I use an external flash that uses a pc connector (Sunpack 544). The part that you need to connect the camera to is the AS-E900 MULTI-FLASH ADAPTER (mfr# 25068). This has a hot-shoe connection at the end. Then you have to have a hot-shoe to pc connector. I think it's the AS-E15 (not real sure).

With the CP 950, you can only set the aperature, or the shutter speed, not both. When using my external flash, I set the aperture manually, and tell it to force flash on. It usually syncs at 1/60 or 1/45. I also turn the internal flash OFF (through the user menu - not easy to do either...). I'm using a auto-flash, which makes the next part easier.

When using the studio lights, take a light reading, then use the aperature setting and set the camera. All my pictures with the flash (> 5') look great.

I hope this helps.

Mike

Jack A. Zucker <jaz@gwis.com> wrote:
> I'm considering purchasing a Coolpix 950 and have a few questions about
> it's usage with a manual studio flash...
>
> I assume you can get an adapter to use a standard PC connector with it ?
> Can it successfully synchronize with a manual (non dedicated) studio
> flash in manual (non TTL) mode ? Can I use the manual shutter speed /
> aperture combinations from my flash meter as I would a film camera ?
>
> One usage I'd like to put it to is replacing the polaroid back on my
> studio camera which I use to test my flash output, light placement,
> contrast ratios, etc. With the difference between the digital rendition
> of contrast, light levels, etc., is this feasible or does the digital
> sensor have too much latitude to give me proper feedback in that regard ?
>
> Sorry about the naive questions.
>
> Jaz
>
> --
> http://w3.gwis.com/~jaz