Nikon SB-26 Instruction Manual - Page 6

Main Features/Functions - SB-26's Flash Capabilities The SB-26 is a most versatile Speedlight which offers variety of convenient features to enhance your flash photography. To understand these features/function will help you operate the SB-26 easily, therefore, enjoy more options and creative possibilities. Each of following topics cover particular Nikon SLR models: • Fully Automatic Fill Flash: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/ N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/ N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/ N6000, F50-Series/N50 and F-401x/N5005 • Standard TTL Flash: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/N8008s, F-601/N6006, F-601M/ N6000, F-501/N2020, F-301/ N2000, F-401/N4004, F-401s/N4004s, FA, FE2, FG and Nikonos V • FP High-Speed Sync Flash: F5, F90X/N90s and F90-Series/N90 • Rear-Curtain Sync Flash: F5, F90X/N90s, F90-Series/ N90, F70-Series/N70, F4-Series, F-801/N8008, F-801s/ N8008s, F-601/N6006 and F-601M/N6000 • Red-Eye Reduction Control: F90X/N90s, F90-Series/ N90 and F70-Series/N70 • Repeating Flash: All the Nikon SLR models covered in this manual Fully Automatic Fill Flash Generally performed at night or in dim light, flash photography can also be used to reduce shadows in pictures shot in bright sunlight, resulting in a pleasing, more natural effect. Using a flash this way, with ambient light, is called "fillflash." When used with the SB-26, many Nikon SLR cameras provide Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash, to automatically keep flash brightness in balance with the ambient light. Chapter 1 Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash Thanks to a computer-controlled exposure meter and TTL (through-the-lens) sensor, shutter speed, aperture, and even flash output can be automatically controlled to keep both subject and background in correct exposure. In Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash, the camera's Matrix Metering System determines the correct exposure based on ambient light. Flash output is then controlled with the center-bottom-weighted TTL sensor which monitors light reflection from the film surface and regulates timing to terminate output in realtime with flash illumination. This way, flash illumination brightens the scene (mainly foreground subject), but does not overpower the ambient light exposure (background). The result is brighter shadows, sharper details and more vivid colors. Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash operates in virtually all light conditions within the camera's metering range and available synchronized shutter speeds. Operation is fast and automatic, while it allows manual operation for exposure compensation techniques to vary fill-flash effects. Center-Weighted Fill-Flash operates when you switch the metering system to Center-Weighted. This metering system measures the entire scene and emphasizes its reading on the center area. By pointing the center-weighted area at different parts of the scene, you can choose which brightness level you want for basic available-light exposure. By selecting Spot Metering System, Spot Fill-Flash operates in a similar manner as Center-Weighted Fill-Flash, although the meter reads a narrower center area, or "spot." Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash 10 11