The Nikon SB-700 is a versatile speedlight, offering photographers powerful illumination and creative control. Manuals and resources detail its operation,
from basic settings to advanced techniques, ensuring optimal performance.
Overview of the SB-700
The Nikon SB-700 stands as a highly regarded speedlight, celebrated for its blend of power, functionality, and compact design. This flash unit serves as an excellent companion for Nikon DSLR cameras, offering photographers a significant upgrade in lighting capabilities. User manuals extensively cover its features, detailing everything from basic operation to advanced customization options. It’s a robust tool for both beginners and professionals, providing reliable performance in diverse shooting scenarios. The SB-700’s intuitive controls and versatile modes make it a favorite among Nikon enthusiasts.
Key Features and Benefits
The SB-700 boasts a tilting and rotating flash head, enabling bounce flash for softer lighting. High-Speed Sync (HSS) allows for flash use at faster shutter speeds, freezing motion effectively. Its optical and TTL capabilities ensure accurate exposures. Manual control provides creative flexibility. The AF-assist beam aids low-light focusing. User manuals highlight benefits like wireless remote capabilities, custom functions, and firmware updates for enhanced performance. These features combine to deliver a powerful and versatile lighting solution for Nikon photographers.
Understanding the SB-700’s Controls
The SB-700 features intuitive controls, including a power button, mode selector dial, and zoom head adjustment. User manuals detail each function for precise operation.
Power Button and Indicator
The SB-700’s power button activates the flash, while the indicator light communicates its status. A green light signifies readiness, indicating sufficient battery power and proper functionality. Blinking patterns denote various conditions, such as charging or communication errors. Refer to the user manual for a comprehensive understanding of indicator light codes. Proper power management ensures reliable performance during shoots, and understanding the indicator is crucial for troubleshooting any potential issues encountered while using the speedlight.
Mode Selector Dial
The Mode Selector Dial on the SB-700 allows users to choose between various flash modes, including TTL, Manual, Repeating, and others. Each mode offers distinct control over flash output and behavior. TTL automates exposure, while Manual provides full control. The dial’s position directly impacts how the flash interacts with the camera’s metering system. Consult the manual to fully grasp each mode’s functionality and select the optimal setting for specific shooting scenarios, maximizing creative potential.
Zoom Head Adjustment
The SB-700’s Zoom Head Adjustment enables photographers to modify the flash coverage area, matching it to the lens’s field of view. Rotating the zoom head alters the beam angle, preventing vignetting with wide-angle lenses or maximizing reach with telephoto lenses. The manual details specific zoom positions for various focal lengths. Precise adjustment ensures even illumination across the frame, enhancing image quality and creative control. Understanding this feature is crucial for optimal flash performance.
Flash Modes Explained
The SB-700 offers diverse flash modes, including TTL for automatic exposure, Manual for full control, and Repeating Flash for unique effects, as detailed in the manual.
TTL Mode (Through-The-Lens)
TTL mode automates flash exposure, utilizing the camera’s metering system for balanced illumination. The SB-700’s manual explains how TTL precisely measures light before the shot, adjusting power accordingly.
This simplifies complex lighting scenarios, delivering consistent results. Users can fine-tune TTL with exposure compensation. It’s ideal for dynamic situations where rapid adjustments are needed, offering convenience without sacrificing quality.
Understanding TTL’s nuances, as outlined in the manual, unlocks its full potential for photographers of all levels.
Manual Mode
Manual mode grants complete control over flash power, allowing photographers to dictate the exact amount of light emitted. The SB-700 manual details how to set power levels from 1/1 to 1/128, offering precise adjustments for creative effects. This mode is crucial for consistent lighting in studio settings or overcoming TTL limitations.
Mastering manual mode requires understanding the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and flash output, as explained within the comprehensive guide.
Repeating Flash Mode
Repeating flash mode, detailed in the SB-700 manual, emits a series of rapid flashes, ideal for creating stroboscopic effects or simulating motion. The user can adjust the flash repetition rate, influencing the perceived movement within the image. This mode is particularly useful for photographing subjects like dancers or flowing water, adding a dynamic quality. Understanding the settings within the manual unlocks creative possibilities beyond standard flash photography.
