Speed Grahic flash. Does anyone still use?

[reellis67]

There is an exhibition of his work - 100 photographs - at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk Virginia until the end of December
http://www.chrysler.org/press/owinstonlink.asp

Fantastic! Thanks for the tip.

- Randy

 

[Bob Carnie]

A very good friend of mine has been using flash bulbs and 4x5 linhoff to document his photo project House Calls.
He bought a lifetime supply of bulbs on the net a few years back and has exposed thousands of sheets of film using this technique.

He just won a Freddie last week for a NFB film documentary of His project and his practice of House Calls.(he picks up his award in New York November 4th)

As a printer I can say his negatives are some of the finest to print that have worked with and the 30x40 inch prints are spectacular to view.
I think the base for the flash is the same base used in all the Star Wars , light sabre fight scenes.

 

[sajianphotos]

That's interesting, Bob. Thanks

 

[Jim Noel]

Absolutely use them.
A little #5 puts out more light than the most powerful camera mounted strobe ever built. You will be able to get good light at camera to subject distances you never thought of.
In the 40's and 50's I used hundreds of them. When photographing football games at night the faces of the crowd on the other side of the field were readable.

 

[sajianphotos]

Thanks for all the input. I've now gotten more 5s and 25s to add to my collection and I've taken a few shots - yet to be developed.

 

[gordrob]

Absolutely use them.
When photographing football games at night the faces of the crowd on the other side of the field were readable.

That caused a real flash back - no pun intended
As I read your comments I thought of doing photography for the year book back in the late sixities and having to use a Rollie and flash bulbs and having to always be aware of how to calculate the f stop based on the guide no. Since then I have accumulated a bunch of bulbs - mostly the 11s and 22s and 4 dozen of the 3bs wainting for a subject to use them on. But like you say the output of this light source puts the electronic flashes to shame.
I saw the display of photographs of O. Wintons Link in San Diego a couple of years ao and that rekindled my interest in using bulbs for big scenes.

 

[P C Headland]

Aside from the reasons that have already been mentioned to use flash bulbs, you'll know the instant you use one and you here that POP...sizzle that the sound of a flashbulb augments the soul... well, at least comforts it.
-KwM-

I accidentally tested mine - I didn't realise the bulb in it was still "live".

BOOOOFFF!! WTF???? Has Amsterdam just suffered a nuclear strike? Staggered around blind for a few moments, smelled the "perfume" of the spent bulb....

 

[PCGraflex]

I found a bunch of 5 and 25 series bulds and been thinking about using them on my Speed Graphic. It's been years (a lot of 'em) since I used bulbs on my Mom's old Kodak. Anyone still use bulbs? Why? Or should I just sell my old three cell holder for to a Star Wars fan for a light laser and use my strobe?

I regularly use bulbs and have been lucky enough to accumulate a rather large stash. I have shot weddings and do street photography with bulbs. They put out a hell of a lot of light and you can routinely use smaller f-stops for great DOF. Especially important while shooting with a Speed Graphic. Coupled with an old style emulsion, bulb flash has a great look that people recognize and like.
DO NOT! I REPEAT, DO NOT sell your 3-cell flash unit to the Star Wars fans. If you are set on getting rid of it, sell it to a photographer that can use it. There are lots of takers out there. (I have three).

For me, when the bulb goes off the sound of the crunch and the smell of burnt lacquer kind of makes you an integral part of the process of creating an image. KWMULLET is right, it does augment the soul!!

 

[sajianphotos]

OK. Here it is. I got my flash working, put in a #5 bulb, and took a snap shot of my wife and her favorite hobby. (First snap with my 4X5 Navy Graphic and bulb flash). This pic will never see a fancy gallery. Nothing much artistic about it, but it's my sweety.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[josephaustin]

Not only are the flash bulbs cool but.... The flash gun is a great remote for your camera if you still have a solienoid. I use my flash gun, in this way to trip the shutter when hand holding my graphic, sometimes while using a vivitar 283 attached to a bracket on the other side. The easiest way to hand hold, the beast.