Use a Nikon SB800 Flash Unit for a Camera
If you own a Nikon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera, an external flash unit helps enhance your photographs. External flash units like the Nikon SB-800 provide you with more control over the output and angle of light. According to Nikon, the company can only guarantee the performance of this flash unit when you use it with a Nikon camera, and you could damage your SB-800 flash unit by trying to use it with another camera.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Prepare the flash unit. Using one of the types of batteries specified in your SB-800 flash unit user's manual, insert batteries into the battery chamber of the flash by following the guide marks on the unit. Replace the lid to the battery chamber. While the flash unit remains unattached to the camera, turn on the flash unit and test the flash and ensure that it fires. Turn the flash unit off, and do not turn on your camera yet.
2. Attach the flash unit to your camera. On the flash unit, you should see a lever near the mounting foot. Rotate the lever to the left and slide the flash unit's mounting foot into your camera's hot shoe, also called an accessory shoe. You can find the hot shoe on the top of your camera. Once you have done this, turn the same mounting lever to the right to lock the flash unit onto your camera. Locate a release button on the side of the flash head. Once pressed and held, this button will let you rotate the flash head into a forward position facing toward the subject of your photograph.
3. Set the ISO sensitivity. For some cameras, this will happen automatically. For others, you may need to change the ISO sensitivity using the Custom Settings mode on your flash unit. ISO sensitivity simply indicates the sensitivity to light of the image sensor. The GREATer the number, the more sensitivity to light. Once you set the ISO sensitivity, adjust the zoom-head position or verify that it adjusted automatically. Adjusting this feature allows you to concentrate the flash light or spread it out.
4. Set the exposure mode and metering system for your camera. Nikon recommends setting the exposure mode to "Programmed Auto" and the metering system to "Matrix Metering" if possible. Then, set the flash mode on your SB-800 flash unit and set the camera's flash sync mode to "Front-curtain sync" for normal flash photography. At this point, you can now compose your photograph and shoot.
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