Advanced Flash Settings
The SB-700 manual reveals high-speed sync, curtain sync options, and exposure compensation controls. These settings empower photographers to fine-tune flash output and timing.
High-Speed Sync (HSS)
High-Speed Sync (HSS), detailed in the SB-700 manual, allows for flash synchronization with shutter speeds faster than the camera’s standard flash sync speed. This is crucial for overpowering sunlight when using wide apertures for shallow depth of field.
HSS effectively fires the flash multiple times during the exposure, providing consistent illumination. The manual explains how to enable HSS in the flash settings and camera menu, ensuring proper functionality. It also notes potential range limitations when using HSS compared to standard flash sync.
First-Curtain/Second-Curtain Sync
First-Curtain/Second-Curtain Sync, explained within the Nikon SB-700 manual, dictates when the flash fires relative to the shutter opening. First-curtain sync fires the flash at the beginning of the exposure, freezing motion.
Second-curtain sync, conversely, fires the flash just before the shutter closes, creating motion blur before the flash freezes the subject. The manual details how to select these modes, impacting the visual representation of moving subjects and offering creative control over the final image.
Exposure Compensation
Exposure Compensation, detailed in the Nikon SB-700 manual, allows photographers to fine-tune flash output. This feature overrides the camera’s automatic flash exposure settings, brightening or darkening the image.
The manual explains how to adjust compensation in EV steps, offering precise control. Positive values increase flash power, while negative values decrease it. Mastering this function is crucial for achieving properly exposed images in challenging lighting conditions, ensuring creative intent is realized.
Powering the SB-700
The SB-700 utilizes AA batteries, detailed in the manual, for portable power. An external power connector offers an alternative, sustained operation option.
Battery Type and Installation
The Nikon SB-700 operates with four AA-size batteries, preferably alkaline or Ni-MH for optimal performance, as outlined in the user manual. Battery installation is straightforward: open the battery compartment, observing the polarity markings (+ and -) inside. Insert the batteries accordingly, ensuring a secure fit. The manual emphasizes using the same type of batteries for consistent results and avoiding mixing old and new cells. Proper battery installation is crucial for reliable flash operation and preventing potential damage to the unit.
Battery Life and Indicators
The Nikon SB-700’s battery life varies based on flash usage and settings, but a full charge of quality AA batteries typically provides hundreds of flashes. The flash unit features clear battery level indicators on its rear panel. These indicators display remaining power with several segments, offering a quick visual assessment. A low battery warning appears when power is dwindling, prompting a timely battery replacement to avoid interruptions during shooting sessions, as detailed in the manual.
Using the External Power Connector
The Nikon SB-700 offers an external power connector, allowing operation with a dedicated power pack for extended shooting durations. This connector accepts DC power, bypassing reliance on batteries. Connecting an external power source is ideal for demanding professional work or lengthy events. The manual details proper connection procedures and voltage requirements, ensuring safe and reliable operation. Utilizing external power significantly extends flash recycling times and overall usability.
Mounting and Attachment
Securely attaching the SB-700 to your Nikon camera is straightforward via the hot shoe. Extension cords and remote controls enable off-camera flash versatility.
Attaching to Nikon Camera Hot Shoe
To attach the SB-700 to your Nikon camera’s hot shoe, ensure the camera is turned off. Gently slide the flash foot into the hot shoe until it clicks securely into place. Verify a firm connection to establish proper electrical contact for TTL and communication.
The locking pin on the flash foot should engage to prevent accidental detachment during use. Always handle the flash with care when attaching or removing it to avoid damaging the hot shoe or flash foot.
Using Extension Cord and Remote Control
Employing the SB-700 off-camera requires an extension cord, like the UC-E3, and potentially a remote control for triggering. Connect the cord to the flash and camera, ensuring a secure fit. Remote controls offer wireless firing, expanding creative possibilities.
Carefully route the cord to prevent tripping hazards. Remember to adjust flash settings via the camera or flash unit itself, depending on the setup and desired control level.
Off-Camera Flash Techniques
The SB-700 truly shines when used off-camera, enabling dynamic lighting setups. Position the flash to sculpt light, creating depth and dimension. Utilize bounce flash for softer illumination, reflecting light off surfaces. Experiment with multiple flash units for complex scenes.
