I found this flash in the pocket of a gadget bag I was given. It is missing its calculator dial. I did find it has a guide number of 56 (in feet) with ASA 100 film, so I can work out its guide numbers for other ASA films. I can also compare the Honeywell Strobonar 100 to other 2-AA battery flashes and see what their calculator dials come up with.
One slight drawback of the 100’s design is the battery door slides right off unless held in place by restraining loaded AA cells. Without batteries, an elastic band or plastic bag would help keep the unit together.
This size of flash had a strong place in close-up photography. There were mounting shoes built onto lens hoods so the flash could be inches away from the subjects. This close, relatively speaking, the flash reflector starts to be as large as small soft boxes would be to regular subjects.
On the other hand this is a pretty powerful flash for really close work.
In 1971 an advertisement listed the manual Honeywell Strobonar 100 as the first electronic flash for under $25 (auto units started at $50).
By 1972 an ad had the headline,
Honeywell Strobonar 100 Electronic flash—The $29.95 blue chip investment The logic was at around 200 flashes a year the flash would last 12 years (or more). Buying flashbulbs at the same rate (200 a year) would cost $30, “each and every year.” So in 12 years you would save $350 by buying the Strobonar 100!
Note: It should be pointed out you would need to purchase four alkaline batteries a year (two sets of two for 100 shots each set), so the saving—although high—is slightly overstated.
Specifications
Guide number: 56 for ASA 100 film
Angle of coverage: 50° horizontal and vertical
Colour temperature: Approximately noon daylight
Flash duration: 3000 sec.
sync: hot shoe and PC cord
Power source: Two 1.5v AA alkaline batteries
Recycling time: About 10 sec. on fresh alkaline batteries
Number of flashes: More than 100 with alkaline batteries
Dimensions: 2.5" X 1.4" X 3.5"
Weight: Less than 5 ounces
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