Tag Archives: electronic flash

blinding me with flash bulbs

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Robert

Toronto. In the 1800s, efforts to use photography and its very slow media under poor lighting (i.e. less than full sunlight) resulted in the invention of flash powder ignited in a long narrow tray held high(ish) by the photographer. As … Continue reading →

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flash dance

Posted on December 9, 2021 by Robert

Toronto. In this 1949 ad from the April issue of International Photographer shows what can be done with the amazing Kodatron Speed Lamp by Kodak. Edgerton had demonstrated the use of the technology for photography a few years earlier at … Continue reading →

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making it better

Posted on September 20, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. Flashcubes had four tiny flash bulbs and allowed four flash shots by rotating 90 degrees after each shot. Magic cubes looked the same but were ignited by mechanical energy instead of batteries. In 1967, Honeywell made two flashcube alternatives for … Continue reading →

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a dash of flash

Posted on September 19, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. In the early days of flash, these high speed demons  emulated flash bulbs – you set the aperture, and shutter based on subject to camera distance, film speed rating and shutter syncronization maximum speed. All this changed with Honeywell’s … Continue reading →

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splish, splash, flash

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Robert

Toronto. In the mid last century, these bulbs and guns were all the rage. They were replaced by cheap electronic flashguns that also went through changes. The mid blue coating on the bulbs allowed outdoor colour film to be used … Continue reading →

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the dawn of electronic flash for everyone

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Robert

Toronto. In the 1950s the Braun Hobby flash was touted as the cheap solution for everyone with a camera synced for flash and with an adjustable shutter. George Dunbar sent me this March 1956 Popular Photography ad by Leitz for … Continue reading →

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flash before electronic

Posted on January 22, 2018 by Robert

Toronto. George Dunbar sent me another bunch of ads the other day. This one from the December, 1951 issue of Popular Photography brings back memories. I was in grade nine high school and for Christmas I was given a new … Continue reading →

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Those were the days

Posted on January 23, 2017 by Robert

Toronto. George Dunbar sent me an email the other day showing an American inauguration some 64 years ago. The photo shows a cluster of news photographers, most of whom appear to be using the venerable 4×5 Speed Graphic cameras and … Continue reading →

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