Manual flash mode

The SB-30’s flash output level can be set manually at M1/1, M1/8, or M1/32. In the Manual mode, you must determine the correct exposure by calculation using a combination of the guide number, shooting distance, and lens aperture.

•If the camera’s exposure mode is set to other than Aperture-Priority Auto (A) or Manual (M), the shutter may not be released, depending on the cameras in use.

Guide number (m/ft.) and ISO sensitivity

 

 

ISO sensitivity

 

25

50

100

200

400

800

1600

 

 

Flash output level

M1/1

8/26

11/36

16/52

22/72

32/105

45/148

64/210

 

 

M1/8

2.8/9

4/13

5.6/18

8/26

11/36

16/52

22/72

 

 

 

M1/32

1.4/4.6

2/6.6

2.8/9.2

4/13

5.6/18

8/26

11/36

 

 

 

M1/1

5/16

7.1/23

10/33

14/46

20/66

28/92

40/131

 

 

Flash output level

M1/8

1.8/5.9

2.5/8.2

3.5/11

5/16

7.1/23

10/33

14/46

 

 

(with wide-flash adapter in place)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M1/32

0.9/3

1.3/4.3

1.8/5.9

2.5/8.2

3.5/11

5/16

7.1/23

 

 

 

 

• To obtain the correct exposure, use the following equations to determine the aperture and guide number to match the

 

 

flash shooting distance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f/stop (aperture) = Guide number (GN) ÷ Shooting distance (m/ft)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guide number (GN) = Aperture x Shooting distance (m/ft)

 

 

 

 

 

• For example, when shooting a subject at a distance of 2.5m (8.2 ft), at an ISO sensitivity of 400 and a lens aperture of f/2.8:

 

 

Guide number = 2.8 x 2.5 = 7 (in meters) or 2.8 x 8.2 = approx. 23 (in feet).

 

 

 

 

 

Therefore M1/8 is the correct flash output level with the wide-flash adapter in place.

 

 

 

18

• Likewise, when shooting a subject at a distance of 4m (13 ft.), at an ISO sensitivity of 400 and M1/1 flash output level

 

without using the wide-flash adapter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

f/stop = 32 ÷ 4 = 8 (in meters) or 105 ÷ 13 = approx. 8 (in feet). Therefore, f/8 is the correct lens aperture.

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Nikon SB-30 instruction manual Manual flash mode, Guide number m/ft. and ISO sensitivity, M1/32 4.3 5.9 8.2
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SB-30 specifications

The Nikon SB-30 is a compact and versatile speedlight designed to enhance photography by providing additional light in various situations. Released as part of Nikon’s range of portable flash units, the SB-30 is particularly favored for its lightweight design and advanced features that cater to both amateur and professional photographers.

One of the main features of the SB-30 is its compatibility with a wide array of Nikon cameras. This compatibility ensures that the flash can seamlessly integrate with both film and digital models, making it a practical option for users with different systems. The SB-30 supports TTL (Through The Lens) metering, allowing precise exposure control. This technology measures the light reflected from the subject through the lens, adjusting the flash output to provide optimal lighting conditions.

The flash has a guide number of approximately 30 (in meters at ISO 100), which offers sufficient power for a variety of shooting scenarios, whether indoors or outdoors. The SB-30 is equipped with a tilting head that can be angled to bounce light off ceilings or walls, creating softer, more natural lighting effects. This feature is particularly useful in portrait photography, where harsh direct light can lead to unflattering shadows.

Another notable characteristic of the SB-30 is its ability to utilize advanced wireless communication. It can function as a master or slave unit in a multi-flash setup, allowing photographers to create more dynamic lighting scenarios. This flexibility enables creative control over lighting in complex compositions, making it an excellent choice for event and studio photography.

The SB-30 is powered by four AA batteries, which provide a reasonable number of flashes per charge, depending on usage. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, making it a convenient choice for photographers on the go. Additionally, the flash unit features a built-in diffuser and a wide-angle adapter, which enhance its versatility by allowing for softer light and wider coverage.

In conclusion, the Nikon SB-30 stands out with its combination of portability, advanced TTL functionality, and versatile lighting capabilities. Whether for casual shooting or professional work, the SB-30 remains a reliable choice for those looking to improve their photography with the power of external flash lighting.
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