BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Camera Flash Troubleshooting

Photography Question 

Clay
 

Problems with Image


Half of my image is black, like the flash was only caught on half the image. This only happens when using a flash, usually shooting between 4.0 and 8.0 Fstops and 60 to 125 Shutter speed, film is 160ASA. Can anyone tell me the problem?


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November 02, 2002

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  It sounds like a sync problem. What is the flash sync speed for your camera? If you shoot faster than the sync speed then only part of the frame will catch the flash.


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November 02, 2002

 

Clay
  Thanks Jeff. I bought this old camera at a pawn shop. It is an AE1 Cannon, but I do not have an operators manual with it. This sound like this is probably my problem. How would I find out what sync speed is?


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November 02, 2002

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  I used to have an AE1 (two actually) and if I recall correctly (and I think I do) the sync speed is only 1/60. There should be a little zig zag line (or the 1/60 is a different color) next to that shutter speed signifying that it's the flash sync speed.


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November 02, 2002

 

Clay
  So if I was using 1/60 SS....they should have turned out? I will look at my camera. Thanks Jeff.


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November 02, 2002

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  Yep, 1/60 and slower will work just fine.


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November 02, 2002

 

Michael F. Harrington
  Clay/Jeff,

Years ago (in the old days)I bought a Nikomat FTn. No hot shoe and a Sync speed= 1/125. I goofed a couple of times by using the wrong flash cord port. "X" is for strobe (electronic) flash, "M" was for flash bulbs. I got only a half frame exposed as Clay did.

My guess is the Canon AE-1 has a hot shoe and Clay may not be making that same mistake. But IF he uses a cord, and he had the option between X and M, that COULD be why.

(Clay is probably saying, "What's a flashbulb?")

Just thought I would toss that one in.


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November 10, 2002

 
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