Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: PC Sync to flash?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Posts
    1

    PC Sync to flash?

    Hello,
    newbie here on the site, question about PC Sync. I think I understand the principle of what it does, especially with digital cameras, of film camera with batteries in them. Weird/possibly dumb question. How does a large format lens physically/electronically send a signal to PC Sync cord that sends it to the flash, as what is the power source??

    ..if i do understand correctly the PC Sync sends a small current/voltage to the flash???, where does this current/voltage come from on a large format lens??

    any clarifications would be helpful.

    Nick

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Loganville , GA
    Posts
    14,409

    Re: PC Sync to flash?

    Quote Originally Posted by shifter View Post
    Hello,
    newbie here on the site, question about PC Sync. I think I understand the principle of what it does, especially with digital cameras, of film camera with batteries in them. Weird/possibly dumb question. How does a large format lens physically/electronically send a signal to PC Sync cord that sends it to the flash, as what is the power source??
    ..if i do understand correctly the PC Sync sends a small current/voltage to the flash???, where does this current/voltage come from on a large format lens??

    any clarifications would be helpful.

    Nick
    On a mechanical LF lens the synch signal is a short circuit created when the shutter fully opens. The synch voltage comes from the flash. Current flash units have a low voltage synch but old flash units could have very high synch voltage. Low voltage synch units started with studio flash units like the Rollei E250 in the early 70s.
    Last edited by Bob Salomon; 16-Sep-2020 at 12:01. Reason: Wrong insertion point.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Posts
    991

    Re: PC Sync to flash?

    The PC circuit in a LF shutter is just a normally-open switch that closes momentarily to complete a circuit. Same with most mechanical-shutter cameras.

  4. #4
    Tin Can's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Posts
    22,383

    Re: PC Sync to flash?

    No electric power in lens or shutter

    It's a mechanical switch, like a doorbell button
    Tin Can

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    826

    Re: PC Sync to flash?

    Further to the earlier comments, it is just a switch that closes at a particular time during he exposure ("X" sync for electronic flash).

    The electrical power comes from the flash system.

    Do however be aware that if you are using studio flash systems, it can be a lethal level of voltage and power.

    Be careful...

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Location
    obx,nc
    Posts
    173

    Re: PC Sync to flash?

    Quote Originally Posted by Len Middleton View Post
    Further to the earlier comments, it is just a switch that closes at a particular time during he exposure ("X" sync for electronic flash).

    The electrical power comes from the flash system.

    Do however be aware that if you are using studio flash systems, it can be a lethal level of voltage and power.

    Be careful...
    And in that case, buy a Wein Safe-Sync with the proper connectors on it, ie: pc; 1/4" phono , or "H" , To go between the shutter and the strobe, or radio triggers, to reduce sync voltage to safe levels, and no worries.

  7. #7
    Arca-Swiss
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Location
    Phoenix, AZ
    Posts
    291

    Re: PC Sync to flash?

    Or something like a Pocket Wizard which trips flash via a radio signal. Short cable to shutter PC.
    Rod Klukas
    US Representative
    Arca-Swiss USA
    480-755-3364
    www.arca-swiss-usa.com

Similar Threads

  1. Flash Supermatic Electronic Flash Sync
    By Robert Budding in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 20-Sep-2009, 17:14
  2. 4x5 Flash Sync
    By vkrische in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 27-Feb-2009, 06:32
  3. Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-Feb-2009, 06:56
  4. flash sync on LF lens without sync term (compound shutter)
    By Mike Netecke in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 22-Jun-2004, 09:21

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •