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Nikon Speedlight SB-700 User Manual

Nikon Speedlight SB-700
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SB
-
700
User’s Manual
Autofocus Speedlight
En

Table of Contents

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Nikon Speedlight SB-700 Specifications

General IconGeneral
Vari-Power1/1 to 1/128
TypeShoe Mount
Color Temperature Information CommunicationYes
LCD PanelYes
Guide Number28 m/92 ft at ISO 100 (35mm)
Zoom Range24-120mm
Flash Duration1/1042 sec at full power
Exposure Controli-TTL
Bounce HeadYes, -7 to 90 degrees
Swivel HeadYes, 180 degrees left or right
Power Source4 x AA batteries
Weight360 g without batteries
Recycle Time2.5 sec (NiMH)
Flash ModesTTL, Manual, Repeating
Wireless OperationYes; Commander and Remote modes

Summary

About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

How to find what you are looking for

Guidance on navigating the manual to locate specific information.

For your safety

Essential safety precautions to be read before using the speedlight.

Included items

About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

About the SB-700

Details about the Nikon Speedlight SB-700's features and capabilities.

CLS-compatible cameras

List of Nikon cameras compatible with the Creative Lighting System (CLS).

About this user’s manual

Information on the assumptions and scope of the user manual.

Icons used in this manual

Tips on identifying CPU NIKKOR lenses

Guidance on how to identify CPU NIKKOR lenses.

About the SB-700 and This User’s Manual

Terminology

Definitions of key terms and concepts used in the manual.

Q&A Index

Flash photography 1 (with SB-700 mounted on camera)

Questions and answers related to flash photography with the SB-700 mounted on camera.

Q&A Index

Flash photography 2 (with wireless SB-700)

Questions and answers regarding flash photography using the SB-700 wirelessly.

For Your Safety

Warnings for Speedlights

Critical warnings regarding the safe handling and operation of speedlights.

For Your Safety

Cautions for Speedlights

Precautions for speedlight operation to avoid damage or hazards.

For Your Safety

Warnings for Batteries

Important warnings related to the handling and use of batteries.

For Your Safety

Caution for Batteries

Precautions for handling batteries to prevent potential hazards.

Check before Use

Tips on using the Speedlight

Recommendations for optimal use and regular maintenance of the speedlight.

Check before Use

Life-long learning

Information on accessing ongoing product support and educational resources.

Operation

Speedlight Parts

Identification and description of the various parts of the speedlight.

Basic Operations

Notes on continuous flash photography

Important notes regarding the use of the speedlight for continuous flash photography.

Basic Operations

STEP 1 Inserting the batteries

Step-by-step instructions for correctly inserting the batteries.

Basic Operations

Suitable batteries

Information on the types of batteries suitable for use with the speedlight.

Basic Operations

Replacing/recharging batteries

Guidance on when to replace or recharge batteries.

Low battery power indicator

Explanation of the low battery power indicator on the LCD.

Basic Operations

STEP 2 Attaching the SB-700 to the camera

Step-by-step instructions for attaching the speedlight to the camera.

Basic Operations

Detaching the SB-700 from the camera

Instructions for safely detaching the speedlight from the camera.

Basic Operations

STEP 3 Adjusting the flash head

Step-by-step guide for adjusting the flash head position.

Basic Operations

STEP 4 Turning the SB-700 and camera on

Instructions for powering on the speedlight and camera.

Basic Operations

STEP 5 Selecting the flash mode

Step-by-step instructions for selecting the flash mode.

Settings and the LCD

Custom Functions and Settings

Custom Functions and Settings

Custom setting

Details on how to configure custom settings for the speedlight.

Custom Functions and Settings

Available custom functions and settings

Overview of the custom functions and their default settings.

Custom Functions and Settings

LCD panel contrast

How to adjust the contrast of the LCD panel.

Standby function

Information on the automatic standby function to conserve battery power.

FX/DX format selection

Setting the FX/DX format selection for image area.

