Speed flashbulb system, versus electronic flash...

[Prof_Pixel]

From this: (there was a url link here which no longer exists) it appears the fast-peak bulbs I remember were type F. They required the use of the X-sync terminals.

 

[lxdude]

Flash bulbs meant for focal plane shutters had a longer burn time to accommodate the moving slit. Electronic flash cannot do this, AFAIK. I think the bulbs were labeled FP or something similar.

As I recall, they were called fast-rise, even-burn, long-burn types.

 

[Bill Burk]

What about the pulsed electronic flashes? Has anyone adapted something like the Olympus flash for OM-4T for FP sync?

 

[fotch]

"FP sync was used with FP (flat-peak) flash bulbs designed specifically for use with focal-plane shutters."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_synchronization

 

[Roger Cole]

Were there older (lens) shutters that had M synch but not X?

As people have said, flashbulbs put out a huge amount of light. I don't have any, or anything that uses them, but some day I will. A press camera with working properly cammed rangefinder and flash with a stock of bulbs is on my "someday, because it would be cool" list.

 

[Dean Taylor]

Of those you've dealt with, which US retailer might be my best resource for flashbulbs, then?

 

[Bill Burk]

I have enough flashbulbs to last the rest of my life. Roughly 3,000 or so. Mostly edison base, with about 500-600 Press 25's & 5B's And 2 unopened cases of Bantaom 8's. I used about 100 or so a year, mostly when I want to try something different or have a style I want to mimic.

I have 4 more tupperware cases filled with bulbs.

View attachment 63563

Dean Taylor,

Though Shootar401 hasn't volunteered... you might post a Want-To-Buy in the classifieds...

APUG might be the best place to find some flashbulbs.

 

[EdSawyer]

won't work well

These won't work well for a variety of reasons. Mainly it puts out a tiny amount of light (relatively speaking) when used in that mode. And it might not be long enough for the Speed graphic FP shutter, even in that mode. (Talking about the Oly F280 flash here.)

What about the pulsed electronic flashes? Has anyone adapted something like the Olympus flash for OM-4T for FP sync?

 

[goamules]

I haven't shot my Heiland with my 4x5 and Ektar 127 yet, but I shoot M3 bulbs with my 1950s Canon IVSB rangefinder. It's for fun factor and nostolgia really. I still find them cheap. A couple weeks ago I got 6 boxes of M3 an M3B rubber banded together at a thrift store for $5. That's 14 cents a pop.

 

[PCGraflex]

I have enough flashbulbs to last the rest of my life. Roughly 3,000 or so. Mostly edison base, with about 500-600 Press 25's & 5B's And 2 unopened cases of Bantaom 8's. I used about 100 or so a year, mostly when I want to try something different or have a style I want to mimic.

I have 4 more tupperware cases filled with bulbs.

View attachment 63563

Only 4?

 

[BrianShaw]

Were there older (lens) shutters that had M synch but not X?

Yes, and others without synch but connected via solenoid, giving only the possibility of a M-synch-like delay.

 

[Henry Carter]

I shoot 4x5, and use both strobe and flashbulbs.

One reason to use flashbulbs is because they result in a different look than strobe. This may have to do with how black and white film reacts to flash bulbs vs. strobe. Flash bulbs give a longer duration blast of light than strobe, and with a broader spectrum of wavelengths of light. Film reacts differently with creamier highlights and improved shadow detail compared to strobe.

Flashbulbs are also light, powerful, and highly portable. They come in different output strengths, and are especially good for bounced light lighting.

Give it a try!