PROMASTER FTD 5700
Electronic Flash
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Consider these features:
- Guide number (130) high enough to use in manual mode at f8 at 16 ft (5m) when using ASA 100 film.
- Automatic option that uses at f5.6 with ASA 100 for automatic exposure up to 20 feet.
- Thyristor operation saves on batteries when used in AUTO mode.
- Bounce flash to minimize hard shadows
- Flash ready indicator and flash test button.
- PC cord (allows the flash to be used outside of the camera's flash shoe).
- Compact & user-friendly. Uses 4 AA batteries.
- Can be used with your stereo camera with an optional adapter (see below)
- Best part: (Relatively) inexpensive!
Below I am showing the back of the unit and a schematic with the different parts identified. The exposure calculator at the top is in the back of the flash head. As shown, it is set for ASA 100 film. If you decide to use the flash in manual mode then you have to change the camera's aperture (f-stop), depending on the distance of your subject. For example, if you subject is at 18 feet, then use f5.6. The three different colors (blue, yellow, green) correspond to the three settings of the automatic sensor. For example, if you set the sensor at the yellow setting, then you should use f4 and you will get good exposures for subjects up to 25 feet (you don't have to do anything, the flash will take care of the exposure in automatic mode.) All this information is derived from this exposure calculator (I did not make it up :))
It is really not very difficult to use a flash with your vintage (stereo) camera. A flash in automatic mode converts your vintage camera to an auto-exposure camera. If you want to learn more about electronic flash operation and how it is used in stereo photography, check my Tutorials (this Tutorial in particular is available in a pdf file for only $4.95.
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How to use this Flash with your Camera
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If your camera has a standard flash shoe with a hot contact, then you just put the flash on the camera and you are all set.
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If your camera has a standard flash shoe but with a PC plug instead of a hot contact, then you need the flash and the PC cord (that comes with the standard module, see discussion below).
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The Stereo Realist has a non-standard not contact and the shoe is a bit tight for a standard flash. For Stereo Realist users I recommend this modified adapter that I also sell. This adapter works with the TDC and a number of other cameras but it does not work for the Revere/Wollensak.
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For Revere/Wollensak I recommend the HAMA flash adapter (also works for the Realist). This adapter requires a PC cord.
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The Kodak Stereo Camera has an ASA plug and does not have a flash shoe. For the Kodak you need the following: 1) Flash Bracket to hold the flash, 2) ASA to PC adapter to convert the ASA plug to standard PC plug. I have both items for sale in my store.
When you buy the Promaster 5700 flash unit, you will get two packages. One (larger) has the flash unit, instructions, etc. The other (smaller) has the shoe module. This snaps into the flash and can stay there for ever (it will feel as part of the unit).
There are several modules (they are interchangeable). If I don't hear from you otherwise, I will supply the so-called Standard module, which is not dedicated to any particular camera, and also comes with a PC cord which you might need for certain (mostly older) cameras.
But I also have a small supply of dedicated modules for the following cameras:
- Pentax PX: ME-Super, ME-F, MV, MG, LX, Super A Program, Program Plus, A3000, P3N
- Canon CN: A-1, AE-2, AE-Program, F-1, AV-1, AL-1, AT-1, T50, T70
- Nikon NK: FE, EM, FE2, FA, FG, FM2, FG20, N2000
Important Note: These dedicated modules take advantage of different features of these camera models but DO NOT COME with the PC CORD! There are also other modules for more Non-AF and also AF cameras but I do not stock these.
I hope this is not too complicated! If you are going to use this flash in an older mechanical camera, then all you need is the Standard Module and this is what I will supply by default.
| More detailed Technical Specifications:
o Guide Number: 130 (ASA 100) |
You cannot beat the quality and features of this flash at this price!!!
Also, please check my stereo store or my ebay auctions for price and payment information
Updated: November 2007