Nikon SB-23 User Manual

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FOREWORD
Thankyou for purchasingthe
NikonAutofocusSpeedlight
SB-23.We hopethe SB-23will
make photographya much
biggerpart of your life.Get to
know your SB-23,but before
using it, be sure to read both
your camerainstructionmanual
and this manual.Nikoncannot
be held resoonsiblefor
malfunctionsresultingfrom use
of the SB-23 other than as
specifiedin this manual,or from
use of the SB-23 with a camera
made by a manufacturerother
than-Nikon.
Nikon Gamera Groups and TTL auto flash availablewith the SB-23
Camera name
F90VN90s.
F90-series/N90*
F70-series/N70"
F4-series
F-801s/N8008s.
F-801/N8008.
o For ease of explanation,the

relationshiosbetweenthe
SB-23and variousNikon
camerasare classifiedinto six
groupsat right.
o Beforeusingthe SB-23,
determineyour Nikon camera
group in the Camera Group
Table shown at right.
Group Type of TTL auto flash with the SB-23
Multi-SensorBalanced Fill-Flash
Center-WeightedFill-Flash/SpotFill-Flash
Standard TTL Flash
tl
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

Center-WeightedFill-Flash/SpotFill-Flash
Standard TTL Flash
F-601/N6006.
F601M/N6000
ilt
o Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

. Center-WeightedFill-Flash/SpotFill-Flash
. Standard TTL Flash
F50-Series/N50.
F-401x/N5005.
tv
F-501/N2020*
F-401s/N4004s.
F-401lN4004.
F-301/N2000*
o Standard TTL Flash including

Programmed TTL Auto Flash
FA
FE2
FG
NikonosV*""
VI
o Standard TTL Flash
o Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

. Center-WeightedFill-Flash
" Sold exclusivelyin the U.S.A.

"- Sold exclusivelyin the U.S.A.and Canada.
*"* OptionalV-Type Sync Cord is necessary.
ATTENTION: The SB-23 will not operate with Nikon cameras other
than those listed above.
2
<
FLASH MODES AVAILABLE
WITH S8.23
The SB-23 providestwo flash modes,TTL auto
and manual.In TTL auto flash mode, you can
performeitherAutomaticBalancedFill-Flashor
StandardTTL Flash.
WhenusingStandardTTL Flashcontrol,the
Speedlighttends to providethe main subjectwith
moreillumination
than needed,resultingin an
unnaturallybrightsubjectwith a dark background.
WithAutomaticBalancedFill-Flash,the flash
output levelis automaticallycompensatedto
createa naturalbalancebetweenthe overall
exposureand the flash-illuminated
subject.
Dependingon the combinationof camerayou use
with the SB-23,your meteringsystemand
exposuremode, the followingmay be availableas
AutomaticBalancedFill-Flash:Multi-Sensor
BalancedFill-Flash,Matrix BalancedFill-Flash,.
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flashand Spot Fill-Flash.
In manualflash mode,the SB-23 fires at maximum
output.
StandardTTL flash and manualflash mode are
availablewith all of the Nikon cameragroups.
Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash-with
Group I cameras
The camera'sTTL Multi-Sensoranalyzes
brightnessand contrast,automatically
compensatingthe flash output levelto balancethe
flash output with ambientlight.

This combinationensuresa correctexposureeven
in difficultsituations,includingsceneswith a highly
reflectiveobject such as a mirroror white wall, and
sceneswith a very dark background.
Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash-with Group ll,
Group lll and Group lV cameras
This combinationenablesyou to take wellbalancedphotos with a correctexposurefor both
the backgroundand foregroundsubject. When
shootingsceneswith a highlyreflectiveobject or a
very dark background,however,there is a
possibilityof under-or overexposure.
Genter-Weighted Fill-Flash/Spot FillFlash-with Group l, Group ll, Group lll
and Group lV cameras
Withthis combination,if you are usinga lens
withouta CPU (anylens other than an AF Nikkoror
Al-P-Nikkor),Center-WeightedFill-Flashand Spot
Fill-Flashwill be performedas AutomaticBalanced
Fill-Flash
insteadof Multi-Sensor
BalancedFillFlashor MatrixBalancedFill-Flash.Flashoutput is
properlycompensatedto producea naturalfillflash effect.
t:*&;
READ BEFORE
Nikkor lenses
Nikon offers two types of Nikkor lensesthose with a built-inCPU and those withouta
built-inCPU.
Nikkor lenses with a built-in CPU include:
. D-type AF lenses
. Non-D-typeAF NikkorlensesexceptAFNikkor lensesfor F3AF
o Al-P Nikkorlenses
Nikkor lenses without a built-in GPU
o Non-AFAl-S Nikkorlenses
o Nikon SeriesE lenses
o Al-modifiedNikkorlensesand others
USING
Neverfire the flashtoward or nearanyone's

eyes;it may damagetheir retinas.
Nikoncannot be responsiblefor
malfunctionsor other problemsresulting
from the use of other manufacturers'flash
units,camerasor accessories,including
lensesand externalpower sources.
For TTL multiple flash photography

