Nikon Speedlight SB20 Flaş

Nikon Autofocus SB-20 Speedlight

Introduced to supplement the F501, the autofocus flash SB-20 was designed originally as a companion flash unit for the second Nikon AF SLR camera, the F-50. In many ways, although it was designed as an AF flash, but most of its features can also be use on any of the TTL or non-TTL Nikon bodies. As the flash has an standard ISO-type flash foot, and during its introduction, Nikon F3 was still a flagship model in the Nikon SLR lineup, so it needs a flash coupler such as AS-4, AS-7 (TTL coupler AS-17) to bridge for the Nikon F3. For other Nikon bodies that has ISO-type accessory shoe, the connection is direct.

It has a high-tech styling, and packed enough features to supplement the autofocus Nikon F501 (Or called N2020 in U.S). With the F-501, F801 or any Nikon AF cameras, you can use them safely even in total darkness and still obtain perfect, automatically focused pictures. This is how it works: When the existing light is below a certain level, the focus-assist LED AF illuminator of the SB-20 automatically turns on when the camera is set for Single-Servo AF shooting mode. The illuminator gives contrast to the subject allowing the F501 and other subsequent Nikon camera's autofocus system to function as though it were daytime. Exposure control is automatic too. ALL you do is set the selector of the SB-20 to TTL setting and with the exposure mode selector to any of the AUTO mode - and you don't even have to worry about shutter speed error as along as you are using a Nikon AF SLR camera.

Nikon SB-20 Flash / speedlight compatibility chart with various Nikon cameras.

Source: Nikon Europe

Extra features as selectable flash coverage angle and bounce flash (its tilting flash head provides -7° to 90° adjustment) make the SB-20 an even more attractive addition to the autofocus system. You can even select three different flash lens angle coverage without optional accessories; the SB-20's flash tube rotates for wide coverage of 28mm, 35 and 85mm. And you get bounce flash capability as its uniquely designed flash module.

Automatic Mode Operation The SB-20 lets you choose from five alternative apertures indicated on the back panel. Manual Mode Operation Lets you choose from five different levels of flash light output: full, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16. TTL Flash Mode. The TTL mode lets you enjoy the ease of TTL flash exposure control as long as the subject is within the flash working range, you have have the widest selection of aperture to control depth of field.

The flash has an additional TTL sync connecting socket provided at the side which made this flash a ready companion if you intend to setup your camera for TTL multi-flash operations. It is simple and straight forward in its layout and I think this can well be a very good alternative if you find the SB-16B and/or older Nikon AF speedlight that you think is too bulky to carry along on a short trip and/or for location shootings.

Manual control: choose from full, 1/2 1/4 1/8 and 1/16 output
Guide number (ASA/ISO 100 In feet) 100 with zoom head set at N
ASA/ISO film speed range: ASA/ISO 25-1600
Recycling time: Approx. 6-7 sec

Power source: Four 1.5V AA-type penlight batteries; also usable with optional accessories in C-cell Battery Pack SD-7 (with SC-16 Power Cord) or High performance AA Battery pack SD-8.
Dimensions (excluding mounting foot): Approx. 2.8"(W) x 4.3"(H) x 2.7"(D) (71mm x 110mm x 70mm)
Weight (excluding batteries): Approx. 9.2 oz. (260g)
Other features: Ready-light, open-flash button, sync/multiple flash terminal
Accessories provided: Soft Case SS-20