Nikon SB-29 Instruction Manual

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Macro Speedlight

SB-29

Instruction Manual

T9L0500202 (S720) 11

Foreword

Thank you for purchasing the Nikon Macro Speedlight SB-29, an easy-to-use

flash unit offering you the most convenient system for close-up flash

photography in combination with Micro-Nikkor lenses. To get the most out of

your new SB-29, read this instruction manual thoroughly before use and keep

it handy, so that you can refer to it whenever necessary.

Tips on using the Speedlight

•Before using this unit, read "Tips on Speedlight care" and "For safe handling of the

Speedlight" on the reverse side of this sheet.

•Take some trial shots.

Before taking important flash photographs, take some test shots to ascertain the

SB-29 is working properly.

•Use only Nikon-approved equipment.

The SB-29 is designed for use with Nikon cameras, lenses and accessories. Using

cameras or accessories other than those specified by Nikon may damage the SB-29.

Nikon cannot be held responsible for malfunctions caused by using the SB-29 in

ways not specified in this manual, or using the SB-29 with a camera made by another

manufacturer.

For details on appropriate Nikon cameras, lenses, and accessories, read each

product's instruction manual.

Nomenclature

Controller

Main unit

Controller

Main unit

φ52mm

φ62mm

φ72mm

Accessories

ø52mm, ø62mm, ø72mm Adapter Rings

Hard Case SS-29

Aperture/reproduction ratio panel

01 AF assist illuminator lamp button

16 Battery chamber lid

02 Modeling illuminator button

17 Ready-light

03 TTL multiple flash terminal

18 FLASH button

(Remove the terminal cover from the

19 Flash module selector

terminal and turn it counterclockwise by

Firing both flash modules at the same time

90˚ when using the TTL multiple flash

or either independently can be selected.

terminal.)

20 Light reducer setting dial

04 Sync flash terminal

The ratio of the brightness of the right

05 Light reducer

flash module to the left one (or vice versa)

06 Flash modules

can be set to 1:4 using the built-in light

07 AF assist illuminator lamp

reducer.

08 Flash mode indicator LED

21 Adapter ring mounting buttons

09 Flash mode selector

22 Reproduction ratio scale

10 Overexposure warning indicator LED

(1:5 represents 1/5x.)

11 Power switch

23 ISO film speed scale

12 Mounting foot

24 Effective f-number (aperture)

13 Hot shoe contacts

25 Focal length of lens in use

14 Mounting foot lock nut

26 Proper exposure range

15 Alignment indices

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.

NIKON CORPORATION

FUJI BLDG., 2-3, MARUNOUCHI 3-CHOME, CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8331, JAPAN

Printed in Japan

Major features of the SB-29

The SB-29 consists of the main unit and controller. Attach the main unit to the

lens or to the front of the controller to take effective close-up flash

photographs. With the SB-29, you can shoot ultra close-up photographs of

flowers, insects or small objects in the TTL auto flash mode.

The main unit can be attached to the lens

to take close-up flash photographs.

•The main unit can be rotated while pressing the

adapter ring mounting buttons lightly, allowing you to

set the flash modules at any position to match subject

conditions or your creative preferences.

•Close-up flash photography with a lens mounted in the

reverse position is possible. (Optional Adapter Rings

are required.)

The main unit can be attached to the

controller to take close-up flash

photographs.

As shown in the illustration, the main unit can be rotated

up to 90°. The position of the flash modules can be set

vertically or horizontally to match the subject or your

individual preferences.

Manual flash operation in two (full and 1/4)

flash output levels is possible.

Firing both flash modules at the same time

or firing either independently can be

selected.

The brightness of the flash module can be

reduced to approx. 1/4 flash output by

using the built-in light reducer.

•Be sure to set both flash modules to fire.

•Various illumination patterns where the brightness is

different on the right and left sides of the subject is

possible when the subject is 0.2m (0.7 ft.) or less from

the main unit.

Usable lenses and cameras

Usable lenses

The SB-29 is designed for use especially with Micro-Nikkor lenses to realize

the maximum benefits of the flash unit.

