Flash Synchronization

The KM has FP and X terminals on the front of the camera body, and

a separate X contact on the built-in hot shoe. The table on the next page

shows which flash contact, which shutter speed and which flash bulb may

be combined for maximum lamp efficiency. Unless these combinations are

rigidly followed, there will be a failure in flash synchronization. Note the "X" setting is exactly at the 60 marked on the speed dial. This indicates the

highest shutter speed at which electronic flash units may be used. Use the hot shoe flash contact when using a shoe- mount electronic flash like the Pentax Autorobo which has a flash contact on the shoe bracket. When using the hot shoe, there is no need to plug the flash cord into the X terminal on the body front. The hot shoe flash contact turns to "hot" (switched on) only when you insert a shoe- mount electronic flash. It remains "cold" (disconnected) even when using an electronic flash with its cord plugged into the X terminal on the body front. This eliminates the danger of electric shocks.

There are basically two types of flash bulb attachments on the market: clip-on types and bracket types. Either can be used with your camera. The clip-on types are attached to the hot shoe and the bracket types are screwed into the tripod screw hole. Use one of these three bulb types: M, MF or FP. The correct terminal and the correct shutter speed to use for each of these three types are outlined in the table below. Before attaching the flash unit to the camera, you must remove the protective plug from the proper terminal. When not using the terminals, keep the

plugs inserted.4www.butkus.org