Nikon F and F2 Specialist Flashes


Repeating Flash

Flash Duration:
about 1/20 000 sec at one-half peak
about 1/30 000 sec at one-third peak
Recycling Time:
1/3 sec (at 3 Hz)
Guide Number:
28m (92ft) for ASA 400 black and white film
13m (42ft) for ASA 160 color film
(tested)13.5m (44ft) for ASA 100
Angle of Coverage:
65 deg.
Open Flash:
button supplied on flash head, center of calculator disc
Ready Light:
neon lamp on flash head, above calculator disc
Exposure Calculator Disc:
supplied on flash head
Power Source:
AC line voltage, switcheable between 100, 117, 220, or 240V
Rated Input:
<=50VA (no load)
<=500VA (successively loaded
Supplied Power:
12V, 300mA in socket for F36 motor drive
Color Temperature:
appox. 6000K
Life of Xenon Tube:
>=10 000 flashes (4-5 minute rest after 250 flashes)
Flash Foot:
flash head has F/F2-type foot
Dimensions and Weight:
124mm diam.; appox. 386g (flash head)
4.88 in. diam.; appox. 14 oz. (flash head)
280 x 230 x 125mm; appox. 10.6 kg (AC Power Pack)
11 x 9 x 5 in.; appox. 24 lb. (AC Power Pack)

Input voltage is adjusted by removing the casing, and moving three wires between some connectors, which are internally labeled. Needless to say, don't do this with the power plugged in, standing in saltwater, wearing medieval battle armor ...

Four cables are supplied with the unit, a three-conductor 5m power (mains) cable [from the power supply to an AC socket], a four-conductor 1.4m flash head power supply cable [from the power supply to the head, permanently attached to the head], a 1m sync cable [from the camera's PC socket to the head], and a 1m motor power supply cable [from the head to the motor].

The power supply has handles on the side. Its control panel has the power switch (two separate buttons for on and off); turning the unit on also lights a bright white warning light. The fuse socket and AC input indicator are also located on this panel. The flash head has an exposure calculator disc on its back, with the open flash button in the middle and the neon ready light located above it. This flash is recommended to be used at speeds up to 3fps.

The British Journal of Photography tested a Repeating Flash and found it to be a heavy, expensive solution to motorised flash. In sequence pictures, they found that the first picture was overexposed by approximately 1/5 of a stop. They were dismayed by the short length of the head-to-supply cable and the dinky handles on the supply itself, which made it less mobile than thought.

SB-6 Repeating Flash

Light Output Control:
automatic with accessory SU-1 sensor unit (3 stops)
manual; full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32 power ratios selectable
Guide Number:
45m (148 ft.) with ASA 100 film at full power
33m (104 ft.) with ASA 100 film at 1/2 power
23m (72 ft.) with ASA 100 film at 1/4 power
17m (52 ft.) with ASA 100 film at 1/8 power
12m (36 ft.) with ASA 100 film at 1/16 power
8.5m (26 ft.) with ASA 100 film at 1/32 power
Power Sources:
SA-3 AC Unit
SD-5 DC Unit (with eight SN-3 NC Batteries)

It's pretty clear to me, from the specs that I can dig up, that the SB-6 is not just a rehash of the previous Repeating Flash, although in concept and design it is similar. It consists of a flash head, which mounts to the F/F2-type foot, and a separate power supply. It provides rapid flash capability (from 5 to 40 flashes per second).

Apparently, it also mates with the SU-1 sensor unit initially made for the SB-5, so it can be set to three automatic and one slave mode, as well as be hooked up off-camera via the SC-9 sensor extension cord. Other than being a rare flash, I have no data on the SB-6.

200f/5.6 Medical-Nikkor

The first Medical-Nikkor was a marvel, combining lens, flash, and data imprinting system in a relatively compact package. Note that the Medical-Nikkor came in two distinct versions. The original model has knurling on the film speed, reproduction ratio/aperture, and data imprinting rings; it also lacks the diamond studding at the front of the barrel, and has a round four-pin power connector socket. The later model has satin-finished aperture/repro, film speed, and data imprinting rings; the aperture/repro and film speed rings have large silver locking screws, there is only one data ring (with a knurled chrome finish), and the power connector is a three-pin, half-moon socket. The earlier model has "Medical Nikkor" engraved towards the front of the lens, while the later model has it towards the back. Recycling times range from 5-8 sec. on mains and 4-14 sec. on battery power, depending on type of battery and power ratio in use. The early lens (later lens is probably similar) weighs 665g (1.5 lb.), less than the later 200f/4 IF Micro, and is 78mm diam by 170mm long. Flash output is appox. 60 W-s, duration appox. 1/500 sec.

