Välklampide

Välklampide, often translated as flashbulbs or photoflashes, are a type of single-use photographic lighting device. They were commonly used before the advent of electronic flashes. A typical välklamp consists of a glass bulb filled with a fine metal wire, usually magnesium or zirconium, in an oxygen atmosphere. When the flash is triggered, an electrical current passes through the wire, causing it to ignite and burn very rapidly, producing a brief, intense burst of light.

The duration of the flash is extremely short, typically measured in milliseconds, making them suitable for "freezing" motion in photography. Different types of välklampide were available, offering varying light intensities and color temperatures. These variations were important for achieving desired photographic effects and for compatibility with different types of photographic film.

Using välklampide required a dedicated flashgun, which housed a battery and the necessary circuitry to ignite the flashbulb. After a single use, the välklamp was discarded. Their popularity declined significantly with the development and widespread adoption of more convenient and reusable electronic flash units, which offered greater control and repeatability. However, välklampide remain a part of photographic history and are sometimes sought after by collectors or for specific artistic purposes.