Using a flash on old camera (Yashica Mat 124)

[timbo10ca]

Hi- I was wondering how I would use my ultra modern Canon 580EXII Speedlight with my ultra dated Yashica. I know I have to plug into the X sync (assuming it's working), but with what kind of cord????

Thanks,
Tim

[nemo999]

One of these
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Flash-PC-Sync-...1%7C240%3A1318
plus an old-style standard extension cable should do it.

[aparat]

You should be able to just use a standard PC cable. I use my Nikon SB800 flash with my TLR via a PC cord. I often set the flash to Auto and enter the aperture value into the flash. The flash then delivers the right amount of exposure almost every time. You can, of course, also work in full manual mode. You can even use a remote trigger, such as a Pocket Wizard, and fire your flash wirelessly, which is what I often do.

[Martin Aislabie]

I use a standard PC cord to my Metz.

Make sure the camera is set to X (not FP? - I think thats what the alternative is labelled)

Martin

[JMC1969]

Too strange, I came here today to ask a very similar question. I borrowed a Metz 45 CL-4 to shoot with my Yashica-Mat LM. used a PC cord, set to "x" and dialed in the ISO and aperture on the flash. As I was shooting, all looked great and seemingly working fine. I processed my Velvia 100F late yesterday and took a look this morning. There are images, but extremely dark. Without a loop you would think it was just black. I believe I was set on 1/50 speed, but I was under the impression that if a Yashica TLR was set to "x" it would sync at all speeds. This this so?

[John Koehrer]

Yup, it should sync at any speed as long as the shutter is set to "X".
When the camera's empty look through the lens to see if the flash is going off with the shutter open. You should see a bright circle at whatever aperture you've set.

[Nick Zentena]

What where you photographing? Extremes can and will fool the sensor [Too light will lead to too little light. Too dark backgrounds will lead to too much]

Then there is distance. You weren't too far away?

[JMC1969]

John, I will try that when I get home.

Nick, I was taking shots of Halloween guests at my party Friday night. Filling the frame with the 80mm that is on the TLR. Some inside shots with colored lighting and some outdoor shots, sheet light lit. F4, F5.6,F8 on varying shots. I have two rolls of B&W 400 I have not processed yet and wondering if I should push judging from the Velvia.

[Nick Zentena]

At F/4 unless you set the film speed wrong I can't imagine the flash not having enough power. Unless they were all wearing white sheets like Casper.

[timbo10ca]

Thanks all- I'll look for a PC cord then.