In all incarnations, the outfit includes:

  • 1 Medical-Nikkor 200f/5.6
  • 6 auxillary lenses (1/8x, 1/6x, 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x)
  • 1 power supply (AC or DC, later LA-1 or LD-1)
  • 1 power-source cord (1.5m)
  • 1 synchro cord
  • 1 front lens cap
  • 1 rear lens cap
  • 1 power-socket cover
  • 4 spare focussing-lamp bulbs
  • 1 safety cover for F/F2-type hotshoe
  • 1 leather compartment case

The AC Unit is included as standard equipment. The DC Unit was an extra-cost option, as was an extra-long power-source cord. The safety cover is probably a particularly annoying accessory to collect -- I saw one for sale (separately) at $75 US: not bad for a little bit of plastic. I say if you're using a 200f/5.6, make do with some electrical tape ($0.80/roll US).

Because the Medical-Nikkor is an autoexposure, fixed-focus lens, it is remarkably easy to use.

  1. select the reproduction ratio desired (may be determined by working distance or the desired subject field, tabulated below)
  2. add the appropriate lenses
  3. set the film speed
  4. set the aperture (via the reproduction ratio in use)
  5. set the desired data imprint
  6. "foot-zoom" the picture into focus (using the modelling lights, if needed)
  7. take the picture
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
| Repro | Attached | Working  |     Subject     |
| Ratio |  Lenses  | Distance |      Field      |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:15 |   none   | 131.89in | 14.17 x 21.26in |
|       |          |  3 350mm |   360 x 540mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:8  |   1/8x   |  70.08in |  7.56 x 11.34in |
|       |          |  1 780mm |   192 x 288mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:6  |   1/6x   |  52.64in |  5.67 x  8.50in |
|       |          |  1 336mm |   144 x 216mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:4  |   1/4x   |  35.04in |  3.78 x  5.67in |
|       |          |    890mm |    96 x 144mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:3  |   1/6x   |  25.00in |  2.72 x  4.06in |
|       |  + 1/4x  |    635mm |    69 x 103mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:2  |   1/2x   |  17.56in |  1.89 x  2.83in |
|       |          |    446mm |    48 x  72mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  2:3  |   1/2x   |  12.83in |  1.38 x  2.09in |
|       |  + 1/4x  |    326mm |    35 x  53mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  1:1  |    1x    |   8.70in |  0.94 x  1.42in |
|       |          |    221mm |    24 x  36mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  3:2  |    1x    |   6.06in |  0.67 x  0.98in |
|       |  + 1/2x  |    154mm |    17 x  25mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  2:1  |    2x    |   4.25in |  0.47 x  0.71in |
|       |          |    108mm |    12 x  18mm   |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+
|  3:1  |    2x    |   2.83in |  0.33 x  0.50in |
|       |   + 1x   |     72mm |   8.4 x  12.6mm |
+-------+----------+----------+-----------------+

The lens mounts like all other Nikkors. The diamond-studded ring which has the power and sync sockets (and a neon ready-light, as well as the microswitch for the modelling lights) probably does not rotate and so is your best grip. The camera-flash sync is set via a standard PC-to-PC cord, and the appropriate power cable is used from the mains or battery source to the lens. Note that because the earlier and later versions have different power sockets, power sources and cables are not interchangeable.

As noted above, the sequence of steps is logical, but the early and later lenses are sufficiently different to distinguish a few steps. The early lens has two index marks for the film speed; the one on the right, i.e. the one reading slower-speed film, is the full-power index, while the other one is the 1/4-power index. The later lens has a white diamond for full power and a "1/4" for 1/4 power. Both lenses may be adjusted from ASA 10 to 800. You may compensate for different tones by adjusting the ASA appropriately. The full-1/4 power switch is found on the power supply.

The data-imprinting system is also slightly different. Both models allow white numbers from 1 to 39 or yellow reproduction ratios to be imprinted. The earlier model has a series of letters (A, B, C, D) on the ring immediately in front of the data-selection ring; these correspond to the amount of light "leaked" to expose the data on the film and are:

The British Journal of Photography wrote up a fairly detailed users'-view of this lens, in which they note that the accessory lenses are of 2-element construction and are designed specifically around the 200f/5.6 prime lens. The great advantage of not using extension to create different reproduction ratios (note that the later 120f/4 Medical also did not use extension, relying on internal focussing, IF, instead) was in simplifying the design, i.e. there was no need to build in an automatically compensating diaphragm. Instead, you could use a simple slide-rule calculation (which you do with the film speed and reproduction ratio rings). However, since the supplimentaries work by (essentially) reducing the focal length (something that IF later did!), the working distance is somewhat compromised.