TheSB-23canbe usedonlyas a masterflash
unit,notas slaveflashunit.
NOMENCLATURE
Flash head
Batterychamber
Batterychamberlid
AutofocusassistilluminatorLED
Ready-light
Power switch/
flash mode selector
Mountingfoot lock nut
Mountingfoot
Hot-shoe contacts
CONTENTS
FoREWoRD
...........................2
MANUAL FLASHOPERATION.........
......92
FLASH
MoDES
AVAil-ABLE
W|THSB-23......................3-4
CLOSE.UPFLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
READ
BEFoRE
USrNG.......
............................4
lN TTL AUTO FLASH MODE................30
NoMENCLATURE
.............
.........................5-6
MISCELLANEOUS.
C0NTENTS...
........7
PREPARATION
pHoTocRApHy....................
AUToFoCUS
FLASH
IFTHEUNDEREXPOSURE
ALERT
APPEARS
INSIDE
ATTACHING
"APERTURE/
.......35
sHooTrNG
D|STANCE
RANGE
LABEL'........................8 VIEWFINDER
EXPOSURE
COMPENSATION
...
....36
INSTALLING
BATTERIES..
.....8.9
...................
....37
ATTACHTNG
FLASH
UNtr............
..........10-11 TRoUBLESH0oTTNG
READY-LIGHT
tND|CATIoNS...............
.......12
TTLAUTOFLASHANDMANUALFLASHOPERATION.....13
SHOOTINGIN TTL AUTO FLASH

MODE
.14-31
TTLAutoFlash0peration
with GroupI cameras.,..l4-15
TTLAutoFlashOperation
with Groupll cameras...l6-18
with Grouplll cameras.19-20
with GrouplV cameras.21-23
TTLAutoFlash0perationwith GroupV cameras..24-27
with GroupVl cameras28-29
Aperture.
Selecting
.................30-31
,A
PREPARATION (Forall-group
Nikoncameraslistedon page 2.)
ATTACHING
DISTANCE
RANGELABEL''
"APERTURE/SHOOTING
INSTALLINGBATTERIES
'.?)
Two aperture/shooting
distancerangelabelsare provided-one in
meters,the other in feet. Chooseyour desiredlabel,and attach it to
the Speedlightbody.
\lrw)
l(@f
l@)
r(i
The following battery

types can be used with
the SB-23.
o 1.5V AA alkalinemanganese
. NiCd batteries
. Manganesebatteries
Be sureto followthe "+"
and "-" indicationsinside
the batterychamberto
ensurebatteriesare
properlyloaded.
For batteryinformation,
see "ABOUTBATTERIES"
on page40.
Slide open the battery

I r chamber lid.
t,
Z.
Load four batteries into

the battery chamber.
Glose the battery chamber

2
rJr lid.
o Batterieswith a "+" terminal
exceeding6mm in diameter
cannotbe used.
ATTACHINGFLASH UNIT
1 Turn the mounting foot

I r lock nut of the SB-23
clockwise as far as it
goes.
10
Slide the mounting foot

lorward into the camera's
accessory shoe as far as
it goes.
.Power switchesof the SB-23
and cameramust be turned off.
O
Z.
Tightenthe mounting lock

2
\Jr nut firmly.
About the SB-23's standby system

Settingthe SB-23's power switch/flashmode
selectorto TTL or M positionturnson the SB-23.
At eitherof thesepositions,the SB-23
automatically
turns off approx.B0 secondsafter
the SB-23 is used to conservebatteryenergy.
To turn the SB-23on again,lightlypressthe
camera'sshutterreleasebutton .
Caution:
When not usingthe SB-23or when carryingit in
a bag, etc., alwaysset the power switch/flash
mode selectorto OFF position.
The standbysystemdoes not functionin the

followingcases.
FA,,FE2=When you have selecteda mechanical
shuttersettingof "M250"or "B," or when using
the NikonMotor DriveMD-12.
FG, NikonosV: Whenthe shutterspeeddial is
set to "M90" or B.
11
::::l:::tl
l!!:::?./tr
READY.LIGHTINDICATIONS
READY
OC
t$kon
The SB-23'sready-lightlightsup or blinksin the
followingcases.
The ready-light comes on-flash is ready to
fire
With the SB-23'sflash mode selectorat TTL or
M, the ready-lightlightsup to indicatethe flash
is readyto fire.
Flashshootingis possiblewheneverthe readylightlightsup.
Both viewfinder ready-light and SB-23's
ready-light blink for a few seconds after
shooting-light output might be insufficient
With the SB-23 in TTL auto flash mode, if both
the camera'sviewfinderready-light
and SB-23's
ready-lightblinkfor a few secondsafter
shooting,the flashhas firedat its maximum
outputand lightmightbe insufficient
for correct
12
exposure.Check aperture/shooting
distance
rangetable on the SB-23 to determinewhether
you were beyondthe indicatedmaximumrange.
Dependingon conditions,choosea wider
aperturefor maximumflash range(if exposure
mode is set at Programmedor Shutter-Priority
Auto, switch to Aperture-Priority
Auto or
Manual), or move closerto the subject.
Notes:
. lf the ready-lighttakes more than 30 sec. to
lightup when usingalkaline-manganese
batteries,replacewith a fresh set.
. With NiCd batteries,if recyclingtime is over 10
seconds,rechargethem.
TTL AUTO FLASHAND MANUAL
FLASH OPERATION
OFF [.[ TTL
mml
IGHTS8.23
To turn on the SB-23,set the power switch/flash

