Modern Classic SLRs Series : Nikon F5 Series SLR models - Flash Photography - Part II

File size: 63k HTML Loading.....

Various Flash Features explained:

1) 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash Monitor Pre-Flash & Distance Information: Monitor Pre-flash is a high-tech simulation of the series of test flashes that professionals usually perform with a separate flash meter before actually taking flash photographs. 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash can be performed only with a combination of F5 camera, D-type AF Nikkor lens and Nikon SB-28/SB-27/SB-26/SB-25 AF Speedlight. With an capable Nikon Speedlight such as Nikon SB-28, 26 (or SB-27) the speedlight fires a series of imperceptible pre-flashes just after the mirror goes up but before the shutter opens. Upon reaching the subject, the pre-flash reflects back to the camera's TTL Multi Sensor.

The camera's CPU then uses this flash data to determine in which of the TTL Multi Sensor's five segments the subject is located, taking distance and aperture setting information from the D-type AF Nikkor lens in use into consideration. In this way, the computer analyses and decides which segments of the TTL Multi Sensor to use and what amount of main flash is necessary. For example, if some segments indicate a reflected light amount comparatively lower, the computer judges that there is a distant background and the main subject does not belong to these areas. These segments are then ignored for the main flash output control. The computer even informs the system about the subject's reflectance. Of course, this entire process takes place in but a split second. The Monitor Pre-flashes enable 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash to ensure a correct exposure even in difficult situations, including scenes with a very reflective object such as a mirror or a white wall, or scenes with a very dark background. 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash works with any metering system and exposure mode: Matrix, Centre-Weighted and Spot metering. <<<--- The top of the line Nikon Flash Unit, a high performance Nikon SB800 AF-TTL Speedlight which provides all the best of Nikon flash features with film-based as well as Nikon Difgital SLR cameras.

You can also use this feature with each of the F5's exposure control modes: P (Programmed Auto), S (Shutter-Priority Auto), A (Aperture Priority Auto) and Manual. This function is likewise available when other creative options are used, including exposure compensation, exposure bracketing, and Flexible Program. This means that you get maximum creative freedom while benefiting from fully automatic flash operation.

The F5's TTL Multi Sensor is made possible with its Five-segment multi sensor used for TTL auto flash control. Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor is possible when an AF Nikkor lens is used with a compatible Nikon Speedlight such as SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-23, SB-22, etc. Similarly, a applicable Nikon Speedlight such as SB-28/SB-27/SB-26 etc. fires Monitor Pre-flash(es) for TTL Multi Sensor when using an AF Nikkor lense to measure light reflected back from the emission for calculation of flash exposure. Flash ready-light: Speedlight attached: Lights up in red when Nikon dedicated Speedlight is ready to fire, or blinks to warn of insufficient light for correct exposure

Exclusive 5-segment Multi-Sensor Nikon's pioneering TTL Multi Sensor technology is designed with a logical pattern segmentation that conforms to classic rules of composition for used for TTL auto flash control. It is very similar in its form (except the top portion of the 12mm center reference circle) used in the first generation Matrix Metering (it was called "Automatic Multi-Pattern Metering ("AMP") found in theMF-Nikon FA of 1983. But the system used in the Nikon F5's flash metering has been carefully configured so it can handle more versatile composition requirements. Compared with other Systems, in which the TTL sensor is divided into segments (one of which is weighted to the focus point selected), Nikon's five segment sensor has been proven to contribute to better flash exposure results. Also, unlike systems in which the TTL multi-segment sensor works only in the autofocus mode, Nikon's TTL Multi Sensor works, too, in the manual focus mode.

The multi-segment sensor for flash in the Nikon F5

Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash When a Non-D-type AF Nikkor lense used, Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill Flash, which offers the same flash output control system but without Distance Information, will automatically take over. i.e. with SB-24 and other dedicated Speedlights that do not have the Monitor Pre-flash feature.

Center-Weighted Fill-Flash This feature can be used with all AF-Nikkor lenses. Use Centre-Weighted Metering to determine the ambient exposure control settings, and the F5's TTL flash sensor will automatically control the flash output for a balanced Fill-Flash effect. Experiment by determining which brightness value you want to use for the ambient exposure setting and which flash compensation setting you want to use. This combination of features enables you to maintain exceptional control over the system, yet allows the system's automation to work for you at the same time.

