New to flash

[jmarcus]

You may have seen my other post about learning something new. What I consider to be the Evil Flash, which might as well make my R-D1s into an SLR.

Anyway first question, a really simple one:

Do I need a PC Sync cable for my R-D1s and if so why? I'm using a Nikon SB-24

James

 

[hans voralberg]

No the RD-1 has a hot shoe, just stick it on and fire away. Check voltage compatibility first though

 

[jmarcus]

Thanks Hans!

James

 

[Grober]

USE CAUTION before mounting any flash on either the Epson or Leica dRF cameras. Especially with the older Vivitar 283 and Sunpak 383 units, which are still widely available through used channels.

Why chance a $60 flash frying the guts of your $5000 camera? I always mount a Wein SynchSafe device first before putting any flash into the accessory shoe of my M8.

-g

 

[Al Kaplan]

If you shoot vertical shots with a shoe mount flash you'll get side shadows. You'll need a PC cord to allow you to use the flash when it's not in the camera's shoe. There are a number of (big clumsy) brackets with a swinging arm so you can always have the flash over the lens, or do what I do...hold the camera in your right hand, the flash in your left. Those brackets are expensive anyway. ALWAYS carry a spare PC cord with you. They do tend to die on occasion. Straight cords hold up better than coiled cords.

 

[JayC]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

More than you ever wanted to know - written for those of us that need flash lessons presented in a way we can understand.