•Use the appropriate adapter ring when attaching the SB-29 to the lens.

Note

Other Nikkor lenses having a ring that rotates or moves forward or backward during

AF operation may not autofocus correctly or may damage the lens or camera's

autofocus mechanism due to the weight of the main unit. Therefore, do not perform

autofocus operation, but use manual focus instead.

Micro-Nikkor lenses providing maximum benefits

— AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D provides autofocus operation when the Adapter Ring UR-3

(optional) is attached to the lens and the SB-29 main unit is attached to the UR-3.

— AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D or 105mm f/2.8 provides autofocus operation when the SB-29

main unit is attached to the lens using the provided ø62mm Adapter Ring (not ø52mm).

— AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF or 200mm f/4 IF provides autofocus operation when the

SB-29 main unit is attached to the lens using the provided ø62mm Adapter Ring.

— AF Zoom Micro-Nikkor 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D ED provides manual focus operation when the

SB-29 main unit is attached to the lens using the provided ø62mm Adapter Ring. Autofocus

operation is not possible.

— Using the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D set at the Tilt and/or Shift position is not recommended.

Usable lenses with limited functions

• Most Nikkor lenses having a 52mm, 62mm or 72mm filter attachment size

• These lenses are subject to vignetting:

— AF Nikkors 20mm f/2.8D, 28mm f/1.4D, and AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-50mm f/3.3-4.5D (at the

24mm focal length)

— AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6D (at focal lengths of 24mm, 28mm, 35mm and 50mm)

— AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5D (around the 28mm focal length),

AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-85mm f/3.5-4.5 (at the 28mm focal length)

— AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D (at focal lengths of 28mm and 35mm)

— AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6D (at focal lengths of 28mm, 35mm and 50mm),

AF Zoom-Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8D (at the 35mm focal length)

• Manual Zoom-Nikkor lenses

Because the adapter ring rotates while focusing, adjust the position of the SB-29's main unit

after focusing.

Lenses attachable but virtually unusable

•AF Nikkor lenses having a ring that rotates during AF operation.

Lenses not attachable

•Most Nikkor lenses not having a 52mm, 62mm or 72mm filter attachment size

Usable cameras and available flash modes

Nikon cameras usable with the SB-29 for TTL and Manual flash operations

Usable camera

Available flash mode

F5, F100, F4-Series, F90X/N90s*, F90-Series/N90*,

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

F70-Series/N70*, F60-Series/N60*, F50-Series/N50*,

(including Multi-Sensor Balanced

Pronea 600i/6i*, F-801s/N8008s*, F-801/N8008*,

Fill-Flash and Center-Weighted

F-601/N6006*, F-601

/N6000*, F-401x/N5005*

Fill-Flash/Spot Fill-Flash.)

Manual Flash

F-501/N2020**, F-301/N2000**, F3-Series*

, FA*

Standard TTL Flash

FE2*

, FG*

Manual Flash

F-401s/N4004s*

, F-401/ N4004*

, New FM2*

, FM10*

, FE10*

Manual Flash only

* Sold exclusively in the USA. ** Sold exclusively in the USA and Canada.

TTL Flash Unit Coupler AS-17 is required.

TTL Auto Flash operation is not possible with Nikon FA or FE2 cameras when the shutter

speed is set to M250 or B (bulb), and with Nikon FG cameras when the shutter speed is set to

M90 or B (bulb).

TTL Auto Flash operation is not possible with the Nikon F-401s/N4004s, F-401/N4004,

New FM2, FM10 and FE10 cameras. Use Manual flash operation instead.

For your information

TTL Auto Flash mode (Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash or Standard TTL Flash) is automatically

determined, according to your camera and lens combinations. You cannot select an appropriate

flash mode on the SB-29. For details on available flash modes, read each camera's instruction

manual.

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

Based on the ambient light, the flash output is automatically controlled to keep both subject and

background correctly exposed using the camera's Matrix Metering System.

Standard TTL Flash

Flash output is manually controlled to emphasize the main subject against the background. The

main subject is correctly exposed regardless of the brightness of the background.

Installing the batteries

Set the SB-29's power switch to OFF, then slide down the battery chamber

lid in the direction of the arrow and lift it off.

Install four penlight batteries following the + and – symbols inside the

battery chamber. Reattach the battery chamber lid by aligning the indices

on the lid and the flash unit and sliding it up as it will go.

Four AA-type penlight batteries of any of these types are usable:

(1) Zinc-carbon (1.5V), (2) alkaline-manganese (1.5V), (3) lithium (1.5V),

(4) rechargeable NiCd (1.2V) and (5) Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) (1.2V).

For more information on batteries, refer to "Notes on Batteries."

Caution

•If corrosive liquids seep from the batteries, avoid touching them. Certain

types of batteries contain strong alkaline liquids that can cause chemical

burns. If the alkaline liquids stick to your skin or clothes, wash immediately

with running water.

•When replacing batteries, replace all four at the same time. Do not mix

battery types or brands and do not use old with new batteries. Otherwise, the

batteries may catch on fire or explode, due the possible leakage of corrosive

liquids.

Turning the SB-29 on and off/ Standby function

Turning the power on and off

Set the SB-29's power switch to ON or STBY position.

•The standby function is activated if the power switch is set to STBY.

Check that the ready-light comes on.

•After the SB-29 is turned on, the ready-light lights up as soon as the SB-29 is

recycled and ready to fire.

•When the SB-29 is not used, move the power switch to the OFF position to avoid

turning the power on accidentally.

Standby function

With the power switch set to STBY position, if both the SB-29 and camera are

not used for after approx. 80 seconds, the SB-29 shuts off automatically and

the ready-light goes out to conserve battery power.

To turn the SB-29 on again after it enters the standby mode:

•Lightly press the camera's shutter release button;

•Press the SB-29's FLASH button once (in this case, the flash does not fire); or

•Set the power switch to the ON position.

The standby function cannot be used:

•If the SB-29 is mounted on Nikon F3-Series cameras using TTL Flash Unit

Coupler AS-17.

•If the SB-29 is mounted on Nikon New FM2, FM10 or FE10 cameras.

•If the SB-29 is mounted on Nikon FA or FE2 cameras and the shutter speed is set to

M250 or B (bulb).

•If the SB-29 is mounted on Nikon FA or FE2 cameras when Motor Drive MD-12 is

mounted.

•If the SB-29 is mounted on Nikon FG cameras and the shutter speed is set to M90

or B (bulb).

In the above cases, set the SB-29's power switch to ON or OFF.

Test firing

With the power switch set to ON or STBY, you can perform test firing to

ensure that the SB-29 is working properly.

Check that the ready-light comes on, then press the FLASH button.

•Other Speedlights connected to the TTL multiple flash terminal or sync terminal

will fire as well.

Replacing or recharging the batteries (Checking battery power)

Replace or recharge the batteries if the ready-light takes the amount of time

shown in the table to light up between flashes when the flash mode selector is

set at M.

Type of batteries installed

Ready-light takes:

Remedy

Zinc-carbon

More than 30 seconds to light up

Alkaline-manganese

Replace batteries

Lithium

More than 10 seconds to light up

NiCd (rechargeable)

More than 10 seconds to light up

Recharge batteries

Ni-MH (rechargeable)

Attaching the controller and main unit

The SB-29 consists of the controller and main unit. Attach the controller to the

camera and the main unit to the lens or to the front of the controller.

•When attaching the SB-29 to the camera or lens, be sure to turn off the SB-29.

Attaching the controller to the camera

Loosen the SB-29's mounting foot lock nut all the way and slide the mounting

foot into the camera's accessory shoe.

Tighten the lock nut by rotating it in the direction of the arrow.

Detaching the controller from the camera

Loosen the SB-29's mounting foot lock nut all the way and gently pull out the

mounting foot.

•If the lock nut doesn't loosen easily, do not force it. Push the foot forward gently once

in the direction of the white arrow and try loosening the lock nut again.

Attaching the main unit to the controller

Press the adapter ring mounting buttons on both sides to attach the main unit

to the controller.

•Keep pressing the adapter ring mounting buttons as you attach the main unit to the

controller, then remove your fingers to secure it.

