Nikon SB 28DX User Manual
Sb-28dx
Flash operation
Monitor preflash data is integrated with the
distance information from D-type Nikkor
lenses to obtain correct TTL auto flash
operation.
Based on camera’s Matrix Metering system
and monitor preflash data, flash output is
automatically controlled to keep both
subject and background correctly exposed.
Measuring background ambient light
using Center-Weighted metering system,
flash output is controlled using monitor
preflash data to keep both subject and
background correctly exposed.
Select the flash mode.
– Press the
µ
button once to display
D
t Ø
or
D
t ø
on
the LCD panel. Press the
µ
button again to display
D
t
on the
LCD panel.
Check the shooting distance using the flash shooting range
indicator bars.
– If the subject is out of range, change the aperture on the camera to bring
the subject within the flash shooting distance range.
{
}
SB-28DX
+
+
~
µ
˙
˙
˙
18mm
1600 800
400
200
20mm
24mm
28mm
35mm
50mm
70mm
85mm
8
0.8-9
0.9-10
1.4-15
1.5-16
1.6-18
1.9-20
2.2-20
2.2-20
0.6-6.3
0.7-7.0
1.0-10
1.0-11
1.2-12
1.4-14
1.5-16
1.6-17
0.6-4.5
0.6-5.0
0.7-7.5
0.7-8.0
0.8-9.0
1.0-10
1.1-12
1.1-12
0.6-3.1
0.6-3.5
0.6-5.3
0.6-5.6
0.7-6.3
0.7-7.4
0.8-8.4
0.8-8.8
0.6-2.2
0.6-2.5
0.6-3.7
0.6-4.0
0.6-4.5
0.6-5.2
0.6-6.0
0.6-6.2
0.6-1.5
0.6-1.7
0.6-2.6
0.6-2.8
0.6-3.1
0.6-3.7
0.6-4.2
0.6-4.4
0.6-1.1
0.6-1.2
0.6-1.8
0.6-2.0
0.6-2.2
0.6-2.6
0.6-3.0
0.6-3.1
0.6-0.7
0.6-0.8
0.6-1.3
0.6-1.4
0.6-1.5
0.6-1.8
0.6-2.1
0.6-2.2
0.6
0.6-0.9
0.6-1.0
0.6-1.1
0.6-1.3
0.6-1.5
0.6-1.5
A
5.6
4
2.8
11
B
8
5.6
4
16
C
11
8
5.6
22
16
11
8
32
22
16
11
45
32
22
16
64
45
32
22
64
45
32
D
64
45
100/80
2
2.8
4
5.6
8
11
16
22
32
{
}
D
t Ø
D
t Ø
D
t ø
µ
t Ø
t ø
µ
t
.
{
}
+
ƒ
"
+
ƒ
"
18mm 20mm 24mm 28mm 35mm 50mm 70mm
25
1/1
Full
28
42
45
51
59
68
71
18
1/2
20
30
32
36
42
48
50
12.7
1/4
14
21
22.5
25.5
30
34
36
9
1/8
10
15
16
18
21
24
25
6.4
1/16
7
10.5
11.3
12.7
15
17
18
4.5
1/32
5
7.5
8
9
10.5
12
12.7
3.2
1/64
3.5
5.3
5.7
6.4
7.5
8.5
9
85mm
ISO
80
200
400
800
0.630
1
1.414
2
1600
2.827
100
0.707
J
E
F
C
S
Autofocus Speedlight
No reproduction in any form of this manual, in whole or in part (except for brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may
be made without written authorization from NIKON CORPORATION.
Instruction Manual
NIKON CORPORATION
FUJI BLDG., 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU,
TOKYO 100-8331, JAPAN
Printed in Japan T1C1000301 (S842) 43
English
t
˙
+
˙
+
Set the ISO sensitivity level.
– Refer to Digital SLR’s instruction manual for details on setting.
Set the exposure mode.
– With Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU: Use your desired exposure
mode.
