Leica M6 flash sync cord

[nikon_junkie]

I have a couple of one off senior/teen portrait jobs in the works.

I have a Sekonic 758dr and can measure my flash percentages etc...

I have shot around 100 weddings, so flash it not alien to me. I have used pocket wizards plenty of times before with Nikon, and in October at a wedding with a Leica M9 (sold ). I had to dumb them down to basic triggers. They worked for a few hundred images and the they didn't... LOL Switched to my Nikon to finish a wedding without a hitch.

I am thinking of picking up a M6 or M7 for use with off camera flash. I have considered just going with a 'Blad or RZ but don't want to invest in another system.

I have an M2 and M3 but want more options than a reflector... fully aware that 1/50th sync speed is limiting.

Weddings are a distant memory, and I intend to shoot only film for fun and leasure.

What options do I have with a M6/M7?
1) Asssuming Pocket Wizards... expensive
2) Since they are infrequent portrait sessions at this point, I am leaning towards sync cords (What sync cords is Bruce Gilden using?)
3) Compatible flash?

 

[rlouzan]

Bruce Gilden uses a Vivitar 285 w/ Holly Metal Foot One, powered by a 6V 1.2Ah lead sealed rechargeable battery, triggered by a Paramount H sync cord.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

The Leica bodies and the Nikon SB-28 get along very well. I cannot recall whether the SB-28 can work as a slave flash, but I did use it a few times with my M6TTL bodies and, despite the slow synch speed, it did work well.

I don't know whether I was helpful but I want to help. As for the other questions... Sorry, that's beyond my current payscale in photography. But I'm sure someone knowledgeable will jump in! 🙂

 

[rlouzan]

You can modify your Leica M2/3 flash sockets, to take standard PC cords, with M6 parts.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82826

 

[rlouzan]

I always fasten my PC cord to one of my camera's split rings, via a fishing tackle safety snap on a swivel, to avoid PC sync cords from popping off.

 

[rulnacco]

As mentioned above, the Nikon sync cords, from the SC-17 up, play nicely with the Leica hot shoe. I've done a bit of that, normally just using the flash in auto mode.

Looks like Calumet USA went bust (they're still going strong in the UK), but on the occasions I've used my M6 in the studio, I have used their Wireless 4-Channel Pro Series triggers with great dependability. They were about $75 new, and definitely a quality product. You might be able to score a set cheaply on eBay, if you don't fancy ordering them fron Calumet UK.

 

[nikon_junkie]

Is the M6 a true hot shoe? Could it fire an optical slave?

I think that might serve my occasional portrait lighting needs.

I rented a Fuji XT1 and it would not fire my Youngnu or even a sync cord.

My portrait session was saved by natural light and a reflector.