Standard TTL Flash In standard TTL flash, automatic flash output level compensation is not available. This means that, even though the main subject is correctly exposed, the background may not be. With SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25 or SB-24, standard TTL flash offers manual selection of the flash output level compensation instead of having the computer do it automatically. So, with SB-28, SE-27, SB-26, SB-25 or SB-24, you can intention ally cancel Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash by pressing the Speedlight M button (or MODE button with the SB-28).

With Nikon SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25 or other applicable Nikon newer AF-TTL Speedlights

In the Speedlight LCD readout, and appear for Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash with TTL Multi Sensor, and appear for Center-Weighted F[II-Flash. By pressing the Speedlight M button (or MODE button with the SB-28), you can cancel Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash control to perform standard TTL flash operation. For standard TTL flash, the Speedlight LCD panel shows without For details, see respective Speedlight manual. For information on other speedlight models such as SB-24, SB23/SB22, refer to the Instruction manual for flash photography.

2) Slow Sync Photography When flash pictures are taken at high shutter speeds in dim light, the background may come out dark. The use of Slow Sync extends the automatically controlled shutter speed range in the P and A modes (which is normally controlled between 1/250 see. and 1/60 sec.) to the full range of available shutter speeds from 1/250 sec. to the slowest speed of 30 sec.

Without Slow Sync, the automatically controlled shutter speed is controlled between 1/250 sec. and 1 /50 sec. When flash pictures are taken with this rather narrow shutter speed range In dim light, the subject will appear bright and well exposed, but the background may come out very dark, almost black. Setting Slow Sync extends the automatic controlled shutter speed range down to 30 sec., enabling background details to come out.

1. Set camera's exposure mode to P for Programmed Auto or A for Aperture-Priority Auto. 2. While pressing the camera's button, rotate Main Command Dial until appears in the rear LCD panel. then follow steps 2-6 of TTL Auto Flash Operation. Use a tripod to prevent camera shake.

3) Rear-Curtain Sync Photography The F5's Rear-Curtain Sync setting enables all Nikon TTL Speedlights to operate with Rear Curtain Sync. Using this function, the flash fires just before the shutter Curtain closes, unlike Normal Sync which fires the flash at the beginning of the exposure.

This technique is especially effective when slow shutter speeds are used. The effect: available light turns into a stream of light that follows the flash-illuminated subject. Slow Sync is automatically selected when Rear-Curtain Sync is set in the Programmed Auto or Aperture-Priority Auto exposure modes. Guide:- Nikon original Flash couplers for various flash models foot incompatibility with the Nikon manual focus oldies

In order to create a natural-looking stream of light. Normally in flash synchronization, the Speedlight fires at the beginning of the exposure. When the shutter speed is slow, the result is a streaking light pattern in front of the subject. When Rear-Curtain Sync is set, the Speedlight fires at the end of the exposure, turning available light into a stream of light that follows the flash-illuminated moving subject. Since Rear-Curtain Sync is especially effective at a slow shutter speed, Slow Sync is automatically set at the same time that Rear-Curtain Sync is set in Programmed Auto or Aperture Priority Auto exposure mode. To set a specific shutter speed , set the F5 to Shutter-Priority Auto or Manual exposure mode. When using the SB-26, SB-25 or SB-24, note that the Rear Curtain Sync setting on the camera body is ignored. You must set the Speedlight unit itself for Rear-Curtain Sync. Nikon SB600 - one of the current model (2005) Credit: Image courtesy of Laura Kornylak ® <shutterblade@comcast.net> from shutterblade*com where the Company has a website on its own. Image copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

4) FP High-Speed Sync Photography With the Nikon SB-28/26/25 (or other models that provide such function) set at the manual FP mode, you can use flash synchronization with high shutter speeds from 1/250 to 1/4000 sec. This means you can capture Fill-Flash pictures even when using film with a high ISO rating, and still maintain wide aperture settings for expanded control of depth of field.

5) 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync Custom Setting #20 effectively increases TTL flash sync speed to 1/300 see. Although the guide number of the Speedlight used may be reduced to approximately 14 (ISO 100, m), this feature is great for taking flash pictures of moving subjects, or if you want to shoot at wide apertures in bright light.

Flash shooting distance range in 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync When 1/300 TTL High-Speed Sync is selected, the guide number of the attached Speedlight (SB-28, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-23, SB-22s, SB-20 or SB-16B) is limited to the values shown in the table below. Therefore, maximum flash shooting distance cannot be calculated from each Speedlights flash shooting distance scale or flash shooting distance range table provided.

