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Nikon SB-26 User Manual

Nikon SB-26
75 pages
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E
SB-26 (E) 03.1.14 7:16 PM Page 1

Table of Contents

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Nikon SB-26 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Power Source4 x AA batteries
AF AssistYes
Rear Curtain SyncYes
TypeExternal Flash
Zoom Range24mm
Flash ModesTTL, Manual
Guide Number36 (ISO 100, in meters)

Summary

About This Manual

For Effective Use of This Manual

Explains how to use the manual by following camera-specific index tabs for optimal understanding.

Chapter 1: Introducing the SB-26 Autofocus Speedlight

Flash Head and Components

Identifies key parts of the SB-26 flash unit and their functions for user reference.

SB-26's Flash Capabilities Overview

Overview of the SB-26's versatile features and functions for flash photography.

Fully Automatic Fill Flash Explained

Explains how fill flash reduces shadows and balances ambient light for natural effects.

FP High-Speed Sync Flash

Enables flash synchronization at faster shutter speeds for blurred backgrounds.

Rear-Curtain Sync Flash

Creates light trails by firing flash at the end of exposure for moving subjects.

Red-Eye Reduction Control

Illuminates subject's eyes before flash to reduce red-eye effect.

Repeating Flash Function

Enables strobo-effect multiple flash exposures for special effects.

SB-26 Feature Comparison Chart

A comparison chart showing flash operations available for various Nikon cameras.

Chapter 2: Before Flash Shooting

SB-26 Set-Up Procedure

Step-by-step guide for initial preparations like installing batteries and attaching the flash.

Installing Batteries

Instructions on how to properly load batteries into the flash unit.

Attaching Flash to Camera

Guide on how to securely mount the flash unit onto the camera's accessory shoe.

Checking Battery Power

How to check if batteries are properly installed and provide sufficient power.

Using LCD Panel and Functions

Explains how to use the LCD panel for various functions and adjustments.

Adjusting Flash Head Position

How to set the flash head to the standard horizontal/front position for optimal flash.

LCD Panel for Distance Computation

How to use the LCD panel to compute appropriate shooting distances.

Setting ISO Film Speed (Manual)

Guide for manually setting the ISO film speed for accurate flash exposure.

Setting Aperture Value (Manual)

Instructions for manually setting the aperture value for flash exposure.

Setting Zoom-Head Position (Manual)

How to manually adjust the zoom-head position for desired light coverage.

Chapter 3: TTL Auto Flash Mode

Fill-Flash with Automatic Output

Using TTL Auto Flash mode for fill-flash with automatic exposure control.

TTL Auto Flash by Camera Model

Detailed guide for TTL Auto Flash mode with specific Nikon camera models.

Choosing A Flash Method

Explains how to select the appropriate flash method based on camera and lens settings.

1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync (F5 only)

Information on using 1/300 sec. TTL High-Speed Sync with the F5 camera.

Setting Up SB-26 for TTL Auto Flash

Steps for setting up the SB-26 for TTL Auto Flash mode with compatible cameras.

Confirming Settings for TTL Auto Flash

Verifying all settings are correct before shooting in TTL Auto Flash mode.

Firing Flash in TTL Auto Flash Mode

Step-by-step guide on how to fire the flash in TTL Auto Flash mode.

Chapter 3: Non-TTL Auto Flash Mode

Shooting with Various Lens Apertures

Using Non-TTL Auto Flash with different lens apertures.

Set Up and Practice for Non-TTL Auto Flash

Practical steps for Non-TTL Auto Flash setup and usage.

Chapter 3: Manual Flash Mode

Manual Light-Output Control

How to manually control flash output levels from full power to 1/64.

Fine light-output adjustment

Fine-tuning light output in increments of +/- 1/3 stop.

Automatic aperture adjustment in Manual Mode

Automatic aperture adjustment for certain camera/lens combinations in manual mode.

Chapter 3: Repeating Flash Mode

Repeating Flash for Multiple Exposure

Using repeating flash for multiple exposures on a single frame.

Determining shutter speed for Repeating Flash

Calculating appropriate shutter speed based on flash frequency and number of flashes.

Chapter 4: Flash-Shooting Applications

FP High-Speed Sync Flash

Using FP High-Speed Sync for faster shutter speeds and blurred backgrounds.

Red-Eye Reduction Control

How to use red-eye reduction for better flash portraits.

Rear-Curtain Sync Flash

Creates light trails by synchronizing flash to the rear curtain for moving subjects.

Exposure Compensation - Subject Lighter/Darker

Manually adjusting flash output to make the subject lighter or darker.

Compensation on Camera - Background Lighter/Darker

Adjusting background exposure using the camera's compensation dial.

Open Flash Button

Using the open flash button for test firing and checking light.

Built-In Wide Flash Adapter

Using the wide flash adapter for wider lens coverage.

Zoom-Lock Capability

How to lock the zoom-head position for specific lens types or conditions.

AF Assist LED

Using the AF assist LED for autofocus in low light conditions.

Power Switch Standby (STBY) Position

How to use the STBY position to conserve energy and reduce recycling time.

Guide number - To Calculate Proper Aperture

Using guide numbers to calculate the correct aperture for flash photography.

Diffusing Light

Techniques for diffusing light to soften shadows and create pleasing portraits.

Using a Diffuser

How to use diffusers to soften flash light and improve image quality.

Flash Photography - Very Close Subject

Specific guidance for TTL Auto Flash when photographing very close subjects.

Flash Photography - Using More Than One Speedlight

Techniques for using multiple flash units for advanced lighting effects.

Wireless Flash Photography

Setting up the SB-26 for wireless slave flash photography.

Multiple Flash Photography Using Cords

Connecting multiple flash units using sync cords for TTL or manual photography.

Manual Multiple Flash Photography

Performing multiple flash photography using manual flash mode for each unit.

System Chart for TTL Multiple Flash

A chart showing compatible master/slave units and sync cords for TTL multiple flash.

Chapter 5: Notes on Speedlight

Flash Sync Mode Selector NORMAL vs. REAR

Explains the difference between NORMAL (front-curtain) and REAR sync modes.

Speedlight Care

Guidelines for maintaining and caring for the SB-26 speedlight.

Batteries

Information on battery types, care, and usage for the speedlight.

Specifications

Technical specifications of the SB-26 speedlight, including dimensions and power.

Aperture/Flash Shooting Distance Ranges

Tables showing shooting distance ranges based on aperture, film speed, and zoom settings.

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