Capro Flash

[bvy]

I have a Capro Fl55 flash attachment that I can't find much information about. It came with my Yashica Mat 124G. It works with batteries or AC. The focus guide suggests a guide number of 80 (at 100 ISO). That seems high for this old, unassuming looking flash (and I don't have a flash meter). A head and shoulders shot from about three feet equates to f22 or higher. Does this sound right?

 

[John Koehrer]

Many years ago, before such things as a flash meter.
Guide numbers were determined by shooting a roll of film. To start, make up some cards with f values on them.
With an indicated GN of 80 number the cards f5.6, f5.6+1/2(6.3), f8, f8+1/2 and f11. Make one exposure at each
setting, have the film developed and the best exposure is YOUR GN with that flash unit. Same thing for near distance, 1 stop
under, 1/2 stop under, recommended, and + 1/2 and 1 stop over.
That'll set you up.

Make the numbers dark enough to read in the print, using a ball point is fruitless.

 

[bvy]

Good idea. I plan to try it.

Another question: This flash comes with a 2.5mm jack to male flash PC sync cord (with coiled cord). There's another sync cord attached to the flash that plugs into the flash or into the camera. What is this extra cord for? I can't get it to work any which way I hook it up. The attached cord has to go into the camera to work.

 

[John Koehrer]

It looks light it's supposed to have a hot shoe. Does it have a small socket next to the pivot for the shoe? If it does, try plugging the attached cord into that.

The cord connected to the flash has to be plugged into it's socket(if it has one) and the coiled cord fits a switch that bypasses the 1st one(you figured that one out).

A couple of problems with old flash units are usually related to capacitors aging/drying out. Cords are also very prone to
failing. The flash tube and trigger coil can also fail. If you got the flash used, you wouldn't know if it worked or not when it was retired.

The main cap that powers the flash is the big un and the trigger is one of the smaller ones hiding inside.
If the ready light comes on but it won't flash, it could be any of these or even the flash tube.

If the main cap charges it can be a pretty shocking(300V) experience to deal with. It does make pretty,
sparkling lights though. It also melts screwdriver tips and can cause your arm to react very quickly. Just like applying
voltage to a frog's leg in science class

 

[MattKing]

Good idea. I plan to try it.

Another question: This flash comes with a 2.5mm jack to male flash PC sync cord (with coiled cord). There's another sync cord attached to the flash that plugs into the flash or into the camera. What is this extra cord for? I can't get it to work any which way I hook it up. The attached cord has to go into the camera to work.
View attachment 97426 View attachment 97427

I was tempted to suggest that the jack was where you plug your headphones in.

But I think it more likely that the jack is intended to be used with an alternate power source, and that the additional cord doesn't belong with the flash.

 

[bvy]

Thanks. There's another plug at the top for AC power.

 

[bvy]

It looks light it's supposed to have a hot shoe. Does it have a small socket next to the pivot for the shoe? If it does, try plugging the attached cord into that.

It does. I tried that. Anytime the audio-type jack is plugged into the flash, the flash begins to discharge. I thought attached cord to hot shoe and coiled cord from flash to camera would work, but it doesn't.

 

[John Koehrer]

I don't know, but the 2.5 jack or cord may be shorted. Easy to check with an Ohm meter.

FWIW, the cord should read infinity but in my mind(!) having the PC cord shorted may not allow the capacitor to charge but if yu allow the ready light to come on, will the flash fire when you plug the coiled cord in?

 

[bvy]

I don't know, but the 2.5 jack or cord may be shorted. Easy to check with an Ohm meter.

FWIW, the cord should read infinity but in my mind(!) having the PC cord shorted may not allow the capacitor to charge but if yu allow the ready light to come on, will the flash fire when you plug the coiled cord in?

it does not. It may be fully charged, but plugging in the coiled cord keeps the flash from firing. I'll check it out with my voltmeter later...