Nikon Retires the SB-600

Isn’t retire so much nicer than “discontinue”? Still, no matter how you call it, the SB-600 is taking it’s place in history as one of Nikon’s all-time great speedlights.


What set this speedlight apart was it’s ability to work with both D-TTL and i-TTL cameras, as well as manual. It’s compact size, adjustable power down to 1/128 and CLS compatibility were the icing on the cake. The SB-600 was essentially a transitional flash.

But what held it back was its lack of Auto and Auto Aperture modes, (Nikon calls these Distance Priority Manual Flash) and the ability to function as a commander within the CLS system. The new flagship, the SB-900, solves both of these problems. Auto modes are important, because they allow the flash to work with any camera, even film. I could easily attach the SB-900 to a Holga 120N, set the auto aperture on the flash to match the Holga, and have auto flash capability.

With the discontinuation of the SB-600, Nikon is officially ending TTL support for film photography. However the newer SB-700 and SB-900 put things back in sync with both TTL and Auto modes as well as full manual control for the strobist.

For film users like myself, the The SB-80DX and SB-28DX (available on the second market), are two excellent options. These speedlights are built specifically for film and first generation digital cameras which do not use the newer i-TTL protocol. The SB-28 goes down to 1/64 power, while the SB-80DX goes to 1/128 and also has built-in slave capability.

It’s always a bit disconcerting when a product is discontinued, especially if you own it. “You have to have peace of mind” my dad always used to say. Cameras are like classic cars, as long as they still perform their basic function, they’re worth owning. Fortunately for photographers and collectors, there’s a thriving second market for that classic camera or accessory you always wanted but missed. Once the SB-600 hits the second market, it will become an instant classic.