Nikon SB-16A/B - Part VI

TTL multiple flash photography

By using the SB-16 connected to an F3-series, FA, FE2, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, FG or Nikonos-V (via V-Type Sync Cord) camera as a master flash unit and either the Nikon Speedlight SB-11, SB-14, SB-15, SB-16, SB17, SB-18 and/or SB-140 as slave flash unit(s), TTL multiple flash photography with up to five flash units can be performed.

To use the SB-11, SB-14 and/or SB-140 in TTL multiple flash photography, the TTL Remote Cord SC-23 is required.

To perform TTL multiple flash photography, use the optional TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18 (1.5m) and/or SC-19 (3m) to connect the flash units together via the TTL multiple flash terminal. Possible combination for TTL-Multiple Flash setup

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Manual multiple flash photography If the secondary flash unit is either a Nikon Speedlight SB-11, SB-12, SB-14, SB-15, SB-16 or SB-17, use either the SC-11 (approx. 25cm) or SC-15 (approx. 1m) sync cord to connect the flash units together via sync/multiple flash terminal. With the SB-7E or SB-10, use the SC-5 (approx. 15cm), SC-7 (approx. 25cm) or SC-6 (approx. 1 m). All these sync cords are available as optional accessories.

Note: In manual multiple flash operation, make sure to use both flash units on manual. In the TTL or non-TTL automatic shooting mode, the correct exposure cannot be obtained, because light from each speedlight affects the measurement

Caution: The SB-16 employs a special low-voltage triggering circuit to prevent electrical shock and damage to the hotshoe contact We do not recommend mixing Nikon Speedlights with flash units of other makers for multiple flash photography unless you use slave units for remote triggering. Otherwise, incorrect operation and/or damage to the unit may result

Sync Cords 10, 11, and 15 For use with cameras not provided with a hot shoe or for off-camera or multiple-flash lighting setups. The SC-11 is 25cm while the SC-15 is one meter. To use the SC-10 with F2- or F3-series cameras, use of the Nikon Flash Unit Coupler (AS-1 for the F2 and AS-4/7(AS-17) for the F3) is required.

TTL Remote Cord SC-14 (For F3 models)The SC-14 enables the SB-16A to be used up to one meter off a Nikon F3-series camera for TTL automatic flash operation.

TTL Remote Cord SC-17 (For models that have standard ISO-type accessory shoe)

The coiled cord SC-17 enables the SB-15, SB-16B or SB-18 or even many Nikon AF flash units to be used up to one and half meters off a Nikon FA, FE2, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, or FG camera for TTL automatic flash operation. Even with the SG17, automatic sync speed setting and ready-light indication in the viewfinder are provided just as if the flash unit were mounted directly on the camera. The SC-17 which has two terminals for TTL multiple flash photography can be used to connect up to two slave flash units when the SB-16B is used as a master flash unit. A tripod socket is provided.

TTL Multi Flash Sync Cords SC-18 and SC-19 The SC-18 and/or SC-19 are used to connect the flash units together for TTL multiple flash operation. The SC18 is 1.5m long, while the SC-19 is 3m.

TTL Multi Flash Adaptor AS-10 When you plan to perform TTL multiple flash operation with more than three flash units or to use the SB-15 or SB-18 as a slave flash unit, the AS-10 is required. With one AS-10 having three TTL multiple flash terminals, you can use up to three slave flash units including one mounted on it.

A tripod socket at the bottom enables the SB-16B mounted on the AS-10 to be fixed to a tripod. To perform TTL flash photography with two units using the SB16B as a slave flash unit or to perform TTL photography with three units using the SB-16B as a master flash unit mounted on the SC-17, use of the AS-10 is not always needed. Without the AS-10, however, the electrical contacts on the flash unit are uncovered and can be the cause of incorrect output control.
AS-11

Flash Tripod Adaptor AS-11

The AS-11 enables the SB-16A, used as a slave flash unit, to be attached to a tripod. Also, it prevents the SB16A ready-light from blinking for no reason and lets you see when the flash is ready to fire and whether or not the flash fired at its maximum output.