mode selectorto TTL or M position.For TTL auto
flash,set to TTL;for Manualflash,set to M.
For TTL Auto flash operation see pages 14 to
31.
With Group I cameras
With Group ll cameras
With Group lll cameras
With Group lV cameras
With Group V cameras
With Group Vl cameras
see pages 14 to
see pages 16 to
see pages 19 to
see pages 21to
see pages 24 to
see pages 28to
15.
18.
20.
23.
27.
29.
For Manualflash operation with all catrneras,

see page 32.
SHOOTINGIN TTL AUTOwww.orphancameras.com

FLASH MODE
TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group I cameras (F90X/N90s,
F90-series/N90,
F70-series/N70)
Lens
Metering system
Exposure mode
Type of TTL auto flash
Nikkor lens with a

built-inGPU
Matrix,
Center-Weighted,
Spot
ProgrammedAuto*,
Shutter-Priority
Auto and
Aperture-PriorityAuto
Multi-SensorBalanced
Fill-Flash
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
Apedure-Priority
Auto
Center-WeightedFillFlash/SpotFill-Flash
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
Other lenses
Center-Weighted/Spot
* ln Programmed Auto exposure and Shutter-Priority Auto modes, always sef fhe SB-23's flash mode to
TTL.At M. the camera's shutter is locked.
-r
r
Procedure
Irt
Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode

I r selector to TTL to turn on the SB-23.
n
Z,
set the camera,s

s et'v
sync rr'vse
mode to
rv 'v'
normar
rlrs'
;;;;.'
e
lJr
select aperture.
vr rsrv'
In Programmedor shutter-priorityAuto
exposuremode, set the lensto its minimum
aperture(largestf-number).
In Aperture-Priority
Auto or Manualexposure
mode, set the apertureso the subjectis
positionedwithinthe flash shootingdistance
range.(Forflash shootingrange,see page
30.)
A
tr
Lightly press the shutter release button

and confirm focus and exposure
indications inside the viewfinder'
For viewfinderexposurealerts,see page 35.
E,
9r
Gonfirm the sB-23's ready-light lights up,

then fully depress the shutter release
button to take a picture'
F801s/N8008s,
F801/N8008)
TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group ll cameras (F4-series,
With F4-seriescameras
Lens
AF Nikkor lenses/
Al-P type Nikkor lenses/
AF Teleconverter/
AF-Nikkor lenses for
Nikon F3 AFlAl-type
Nikon and Nikkor
lenses (includingAl-S)
Metering system
Exposure mode
Matrix
ProgrammedAuto,
Auto and
Shutter-Priority
MatrixBalancedFill-Flash
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
ProgrammedAuto,
Auto and
Shutter-Priority
Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
Center-Weighted
ProgrammedAuto,
Auto and StandardTTL Flash
Shutter-Priority
Spot
Other lenses
16
Matrix/CenterWeighted/Spot
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
ual
Aperture-Priority/Man
StandardTTL Flash
With F-801s/N8008sand F-801/N8008cameras
Lens
Metering system
Exposure mode
ProgrammedAuto*1
Matrix
AF Nikkor lenses/
Al-P type Nikkor lenses
Center-Weighted
srruitei-prioiiiv
Autoano
Matrix BalancedFill-Flash
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
Apedure-Priority
Auto
Programmed
Auto*1
snuitei-prioiiiyAutoano Center-WeightedFill-Flash
Aperture-Priority
Auto
Manual
Spot*z
Programmed
Auto*1
srruitei-prioiiiy
Autoano Spot-FillFlash
Aperture-Priority
Auto
Manual
Other lenses
StandardTTL Flash
Center-Weighted/ Aperture-Priority
Spot*z
Manual
StandardTTL Flash
Center-Weighted
FillFlash/SpotFill-Flash
StandardTTL Flash
ln Programmed Auto exposure mode, always sef fhe SB-23's flash mode to TTL. At M, the camera's
shutter locks.
Spot Metering is only available with the F-801s/N8008s.
Procedure for Group ll cameras
I

e
tJr
setectaperture.
Zt
In Programmedor Shutter-PriorityAuto
30.)
A
Tr
Lightly press the shutter release button to

confirm focus and exposure indications
'fls/ffiffi:",,Hl3|Jre
aterts,
seepase35.
Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light comes on,

button to take a picture.
TTLAuto Flash Operation with Group lll cameras (F601/N6006,F601M/N6000)

