Flash for Mamiya m645

[Commonman]

I've got an old Mamiya m645. It has 2 terminals on the side. One is labeled X and the other is labeled FP. What do these designations mean?

Also, if I want to use a Vivitar Auto Thyristor 550 FD that has a hot shoe to PC converter (because there is no hot shoe on the Mamiya since it has a view finder that precludes the hot shoe), which terminal should I use?

Also, which f stop and shutter speed should I use. I noticed there is a 60x setting and just a red dot with a circle around it on the shutter speed controller. What shutter speed should I use? The Vivitar says to use f stop 4 but this still leaves the question of what speed setting. I know this has to do with the distance of the subject.

I guess I'm hoping somebody out there is familiar with the old Mamiya m645 and has used the flash terminals. I know, I know - why don't I find a user manual.

 

[Azuth]

From a very quick web search "The FP contact is closed via the opening curtain latch, which is tripped by a linkage on the mirror cage approximately 7- to 15-milliseconds before the curtain clears the opening side of the film plane. The X contact is closed via a cam and insulated stud on the bottom of the opening curtain drum. The contact is closed only as soon as the opening curtain complets its travel across the film plane. "

 

[fmw]

FP stands for focal plane and is the right synch for old fashioned flash bulbs. X is the right synch for electronic flash. The synch speed should be 1/60 or 1/30 depending on the model. If your 1/60 is detailed in red on shutter speed dial then that is maximum synch speed.

 

[JIP]

The best way to use any flash with that camera is going to be a bracket to hold the flash way above the camera. I have used mine for years with my bronica cameras and Metz 60 CT flashes wich is what I would suggest if you do not use your Vivitar.

This is the one I have but there are lots of options

http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=300-450

 

[Commonman]

Thank you all very much. Yes the 60x is in red so that surely is the maximum shutter speed to use.:blushing:

Regarding using a bracket, yes that's what I want to get! It's too much of a hassel to hold the flash unit in one hand and the camera in the other - especially since this is a bulky and heavy camera. However, sometimes it might be good to hold the flash to get a different flash effect - but the flash has an directional position thing - different angles - for bounce back stuff - so the bracket is definitely a great idea.

 

[JIP]

This is my setup it is slightly unweildy but it has served me well for a good many years.

 

[Commonman]

JIP, looks like a cool set-up. I like the flash with the handle.

 

[Mike_E]

Definitely look into getting a Metz for that rig!

The 60 is a great flash for anything up to low flying aircraft. (I'm not kidding)

The 45 CL 4 is 3/4 as powerful and still has a guide number of 45 meters.