Filter
Top Products
Bounce Flash Close-Up Flash Setting the Built-In Wide Flash Adapter
Multiple Flash Operation
Notes on Batteries
In TTL Auto Flash TTL mode, when shooting subjects such as flowers or insects closer
than 0.6m (2 ft), use your SB-22s off camera and utilize its built-in wide flash adapter
to take close-up pictures with flash.
1
Connect the SB-22s to your camera using an optional TTL Remote Cord.
Use an optional TTL Remote Cord SC-17 (or SC-24 for F4 cameras with a High-
Magnification Finder DW-20 or DW-21, and F5 cameras with a High-
Magnification Finder DW-30 or DW-31) for connecting the SB-22s to your
camera. The subject cannot be sufficiently illuminated if the flash unit is
attached to the camera’s accessory shoe.
For details on connections, refer to the SC-17 or SC-24’s instruction manual.
2
Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-priority auto (A) or Manual (M).
Set your camera’s metering system to any setting.
The shutter speed is automatically set to the flash sync speed when the SB-22s’s
POWER is turned on. (Or you can intentionally set the shutter speed to one slower
than the flash sync speed.)
For the FM3
A camera, set a shutter speed slower than 1/250 sec., the flash sync
speed.
3
Set the flash mode selector to TTL.
Correct exposure cannot be obtained in non-TTL auto flash A mode.
4
Set the built-in wide flash adapter. Then adjust the flash head toward
the subject.
Refer to “Setting the Built-In Wide Flash Adapter.”
The angle of coverage changes from “N-35mm” to “W-28mm.”
5
Set the aperture on the lens aperture ring or on the camera by calculating
the f/stop using the equation and table below.
coefficient
f/stop (aperture) ≥
flash-to-subject distance (m/ft)
ISO film speed and coefficient (m/ft)
For example, with a subject 0.5m (1.6 ft.) away from the SB-22s’s flash head using
ISO 100 film and the wide flash adapter in place, the suggested aperture is:
3
f/stop ≥ (in meters) = 6
0.5
9.8
f/stop ≥ (in feet) = approx. 6
1.6
Therefore, you should use f/6 or smaller (larger f-number), such as f/8, f/11 or f/16.
6
Wait for the ready-light to come on and make sure the subject is in focus
before taking the picture.
If the ready-light blinks for approx. 3 seconds after shooting, this indicates the
light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, use a wider
aperture (smaller f-number) or move closer to the subject.
The SB-22s comes with a wide flash adapter to increase the angle of coverage to
match a 28mm lens. The guide number is reduced from 28 to 20 (ISO 100, meters)
when the built-in wide flash adapter is used.
Setting the wide flash adapter
1
Tilt the flash head to the 90° position .
2
Slide out the wide flash adapter in the direction of the arrow as far as it
will go .
CAUTION
Do not tilt down the flash head from 90° position when the wide flash adapter is
extended midway.
3
Return the flash head to its original position .
When the wide flash adapter is set, the angle of coverage changes from N-35mm
to W-28mm, and the distance scale also moves.
Detaching the wide flash adapter
1
Tilt the flash head to the 90° position.
2
While pushing the wide flash adapter lock button , slide the wide flash
adapter back inside the flash head .
3
Return the flash head to its original position .
Handling batteries
Battery power tends to weaken as the temperature drops. At low temperatures, the
number of flashes decrease and recycling time is longer. NiCd, Ni-MH and lithium
batteries feature greater efficiency at low temperatures, usable as low as –20°C
(–4°F). Alkaline-manganese and zinc-carbon batteries are not recommended as
their performance become noticeably degraded at –10°C (14 °F) for alkaline-
manganese and 0°C (32°F) for zinc-carbon batteries.
In either case, battery performance may differ with each brand, due to modification
in specifications or improvement in performance.
Using lithium batteries
Lithium batteries incorporate internal safety switches. When they become hot, their
safety circuits are activated, cutting off power. Battery power will recover if you stop
using them, allowing their temperature to return to normal.
Using rechargeable NiCd and Ni-MH batteries
Overcharging and excessive use may shorten battery life. Always make certain to
turn the SB-22s off when not in use.
Because flash consumes a large amount of battery power, rechargeable batteries
may not operate properly before reaching the end of their stated life-span or the
number of charging/discharging as specified by the battery manufacturer.
Tips on Speedlight Care
Use a blower brush to remove dirt and dust from the SB-22s and clean it with a soft,
clean cloth. Never use commercial cleaners containing thinner, benzene, or alcohol
as they could damage its plastic parts.
