In the past I've thought about trying to make some flash poweder to try with my old lenses an half plate camera. It's the one kind of flash I haven't done yet. The formula looks a little tricky, but I have had some college chemistry classes. My wife is a pharmacist, but I don't know if I could get her involved "hands on" in the project. She's the cautious sort. I was recently again inspired when I saw this photo:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:19...Flash_Lamp.jpg

Then, it dawned on me. Rather than going through all the hassle of making the stuff, why couldn't I just buy either some modern smokeless gunpowder, or some Pyrodex? Wouldn't that give me the same thing? I could carefully weigh out small amounts so I could calibrate the light output more consistency. Anyone done this?


Kent in SD