Westinghouse M2B Bulbs

Name/Title

Westinghouse M2B Bulbs

Entry/Object ID

209

Tags

Iconic

Description

The Westinghouse M2B is a definitive example of mid-century flash technology. The "B" designation indicates the blue coating, which color-corrects the flash to roughly 5500K, making it compatible with daylight-balanced color films like Kodachrome and Ektachrome without requiring a lens filter. M2 bulbs were a major advancement in the 1950s, offering a "miniature" alternative to the larger bayonet-base bulbs. They feature a smooth, push-in base and are designed primarily for cameras with "X" (electronic) synchronization or "F" (fast) settings. Because they reach peak brightness very quickly (approximately 13-15 milliseconds), they are ideal for leaf-shutter cameras but generally require a shutter speed of 1/30 or slower for proper synchronization. This specific box was manufactured at the Westinghouse Lamp Division in Bloomfield, New Jersey, a facility famous for its high-volume production and historical role in early electrical and nuclear research.

Category

Flash
Accessories