I've been trying to use some old clear no. 22 flashbulbs w/my Crown Graphic for group shots indoors. Diligently following the guide no. @1/25th and polished reflector - graflite -fresh Dcells - negs. are thin. Trusty old Metz 60CT yields negs. with great exposure using same film/proc. HP5. Do flashlamps loose their output with age?


No. 22s sure have a huge GN. The few shots I did get acceptable negs look good.

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On 2005-11-25 19:47, Jim23 wrote: I've been trying to use some old clear no. 22 flashbulbs w/my Crown Graphic for group shots indoors. Diligently following the guide no. @1/25th and polished reflector - graflite -fresh Dcells - negs. are thin. Trusty old Metz 60CT yields negs. with great exposure using same film/proc. HP5. Do flashlamps loose their output with age? No. 22s sure have a huge GN. The few shots I did get acceptable negs look good.

Jim,

What shutter are you using? Is it set for flash bulbs or is it on x for electronic flash? How big are the rooms where you are photographing the groups? Are the ceilings high and dark?

Lastly, what size is your reflector?

Wayne

Wayne is correct in his questions. There are many variables to consider with flashbulbs. I think the first thing to look at is your flash sync. If your shutter is not in sync for the bulbs, you will not get full exposure. Much trickier than electronic flash. What shutter speed did you use? That can be a problem, too.

Sounds like a sync problem. I've used a lot of old flashbulbs and not had a problem.