TTL Flash Photography with Nikon F5

Modern Classic SLRs Series :
Flash Photography - Nikon SB-28DX
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Introduction

The original Nikon SB-28 AF-TTL Speedlight (1997-1999) Nikon AF-TTL SB-28DX Speedlight was announced in 1999 to replaced SB-28 but again, it was being replaced by the Nikon AF-TTL SB-802DX Speedlight in 2002. With the introduction of Nikon Digital SLR cameras, the TTL flash exposure control which utilizes Through the Lens - Off the Film principle to achieve optimum exposure measurement faces a challenges as the filmless medium SLRs have no film plane to measure light reflects back from the film plane for critical exposure measurement. Instead, Nikon developed a method where the digital cameras use a shutter blade located in front of the CCD sensor to emulate the same principle of using shutter blades. Essentially, the flash performance and operation of the Nikon SB-28 and SB-28DX are similar but SB-28DX offers compatibility with the Nikon D-series Digital SLR cameras. 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 section 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 DCS 600 Series cameras. Of course, the SB-28DX works well with film-based Nikon cameras such as the F5 and F100. Note: The SB28DX can also be distinguished from the SB28 by it's green buttons on the rear panel instead of the gray buttons used on the SB28. As the D-series SLR cameras and film combinations use different methods to obtain the same result. Under normal conditions flash results should be the same, but because different systems are employed to gain the correct flash output some differences may be experienced.

Warning:- With newer series of Nikon Digital Stll SLR cameras that offer Nikon CLS (creative Lighting System), such as Nikon D70, the SB-80DX may perform differently, CliCK HERE to see the incompatibility of its features (@&#*@(@!!)

Please note the SB=28DX offers D-TTL instead of 3D-TTL. The Main Difference between 3D-TTL and D-TTL: 3D-TTL - Is available on the SB-28. It automatically controls flash output to keep both subject and background correctly exposed. The SB-28 fires a series of near-invisible preflashes called "Monitor preflash". These preflashes are detected by the TTL Multi-Sensor in the camera and the data is then combined with the distance information from D-type Nikkor lenses and other exposure data to determine the optimal flash shooting distance range and flash output level for balanced Fill-Flash exposure. During main flash, the camera flash sensor continues metering the reflected light from the film surface and stops the flash output at the correct time. D-TTL - Is available when the SB-28DX is used with the D-series digital SLR cameras. The flash works the in same way as above but there is no control over flash output during main flash. The flash power is calculated by Monitor preflash reflections from the light-grey shutter curtain. During actual exposure, the CCD does not reflect enough light to provide accurate flash sensing. The SB-28DX automatically detects that it is mounted on a D-series digital SLR camera and switches from TTL to D-TTL mode.

Notes on using the SB-28DX: It is important that you must know the combination of either SB-28, SB-28DX, and the camera you are using in combination with this unit may provide some operational difference as well as the flash method you will be able to perform. The basic operational sequences of the Nikon SB-28DX is the same with the SB-28, you can make use of the original specifications (Link for instruction manual is provided) of the Nikon SB-28 Speedlight as reading reference.

Usable cameras and their respective instruction manuals Available flash modes with Nikon Digital SLR cameras

* D-TTL Auto Flash mode for Digital SLR cameras*
* Auto Aperture (AA) mode
* Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode
* Manual M mode (including FP High-Speed Flash sync FP)
* Repeating Flash mode (refer to the SB-28's User'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: a) 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 1” b) TTL Auto Flash Mode as described in the SB-28 instruction manual is not possible. C) Multiple flash operation using the Wireless Slave Flash Controller SU-4 is not possible. Use the AA or A mode. d) 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.

Nikon SB-28DX Flash / speedlight compatibility chart with various Nikon cameras.

Source: Nikon Europe

Available flash modes with Kodak DCS600 Series digital cameras

* Auto Aperture (AA) mode
* Non-TTL Auto Flash A mode
* 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 Instruction 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 1
* 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)

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 Available flash mode* LCD panel Flash operation

D/G-type AF Nikkor lenses 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs Monitor preflash data is integrated with the distance information from D-type Nikkor lenses to obtain correct TTL auto flash operation.

Non-D/G-type AF Nikkor lenses Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs Based on camera’s Matrix Metering system and monitor preflash data, flash output is automatically controlled to keep both subject and background correctly exposed.

Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs 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.

Note: Standard 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

1. Set the ISO sensitivity level.
2. 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.
3. Set the aperture.

Note: a. 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. b. 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.

Nikon SB-28DX settings: 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

4.Select the flash mode.

Press the button once to display or on the LCD panel. Press the button again to display the LCD panel.

5. 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.

6.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, re-shoot 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 (below): 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.