Flash Unit Couplers AS 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7

The AS-1, AS-4, or AS-7 convert the accessory shoe of a Nikon F2- or F3-series camera to the standard ISO-type accessory shoe, allowing direct attachment of the SB-16B. The AS-1 is for the F2-series camera and the AS-4 and 7 are for the F3-series camera. A special feature of the AS-7 is that it lets you change film without removing the flash unit. The AS-6, on the other hand, is used when you want to mount the SB-16A directly on the Nikon FA, FE2, FM2, FE, F-501/N2020, F-301/N2000, FG, FG-20, EM or FM camera. To mount the SB-16A on an F2-series camera, the AS-5 is required.

Update: Nikon recently introduced a new AS-17 flash coupler that may allow those TTL flash units with standard ISO-type mounting foot to be used on the Nikon F3 models and retaining full TTL flash function. Please check with your local Nikon distributor for actual compatibility before purchase.

Soft Flash Unit Case SS-16

The SS-16 accommodates the main flash unit of the SB-16 and both Flash Unit Couplers AS-8 and AS-9, one attached to the main flash unit, and one stored separately inside the pocket, with the Wide-Flash Adaptor SW-7 attached to the flash head.

If you do not store a flash unit coupler in the pocket, then you can put the SW-7 inside the pocket instead of attaching it to the flash head. The pocket can also be used to store spare batteries. Note: In storing the coupler or adaptor inside the pocket, never put them together or anything else with it. If you do so, the electrical contacts on the mounting foot of the coupler or the glass surface of the adaptor may be damaged.

``Red Eye'' "Red eye" is a phenomenon in flash photography where the centre portions of the subject's eyes appear as bright red orbs in colour photographs (or white in black and white pictures). This is a result of the light from the flash illuminating the retina directly. If the subject looks straight into the lens and there is little or no ambient light, the pupil is wide open, making the retina clearly visible in the picture. To minimize chances of getting "red eye," you can take any or all of the following precautions: 1. Ask the subject not to look directly into the lens when the picture is taken. 2. Remove the flash unit from the camera and hold it as far away as possible from the camera by using a sync cord. 3. Increase the room's overall illumination to reduce the opening of the subject's pupils.

•To remove dirt or fingerprints, wipe with a dry soft or silicon-treated cloth. Never use thinner, benzine or alcohol, since they might damage the plastic parts. To clean the Wide Flash Adaptor, wash it with soap and water. Never use a brush, as this may damage it.

• If you do not plan to use the unit for more than two weeks, remove the batteries to avoid possible damage to the circuitry by battery leakage. If leakage should inadvertently occur, take the flash unit to your nearest Nikon authorized service facility.

•To prevent damage to the flash unit's electronic circuitry, keep the camera away from places where the temperature is likely to go higher than 50°C, such as inside the trunk of a car in the hot summer sun; also do not store the unit in exceptionally damp places. Use the SB-16 within the range of -10°C`+50°C.

• If your SB-16 has not been used for a long time, its recycling time may be longer. To maintain the built-in condenser in peak condition, thereby enabling you to use the SB-16 for many years, fire the flash unit a few times every month.

After firing, wait until the ready-light lights, then turn off the power switch, remove the batteries, and store the SB-16 in a suitable location. This will prevent the condenser from deteriorating.

• keep the flash unit away from salt water and out of the rain.

• Never attempt to disassemble or repair the flash yourself. These delicate procedures should be left to an authorized service facility.