Remote triggering is essential for this, alongside careful power adjustments. Mastering these techniques unlocks a new level of photographic artistry and control.
Customizing the SB-700
Personalize the SB-700 with custom functions (C1-C3), modeling flash settings, and AF-assist beam options for tailored performance and workflow efficiency.
Custom Functions (C1-C3)
The SB-700’s custom functions (C1, C2, and C3) allow photographers to save frequently used settings combinations for quick recall. This streamlines workflow, reducing time spent navigating menus during shoots. Users can customize settings like flash mode, zoom position, and bounce angle.
These presets are invaluable for consistent results across various shooting scenarios, offering a personalized experience. Experimenting with these functions unlocks the flash’s full potential, adapting it to individual photographic styles and preferences.
Modeling Flash Settings
The SB-700’s modeling flash feature emits a series of pre-flashes, allowing photographers to visually assess the effect of light before taking the actual picture. This is particularly useful in manual mode or when using off-camera flash setups. Adjusting the modeling flash duration helps refine lighting ratios and minimize unwanted shadows. It provides a preview of the final exposure, ensuring accurate and creative lighting control for consistently stunning results.
AF-Assist Beam Options
The SB-700 offers diverse AF-assist beam options, crucial for reliable autofocus in low-light conditions. Users can select from various patterns and intensities to suit the scene. These options project a light source, aiding the camera’s autofocus system in acquiring focus quickly and accurately. Customizing the AF-assist beam ensures optimal performance with different lenses and subjects, enhancing overall image sharpness and reducing focusing errors.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Common problems like non-firing flashes or communication errors can often be resolved by checking battery levels, connections, and camera settings, as detailed in the manual.
Flash Not Firing
If the SB-700 isn’t firing, first verify the battery installation and charge level. Ensure the flash unit is securely attached to the camera’s hot shoe or a compatible cord. Check the camera’s flash settings; it might be set to ‘off’ or another flash mode.
Confirm the sync speed is appropriate for the chosen mode. Review the manual for troubleshooting steps related to communication errors between the flash and camera, as these can also prevent firing.
Communication Errors
Communication errors between the SB-700 and camera can hinder operation. First, ensure a secure connection to the hot shoe. Try reseating the flash unit. Check for obstructions or damage to the hot shoe contacts. Update both the camera and flash firmware to the latest versions, as this often resolves compatibility issues. Refer to the Nikon documentation for specific error codes and their corresponding solutions, detailed within the user manual.
Overheating Protection
The SB-700 incorporates overheating protection to prevent damage from prolonged, high-intensity use. If the flash head gets excessively hot, it will temporarily cease functioning, indicated by a warning in the display. Reduce flash output or allow the unit to cool down before resuming operation. Frequent, rapid bursts can trigger this safety feature, as detailed in the Nikon SB-700 manual.
Firmware Updates
Regular firmware updates enhance the SB-700’s performance and compatibility. The Nikon Download center provides updates and instructions for installation, improving functionality.
Checking Current Firmware Version
To determine your SB-700’s current firmware, power on the flash and access the setup menu using the camera’s controls when the flash is attached. Navigate through the menu options – typically found under ‘Setup’ or ‘Flash Control’ – until you locate the ‘Firmware Version’ display.
This screen will show a series of numbers and letters representing the installed firmware version. Comparing this version number with the latest available on Nikon’s website will indicate if an update is necessary to benefit from the newest features and improvements.
Downloading and Installing Updates
Firmware updates for the SB-700 are available on the Nikon Download Center on their official website. Download the latest version compatible with your flash model. You’ll typically need a Nikon-compatible memory card and follow the instructions provided in the downloaded package.
Generally, this involves copying the firmware file to the card and then initiating the update process through the flash’s setup menu while attached to a compatible Nikon camera;
Benefits of Firmware Updates
Updating the SB-700’s firmware offers several advantages, including improved performance, enhanced compatibility with newer Nikon camera models, and bug fixes. Updates can address communication issues, optimize flash synchronization, and potentially add new features or functionalities. Regularly checking for and installing updates ensures your speedlight operates at its peak efficiency and reliability, maximizing your photographic potential.