– With Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU: Use Aperture-priority auto (A)
or Manual (M) mode.
Set the aperture.
– With Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU: Set the lens aperture to its
minimum (largest f-number) except G-type lenses. Then set the aperture
on the camera. Refer to “Table 1: Usable aperture/flash shooting distance
ranges in D-TTL Auto Flash mode.”
– With Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU: Set the aperture on the lens.
In this case, the aperture set on the SB-28DX’s LCD panel does not
directly link the aperture set on the lens. To check the flash shooting
distance range before shooting, select the aperture on the lens and set
the same aperture on the SB-28DX’s LCD panel by pressing the
SB-28DX’s { or } button, then confirm the flash shooting distance
range using the flash shooting range indicator bars on the LCD panel.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Autofocus Speedlight SB-28DX. The SB-28DX is
a special version of the Nikon Speedlight SB-28 that features a D-TTL Auto Flash mode
for Nikon Digital SLR cameras, and an Auto Aperture (AA) mode for Nikon Digital SLR
cameras and Kodak DCS600 Series digital cameras.
This instruction manual describes how to use the SB-28DX in the D-TTL Auto Flash mode
with Digital SLR cameras and the AA mode with Digital SLR cameras and Kodak DCS600
Series cameras.
Of course, the SB-28DX works well with film-based Nikon cameras such as the F5
and F100.
Notes on using the SB-28DX
• Before using the SB-28DX, please read carefully the notes on safety operations—
especially the cautions—appearing in the SB-28 instruction manual provided in the
same package.
• Read the instruction manuals of the SB-28, SB-28DX, and the camera you are using in
combination with this unit.
• When you see the note “
+
page xx,” this indicates the page to refer to in the SB-28
instruction manual.
Usable cameras and their respective instruction manuals
Available flash modes with Nikon Digital SLR cameras
• D-TTL Auto Flash mode for Digital SLR cameras* (refer to this manual).
• Auto Aperture (AA) mode (refer to this manual).
• Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode (refer to the SB-28’s manual).
• Manual M mode (including FP High-Speed Flash sync FP) (refer to the SB-28’s manual).
• Repeating Flash mode (refer to the SB-28’s manual).
*
Four TTL auto flash modes are available depending on the type of Nikkor lenses you are using. In
this manual, all available TTL modes are generally referred to as “D-TTL Auto Flash mode for Digital
SLR cameras” or “D-TTL Auto Flash mode.”
Notes:
• Because Digital SLR cameras are not listed in the camera groups in the SB-28
instruction manual, refer to the information for “Cameras in Group I.”
• TTL Auto Flash Mode as described in the SB-28 instruction manual is not possible.
• Multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 is not possible.
Use the AA or A mode.
• TTL multiple flash operation using a sync or remote cord such as TTL Remote Cord
SC-17 or TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18 or SC-19 is not possible.
Available flash modes with Kodak DCS600 Series digital cameras
• Auto Aperture (AA) mode (refer to this manual).
• Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode (refer to the SB-28’s manual).
• Manual M mode (including FP High-Speed Flash sync FP) (refer to the SB-28’s manual).
• Repeating Flash mode (refer to the SB-28’s manual).
Notes:
• Because DCS600 Series cameras are not listed in the camera groups in the SB-28
instruction manual, refer to the information for “Cameras in Group I.”
• TTL Auto Flash Mode as described in the SB-28 instruction manual is not possible.
• D-TTL Auto Flash mode for Digital SLR cameras is not possible.
• Multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 is possible.
• TTL multiple flash operation using a sync or remote cord such as TTL Remote Cord
SC-17 or TTL Multi-Flash Sync Cords SC-18 or SC-19 is not possible.
LCD panel
The LCD panel on the SB-28DX differs slightly from that of the SB-28 (
+
pages 4–5).
Wait for the ready-light to come on before taking
the picture.
