Flash Bulbs, Gear Info, Images of Gear & Guide Number Data

Looks like we could use flashbulb and gear thread.

I obtained a lot of this equipment and am just learning it.

I did not use flashbulb at anytime in my 52 years of tiny format and now use it with LF and ULF.

I will redirect the WTB newcomer to this thread and start posting what I have and know over time.

:)

We use fish bulbs in the film industry from time to time for camera flash effects. The longer duration is easier to capture through a rotating shutter. I have a pic of the flashgun i'll post when I find it.

found it.

Yeah, I want to see that cine flash!

BTW, I have a case of bulbs that have a 1.7 second duration. I'll bet the flash could be seen from space. ;)

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Originally Posted by vinny

We use fish bulbs in the film industry from time to time for camera flash effects. The longer duration is easier to capture through a rotating shutter. I have a pic of the flashgun i'll post when I find it.

found it.

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I read somewhere recently that scientific users with ultra high speed movie film cameras would use a high power, 3 second duration flashbulb to capture a fleeting event.

I read on a box (was it 5 or 25?) that the duration was 20ms. I bet a 3 second flash needs a lot more time before grabbing that bulb to change it.

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Originally Posted by Randy Moe

I read somewhere recently that scientific users with ultra high speed movie film cameras would use a high power, 3 second duration flashbulb to capture a fleeting event.

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Close! Just less than two seconds with one bulb is what I wrote of. Of course firing any number of bulbs properly synchronized would be ideal.

For those who don't search.

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Flashbulbs

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Originally Posted by cdholden

I read on a box (was it 5 or 25?) that the duration was 20ms. I bet a 3 second flash needs a lot more time before grabbing that bulb to change it.

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20ms (1/50th of a second) is usually considered the time it takes a flashbulb to peak,
At three seconds the bulb's illumination has been long, long gone,
.

I am using source material, Graphic Graflex Photography, 1944, by Morgan & Lester.

This book has info used in WWII which was an active flashbulb era.

It includes most standard ideas we know now, but also discusses in detail how to fire up to 60 at once, with wiring diagrams, wire gauge, voltage, amperage, relays for isolation, with why and wherefore.

Also discusses Infrared Flash bulbs and Blackout bulbs. They sound interesting.

Flash powder is discussed with safety tips, weights, measures, burn times for types of flash powder. Flash powder was still important in 1944 as flash bulbs were invented from 1927-1934 by 3 companies.

Also describes Contact Flashing, which means be real careful. As 1 bulb when ignited can set off any number of bulbs that are within 1/2 inch. A chain reaction. Technique was used on purpose when needed.

Also means a bag of bulbs are a dangerous thing, if set off...

There is lot more, including synchronizers and flash handles.

I will not be scanning and posting all this, buy the book or find it online.

I will post Guide Number charts as I find them and they are confusing, but help with empirical testing.

I will also image some setups I am trying.

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Originally Posted by Randy Moe

For those who don't search.

http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Flashbulbs

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Good, but it might help to point to pertinence for our constituency. It needs a better focus. Thanks, Randy.