For both lenses, the front ring (upon which the lens combinations are imprinted) may be removed to gain access to the modelling lights. They are simple 2.5V bulbs, and can probably be replaced with similar threaded electric torch bulbs. The front lens ring (to which the supplementary lenses are attached) serves as a retaining ring for the flashtube, and may also be removed. The lens itself remains the same four-element glass of no particular optical distinction. As it was a somewhat rare item, especially as a complete outfit, it has attracted some collectors' attention. Practically speaking, even the current 120f/4 IF Medical-Nikkor is not the most useable ringlight/lens available; my vote goes to a 105f/2.8 Micro with an SB-21 (TTL metering, available autofocus) or the older 200f/4 IF Micro if you need more working distance. On the other hand, both Medical-Nikkors offer relatively painless ways of getting beyond 1:1 magnification, and their systemic integration is a delight to behold.

SM-1 Ringlight

As with all ringlights, this unit is designed to provide shadowless lighting for close-up subjects. It attaches to the rear of the lens via the bayonet mount (it has a bayonet release lever similar to that on the M2-tube as well as a semi-automatic diaphragm plunger). It is designed for photography at mag. ratios greater than 1:1 with 24mm to 135mm lenses, reversed on bellows (via the BR-2). The permanently attached cord has two plugs, a PC-type sync and a 4-pin power plug, which attaches to the SB-1. There is a switch on the SM-1 to cut output from full to 1/4 power, but overall power is controlled from the SB-1. It has a small modeling light built-in for ease of focussing when up close to the subject.

Different lenses have different exposure effects with the SM-1. If I had some skill with cgi, I'd write a script to automatically look up the f/ stop based on your subject-to-film-plane distance. Unfortunately, you have to settle for the following tables:

for 24f/2.8:
+----------+------+
| subj-fp  |  f/  |
| distance | stop |
+----------+------+
|  305 mm  |  5.6 |
+----------+------+
|  250 mm  |   8  |
+----------+------+
|  200 mm  |  11  |
+----------+------+
chart is linear with
evenly spaced f/number
progression       
          
ASA 100 @ 1/4 power
(close two stops for 
full power, one stop
for each ASA doubling)


for 35f/2.8, f/2, f/1.4
and 28f/3.5, f/2:
+----------+------+
| subj-fp  |  f/  |
| distance | stop |
+----------+------+
|  360 mm  |  5.6 |
+----------+------+
|  305 mm  |   8  |
+----------+------+
|  250 mm  |  11  |
+----------+------+
|  195 mm  |  16  |
+----------+------+
chart is linear with
evenly spaced f/number
progression       
          
ASA 100 @ 1/4 power
(close two stops for 
full power, one stop
for each ASA doubling)


for 55f/3.5
and 50f/2, f/1.4
and 45f/2.8:
+----------+------+
| subj-fp  |  f/  |
| distance | stop |
+----------+------+
|  310 mm  |  11  |
+----------+------+
|  240 mm  |  16  |
+----------+------+
|  205 mm  |  22  |
+----------+------+
chart is nonlinear with
evenly spaced f/number
progression       
          
ASA 100 @ 1/4 power
(close two stops for 
full power, one stop
for each ASA doubling)


for 105f/2.5
and 85f/1.8:
+----------+------+
| subj-fp  |  f/  |
| distance | stop |
+----------+------+
|  420 mm  |  11  |
+----------+------+
|  300 mm  |  16  |
+----------+------+
chart is nonlinear with
evenly spaced f/number
progression       
          
ASA 100 @ 1/4 power
(close two stops for 
full power, one stop
for each ASA doubling)

When you use the above tables, note that extension factor has already been taken into account, and the f/ stop indicated is as it should be set on the lens. The "chart is (non)linear" notation indicates whether if, the data, when scatter-plotted with distance on the y-axis and f/ stop progression (i.e. f/1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, etc.) spaced evenly on the x-axis, are linear or not. The linear ones may be linearly interpolated, using the logarithm of the f/ stop.

SR-1 Ringlight

As with all ringlights, this unit is designed to provide shadowless lighting for close-up subjects. It attaches to the front of the lens via a 52mm threaded ring, which may be turned via the knurled ring in the center of the flashtube housing. A cord is permanently attached to this unit. The cord has two plugs on it; one is a standard PC-type sync plug and the other is the 4-pin power plug, which attaches to the SB-1 only. Thus for those of you who've scrounged up a spare SD-3 can't use the SR-1 (or SM-1) with the SB-1 and SD-3. The SR-1's power is controlled via the SB-1's power switch, and the SR-1 has a light-output switch which cuts the output from full to 1/4 power.

