Posted by Mal Stone on January 07, 2001 at 02:02:53:
In Reply to: Re: Electronic Flash on a Century posted by Les on January 06, 2001 at 19:00:16:: Mal,
: I use my Metz 60CT1/2 with supermatic X with no problem. I'm not sure if the syncro rapid is radically different. Early on some of the studio type strobes and I suppose early portable flash that used lead acid batteries, used a higher current through the contacts. Modern circutry has eliminated that.
: Another situation was brought to light on the helpboard. Some shutters have a resistor in series with one of the two pins, to cut down on current when using flashbulbs. In the past this resistor made some electonic flashes inoperative because they used a lower voltage.
: While I've never run into this problem with the Metz is still good to know. If this does happen it is suggested (in Graphic Graflex Photography 11th ed) that you run a jumper wire from the resisted pin to ground.
Dear Les,
Many thanks for your help.
I was firstly alerted to the potential problem by the original paper slip for the Kodak Syncro Rapid "800" Shutter. It says at the very bottom "This shutter is not made for use with electronic flash units which are flashed by means of heavy duty relays or solenoids. Such units may completely destroy the shutter contacts" I am interested in using my flash equipment with it - mainly my Metz flashgun, but I also have a modern Multiblitz Profilux 600 kit with three heads. My Ektar lens runs the single sprung ASA post not the two post affair that a lot of early Graflex lens had. I believe that I can get one made up by Paramount Cords - I'd need the ASA connector plug + a very short cord + PC female plug? so I can connect it to the modern PC cord on my Metz or Multiblitz.