Flush sync cable for iiif

[Timmyjoe]

Got a Leica iiif RD that I want to use with an electronic flash. Have the whole flash delay scale(dial) thing figured out, and the camera was just overhauled by Leica in Germany, so the flash syncs perfectly at 1/50th when the flash delay is set to 20 and at 1/25th when the flash delay scale is set to 0.

The problem is that when I plug my sync cable into the PC socket on the back of the camera, the sync cable sticks out so far it pokes me in the eye when I try to focus and frame with the camera.

Looking at the Leica manual for the camera, it looks like Leica made a PC plug for the camera back in the 1950's that was pretty flush to the camera body, and the cable went off in the opposite direction from the little viewfinder windows.

Does anyone know where to get something like that?

Thanks for any and all info.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Timmyjoe]

Here's a pic of the one Leica used to make. Would love to find something like this.

Best,
-Tim

 

[sevo]

The Leitz cable is no different from other period right-angled PC cables. If any, the metal shell makes it stand out a bit more than the most compact among more recent plastics ones.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Can you suggest some manufacturers of what you refer to as the "most compact among more recent plastic ones"? I have numerous sync cables for many different cameras I use in the studio, but none of them is much smaller than the Paramount one I have tried using with the iiif. I have looked through the offerings from B&H here in the States and none of them has a smaller plug end than what I have. Would love to hear of a manufacturer who makes PC sync cables with a small plug end.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Vince Lupo]

What electronic flash do you have? I have one of those plugs mated to a Vivitar 285 PC cord. Had it done years ago for a IIIf that I had, but haven't used it in years. If you're interested, PM me and we can discuss.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Hey Vince, thanks for the response. I picked up a cable off ebay and once it arrives I'm going to try to mate it to my Paramount sync cord. I do want to use my Vivitar 285 with the iiif, it's just I have put one of those Flash Foot One bottoms on the 285, so now it takes a standard (household two prong) sync cable end. Does the cord you own have one of those little pointed contact ends that goes into the side of the 285 flash? And is it a straight cable or a coiled one?

Best,
-Tim

 

[Vince Lupo]

Tim -- yes, it has the pointed end that goes into the 285, and it's a coiled cord (total length without being stretched is about 14", and it probably stretches to 28"). I'll try to take a photo of it soon and post it here.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Hi Vince, sent you a PM.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Vince Lupo]

Sorry for the delay -- here are the shots. And yes, I've tested it and it works!