Nikon SB-400 Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash

The Nikon SB-400 Speedlight i-TTL Shoe Mount Flash is an intelligent, versatile external flash unit providing i-TTL flash operation in a super-compact and ultra-lightweight body at an affordable price. Designed as an entry-level external flash, it’s ideal for compact digital SLR cameras like the D40 and D60, while remaining a handy option for hobbyists and professionals who want a simple, pocketable flash unit offering effortless bounce capability.

The flash offers a guide number of 69 ft. (21m) at ISO 200, 20°C, with light distribution covering an 18mm lens on Nikon DX-format cameras or a 27mm lens on a Nikon F6. The flash head tilts in four steps, horizontal, 60°, 75°, and 90°, for bounce-flash capability off ceilings or walls, though it does not rotate horizontally. Flash shooting distance ranges from 2 ft. (0.6m) to 66 ft. (20m), depending on the camera’s ISO setting.

Flash exposure control includes i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash with compatible Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) cameras, along with a basic Manual flash mode (7 levels, adjusted from the camera) available only on the D40 and D60. Additional flash modes, dependent on the connected camera, include Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, Rear-curtain Sync, and FV Lock, along with flash exposure compensation. An AF-assist illuminator and flash color information communication (for improved white balance accuracy) are also included. The SB-400 is not compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting and cannot function as a wireless master or remote unit, and it lacks High-Speed Sync, a PC sync socket, an LCD display, and a modeling light.

Build quality centers on a compact, lightweight body weighing approximately 4.5 oz. (127g), with a flip-lock mounting foot providing secure attachment to the camera’s accessory shoe and a safety lock to help prevent accidental detachment. Power comes from 2 AA batteries, with a recycle time of approximately 2.5 to 3.9 seconds (depending on source) and a maximum flash duration of 1/1300 second. The flash is compatible exclusively with Nikon cameras supporting the Creative Lighting System, and includes an SS-400 soft case.

Key Features
– Compact, lightweight i-TTL Speedlight for select Nikon cameras
– Guide number of 69 ft. (21m) at ISO 200, 20°C
– Light distribution covers 18mm (DX-format) or 27mm (F6) lenses
– 4-step flash head tilt (horizontal, 60°, 75°, 90°); no horizontal rotation
– Shooting range of 2-66 ft. (0.6-20m), ISO-dependent
– i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash; Manual mode (D40/D60 only, 7 levels)
– Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Rear-curtain Sync, and FV Lock (camera-dependent)
– AF-assist illuminator
– Flash color information communication
– No wireless, High-Speed Sync, PC sync socket, LCD, or modeling light
– Flip-lock mounting foot with safety lock
– Runs on 2 AA batteries
– Recycle time of approximately 2.5-3.9 seconds
– Maximum flash duration of 1/1300 sec
– Includes SS-400 soft case
– Approximate weight: 127g (4.5 oz.)
– Compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS) cameras