Topic: Rolleicord - flash sync times

[Janet_P]

Does anybody have any info about the flash sync speed for a Rolleicord II? It has a PC sync socket but no X setting and all the tests I've done at 1/125 with my new Bowens (oh la la!)  turn out really dark.

Thanks

Janet

[Skorj]

Really dark, as in flash not firing? Or really dark, with a spot of light somewhere in the frame? Sometimes, timing gets off and firing can be late or early - maybe... Got an example?

[Sandeha Lynch]

It's a leaf shutter so the flash sync is the same as any shutter speed.

Set your fastest shutter speed and widest aperture, open the back and look through the lens as you fire the shutter and the flash ... maybe towards a reflective wall.  If you see a great circle of light, it's x-sync.  If the flash fires but you see nothing, your PC maybe set for flash bulb delay.

[Karl]

I can check my Rolleiflex T brochure tonight (scribble reminder on hand now) as I think they operate in largely the same way. If I remember correctly, the flash can sync at all speeds. I never use flash so my advice is limited.

[Janet_P]

Skorj, here's one of the failed shots. The sweets were on a white background; the orange glow is the ambient background light.

If the timing's off is there anything I can do about it?

Thanks

Janet

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[Janet_P]

Actually, thinking about it, if the flash is being triggered early or late, then this orange light is probably the modeling light...

[Francois]

An old skool trick to know if the sync is OK.
Get a piece of cardboard the size of the film gate.
Paint it with some glow in the dark paint.
Once dry, put it in place of the film and point the camera directly in front of the flash.
Close your eyes and fire the shutter.
If the phosphorous material glows, you're in sync. If not, you know somethings wrong.

Flash is synchro at all speeds on a leaf shutter. The only problem might be that it is adjusted for flashbulbs (not X sync). If that's the case, the glow test will tell you for sure.

[Karl]

let's see if this works  if not I can email them to you

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

[Karl]

in reverse order, page 1!

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[Sandeha Lynch]

Do you know which 'Cord II you have?

http://www.rolleiclub.com/cameras/tlr/info/rolleicord.shtml

Looks like the IIe was the first with x-sync as standard, though earlier ones can be upgraded.  You'd likely need a tech shop to do that for you.

[Janet_P]

I'll take a proper look at the camera when I get home tonight and work out exactly what model I have, my guess is that it's an earlier M-sync version. I'll also check to see you whether there's any button that I've missed that could switch it to X-sync. It's a learning experience!

Those manuals are really useful as is the website.

Thankyou

Janet

[Janet_P]

Amazingly, and rather embarassingly, there's a little lever on the front that switches from M to X to V (V? what's that?)
Looking at the serial number what I actually have is a Rolleicord V - Model K3C. I'm not sure where I got the idea that it was a II but hey, hopefully this has solved my flash sync issues.

I'm curious to know what the V setting is...

Thanks for all your help

Janet

[Sandeha Lynch]

Very nice.  I've got a 'Cord Va and it's a great machine.  Took it to Italy with me at Christmas ...

   

Watch out for the "V" ... it's the self timer.   It's the weak point of the shutter and they sometimes stick solid.  I've fixed a couple, but best leave it alone unless you know the camera was serviced.  Just keep it on X.   

[Janet_P]

Aaaah, Italy for Christmas. Nice