Optimum Battery Performance

New batteries. Between manufacturing and first use, all batteries exhibit some drain. Therefore, care should be taken to purchase the newest (and freshest) ones possible. To help you do this, some manufacturers stamp the date of manufacture on the bottom of each battery. Ask your camera dealer for assistance in interpreting the codes.
Temperature. Battery life ratings are based on operation at around 25°C (77°F). At other temperatures, battery life is shortened. Spare batteries should therefore be kept available if operation in low temperatures is anticipated.
Continuous use. Batteries are drained much more quickly by continuous use than by intermittent use.
Storage. When not in use, the batteries should be removed to prevent damage from leakage. To minimize drain during the period of disuse, store the batteries in a cool, dry place below 20°C (68°F).
Battery brands. Do not mix brands of batteries, nor use batteries with different model numbers. Also, avoid mixing new and old batteries since proper performance will no be obtained and battery leakage may occur.
Disposal. Do not dispose of batteries by burning. Also, for safety's sake, never disassemble batteries.
Polarity. When installing batteries, observe the voltage polarities carefully. Reversal of the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals will result in leakage. If leakage should occur, take the SB-16 to your dealer.
NiCd batteries. In comparison with regular batteries, NiCd batteries provide faster recycling time and better efficiency at low temperatures. However, note that the recycling time and the number of flashes per battery set are dependent on the age of the batteries, how much charge they have, and their capacities.

NikonSB16Bchart.gif (25k) Gif Loading slowly now ....

Nikon SB-16B (AS-`17) Flash / speedlight compatibility chart with various Nikon cameras.

Source: Nikon Europe

Specifications: (The SB-16 main flash unit has the following specifications when combined with the Flash Unit Coupler AS-8 or AS-9)

Electronic construction: Automatic silicon-controlled rectifier and series circuitry
Guide number at ASA/ISO 100 and meters (or at ASA/ISO 25 and feet): At full output: 32 (52) with the zoom head set at N; 19 (33) with the zoom head set at W1 and Wide-Flash Adaptor SW-7 attached
Angle of coverage: 60° horizontal and 45° vertical with the zoom head set at N; 78° horizontal and 60° vertical with the zoom head set at W2 and Wide-Flash Adaptor attached
Flash Heads: Two flash heads provided; main head tilts back 90° with click stops at the 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° positions and also rotates through an arc of 270°, 90° clockwise with click stops at 30°, 60° and 90° positions, and 180° counter clockwise with click-stops at 30°, 60°, 90°, 120°, 150° and 180° positions; the smaller secondary head faces straight ahead to provide a catch light for the eyes
Zooming capability: Possible with four settings (T, S, N and W1 for 85mm, 50mm, 35mm and 28mm lens
Batteries: Four 1.5VM-type alkaline manganese penlight batteries or four 1.2VM-type NiCd batteries recommended

Battery type	Number of flashes*	Recycling time
Alkaline-manganese	approx.100 times	approx.11 sec. minimum
NiCd**	approx. 40 times	approx. 8 sec. minimum

* At full output; of course, more flashes and shorter recycling times are possible in the TTL, non- TTL automatic, or MD mode ** This data depends on brand of battery and amount of recharging

TTL-automatic exposure: Through-the-lens automatic exposure control when the SB-16A is combined with the Nikon F3-series camera or when the SB-16B is combined with the Nikon FA, FE2, F-501/N2020,
F-301/N2000, FG or Nikonos-V; film speeds from ASA/ISO 25 to 400 with the FA, FE2, FG or Nikonos-V, or ASA/ISO 25 to 1000 with F-501/N2020 or F-301/ N2000; usable aperture range from f/2 to f/22

non-TTL-automatic exposure: Automatic exposure control via the front-mounted light sensor; two working apertures depending on film speed (f/8 and f/4 at ASA/ISO 100) are usable and identified as A1 and A2
Manual exposure control: Full output at M setting
Synchronization with motor driven camera: Possible at MD setting with 1/16th of full output. Guide number is 8 at ASA/ISO 100 and meters (or 13 at ASA/ISO 25 and feet) with the zoom head set at N; only main flash fires;

Dimensions (W x H x D):
SB 16A: approx. 82mm x 166.5mm x 100mm
SB 16B: approx. 82mm x 144mm x 100 mm

Weight :
SB 16A: approx. 485g (without batteries)
SB 16B: approx. 445g (without batteries)
Accessories provided: Wide-Flash Adaptor SW-7; Soft Case SS-16; Battery Holder MS-5