Gamera's setting
Lens
Exposure mode
Automatic
Metering system Balanced
Fill-Flash
ProgrammedAuto,
Auto,
Shutter-Priority
Aperture-Priority
Auto or Manual
t-7t
Set
(.>
Matrix Balanced
Fill-Flash
Cancel
(.:
StandardTTL Flash
Matrix
AF Nikkor
lens with
a built-in
CPU
lndication
of TTL
on camera's Type
LGD panel auto flash
t-7t
ru
Center-Weighted Set
Cancel
Spot
Set
lnl
:,.1
E
Spot
Spot Fill-Flash
Set
EI
:,.1
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash
Cancel
it
StandardTTL Flash
Set
f-7t
ro
Spot Fill-Flash
Center-Weighted
or Manual
StandardTTL Flash
StandardTTL Flash
Cancel
Other
lenses
Center-Weighted
Fill-Flash
Cancel
StandardTTL Flash
19
;,
Procedure for Group lll cameras

i

Make sure that

sync '.s
is rer
set v"
on the
alte
o
"'"' normar etrrv
Z.;;;;;'-
aperrure.
n serect
t\Jr
20
In Programmedor shutter-priorityAuto
30.)
i
rtr

and confirm focus and exposure
indications inside the viewfinder.
For viewfinderexposurealerts,see page35.
5. :#t:'Slitlll","ti;3n::Xtrr-Jn"ll,n
release button to take a picture'
',-,
TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group lV cameras (F50-series/N50,F401x/N5005)

Lens
Gamera's exposure mode
ProgrammedAuto*l
Shutter-Priority
Auto
MatrixBalancedFill-Flash
Nikkor lens with a built-in CPU

Manual
Center-WeightedFill-Flash
Other lenses
Manual
"1 With an F\)-series/N5? camera in Silhouette Program, Close-IJp Program or LandscapeProgram , do

not use the flash.
21
Procedure for Group lV cameras
I

e
tJr

confirm focus and exposure
"nd
A
Tr
Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light lights up,

Select apefture.
3t
In Programmedor Shutter-PriorityAuto
aperture(largestf-number).Confirmyour
subjectis withinthe flash shootingdistance
range.To verify the controlled aperture,see
the table on page 23. For the flash shooting
range,see page31.
ln Aperture-Priority
positionedat a point within the flash shooting
distancerange.For flash shootingrange,see
page 30.
22
,;G);a*
To verify controlled aperture
With F5O-series/N50cameras: See the table
belowto verifythe controlledaperturewith ISO 100
filmin SIMPLEmode.(lnADVANCEDmode,the
controlledapertureappearsinsidethe viewfinder.)
i#
For outdoor subject(s)

on a sunny day
t/8
For outdoor subject(s)

on a cloudy day or in shadows
f/5.6
For indoor subject(s)
f/4
With F-401xlN5005cameras: See the table below

to verifythe controlledaperturewith ISO 100 film.
Shooting conditions
Scene that includes the sun
For outdoor subject(s) on a sunny day
Controlled aperture
Shutter speed in
Shutter-Priority
Auto exposure
'f/16
1/125 sec.
f/8
1/125sec.
For outdoor subject(s)on a cloudy day or in shadows
'f/5.6
1 / 1 2 5s e c .
For indoor subiect(s)
f/5.6
1/30 sec.
23
TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group V cameras

With F-501/N2020
and F-301/N2000
cameras
Lens
Nikkor lenses
with a built-in CPUI
AF-Nikkor lenses for
FSAF/Al-type Nikkor
and Nikon lenses
(includingAl-S type)
Series E
Other lenses
Lens aperture
ring
Shutter speed dial
Exposure mode
Minimum
aperture
PDUAL(for F-501 only)

P, PHI
ProgrammedTTL
ProgrammedAuto Auto
Flash*1
Apedure-priority
auro
Any desired
apedure
Any desired
aperture
1
i
I
j
StandardTTL
Flash
1/125-1sec.,B*2
Manual
Aperture-priority
auto
StandardTTL
Flash
Manual
1/125-1sec.,B*2
',
Type of TTL
auto flash
*7 ln Programmed TTL Auto Flashshooting, flash output is controlled in the same manner in
as Standard
ffL Hash, but the controlled aperture is fixed at each ISO film speed.
.2 With the shutter speed sef at 1/250 sec. or faster, the camera automatically
switches to 1/125 sec. as
soon as the SB-23 is turned on.
24
Procedurefor F-501/N2020and F-301/N2000cameras

Set the SB-23'spower switch/flashmode
Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebutton
1
A
I r selectorto TTLto turn on the SB-23.
tJr and confirmfocusand exposure
O
il$

Select aperture.
Lt
ffi
For ProgrammedTTL Auto Flash in

ProgrammedAuto exposuremode, set the
lensto its minimumaperture(largestfnumber).In ProgrammedTTL Auto flash,the
controlledaperturesare fixed at each ISO film
speed and the shootingdistancerange is
alwaysfrom 0.7m to 3.5m regardlessof the
film speed in use (seetable on page 31).
positionedwithin the flash shootingdistance
30.)
n
-!r

