questions about flash

[ulrich.von.lich]

Hello,

I wonder how to use flashguns on cameras which don't have a hotshoe but have a flash synchronisation port. For example the M2, it has two ports on the back: the flash arrow would mean the flash synchro I suppose, the other one is marked by a lightbulb sign, what is it? Is the port behind the M6 a modern flash synchro port, or something different?

If I have understand correctly, the flash synchro port gives camera the possibility to triggle the connected flashgun. In case to use the M2 with a flashgun, either off or sitting on the camera, a wired connection (to the flashgun or a remote commander) is needed, and occupies the flash synchro port.

Most DSLRs have a port that allows a flash meter to be connected to triggle the in-camera flash, or the one sitting on the hot shoe. Is it also via flash synchro port? If so, would there be no possibility to triggle the flashgun sitting on the hotshoe of the M2, since the communication between the camera and the flashgun would have already occupied the flash synchro port?

Does a camera such as the IIIC with neither hotshoe nor flash synchro port mean no possibility of flash at all?

Any clue is appreciated, thanks!

Best Regards

 

[rogerzilla]

Lightbulb is for single-use flash bulbs, not electronic flash. No-one uses them any more, although they had an advantage of high-speed synchonisation if you chose the "slow burn" type.

The M6 socket is for electronic flash only, fires when the first curtain reaches the end of its travel.

Most DSLRs will have a proprietary and highly complex interface with a dedicated flashgun to give through-the-lens flash metering, which quenches the flash as soon as enough light has reached the film. The M6 TTL and M7 have a simpler version of this. All the M2 does is complete a circuit to fire the flash, that's all.

The IIIc can be used with flash if you seek out one of the external sync devices that use the rotatiobn of the shutter speed dial to fire the flash at the correct moment.

 

[VinceC]

I would suppose the "light-bulb" socket is for flashbulbs. These fire at a different time in the shutter travel than a flash gun, because it takes a brief moment for the bulb to reach full intensity.

For older cameras, many flashes that use a sync cable also have their own flash sensor for auto exposure, but you have adjust the flash to match the camera's aperature and vice versa.

 

[Vics]

The connector with the lightning bolt is for electronic flash. The one with the lightbulb is for flash bulbs. I believe the IIIc can be converted to a IIIf by the addition of the flash synch. The M3 had a different connection for strobe, but can be converted to the standard PC connector. I don't know about the M2. Remember that flash synch can only be achieved at the 1/50th speed (lightning bolt on the dial) or slower. My M3 needs 1/30th or slower, because the 1/50th speed is a bit off. I hope this helps. I actually enjoy doing flash with my Leica, though it's much easier with my Rollei.
Vic

 

[VinceC]

For the most part, 1950s-60s flash gun technology is to fire the unit when the opening curtain opens all the way but before the closing curtain starts to travel. It's actually a very simple electrical contact that was retrofitted to older cameras -- where a circuit is completed when the opening curtain finishes it's travel.