When storing the SB-22s for two weeks or longer, remove the batteries to prevent
battery leakage. Also once a month, insert fresh batteries and fire the unit several
times to reform its capacitor and keep the SB-22s in top working order. Finally make
sure the ready-light is on, before turning the power off and removing the batteries.
Keep the SB-22s away from chemicals such as camphor or naphthalene. Also avoid
exposing it to magnetic waves from TVs or radios.
Never store the SB-22s in the truck or glove compartment of a vehicle during the
summer nor place it in front of a heater.
Troubleshooting
To eliminate harsh shadows produced by a single flash unit, add additional illumination to
the background, or create special lighting effects not possible with a single flash unit, you
can attach Nikon Speedlights in series.
Multiple flash operation can be accomplished in two ways: (1) by connecting a Speedlight to
the camera using a sync or remote cord such as TTL Remote Cord SC-17 or (2) by mounting
a Speedlight on the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 (optional). In both cases, TTL
multiple flash operation is possible with Nikon cameras in the TTL Auto Flash mode.
Notes on multiple flash operation using a sync or remote cord:
SB-11, SB-14, SB-140 and SB-21B Speedlights cannot be used with Nikon F-401/N4004
or F-401s/N4004s as either main or secondary units.
In multiple flash operation, if the electric current in the synchro circuit exceeds a certain
level, you may not be able to take a second shot after the first. In this case, disconnect
the main flash unit from the camera. This resets the circuits so you can resume shooting.
In multiple flash operation, take care that the combined total of the coefficients in the
table below for all flash units used together does not exceed 20 at 20°C (68°F), or 13 at
40°C (104°F).
Speedlight coefficient per each unit
Notes on multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash
Controller SU-4 (optional):
TTL, non-TTL or Manual multiple flash operation is possible by using the camera’s built-
in Speedlight or a Speedlight mounted on the camera’s hot shoe as the master flash
unit, and one or more Speedlights mounted on Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4s as
the slave flash units.
The SU-4’s built-in light sensor not only detects when the master flash unit fires to
trigger the slave flash unit, but also controls the flash duration of the slave flash unit in
sync with the master flash unit.
These Nikon Speedlights are usable:
SB-29, SB-28/28DX, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-23, SB-22s, SB-22, SB-20, SB-18,
SB-16B, SB-15
For more information, refer to the instruction manual provided with the SU-4.
TTL multiple flash operation
NOTE
TTL multiple flash operation is not possible with Nikon New FM2, FM10, FE10 and
D1 Series cameras. In this case, perform non-TTL or manual multiple flash operation
using the SU-4.
1
Connect the main flash unit to the camera directly.
Or use the TTL Remote Cord SC-17/SC-24 or Power Bracket Unit SK-6 instead.
2
Connect the main flash unit to the secondary flash unit(s)
Use one or more TTL Remote Cords SC-18/SC-19 or the TTL Multi-Flash
Adapter AS-10.
Use the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 to control remotely one or more
slave flash units in the TTL flash mode.
For other optional remote cords, refer to “Optional Accessories.”
3
Set each flash unit by considering its direction and distance.
Please note that the brightness of flash illumination is inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between the flash unit and the subject when the
same Speedlight models are used for both the master and slave Speedlights.
For example, if the flash-to-subject distance is a reference unit of 1 (e.g., 1m),
the brightness will be one-half that when the subject is 1.4 times away, and one-
quarter when the subject is twice as far away.
For details on connections, refer to the SC-17, SC-18, SC-19, or SC-24’s
instruction manual.
4
Turn on all flash units and make sure their standby functions are not
activated.
5
Set the flash mode on all flash units to TTL.
6
Follow the same procedures as in normal TTL Auto Flash TTL mode.
Manual multiple flash operation
1
Attach the SB-22s to the camera’s accessory shoe.
2
Connect the SB-22s to the sync flash terminal of the secondary flash unit(s).
Use the same cords as used for TTL multiple flash operation, or Sync Cord
SC-11 or coiled Sync Cord SC-15.
Use the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 to control remotely one or more
slave flash units in the Manual flash mode.
For usable optional remote cords, refer to “Optional Accessories.”
3
Set each flash unit by considering its direction and distance.
Please note that the brightness of flash illumination is inversely proportional to
the square of the distance between the flash unit and the subject. See the
example described in “TTL multiple flash operation” above.