25
;4".:..+,s*r*i;F;
, -.
--,- --t--;+.
With F-401s/N4004sand F-401lN4004cameras

Gamera's setting (exposure mode)
Lens
Aperture Oial I Snutter speed dial

S
Nikkor lens
with a built-in
CPU *1
Any desired
aperture
Other lenses *4 Not usable
ProgrammedAuto
1/60-1sec.*2
Auto
Shutter-Priority
Aperture-PriorityAutc
1/60 - 1 sec. and B*4 Manual
ProgrammedTTL Auto
Flashshooting*s
StandardTTL Flash
1/60 - 1 sec. and B*4 Manual
*7 Sef lensto its minimum aper-ture(targestf-number). To set your desired aperture, use the camera's
aperture dial.
.2 titheshutterspeedr'ssetaf 1/125sec.orfaster,thecameraautomaticallyswitchestol/100sec. as
soon as the SB-23 is turned on.
*S ln Programmed TTL Auto Flashshooting, flash output is controlled in the same manner as in Standard
TTL Flash,but the controlled apertures are fixed at each ISO film speed.
.4 Viewfinder exposureindicator LEDsdo not appear. lJsean external exposure meter, then set the
exposure using the lensaperture ring and shutter speed dial. Ignore the apefture sef on the camera's
aperture dial.
26
.|-;:.,..:.
.
-
*Ji*Et
i
.
rj::i:,::..#&
l;i r";',.,,..,,,..
r*
if
Procedurewith F-4O1s/N4004sand F-401lN4004cameras

Set the SB-23'spowerswitch/flashmode
Lightlypressthe shutterreleasebuttonto
1
e
I r selectorto TTL.
9r confirmfocusand exposureindications
inside the viewfinder.
Select aperture.
6
ht
'*
For ProgrammedTTL Auto Flashin

ProgrammedAuto exposuremode or
Auto exposuremode, set the
Shutter-Priority
lensto its minimumaperture(largestfnumber).In ProgrammedTTL Auto flash,the
shootingdistancerangeis alwaysfrom 0.7m
to 3.5m, regardlessof the film speed in use
(seetableon page31).
positionedwithinthe flashshootingdistance
range.(Forflashshootingrange,see page
30.)
A
'?r
Confirm the SB-23's ready-light comes on,

27
: .. .- r;**1:r
'.e4$c&)d;=
TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group Vl cameras (FA, FE2,FG, Nikonos V)
Lens
Gamera's exposure mode setting
Possible shooting
Aperture-PriorityAuto*1
StandardTTL Flash
All Nikon and Nikkor lenses

Manual*2
.1 With an FA camera sef at Programmed Auto or Shutter-PriorityAuto exposure mode, turning on the
SB-23 automaticalty switches the camera to Aperture-Priority Auto. Shutter speed is fixed at 1/250 sec.
With an FE2 camera, the shutter speed is fixed at 1/250 sec.
With an FG camera set af Programmed Auto exposure mode, turning on the SB-23 automatically
switches the camera to Aperture-Priority Auto. Shutter speed is fixed at 1/90 sec.
With a Nikonos V camera, the shutter speed is fixed 1/90 sec.
*2 Mechanical settings (M250, M90 and B) on the camera's shutter speed dial cannot be used with the
sB-23.
:-
.,:a;k.e
,l
..l*F
"w'
Procedurefor Group Vl cameras

I
Set the SB-23'spower switch/flashmode

I r selectorto TTLto turn on the SB-23.
Set the camera's exposure mode to
Aperture-PriorityAuto or Manual.
[3:
Check the subject-to-camera distance,

confirm the appropriate aperture from the
table on page 31, then set the aperture
value on the lens aperture ring.
A
tr
Lightly press the shutter release button to

confirm the focus and exposure
For viewfinderexposurealeds,see page 35.
tr
Vr

2sj
-;u-*4!*&q-
-.&gt
Selecting Aperture
AUTO
RANGE
ln TTL auto flash mode

To selecta suitableaperture,follow the verticalline
representing
the flashshootingdistancedown to
whereit meetsthe horizontallinefor the film speed
rn use.
Example1: To shoota subject4m (approx.13 ft.)
awaywith an ISO 100 film,selectany aperturefrom
f/2Io f/4.
Example2: lf you selectf/4 with an ISO 100 film,
you can take picturesof subjects0.9 m to 5 m (2.9
'16ft.)
ft. to
away.
30
ln manualflash mode
shootingdistancerange
Usingthe aperture/flash
table,read the appropriateshootingdistance.
The aperture/flashshootingdistancerangetable
can serveas a guideto determiningthe proper
aperturein manualflashmode.
Determinethe flashshootingdistance,then follow
the horizontallinefor the film speedin use to
where it meetsthe verlicalline representingthe
f lash shootingdistance.
With ISO 100 film,for example,to shoota subject
5 m (approx.16 ft.) away,the appropriateaperlure
isf/4.
Usingguide number
Todeterminethe correctaperture,use the
following
equation.
g u i d en u m b e r
f/stop =
flash-to-subiectdistance
Usable apertures/shooting distance range in

