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Re: [OM] Camera Sync problems

Subject: Re: [OM] Camera Sync problems
From: imagineer@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 14:11:35 -0500
Jim -

Are you sure it's not an OM-1_n_?  The OM-1n's sync circuit is polarized
- meaning the current from the flash, through the camera, and back to
the flash via the PC cord _must_ "flow" in the right direction. 
(Olympus did this in an effort to make the hot shoe "X" sync only, by
putting a diode inline.  In so doing, they created a whole different
problem.)  As others have mentioned, try reversing the plug that goes
from the studio strobe to the camera - that may solve the problem.

If you're really using an OM-1, does the flash fire whenever you plug it
in?  The hot shoe port may be shorted - try removing the shoe (if it's
there) and cleaning down inside the port in the top of the camera.  Use
a tissue rolled into a point and twist it into the opening.  Then blow
some air into it to clean it out.

Another possibility is that your camera has a problem with arcing in the
sync switches that only shows up when using a high powered (studio)
flash.  Olympus used steel screws through the insulators that hold the
sync contacts on middle-vintage OM-1's that sometimes would arc -
they're replaced with plastic screws in later models.  Or it could be
arcing anywhere - pinched insulation, etc - and only shows up with
high-powered flashes.  These will need a good technician, preferably an
Oympus specialist.

Good luck!

Imagineer


Jim Patterson wrote:
> 
> I am using an OM-1MD camera I bought in 1976.  I have never had a problem
> with it in the hundreds of rolls I have shot.  The other day I tried using
> it in a studio using several strobe lights in the local colleges photo
> department.  When shooting the shots, everything seemed to sync.  However,
> upon developing, the shutter was blocking part or nearly all of the shots
> in 900f the negatives.  Only 2 pictures worked perfectly.  I have used a
> vivitar 283 flash unit with hot shoe for years and never had a sync problem
> at 1/60 of a second.  What is going on here??  Maybe the old OM-1 cannot be
> used in state of the art photo labs using professional strobe lights??  Any
> thoughts on what may be the problem would be appreciated!!  Maybe I need to
> go down to 1/30 or 1/15 of a second to get it to sync????
> James (Jim) Patterson
> System 1
> 396 San Diego Ave
> Ventura, California  93004
> 805-659-6838
> 805-659-1437 fax
> system1@xxxxxxxx
> 
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