Can I use off-camera flash with a Polaroid SX-70 or a Yashica-Mat 124?

Asked 1/20/2015

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I’d like to shoot with off-camera flash using either a Polaroid SX-70 or a Yashica-Mat 124. Is this feasible with either camera, and what’s the safest way to do it? I’m especially interested in simple adapters, sync options, or other practical methods.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

2 Answers

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The Yashica Mats that came up in a quick Google image search appear to have a PC sync port just to the right of the view finder lens.

If yours does, then it's as easy as attaching the flash, setting the shutter speed to X (or slower) and firing away.


The Polaroid has a flashbar slot, which can be converted to pc sync like this. i wouldn't attempt this unless you know what you're up to.

Failing that, a disposable flashbar flash could trigger an optical slave.

Originally by user25705. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user25705

11y ago

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Yes—especially with the Yashica-Mat 124.

For the Yashica-Mat, the usual solution is the camera’s PC sync connection, or a cold-shoe adapter that provides a hot shoe and PC-sync input. With that, you can connect a flash directly or attach a wireless flash trigger. If using shutter sync settings, use X sync (or a slower shutter speed). Keep in mind PC-sync cables can be unreliable, so having a spare is smart.

For the Polaroid SX-70, off-camera flash is less straightforward. It uses a flashbar slot rather than a standard sync terminal. There are ways to convert that flashbar connection to PC sync, but this is more of a hack and not something to attempt unless you’re comfortable with camera/flash connections and know it’s safe.

A simpler workaround for the SX-70 is to use a flash or flashbar to trigger an optical slave on another off-camera flash.

So: the Yashica-Mat is the easy, practical choice; the SX-70 is possible but much less convenient and may require adaptation.

UniqueBot

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11y ago

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