Re: [photo-3d] Flash Bulbs for ST 52 ? ?

[drdave@xxxxxxxxxx]

Michael writes:

> Anyone know what kind of bulb I'd use with the Stereo Realist ST-52
> attachment for PhotoFlash?  I am guessing a #5 bulb, but that is 
> purely a wild guess, I have no idea!  Hints, tips, URL's welcome

Any bulb will work, they just have diferent out puts (Guide Numbers). 
That and the fact that the blue bulbs are corrected for color film. If 
you use a clear bulb you will need a blue filter either over the flash 
or over the lenses. I do not know if the Realist flash will accept both 
bayonet base and clip bases, but if not there are adaptors available. 
Bulbs such as the #5 and Press 25 are bayonet type and bulbs such as M2 
and M3 are clip type.

You will need to figure out what the GN of the bulb you are going to 
use is and then adjust your fstop to match the distance. Also remember 
that bulbs need a burn time to reach maximum out put so a shutter speed 
of 1/30 or slower is best. I use 1/25 on a Realist. The GN will vary 
depending on the type of refelctor as well. A polished dish susch as 
the Realist will give a higher GN that say a folding fan reflector like 
on a Tilt-O-Mite. Most important to remember is that bulbs have a very 
high GN. A #5 in a polished reflector with 100 ASA film will have a GN 
of about 180-200 in feet. That means that a subject 10 feet from the 
fash will need an fstop of f16 to f22.

A great site for info on bulbs and how to determine the GN is Cress 
Photo. They also happen to be the world's largest flash bulb dealer 
(yes there are still some new flash bulbs being made, but the majority 
have to be purchased from old stock or yard sales and flea markets). he 
URL is:

http://www.flashbulbs.com/Default.htm

Let me know if you need more specific information.

That's all for now,

David W. Kesner
Boise, Idaho, USA
drdave@xxxxxxxxxx