X is not the same as M. Although both can be used at low shutter speeds. X fires the flash when the shutter is fully open, the others fire the flash before the shutter is fully open.
The idea with M sync is that the flashbulb fires, the shutter opens, the shutter closes, the flashbulb burns out. Because the bulb burns longer than the shutter is open is why exposure varies somewhat with shutter speed when using flashbulbs. With X sync the shutter opens, the very bright short duration flash fires, the shutter closes. Duration of the flash varies from long to short in this order FP, M, F, X, and the bulb has to fire closer to fully open as the duration gets shorter. FP bulbs firing before the shutter starts to open, and X firing only when it is already fully open, with the others being in between. Nothing like playing with an old press camera and flashbulbs to learn this stuff. OTOH, if you do not use flashbulbs all you have to do is set the camera to X. Most current cameras have no other option. -- graywolf http://www.graywolfphoto.com http://webpages.charter.net/graywolf "Idiot Proof" <==> "Expert Proof" ----------------------------------- P. J. Alling wrote: > Lasse Karlsson wrote: > >> Hi all, >> >> I would appreciate some help on a few things. >> At the following adress there are a few pictures. They are self explanatory. >> I got a few questions regarding what's in them. >> >> http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=627921 >> >> 1) Regarding the Zeiss Ikon Nettar "front piece": You can see this red >> little thingy set at "F". >> Now what does this red thing do there? What does "F" and "M" mean? >> >> > It's for using F or M sync flashbulbs. (M is the same as X IIRC). > >> 2) You'll see two pictures of one very old (exposed) film canister. a) Can >> anybody estimate some dates for it's production? b) Any suggestions on what >> process might get any pictures out of it? >> >> > No Idea about the film. > >> 3) You'll see another thingy, which is a (infrared?) sender which will >> trigger some Godard studio lights that I will start learning how to use. It >> obviously needs a battery. Does anybody know of what voltage this battery >> would be? (Or is this evident? There are batteries of different voltages >> that will physically fit, right?) >> >> > Looks like a connection for a standard 9 volt battery. > >> Many thanks in advance for any answers or good clues. >> >> Lasse >> >> >> >> > > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List [email protected] http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
