P3D Twinning Ricohs

["Lawrence A. Haines" <lhaines@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I thought I would report the results of some investigation I have done
with regard to firing two Ricoh XR-X3PF cameras simultaneously.

I purchased a Cannon Remote Switch RS-60E3 on advice from the Ricoh US
technical man.  It fires the two Ricohs without problem when plugged
into the electrical shutter trip socket.  I understand most modern
cameras using electrically tripped shutters have such a socket.  It does
permit, if you have that kind of system, to partially depress the switch
for camera focusing, and then fire the camera when the switch is fully
depressed.  To accomplish this the plug has two isolated (or insulated)
areas similar to a stereo plug.  I am not using the focusing feature.

The plug stem is 3/32" ( 0.09375") diameter.  Such plugs are available
from Radio Shack.  One must be careful because the next size larger has
a 1/8" stem diameter, and if you do not look carefully they appear to be
the same.  I purchased from them, a four foot cable with these small
plugs on both ends.  These plugs have only one isolated (or insulated)
area.  By inserting, in the cable, a switch to ground the connection to
both ends, I am able to fire both cameras simultaneously.  I have not
yet had time to test the degree of accuracy of the simultaneous firing
but I expect it to be quite good.  Good enough to operate a flash is
another question.  I will test that soon, and if anyone is interested I
can let you know the results.  I do not expect to be using a flash
generally however since I expect to use the two cameras for longer
distance outside shots.

Larry Haines
P.O. Box 1177
Eastsound, WA 98245
e-mail <lhaines@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
tel. 360-376-4704




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