Flash compensation step in manual flash mode

Setting the flash compensation step in manual flash mode.

Custom Functions and Settings

Unit of measuring distance

Setting the unit of measuring distance (meters or feet).

AF-assist illumination

Enabling or canceling the AF-assist illumination function.

Version of firmware

Displaying the current firmware version of the speedlight.

Reset custom setting

Procedure for resetting custom settings to default.

Flash Modes

i-TTL Mode

Information about the i-TTL flash mode, including monitor pre-flashes.

Flash Modes

i-TTL balanced fill-flash

Explanation of the i-TTL balanced fill-flash mode for balanced exposure.

Standard i-TTL

Explanation of the standard i-TTL mode for main subject exposure.

Camera’s metering mode and i-TTL mode

How camera metering modes affect i-TTL mode operation.

Flash Modes

Setting i-TTL mode

Instructions for setting the speedlight to i-TTL mode.

Flash Modes

SB-700 effective flash output distance range

Explanation of the effective flash output distance range display on the LCD.

Auto setting of ISO sensitivity, aperture and focal length

Automatic setting of camera parameters based on lens and camera information.

Flash Modes

When insufficient flash output for correct exposure is indicated

How to interpret and compensate for insufficient flash output.

Manual Flash Mode

Manual Flash Mode

Setting manual flash mode

Instructions for setting the speedlight to manual flash mode.

Manual Flash Mode

Taking a picture in manual flash mode

Guide on how to take pictures using manual flash mode.

Manual Flash Mode

Setting the flash output level

Procedure for adjusting the flash output level in manual mode.

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode

Setting distance-priority manual flash mode

Instructions for setting the distance-priority manual flash mode.

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode

Distance-priority manual flash mode LCD sample

Example display of the LCD in distance-priority manual flash mode.

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode

Taking a picture in distance-priority manual flash mode

Guide on taking pictures using distance-priority manual flash mode.

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode

When the bounce flash warning indicator is displayed

Troubleshooting for the bounce flash warning indicator.

Flash-to-subject distance range in distance-priority manual flash mode

Understanding the flash-to-subject distance range in this mode.

Distance-priority Manual Flash Mode

When insufficient flash output for correct exposure is indicated

Interpreting and compensating for insufficient flash output in this mode.

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

SB-700 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography Setup

Initial setup for wireless multiple flash-unit photography with the SB-700.

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Advanced Wireless Lighting

Detailed guide to setting up and using Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography

Instructions for SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography.

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

SB-700 Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Functions

Overview of the SB-700's functions in wireless multiple flash photography.

Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Notes on canceling the flash of the master flash unit

Important notes regarding canceling the master flash unit's function.

Setting the Master Flash Unit

Setting the Remote Flash Unit

Advanced Wireless Lighting Operation

Taking a picture with Advanced Wireless Lighting

Steps for taking pictures using Advanced Wireless Lighting.

Advanced Wireless Lighting Operation

Canceling the flash function

Instructions on how to cancel the flash function in i-TTL and manual modes.

Advanced Wireless Lighting Operation

Remote flash unit setting (group, channel and zoom head position)

Setting the group, channel, and zoom head position for remote flash units.

Quick Wireless Control Mode

Setting quick wireless control mode

Steps to set up and configure quick wireless control mode.

Quick Wireless Control Mode

Taking a picture in quick wireless control mode

Guide on how to take pictures using quick wireless control mode.

SU-4 Type Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Setting SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography

Instructions for setting up SU-4 type wireless photography.

SU-4 Type Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Flash modes for remote flash units

Available flash modes (AUTO, M, OFF) for remote flash units in SU-4.

AUTO (auto) mode

Details on using the AUTO mode for SU-4 wireless photography.

SU-4 Type Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

M (manual) mode

Details on using the M (manual) mode for SU-4 wireless photography.

OFF (flash function canceled) mode

Using the OFF mode to cancel flash function in SU-4 photography.

