Thanks, Neal.

Thanks, Neal.

This all may be a moot point.

At lunch today, I was reading the “Focal Encyclopedia of Photography” 1969 edition pg. 645. It states:

“F synchronization closes the firing circuit when the shutter blades are half open, about 7 to 8 milliseconds before they are fully open.”

It also states that:
“F synchronization can also be used with now obsolete relay fired electronic flash units which have a relay to fire the flash which introduces an 8 millisecond delay”

It seems to me from reading this that at the smaller F stops typical with large format photography, the shutter blades will have already cleared the opening in the iris before the flash is fired even with a F sync setting. You would only need a X sync if you were using larger apertures. Also this suggests the possibility of going out and getting a 3 volt relay and inducing your own 8 millisecond delay before the flash is fired.

There was also a picture of a mechanical flash synchronizer that screwed into the cable release socket which would provide either X or F flash sync depending on how it was adjusted. It looked a bit iffy though.

So even if your shutter doesn’t have the second set of contacts it would seem that you have other options.

Neal

Well, Neal, I guess we've about worn out this subject. I certainly appreciate all of your help. Another option I have is to use a solenoid (I have one)...but space is limited on a Century Graphic Lens Board/Standard. The Heiland Strobonar II, a governement issue, has a 0 to 25 MS adjustable delay if one uses a solenoid as a tripper. Ain't this fun? I'll figure out something. Fortunately, I also have the Miniature Speed Graphic with the Rapax Shutter that IS synced for X flashes. Good talkin' to you...and thanks again. Fred.