It is quite difficult (well, not to the edge of impossible) to update all the Nikon bodies that accept individual models of bulb flash. Below are just a few groupings limited to popular manual focus bodies compatibility with flash bulbs. If you find the info compiled herein helpful, I am happy for you; if you think I am stupid as there are so few bulb flash users around, that fine as well too.. I just hate to prepare a half baked cake, so does with a website, that is all. Please don't mail me...

Sunpak 120J AutoPro BareBulb/Reflector Flash Other than manufacturer thinking of converting some old usage into new technologies of flash bulb, third party manufacturer such as Sunpak introduced an innovative flash unit - World's most versatile automatic bare bulb/reflector flash; compact yet powerful; 150 guide number; 3 auto aperture settings plus manual override with power ratio (full to 1/16th power); powered by 4AA batteries or external high voltage pack TR-Pak IIa; bounce & swivel head; removable two position round reflector; ideal for use by wedding, commercial, portrait or news photographers. (Quantum Battery also has a flash unit with similar concept).

Nikon F bodies: Lift up and turn the synchro selector ring around the shutter speed dial if you are using FP, M or MF class bulbs until the correct marking appears in the selector window. Make sure the respective marking matches colour of shutter speed set on the shutter speed dial.

Shutter Speeds

Flash Bulb

1000

500

250

125

60

30

15

8

4

2

1 sec

B

FP

G

G

G

G

R

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

M

-

-

-

G

R

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

MF

-

-

-

-

-

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

OF

X

-

-

-

-

FX

FX

FX

FX

FX

FX

FX

FX

Note: ''G' stands for green dot, 'R' for red and the 'F' for the white dot in the selector window. For electronic flash operations, the selector should be set at 'FX' and shutter speeds can be 1/60 sec and below, including locking the shutter open at 'B" for multiple open flash operations. Note: The Nikon F is designed to synchronize correctly at all shutter speeds (except T) with various types of flashbulbs and with electronic flash at speeds up to 1/60 second.

Nikon F2 Bodies: F2, F2-T, F2 Photomic, F2S, F2SB, F2A, F2AS All Nikon F2 models are able to synchronize with various types of flashbulbs. The FP is particular can be synchronize at almost all shutter speeds (Except 1/80sec X sync). With electronic flash at all flashbulbs are workable with speeds up to 1/80 sec (See 'X' Setting below).

	Shutter Speeds
Flash Bulb	2000	1000	500	250	125	1/80 X	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec
FP
M
MF
X

Caution: When the reflex mirror is locked in the upward position, the shutter will not synchronize with flashbulbs at speeds faster than 1/80 second.

Nikkormat Models

Nikkormat cameras have different configurations since the FT and meter less FS were introduced back in 1965 and the last model, AI bodied, EL2 & FT3 were brought to the market in 1977. There are two types of Nikkormat, a version of mechanical bodies represented by "FT" and electronic EL series that have stretched a long span of ten years of product cycle. Some models were different in handling flashbulb operations but ALL Nikkormat models will synchronize with electronic flash at 1/125 sec and below.

	Shutter Speeds
Flash Bulb	1000	500	250	125	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec	B
FP
M
MF
X

Nikkormat FTn: Two flash terminals marked "M" and "X" are located on the right side of the camera body. The "M" terminal is for use with flashbulbs types M, FP and MF. The "X" terminal accepts electronic flash units having a standard PC synchro cord. With electronic flash, it can synchronize at all shutter speed up to 1/125 sec at X.

	Shutter Speeds												Nikkormat FT-2, FT3 and Nikon EL-2 These models feature an accessory shoe with built-in hotshoe contact and automatic MX switch-over via shutter speed selection.
Flash Bulb	1000	500	250	125	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec	B
FP
M
MF
X

Nikkormat EL & ELW

	Shutter Speeds
Flash Bulb	1000	500	250	125	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec	B
FP
M
MF
X

The Nikkormat EL is designed to synchronize with various types of flashbulbs at almost all shutter speeds and with speedlights at speeds up to l/125 sec. To set the camera for flashbulb, lift up the synch selector ring around the shutter speed dial and turn it until the bulb symbol appears in the selector window. For speedlight, follow the same procedure until the lightning-bolt symbol appears.

	Shutter Speeds												Nikon FM & FE
Flash Bulb	1000	500	250	125	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec	B
FP
M
MF
X

The Nikon FM is designed to synchronize with electronic flash at speeds to 1/125 second. The maximum shutter speed for flashbulbs with these bodies are limiting to 1/30 second.

	Shutter Speeds															Nikon FM-2, FM2n, FA & FE-2
Flash Bulb	4000	2000	1000	500	250	M250	125	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec	B
FP
M
MF
X

The Nikon FM is designed to synchronize with electronic flash at speeds up to 1/125 second. The maximum shutter speed for flashbulbs with these bodies is limited to 1/30 second.

Useful accessory:- Nikon original Flash couplers for various flash models foot incompatibility

Nikon F3 Series models

	Shutter Speeds
Flash Bulb	2000	1000	500	250	125	60	30	15	8	4	2	1 sec	B	X (1/80)
FP
M
MF
X

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