L1 flash sync

[kansas_parker]

The flash sync port on my L1 is intermittent. I've tried different cords so I know that's not the issue. What normally happens is the flash fires the very first time after plugging in the cord. After that it only fires once every three or four times. I took out the pc socket (it screws out, how convenient) and cleaned the port with some rubbing alcohol and a push-pin. The flash worked fired well five or six times and then it went back to "normal". Is there a better method of cleaning the socket, i.e. soaking in some solution?

 

[Papa Smurf]

Internal Problem

Internal Problem

Hi, I am not a camera repairman, but 50+ years of tinkering with electronic gear leads me to believe that you might have either a loose, dirty, or corroded internal connection, possibly at the socket or the flash contacts in the shutter mechanism. There are products (LPS is one) that can be sprayed directly onto computer circuits that will "wash away" the corrosion, oil, etc. However, do you want that gunk redeposited inside of your camera? We used cotton rags, etc. to catch the drips inside the NC control panels of our machine tools. Maybe a Q-tip or two would suffice in a camera? Intermittent electrical problems are often difficult to cure. They sometimes mask their true cause with their intermittent behavior. Is the camera due for CLA? Best of luck. 😱