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How to Use Nikon Speedlights

Contributor
By Gwen Wark
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

The Nikon Speedlight is a flash head designed for use with Nikon cameras. Speedlights employ Nikon's proprietary Creative Lighting System, which uses a combination of through-the-lens metering and flash head technology to ensure an accurate exposure and flash burst for every photograph. The Creative Lighting System allows Nikon Speedlights to be triggered remotely, making them a versatile studio lighting addition. Nikon Speedlights are easy to use and set up, whether tethered or wireless.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

    Mounted Flash

  1. Step 1

    Open the battery compartment door and place batteries in the flash unit. Slide the battery door closed and press the "On/Off" switch located on the rear of the unit. The flash will power on. Once the flash has powered fully, the red power indicator light will turn on. Pointing the flash away from anyone's eyes, press the red "Flash" button. The unit will send out a test burst. If this is successful, turn off the unit.

  2. Step 2

    With the camera body turned off, slide the protector out of the hot shoe mount on the camera if necessary. Insert the flash hot shoe connector into the hot shoe mount and rotate the locking mechanism to secure the flash in place.

  3. Step 3

    Turn the camera on, then power on the flash unit. The data from the camera and lens will be displayed on the back of the flash unit. By pressing the "Mode" button, the flash will cycle through the available modes. The modes will vary depending on the flash head being used and the camera body, as not all flash modes are compatible with all Nikon products. The Nikon Speedlight modes are separated into two categories: through the lens and manual. Through the lens modes such as i-TTL and Balanced Fill are automatic modes which set the flash head distance, flash burst duration and power. Manual mode allows the photographer to control these settings through the menus.

  4. Step 4

    Compose the image and adjust the exposure and aperture based on preference. Press the shutter to expose the image. The flash will fire a burst based on the mode and the camera settings.

Tips & Warnings
  • Using a battery pack will allow a faster flash cycling time but may cause the flash head to overheat.
  • Flash heads become hot quickly.
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