Connecting flashes - DPChallenge Forums

04/03/2006 02:46:45 AM · #1

I just got an external flash (Sunpak 555, based on quite a few positive comments about it). It came with a hotshoe module that connects to its proprietary port, and supposedly does something with autofocus with certain cameras.

My question is, if I want to get a longer cable for it so that I can have it further away from me to light the subject, is a PC to AC cord like this one the one I need?
//www.adorama.com/FAPCAC15S.html

The module has what seems to be a PC connection, but I'm not sure if it's the right end.. I know nothing about this kind of thing.
Here's a picture of the connection:

Do the color rings around the connections signify something? The one on the module is green, and the one on the front of the flash itself is orange, and it seems to be a little smaller diameter. Should I get a male-male PC cord to hook into that instead?

Also, if I get another flash I'll need some way to connect them.. would a splitter and another cable be the best way, or would an optical slave device work well? Does anyone have experience using optical slaves outdoors a lot, shooting BMX or skating or something where you move around a lot? It seems to me if I moved it couldn't see when to flash because it would be pointed the wrong place...

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/03/2006 02:21:56 PM · #2

Bump - anyone know? I'll probably order that cable tonight unless someone thinks it's the wrong one...

Spork99

OM System OM-1

04/03/2006 02:29:34 PM · #3

Is that on the front of the module? If so, it may be the light sensor for the flash.

You can always get the Canon Off-Camera Cord and use that. Any other solution, including a standard PC cord will lose you e-TTL capability.

04/03/2006 02:39:27 PM · #4

Yes, it's on the front of it. I didn't think of that, thanks.

I'm not too worried about e-TTL, and I'm planning on getting a second flash, so should I just get a hotshoe-PC adapter at the same time?
Like this one - //www.bhphotovideo.com:80/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=37086&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation