I have an older version of the Nikkor 300mm f/9, which has a switch which can toggle between "X" and "M". What is the meaning of the settings - I assume they are to do with flash sync?, and what is the correct setting for normal daylight photography? Does the setting affect the shutter speed in any way?

-- fw (finneganswake@altavista.net), September 27, 1999

Answers

X is for electronic flash, M is for flash bulbs. Pat

-- pat j. krentz (krentz@cci-29palms.com), September 27, 1999.

To amplify a bit more, X sync, as mentioned, is for electronic flash. The flash is fired when the shutter blades are all the way open. M sync first fires the flash bulb, and lets it reach its maximum brightness, then about 20 milliseconds later opens the shutter.

-- tony brent (ajbrent@mich.com), October 01, 1999.