SU-4 Type Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Setting a remote flash unit for SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography

Configuring a remote flash unit for SU-4 type wireless photography.

Remote Flash Units

Remote flash unit setting

General settings and considerations for remote flash units.

Setting up the remote flash units

Guidance on the physical setup and positioning of remote flash units.

Checking Status in Wireless Multiple Flash-unit Photography

Checking flash operation using the flash-ready indicator or sound monitor

Using indicators to check the status of wireless flash operations.

Functions

Switching illumination patterns

Guide to selecting different illumination patterns for flash photography.

Bounce flash operation

Techniques and tips for using bounce flash photography.

Taking close-up photographs

Methods for achieving good results in close-up flash photography.

Flash photography with color filters

Using color filters to enhance flash photography.

Flash photography support functions

Overview of various functions that support flash photography.

Functions to be set on the camera

Camera-specific functions that enhance speedlight operation.

Switching Illumination Patterns

Switching Illumination Patterns

Center-weighted

Description of the center-weighted illumination pattern.

Even

Description of the even illumination pattern.

Switching Illumination Patterns

To set illumination pattern

Instructions on how to select the illumination pattern using the selector.

Bounce Flash Operation

Bounce Flash Operation

Setting the flash head

Guide on how to adjust the flash head's tilt and rotation angles.

Bounce Flash Operation

Setting flash head tilting/rotating angles, and choosing a reflecting surface

Tips for setting angles and selecting surfaces for effective bounce flash.

Bounce Flash Operation

Nikon Diffusion Dome

Information on using the Nikon Diffusion Dome for softer light.

Bounce Flash Operation

Zoom head position indicator

Understanding the zoom head position indicator on the LCD.

Bounce Flash Operation

Taking a picture with bounce flash

Steps for capturing images using bounce flash techniques.

Setting the aperture in bounce flash operation

Guidance on setting the aperture for optimal bounce flash exposure.

Bounce Flash Operation

Using the built-in bounce card

How to use the built-in bounce card for portrait subjects.

Taking Close-up Photographs

Taking Close-up Photographs

Setting the built-in wide panel

Instructions for extending and positioning the built-in wide panel.

Taking Close-up Photographs

Taking close-ups with bounce-down flash

Guide to taking close-up shots using bounce-down flash.

Flash Photography with Color Filters

Using color compensation filters and color filters

Overview of included and optional filters for color compensation.

Flash Photography with Color Filters

How to attach color compensation filters (included)

Instructions for attaching the included color compensation filters.

Flash Photography with Color Filters

How to attach SJ-4 color filters (optional)

Instructions for attaching the optional SJ-4 color filters.

Flash Photography with Color Filters

Set the color

How to select the attached color filter in custom settings.

Flash Photography with Color Filters

Notes on using SJ-4 color filters

Important notes regarding the use and maintenance of SJ-4 color filters.

Balancing light from the flash using color compensation filters and color filters

Using filters to balance light and adjust white balance.

Flash Photography with Color Filters

White balance depends on camera in use

How white balance settings vary based on the camera model and filter.

Flash Photography Support Functions

Flash compensation

Adjusting flash output level to compensate exposure without affecting background.

Flash Photography Support Functions

Canceling flash compensation

Procedure for canceling flash compensation settings.

For digital SLR cameras with a built-in flash featuring the flash compensation function

Using flash compensation on cameras with built-in flash capabilities.

Flash Photography Support Functions

Power zoom function

How the speedlight automatically adjusts zoom head position to lens focal length.

Flash Photography Support Functions

Setting the zoom head position manually

Instructions for manually adjusting the zoom head position.

Flash Photography Support Functions

AF-assist illumination

Using AF-assist illumination to enable autofocus in low light.

Notes on using the AF-assist illumination

Important notes regarding the usage and compatibility of AF-assist illumination.

Flash Photography Support Functions

AF-assist illumination

Activating or canceling the AF-assist illumination feature.