Nikon Autofocus System Compatibility
The SB-700 works with various Nikon autofocus systems, including CAM 274 (N70), CAM 277 (N80), and the D70 system, ensuring reliable autofocus assistance.
Compatibility with CAM 274 (N70)
The Nikon SB-700 demonstrates full compatibility with the CAM 274 autofocus system found in the N70 camera. This ensures reliable autofocus performance when utilizing the flash unit. Users can expect accurate subject tracking and consistent exposure during shooting. While older technology, the combination remains functional, offering a solid experience for photographers utilizing this classic Nikon setup. The SB-700’s autofocus assist features enhance low-light focusing capabilities with the N70.
Compatibility with CAM 277 (N80)
The Nikon SB-700 is fully compatible with the CAM 277 autofocus system integrated into the Nikon N80 camera. This pairing delivers enhanced autofocus responsiveness and accuracy, particularly beneficial in challenging lighting conditions. Users benefit from the SB-700’s advanced features, seamlessly integrated with the N80’s capabilities. Expect reliable performance and consistent results when utilizing TTL and manual flash modes with this camera and flash combination, offering a robust photographic experience.
Compatibility with D70 Autofocus System
The Nikon SB-700 demonstrates excellent compatibility with the autofocus system found in the Nikon D70 DSLR. This ensures precise and rapid autofocus lock, even in low-light scenarios. Users can leverage the SB-700’s full range of features, including TTL, manual, and high-speed sync, for creative control. The D70 and SB-700 pairing provides a dependable and effective flash photography solution, delivering consistently sharp and well-exposed images.
Nikon Camera Specific Considerations
Certain Nikon cameras, like the F2 and F100, may present unique challenges when using the SB-700 flash, requiring specific adjustments or awareness.
Using with Nikon F2 Cameras (Back/Front Focus)
Nikon F2 cameras are known for potential back or front focus issues, which can be exacerbated when using modern flash units like the SB-700. Achieving sharp infinity focus requires careful attention and potential adjustments to the lens or camera body. Discussions online highlight the complexities of resolving these focus challenges, emphasizing the need for precise calibration and testing to ensure optimal image quality with the flash.
Using with Nikon F100 Cameras (Mirror Issues)
Nikon F100 cameras can occasionally experience mirror-related problems, where the mirror may become stuck in the up position. While not directly caused by the SB-700 flash, this issue can disrupt shooting. User reports suggest this can occur despite careful handling of the equipment. Troubleshooting involves gently attempting to lower the mirror, but professional service may be required for a lasting solution.
Using with Nikon FA Cameras (Service and Technology)
The Nikon FA represents a unique blend of technology and mechanical design. A detailed examination of its service and internal workings reveals a sophisticated system. While the SB-700 generally functions well with the FA, understanding the camera’s intricacies is crucial. Regular servicing ensures optimal performance, particularly concerning the FA’s advanced features and compatibility with modern flash units like the SB-700.
Accessories for the SB-700
Enhance your SB-700’s capabilities with accessories like extension cords, remote controls, and color filters, expanding creative possibilities and flash versatility.
Extension Cord
Utilizing an extension cord with the Nikon SB-700 grants photographers greater flexibility in off-camera flash positioning. These cords, often featuring a standard PC sync port, allow the flash to be moved away from the camera body, enabling more dynamic lighting setups.
Consider the cord’s length and build quality for reliable performance. Proper cord management prevents accidental disconnection during shoots, ensuring consistent illumination and creative control over your images.
Remote Control
A remote control expands the SB-700’s capabilities, allowing wireless adjustment of flash settings from a distance. This is invaluable for off-camera flash work, enabling photographers to modify power levels, modes, and other parameters without returning to the flash unit. Nikon’s WR-R10 wireless remote is compatible, offering convenient control. Ensure proper channel selection to avoid interference and maintain reliable communication between the camera and flash.
Color Filters
Utilizing color filters with the Nikon SB-700 allows for creative control over the flash’s output. These filters, typically gel sheets, attach to the flash head and modify the color temperature or add color casts to your images. They’re useful for matching ambient light, creating artistic effects, or correcting color imbalances. A variety of colors are available, expanding your photographic possibilities and enabling unique visual styles.