In article <4jopp2$rhb@ratatosk.uio.no>, fredrigl@math.uio.no says...

>I have just aquired a second hand Nikon SB16A TTL flash unit for the
>Nikon F3 camera. However, the manual is missing. I'm trying to figure
>out how the controls work, but seem to need some assistance. I would
>be very happy if someone could help me out.
>This is what I have found out so far:
>Terminals:
> The foot of the flash fits the F3 hot shoe, and transfers
> flash-ready signal and TTL information. I suppose.
Yes.
> The front terminal on the left hand side of the flash seems to be an
> external power supply. Or could it be for external TTL triggering?
TTL socket for adding additional Nikon-TTL flashes for multiple flash.
> The other terminal is a standard flash sync-terminal. I suppose it
> is for external triggering. Or perhaps it triggers a slave flash?
Both.
>Controls:
> The back side of the flash, top right corner, there is an ON/OFF
> switch. Fairly obvious what that does.
Yes.
> There is a large dial that sets the ASA value. I suppose this is for
> controlling the ASA value, and for under/over exposing.
No - as with most flashes, it is for information purposes only.
> There is also a smaller dial in the middle that can take the
> following values: "T", "S", "N", "W1" and "W2".
Again, this, when set, is only going to give you information back.
These refer to zoom positions (with and without the wide-angle panel
that fits on the front of the flash for W1 and W2).
> I suppose this sets the length of the lens in use, and affects the
> guide number. But does it also "zoom" the flash? I quess not, since
> there is a manual zoom on the top of the lens. From the notation on
> the manual zoom, I would suppose the values mean:
> "T": Tele, 85 mm
> "S": Short tele, 50 mm
> "N": Normal, 35 mm
> "W1": Wide1, 28 mm
> "W2": wide2, 24 mm
> It seems confusing that normal equals 35 mm, but is says so on the
> zoom. But what is the guide number in the different settings? I
> would like to know.
You can figure it back from the scale, using 100 ASA and footage/
aperture scales (use 10 feet to make it easier). 35mm was considered
"normal flash coverage".
> On the bottom side, to the right, there is a switch that can take
> the following settings: "A1", "A2", "MD", "M", "TTL". I suppose this
> is:
> "A1" and "A2": Automatic modes that read incoming light off the
> sensor on the front of the flash.
> "MD": A mode to synchronize with the MD4 motor winder. But does
> this mode operate in Auto or TTL mode? What is the guide number in
> this mode?
> "M": Manual mode. Fires the flash with maximum guide number. I
> suppose.
> "TTL": TTL mode; measures light trough the lens. Should be fairly
> obvious.
Yes to all of the above, except "MD" which is 1/16th manual power
(read the notch in the colored curves for it). In A1 and A2, setting
the scales allows you to read off which 2 apertures to set on the lens
for A1 and A2 modes.
> Theres also a red "Flash" button on the back side. It fires the
> flash manually in "M" mode.
> It also flashes when the flash is ready, it seems.
No. It flashes when there is a fault (foot surround not closed, bad
connection, or camera ASA selected that is outside the coupling range (25-400, INCLUDING any compensation dialed in). It is steady when ready. It also may flash after a TTL exposure before the recharge to indicate that full flash power was used, and a wider aperture/closer distance
may be needed for correct exposure.
>Front:
> There is two flashes on the front. One large that can be tilted and
> zoomed, and one smaller that is fixed. Does this smaller flash
> operate all the time? Is it possible to turn it on/off?
Yes, no - use black paper to cover it.
> There is also a sensor that reads incoming light in "A1" or "A2"
> mode. I suppose.
Yes.
>I would be very happy for any information on this flash unit.
I would add a CP05Y filter to the flash when using slide film to
correct the color to a more normal daylight balance.
>Thank you very much.
>Fredrik.
You're welcome!
Hope This Helps