Replacement Leica IIIf/IIIg PC flash ports?

[Coldkennels]

Does anyone know
a) where I can get a replacement flash port for my IIIg and
b) how easy they are to replace?

Mine is, for some reason, missing the "spacer" around the central part that holds the PC cable in place:



Annoyingly, if I physically hold the flash cable in place but pushed to one side so it still makes contact with both terminals to complete the circuit, it fires fine. While I don't use flash much any more, having this working (without needing a third hand!) would be nice.

Also, I assume that they just unscrew from the body, given an appropriately-sized spanner?

 

[GMOG]

I bet Don Goldberg would have and sell you the port. As for installing it, assuming the design matches that of the IIIf's port, the top plate will have to come off of the camera. There's a threaded ring on the inside holding the port in place. And then there is the soldering of the wire.

Good Luck!

 

[Coldkennels]

Damn, I was hoping it was like the ones on late Leotax bodies that just screw out without any soldering or further disassembly required - the contacts on the back of the port simply make contact with flat copper contacts inside the body.

 

[GMOG]

Here's what one looks like after someone tried removing it from the outside (from a IIIf):





And the inside view:

 

[Miles.]

If you can't find one locally, Coldkennels, I'd be happy to forward one from DAG if he won't ship to you.

Good luck!

 

[Duofold RF]

DAG is the best sources for Leica parts, he shipped small parts such as set screw to me.

 

[farlymac]

Does anyone know
a) where I can get a replacement flash port for my IIIg and
b) how easy they are to replace?

Mine is, for some reason, missing the "spacer" around the central part that holds the PC cable in place:

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Annoyingly, if I physically hold the flash cable in place but pushed to one side so it still makes contact with both terminals to complete the circuit, it fires fine. While I don't use flash much any more, having this working (without needing a third hand!) would be nice.

Also, I assume that they just unscrew from the body, given an appropriately-sized spanner?

Conceivably you could get a tiny o-ring to fit around the contacts so they grip the cord better. I have to ask just what type of cord are you using, a Leica style with the twist on head, or just a straight pin type?

PF

 

[Coldkennels]

I have to ask just what type of cord are you using, a Leica style with the twist on head, or just a straight pin type?

Just a regular PC cable. Nothing fancy.

I did wonder if this had been modified to take the M2/M3 style flash leads. I've never actually seen one of those cables in person so I have no idea what the connector looks like.

 

[farlymac]

Just a regular PC cable. Nothing fancy.

I did wonder if this had been modified to take the M2/M3 style flash leads. I've never actually seen one of those cables in person so I have no idea what the connector looks like.

You're in luck because I happen to have one to show.

You'll notice that the PC port on your IIIf has a rim on it that is trimmed off at the top and bottom. This accepts a Leica made cord with a bayonet connector.

Leica IIIf Sync Port by P F McFarland, on Flickr

The one I have has what is called a "household" connector, which looks like you would plug it into an AC socket, but be forewarned, that is not what it is for.

E. Leitz PC Cord by P F McFarland, on Flickr

The back side of the cord shows the bayonet mount which locks the cord in place.

Bayonet Mount by P F McFarland, on Flickr

When plugging in the cord you align the arrow with a dot next to the PC port.

Place/Remove Position by P F McFarland, on Flickr

Then you turn the connector 90° so that it locks into place.

Locked Position by P F McFarland, on Flickr

It sometimes is easier to plug the cord into the camera first and then into the flash unit so you can have enough cord to wrap it around the flash handle.

Typical Flash Connection by P F McFarland, on Flickr

And here is a Braun 370 BVC flash unit with built-in camera bracket connected to the Leica IIIf.

Electronic Flash Configuration by P F McFarland, on Flickr

I'd like to say I've used this many times, but the truth of the matter is it worked fine before I sent the camera in for a shutter curtain replacement, but when it came back the sync no longer worked, and the repair person (Herr Fuchs) refused to fix whatever he did while telling me I didn't know how to use the camera while bad mouthing DAG for some reason or another. I haven't bothered to get it looked at by another repair outfit due to extenuating circumstances on my part. Someday I will.

Hope this helps you.

PF

 

[Coldkennels]

The back side of the cord shows the bayonet mount which locks the cord in place.

Bayonet Mount by P F McFarland, on Flickr

From the looks of it, that's just a regular PC-style connector, but with an external bayonet mount added, correct?

 

[farlymac]

From the looks of it, that's just a regular PC-style connector, but with an external bayonet mount added, correct?

More or less. The idea of using the bayonet was to ensure the cord does not come loose. The M style cord does not have the bayonet but retains the right-angle connector that is then made of molded plastic. If using a flash unit that does not have the household connection, there are adapters available (household to PC). These older III series cords are fairly cheap, and there are numerous Braun flashes available in shoe mount or bracket style. Honeywell also had flash units that used the household connector but are pretty darn old by now, and either inoperable or on their last legs, while the Brauns are more contemporary.

PF