TTL mode
Unir.m
n (ft)
Unit:
Seetableto confirmthe guidenumbersfor various

filmsoeeds.
Unit: m/ft.
lS0filmspeed 25
50
1 0 0 200
400
800
Guide
number 10/3314t4620t66 28192401131
5 6t184
lS0film speed
Shooting
range
1000* 800* 400 200 1 0 0 50 25 distance
2.8+tlz2 . 8 z
3.6-20(12-65)
4+tls
4 2,8 z
2.5-14(8.3-46)
5.6+l/s 5 . 6 4
2.8 2
B 5.6 4 2.8
11+Ut 11 B 5 . 6 4
1S+% 1 0 I t 1 a . 5.6
22+1ls 22 16 '11 B
22 16 1 1
't6
22
B+1lz
2
2.8
4
1.B-10(5.8-32)
(4.2-23)
1.3-7.0
(2.9-16)
0.9-5.0
2'S 0,7-3
5 {2.1-11}
5 . 6 4 0.6-2.5
Q.0-8.21
B 5 . 6 0.6-1.7
(2.0-5.7)
1 ' l B 0 . 6 - 1 .(22 . 0 - 4 . 1 )
22 ' t 6 1 1 0.6-09 Q.0-2.8\
* Forcamerasin groupsl, ll, lll
andlV,plus theF-S7l/N2020
andF-301/N2000.
il = Programmed
TTLAutoFlash
information
forF-50'1/
N2020,
F-401
s/N4004s,
F-401/N4004
andF-30i/N2000
cameras.
WithF-401s/N4004s
or F-401/N4004,
the
usable
filmspeedis lS025to 400.
31
MANUAL FLASH OPERATION (forall Nikoncamerasroupsr

In manualflash mode. the SB-23 fires at its
maximumlight output regardlessof the flash-tosubjectdistance.Use manualflash mode when you
cannotobtainan appropriateexposurein TTL auto
mode.
Procedure
a
I r Aperture-PriorityAuto or Manual.
,t
4r

selector to M to turn on the SB-23.
e
lJr
Select and set the aperture on the lens or

cdmra body.
Confirm the appropriateaperture by referring
t o p a g e3 1 .
A
r?r
Confirm that the SB-23's ready-light

Gomson, then fully depress the shutter
release button to take a picture.
.i:ni:i3;a
i* CtOSr-uprusu pF|OTOGRAPHY
lN TTLAUTOFLASHMODE(foral Nikon
camera
sroups)
*
I
I
f,
[
Forflashshootingwith a subjectcloserthan 0.6 m,

useoptionalNikonTTL RemoteCord SC-17.(With
theSB-23directlymountedon the camera,light
fromthe SB-23 cannot cover a subjectcloserthan
0.6m.)
I . for F4-seriescameraswith a DW-2O/DW-21

lI
finder,use NikonTTL RemoteCord SC-24.
J Procedure
Remove the SB-23 from the camera

1
I r speedlight mount. Connect the SB-23 and
camera with the TTL Remote Cord.
O
1t

Aperlure-PriorityAuto or Manual.
e
lJr
Adjust the SB-23's position so that tight

from the flash head covers the subject.
A
Tr

selector to TTL to turn on the SB-23.
E
rJr
Determine the aperture using the following

eeurtion,then set the camera's aperture
to that value.
f/stop(aperture):#
whereA correspondsto the film in use
accordingto the table below.
lS0film speed 25
A
50 1 0 0 200 400 800 1000
2.5 3 , 5 5
7.5 1 0
When using ISO 100 film and the flash-to-subject

distanceis 0.5 m, for example,divide5 by 0.5 to
get 10. That meansyou should use an apertureof
f/1Oor smaller(f/1Oor largerf-number).Use the
smallestaperturepossible.
33
6d#!1jq-!*@.;-.-.+-",.Ha.*.
MISCELLANEOUS
AUTOFOCUS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY (with Nikon AF cameras)

The SB-23'sAF assistLED lets you perform
Procedure
autofocusflash photographyin dim light or even
Set the camera's AF mode to single servo
ni
total darknesswith a NikonAF camera
1
I I AF'
"no
Nikkorlens.
When ambientlight is insufficientfor autofocus
Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light comes on.
at
operation,the AF assist LED automaticallyturns on
1.
to start the operationand add contrast to dark
subject(s),allowingthe camera'sautofocussystem e
tJr and confirm the in-focus indicator appears
to functionas though it were daytime.
in the vievvfinder.
lf ambientlight is sufficientfor autofocus,the AF
o lf the in-focusindicationdoes not appear,
assistLEDdoes not light up.
o Autofocus distance range with the AF assist
the subjectis beyondthe autofocus
distancerange;focus manuallyon the clear
LED:
mattefield.
Approx. 1m (3.3ft.) to 5m (16.4ft.) at 20"Cor
Do not use the autofocuslock function.
68.F.
o Usable lenses:
Fully
depress the shutter release button to
With the F-501/N2020:AF Nikkorlensesfrom 35
picture.
4.
take
a
m m t o 1 0 5m m
o lf the SB-23's ready-lightbecomesdarker
With other NikonAF cameras:AF Nikkorlenses
or blinks,replacethe batterieswith a fresh
'from24 mm to 105 mm
set.
34
lFTHEUNDEREXPOSURE
ALERTAPPEARSINSIDEVIEWFINDER
(withall Nikoncameragroups)
il
Backgroundwill be underexposed.To get a correct

exposurefor the background,performslow sync
flashphotography.
Whenperformingslow sync, use a tripod to
preventcamerashake.
With I and lll group cameras