For details on connections, refer to the SC-17, SC-18, SC-19, or SC-24’s
instruction manual.
4
Turn on all flash units and make sure their standby functions are not activated.
5
Set the flash mode of all the flash units to Manual M.
6
Follow the same procedures as in normal Manual flash M mode.
SPEEDLIGHT SB
-
22s
A
M TTL
ISO
50
100
200
4
5.
6
8
11
16
2
2.
8
When taking pictures indoors, direct flash often causes harsh, unattractive shadows
on the subject or background. By bouncing the light off the ceiling or walls, you can
soften the shadows and produce more natural-looking portraits.
NOTE
In color photography, select white or highly reflective surfaces to bounce the light off
of. Otherwise, your pictures will come out with an unnatural color cast similar to that
of the reflecting surface.
1
Tilt up the SB-22s’s flash head to 60° or more.
The BOUNCE indicator LED blinks when the flash head is tilted.
The flash head can be tilted up to 90°. Intermediate settings can also be used.
NOTE
If the angle of the flash head is not far enough off axis from the subject, uneven
illumination will result from a combination of direct and bounced flash.
2
Set the camera’s exposure mode to Aperture-priority auto (A) or Manual (M).
Any metering system is acceptable.
For Nikon FM3A, New FM2 and FM10 cameras, manually set the shutter speed to
the flash sync shutter speed or slower.
For other cameras, the shutter speed is automatically set to the flash sync
speed. (Or you can intentionally set the shutter speed to one slower than the
flash sync speed.) Refer to your camera’s instruction manual for details.
3
Set the SB-22s’s flash mode selector to TTL, A1, A2, A3 or A4, then set
the aperture on the camera or lens aperture ring.
With bounce flash, there is a 2 to 3 stop light
loss when compared with normal TTL or non-
TTL auto flash modes. Therefore, you should
open up the lens by 2 to 3 stops (use smaller
f-numbers) and bracket your exposures,
whenever possible.
For details on the flash mode selector (TTL,
A1-A4) and aperture values, refer to “TTL
Auto Flash TTL Mode,” “Non-TTL Auto Flash
A Mode,” or “Checking the Correct
Exposure.”
4
Wait for the ready-light to come on and make sure the subject is in focus
before taking the picture.
If the ready-light blinks for approx. 3 seconds after shooting, this indicates the
light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this case, use a wider
aperture or reduce the distance between the subject and the SB-22s, where the
distance is measured from the flash to the bounce surface and back again to
the subject. You can also check if the subject will receive the correct exposure
by test firing the SB-22s. Refer to “Checking the Correct Exposure.”
Optional Accessories
The SB-22s’s sync/multiple flash terminal
This terminal is provided for connecting the SB-22s to
your camera using Sync Cord SC-11 or SC-15 (for
instance, if your camera does not have an accessory
shoe) or when you want to perform Multiple Flash
photography in Manual M mode with the SB-22s.
NOTE
When the SB-22s’s sync terminal is connected to your camera via the Sync Cord
SC-11 or SC-15, automatic flash sync speed setting and viewfinder ready-light no longer
function. To retain these features, use optional TTL Remote Cord SC-17 or SC-24 which
attach directly to your camera’s accessory shoe.
Sync Cord SC-11 and SC-15
Sync Cords SC-11 and SC-15 are handy when you want to use the SB-22s off-camera
or for use with cameras without accessory shoes. The SC-11 is approx. 25 cm (9.8 in.)
long and the SC-15 is approx. 1m (3.2 ft) long. Use Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15
when connecting the SB-22s to cameras not having a sync terminal.
TTL Remote Cord SC-17 and SC-24
The TTL Remote Cords SC-17/24 provide TTL Auto Flash operation when the SB-22s is
used off-camera. It comes with one tripod socket and two TTL multiple flash terminals.
Both the SC-17 and SC-24 are approx. 1.5m (4.9 ft) long.
TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cord SC-18 and SC-19
Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18 or SC-19 are useful for connecting the SB-22s to the
multiple flash terminal of the SC-17 (SC-24) or AS-10 for TTL multiple flash operation.
The SC-18 is approx. 1.5 m (4.9 ft) long, and the SC-19 is approx. 3 m (9.8 ft) long.
TTL Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10
Use Multi-Flash Adapter AS-10 when connecting more than three flash units together
for TTL multiple flash operation, or if the secondary flash units are not equipped with
multiple flash terminals. The AS-10 comes with one tripod socket and three TTL
multiple flash terminals.
Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15
The Sync Terminal Adapter AS-15 is necessary when using Sync Cords SC-11/SC-15
to connect the flash unit to cameras not having a sync terminal.
Flash Unit Coupler AS-4 and AS-7
Necessary when mounting the SB-22s on F3-series cameras. In this case, TTL auto
flash is not possible.
Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4
Useful for multiple flash photography, the SU-4 features a built-in, movable light sensor
and an accessory shoe for attachment of a slave Speedlight. The SU-4’s light sensor
not only triggers the slave unit to fire in unison with the master flash, but controls the
flash duration of the slave unit in sync with the master unit to provide TTL, non-TTL, or
Manual operation.
TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 for F3-Series cameras
Dedicated adapter for F3-Series cameras providing TTL flash operation with Nikon
Speedlights such as SB-29 and SB-28 featuring ISO-type mounting foot (not designed
for F3).
Specifications
Speedlight
SB-50DX, SB-29, SB-28/28DX, SB-27, SB-26, SB-25, SB-24, SB-22s, SB-14, SB-11, SB-140
SB-23, SB-21, SB-17, SB-16, SB-15
SB-22
SB-20
Coefficient
1
4
6
9
90
7
5
60
4
5
90
75
60
45
90
60
OFF
BOUNCE
GN
(
ISO100
)
28
(
m
)
m
ft
0
16
22
Flash shooting with more than one unit Flash shooting with one flash unit
Bounce flash using diffused light Normal flash using direct flash
45
60
75
0
Coefficient numbers are in units of 70µA.
When shooting subjects closer than 1 m (3.3 ft.)
Tilt the flash head down to the -7° position when shooting subjects 1 m (approx.
3.3 ft.) or closer to give sufficient light to the subject with the SB-22s mounted
on camera.
The BOUNCE indicator LED blinks when the flash head is tilted down to -7˚.
Use of the wide flash adapter is recommended.
WARNING
Never attempt to disassemble or repair the SB-22s yourself as this may cause electric
shock or cause the unit to malfunction, leading to possible injury.
Do not drop the SB-22s or hit it against a hard surface. If dropped, do not touch the
metal portions inside the flash, because they could cause electric shock or injury.
Remove the batteries and take the unit to your local Nikon dealer for repair.
If you detect heat, smoke, or the smell of burning, stop operation immediately and
remove the batteries to prevent the unit from catching on fire or burning. Let the
SB-22s cool down sufficiently before removing batteries. Then take the unit to your
local Nikon dealer for repair.
The SB-22s should not be exposed to rain or saltwater. If water gets inside the SB-22s,
this can cause electric shock or cause the unit to catch on fire. Also never touch the
flash unit with wet hands.
Do not operate the SB-22s in an environment containing a combustible gas, as this
may cause the unit to catch on fire or result in an explosion.
Keep batteries out of the reach of children. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, call a
doctor immediately.
When replacing batteries, replace all four batteries at the same time, do not mix
battery types or brands, do not use old with new batteries, and never reverse the
polarity of the batteries when installing. Otherwise, the batteries may catch on fire or
explode, due the possible leakage of corrosive liquids.
In the event that corrosive liquids do seep from the batteries, avoid touching the
liquids. Certain types of batteries contain strong alkaline liquids which can cause
chemical burns. If the alkaline liquids stick to your skin or clothes, wash immediately
with running water.
CAUTION
Do not fire the flash directly into a person’s eyes at close range as this may damage
the retina, leading to partial or complete blindness.
Keep the SB-22s out of the reach of children. This will prevent them from swallowing
batteries or getting an electric shock.
Do not throw used batteries into a fire. Do not short circuit, disassemble, or heat a
battery; this may cause it to explode or catch on fire.
Always follow the warning instructions printed on batteries to prevent them from
becoming hot, leaking corrosive liquids, catching on fire, or exploding.
When recharging NiCd or Ni-MH batteries, be sure to use the battery charger
specified by the battery maker and read the instructions thoroughly. Do not recharge
NiCd or Ni-MH batteries with their terminals reversed in the charger or before the
batteries have cooled off sufficiently, as this may cause them to leak corrosive liquids,
become hot, catch on fire, or explode.
Non-rechargeable batteries such as zinc-carbon, alkaline-manganese and lithium
batteries should not be charged in a battery charger as they may become hot, catch
on fire, explode, or leak corrosive liquids.