The SR-1 is recommended for use for subject-to-film-plane distances greater than 200mm. The guide number appears to be 14m (45.5ft) at ASA 100 and full power. 1/4 power would require opening up two more stops. Since the SB-1/SR-1 is a fully manual flash, without exposure confirmation, your best bet is either to obtain and use a flashmeter, or use the guide number calculated above. A chart is included below for your convenience:

+----------+------+
| subj-fp  |  f/  |
| distance | stop |
+----------+------+
|  625 mm  |  5.6 |
+----------+------+
|  500 mm  |   8  |
+----------+------+
|  375 mm  |  11  |
+----------+------+
|  250 mm  |  16  |
+----------+------+
|  130 mm  |  22  |
+----------+------+
chart is linear with 
evenly spaced f/number 
progression

ASA 25 @ 1/4 power
(close two stops for 
full power, one stop
for each ASA doubling)

There's not much else to say. If you're a fan of flat, featureless lighting, or have a burning need for a ringlight, you could probably do better than an SR-1. More modern units will provide TTL flash metering, which is a godsend for close-up photography. On the other hand, if you want to assemble the complete SB-1 system ...

SM-2 Ringlight

Light Output Control:
manual; full or 1/4 power
Guide Number:
not applicable
Number of Flashes (appox.):
600 (LD-1, full, alkaline manganese batteries)
1 400 (LD-1, 1/4, alkaline manganese batteries)
unlimited (LA-1)
Recycling Time:
appox. 12 sec.
Angle of Coverage:
sufficient for macro coverage
Power Sources:
LD-1 DC unit (8 1.5V "D"-type cells)
LA-1 AC unit
Ready-light:
provided
Open Flash/Test Firing Button:
provided
Modeling Lamp:
provided; button-activated
Synch Socket for Eyepiece Pilot Lamp:
provided
Ready-light Contact for F2 Series Camera Finders:
provided with accessory SC-4
Dimensions and Weight:
70 x 100 x 35mm; 185g without batteries
2.8 x 3.9 x 1.4 in.; 6.5 oz. without batteries
Accessories:
DC Unit LD-1
AC Unit LA-1
ready-light adapter SC-4
sync cord SC-5
coiled sync cord SC-6
sync cord SC-7
extension cord SE-2
eyepiece pilot lamp SF-1

Visually, the SM-2 appears nearly identical to its predecessor, the SM-1. The main differences are that the SM-2 has sockets instead of the SM-1's permanently attached power and sync cords. The sockets on the SM-2 are similar to other Nikon speedlites; there is the three-prong sync socket and a half-moon three-pin power socket identical to the one on the later version of the Medical-Nikkor 200 (not wholly unexpected, as they share the same power supplies ...)

Although I am not completely sure, the specs and usage for the SM-2 should be the same as those for the SM-1. The great advantage of using the SR-2/SM-2 (instead of the the corresponding SR-1/SM-1 products) is in not being tied to the SB-1 as a source of power, but rather being tied to largish, blocky power packs. Yes, there's always the SB-21A/B, which offers TTL closeup flash at a price.

SR-2 Ringlight

Light Output Control:
manual; full or 1/4 power
Guide Number:
16m (52 ft.) for ASA 100 film at full power
8m (26 ft.) for ASA 100 film at 1/4 power
Number of Flashes (appox.):
600 (LD-1, full, alkaline manganese batteries)
1 400 (LD-1, 1/4, alkaline manganese batteries)
unlimited (LA-1)
Recycling Time:
appox. 12 sec.
Angle of Coverage:
65 degrees
Power Sources:
LD-1 DC unit (8 1.5V "D"-type cells)
LA-1 AC unit
Ready-light:
provided
Open Flash/Test Firing Button:
provided
Synch Socket for Eyepiece Pilot Lamp:
provided
Ready-light Contact for F2 Series Camera Finders:
provided with accessory SC-4
Dimensions and Weight:
140 x 106 x 25mm; 200g without batteries
5.5 x 4.2 x 1 in.; 7 oz. without batteries
Accessories:
DC Unit LD-1
AC Unit LA-1
ready-light adapter SC-4
sync cord SC-5
coiled sync cord SC-6
sync cord SC-7
extension cord SE-2
eyepiece pilot lamp SF-1

Visually, the SR-2 appears nearly identical to its predecessor, the SR-1. The main differences are that the SM-2 has sockets instead of the SR-1's permanently attached power and sync cords. The sockets on the SR-2 are similar to other Nikon speedlites; there is the three-prong sync socket and a half-moon three-pin power socket identical to the one on the later version of the Medical-Nikkor 200 (not wholly unexpected, as they share the same power supplies ...)

Although I am not completely sure, the specs and usage for the SR-2 should be the same as those for the SR-1. Again, remember that the SR-2 is appropriate for use down to 0.6m (2 ft.).


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