In ProgrammedAuto or Aperture-Priority
Auto
exposuremode, set the camera'ssync mode to
Slow-Sync.
with other cameras

1. Turn off the SB-23.
2. Set the camera'sexposuremode to ShutterPriorityAuto or Manual.
3. Set the shutterspeed (andaperturein Manual
exposuremode)so that the backgroundwill be
correctlyexposed.
4. Set the SB-23's power switch/flashmode
selectorto TTL to turn on the SB-23.Checkthe
shootingdistancerange,confirmthat the readylight comes on, then fully depressthe shutter
releasebutton to take a shot.
35
--3,;r:;*:.*.
-,.
EXPOSURECOMPENSATION(with all Nikon camera groups)

To make your picturelighteror darker,use your
camera'sexposurecompensationfunction.To
makethe picturelighter,use "+" compensation.To
make it darker,use "-" compensation.
lf your camerahas no exposurecompensation
function:
o In StandardTTL Flash,the flash shooting
distancerangevarieswith the amountof
exposurecompensation.To confirmthe
compensateddistancerange,see the table at
right,then check the film speed on the back of
the SB-23. lf you make +1 EV compensationw.ith
ISO 100 film, for example,read the flash shooting
distancerangeat ISO 50 on the aperture/flash
shootingdistancetable and set ISO 50.
36
----\-
Exposure com----\
Pensation
-'---value
Film
speed in use
+2
f I
25
25
25
200
400
50
25 50 1 0 0
50 1 0 0 200
1 0 0 200 400
800/1000
200
50
100
A
t'/-
-1
-2
----\-
400
50 1 0 0
1 0 0 200
200 400
400 800
800
800
| ' Nof posslb te; shooton manual.
(common to all Nikon camera groups)

TROUBLESHOOTING
Trouble
Ready-light
doesnotcomeon.
Ready-light
hlinksafter shooting*.
Cause
Remedy
Batteries
areimproperly
installed.
Batteries
areexhausted.
Powerswitch/mode
selector
is setat
0FFposition.
SB-23hasautomatically
turned
off
dueto thestandby
system.
SB-23firedat itsmaximum
outoul
butthelightmighthavebeen
insufficient
fora correct
exposure.
Properly
instal
I batteries.
Replace
batteries
withfreshones.
Ready-light
takesmorethon30 sec.,
to comeon whenusingalkalineBattery
is exhausted.
manganese
batteries.
R*ady-lighttakesmorethan 10 sec.to
poweris weak.
Battery
lightup whenusingNiGdbatteries.
$hutterlockswhenready-light
lightsup.
Setto TTLor M position.

presstheshutter
Lightly
release
button.
Check
shooting
distance
and,if
necessary,
movecloserto subject
or
selecta wideraperture.
Replace
batteries
withfreshones.
Recharge
NiCdbatteries.
Powerswitch/mode
selector
is setat Setpowerswitch/mode
selector
to TTL
M position
position,
in Programmed
Autoor
or selectAperture-Priority
Auto
Shutter-Priority
Autoexposure
mode. or Manual
exoosure
mode.
.ln TTL auto flash mode, the ready-light

blinks before shooting in the following cases.'
1) With V- and Vl-group cameras, when the film speed setting is beyond the usabte range.
2) With Vl-group cameras, when a mechanical shutter speed setting (M250, M90 or B) is se/ecfed.
TIPS ON SPEEDLIGHTCARE
No strong shocks or vibration

Neverdrop the SB-23or allow
strongshocks.
Strongshocksor vibrationmay
affectthe SB-23'sprecision
alignment.
3B
No disassembly
highThe flashunit incorporates
voltagecircuits-never
or repairit. lf the
disassemble
or failsto
SB-23malfunctions
work properly,take it
to an authorized
immediately
Nikondealeror servicecenter.
Keep the SB-23 away from

water and out of the rain
The SB-23 is not a wateroroof
flash unit-keep it away from
water. lf internalcomponentsare
rusted by water, repairmay not
be oossible.
Gautionsfor cleaning
To removesmudges,wipe with a
soft,dry silicon-treatedor
regularcloth.Neveruse paint
thinner,benzene,acetone,
alcoholor chemicalsolvent
cleaningagents-they might
damagethe plasticparts.
Cautions before storage

When not usingthe SB-23,
removebatteriesto avoid
damagedue to batteryleakage.
lf leakageoccurs,take the SB-23
to your nearestauthorizedNikon
dealer.
To oreventdeteriorationof the
condenserand prolongthe lifeof
your SB-23, load batteriesand
fire the SB-23 severaltimes once
oer month.
Cautions for storage