ISO 100, m/ft,, 20°C/68°F

Zoom head	18mm	20mm	24mm	28mm	35mm	50mm	70mm	85mm
Guide number	8/26	8/26	11/36	12/39	14/46	16/53	18/59	19/62

To obtain maximum flash shooting distance in 1/300 High Speed Sync: Example: Speedlight attached film sensitivity-ISO 100, zoom-head position-35mm, aperture-f/5.6

Therefore, the maximum flash shooting distance of the example is 2.5m or 8.2 ft.

* The minimum flash shooting distance can be obtained from the Speedlights flash shooting distance scale or flash shooting distance range table provided. * For film sensitivity other than ISO 100, multiply the following coefficient to the guide number provided.

ISO number	25	50	200	400	880
Coefficient	0.5	0.71	1.4	2.0	2.8

Selecting flash sync mode While pressing the flash sync mode () button, rotate Main-Command Dial to select desired flash sync mode. The flash sync mode changes as in the following sequence:

6) Wireless Slave Flash Secondary SB-26 Speedlight unit(s) can be fired even though they're not connected to the camera body. In the "D" (delay) mode, the secondary Speedlight(s) fires I millisecond after the primary Speedlight (any Nikon Speedlight), thus preventing the primary Speedlight's TTL operation from being adversely affected. There's no limit to the number of secondary Speedlights (SB-26/28) that can be used. This revolutionary feature makes multiple flash operation very convenient, eliminating complicated wiring by remote cords. One other compatible Nikon Speedlight is used as a master, mounted on a capable Nikon body such as F5 (F100 or even an older F90x etc.) or connected by a TTL remote cord or any sync cord. You then get any number of SB-26/28 Speedlights into place, and set them for Wireless Slave Flash operation. Because you don't have to connect these units with cords, you have greater lighting arrangement flexibility. No more accidental tripping or fumbling, either. The SB-26/28 offers a choice of "simultaneous" (S) firing and "delay" (D) firing. With the D mode-the first in the world- you can fire the main flash unit TTL; the other SB-26/28 units fire immediately after, without affecting the main unit's TTL operation.

Nikon Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 The SU-4 enables wireless remote slave flash with TTL control, and can be attached to any current Nikon Speedlight. The SU-4 detects the firing of the master flash (including built-in Speedlight) and sends firing-start signal to slave unit. SU-4 stops the firing of the slave flash by detecting firing-stop signal. Use of SU-4's eliminates connecting cords. Operates up to approximately 23-25 feet from the location of the main flash.

Credit: Image of SU-4 courtesy of Mr. Mike from Midwest Photo Exchange ® <mpx@mpex.com>. Website URL: http://www.mpex.com. Image copyright © 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing photographer.

Enables wireless remote flash with TTL control Transmits "start" and "stop" signals to slave flash Attaches easily and operates with any current Nikon Speedlight Two modes available, AUTO and MANUAL Built-in Speedlight can be used as master flash Highly compact and lightweight

NOTE: Nikon warns avoid leaving the Speedlight power switch to ON position when attempting mounting the SU-4. Any electric noise due to discharge of static electricity, glowing from fluorescent lamps or operation of remote control devices ()and hand phone) may accidentally trigger all flash units.

| Previous | NEXT | 2/3 Other Applicable Secondary Flash/Camera features & system accessories

Page One | Page Two | Page Three - Instruction manual (HTML format) - SB-28 /SB28DX

Relative:
Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight Models: Nikon SB-800 | Nikon SB-600 | Nikon SB-30 | Nikon SB-29(s) (2000) | Nikon SB-28 (1997) | Nikon SB-27 (1997) | Nikon SB-26 (1994) | Nikon SB-25 (1992) | Nikon SB-24 (1988) | SB-23 | SB-22 (1987) | SB-20 (1986)
Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight DX-Series: Nikon SB-28DX (1999)| SB-50DX (2001) | SB-80DX (2002)
Additional information on various Nikon MF Bulb Flash - Nikon MF-Speedlights SB-1 ~ SB-21A/B

| Back | Main Index Page - Nikon F5 Professional SLR camera

The Camera - Background, Issues & Summary

Basic Features | Focusing | Metering Systems | Exposure Control | Reliability Issues | Nikkor lens Compatibility

Prisms/Finders - Index page - 2 parts
Film Backs: Index Page - 1 parts
Focusing Screens - Index Page - 1 part
Flash System - Index Page - 3 parts
System Accessories: | Power Sources | Cases | Remote Control | Miscellaneous