•The main unit can be rotated up to 90°, allowing horizontal or vertical positioning of

the flash modules.

Note

With certain lenses, the shadows cast by the front of the lens may appear on the

subject if both modules are fired when set vertically. In this case, use the upper flash

module only.

Using the modeling illuminator, you can also check if there are shadows cast by the

front of the lens before taking pictures. Refer to "Checking the lighting effects before

shooting".

However, when looking through the viewfinder of cameras with less than 100% frame

coverage, you may not see the shadows cast by the front of the lens even when using

the modeling illuminator, because the area appearing on the film is greater than the

viewfinder image.

Setting the controller and main unit

Check these settings on the SB-29 before shooting.

Flash mode

Three flash modes —TTL Auto Flash, Manual (Full) Flash or Manual (M1/4) Flash—are

available using the flash mode selector. The TTL Auto Flash mode is recommended,

because determining the proper exposure in close-up flash is very difficult.

Manual M1/4 flash output

Manual full flash output

TTL auto flash mode

Light reducer

By using the built-in light reducer, intentional shadows can be created by changing the

brightness of the right or left flash module (or upper or lower when the unit is positioned

vertically).

Ratio of the left to the right = 1: 1/4

Ratio of the left to the right = 1/4: 1

•The output of the flash module can be reduced to approx. 1/4 by using the built-in light reducer.

•Turn the light reducer setting dial all the way until it click stops.

•Be sure to set both flash modules to fire when using the light reducer.

Attaching the main unit to the lens

With the lens in normal position

Depending on the lens' filter attachment size, attach one of the provided

adapter rings to the lens.

Press the adapter ring mounting buttons on both sides to attach the main unit

to the adapter ring.

•Keep pressing the adapter ring mounting buttons as you attach the main unit to the

adapter ring, then remove your fingers to secure it.

•You can adjust the position of the flash modules by rotating the main unit while lightly

pressing the adapter ring mounting buttons.

With the lens in reverse position

Set the lens in the reverse position when taking pictures at a large

reproduction ratio.

Refer to the illustrations below. These optional accessories are necessary:

•Macro Adapter Ring BR-2A, Auto Adapter Ring BR-6

•Auto Adapter Ring BR-5 is also necessary between Macro Adapter Ring BR-2A and

the lens when using a lens having a 62mm filter attachment size.

•Because Auto Adapter Ring BR-6 features automatic diaphragm control, using the

optional Double Release AR-10 or Double Cable Releases AR-7/AR-4 speeds up

shooting operation.

When attaching the lens directly to the camera body

SB-29 controller

SB-29 main unit

BR-2A BR-5

Lens

BR-6

52mm

Camera

adapter

ring

•Set the lens focus ring to

(infinity) and move the camera body back and forth

to focus.

When using Nikon Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6

SB-29 controller

BR-2A BR-5

Lens

BR-6

52mm

Camera

adapter

SB-29

ring

main unit

Bellows Focusing Attachment PB-6

•The main unit cannot be attached to the Adapter Ring if the lens is in the reverse

position with the PB-6 attached.

•Set the lens focus ring to

(infinity).

Setting both flash modules or either flash module

The SB-29 is equipped with two flash modules. Using the flash module selector, you have

three options: 1) To fire both flash modules simultaneously; 2) To fire the left module only;

or 3) To fire the right module only. This is convenient for taking close-up flash photographs

when you want to emphasize the contrast between the highlight and shadow areas.

Only right module fires

Both modules fire

Only left module fires

Guide number

Guide numbers (at full flash output) in Manual Flash mode (m/ft)

ISO film speed

100

200

400

800

1000

1600

For both flash modules

5.5/18

7.7/25

11/36

15.5/51

22/72

31/102

35/115

44/144

For only one flash module

6/20

8.5/28

12/39

17/56

24/79

34/112

38/125

48/157

Adjustment factors for film speed other than ISO 100

ISO film speed

100

200

400

800

1000

1600

Factor

x0.5

x0.71

x1.4

x2.8

x3.2

Multiply the guide numbers by the factors shown in the above table.