Question about flash gun

[jonwoad]

Hi guys,

I have two cheapo manual flash guns which I got from ebay. I know they're not very good, but am only using them for practice.

They both have a hole near the base, does anyone know what they're for? They look like headphone sockets, possibly 2.5mm.

TIA

[ArmySoldier777]

Sounds like they might be the holes for the PC sync cord? Allowing you to do wired off camera flash. I could be wrong though

[jonwoad]

If they are then that would be fantastic

On second thoughts, would I be able to get a 2.5mm to 2.5mm cable and connect the two without having to get a hot shoe adapter?

[inkista]

Maybe, but unlikely: generally a sync connector on a flash is input, not output (the output ones are on the cameras). Can you post up a picture so we can get a better idea of what we're looking at? Relatively few flashes have 3.5mm sync ports built in, and I don't know of any that use 2.5mm ports (unless the flash was modded). Knowing what model/type of flash we're talking about (studio strobe, speedlight, etc.) would help. "Cheap eBay flash" encompasses a huge array of possibilities.

[jonwoad]

Here they are.

[inkista]

I'm stumped. Those don't look like sync ports to me, but they don't look like holes for a bracket, either. No idea. Any model/brand information to go googling with?

[jonwoad]

I've tried googling with no joy.

They are Jessops 280ABZ and Phenix PH280A. I know they're not brilliant, but have been working with my camera for the last few years

Edit- managed to get the pic of the front of them to show up.

[zona5101]

Looks like the old style vivitar sync plug, the short pointy press in plug.....?

[jonwoad]

I've had a quick look and it looks like it could be the Vivitar type connection.

Moving on slightly... if I was to buy some wireless triggers would the trigger voltage come into the equation, as I know the flash guns I have have a high trigger voltage?

Thanks

[Tiberius]

Originally Posted by jonwoad

I've had a quick look and it looks like it could be the Vivitar type connection.

Moving on slightly... if I was to buy some wireless triggers would the trigger voltage come into the equation, as I know the flash guns I have have a high trigger voltage?

Thanks

If you are talking about the flash voltage from the flash damaging the camera when using a wireless connection, the answer is no.