– If the ready-light blinks for approx. 3 seconds after the picture is taken,
this indicates the flash fired at maximum output, meaning that light may
have been insufficient for correct exposure. In that case, use a wider
aperture or move closer to the subject before taking the next picture by
referring to Table 2.
To check the correct flash shooting distance range before taking
the picture
Point the camera at the subject. After pressing the shutter release button
lightly, press the
~
button on the SB-28DX. If the ready-light blinks
for approx. 3 seconds, this indicates the flash fired at maximum output,
meaning that light may have been insufficient for correct exposure. In this
case, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject by referring to
Table 2 before taking the actual picture.
Select the flash mode.
– Press the
µ
button until
˙
appears on the LCD panel in either AA
(Auto Aperture) or A (non-TTL auto) mode. In AA mode, the exposure
compensation indicator and exposure compensation value appear on the
LCD panel simultaneously.
– When the flash unit is mounted on the Kodak DCS620 camera and turned
on for the first time, the AA mode is always activated.
Table 2: Usable aperture/flash shooting distance ranges in AA (Auto Aperture)
and A (non-TTL Auto Flash) modes
Use this table to determine the distance range in which the correct auto flash exposure will
be obtained at various ISO sensitivity levels, aperture, and zoom settings.
Distance range according to zoom settings
(Upper figures are in meters, lower figures are in feet.)
ISO number (f/number)
18mm
1600
800
400
200
20mm
24mm
28mm
35mm
50mm
70mm
85mm
8
0.8-9
2.6-29
0.9-10
2.9-32
1.4-15
4.4-49
1.5-16
4.7-52
1.6-18
5.2-59
1.9-20
6.1-66
2.2-20
7.0-66
2.2-20
7.2-66
A
5.6
4
2.8
11
0.6-6.3
2.2-20
0.7-7.0
2.1-23
1.0-10
3.1-34
1.0-11
3.3-37
1.2-12
3.7-41
1.4-14
4.3-48
1.5-16
4.9-55
1.6-17
5.1-57
B
8
5.6
4
16
0.6-4.5
2.0-14
0.6-5.0
2.0-16
0.7-7.5
2.2-24
0.7-8.0
2.4-26
0.8-9.0
2.6-29
1.0-10
3.0-34
1.1-12
3.5-39
1.1-12
3.6-41
C
11
8
5.6
22
0.6-3.1
2.0-10
0.6-3.5
2.0-11
0.6-5.3
2.0-17
0.6-5.6
2.0-18
0.7-6.3
2.0-20
0.7-7.4
2.2-24
0.8-8.4
2.5-27
0.8-8.8
2.6-28
16
11
8
32
0.6-2.2
2.0-7.3
0.6-2.5
2.0-8.2
0.6-3.7
2.2-12
0.6-4.0
2.0-13
0.6-4.5
2.0-14
0.6-5.2
2.0-17
0.6-6.0
2.0-19
0.6-6.2
2.0-20
22
16
11
45
0.6-1.5
2.0-5.2
0.6-1.7
2.0-5.7
0.6-2.6
2.0-8.6
0.6-2.8
2.0-9.2
0.6-3.1
2.0-10
0.6-3.7
2.0-12
0.6-4.2
2.0-13
0.6-4.4
2.0-14
32
22
16
64
0.6-1.1
2.0-3.6
0.6-1.2
2.0-4.1
0.6-1.8
2.0-6.1
0.6-2.0
2.0-6.5
0.6-2.2
2.0-7.3
0.6-2.6
2.0-8.6
0.6-3.0
2.0-9.8
0.6-3.1
2.0-10
45
32
22
0.6-0.7
2.0-2.6
0.6-0.8
2.0-2.8
0.6-1.3
2.0-4.3
0.6-1.4
2.0-4.6
0.6-1.5
2.0-5.2
0.6-1.8
2.0-6.0
0.6-2.1
2.0-6.9
0.6-2.2
2.0-7.2
64
45
32
0.6
2.0
0.6-0.9
2.0-3.0
0.6-1.0
2.0-3.2
0.6-1.1
2.0-3.6
0.6-1.3
2.0-4.3
0.6-1.5
2.0-4.9
0.6-1.5
2.0-5.1
D
64
45
2
2.8
4
5.6
8
11
16
22
32
100/80
Flash exposure compensation
In AA mode, flash output compensation is possible in 1/3 steps from –3.0 to +1.0EV by
pressing the { or } button to increase or decrease the compensation while confirming
the amount on the LCD panel.
