So, how do you stop your sync lead from falling off?

How do you?

I was shooting today with my new studio strobes and my 20D, they came with a rather heavy sync lead which I attached to my 20D, unfortunately gravity is almost enough to pull it out, if it doesn't a slight knock finishes the job.

In the end I wrapped it around my quick release plate for my tripod and taped it on with some small medical tape (sort of like narrow masking tape - leaves no residue).

Any other creative solutions to stop these pesky things from falling off?

I forego the synch lead altogether by using a wireless transmitter. Another trick you can use is to put a external flash on your hotshoe and put the flash in manual and run it down to minimum power and use it to slave fire your strobes.

With regards to your synch cable though, a small strip of gaffer's tape is the best bet. You can buy gaffer's tape in almost any photo supply store. It will not leave any sticky residue on your camera body.

Mark

Two recomendations.

It sound like the PC connection on your sync cord needs to be resized. Paramount cord sells an inexpensive device that forms the cord end to the correct size. This will tighten up the PC plug connection. This device is inexpensive and small, you can put it in your camera bag.

See:

http://paramountcords.​com/search.asp

After I plug in the cord, I just put a strip of tape across the PC connector and the camera body. I have used duct tape and 2 inch cello tape. But the gafters tape recommended above is likely a less messy solution.

Enjoy! Lon

Thanks for the quick answers!

Hmmm I did think wireless as my strobes have IR sensors on them, they don't however trigger from other flashes, so using a flash at lower power on the camera is out.

Got a quote for a IR trigger, not cheap down this way part of the world, yet to check B&H for their pricing.

Will try the gaffer tape, I have a lot of duct tape (cloth tape), but it tends to leave residue. I also know everything is the correct size, it is just that a PC socket and plug don't have a lot of holding power in the first place, probably fine if it was connecting to a flash gun on the actual camera or on a bracket, but no good being dragged around a room

For a technical solution as opposed to Heath Robinson, you could cable-tie a keyring clip to the sync lead about 100mm from the plug and clip the thing onto the end of the neck-strap loop (if not the actual neck-strap bracket then the strap loop itself should do) when being used - it should hold the weight just fine.
e.g. clip:
http://www.kleins.co.u​k …PLAYPRODUCT&pro​ductid=321

Just a thought: Rubber band? (or whatever it's called in English)

yup rubberband, used to do this a lot... works like a charm

PocketWizards....

oh alright, just use a loop of #8 fencing wire and be done with it!

a thin teather string attach to the strap loop to lessen the weight of the cord. They come with every usb flash drive I gotten.

joeseph wrote:
oh alright, just use a loop of #8 fencing wire and be done with it!

As a good kiwi male, I have a spool of number 8 under the house, last used it fixing the lawn mower

Well, no. Not if it's falling out? Take a pair of pliers & very gently squeeze the end.

I'd add this too. You need some strain relief for when you move too far. Those PC cords fail very easily.

This is someting that anyone using a PC based flash cord must take to heart.

Even the very best PC cords are still unreliable.

Never depend on one cord. If you need a PC cord for anything, in fact you need at least two (or three). A backup or two is a necessity, not extra fluff.

Enjoy! Lon

Ball bungees

http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com …ing-101-ball-bungees.html