how unreliable can the pc port get...even with a screwlock?

im finding that not even with a screwlock cable helps this situation. the only way i can gaurantee reliability is if i mount my pocketwizard on the hotshoe itself.

is there anything more i can do to improve the reliability of the pc port when i have a flash on the hotshoe and a pocketwizard connected via pc?

There are PC tip reconditioners that tighten the outer contact of the PC plug. You could give that a try. A plier can be used in a pinch, too (no pun intended). I know one person in this forum who uses his teeth!

I used to just jamb something pointed into the socket on the cord to bend the center pin off center a little, then squeeze the outer ring with small pliers. Teeth would work for that.

so in all reality, a screwlock cable does nothing for the connection and transmission of signals?...i could have used tape?

kaitanium wrote in post #6086886
so in all reality, a screwlock cable does nothing for the connection and transmission of signals?...i could have used tape?

Just stops them physically falling apart afaik - it won't improve a dodgy connector pin/surround

I gave up on the PC port and reconditioning. It was a daily routine for me and didn't like that I could experience problems smack in the middle of a shoot. There were even times that I held my finger on the connector to apply even pressure and that didn't help so I wasn't convinced that the screw-lock would be much better.

FlashZebra sells a part for the 580EX that puts a sync port on the flash, as a standard 3.5mm socket, maybe you could consider that? You can do the mod yourself if you like too, there are instructions around here somewhere.

this thing?

so is there anything reliable i can use where i can still keep a flash on the hotshoe and still control another flash with a PW?

kaitanium wrote in post #6089155
this thing?

i have a II though, i doubt that will fit it, genious idea though

Does the II do it automatically? Or is there a mod? The v1 foot doesn't fit the v2 flash.

I find that the sync cord for my ABR800 is outstanding! It always fits the sync socket on my camera tightly and makes terrific contact. I can't say the same for my JTL sync cords... I think it all comes down to the connector itself on the cable, and not the port. This is just my opinion though.

I've found the Elinchrom sync cables to be of much better quality than a lot of the lesser expensive generic cables. I didn't like the supplied AB sync cables. They were a daily headache for me.

kaitanium wrote in post #6086886
so in all reality, a screwlock cable does nothing for the connection and transmission of signals?...i could have used tape?

This is not accurate.

The screwlock does two things. It screw part takes the stress allowing the center part to be just an electrical connection. This greatly improves reliability as the stress on the cable is what causes much of the issues with the standard PC cable. The stress enlarges the outer collar necessitating all the biting to persuade function.

I addition, the screw itself is also another negative connection in addition to the outside collar on the screwlock connector.

Enjoy! Lon

FlashZebra wrote in post #6089737
the screw itself is also another negative connection in addition to the outside collar on the screwlock connector.

What Lon said.

If you're using a screwlock connector, and it's tight, then you shouldn't need to worry about the collar underneath it. Slightly bending the center pin off center might help.

The only time a screwlock connector ever failed me was when it loosened up.

That said, I will gladly sign a petition to remove the PC connection in its various forms from camera and flash equipment, in favor of a 1/8" miniplug.

PacAce wrote in post #6086516
There are PC tip reconditioners that tighten the outer contact of the PC plug. You could give that a try. A plier can be used in a pinch, too (no pun intended). I know one person in this forum who uses his teeth!

I can't let Lotto take all the heat

I also have used my teeth on several occasions to persuade a uncooperative standard PC connection to get with the program (when I was unexpectedly marooned from my PC tip conditioner).

Enjoy! Lon