Note that flash output compensation is restricted in Zones A to D.
Zone A: Minus flash output compensation is not possible.
Zone B: Flash output compensation exceeding –1EV is not possible.
Zone C: Flash output compensation exceeding –2EV is not possible.
Zone D: Flash output compensation from 0 to +1EV is not possible.
– If flash output compensation is made exceeding the amount of the above values, the
flash shooting range indicator bars disappear and the aperture, exposure compensation
indicator, and exposure compensation value blink to warn you.
– Exposure compensation on the camera is possible. Refer to your camera’s instruction
manual for information.
– Exposure compensation can be made on both the SB-28DX and the camera. The
exposure is controlled by the sum total of both exposure compensation values and the
shooting range indicator bars changes to match the exposure compensation. However,
the SB-28DX’s LCD panel displays the amount of compensation set on the
SB-28DX only.
SB-28DX settings
Taking flash photographs in the D-TTL Auto Flash mode
In this mode, the SB-28DX fires a series of nearly invisible preflashes, called the Monitor
Preflash. These preflashes are detected by the camera’s TTL multi-sensor to control the
flash output, ensuring correct exposure. Data such as the camera’s ISO setting, aperture,
focal length, and exposure compensation value are automatically transmitted to the
SB-28DX (with Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU mounted.)
The following four flash modes are possible depending on the type of lens mounted.
Lens
mounted
D/G-type AF
Nikkor
lenses
Non-D/G-
type AF
Nikkor
lenses
Nikkor
lenses
without a
built-in CPU
Available flash
mode*
3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
for Digital SLRs
Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
for Digital SLRs
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash for
Digital SLRs
LCD panel
D
t Ø
D
t Ø
D
t ø
SB-28DX settings
Wait for the ready-light to come on before taking
the picture.
– If the ready-light and the underexposure indicator blink for approx.
3 seconds after the picture is taken, this indicates the flash fired at
maximum output, meaning that light may have been insufficient for correct
exposure. In that case, use a wider aperture or move closer to the subject
before taking the next picture by referring to the amount of underexposure
(up to –3 EV) appearing on the LCD panel. (If “–1.0” is displayed, reshoot
using an aperture that is at least one stop wider.)
– You can recall the amount of underexposure last shown on the LCD panel
by pressing the
.
button.
Table 1: Usable aperture/flash shooting distance ranges in D-TTL Auto
Flash mode
Use this table to determine the distance range in which the correct auto flash exposure
will be obtained at various ISO sensitivity levels, aperture, and zoom settings.
Distance range according to zoom settings
(Upper figures are in meters, lower figures are in feet.)
