Re: Flash with everything...?

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Keith Wilson writes:

>Nevertheless, I'd like some more information.  What sort of flash do you use
>George?  What is the guide number?  And, how do you balance the flash with
>daylight when you use it for fill-in?

I'm a rank beginner when it comes to using a serious flash unit, but I'll
relate my experience anyway.  I use a brand-new Metz CL45 handle-mount
unit.  Guide number is 45 meters, or 178 feet.  In "auto" mode, it provides
5 different apertures/distance settings.

I've tried using it two different ways for fill.  One is to set the correct
exposure for the ambient light, and use the flash on automatic.  The flash
will read the ambient light and fire on fairly low power, just enough to
bring out the highlights and fill shadows.  The effect is subtle, and often
very effective.

The second method I've tried is to set the flash on manual, and use my
flash meter on the scene to find the proper settings.  When choosing the
shutter speed, you have an aesthetic choice within the range your camera
will sync.  Slower speeds (e.g. 1/50th) will give you more effect
from ambient lighting; faster shutter speeds favor the flash.  You (or
your meter) compensate for the selected speed by stopping up or down.  I've
only shot a couple of rolls using these techniques, but the results look
very encouraging.  I'm dying to try some experimental exposures using a
combination of time exposure and manually firing the strobe at night on
amusement rides...

>I've had very little success in using flash with my Realist.  In fact, I use my
>Nimslo (sorry George!) if I need indoor shots.  I think the problem may be that
>my flash is under-powered.  Maybe the manufacturer was a bit optimistic about
>its output.

Someone will surely correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think an unmodified
Realist has X-sync (electronic) flash timing.  I believe it is timed for
M and/or F flash bulbs, which have a fairly long (when compared with
electronic flash, anyway) ramp-up time to full output.  If this is correct,
your strobe is firing before the shutter has fully opened, so you are
getting reduced exposure.  I've used my flash solely with the Revere, which
has X sync at speeds of 1/50th and above (below that it's M and F sync only).

	-Greg


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