Odd Sync Connector (Regent IF-9 flash)

[13inches]

While playing with some different lighting ideas for my lightbox, I remembered that my cousin had a box full of old camera gear that he wasn't using. So a quick trip later I had myself a couple of Regent IF-9 flashes to play with. I only received one sync cord though and would like to find another one so I can fire them both with a splitter. However, these flashes (which turn up no results in google, BTW) have a very odd sync connector that I've never seen before.

Here's the flash end of the cable:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/3087146617_fbec90ea6d.jpg

And here's the female end on the flash:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/3087984192_633c49e780.jpg

The other end is a standard PC that I've already fired with my 40D. If anyone can help me find another sync cable it would be greatly appreciated!

[SkipD]

It would be a REALLY good idea to measure the DC voltage on the sync connector before connecting it to your camera again. Quite a few older flash units have a very high sync voltage which can potentially damage the switching circuitry in the camera.

Remember that, in the olden days, most cameras had mechanical - not electronic - switching for the flash sync.

[13inches]

And how does one do that?

[SkipD]

And how does one do that?You need a volt meter. The most common type found these days is called a multimeter, which can measure volts as well as several other electrical characteristics. There are analog and digital multimeters. You may also need a tutor to show you how to make the measurement.

[13inches]

Well, I didn't need that basic of an answer! I do have a multimeter that I've used thousands of times, but I was wondering more along the lines of how does one measure the voltage of a flash burst? Just connect the meter and fire a test flash?

[cctsm]

Just turn on the flash, and probe for the voltage between the two contacts on the flash's sync connector. You don't have to fire it to check the voltage.

You really want it to stay below 12 volts; I don't recall what the Canon specs are.

[Mark]

Just turn on the flash, and probe for the voltage between the two contacts on the flash's sync connector. You don't have to fire it to check the voltage.

You really want it to stay below 12 volts; I don't recall what the Canon specs are.

IIRC it is 240 or something for canon cameras.... Don't rely on that though :)

[FlashZebra]

That looks like the same connector on older Canon flash units (199A etc). That connector was also used on some Toshiba and Mikona flash units. Those are only in the slight odd category.

You might do some searching on Toshiba flash, the Regent may be re-branded Toshiba (or Mikona).

Every good used camera store has a flash cord "hell box" that will have a few of those cords lurking.

The Canon 40D can tolerate up to 250 Volts on the sync circuit.

Enjoy! Lon

[SkipD]

Well, I didn't need that basic of an answer! I do have a multimeter that I've used thousands of times, but I was wondering more along the lines of how does one measure the voltage of a flash burst? Just connect the meter and fire a test flash?I had no way of knowing your background from your original question :rolleyes:.

It's not the voltage that fires the flash tube that you need to measure, but the sync voltage that is presented to the camera's switching circuits.

As said above, you need to have the flash disconnected from the camera but turned on. Measure the voltage across the camera-end of the PC cord terminals (center terminal to shell). Be careful, though, because many old flash units have a sync voltage in excess of 250V DC.

For hotshoe flash units, one needs to measure from the center (usually larger than others) terminal on the hotshoe foot to the "ground" connection at the edge of the hotshoe foot.

[13inches]

Only 96 volts, so no worries there.

Thanks for the info Lon ad Skip. A hunting I will go......