Flash sync speeds

[robbie_caswell]

OK... stupid question.

 

What's a potato masher? Which do you prefer?

[kiva]

potato masher ... I like 'em french fried too.

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=lighting+potato+masher&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

[picturesque]

A potato masher is a handle mount flash, such as a Metz 60, 45, 76, etc. Also Sunpak 622, 544, etc. Started with the Honeywell Strobonar (many moons ago). Called potato mashers because that's what they look like. Any of the above, save for maybe the 45, will give you about a stop more to play with although it might be questionable considering most of those don't have zooming capability. The Sunpak 622 has the highest guide number (on paper), but it is also a pretty big flash, and probably slow to recycle without an external pack. Some of the above also can't run on internal AAs. If you are going for sheer power in a portable package that you can still mount over a camera, you might look also at an older Lumedyne or Norman 200/400B. About $300 used for a head and pack--completely manual, but will definitely do the job.

[robbie_caswell]

Nadine,

 

You are a gem. Thanks for your patience and all that you contribute.

[mike_barrett2]

robbie, did you get my email?

 

mike

[cjogo]

I started out with that Honeywell masher..moved up to the Ascorlight, which had a great bounce flap built~in and on to the METZ 60 ..then another dozen >> settled on the Quantum.