Geiss Flash Kontakt for leica screwmount

[EcoLeica]

Geiss Flash Kontakt....okay internet a bit vague on what this does...can anyone tel me and more importantly can it be used on leica IIIc?

Cheers

 

[Graybeard]

The Gneiss Kontakt is an aftermarket device to provide flash synchronization for Leicas without factory synch.

It has two parts, a cam ("synchronizer disc") which fits over the shutter speed dial and the electrical switch ("contact block") which slides into the accessory shoe. When the shutter is fired the rotating shutter speed dial turns the cam against the switch to fire the flash.

Spiratone was offerring these well into the late 1960's.

The Gneiss Kontakt was intended to be used with the IIIc.

 

[payasam]

You got the "Geiss" right, EcoLeica, while Graybeard got all the rest right. One obvious thing is that the device leaves no space in the accessory shoe for an auxiliary viewfinder. Another is that it will fire when advancing film if the flash has recharged by then.

 

[Graybeard]

You got the "Geiss" right, EcoLeica, while Graybeard got all the rest right. One obvious thing is that the device leaves no space in the accessory shoe for an auxiliary viewfinder. Another is that it will fire when advancing film if the flash has recharged by then.

On the Geiss which I have, the contact block, the part that fits into the camera accessory shoe, has a second accessory shoe on top of it. One can mount a shoe-mounted flash on the block.

You really need two accessory shoes to mount both a viewfinder and a flash but this is also true if no Geiss unit is used as the camera, of course, has only a single accesory shoe.

 

[ZorkiKat]

You got the "Geiss" right, EcoLeica, while Graybeard got all the rest right. One obvious thing is that the device leaves no space in the accessory shoe for an auxiliary viewfinder. Another is that it will fire when advancing film if the flash has recharged by then.

Quite wrong.

The Geiss Kontakt itself has a shoe where another accessory can slide in. A viewfinder may sight slightly differently from a higher perch, but it's still going to be where it's supposed to be.


And for some reason, the Geiss Kontakt on my Leica would not fire during shutter winding. I suppose when the dial (shape would depend on the model it's fit on) is properly installed, the tab will not hit the contact on the shoe part.

 

[jlw]

Just out of curiosity -- for those who have used one of these devices, do you have to calibrate the synchronization individually, or is it pre-set?

All the external synchro devices I've seen had to be fine-tuned for your individual camera and flash, which must have been quite a nuisance in the days when "flash" meant flash bulbs...

 

[ZorkiKat]

Just out of curiosity -- for those who have used one of these devices, do you have to calibrate the synchronization individually, or is it pre-set?

All the external synchro devices I've seen had to be fine-tuned for your individual camera and flash, which must have been quite a nuisance in the days when "flash" meant flash bulbs...

Trial and error 😀

The position of the ring which attaches to the dial can be set so that it makes contact with the switch on the Geiss Kontakt just when the shutter blades are open. I never tried this with flash bulbs, only electronic flash. It's quite easy to determine the position itself- take the lens out, and insert a tiny piece of paper into the film channel. Attach flash's cord to the Geiss Kontakt and fire the shutter at 1/30. Point the flash towards the lens throat and see how the paper behind the shutter looks everytime the flash fires. A length equivalent to the frame format should be seen. The position of the ring will be correct if the flash fires when the first blind is fully wound into its shutter and just before the second curtain begins its traverse.

Actually, the Geiss Kontakt is one of the most reliable external firing devices since it is really linked to the movement of the shutter. It will close the flash trigger circuit timed with the shutter's traverse, just like what an interal sync circuit would do.

The other synchro devices which just plug into the shutter release button and have no real linkage with the shutter mechanism are indeed hard to use. I have two types of these: A "Kalart Cable Synchroniser" and two of the Soviet synchronisers which screw into the shutter release button. Both of these devices rely on approximately timing when the shutter of the camera will be fully open before firing the flash. These would have to be adjusted with the shutter of the camera they are to be used. IMO, they are never reliable. They would even fire erratically when used with the shutter they've been calibrated to. They would only work when the shutter is set to "B". Plunging the cable first to hear the shutter open, and then plunging it deeper to trigger the flash.

Jay

 

[EcoLeica]

cheers for all your helpful comments, just curious tho, can modern flashes be used with this or do i have to get one of the older types?...The reason i ask is because i have found one for around $25.....about $15 american. Good deal?

 

[ZorkiKat]

cheers for all your helpful comments, just curious tho, can modern flashes be used with this or do i have to get one of the older types?...The reason i ask is because i have found one for around $25.....about $15 american. Good deal?

Yes, as long as the flash would have a provision for PC cord attachment. The ordinary, non-"dedicated" flash would be better to use. The GeissKontakt has a standard PC ('prontor-compur') flash connector. See attachments below.

BTW, I have since lost the part which attaches to the shutter dial. I think it's possible to fabricate one.

Jay

 

[rangefinder_bill]

Geiss Kontakt for Canon III fangefinder.

Geiss Kontakt for Canon III fangefinder.

Does anyone know if Geiss made a synchronizer for Canon III rangefinder cameras or equivalent cameras? I have one that fits Leica screw models but it doesn,t quite fit the Canon.

 

[Luddite Frank]

I have a "bolt-on" synchronizer made by Hako: the Hakosyn. Same arrangement as the Geiss discussed above.

I believe Ritz Collectibles has one in their on-line catalog...

Don't know if the Hakosyn will fit Canon... is the shutter speed knob larger than on Leitz cameras ?


Luddite Frank

 

[colyn]

Actually, the Geiss Kontakt is one of the most reliable external firing devices since it is really linked to the movement of the shutter.

This might be true if the shutter has been recently serviced. If the shutter is in need of service this item will affect shutter speed since if adds another part and extra weight that has to be operated by the first curtain cam and can even leave the second curtain partly open.