Flash at low speeds on IIIF or IIIG

[ejd]

Can you use a flash on a IIIF or IIIG at low speeds? As you can on most cameras. E.g., with a IIIF R/D you are told to set the flash timing ring to 20 if you use 1/50 sec exposure or 0 if you use 1/25. But what do you do if you want a slower speed? 1/8, for example? Does the flash still work OK? The IIIG just offers you flash sync at what looks like 1/50 and 1/25.

[giordano]

Originally Posted by ejd

Can you use a flash on a IIIF or IIIG at low speeds? As you can on most cameras. E.g., with a IIIF R/D you are told to set the flash timing ring to 20 if you use 1/50 sec exposure or 0 if you use 1/25. But what do you do if you want a slower speed? 1/8, for example? Does the flash still work OK? The IIIG just offers you flash sync at what looks like 1/50 and 1/25.

IIIg: set the main dial to the red lightning flash next to 1/30 sec and then set the slow speed dial to whatever you want.

IIIf: if the 0 setting works at 1/25 it will probably work at all slower speeds. The IIIf manuals included a table showing the sync settings for different kinds of flash at different speeds; there's sure to be a copy on the internet somewhere. Or you can test it yourself: Take the lens off, dial the flash to its lowest power, and look at the film gate as you fire the camera. If you see the entire pressure plate or film surface, that's good; if you see all or part of a shutter blind, you've got the wrong setting.

[ejd]

Thanks for this. You're right -- I should try it out and see what happens.
Rgds, John

[earleygallery]

John - in short it will work at slower speeds, but of course you need to bear in mind the ambient light and effect on exposure as well as movement (unless using a tripod).

[ejd]

James -- thanks. I will try it out. All the best, John