I have owned several M3's with 60th second instead of 50th. With those, there is a lightening mark on the shuteer speed dial for electronic flash. I have an instruction book, but it is for the 30,60 model. What about my 25, 50 model? Do I use 50th for the proper sync or 25th? I could check it without film, but I just loaded and exposed 10 shots on Velvia (available light). I would rather not wait to use the rest of the film to find out, and my little granddaughter is arriving soon. I would like to bounce flash and do some close-ups. Thanks for your help...

-- Steve Wilson (wilsonsy@msn.com), November 23, 2000

Answers

1/50th, if it's working right, but before you use it on something you can't replace, don't you think it would be a good idea to make sure it's working as it should!!??

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), November 23, 2000.

I am not quite sure what you are talking about. All M cameras sync for electronic flash at a maximum speed of 1/50. The early M3s have no lightning symbol at 1/50 while the lightning bolt symbol right between 1/30 and 1/60 on the later cameras is 1/50. Flash bulbs receive the correct amount of delay through the M circuit, it is adjusted depending on which speed you select. You, of course, have to use the correct speed to match your bulb type.

Cheers

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), November 23, 2000.

Use 1/30 if you have doubts.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), November 23, 2000.

Or if you you have only 1/25, use it.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), November 23, 2000.

I have the older M3 with the 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 etc. shutter speeds. 1/50 is the correct sync speed for electronic flash.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), November 23, 2000.