Nikon SB-24 Speedlight - Groundbreaking Autofocus TTL Flash
Released in 1988, the Nikon SB-24 Speedlight represents a major advancement in flash technology. This is the flash that allowed Nikon to claim the throne of having the best flash on the market.
Some of the impressive features included are:
- Matrix, and Center-Weighted fill flash.
- Automatic TTL flash exposure control.
- Repeating flash for stroboscopic effect.
- Front and Rear Curtain sync.
- Zoom head covering 24mm to 85mm focal lengths.
- AF assist infrared beam capable of working in total darkness.
- Ability to act as a master flash for 4 additional Speedlights.
Used Price & Where to Buy
When I checked eBay sold listings, the SB-24 was inexpensive There were plenty available to choose from. I would not expect the price to increase going forward.
Check current prices at eBay or Amazon.
Camera Models at Time of Release
The SB-24 was released along with the N8008 (F-801). Later that year another camera that was capable of taking advantage of all the flash’s features was released, the Nikon F4.
Original Price
The earliest pricing information on the SB-24 comes from Foto Cell Inc and Smile Photo price lists in the back of a Popular Photography magazine from December 1989. Both stores list the flash for an original price of $239.95. All other stores that carried the flash have their prices listed at “call.”
Using the BLS inflation calculator, that $239.95 would be equivalent to $487.40 in June, 2019.
Flash Head
The flash head locks in the front position. It can tilt up to 90_°_ and down to -7_°_, and swivel 90_°_ to the right and 180_°_ to the left. These movements are the standard you’ll see among almost all modern speedlights.
Setting the flash head to -7_°_ is for shooting distances that are less than 1.5m (5ft).
If used with a lens with CPU contacts the flash head will automatically zoom was a compatible camera. The zoom range has six settings; 24mm, 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 70mm, and 85mm. You also have manual control over the zoom.
Flash Duration
| Power Output | Duration (sec.) |
|---|---|
| 1/1 | 1/1000 |
| 1/2 | 1/1100 |
| 1/4 | 1/2700 |
| 1/8 | 1/5500 |
| 1/16 | 1/1100 |
Physical Specs
Weight: 390g (13.7oz) without batteries.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 80 x 131 x 100mm | 3.1 x 5.2 x 3.9 in.
As a frame of reference, this is slightly smaller and heavier than my current favorite lower-priced flash, the Yongnuo YN560 IV Speedlite.
Battery Life & Recycle Time
The flash can be powered by 4 AA batteries or an external battery pack.
I use mine with Panasonic Enloop batteries (NiMH) and get around a 5 sec recycle time at full power. Lower powered flashes also decrease the recycle time.
| Battery Type | # of Flashes | Recycle Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaline | 100 | 7 sec. |
| NiCd | 40 | 5 sec. |
| SD-7 | Up to 200-400** | 6, 10, or 30 sec. |
Notes: Using the AF illuminator for autofocus will decrease the number of flashes.
**400 times require alkaline batteries to be in the SB-24. Also, longer recycle times will increase battery life.
Controls & LCD Screen
The back of the flash has an LCD with a green backlight. It displays the ISO the Speedlight is set to, zoom, f/stop, power output, and a distance scale.
The controls are made up of 3 sliders and 7 buttons. Settings on sliders are:
- Normal (front) or Rear-curtain sync.
- Auto (A), Manual (M) Stroboscopic (3 flash bolts), or TTL.
- Off, Standby, or On.
Rear-curtain sync and automatic TTL are limited to the Nikon F4, N8008 (F-801), and camera models that were released later.
The stroboscopic mode is controlled by the up and down buttons. The down button will select the number of times the flash will fire and up will determine the speed of the strobe.
Standby turns the flash off when the camera’s meter is turned off. Using alkaline batteries, the flash can stay in the standby mode for approximately 20 days.
Short Review
Pros
- Durable and well made.
- TTL protocol is compatible with film cameras.
- Features that are not found on cheap modern speedlites.
Cons
- No optical slave mode or built-in wireless trigger.
- Flash refresh time is longer than modern flashes.
- TTL is not compatible with digital cameras.
5/5 for Film
If you’re planning to use the Nikon SB-24 Speedlight with a compatible film camera, it is an awesome value. It’s cheap, durable, and packed full of features. Most importantly, it has the correct TTL protocol to work with many Nikon 35mm film cameras.
2.5/5 for Digital
Nikon’s digital cameras have a different TTL protocol than the one used in the SB-24. That difference makes the flash much less appealing for use on a digital camera.
For a bit more money you could get a Yongnuo YN560 IV Speedlite, that has wireless control & triggering, optical slave mode, and a faster recycle time.
I don’t want to buy relatively expensive TTL sync cords just to have them in the way.
Cheap wireless triggers can eliminate cords. The problem is they add weight, cost money, and require batteries. After those expenses, the Yongnuo’s or similar flashes are more attractive.
Manual
The SB-24 manual is available as a PDF download from Nikon.
Guide Number
The guide number for the flash is 42m (138ft) with a 50mm lens. There is a guide number chart on page 81 of the manual.
My Nikon SB-24 Guide Number page also has a copy of the chart and additional info.
Camera Compatibility
The Speedlight can be used in manual mode on almost any camera. TTL is only listed as usable in the manual with the following cameras:
You can find a more detailed description on this page: Nikon SB-24 Camera Compatibility, which includes later camera models that are compatible with the flash.
Accessories
SS-24 Soft Case
This was the case that was originally included with the Speedlight. They are now much more difficult to find paired with a flash.
You can find them on eBay for around $10.
External Battery Pack
There is a connection for an SD-7 or SD-8 battery pack. These packs use C-type batteries which allow for more flashes before the batteries are discharged.
TTL Cords and Multi-Flash Sync Cables
- SC-17 - TTL Remote Cord
- SC-24 - TTL Remote Cord
- AS-10 - Multi-Flash Adapter
- SC-18 & SC-19 - Multi-Flash Sync Cord
Wireless Camera Triggers
Third-party wireless triggers remove the need to have TTL cords running everywhere. They also increase the range of where the flashes can be setup.
Due to the price of an SB-24, it does not make sense to spend lots of money on wireless triggers. If you do want some, buy the cheapest you can find.