Some way of firing flash when camera has no PC connection or shoe?

<p>I was just wondering if such a device actually exists - perhaps a screw in cable release of sorts with an ability to trigger a flashgun that has a PC connection?<br>

I would like to use some sort of flash with an older Zeiss Ikonta that lacks any sort of PC connection. So other than having the camera on a tripod, using a low shutter speed and stopping the action with flash, indoor portraiture is not really an option at night.</p>

<p>There were devices made, but I think they were all made with flash bulbs in mind. But even if you could get something like this since it wouldn't be "sync"d with the shutter you'd have to use a pretty slow shutter speed anyways.</p>

<p>It would be a lot less trouble to find a camera that has a sync. There's probably a few million out there, if not billions. If you're so inclined you can inquire at a camera repair store near you and see if they can add an X-sync.</p>

<p>my first real camera was a Franke rolfix. the Prontor s shutter had a pc connection<br>

but it was not properly supported by the plastic side of the shutter<br>

I had it repaired by Mack camera at a cost exceeding they of the original purchase<br>

they changes to a pc contact with a small plate to re-inforce the pc connector<br>

still it was erratic.<br>

I eventually found a plunger-like device that went in the cable release socket<br>

two problems adjusting the device so it synched<br>

and the two tubes and the plate were not able to make a good contact.<br>

I would not suggest you look for this type as it put a strain on the cable release socket,.</p>

<p>there was another spring loaded plunger device, ( kalart?)<br>

they let you use the normal shutter release,. and after adjustment,<br>

the spring would press the pin down and fire the shutter.<br>

IF the cable release is inside the shutter button, you would HAVE to use<br>

the plunger-type device. Just be sure the contacts inside are clean and make good contact.<br>

An elextronic flash would likely be less problems that a two cell bulb unit.<br>

Notice how flashlights ( in UK a TORCH) are erratic and often need shaking or bumping to be bright?<br>

same sort of problem with the old external flash "synchronizer"</p>

 

<p>There is the Kalart Master Speed Flash setup but you'd may have to adapt it for use with modern flash. It was designed with flash bulbs in mind. Or you could just use it with flashbulbs. Ebay item: 260789004895</p>

<p>the device I was thinking about was about 1/2" in diameter and 1-2" long with a cord attached<br>

it screwed into the cable rel;aease socket<br>

and when the shutter was fired a spring would let the pin inside come down and make electrical contact.<br>

this Franke Rolfix with the prontor s shutter<br>

had a body shutter release that pushed on an arm on the side of the round shutter housing.<br>

my plunger device ( not dependable) has a adjustment the screwed un and out to control the penetration<br>

of the pin into the cable release socket.<br>

this type of thing would work on a folding camera or a really old camera<br>

but on a 35mm camera the shutter release button usually also is the cable release<br>

connection<br>

a dumb way would be to use the spring loaded device and use the self timer for a 1-2 sec delay.<br>

it Might also depress the internal part of the shutter release and fire the flash<br>

awkward for sure but do-able for experim,ents.<br>

X sysch was on some cameras before EF as the SM and SF bulbs<br>

-with nbo wire or foil inside- fored a PRIMER and I think ignited a gas. they, I believe. had X synch.<br>

but since your older ( pre ww3) machine has NO synch at all that does not matter.<br>

KKodak and othjers made a flash unit with a push button for cameras with a B setting.<br>

I can see two people doing this. "OK JOE FLASH it "<br>

with really slow film it could be actually doable.</p>

<p>Thanks everyone for your kind suggestions. I can see that this is quite a big problem! My Ikonta is from 1937 and has a Compur-Rapid shutter. It really is a terrific shooter and has become my everyday carry around camera. Since I only shoot Velvia 100 and nothing faster with it, indoor photography is never really an option.</p>

<p>Assuming the ambient light is dark, set the shutter speed on bulb, trip the shutter, fire the flash manually, release the shutter. Of course the aperture has to be set correctly to have a proper exposure.</p>