Magnesium Flash

[martinkings]

I'm using an old-style camera and want to replicate the magnesium flash when the photo is taken. Is there a pyro that does this?

 

I'm thinking that my other option would be to empty a theatrical flash out and use an electric match to ignite it, but I'd prefer a safer way of doing this.

 

Suggestions much appreciated

[Jivemaster]

http://www.pyrotechnology.co.uk/ certainly sell the flash gun and lives, ask them if they hire one out. With any other option can you quote the sections and exemptions from the legislation to allow you to mix on site? Also do you have the skills needed?

 

Added;

http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?showtopic=5110

[andy_s]

I've a vague recollection that this has been discussed before, so probably worth a search through the forum. As far as I remember, one suggestion was to find a way of disguising a modern flashgun into the tray that the powder would sit on .... or maybe it was single shot flashbulbs. A standard theatrical flash is probably far too large; I don't know if there is a smaller version available these days ...

 

I have the advantage (perhaps!) of being old enough to have used flash powder, two rusty nails and a bit of fusewire for this effect years ago with no H&S restrictions, and can say that the flashgun method wouldn't be entirely authentic, as it doesn't produce the smoke that comes with the loose powder, but a bit of artistic license in the interests of enhanced safety is probably acceptable. To be honest the affect is so short-lived it probably wouldn't be noticed.

[p.k.roberts]

I've a vague recollection that this has been discussed before,

 

 

Here;

 

http://www.blue-room.org.uk/index.php?show...mp;#entry124050

[Gareth A]

Cant recall its Lemaitre code as the website struggles here in China, but look for the Beauty and the Beast Gunshot flashpot. Its much smaller than a theatrical flash, uses the same pin dimensions though, and the flash is nowhere near as violent, but does produce smoke still.

[Stagemaster]

I'm using an old-style camera and want to replicate the magnesium flash when the photo is taken. Is there a pyro that does this?

 

I'm thinking that my other option would be to empty a theatrical flash out and use an electric match to ignite it, but I'd prefer a safer way of doing this.

 

Suggestions much appreciated

 

Don't play around modifying off the shelf pyros - I suggest that is both dangerous and in any case unlikely to give you the effect you really want. Some years ago I built a flash tray for 'Half a Sixpence'. It used a small theatrical flash and and a PP3 battery and worked very well when held above the head. It is essential to build in the safety as much as possible - fit a key switch so that it is armed only immediately before going on stage and fit a mercury switch into the handle. You can get a good one from somewhere like Maplins and the one I used ensured that the device could only fire if it was held within 5 degrees of vertical. This prevented any accidental discharge but also forced the actor to hold it in the correct position so it could work. You can even make it to hold more than one pyro, but they must be separated by a metal plate which extends at least 60mm above the top of the pyros, otherwise you will get a sympathetic detonation (ie they all go off togther!!).

 

It does give a very pleasing and effective result, exactly like an old-fashioned flash, but like with everything concerning pyrotechics, don't do it unless you are absolutely certain you know what you are doing (it's not good enough just to think it!). If you have any qualms at all, you must find something that you can hire in (although that does not gurantee safety of course).

[pyromonkey]

Your after a flashtube, Usual manufactures do them.