BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Problems with Images

I think my flash is messed up!

	kids being kids/ 2 pics in one I scanned these so hopefully someone can describe why the flash isn't lighting the whole frame of the photo Connie Campbell

Here goes.......I had to purchace a flash unit that didnt come with the camera...It is a cold shoe flash and has the wire that plugs into the "X" port on the camera.

The flash fires with the shutter like it is supposed to.....

but all my images that I use the flash on ALWAYS has a black line on the bottom of the image. (or the right or left depending on the angle of the camera)

I have uploaded 2 images that I scanned together to show you...

The black line is not something added in digitally....its on my photos too....

But the camera takes great GREAT natural light/outdoor photos.

HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone in advance for your input!

Connie

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August 22, 2002

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August 22, 2002

First:
Ensure you are using 1/125th second or *slower* when you use the flash. Your camera is rated to X-sync at speeds up to 1/125th. If you are using 1/250th or faster, it will definitely cause what you posted.

Second:
Cameras this old often have two flash syncs, one for flash bulbs ("M" or "F") and the other for electronic flash ("X"). Because flash bulbs take about 20 milliseconds or so to come up to full brightness, and their burn duration is about 1/60th second or longer, the M-sync for them fires the flash sooner than the X-sync does for electronic flash which is immediately at full brightness with a duration of no longer than about 1/500th second for even the most powerful ones at full output.

Your Autoreflex T has both M-Sync for flash bulbs and X-sync for electronic flash. You need to ensure you are using the X-sync!! There should be a switch somewhere to switch between the two, possibly near or actually around where you plug in the flash (usually a PC socket). Sometimes, as with the older Mamiya medium format SLR's, there are two PC sockets, one for M-sync and the other for X-sync, almost always side by side. If there are two sockets, make certain you are using the correct one (if there are two, they should be marked). Using a flashbulb M-sync with an electronic flash could also cause this problem, even if you are using 1/125th or slower shutter speeds.

Hopefully you have a manual for your camera. If you do, read the section about flash and the flash syncs for flashbulbs and electronic strobes. If not, you'll have to explore your camera a little and hopefully I've provided enough clues to sort it all out.

-- John

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August 22, 2002