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[lindz81]

I would like to use a ring flash on my Speed Graphic. Syncing is the easy part--I can order a custom made sync cord from Paramount Cords. And I know my flash connectors are functioning because I've synced it with strobes via pocket wizard. The part I'm having trouble with is the actual ring flash. I don't know much about them. Do I need a particular kind/size? And where might I find one? Thanks in advance for any advice!!

[C. Henry]

Many of the 35mm/digital SLR manufacturers make ring flash units for their cameras, some of these mount in the same way as filters. Check with the larger camera supply merchants such as Adorama, B&H, Ritz/Wolf Camera to see what is available.
A tight fitting Series 6 or 7 filter adapter ring and a step ring to match the ring flash to the series ring should let you mount the unit easily.

C. Henry

[Les]

The first decision is to go with old or new equipment. Ring flashes were made for the Crown/Speed in the 50s and 60s. Honewell made a Strobonar with a Proxalite ring flash that would work and Ascor made a ring flash that adapted to the Stroboflash. But vintage electronic flash is either unreliable or very expensive to bring it back to life so while they would fit easily, lets leave the past in the past

With modern flash you can go with a true strobe or the new LED lights. I don't think the LED system is bright enough, and the plastic light piping adapters are designed for specific flash on a specific camera so those are out.

You'll need to look for a ring flash that has a decent output. This used to be rated as a guide number at ISO 100 given in feet or meters A guide number of around 18 to 20 in feet would be a minimum Finding out the guide number today with all the multifunction programs on flashes today will be difficult.

The next problem will be physically mounting the flash to the camera. Some lenses use Series VI filters with a slip on adapter as there aren't any threads on the lens. Other lenses, ones from the late 50s and 60s have an internal thread for filters but these filters will be small compared to modern / common filter sizes so you'll have to find a step up filter that will go from your lens (or the slip on adapter) to whatever size the flash unit has.

The good thing is you are in the right city. Look around for a camera company that knows the words "customer service" A lot can be figured out when the flash and the camera are on the same table and it's even better when you don't have to pay for the flash first.

The disadvantage you have with large format photomacography is bellows factor. Fstops are only accurate when the camera focuses at infinity. Somewhere around 10 times the focal length, the light fall off becomes noticeable and you have to compensate.

With a 4x5 camera and a 5" lens (127mm) that point arrives around 4ft (50")from the subject. with a 35mm camera (2inch/ 50mm lens) it arrives at about a foot and a half (20"). The closer you get to the subject, the more you have to compensate. One good rule of thumb to remember is when you are shooting life size, 1:1 then you need to open up two stops. If you're shooting with a 127mm or a 135mm lens about a foot away from the subject you are right in that 2 stop loss area. So that ring flash that is rated at f16 at one foot, is now only good for f8. If you want to shoot in that f16 f22 area to get any kind of depth of field you'll need to use faster film or get a brighter flash unit.

I hope I've help and not dashed your hopes completely.

Les
_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[lindz81]

Thanks you both very much for your helpful responses! I am going to do some more informed research now and probably take it into a camera shop.