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 Note: Exposure compensation on the camera is possible. 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. 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.

| Previous | NEXT | 1/2 Auto Aperture (AA) mode for Digital SLR and Kodak DCS600 Series cameras, check the correct flash shooting distance range before taking the picture, Flash exposure compensation, guide numbers (m/ft) in the Manual and Repeating Flash

| Back | Index Page The Nikon F5 SB-28DX Instruction manual
| Back | Index Page The Nikon F5 SB-28 Instruction manual

Relative:
Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight Models: Nikon SB-800 | Nikon SB-600 | Nikon SB-30 | Nikon SB-29(s) (2000) | Nikon SB-28 (1997) | Nikon SB-27 (1997) | Nikon SB-26 (1994) | Nikon SB-25 (1992) | Nikon SB-24 (1988) | SB-23 | SB-22 (1987) | SB-20 (1986)
Nikon AF-TTL Speedlight DX-Series: Nikon SB-28DX (1999)| SB-50DX (2001) | SB-80DX (2002)
Additional information on various Nikon MF Bulb Flash - Nikon MF-Speedlights SB-1 ~ SB-21A/B

| Back | Main Index Page - Nikon F5 Professional SLR camera

The Camera - Background, Issues & Summary

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Flash System - Index Page - 3 parts
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Macro Photography - Related info on Micro-Nikkor lenses

Technical Specification for Nikon F5
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Resource Centre: Instruction Manuals
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Variants: F5 50th Anniversary Model | Nikon/Kodak DCS-620 | DCS-720 Digital Still SLR camera

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Index Page Special Application lenses:
Micro-Nikkor Lenses - 50mm~55mm -60mm 85mm -105mm 200mm Micro-Zoom 70-180mm
Perspective Control (PC) - 28mm 35mm PC-Micro 85mm
Dedicated Lenses for Nikon F3AF: AF 80mm f/2.8 | AF 200mm f/3.5 EDIF
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Others: Noct Nikkor | OP-Nikkor | UV Nikkor 55mm 105mm | Focusing Units | Bellows-Nikkor 105mm 135mm
Nikon Series E Lenses: 28mm 35mm 50mm 100mm 135mm | E-Series Zoom lenses: 36~72mm 75~150mm 70~210mm

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Recommended links to understand more technical details related to the Nikkor F-mount and production Serial Number:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-153.html by: my friend, Rick Oleson
http://www.zi.ku.dk/personal/lhhansen/photo/fmount.htm by: Hansen, Lars Holst
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/nikonfmount/lens2.htm
http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html

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W A R N I N G: The new G-SERIES Nikkor lenses have removed the conventional aperture ring on the lense barrel, they CANNOT adjust aperture(s) when operating in manual exposure control even with certain earlier MF/AF Nikon SLR camera models. But they are FULLY COMPATIBLE with the Nikon F5 featured here in all usable metering systems and/or exposure modes. Please refer to your local distributor for compatibility issue(s).

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A resource dedicated to my kids, Alvin Foo & Esther Foo- one day, BOTH might need to use all these information for his/her Nikon F5A camera.

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Credit: Mr. Chuck Hester, US for his text re-editing skill for this site; Our staff, HowKiat® who created the 3D-Nikon F5 logo. Mr. Lew Chee Wai of YL camera for lending his F5 for me to take some shots appeared in this site. All those nice folks who have contributed their images, in particular Mr. Mike Long, Edwin leong, Palmi Einarsson, Sergio Pessolano, Fred Kamphues, Harry Eggens, Curtis Forrester, Nick (Natures Moments), Sandra Bartocha; fellow countrymen, Vincent Thian, Koh Kho King, Philip Chong, CY Leow etc. and contributions from a few nice folks from Photo Malaysia Forum. Disclaimers & acknowledgments: Certain content and images appeared in this site were either scanned from official marketing leaflets, brochures published by Nikon and/or contribution from surfers who claimed originality of their own work for public publishing in this website, where majority of the extracted information are used basing on educational merits. The creator of this site will not be responsible for any discrepancies that may arise from any possible dispute except rectifying them after verification from respective source. Neither Nikon or its associates has granted any permission(s) in using their public information nor has any interest in the creation of this site. "Nikon", "Nikkormat", "Nippon Kokagu KK" "Silent Wave", "Focus Tracking Lock-on", "Nikkor" & other applicable technical/business terms are registered trade name(s) of Nikon Corporation Inc., Japan. Site made with an Apple G5 IMac.

Lens mounted	Available flash mode*	LCD panel	Flash operation
D/G-type AF Nikkor lenses	3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs		Monitor preflash data is integrated with the distance information from D-type Nikkor lenses to obtain correct TTL auto flash operation.
Non-D/G-type AF Nikkor lenses	Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs		Based on camera’s Matrix Metering system and monitor preflash data, flash output is automatically controlled to keep both subject and background correctly exposed.
Nikkor lenses without a built-in CPU	Center-Weighted Fill-Flash for Digital SLRs		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.