ISO film speed
Coefficient
25
1.5 (4.9)
50
2.2 (7.2)
100
3 (9.8)
200
4.3 (14)
400
6 (20)
800
8.5 (27.9)
1000
9.6 (31.5)
Warning indicator Cause Reference/remedy
Ready-light does not
come on.
Ready-light blinks for
approx. 3 sec. after
shooting.
POWER switch is turned OFF.
Batteries are not installed correctly.
Battery power is weak.
Standby function is in operation.
Contacts in the battery chamber (SB-22s) or
battery electrodes are corroded.
Preparation (4)
Preparation (2)
“The Ready-Light”
Preparation (4)
Clean the contacts or electrodes.
Subject is out of the flash shooting distance
range.
“Checking the Correct Exposure”
Ready-light takes
longer to light up.
Batteries are exhausted.
Lithium batteries become hot by repeated use
which activate their safety circuit, thus cutting off
power.
“The Ready-Light”
Allow longer recycling time between
flashes or wait until they cool off.
“Notes on Batteries”
BOUNCE indicator
LED lights up.
SB-22s’s flash head is tilted from the front
position.
“Bounce Flash Operation”
Shutter cannot be
released even when
the ready-light lights
up.
Flash mode selector is set to A1, A2, A3, A4 or
M, and camera’s exposure mode is set to
Programmed auto or Shutter-priority auto mode.
Non-TTL Auto Flash A Mode (1)
Manual Flash M Mode (1)
Electronic construction
Automatic Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) and series circuitry.
Power source
Four AA-type zinc-carbon, alkaline-manganese, lithium (1.5V), NiCd (rechargeable) or
Ni-MH (rechargeable) penlight batteries.
Guide number (at ISO 100, m)
28 at N-35mm; 20 at W-28mm (with wide flash adapter)
Angle of coverage
Bounce capability
Flash head can be tilted down to -7° or up to 90°. The BOUNCE indicator LED blinks
whenever the flash head is tilted.
POWER switch
Three positions are provided: OFF, ON and STBY (standby). At STBY position: the
SB-22s automatically turns itself off to conserve battery when the flash is not used for
approx. 80 seconds.
Number of flashes and recycling times
Flash exposure control
Three flash modes are provided: TTL, non-TTL (A1, A2, A3, A4) and M.
TTL mode is not possible with Nikon F3-series, New FM2, FM10, FE10 cameras.
Ready-light
Lights up when SB-22s is recycled and ready to fire.
Blinks for 3 seconds when flash fires at its maximum output, indicating light may
have been insufficient (in TTL and non-TTL (A1-A4) modes).
FLASH button
Performs test firing for correct exposure determination.
Can turn the SB-22s on again after the unit enters standby mode.
AF assist illumination
Automatically fires LED beam toward subject when performing autofocus in dim light
or in the dark with Nikon AF cameras.
Flash duration
1/1100 sec. @ full manual output
Other features
Sync/multiple flash terminal
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 68 x 105 x 80mm (2.7 x 4.1 x 3.1 in.)
Weight (without batteries)
Approx. 210g (7.4 oz.)
Accessories supplied
Soft Case SS-22s
All performance data are for normal-temperature operation (20°C/68°F).
Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
N-35mm
W-28mm
Horizontal Vertical Usable lens
60˚ 45˚ 35mm or longer
70˚ 53˚ 28mm or longer
SPEEDLIGHT SB
-
22s
A
M TTL
ISO
50
100
200
4
5.
6
8
11
16
2
2.
8
Batteries
*
1
AA-type zinc-carbon
AA-type alkaline-manganese
AA-type NiCd (700mAh)
*
4
AA-type Ni-MH (1200mAh)
AA-type lithium (1.5V)
Min. recycling time
(approx.)
*
2
No. of flashes
(approx.)
*
3
10 sec.
50
5 sec.
3.6 sec.
4.5 sec.
5.5 sec.
230
90
130
340
*1 With fresh batteries
*2 Duration until the ready-light comes on after firing at full manual output.
*3 Total number of flashes when fired at full manual output at an interval of 30
seconds without using the AF assist illuminator LED.
*4 1000 mAh NiCd batteries provide approx. 1.4 times the number of flashes of
700 mAh NiCd batteries with the same recycling time.
ONOFF ST
BOUNCE
G
N
(
I
S
O
1
0
0
)
2
8
(
m
)
9
2
(
f
t
)
ISO
m
ft
4
5.
6
8
11
16
22
32
1
200
400
800
0
.6
1
2
3
L
O
C
K