electronic flash - strange handling-feature

AgX · Sep 13, 2016

Some flashes (all from Rollei) have the switch for test-firing designed that way that it also act as lock for the PC-socket.
Which means that one must push that swítcgh aside, which likely will fire a charged flash, before inserting the PC cord.

The manual has it about a "flash-cord release" which makes no sense, as the PC-plug has a straight tube that cannot be arrested by such lock.

What might the idea be to couple PC-cord inserting to test-firing ??

Prof_Pixel · Sep 13, 2016

Does Rollei sell/use PC flash cords that will lock in place? I understand that PC cords in general don't.

BrianShaw · Sep 13, 2016

There once was a PC tip called Rollei Locking. I know it was useful for 1960 era TLRs and ensured the cord would not inadvertently pull out of the camera. Not sure if that was on Rollei flashes or not, though.

http://www.paramountcords.com/product-category/sync-cords/standard-sync/tip-3-rollei-locking/

Kirks518 · Sep 13, 2016

Well, I learned something today.

Anyone know if the Rollei tip will fit in regular PC sockets on other flashes?

AgX · Sep 14, 2016

Well, I never saw a PC plug with a "collar" at the front, it would hamper use at many sunk-in PC sockets. And there is no hint at such special cord at the Rollei flash manual.
But if it exists, then that lock would make some sense, Thank you for hinting at this.

BrianShaw · Sep 14, 2016

Please forgive me if you know this already. On the Rollei TLRs of the 1960's there was a surround on the PC port with a little lever that was for the Rollei locking PC connector. Push the lever, insert the cord, and release the lever... and there was a spring (I seem to recall) that held the pc cord in place securely. Push the lever to remove. A regular pc could be used but would not, of course, lock. I seem to recall that the Rollei flash bulb holders of that era came with the Rollei locking pc. I suspect that you are referring to later Rollei strobes, which I have no experience with, but would not be surprised if they had just a standard pc since they were manufactured, as I recall, by a number of companies and OEM'd under the Rollei label (probably others too) were intended for applications beyond just Rollei cameras. As you can tell, I have little experience with most "European" flashes but did use 1970/1980 era Braun in the past and I think they had the same design/application philosophy.

AgX · Sep 14, 2016

I was referring to Rollei flashes from the 80s (as model 134; sory for not hinting at that).
Yes, in the 70s I got one PC plug with an aluminium barrel. As it was hampering use I filed that barrel off. Whether it got a locking collar I can't say in hindsight, but its make rather looked 60s.

ic-racer · Sep 14, 2016

All my Rollei flashes (e36 types) have separate buttons for the synch cord release and the test-fire.

AgX · Nov 23, 2016

Here a sketch out of the manual of an earlier Rollei flash, indicating the plugs which that locking socket accepts (they only differ in the shape of their outer tube):

from left to right:

Rollei - PC - Leica

Fujicaman1957 · Dec 28, 2016

The only people that supply these cord today are Paramount-as far as I know nobody else makes them anymore.

AgX · Dec 28, 2016

As said I only remotely remember to once have come across in the 70s something like the type Rollei plug and having filed off that rim to use it in a standard PC socket.

However I meanwhile own several Rollei flashes with that plug-lock.

Yes, Paramount still offers it.
Though the Rollei flashes are "downward" compatible and most other appliances with PC-connectors worked without such lock anyway. Otherwise a rubber ribbon or a tape would work too.

Paramount also offer a "Honeywell" designated plug. It is similar to the Rollei one, but the rim is further back. Thus this plug in contrast will likely couple to standard PC-plugs too.

AgX · Dec 28, 2016

Synchro-cord connectors are a peculiar breed...

Paramount also got a "Metz" designated plug. Looks to me like an ordinary male-PC one.

electronic flash - strange handling-feature

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