Alphax shutters - is this a sync port?

M Carter · Jun 23, 2020

Sort of window shopping for a longer Wollensak lens, but I'd like flash sync... I'm familiar with the bipost shutters and of course have modern Copals... but in this image, is this a sync port? Like, a PC port on a stud or something? Never seen anything that looks like that, thanks for any scoop!

BrianShaw · Jun 23, 2020

Kodak bayonet synch terminal.

Doremus Scudder · Jun 23, 2020

It's also known as an ASA bayonet flash sync connection. Adapters used to be common. Here's a link to one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-PC-Sy...800424?hash=item34261e02e8:g:kBcAAOSwuQFelms9

Google around, if you're lucky, you can find one cheaper.

Best,

Doremus

M Carter · Jun 23, 2020

Gotcha - so either a Paramount (ASA to PC??) cable, or luck out and find one of those rare-as-hen's teeth adapters? Or could I potentially pull the shutter front and get at the wires?

And thanks for the quick reply!

removed account4 · Jun 23, 2020

there is a guy o the large format.info site who is a wollensak / alphax shutter and Lens repair guy,
whir-click. I think is his name, nice guy ! if it is wonky he might be able to help you ..

BrianShaw · Jun 23, 2020

https://paramountcords.com/product/custom-cord/

Probably your best bet...

M Carter · Jun 23, 2020

I'll give Paramount a shot if I end up with this shutter. I'm assuming the center pin is one contact and the external body is the 2nd conductor? I'll want to test the sync before spending more $$ I'm thinking.

BrianShaw · Jun 23, 2020

Another option... I bought a Kodak flash gun with appropriate connector for about half the cost of a Paramount cord.

M Carter · Jun 23, 2020

I poked around on eBay for a bit, I'll look some more there. I also think Honeywell had some??

Bud Hamblen · Jun 23, 2020

Somebody on eBay wants $70 for an ASA to PC sync adapter. I am certain you can find an adapter or a Paramount cord for less. It's better than digging into the shutter.

Donald Qualls · Jun 23, 2020

Bud Hamblen said:
Somebody on eBay wants $70 for an ASA to PC sync adapter. I am certain you can find an adapter or a Paramount cord for less. It's better than digging into the shutter.

Wheee! I should dig out a couple of my spares and put them up for sale!

AgX · Jun 23, 2020

M Carter said:
Gotcha - so either a Paramount (ASA to PC??) cable, or luck out and find one of those rare-as-hen's teeth adapters?

Maybe a bayonet lamp-socket fits (well, a wild guess), then with a PC connector one could make such adapter oneself.

Bob S · Jun 23, 2020

First. Make sure the shutter has X synch. Otherwise it won’t work with strobes.

M Carter · Jun 23, 2020

Bob S said:
First. Make sure the shutter has X synch. Otherwise it won’t work with strobes.

Have no idea actually - there's not an x/m switch like my graphex/rapax shutters have.

BrianShaw · Jun 23, 2020

I would expect it to be M for flashbulbs. Could be wrong, though.

Donald Qualls · Jun 24, 2020

It's usually possible to do a one-time conversion from M to X synch when the shutter is open for a CLA -- just a matter of bypassing or disabling the 20 millisecond delay between flash contact and actual shutter firing.

BrianShaw · Jun 24, 2020

Possible.

M Carter · Jun 24, 2020

Donald Qualls said:
It's usually possible to do a one-time conversion from M to X synch when the shutter is open for a CLA -- just a matter of bypassing or disabling the 20 millisecond delay between flash contact and actual shutter firing.

I've adjusted Brownies and such to work with modern flash, but that's just bending contacts a bit until it syncs. Doubt I have the skills to do it to a more complex shutter though.

I have to say though, kind of cool to see a Pocket Wizard hanging off a Hawkeye, firing a bunch of packs!

Alphax shutters - is this a sync port?

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