Nikon BC-5 Flash Bulbs

[kent_demas1]

Does anyone know of any new bulbs that are available for the old Nikon

BC-5? If so, where might they be found?

 

I thought I'd try some "retro flash" with my old Nikon SP but it

appears that these bulbs are difficult or impossible to find. Old ones

are, evidently, prone to bursting and can cause injury.

[__hank_boneroneo1]

http://www.jandcphoto.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=49

[garrylewis747]

Also---

 

http://www.flashbulbs.com/index.shtml

[paul_nelson]

The bulbs should be relatively easy to find on ebay, and much cheaper than from most retailers. It looks like the flash will take both bayonette and miniature based bulbs. Prices are currently up a bit, but I usually pay in the range of 10-25? a bulb shipped. (#5s go for about a buck a bulb, but m3 bulbs will work about as well in small flashes such as the BC-5.) If you're patient, good deals can be found.

 

I've only purchased one case of bulbs that would burst on fireing. Those bulbs had obviously deteriorated plastic coating on the bulbs (it was cracked and falling off). In my experience, if the coating looked good, the bulb didn't burst. If you are up close to someone then a flash shield would be a good idea, though I don't recall seeing one that would work with the BC-5.

 

Modern films are fast relative to the emusions in style when flash bulbs were in vogue. A GN of 200 (M3B) is quite a bit of light indoors.