Which switch for strobes....

[Bob Salomon]

Set your strobe to a low power.
Set the shutter's synch to "X".
Open the lens to the maximum aperture.
Set the shutter speed to the fastest setting.
Hold up the lens about an arm's length away.
Aim the lens toward the strobe.
Trip the shutter.

You should see a circle of light.
If you see a star then the synch is off because the shutter is either opening or closing when the flash went off.

You should perform this test at least once a year with every shutter. (I do it between Christmas and New Year's Day when there is nothing much else going on.)

It is safer to point the flash and the lens towards a light colored wall rather then point the flash towards the lens.
The results will be exactly the same.

[Otto Seaman]

I wonder if he ever shot yet?

[Jac@stafford.net]

I don't understand why you have M listed twice.

There are probably two 'M' markings. Both are for medium bulbs.
The red M is to match shutter speeds that are also colored red.
F-X is for the little, fast bulbs and electronic flash.

[Leigh]

Leigh,
Yes. That is why I said to set the strobe to a low power.

Without specifying a particular strobe model and power level, "low" has no meaning.

The lowest position on many of mine is 250 watt/seconds.
That will definitely hurt your eyes if you look straight into it.

Is there something wrong with trying to protect folks from injury?
That was the purpose of my post.

- Leigh

[Leigh]

There are probably two 'M' markings. Both are for medium bulbs.
The red M is to match shutter speeds that are also colored red.

Ah. That makes sense.

Thank you.

- Leigh

[Pfiltz]

Hello all.

I'm sorry I never got back to my thread. I didn't take any shots with the strobes, as that chance came and went without me shooting. The reason I asked about the two M's was because I have two on the lens, that you all have addressed.

Thanks again.