Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!harpo!floyd!vax135!ariel!houti!hogpc!houxm!hocda!spanky!burl!duke!mcnc!ncsu!mauney From: mauney@ncsu.UUCP Newsgroups: net.rec.photo Subject: Re: 2 Questions for you Photobuffs Message-ID: <2214@ncsu.UUCP> Date: Wed, 22-Jun-83 14:25:57 EDT Article-I.D.: ncsu.2214 Posted: Wed Jun 22 14:25:57 1983 Date-Received: Thu, 23-Jun-83 22:23:02 EDT Lines: 25 References: rocheste.2020 Dedicated Flash: Dedicated means that the flash interfaces with some fancy feature(s) on the camera. They are all incompatible, but clever vendors have come up with interchangeable feet, so that their flash can be dedicated to any popular camera. In most cases, a dedicated flash will set the shutter to the correct synch speed, and light an indicator in the viewfinder whenever the flash is ready. In some of the more expensive cameras, you can also get through-the-lens flash metering. The camera measures the light reflected from the first shutter curtain and the film, and shuts off the flash when the exposure is correct. An intelligent salesperson would have asked what kind of camera you have BEFORE trying to sell you a dedicated flash. Shutter cocking: Some people claim that leaving the shutter cocked for long periods is bad, presumably causing fatigue to the springs. However, Modern Photography surveyed their staff, and couldn't find any additional mechanical problems for those who kept their shutters cocked, compared to those who didn't. For anecdotal evidence, I have had an inexpensive Ricoh for five years, always keep the shutter cocked, and have had no trouble (except for very infrequent accidental exposure). Jon Mauney