Leitz "Vacu" flash synchronizer

[Luddite Frank]

Does anyone have a complete Vacu synchronizer attachment for the 1930's era Leica ? If so, could you post some pics ?

This is the metal & phenolic block that screws-down on the shutter release collar.

I've seen a few come across the interweb, but have been described as "incomplete"...

I have the rest of the "Blitzlichthalter", but would like to get the bit that goes on top of the camera.

Thanks !

LF

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Will this do?

If it's not obvious the knurled bit turns round to screw in in pace of the shutter guard, then you put the shutter guard on the wotsit. Needless-to-say, I forgot to put the shutter guard on the VACU before taking the photograph...

Regards, David

 

[Luddite Frank]

Thank you, David. Very helpful !

One of the ones I had seen listed was missing the little "mushroom" button above of the E. Leitz logo. Any idea what the purpose of this button is ?

Also, apparently there is supposed to be a cam-collar that snaps-over the shutter-speeds dial, which closes the Vacu contact t as it whips around.

I guess later models employed a special shutter-speed knob ?

At least now I have an idea of what the complete rig should look like.

I might be better-off with a Geiss Kontakt or Hakosyn, for what incomplete Vacus seem to be fetching.

LF

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The little button looks as though it could be sprung out and, perhaps, covers something to be adjusted. I'm tempted but won't as I'll regret it as it flies off into thin air and vanishes...

The shutter dial has a bulge on it to fire the VACU by closing the contacts and the upside down photo should show it but is third hand by now and not as good as the original. Apologies for the Blu-tak, giving away all my secrets.

Anyway, I'll wish you luck with the search.

Regards, David

 

[Luddite Frank]

David, your efforts are truly appreciated.

I had (wrongly) assumed that the flash contacts were closed simply by depressing the shutter plunger ( like the Kalart flash-guns that used a cable-release trigger ), and the long peak of the old flashbulbs covered any sync issues.

I guess that little "mushroom" button on top would be a manual trip for "open flash" ?


Luddite Frank

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The little mushroom looks to me as though it was stamped out from a thin piece of metal cut - very, very roughly - like this =O= and then the tags (equals signs) bent under and in and down. They go into a hole about 1mm across and seem to be sprung to hold the mushroom in place. Hence my guess that they are a removable cover. You can see it by twisting the VACU about but no way could I get a photo of it. Sorry about that.

If you can remember those brass paper clips with a mushroom head and two spikes that you spread apart to hold the paper, then I could make a duplicate from one and some tin snips.

Hope this helps.

Regards, David

 

[Luddite Frank]

Here's some photos of a less than complete one...

 

[Luddite Frank]

and the last one...

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Interesting that it says "VACU" on it; mine doesn't but, as you may see, mine has "VVVV" on it; more of a zigzag than four letters.

The missing bit looks on mine like a plug in with two screws holding it but the thumbs show the screws without the covering part. It gets more interesting and I'm amazed no one else has joined in this thread...

Regards, David

 

[Luddite Frank]

The example I posted pictures of has stories to tell, judging by the heavy tool-marks on the terminal-post screws... 😱

I think "my" example is pre-war, and yours post-war. Conjecture on my part.


The later ones came in two versions, one for bulb flash, and the other for electronic flash. The " VVVV " is symbolic, but I forget of which.

I would like to get a complete example to go with my first-generation 'Blitzlichthalter"... 😀

 

[David Hughes]

Hmmmm, the zigzag suggests a bulb's filament, now you've suggested it.

Regards, David

 

[Luddite Frank]

I think the other symbol was a curved sine-wave ?

 

[David Hughes]

Yes, it could be; my guess was based on it being a 30's device and so for bulbs. They are seldom mentioned or seen anywhere, so I guess your guess is as good as my guess...

EDIT; just looked at your photo's again and this is the first Leitz item I've seen with its code on it, meaning "Vacu" but would have expected upper case letters. Will we ever get to the bottom of this mystery?

Regards, David

 

[Luddite Frank]

Leica - "the gift that keeps on giving" 😛


Happy Christmas ! 😎

 

[iphoenix]

I have a copy of the booklet titled "Flash Settings for the synchronized LEICA with red synchro-dial" (i.e. 3F red dial).

On page 14 under the heading "Leica Cameras without built-in synchronization" it states: "Leica Cameras of the former types can be synchronized for flash photography by means of the attachable contact piece and a special shutter speed dial. The contact piece is made in two different models to suit the requirements of ordinary flash bulbs and electronic flashes."

The "contact piece" is the flash synchronizer in question, the picture of it given in this description is stamped "Vacu" and the booklet date is 1952.

Hope this extra info. helps.

Have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

David

 

[David Hughes]

HI,

Interesting, thanks.

I did do a quick look in all the old leaflets etc and the 1938 (4th Ed, London) catalogue ought to have the Vacu in it but doesn't. Same goes for the "Leica Accessories" leaflet. So the plot thickens...

Regards, David

 

[Dralowid]

Christmas morning and it is a little early for the first glass of sherry. I've been reading this thread with passing interest but thought at least to look in 'The Leica Way'. Never really used flash though I still have an unmarked set of cam for the speed dial and a thing for the accessory shoe with a striker and plug.

Anyway, if it helps...starts bottom p 217

Vacu285 by dralowid, on Flickr

Vacu286 by dralowid, on Flickr

I've had this book since the mid '60s but doubt I have ever bothered to read these pages.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I never thought of looking there. I was wrong about the zigzag but dismissed the sine wave as my first electronic flash used two 90v HT batteries that weighed a ton but were, obviously, DC.

I reckon you've earned that sherry.

Regards, David

 

[oltimer]

Drawloid, my German Geiss Kontakt works the same way as per your instructions posted. I have it for the 3A, and will sync at all speeds up to 500; on either flash blub or electronic newer flashes

 

[Luddite Frank]

Christmas morning and it is a little early for the first glass of sherry. I've been reading this thread with passing interest but thought at least to look in 'The Leica Way'. Never really used flash though I still have an unmarked set of cam for the speed dial and a thing for the accessory shoe with a striker and plug.

Anyway, if it helps...starts bottom p 217

Vacu285 by dralowid, on Flickr

Vacu286 by dralowid, on Flickr

I've had this book since the mid '60s but doubt I have ever bothered to read these pages.

Good stuff ! Thank you! 🙂