GXR A12 and flash compatibility

[llyfre]

Hello,

I have a GXR A12 in combination with my Leica lenses and I am trying to figure out a way to also use my handle mount Metz flash unit.

Does anyone know about the compatibility of the GXR A12 and the Metz SCA 551 flash adapter module and connector cord for Leica?

I guess the answer lies in whether or not the GXR flash hot shoe is proprietary or if it is Leica-compatible, as is the lens mount.

If kicked around the inter webs and found absolutely nothing --anyone have any information that will help me?....

Thanks a lot in advance!

Cheers,

-llyfre

 

[ayewing]

I have both the GXR with A12 M mount and a Leica M240. Inspection of the hot shoes shows that the arrangement of contacts is completely different apart from the central contact. There is no flash compatibility between Ricoh and Leica systems. I do not have a Ricoh flash but have found it easy to use an old Thyritor flash in auto mode. These flashes have only a centre contact so you need to enter details of aperture, ISO and distance manually on the flash. In the case of really old flashes it is as well to check that the trigger voltage is within safe limits for the camera.

 

[llyfre]

Thanks ayewing!

What I ended up doing is buying the Wein Safe-Sync Hot Shoe to Hot Shoe (SSHSHS). This model has a universal hot shoe so it fits any camera and most importantly, it regulates and reduces the flash sync voltage of the flash from up to 400V to less than 6V, which is especially important for digital cameras when used with older flashes or lighting systems.

I haven't got it all in the mail yet, but once I do and it's all set up, I'll post back in order to spread the word in case anyone else has a similar query.

I appreciate your getting back with me.

Cheers,

-Alexander

 

[ayewing]

Alexander,
it will be interesting to see your results. I too used a Wein Safe-Synch initially but when I learned that the GXR is safe up to 20v and my old Vivitar 2500 trigger voltage measures 11v I have on occasion used the setup without the Wein and so far no disaster. Incidentally the Leica M is claimed to be safe up to 600 but I would not risk using a high voltage flash on it.