Macro Photography - Related info on Micro-Nikkor lenses

Technical Specification for Nikon F5
Main Reference Map / Nomenclature

Resource Centre: Instruction Manuals
Nikon F5 Camera Body - 18 parts
MF-28 Multi-Function Back HTML - 8 parts
PC Links - Photo Secretary - 2 parts
AF-TTL Speedlights: SB-28 / SB28DX | SB29(s) info | SB30 | SB50DX | SB80DX | SB600 info | SB800

Variants: F5 50th Anniversary Model | Nikon/Kodak DCS-620 | DCS-720 Digital Still SLR camera

Nikon F | Nikon F2 | Nikon F3 | Nikon F4 | Nikon F5 | Nikon F6 | Nikkormat / Nikomat | Nikon FM | Nikon FE/ FA | Nikon EM/FG/FG20 | Nikon Digital SLRs | Nikon - Other models

The Eyes of Nikon:-

Nikon Auto Focus Nikkor lenses:- Main Index Page
Nikon Manual Focus Nikkor lenses:- Fisheye-Nikkor Lenses - Circular | Full Frame | Ultrawides Lenses - 13mm15mm18mm20mm | Wideangle Lenses - 24mm28mm35mm | Standard Lenses - 45mm 50mm 58mm | Telephoto Lenses - 85mm105mm135mm180mm & 200mm | Super-Telephoto Lenses - 300mm 400mm 500mm 600mm 800mm 1200mm |

Index Page

Special Application lenses: Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF Depth of Field Control (DC): 105mm 135mm Medical Nikkor: 120mm 200mm Reflex-Nikkor Lenses - 500mm 1000mm 2000mm Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm35mm50mm100mm135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm75~150mm70~210mm

MF Zoom-Nikkor Lenses: 25~50mm | 28~45mm | 28~50mm | 28~85mm | 35~70mm | 36~72mm E | 35~85mm | 35~105mm | 35~135mm | 35~200mm | 43~86mm | 50~135mm | 50~300mm | 70~210mm E | 75~150mm E | 80~200mm | 85~250mm | 100~300mm | 180~600mm | 200~400mm | 200~600mm | 360~1200mm | 1200~1700mm

Tele-Converters: TC-1 | TC-2 | TC-200 | TC-201 | TC-300 | TC-301 | TC-14 | TC-14A | TC-14B | TC-14C | TC-14E | TC-16 | TC-16A | TC-20E

Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

| Back | Index Page of Digital Nikon SLR cameras
| Back | Main Index Page of Pictorial History of Nikon SLR cameras

| Message Board | for Nikon F5 Series SLR model(s) | | Message Board | for your Nikon Optics in a shared environment | Message Board | Specifically for Dispose or Looking for Nikon/Nikkor Photographic Equipment W A R N I N G: The new G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have removed the conventional aperture ring on the lense barrel, they CANNOT adjust aperture(s) when operating in manual exposure control even with certain earlier MF/AF Nikon SLR camera models. But they are FULLY COMPATIBLE with the Nikon F5 featured here in all usable metering systems and/or exposure modes. Please refer to your local distributor for compatibility issue(s).

About this photographic site.

HOME - Photography in Malaysia

A resource dedicated to my kids, Alvin Foo & Esther Foo- one day, BOTH might need to use all these information for his/her Nikon F5A camera.

Volunteered Maintainer(s) for the Nikon F5 Message Board: Tony Davies-Patrick, UK; Rick Oleson, US; Koh Kho King, Malaysia.

Credit: Mr. Chuck Hester, US for his text re-editing skill for this site; Our staff, HowKiat® who created the 3D-Nikon F5 logo. Mr. Lew Chee Wai of YL camera for lending his F5 for me to take some shots appeared in this site. All those nice folks who have contributed their images, in particular Mr. Mike Long, Edwin leong, Palmi Einarsson, Sergio Pessolano, Fred Kamphues, Harry Eggens, Curtis Forrester, Nick (Natures Moments), Sandra Bartocha; fellow countrymen, Vincent Thian, Koh Kho King, Philip Chong, CY Leow etc. and contributions from a few nice folks from Photo Malaysia Forum. Disclaimers & acknowledgments: Certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their own work for public publishing in this website, where majority of the extracted information are used basing on educational merits. The creator of this site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from any possible dispute except rectifying them after verification from respective source. Neither Nikon or its associates has granted any permission(s) in using their public information nor has any interest in the creation of this site. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" "Silent Wave", "Focus Tracking Lock-on", "Nikkor" & other applicable technical/business terms are registered trade name(s) of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac.

.