How can I loosen a vintage Stitz hot shoe so a Nikon SB-60 slides in and out properly?
Asked 6/15/2022
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2 answers
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My Nikon SB-60 flash fits too tightly in a vintage Stitz hot shoe and is very difficult to remove, even with the flash’s locking pin held clear. I was considering using a cold shoe adapter, but I’m not sure which type would fit the Stitz shoe properly or avoid problems with the SB-60’s contacts. I only need a mechanical fit because the flash will be triggered remotely. Is an adapter the best solution, or is there a safe way to adjust the vintage hot shoe itself?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
1
You might be better off "tuning" the Stitz.
I looked for pictures of these, and the ones I found are the classic U-bent metal construction.
You may be able to find something that is a little thicker than the space in the "U" — a small screwdriver, perhaps — and force it in there, to spread the "U" a small amount. This would make your Nikon fit in better.
I've used this technique successfully on "vintage" hot shoes. Spread a little bit at a time, trying the fit of your Nikon each time. If you go a bit too far, making the Nikon flash "wobbly," you can tap the top of the "U" with a small hammer to make it tighter.
If this all seems a bit scary, or if you are not very confident with such tools, then the next thing I'd do is try to find a used photo gear store, or attend a swap meet. Then, you can actually try the various adapters before buying.
I'm guessing such a thing might cost a dollar or two at a swap-meet, but perhaps $10-$20 if bought new.
Originally by user8358. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8358
4y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A mechanical adjustment of the vintage Stitz shoe is likely the simplest fix. These older shoes are often just a bent metal “U” channel, and if it has tightened slightly over time, you can carefully spread it a little.
Use something slightly thicker than the current gap, such as a small screwdriver, and gently widen the shoe a tiny amount at a time. Test the fit of the SB-60 after each adjustment. If you go too far and the flash becomes loose, the shoe can usually be tightened again with very light tapping to close the channel slightly.
Because you’re triggering the flash remotely, electrical contact isn’t important here—only smooth mechanical fit. So before buying an adapter, it makes sense to try tuning the Stitz shoe itself.
If you’re not comfortable bending vintage metal parts, ask a camera repair technician to do it rather than forcing the flash in and out repeatedly.
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