PC Sync Help - ASAP!

[brianc84]

Hi there,

New to the forums. I recently picked up a Polaroid 600 (non SE) and am trying to use an SB800 through PC sync. I don't have a male-male cable so I'm using a PC sync that then converts to a hotshoe which i've mounted the flash to. This works perfect with my 5D and Yashica-A but the Polaroid is being kind of wonky.

When I cock the shutter and release no flash fires. Nothing actually happens. Sometimes randomly the flash will start bursting - possibly from movement of the sable a tiny bit. I also have tried a Canon 580ex.

Does anyone have any idea what might be going on here?

 

[dehk]

Assuming you know your PC to hot shoe is good, and everything is clean, then it sounded like somethings wrong with the camera.

Ha, I didn't know the 600s have PC Sync.

 

[MattKing]

Hi, and welcome to APUG.

You may have a problem with the PC connection itself, or with the flash synch mechanism.

With respect to the connection, they can get bent. They can also corrode, or get dirty. All these conditions can result in poor contact with the cord.

I have and use a "PC Conditioner" that I bought from a company called Paramount Cords. It allows me to re-form the connectors into the right shape, and helps clean them as well. Most camera repair people will be able to check and repair problems like this even if they don't otherwise work on your camera.