PC sync cords, do they lock?

nbagno · Sep 12, 2017

Are male PC sync flash cables suppose to lock onto the lens/cold shoe or do they just push in?

jim10219 · Sep 12, 2017

It depends. Sometimes they screw in. Sometimes they just slide on and stay put with friction. Sometimes they slide off when they're supposed to stay put and annoy the heck out you.

AgX · Sep 12, 2017

I'm not sure. There is that Zeiss-Ikon screw-on sync connector, but I do not know whether it is based on/compatible with a PC connector

There are at least two models of male PC-based connectors that got a rim at the tube and need a larger than normal hole to fit in. They are made for flashes with a latch that catches that rim.

nbagno · Sep 12, 2017

My cord has a locking barrel, but none of the sync cables on any of my lenses from my polaroid 600SE, copal polaroid lens or any of my LF lenses have a compatible locking port. I'll just stick to the friction mount and make sure I check the connection each time :-|

Konical · Sep 12, 2017

Good Afternoon, Nbagno,

The only PC cords I have which lock on securely are those for my Koni-Omega 6 × 7 RF cameras. I wish all cameras using PC cords had a screw-on provision.

Konical

hoffy · Sep 12, 2017

jim10219 said:
It depends. Sometimes they screw in. Sometimes they just slide on and stay put with friction. Sometimes they slide off when they're supposed to stay put and annoy the heck out you.

This, this and so much this.

The design is flawed. I am for ever squeezing the outer ring back in together, but they always manage to slowly spread apart, which results in miss fires.

Is it worth while getting the ones with the screw collar? Does this improve connectivity?

AgX · Sep 12, 2017

That screw only makes sense if the female connector is threaded too. I have so far not come across any threaded PC connectors and I only got two flashes (out of many) that got a connector with a latch.

Concerning the spreading of the tube, Paramount makes special tools to re-form that tube. (One could make such tool onself.)

hoffy · Sep 12, 2017

AgX said:
That screw only makes sense if the female connector is threaded too.

I could have sworn that my Bronica does have a screw thread on the body. I know a few of my 35mm cameras do.

AgX · Sep 12, 2017

Yes, Nikon for instance used a threaded one. (Likely I got the wrong cameras...)

But in case of threat of the connector getting pulled out, one could DIY a strain relief with any camera or flash.

John Koehrer · Sep 12, 2017

Rolleiflex used a proprietary cable once upon a time, A rubber band wrapped around the PC & looped around the lens works too,

hoffy · Sep 12, 2017

AgX said:
Yes, Nikon for instance used a threaded one. (Likely I got the wrong cameras...)

But in case of threat of the connector getting pulled out, one could DIY a strain relief with any camera or flash.

Ahh, yes, duct tape seems to be a staple of mine (& rubber bands to hold the whole shebang together). But, invariably, I still manage to some how get the cable/trigger caught and pulled out, which usually results in deforming the plug. Sigh.....

AgX · Sep 13, 2017

With a hot-shoe SLR you cold solder a PC-cord to a hot-foot and by this eliminate the issue once for all at least at the side of the camera.

PC sync cords, do they lock?

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