Originally posted by Urkeldaedalus I've noticed that the Ricoh GXR, due to the fact that it utilizes as leaf shutter, is capable of a very fast sync speed. I've taken photos at 1/1000 while triggering an off camera flash for example, and I think it may be able to go higher. I still have yet to find a practical use for this, yet, but as a supplement to my Pentax it's interesting that this Ricoh system has this potential.
Too bad the electronic shutter of the A12 M-mount module has the same slow flash sync as Pentax's 1/180; doesn't offer much promise if and when a K-mount module is released for the GXR.
The practical use of a fast sync time is that you can easily control ambient light without having to have tons of flash power and ND filters to get a darker background when outdoors in bright sunlight. It can make for some very appealing effects. Plus you can use larger apertures to get a shallower depth of field.
I'm tempted to eventually pick up the Fuji X100 for its ability to sync clear up to the fastest shutter speed of 1/4000, given that your flash duration can get that short! That would be so sweet but I'd like to have more than the 23mm lens option, something in the normal to portrait FL range would be nice. The X10 would be a decent option with the same sync ability but it's a pretty small sensor. If they'd only used leaf shutters on the X-Pro1 lenses they would be attracting strobists like crazy. All I can do is
dream of a medium format leaf shutter system.
I know, old thread, but whatever. Too lazy right now to try and look for a current one about the same topic.