've recently acquired two Nikon SB-15 speedlights ($20 each!) that I want to use for macro work, mounted on either side of a lens. These units have an MD mode that cuts the power quite a bit for quick recycling. According to my flash meter, I should be able to shoot at f/11 (effectively f/22) on ASA 100 film when focused at a 1:1 ratio.

I'll probably use it on an F or F3 body with an adapted Mamiya 50mm ZE macro lens but I might also use it with the RB67.

At any rate I'm looking for suggestions on mounting hardware for hand-held or tripod use. I know brackets for this purpose were once made...

Also I was planning on syncing the flashes with a PC-socket y-cord, but I am so far unable to locate such a cable. I know Nikon used to make TTL cables for this purpose... but I don't really need TTL. Any ideas? __________________

 Not familiar with the equipment but I'm very sure that if you cant find the cable but can find the right cables which have the connections/sockets/plugs you are looking for then you can do some very simple re-wiring if you buy the lot: non TTL flash triggering is a simple short circuit - you just have to figure out which wire you need to attach to which wire when you cut the cable... of course you would have to figure out and be comfortable with manual exposure control of your flashes..

That is what i do but for off-camera flash rather than wired - i can fire two flashes off one remote if i can be bothered to wire up my hacked device properly.

Other considerations of macro flash is the subject matter. For instance, living critters can be damaged by flash so close.  I choose not to use flash on living things with eyes in a macro setting.

I have used a ring flash  capable of both left and right flash level control.  Have one side flash more intense than the other  to help achieve a desired contrast ratio, meaning essentially  the shadow.  I imagine you know about that. My comment is on the ring flash:  The left and right, up and down, however you do it...spacing does not seem adequate to get a good contrast.  I have almost in all photos found natural light including natural light with a reflector to do better in gaining a pleasing contrast effect in a macro shot.  Perhaps I am simply not experienced enough to do better but the ring flash with level control for two sides has disappointed me in the field..

Best wishes in getting the lighting you need working to suit you.        TomDart.