When autofocus is not possible while using the AF-assist illumination

Troubleshooting steps when autofocus fails despite AF-assist illumination.

Using the SB-700 off-camera

Achieving autofocus with the SB-700 used off-camera.

Flash Photography Support Functions

For cameras with a built-in flash

Interaction between camera's built-in flash AF-assist and SB-700's.

Test firing

Using the test firing button to check speedlight operation.

Modeling illumination

How modeling illumination works for checking lighting and shadows.

Flash Photography Support Functions

Advanced Wireless Lighting

Modeling illumination behavior in Advanced Wireless Lighting.

SU-4 type wireless multiple flash-unit photography

Modeling illumination behavior in SU-4 type wireless photography.

Standby function

Explanation of the standby function for battery conservation.

Flash Photography Support Functions

Thermal cut-out

Function to protect the speedlight from overheating damage.

Functions to Be Set on the Camera

Auto FP high-speed sync

Using high-speed sync for flash synchronization at the camera's highest shutter speed.

Functions to Be Set on the Camera

Flash value lock (FV lock)

Locking flash exposure to maintain subject illumination despite composition changes.

Slow sync

Using slow shutter speeds for correct exposure in low-light situations.

Functions to Be Set on the Camera

Red-eye reduction/red-eye reduction slow sync

Preventing red-eye in low-light photos with three pre-flashes.

Rear-curtain sync

Creating blur effects behind moving subjects by firing flash at rear curtain.

For Use with Non-CLS-compatible SLR Cameras

Differences between CLS-compatible and non-CLS-compatible Cameras

Comparison of functions available with CLS and non-CLS compatible cameras.

For Use with COOLPIX Cameras

Flash modes and functions when used with COOLPIX cameras

Overview of flash modes and functions when using with COOLPIX cameras.

For Use with COOLPIX Cameras

CLS-compatible COOLPIX cameras

Information on wireless multiple flash-unit photography with CLS-compatible COOLPIX cameras.

Adjusting the zoom head position when used with CLS-compatible COOLPIX cameras

How zoom head position is adjusted automatically with CLS-COOLPIX cameras.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Troubleshooting

Guidance for diagnosing and resolving common problems with the speedlight.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting table for various issues like zoom head position and remote flash unit firing.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Warning indicators

Explanation of various warning indicators and their causes/solutions.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

If the built-in wide panel is broken

Consequences and actions if the built-in wide panel is damaged.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Guide Number, Aperture and Flash-to-subject Distance

Explanation of guide numbers and their relationship to aperture and distance.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Tips on Speedlight Care

General advice on cleaning and maintaining the speedlight.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Storage

Recommendations for proper storage of the speedlight to prevent damage.

Operating location

Guidance on suitable operating environments and avoiding hazards.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Notes on Batteries

Important information and precautions regarding battery usage.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

About the LCD Panel

Information on the characteristics and operation of the LCD panel.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

Updating Firmware

Instructions on how to download and update the speedlight firmware.

Tips on Speedlight Care and Reference Information

TTL Remote Cord SC-28/17

Details about the TTL Remote Cord SC-28/17 for off-camera use.

TTL Remote Cord SC-29

Details about the TTL Remote Cord SC-29 with AF-assist illumination.

Specifications

Specifications

Effective flash output distance range (for i-TTL mode)

Effective flash output distance ranges for i-TTL mode based on settings.

Specifications

In FX format, standard illumination pattern

Effective flash output distance ranges table for FX format, standard pattern.

Specifications

Angle of coverage (in FX format)

Angle of coverage data for FX format at various zoom head positions.

Angle of coverage (in DX format)

Angle of coverage data for DX format at various zoom head positions.

Specifications

Guide number table

Guide number data for FX format across various settings.

Specifications

Guide number table (with auto FP high-speed sync)

Guide number data with auto FP high-speed sync for FX format.

Specifications

Min. number of flashes/recycling time of each battery

Table showing minimum flashes and recycling times for different battery types.

Nikon Service Facilities

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