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FP Shutter Flash Sync?
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pmanzari
Joined: 13 May 2009
Posts: 24
PostPosted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 8:52 pm   Post subject: FP Shutter Flash Sync?

I have a Miniature Speed with a focal plane shutter. The FP shutter has a bi-post flash connection that it is supposed to be used with F sync bulbs, but does anyone know if this can be synced with electronic flash?

Thanks
glennfromwy
Joined: 29 Nov 2001
Posts: 903
PostPosted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 7:44 pm

In a word, no. The contacts close immediately after the curtain begins to move. Electronic flash is instantaneous. The duration is not long enough to last through the travel of the curtain. Therefore, the most you would get is a thin line of exposure, assuming the shot is in the dark. The bulbs that sync with your FP shutter are #6, #2, #2A and number 31.
brian d
Joined: 15 Jan 2008
Posts: 44
PostPosted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 4:50 pm

Quote:
The bulbs that sync with your FP shutter are #6, #2, #2A and number 31.

Does this same list hold true for the 4x5 speed too?
C. Henry
Joined: 13 Dec 2005
Posts: 360
PostPosted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 7:30 pm

That list holds true for most medium & large format focal plane shutters. The FP class of flash bulbs had an illumination curve that had a rather long flat peak so that the light level stayed nearly the same during the time needed for the opening in the curtain to travel completely across the film plane.
On a 2 x 3 Pacemaker that was either 1/30 of a second or 1/50 second, depending on which setting is used on the tension selector of the shutter. For the faster speeds narrower openings were used to give a shorter exposure time, but the curtain travel time remains the same for each tension setting.

C. Henry
glennfromwy
Joined: 29 Nov 2001
Posts: 903
PostPosted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 5:12 am

The #6 bulb does not have enough power to adequately cover 4X5. It's meant for use on 35mm up to 6X9. The flash sync on the Mini Speed starts at 1/70 second, if memory serves. The first curtain slit does not have a sync contact. It's been a while since I've had one apart, so do some homework on that one. Also, the sync contacts often do not work after all these years and need a tune-up. Be sure you check before shooting anything important. Graflex offered curtain flash sync on the Anniversary 4X5 and 3X4 Speeds on special order. It would be cool to find one of those.
Les
Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 2682
PostPosted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 1:57 pm

Quote:
Graflex offered curtain flash sync on the Anniversary 4X5 and 3X4 Speeds on special order. It would be cool to find one of those.

I've got two, one Anny one PRE-Anny. Tim told me that they didn't advertise this modification because you had to pack the shutter (wind it up at the highest setting trip it a couple of times, wind it back up, repeat) and then I think it was only good for #31 bulbs.
pv17vv
Joined: 22 Dec 2001
Posts: 255
PostPosted: Fri Dec 25, 2009 5:26 pm

Quote:
Graflex offered curtain flash sync on the Anniversary 4X5 and 3X4 Speeds on special order.

I have this setting on the 45 Pre-Anny.
The camera is currently in the expert hands of Laurent in Paris awaiting refurbishment.
Maybe he could post a pic of the wires clearly showing under the leather.
Georges
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