ISO number (f/number)
18mm
1600
800
400
200
20mm
24mm
28mm
35mm
50mm
70mm
85mm
8
0.8-9
2.6-29
0.9-10
2.9-32
1.4-15
4.4-49
1.5-16
4.7-52
1.6-18
5.2-59
1.9-20
6.1-66
2.2-20
7.0-66
2.2-20
7.2-66
5.6
4
2.8
11
0.6-6.3
2.2-20
0.7-7.0
2.1-23
1.0-10
3.1-34
1.0-11
3.3-37
1.2-12
3.7-41
1.4-14
4.3-48
1.5-16
4.9-55
1.6-17
5.1-57
8
5.6
4
16
0.6-4.5
2.0-14
0.6-5.0
2.0-16
0.7-7.5
2.2-24
0.7-8.0
2.4-26
0.8-9.0
2.6-29
1.0-10
3.0-34
1.1-12
3.5-39
1.1-12
3.6-41
11
8
5.6
22
0.6-3.1
2.0-10
0.6-3.5
2.0-11
0.6-5.3
2.0-17
0.6-5.6
2.0-18
0.7-6.3
2.0-20
0.7-7.4
2.2-24
0.8-8.4
2.5-27
0.8-8.8
2.6-28
16
11
8
32
0.6-2.2
2.0-7.3
0.6-2.5
2.0-8.2
0.6-3.7
2.2-12
0.6-4.0
2.0-13
0.6-4.5
2.0-14
0.6-5.2
2.0-17
0.6-6.0
2.0-19
0.6-6.2
2.0-20
22
16
11
45
0.6-1.5
2.0-5.2
0.6-1.7
2.0-5.7
0.6-2.6
2.0-8.6
0.6-2.8
2.0-9.2
0.6-3.1
2.0-10
0.6-3.7
2.0-12
0.6-4.2
2.0-13
0.6-4.4
2.0-14
32
22
16
64
0.6-1.1
2.0-3.6
0.6-1.2
2.0-4.1
0.6-1.8
2.0-6.1
0.6-2.0
2.0-6.5
0.6-2.2
2.0-7.3
0.6-2.6
2.0-8.6
0.6-3.0
2.0-9.8
0.6-3.1
2.0-10
45
32
22
0.6-0.7
2.0-2.6
0.6-0.8
2.0-2.8
0.6-1.3
2.0-4.3
0.6-1.4
2.0-4.6
0.6-1.5
2.0-5.2
0.6-1.8
2.0-6.0
0.6-2.1
2.0-6.9
0.6-2.2
2.0-7.2
64
45
32
0.6
2.0
0.6-0.9
2.0-3.0
0.6-1.0
2.0-3.2
0.6-1.1
2.0-3.6
0.6-1.3
2.0-4.3
0.6-1.5
2.0-4.9
0.6-1.5
2.0-5.1
64
45
Flash exposure compensation
Flash output compensation is possible in 1/3 steps from –3.0 to +1.0EV by pressing the
{ or } button to increase or decrease the compensation while confirming the amount
on the LCD panel (
+
pages 71-73.)
– Exposure compensation on the camera is possible. Refer to your camera’s instruction
manual on how to set it.
– Exposure compensation can be made on both the SB-28DX and the camera. The
exposure is controlled by the sum total of both exposure compensation values and the
shooting range indicator bars change to match the exposure compensation. However,
the SB-28DX’s LCD panel displays the amount of compensation set on the SB-28DX
only.
Underexposure indicator
Amount of underexposure
A flash shooting distance range
of 0.8 to 6m (3 to 20 ft.) is
shown.
For your information
ISO 200 guide numbers(m/ft)in the Manual ƒ and Repeating Flash " Modes
(at 20°C/68°F) (
+
pages 56-60)
For sensitivity levels other than ISO 200, multiply the guide numbers by the factors shown
in the above table.
Flash output
level
Zoomp-head position
18mm
20mm
24mm
28mm
35mm
50mm
70mm
25/84
1/1
Full
28/93
42/139
45/148
51/167
59/195
68/223
71/232
18/59
1/2
20/66
30/98
32/105
36/118
42/138
48/157
50/164
12.7/42
1/4
14/46
21/69
22.5/74
25.5/84
30/98
34/112
36/118
9/30
1/8
10/33
15/49
16/53
18/59
21/69
24/79
25/82
6.4/21
1/16
7/23
10.5/35
11.3/37
12.7/42
15/49
17/56
18/59
4.5/15
1/32
5/16
7.5/25
8/26
9/30
10.5/35
12/39
12.7/42
3.2/10
1/64
3.5/11
5.3/17
5.7/19
6.4/21
7.5/25
8.5/28
9/30
85mm
ISO
80
100
400
800
Factor
0.630
0.707
1.414
2
1600
2.827
200
1
Standard TTL (
D
t
) Flash operation is performed by measuring monitor preflashes
using the TTL multi-sensor’s entire segment area with emphasis placed on the central
segment.