Keepthe SB-23 away from high
temperaturesand neverstore in
a damp place.Store in a dry,
well-ventilated
location.
Do not storethe SB-23 together
with naphthalene
or camphor;do
not placeit nearequipmentthat
generateselectromagnetic
waves (televisionsets or radios);
and keep it away from extremely
hot placessuch as a car in
summeror in front of a heater).
39
ABOUT BATTERIES
Battery properties
o Batteryperformancedrops as temperature
decreases,but performancewill returnafter an
adequateperiodof non-use.Check batteries
beforeusing.Batteriesshould be replacedwith a
new set beforethey are completelyexhausted.
o Turn the SB-23's power/modeselectorswitch to
OFF beforeloadingbatteries.Followthe "+" and
"-" indicationsinsidethe batterychamberto
ensurebatteriesare properlyloaded.
. When replacingbatteries,replaceall old batteries
with new ones. Nevermix batterybrandsor
models,or new and old batteries.
lmproper usage may shorten battery life or cause
a /oss of contact.
r Do not disposeof batteriesby burningand never
disassemblebatteries.
r lf you do not intendto use the SB-23 for a long
period,removethe batteriesfrom the SB-23 and
store in a cool, dry place below 20'C(68"F).
40
. = * ; t : . . * ,
. : - - t . . . . -
Cautions for using NiGd batteries

When usingNiCd batteries,in additionto the
generalcautionsfor ordinarybatteries,note the
following:
. Operatingability at low temperaturecan be
improvedby using NiCd batteries.
Other battery data will be changed depending on
batteriesand charging stafus.
o Batteriesmust be chargedusingthe battery
charger designatedby the battery manufacturer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electronic
Automaticsilicon-controlled
construction rectifierand series circuitry
Powersource Four 1.5VAA-typealkalinemanganese,manganeseor NiCd
batteries
Numberof flashes and recyclinEtime at manual
full light output
Standby system The SB-23 automaticallyturns off

when it is not used for approx.80
seconds,and turns on when
camera'smeterturns on
Lightsup when the flash is ready
Ready-light
to fire; blinksfor a few seconds
after shootingwhen the SB-23
fired at its maximumoutput
Number
Recycling
of
AA-typebatteries flashes(approx.)*time(approx.)* AF assist LED Automaticallyfires LED beam
toward the subjectwhen
Alkaline-manganese 400times
2 sec.
performingautofocuswith Nikon
Manganese
100times
5 sec.
AF camerain insufficientlight
Nicd
150times
1 . 5s e c .
Dimensions
Approx.64 x67 x 84 mm
(Wx H x D)
o r 2 . 5x 2 . 6 x 3 . 3 i n .
*Forautofocusoperationwiththe AF-assist
LED,fewer
(without batteries)
flashesareavailableanda longerrecyclingtimeis required. Weight
Approx.140 g or 4.9 oz.
Accessories provided
Guide number (at ISO 100)
Soft Case SS-23
20mor66ft.
Angle of coverage
Horizontal60', vertical45'
35 mm or longer
Usable lens
Power switch/ Three positionsare providedmode selector OFF,TTL for TTL auto flash
exposurecontrol and M for
manualflash exposurecontrol
All performance data are for normal-temperature

operation (20C/68"F).
Specifications and design are subject to change
without notice.
'4#,'
'.;:1.;;;-;^!,:

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www.orphancameras.

On-line camera manual library

o For ease of explanation,the

Group Type of TTL auto flash with the SB-23

Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

o Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

o Standard TTL Flash including

o Standard TTL Flash

o Matrix Balanced Fill-Flash

" Sold exclusivelyin the U.S.A.

flash output with ambientlight.

Neverfire the flashtoward or nearanyone's

For TTL multiple flash photography

Mountingfoot lock nut

SHOOTINGIN TTL AUTO FLASH

The following battery

Slide open the battery

Load four batteries into

Glose the battery chamber

1 Turn the mounting foot

Slide the mounting foot

Tightenthe mounting lock

About the SB-23's standby system

The standbysystemdoes not functionin the

OFF [.[ TTL

To turn on the SB-23,set the power switch/flash

For Manualflash operation with all catrneras,

SHOOTINGIN TTL AUTOwww.orphancameras.com

Type of TTL auto flash

Nikkor lens with a

Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode

set the camera,s

Lightly press the shutter release button

Gonfirm the sB-23's ready-light lights up,

Type of TTL auto flash

Type of TTL auto flash

Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode

Lightly press the shutter release button to

Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light comes on,

TTLAuto Flash Operation with Group lll cameras (F601/N6006,F601M/N6000)

Procedure for Group lll cameras

Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode

Make sure that

Lightly press the shutter release button

TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group lV cameras (F50-series/N50,F401x/N5005)

Gamera's exposure mode

Type of TTL auto flash

Nikkor lens with a built-in CPU

"1 With an F\)-series/N5? camera in Silhouette Program, Close-IJp Program or LandscapeProgram , do

Set the SB-23's power switch/flash mode

Lightly press the shutter release button

Gonfirm the SB-23's ready-light lights up,

For outdoor subject(s)

For outdoor subject(s)

For indoor subject(s)

With F-401xlN5005cameras: See the table below

For outdoor subject(s)on a cloudy day or in shadows

For indoor subiect(s)

TTL Auto Flash Operation with Group V cameras

Shutter speed dial