Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Ok...I have an event coming up this weekend and plan to use both on camera fill flash as well as the Cybersync system with some speedlights. I bought locking PC sync cables from Flash Zebra (awesome outfit by the way) which have a 3.5mm mono plug on the other end. I just realized that the input jack on the CST is a 2.5mm jack. I have horrible luck with the sync cable that shipped with the CST on my 5D. It just doesnt seem to seat properly and stay connected as it is very intermittent. This is what drove my decision to be a screwlock PC sync cable.

Here is my question: I am having a rough time finding a mono 2.5mm jack to 3.5mm plug adapter to work with the locking sync cable. Most of that flavor adapter is Stereo, to accomodate the use of headphones with cell phones. I would like to know if a stereo adapter would work in this setup, before I go purchase one, and have to return it! Or am I going to have to hack the end of that cable and install a 2.5mm mono plug (which are more common than the plug n play adapter). Thanks everyone.

-Shawn

First, you can gently crimp the shield of the PC cord to better fit Canon cameras. It has been my experience Canon's are just a bit smaller than everyone else in that regard. This is why the shield has a cut in it, for adjustability.

As for the adapter, the fact that it is stereo will not matter. It will basically turn both contacts into one. Whether or not it works is upto the quality of the product.

Thanks for the tip. I have crimped the PC plug to be tighter, to no avail. It holds fine on my 1D Mark II, but not the 5D. I much prefer the locking PC plug though, because I know I will knock the damn thing out of the socket! As an aside, I found the mono adapter I was looking for. This goes for anyone looking for adapters and cables and all kinds of other stuff. Monoprice had them for, get this, $0.20 each! Purchased 2 and got overnight shipping as well as CA tax and total came to $5.64. I couldnt beat that with a stick. I know they will cost $2 to $5 each in the retail stores for stereo adapters! Just wish it was a right angle adapter, but now im just being a snob!