flash synch cables id please

tonyowen

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Attached is image showing two 'flash synch cables'. The one with the thickest cable has a tip that is 0.115 inches diameter, the other has a tip of 0.110 inches diameter.

The one with the thin cable fits into the base of a Hanimex TB655 flash gun.

The cable with the thick lead does not fit into any flash guns that I have.

Does anyone have any information about these cable as the 'modern' flash synch cables have a 3.5mm tip diameter?

regards
 
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tonyowen

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AgX said:
Only one of the two is listed. The issue is NOT only the diameter but also the tip shape, more precise the location of the recess. I am quite sure we had the same issue some months ago. I participated in that thread. Maybe you find it.
Click to expand...

Agreed, that is why I attached the images that show the differing tips. I found a thread of a couple of years ago headed " Flash Adaptors". Is this the one you're thinking of?
regards
 

AgX

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Cowanw, what you refer to is one of a series of standard audio-plugs.

The weird one in the OP's request is the one where the recess is behind the isolator.
 

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AgX

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Sorry! I did not read the OP post correctly. Just saw that weird plug. And thought it was about that.
Yes, Hanimex that is.
By the way, I just looked into my collection of synch-plugs: I even got a plug that is a combination of audio- and Hanimex plug!!!

That the OP got difficulties with the audio-plug not fitting any of his flashes, likely is due to the fact that there is a series of audio-plugs with different diameters, on their own hard to differenciate.

"as the 'modern' flash synch cables have a 3.5mm tip diameter"
Depends what "modern" means. Just my own collection of synch cables shows that there is more than one could think of...
 
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tonyowen

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AgX said:
"as the 'modern' flash synch cables have a 3.5mm tip diameter"
Depends what "modern" means. Just my own collection of synch cables shows that there is more than one could think of...
Click to expand...

Clarification for both you and cowanw. Yes, the synch cord with the thin cable and the groove/recess behind the isolator fits my Hanimex flash. I've no idea where the one with the thicker cable and the grove/recess in front of the isolator came from . At first glance I "assumed" is was similar to the other cable and would fit into one of my many flash guns with a flash synch port BUT it does not.
My comment regarding 3.5mm being modern is because all of the flash synch cables I've seen advertised are that size - I'm sorry if this appears to be an erroneous simplification.

Maybe the 'unknown' cable is for a strobe or remote device as cowanw suggests????

Regards
Tony
 

AgX

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But still it is an academic case. Better to have a cable with not flash to fit it than the other way round. In the latter case, if you are a tinkerer, you could open the flash and try to identify the connector, and if you remain clueless, exchange for a common audio connector.
But most likely it got a hot shoe anyway, then the use of a hot shoe/PC adapter would be the easiest way.

I am quite sure I got a flash in my collection of stuff that takes an audio-plug thinner than 3.5mm. Then it likely would be a tiny one with a house-brand.
 
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tonyowen

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No thank you regarding opening the flash.

I do have a hot shoe pc adaptor that I use on my 4x5 camera [which does not have a hot or cold shoe fitted]. It is just that I'd like to know what the 'thick' cable was/id used for.

My Nikon film and digital cameras all have hot shoes and the flash trigger voltage of the various flash guns are with the exception of the Hanimex very low. But according to Nikon their digital cameras will take a high flash trigger voltage [up to 250vdc] whereas Canon digital cameras are limited to 6vdc without risk of damage.

regards
Tony
 

AgX

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As I indicated there is a lot of connectors and I indicated the kind of flash that likely takes your miniature audio-plug. But there was not one special flash with such connector.
I could go through my collection and look for a model that takes such plug. But I do not see benefit of such hassle.
 

BrianShaw

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The quickest way to satisfy your curiosity, Tony... throw it out...

Throw it into a junk drawer. Before too much time passes you’ll either forget this curious wonderment or find a camera device with a remarkably small female port. Or, next time you see it in your junk drawer you’ll remember this thread and throw it in the trash without hesitation.

The alternative is to throw it in the trash. You’ll get to the same end-state... but quicker.
 
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tonyowen

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BrianShaw said:
The quickest way to satisfy your curiosity, Tony... throw it out...The alternative is to throw it in the trash. You’ll get to the same end-state... but quicker.
Click to expand...

Brian, why?????
It is my experience that as soon as you trash/garbage/dump anything you'll find that you want it and regret throwing it away

Tony
 

BrianShaw

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tonyowen said:
Brian, why?????
It is my experience that as soon as you trash/garbage/dump anything you'll find that you want it and regret throwing it away

Tony
Click to expand...
That happens to me too at times!

Exercise option 1 then... the junk drawer... with all of the other stuff that “you might someday need”.
 

Arklatexian

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If those were mine, I would say they are shutter-cords from PC to two different electronic flashes.......Regards!
 
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tonyowen

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Eureka,
I was reminded that I had recently been given some items including a faulty Sunpak flash.
I sent an image of the thick unknown cable to Japan and got the following reply:

This is our standard synch cord that works with our 383 flash.
Thank you,
Sally
Tocad America

So the query is answered, thank yu all for your input.
regards
Tony
 

AgX

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I don't think so.....


First:
I mixed up the plug in question with a 2.5mm audio-plug. I guess others did so too.

However the tip shapes are different:

audio-plug


plug in question


The double-cone is reversed. Whether this will hamper the interchangabiltiy depends on some details. Also such connectors at flashes typically are not protruding but coverd by the casing, which then plays its part in the position of the recess too.

To make it even more complicated there are shown other Sunpak connectors, one looking much more like an audio plug than the one in question:
https://flashzebra.com/tips/sunpakplugs/index.shtml !!!!

(I knew about this all, had it in my archive, but forgot about it as Sunpak flashes are most rare over here and not having been confronted with that issue so far.)


Who now is lamenting any longer about PC connectors ... ?
 
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tonyowen

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Curiouser and curriouser to quote Alice {Alice in Wonderland], it seems from your link that even Sunpak is confused.

Regarding "Who now is lamenting any longer about PC connectors", nobody really, but the synch cables can be considered a simpler option to the hot shoe to pc synch adaptor!!!

regards
Tony
 

AgX

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There is a lot of lamentation indeed about PC connectors, as they eaysily flip-off, have only tightesd tolerances at which they work sufficiently etc.
But the mass and mess of non-connectible alternative connectors is no joy either.


Ever got a Metz 45 with proprietary sync connector in hand without the respective cable?
 
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