RF-603 PC Connection

In addition to the hotshoe and shutter connections, the RF-603 also has a threaded (“screw lock”) PC connection at the squared off end of the body, see above.  (In the world of photography, “PC” once meant Prontor/Compur and not “Personal Computer”.) The intent of the PC connection is to connect to flashes that do not have a hotshoe. My set of  RF-603s did not include PC connection cables so I ordered some from eBay (search for “Male to Male Flash PC Sync Cable Cord for Yongnuo RF-603” – can’t get much more specific than that!). My order was placed with “Jiakgong” in China. These cables were less than $3 each so I ordered 4 cables. Shipping was only $1.40; seems like it took about two weeks to receive the cables. The cables were loosely packed with no documentation but seem OK and I gave positive feedback on the transaction.

The eBay cables indeed fit the RF-603 – first test passed. Next, I wondered if the RF-603 could trigger two flashes in the same way that worked for the  RF-602. The trick with the RF-602 was to use one flash in the hotshoe and connect the second flash with the cable. I tested this configuration with two old Nikon SB-24 flashes, the RF-603 and the PC cables as shown below.

It works!

SB-24 Foot Replacement

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As noted in other postings, I frequently use Nikon flashes, especially the SB-28 and SB-24, with my Canon G9. The SB-28 and SB-24 are particularly useful with my Cactus wireless trigger (works with my G9, 20D and 7D) and sometimes a used SB-24 is available at a low price. I just bought another used SB-24 that had a broken foot but was otherwise working. I then bought a replacement foot, installed it and now have another working SB-24 flash. Here’s how I replaced the foot.

But first, the cowardly disclaimer: These are not instructions. I’m just writing about what I did. Proceed at your own risk. I’m not responsible for damage or injury.

First I checked the old and damaged SB-24 to see if it worked at all; it did. I then triggered the flash and immediately turned it off and removed the batteries. While replacing the foot, I tried not to touch the various wires and contacts but, of course, did touch them; however, no shocks, no sparks. You may not be so lucky -- I don't know.

The replacement process is basically to remove four exterior screws and then three interior screws to separate the component parts. The locking ring must be removed from the old foot and placed on the new foot.

Here's the old foot and the new foot with the locking ring from the old foot.

It took a bit of patience and trial and error to get the contact pins aligned with the new foot. I finally realized that the pins were not sliding smoothly in the holes of the new foot. Taking a round screwdriver, I reamed and cleaned the holes and the contact pins then slid into place easily.

Even though this setup is very ungainly, it demonstrates that the new foot has saved the old SB-24 from the scrapheap and provided me with an inexpensive third SB-24.

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G9 Flash List

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Matching an external flash to camera is a frequent topic on photography discussion forums. The G9 is so new, so versatile and so small that this question is being asked repeatedly about the G9. It finally occurred to me to address this question in my blog rather than continually attempt to answer individual questions.

The G9 has a hot shoe for external flash and, in general, works well with the Canon ETTL flash system except that ETTL does not work in the G9 Manual mode. Beware: Some Canon flashes and accessories cost nearly as much as the G9! Fortunately, the G9 also works with other flashes – even very inexpensive flashes.

Specifically mentioned in the Canon G9 Manual are: 220EX, 380EX, 420EX, 430EX, 550EX, 580EX, 580EX II (actual functionality varies). I have personally used a 380EX, 420EX and 580EX with my G9. Some examples are here, here and here.

Here is a link to an excellent reference for using Canon flash systems and other flashes on Canon cameras. Much of this information applies to the G9 as well. http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

I’ve started a G9-flash compatibility list (discussion thread) at
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=4633569#post4633569

In the list below, I’m relying on personal experience as well as the referenced documentation and discussion for the Canon G7 or G9.

Canon
220EX, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
380EX, I have personally used the 380EX with my G9
420EX, I have personally used the 420EX with my G9
430EX, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/g7_plus_430ex.html
580EX, I have personally used the 580EX with my G9

Many non-Canon flashes will also work in some fashion with the G9.

Cowardly Disclaimer: Recent Canon cameras can be damaged by high flash trigger voltage. This is also true of many cameras. Before using older flashes with your new G9, check for compatibility. Here’s one reference: http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Metz
20, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
28, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
36, see http://www.powershotvalley.com/html/speedlite_220ex.html
C 20-C, “Photography with the Canon PowerShot G7”, Siegfried Sierlein, (http://www.mycanong7.com/)

Nikon
I routinely use the Nikon SB-28 on my G9. Although the SB-28 works only in manual mode (or its own auto mode) it is smaller than the Canon 580EX and works well on the G9.
SB-24, I have personally used the Nikon SB-24 with my G9.
SB-28, I have personally used the Nikon SB-28 with my G9.
SB-800, see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26277525&q=g9+flash&qf=m


Sunpak
Sunpak PZ40X II, see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26132024

Vivitar
Be careful here! The exact model number is important!
I have personally used a Vivitar 285HV with my Canon G9. The 285HV is a relativity recent re-design of the old 283/285 Vivitar flashes. The 285HV has the reduced trigger voltage to protect new cameras such as the Canon G9. The old 283/285 may have high trigger voltage and damage the G9.

I hope to update and expand this list, so please participate in the discussion thread or add your comment to this post.

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