Nikon SB-50DX User Manual

En
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Autofocus
Speedlight
(En)
SB-50DX (E) 02.12.9 2:33 PM Page 1
http://www.mynikon.com.pl

Nikon SB-50DX Specifications

General

Zoom Range	24-85mm
Zoom Head	Yes
TTL	Yes
AF Assist	Yes
Power Source	4 x AA batteries
Swivel Head	No
Tilt Head	Yes
Flash Modes	TTL
Recycling Time	4.5 sec
Number of Flashes	200
Compatible Cameras	Nikon SLR cameras with TTL flash metering

Summary

Foreword and Speedlight Usage Tips

Main Features of the SB-50DX

Details the key capabilities and specifications of the SB-50DX flash unit.

Best Practices for Speedlight Use

Provides guidance on trial shots, regular servicing, and correct usage of the Speedlight.

Nomenclature and Key Components

Flash Head and Controls

Identifies major parts like the flash head, LCD panel, buttons (ON/OFF, MODE, ZOOM), and indicators.

Functional Elements and Adapters

Details specific elements such as the wide-flash adapter, AF-assist illuminator, and infrared filter.

LCD Panel and Lens Compatibility

LCD Panel Operation and Dim Light Use

Explains LCD symbols, readability, and how to use the illuminator in dark conditions.

Supported Nikon Lens Types

Lists compatible CPU Nikkor and non-CPU Nikkor lenses, including G-type and D-type.

Basic Operation: Setup and Attachment

Battery Installation and Power Management

Guides on battery insertion, checking the ready-light, standby function, and turning the unit off.

Attaching the SB-50DX to the Camera

Instructions on how to securely attach the SB-50DX to the camera body and lock it in place.

Adjusting Zoom-Head Position

Automatic and Manual Zoom Control

Explains automatic adjustment via camera data and manual setting using the ZOOM button.

Wide-Flash Adapter Integration

Details the zoom-head position fix and inactive Power Zoom when using the wide-flash adapter.

Setting Camera and Flash Modes

TTL/D-TTL Auto Flash Configuration

Describes setting camera exposure modes and selecting TTL/D-TTL flash modes for automatic exposure.

Shooting with Flash

Performing Flash Shots and Handling Errors

Covers sync mode, shooting, and interpreting ready-light blinking or underexposure indicators.

Detailed Operation: Exposure Modes

Shooting Modes and Flash Synchronization

Details shooting in S, A, M modes and explains TTL/D-TTL auto flash modes and their types.

Flash Modes and Types Explained

Covers specific TTL modes, exposure balance, and monitor pre-flashes for optimal results.

Camera Compatibility for TTL/D-TTL

Compatibility Matrix and Notes

Provides a table listing camera groups, models, and compatible flash modes for TTL/D-TTL auto flash.

Manual Flash Operation

Performing Manual Flash Shots

Details setting camera exposure mode, selecting manual flash, and determining aperture for manual shots.

Lens Aperture and Guide Numbers

Reading Zoom Lens Apertures

Explains how to determine aperture for zoom lenses by reading scales on the camera or lens.

Using Guide Numbers for Exposure

Explains how to use guide numbers to determine aperture or flash-to-subject distance for correct exposure.

Flash Photography Exposure Control

Exposure Compensation and Flash Output Adjustment

Covers compensating exposure for subject/background and fine-tuning flash output level.

Autofocus in Dim Light

AF-Assist Illuminator Functionality

Explains the AF-Assist Illuminator for low-light focus, its activation, and basic usage.

Managing AF-Assist Illuminator Settings

Covers canceling, camera compatibility, and specific operational notes for the AF-Assist Illuminator.

Technical Operation: Bounce Flash

Bounce-Flash Photography Techniques

Details how to tilt the flash head for bounce effects, setup, and notes on reflecting surfaces.

Technical Operation: Multi-Flash and Close-Up

Double-Flash with Built-in Speedlight

Instructions for performing bounce-flash photography using both the SB-50DX and the camera's built-in flash.

Close-Up Flash Photography Setup

Guides on attaching the wide-flash adapter and setting up for close-up photography.

Multiple Flash Photography Overview

Setup, Settings, and Cancellation

Covers camera settings, canceling monitor pre-flashes, and specific camera compatibility for multi-flash.

Wireless Multiple Flash Operation

TTL Auto Wireless Flash Setup and Configuration

Details attaching the master unit, positioning the slave, setting modes, and canceling monitor pre-flashes.

Manual Wireless Flash Operation

Setting up Manual Slave Flash Mode

Explains how to set the SB-50DX in Manual Slave mode to detect and fire from other flash units.

Infrared Remote Commander Operation

Using SW-9IR for Remote Flash Control

Guides on attaching the SW-9IR filter and using the SB-50DX as a remote commander for wireless flash.

Double-Flash Operation with Built-in Speedlight

Performing Double-Flash Photography

Instructions for combining the SB-50DX with the camera's built-in flash for double-flash effects.

Multiple Flash Operation Using Cords

Connecting Speedlights via Cables

Explains how to connect multiple flash units using optional cords, including compatibility notes.

Accessories for Multiple Flash Operation

Optional Multi-Flash Accessories

Lists and describes optional accessories like SU-4 controller, brackets, and remote cords for advanced flash setups.

Effective Speedlight Placement Techniques

Bounce-Flash for Natural Portraits

Details how to use bounce-flash to soften light, create natural portraits, and avoid harsh shadows.

Eliminating Shadows with Slave Flashes

Explains using slave flashes to illuminate the background and eliminate unwanted shadows.

Speedlight Placement for Subject Emphasis

Emphasizing Subject Outlines with Backlight

Guides on positioning a flash behind the subject to create an outline effect.

Side Lighting Techniques

Explains using off-camera flashes, including infrared remote control, for side illumination.

Illuminating Distant Subjects

Using Multiple Flashes for Long Distances

Describes using multiple Speedlights in combination to illuminate subjects at a distance.

Speedlight Care and Battery Notes

Cleaning, Handling, and Storage Guidelines

Provides instructions for cleaning, avoiding shock, magnetic fields, and proper storage to maintain the unit.

Battery Usage, Performance, and Safety

Covers battery types, insertion, changing, low-temperature performance, and safety warnings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Diagnosing and Resolving Camera/Flash Problems

Lists common problems like non-functional ready-lights, automatic turn-off, and indicator blinks with causes and remedies.

Microcomputer Control and LCD Errors

Resetting the Microcomputer and LCD Indicators

Explains how to resolve microcomputer issues by resetting batteries and interpreting LCD blinking.

Understanding TTL Auto Flash Shooting Distance Range

Provides tables showing usable film speeds, apertures, and flash shooting distance ranges for TTL auto flash.

Specifications Overview

Technical and Operational Specifications

Details electronic construction, guide numbers, coverage, recycling times, operational features, and dimensions.