What is the M and X toggle on my Schneider 90mm f6.8 Angulon?

[ChristopherMarv]

There is a switch which allows me to choose between M and X. (?) I tried googling but couldn't find an answer. Thank you.

[ic-racer]

If you don't know, you have been wasting your flash bulbs with the wrong exposure....

186858

[Leigh]

There is a switch which allows me to choose between M and X.(?)Hi Christopher,

M is medium flash bulbs. It refers to the timing of the max intensity from the time the contacts close to fire the bulb. The contacts close before the shutter blades open.

X is instantaneous, used for electronic flash. The contacts close when the shutter is fully open.

- Leigh

[Jerry Bodine]

Oops! I didn't refresh this page before posting, didn't see the previous replies.

These settings are used to synchronize the shutter with flash durations. The X is for use with electronic flash - it triggers the flash when the shutter reaches fully opened; most flash durations are 1/400 sec or faster. The M is, I believe, for use with flash bulbs that burn more slowly and reach peak output more slowly. Actually the M isn't used much anymore - a throwback to the days prior to electronic flash. If I have this wrong, someone will surely correct me.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Mature or X-rated content. Some older shutters have additional ratings.

Seriously, you got good answers. No need for M unless you use bulbs. The typical behavior for M is to fire the flash ~20ms before the shutter begins to open. There are exceptions, but no need to know today. Does anyone but me still use bulbs?

[Eric Woodbury]

And some shutters had a V. M, X, and V. V was self-timer.

[Dan Fromm]

Don't forget F for focal plane, long-duration flash bulbs.

[Tin Can]

Shot 3 #2 last week. I used bulb with a handheld 12" reflector. Open shutter, flash and close shutter.

I save the used ones for a friend who uses them in her art.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7902/33009844878_4e626c41a3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ShY5Qw)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/ShY5Qw) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr




Mature or X-rated content. Some older shutters have additional ratings.

Seriously, you got good answers. No need for M unless you use bulbs. The typical behavior for M is to fire the flash ~20ms before the shutter begins to open. There are exceptions, but no need to know today. Does anyone but me still use bulbs?

[Jerry Bodine]

In their day flashbulbs were state-of-the-art compared to flash powder. Fortunately nitroglycerin never saw the "light of day" for photographic lighting use.

[Tin Can]

I like the after burn of the safety coating.

Smells like Victory.

To steal a phrase and smell.


I have flash powder and flash pans, probably never use it.



In their day flashbulbs were state-of-the-art compared to flash powder. Fortunately nitroglycerin never saw the "light of day" for photographic lighting use.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Don't forget F for focal plane, long-duration flash bulbs.

Indeed! In my enthusiasm many years ago I got a case of bulbs that burn for ~1.7 seconds each as well some Mazda 75 bulbs that scare me! I have not dared to try them. Yet.