Flash bulbs

[DaveyDubz]

ICCC have been having a stores clear out. We have approximately 30-50 Philips Photoflux flash bulbs. If you would like some or know what to do with them please get in touch.
Trying to resist the urge to plug one in...

 

[ZombieCake]

They are a standard 27mm Edison Screw fit, so easy to knock up a bulb holder for them - a cheap desk lamp or similar will do the trick (mine came from Ikea!!). Might need some fine sandpaper to remove some tarnish on the contacts. Only need a few volts to set one off - a 9v PP3 battery will do the trick nicely.
Are they PF60B or PF100B? Either way they are very bright indeed. Camera shutter will need to be 1/30 or slower. So find a big cave, turn all the lights out, set your camera to 'B' and have some fun.

 

[chunky]

I could use these. What would you like for them?

 

[Fulk]

Hi Chunky,

I have some PF 200 MEGA-FLASH bulbs that have been in my possession for several years . . . I keep thinking I'll find a use for them, but haven't done yet. They look like the ones in the picture above, except that they're clear rather than blue-coated.

If you want them, you can have them; I live just south of Kendal if that's any use in arranging a pick up (I'd be a bit reluctant to post them).

 

[ZombieCake]

Hi, Chris Howes' book on 'Cave Photography' has a list of various flash bulb guide numbers - the PF60 are 145 and PF100 are 170 (page 32). In the later book 'Images Below' they are listed as 134 and 170 respectively (page 33). Doesn't say whether they are the clear or blue versions though. The difference is that the clear ones were for black and white or tungsten film as they have a lower, warmer, colour temperature and the blue ones are for daylight film as they have the blue coating to increase the colour temperature. The blue ones might not have quite the same power as the clear ones as the blue coating will lessen the light output. Blue ones have a 'B' after the number, i.e PF60B and so on for other types as well. So I'm assuming the above relate to clear ones.
Anyway I've dug out the following instruction leaflet on the PF60 and PF100 which lists some options as well re: guide numbers as well as some general pointers. I guess specs may also have varied over time. Also be aware of the safety dot inside flash bulbs: Blue = might be OK, pink = not good.

 

[rom82]

Hello,

I am assuming these are now happily rehomed but if not I would be happy to pay/donate etc for them!

Best,
rob

 

[Fulk]

Which ones, rom? The blue ones or my clear ones?

 

[rom82]

My apologies for the delay! If you still have them available my preference would be for the clear but I would take any and or all!

rob

 

[Fulk]

Hi rob, the clear bulbs are still available; could you send me a PM to arrange transfer/collection?

 

[chunky]

Hi Chunky,

I have some PF 200 MEGA-FLASH bulbs that have been in my possession for several years . . . I keep thinking I'll find a use for them, but haven't done yet. They look like the ones in the picture above, except that they're clear rather than blue-coated.

If you want them, you can have them; I live just south of Kendal if that's any use in arranging a pick up (I'd be a bit reluctant to post them).

Sorry Fulk, only just saw this, but see that Rob has got in there ahead of me. Look forward to seeing the results Rob!