Using Flashbulbs

Using Flashbulbs

	If you can get hold of an old flashbulb firing gun, this is probably the simplest way to use flashbulbs, although these guns often require obsolete 22.5v batteries, or hard-to-get and expensive 15v batteries. A lot of these old guns were made of brittle early plastics and have frail contacts, so expect to give your purchase a little attention before it will work!
	Be careful connecting old bulb guns directly to modern electronic cameras - they can have a detrimental effect on the camera electronics. It is kinder to the camera to use some kind of slave.
	If you do not require camera synchronisation, the bulb-and-battery technique can be used for smaller bulbs. Any battery (3v and above) can be used.
	Modern flashmeters do not correctly register the light from flashbulbs, so it is best to do your own experiments before using flashbulbs for important shots.
	It is not difficult to make a simple manual firer for ES bulbs (which can be used for other types with adapters).