* When the camera’s metering system is set to Spot Metering, the Standard TTL Flash
mode for Digital SLRs is set.
Camera settings
Set the ISO sensitivity level.
– Refer to the camera’s instruction manual for details.
Set the exposure mode to A (Aperture-priority) or
P (Programmed auto).
– When using the M (Manual) or S (Shutter-priority auto) exposure mode,
make sure the aperture is within the range.
Set the aperture.
– In A (Aperture-priority auto) exposure mode: Set the lens aperture to its
minimum. Then set the aperture on the camera.
Refer to “Table 2: Usable aperture/flash shooting distance ranges in AA
(Auto Aperture) and A (non-TTL Auto Flash) modes.”
– In P (Programmed auto) exposure mode: Set the lens aperture to its
minimum.
• In either exposure mode, if the aperture is out of the range, the aperture
value, exposure compensation indicator and exposure compensation
value on the LCD panel blink and the flash shooting distance range
indictor bars disappear to warn you. In this case, adjust the aperture and
shooting distance by referring to Table 2.
In this mode, the correct exposure for both subject and background is automatically
obtained. The SB-28DX’s built-in sensor controls the flash output in combination with
data transmitted from the camera and lens to the SB-28DX, including the ISO sensitivity
level, aperture, focal length, and exposure compensation value.
– AA (Auto Aperture) mode only works when using the Digital SLR or DCS600 Series
cameras when Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU (except IX Nikkor lenses and AF Nikkor
lenses for the F3AF) are mounted (
+
page 7). The AA mode is automatically switched
to Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode (
+
page 42) when Nikkor lenses without a built-in
CPU are mounted.
Taking flash photographs in the Auto Aperture (AA) mode
for Digital SLR and Kodak DCS600 Series cameras
Camera settings
Flash mode indicator
for Digital SLR
cameras
Adjustment factors for other ISO sensitivity levels
18mm
1600
800
400
200
20mm
24mm
28mm
35mm
50mm
70mm
85mm
8
0.8-9
0.9-10
1.4-15
1.5-16
1.6-18
1.9-20
2.2-20
2.2-20
0.6-6.3
0.7-7.0
1.0-10
1.0-11
1.2-12
1.4-14
1.5-16
1.6-17
0.6-4.5
0.6-5.0
0.7-7.5
0.7-8.0
0.8-9.0
1.0-10
1.1-12
1.1-12
0.6-3.1
0.6-3.5
0.6-5.3
0.6-5.6
0.7-6.3
0.7-7.4
0.8-8.4
0.8-8.8
0.6-2.2
0.6-2.5
0.6-3.7
0.6-4.0
0.6-4.5
0.6-5.2
0.6-6.0
0.6-6.2
0.6-1.5
0.6-1.7
0.6-2.6
0.6-2.8
0.6-3.1
0.6-3.7
0.6-4.2
0.6-4.4
0.6-1.1
0.6-1.2
0.6-1.8
0.6-2.0
0.6-2.2
0.6-2.6
0.6-3.0
0.6-3.1
0.6-0.7
0.6-0.8
0.6-1.3
0.6-1.4
0.6-1.5
0.6-1.8
0.6-2.1
0.6-2.2
0.6
0.6-0.9
0.6-1.0
0.6-1.1
0.6-1.3
0.6-1.5
0.6-1.5
5.6
4
2.8
11
8
5.6
4
16
11
8
5.6
22
16
11
8
32
22
16
11
45
32
22
16
64
45
32
22
64
45
32
64
45
–
–
–
3D Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
or Multi-Sensor
Balanced Fill-Flash
for Digital SLR
cameras
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash for Digital
SLR cameras
Standard TTL Flash
for Digital SLR
cameras