Following is an extract from what I have written about the Flash Unit Y for my accessory book ...if I get around to it as the financial climate now makes it unviable. In addition, there are two Battery Extension Cases, Type A and Type B. Type A accepted THREE D size batteries or additional Capacitors while Type B accepts TWO D batteries or two capacitors. These Additional Cases very rarely appear on eBay.
Quote ( unedited)
"In September 1952 the new Canon Flash Unit model Y was introduced into the market to replace the older Model X and deluxe X flash outfits. Similar in style to the model X unit, the model Y had some notable improvements over its predecessor. The removable 5” Adapter head was now fixed to the main flash body by four screws and the socket at the back of the head that once accepted the 5” and 7” reflector was missing. The bulb eject button was now recessed further into the head of the unit to prevent accidental ejection of the bulb. A permanent Micro-Sync dial was now incorporated within the body of the model Y unit and occupied the position of the now defunct adapter head eject button and micro-sync sockets.
Attaching the Model Y flash outfit to the synchronised cameras or adjusting the beam width and removing the 5” reflector, followed the same procedure as used when fitting the Model X outfits to the cameras. Located either side of the red bulb test button on the body of the flash Y outfits were two sets of sockets. These were used for the Extension cords A or B, and Canon’s unique Flash Tester.
The settings for the Micro-Sync can be found on two cards that were included with the Model Y instruction book. For the Model II-F Canon camera, the brown card was required, while the blue card served the cameras IVS and IVSB (IVS2) purposes. If the Battery Extension Case A or B is slotted onto the base of the main unit, the extra batteries loaded into the case will increase the output of the Flash Unit Y. A double page spread could be found in the early Flash Unit Y instruction books, illustrating ten different types of battery/capacitors combinations.
It is important to read the instructions on the cards supplied with the instruction books as certain types of bulbs cannot be used with some Canon Rangefinder cameras. If these cards were misplaced then it would not be possible to calculate the Micro-Sync settings.
When initially released onto the market, there were two versions of the Flash Unit Y available. Physically there was no difference between the two types, except for the power sources, contained within the outfits. The Flash Unit Y outfits, consisted of Main Unit housing, 5” reflector and a Capacitor Cell with 22.5V battery, were sold as the Flash Model YK outfit. Replacing the Capacitor with a Penlight Battery Cartridge, it was then sold as a Flash Model YL outfit.
With the introduction of the improved models, IVSB2 and later the IIS2 and IIF2, in August 1954, the Flash Unit Y Instruction books, may have contained cards that indicated the slowest speed at “1-30”. By July 1955, these cards had been replaced in the instruction books by, two integral double pages, which folded up. On these pages were charts describing the Micro-Syncs settings for the Flash Unit Model YK (Capacitor cell) and Flash Unit Model YL (4 Penlight batteries).
The Flash Unit Y was presented in an optional wedge shaped, cowhide leather case. Moving two opposing zippers from the top of the case to the thinner bottom section opened the case, exposing the inside lined with red velvet. The three main components of the Flash Unit Y are situated in their individual locations on the bottom section of the case. The Main Flash housing and Capacitor or Penlight Battery Case were strapped in, while the 5” reflector was held firmly in place in-between the top of the case and a crescent shaped piece of leather. A plastic cover went over the front of the reflector when packed away. The top lid had a large suede pocket with the name of the unit embossed in gold lettering, on the pocket. This pocket could also hold extra bulbs and instruction books.
Canon also released alongside the Flash Unit Y, a Side Lighting Unit Y. This varied from the previous model X side lighting unit in that it had a fixed head; no slot for the 7” reflector and the Adapter Head eject button had been eliminated. Both the units when required were used in a similar manner.
This flash Unit Y outfit was very popular, and can be found quite often on the open marketplace. It ceased production in 1956 with the introduction of the new Canon Model VT and its plethora of new accessories. A bayonet type PC connection on the right hand side of the new camera replaced the older flash side rails that had been prominent since late 1950."
I used one of these once and the flash is blinding. Check the bulbs first as most have a coloured spot on the top (not sure of the colour) but if it has changed from the original colour it can explode...I think
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