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121Technical Notes / Optional Accessories
Notes on Optional Speedlights
Refer to the Speedlight manual for detailed instructions. If the Speedlight supports the Creative Light-
ing System, refer to the section on CLS-compatible digital SLR cameras. The D80 is not included in the
“digital SLR” category in the SB-80DX, SB-28DX, and SB-50DX manuals.
If an optional Speedlight is attached with the camera in a Digital Vari-Program mode, the fl ash will fi re
whenever a photograph is taken. The following fl ash modes are available:
• P,
, , , , , and modes: Fill fl ash and red-eye reduction. Fill fl ash is automatically selected
if the fl ash mode is set to off or auto when an optional Speedlight is attached. Auto with red-eye
reduction becomes red-eye reduction.
•
mode: Auto slow sync becomes slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction becomes slow
sync with red-eye reduction, and off becomes slow sync.
If AUTO is selected for ISO sensitivity in Digital Vari-Program modes or On is selected for Custom Set-
ting 7 (ISO Auto) in P, S, A, or M mode, ISO sensitivity will be adjusted for optimal fl ash output when
an optional SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlight is attached. This may result in foreground subjects being un-
derexposed in photographs taken with the fl ash at slow shutter speeds, in daylight, or against a bright
background. Choose a fl ash mode other than slow sync or choose a larger aperture.
If Auto FP High Speed Sync is used, the shutter will synchronize with an external fl ash at speeds of ½
00 s
or slower.
i-TTL fl ash control can be used at ISO sensitivities between 100 and 1600. Higher values may not
produce the desired results at some ranges or apertures. If the fl ash-ready indicator blinks for about
three seconds after a photograph is taken, the fl ash has fi red at full power and the photograph may
be underexposed.
The optional SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights and SU-800 wireless Speedlight commander provide ac-
tive AF assist illumination for the following focus areas:
• 24–34 mm AF lens
• 35–105 mm AF lens
The SB-800 and SB-600 also provide red-eye reduction. With other Speedlights, the camera AF assist
illuminator is used for AF-assist illumination and red-eye reduction.
In the following modes, the maximum aperture (minimum f/-number) selectable by the camera is
limited according to ISO sensitivity (
43):
Maximum aperture at ISO sensitivity of
Mode 100 125 160 200 250 320 400 500 640 800 1000 1250 1600
P,
, , , , , 4 4.2 4.5 4.8 5 5.3 5.6 6 6.3 6.7 7.1 7.6 8
5.6 6 6.3 6.7 7.1 7.6 8 8.5 9 9.5 10 11 11
For each one-step increase in sensitivity (e.g., from 200 to 400), aperture is stopped down by half an f/-
stop. If the maximum aperture of the lens is smaller than given above, the maximum value for aperture
will be the maximum aperture of the lens.
When an SC-series 17, 28, or 29 sync cable is used for off -camera fl ash photography, correct exposure
may not be achieved in i-TTL mode. We recommend that you choose spot metering to select standard
i-TTL fl ash control. Take a test shot and view the results in the monitor.
In i-TTL mode, use the fl ash panel or bounce adapter provided with the Speedlight. Do not use other
panels such as diff usion panels, as this may produce incorrect exposure. Auto power zoom is available
only with SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights.