If I use a sync plug adapter with my M3, can I mount a Leica SF-20 flash unit on my accessory shoe, and using a connecting cord, plug into the flash unit and use it successfully? What shutter speed should I use? Also, has anyone experienced difficulty removing the sync adapter plug from from an M3?

-- Jim Crusinberry (jcrusinberry@earthlink.net), January 16, 2002

Answers

I've never used the sync adaptor plugs as my M2's had M4 plugs installed, so I can't answer about removing them. However you will need more than the adaptor plug to use an SF20 on an M3. The SF20 has no connector for a PC cord, so you will need an adaptor with a hot-shoe that fits in the M3's accessory shoe, and has a short PC cord that will plug into the PC socket on the M3. They are available at many well-stocked camera stores or by mail-order. The shutter speed you use is 1/50. Also be sure that you plug the PC cord into the "X" sync socket (with the lighting-bolt), not the "M" flashbulb socket.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), January 16, 2002.

You will need a hot shoe adaptor from Kaiser. It slips into your "cold" shoe and has a hot shoe with a PC cord. Use the X sync port and set the shutter speed to 1/50 or slower.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), January 16, 2002.

Jim- Jay and John are both correct about this- I got my hot shoe/PC adapter from Adorama for 9 bucks. As for the difficulty removing the flash adapter plug from the old M3 port, yes it;s tough, but don't worry, just pull it out. Once you get it out, if you look into the port, you will see two spring loaded bars that rest at a diagonal which grab the groove in the adapter plug. This makes for a very tight, secure fit. It can be tough to pull the nipple out, but don't worry- it's designed that way. You shouldn't be able to damage your camera.

The best news is that with the hot shoe to PC adapter, you can use ANY flash unit you like, as long as it has manual or auto settings. Beware though- the flash might be a loose fit, either with the hot shoe into the accessory mount, or the flash to the hot shoe, so it may not be as stable a connection as a direct flash to camera with a hot shoe.

-- drew (swordfisher@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

Here is a link on ebay to a flash syn cable... (there are about 3 of them for sale by the same seller, it seems...)

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1320665875

-- Phillip Silitschanu (speedin_saab@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.