I want to be able to use electronic flash with higher shutter speeds on an older non-electronic SLR (Canon FT-QL).

I'm aware of dedicated or quasi-dedicated flash units that extend the flash duration and apparently use the second curtain signal on newer SLR's to decide when to shut off. Is there anything comparable in a manual flash unit with no signals except the main synch contact via the PC cord?

Thanks!

-- David Mason (dmason@crystalstairs.org), February 05, 2002

Answers

The new high speed sync (FP) capable flashes don't use the second curtain signal to shut off, but that's beside the point. I don't believe there is anyway to get high speed sync with older cameras. With the Canon FT you are reduced to 1/60 second or slower. But a reflector will do most of the same things for less cost.

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), February 06, 2002.

I don't know the Canon FT-QL, but I suspect it may not be old enough. In the days of flashbulbs, many cameras had an FP sync terminal, or an FP setting of a sync selection dial. This would close the contacts just before the first curtain opened, and the FP bulbs would burn with relatively constant output for long enough to sync at all shutter speeds.

I don't know of any non-dedicated electronic flash that can do FP sync, though. Bulb flashes certainly can, but FP bulbs may be hard to find these days.

But you get all the benefits of high speed sync by putting a powerful X-sync flash on your camera and using slower film (or an ND filter).

-- Richard Cochran (rcochran@lanset.com), February 06, 2002.