Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash User Manual

Introduction

The Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash is a high-performance external flash unit designed for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras. It integrates seamlessly with the Nikon Creative Lighting System, offering advanced features for versatile and creative lighting control. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your SB-900 Speedlight, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

Figure 1: Nikon SB-900 AF Speedlight Flash. This image shows the overall design of the flash unit, highlighting its compact yet powerful build.

Key Features

The SB-900 Speedlight is equipped with a range of features designed to enhance your photographic lighting:

• i-TTL Flash Control: Provides precise automatic flash exposure control, adapting to various shooting conditions.
• Wireless Lighting System: Functions as a standalone flash, a commander, or a remote light source, controlling up to three remote Speedlight groups with four wireless channels.
• Expanded Auto Power Zoom: Covers a wide focal length range from 17 to 200mm (FX format) and 12 to 200mm (DX format), automatically adjusting to the lens in use.
• Three Light Distribution Patterns: Choose between Standard (for general illumination), Center-Weighted (for portraits), and Even (for groups or interiors) to optimize light spread.
• Automatic Color Gel Filter Identification: The flash automatically identifies mounted color gel filters and adjusts the camera's auto white balance setting (with compatible Nikon DSLRs).
• Bounce Functionality: The flash head tilts down to -7 degrees or up to 90 degrees, and rotates horizontally 180 degrees to the left and right, allowing for flexible light bouncing.
• Quick Recycling Time: Fast recycling times ensure you're ready for the next shot, ranging from 2.3 seconds (Ni-MH) to 4.5 seconds (lithium).

Figure 2: Front and back view of the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight. This image illustrates the intuitive control panel and the flash head, showcasing its user-friendly design.

Setup

1. Battery Installation

The SB-900 requires four AA-type batteries. Compatible types include alkaline-manganese (1.5 volts), lithium (1.5 volts), or Ni-MH (1.2 volts). To install:

1. Locate the battery compartment on the side of the Speedlight.
2. Slide the battery compartment cover open.
3. Insert four AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
4. Close the battery compartment cover securely until it clicks into place.

2. Mounting to Camera

To attach the Speedlight to your Nikon Digital SLR Camera:

1. Ensure both the camera and Speedlight are turned off.
2. Slide the Speedlight's mounting foot into the camera's hot shoe until it stops.
3. Rotate the lock lever on the Speedlight's mounting foot clockwise to secure it firmly to the camera.
4. To remove, rotate the lock lever counter-clockwise and slide the Speedlight off the hot shoe.

3. Using Supplied Accessories

The SB-900 comes with several useful accessories:

• AS-21 Speedlight Stand: Use this stand for off-camera flash setups.
• SW-13H Diffusion Dome: Attaches to the flash head to soften and spread light, ideal for reducing harsh shadows.
• SJ-900 Color Filter Set & SZ-2 Color Filter Holder: Use these to adjust the color temperature of the flash output to match ambient light or for creative effects. The Speedlight automatically detects these filters.
• SS-900 Soft Case: Provides protection for your Speedlight during transport and storage.

Figure 3: Nikon SB-900 Speedlight with its flash head tilted. This demonstrates the flexibility of the flash head for bounce lighting.

Operating the Speedlight

Flash Exposure Control

The SB-900 offers various flash exposure control modes:

• i-TTL Mode: Automatic flash control that uses pre-flash monitoring to achieve optimal exposure.
• Manual Flash: Allows you to set the flash output level manually from full power (M1/1) down to M1/128.
• Repeating Flash (RPT): Fires the flash multiple times during a single exposure, useful for capturing motion.
• Slow Sync: Combines flash with slow shutter speeds to properly expose both the subject and background in low light.
• Red-Eye Reduction in Slow Sync: Reduces red-eye effect while maintaining background exposure.
• Front-Curtain Sync: Flash fires immediately after the shutter opens.
• Rear-Curtain Sync: Flash fires just before the shutter closes, creating a trail of light behind moving subjects.
• Auto FP High-Speed Sync: Allows flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, useful for shooting with wide apertures in bright light.
• FV Lock Flash: Locks the flash value for consistent exposure across multiple shots.

Wireless Operation (Nikon Creative Lighting System)

The SB-900 can be used as a master flash to control other compatible Speedlights wirelessly, or as a remote flash controlled by another master unit or camera's built-in flash (if supported). It supports 4 communication channels and 3 wireless groups.

• Master Mode: The SB-900 controls up to three groups of remote Speedlights.
• Remote Mode: The SB-900 acts as a slave unit, triggered by a master flash or camera.
• SU-4 Mode: Simple optical slave mode, triggering the flash when it detects another flash firing.

Maintenance and Care

Proper care ensures the longevity and performance of your SB-900 Speedlight:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the Speedlight. For stubborn dirt, a slightly dampened cloth with mild soap can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Do not use organic solvents like thinner or benzene.
• Lens and Reflector: Gently wipe the flash lens and reflector with a lens cleaning cloth. Avoid touching these surfaces directly with your fingers.
• Battery Removal: Remove batteries when the Speedlight will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage and corrosion.
• Storage: Store the Speedlight in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity. Use the provided soft case for protection.
• Avoid Impact: Protect the Speedlight from strong shocks or vibrations, which can damage internal components.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your SB-900 Speedlight, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Flash Not Firing:
  • Check if the Speedlight is securely mounted to the camera's hot shoe.
  • Ensure batteries are correctly installed and have sufficient charge.
  • Verify the Speedlight is turned on and in the correct mode (e.g., i-TTL, Manual).
  • Check camera settings to ensure external flash is enabled.
• Overheating Warning:
  • The SB-900 has a thermal cut-out protection. If used continuously at high power, it may temporarily shut down to prevent damage.
  • Allow the unit to cool down for several minutes before resuming use.
  • Consider reducing flash output or using bounce/diffusion to spread the light and reduce power demands.
• Incorrect Exposure:
  • In i-TTL mode, ensure the subject is within the flash's effective range.
  • Check camera's ISO and aperture settings.
  • If using manual mode, adjust flash output power accordingly.
  • Verify that any attached diffusers or color filters are correctly recognized by the flash (if applicable).
• Wireless Communication Issues:
  • Ensure master and remote units are on the same channel and group.
  • Check line-of-sight between master and remote units.
  • Reduce distance between units.
  • Ensure no strong light sources are interfering with optical communication.

For more detailed troubleshooting, please refer to the comprehensive user manual or Nikon's official support resources.

Technical Specifications

Warranty and Support

Nikon products are manufactured to the highest standards and come with a limited warranty. For specific warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Nikon website.

For technical support, service, or additional information, please contact Nikon customer service or visit their support page. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

Official Nikon Website: www.nikonusa.com