problems with the camera․ If you see an overheating warning, allow the flash to cool down before further use․ Ensure that your batteries are fully charged or replace them with fresh ones to rule out power issues․ If the flash fails to communicate with the camera, check the hot shoe connection for dirt or damage and ensure the flash is securely mounted․ Consult your SB-700 manual for a comprehensive list of error codes and troubleshooting steps specific to each message․

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance and care are essential for prolonging the life of your Nikon SB-700․ This section provides guidelines for battery handling, cleaning, and storage to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage to your flash unit․

Battery Handling and Replacement

The Nikon SB-700 Speedlight is powered by four AA-size batteries; To maximize performance, use high-quality alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries․ Ensure proper polarity when inserting the batteries into the battery compartment, following the diagram inside․ Remove the batteries if the SB-700 will not be used for an extended period to prevent corrosion․

When replacing batteries, do so in a dry environment․ Low battery power can result in slow recycling times or prevent the flash from firing․ Consider carrying spare batteries when shooting on location to avoid interruptions․ Dispose of used batteries responsibly, adhering to local regulations․

Cleaning and Storage Tips

To maintain your Nikon SB-700 Speedlight, gently clean it with a soft, dry cloth․ Avoid using solvents or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the unit’s surface․ Pay special attention to the flash tube and sensor window, removing any dust or fingerprints․ When not in use, store the SB-700 in its provided soft case to protect it from dust and physical damage․

Store the flash in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures․ Remove the batteries before storing for extended periods to prevent potential leakage and corrosion; Proper care ensures longevity․