>From: Andrew Gullen <andrew.gullen@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>I just tested a shoe-mounted Contax flash...
>the shutter stayed open a long time...
>
>Anybody informed enough to
> - give a knowledgeable explanation
> - assess whether this is OK behavior?
It's how it works. The flash did not produce enough light to satisfy the
camera's auto-exposure. Your only options are to open your aperture, or produce
more light.
In general, when using a manual flash, set the camera to manual 1/60th, and use
the aperture and/or flash power setting to set exposure.
>I'll go test the big strobe next, but since this will be on the PC socket I
>expect similar results.
Yes, you'll get identical results.
If you're serious about manual flash -- especially studio strobes with multiple
heads -- you need a flash meter. Flash meters are always used in "incident"
mode, with the diffuser, positioned at the subject, pointing back at the camera.
Should be able to get an eBay one for under $200 or so. That will make a BIG
difference in your keeper ratio using manual flash!
--
: Jan Steinman -- nature Transography(TM): <http://www.Bytesmiths.com>
: Bytesmiths -- artists' services: <http://www.Bytesmiths.com/Services>
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