Flash sync speeds

[Gaz81]

Evening folks,

I have a quick question regarding flash sync speeds and how it works with the camera.

I have a camera that can sync at 2000th of a second (fuji X100)

If I bought an old flash like a Metz 45 CT or 60 CT would it still work at the fast flash sync speed?

I've had had a look at the manuals for the older flashes but it only mentions much slower speeds. Is that just a limatation of the cameras at the time?

 

[HoppyUK]

Flash sync speed is dictated by the shutter type.

Fuji X100 has a leaf-type shutter that can sync at any speed. At least in theory, though there are some side issues at higher speeds.

All DSLRs have a focal-plane type shutter that is limited to a max x-sync speed of around 1/200sec. The design has other advantages though, and there are workarounds to the sync thing.

 

[Gaz81]

thanks for the info.

what are the side effects?

 

[HoppyUK]

thanks for the info.

what are the side effects?

A leaf shutter doesn't/cannot open instantly, and the time during the opening and closing phases becomes significant and noticeable at high speeds with larger lens openings. It can produce abnormal depth of field and bokeh effects - see the test of the X100 at DPReview on this.

Also, with flash durations longer than 1/2000th (they're typically 1/500th- 1/1000th at high power outputs) then that can't work perfectly either.

 

[Pricer]

Does it also depend on the flash that you are using? On my canon 580 you have the option of high speed flash sync or something like that.

 

[Gaz81]

Well, I had a play with my X100 with the high speeds:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gpsutton/sets/72157629971883776/

Now I've had a play I understand.

I've recently picked up a cheap Metz 32 CT-7 to have a go with high speed off camera lighting outside.

 

[HoppyUK]

Does it also depend on the flash that you are using? On my canon 580 you have the option of high speed flash sync or something like that.

Some high-end guns have a mode called high speed sync (or FP-sync on Nikons) that changes the way the gun fires, from one bright pulse of light to hundreds of smaller ones. This will sync at any shutter speed but with the main downside of a substantial loss of power, that gets worse as shutter speeds rise.

It's fine for closer range stuff though, like portraits or small group shots. Very useful feature.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Well, I had a play with my X100 with the high speeds:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gpsutton/sets/72157629971883776/

Now I've had a play I understand.

I've recently picked up a cheap Metz 32 CT-7 to have a go with high speed off camera lighting outside.

How are you planning to trigger the flash off-camera? Most of the current triggers won't go much over 1/250 and even the older ones that do won't go over 1/1250....