Yes, DrDave is correct about the voltage issue. My adapter will let you use
a flash without modifying the camera. It can also accept more than flash
units and it can fire the flash for testing (if the flash does not have this
function). You can see it here:
http://home.att.net/~sales3d/WMultifunctionFlashAdapter.htm

Using electronic flash with stereo cameras has been an area of interest and
specialty for me. I have written a Tutorial and plan to conduct a workshop
for our stereo club next season. I also now stock two new Metz flash units
and one Gossen light/flash meter. I have not had time to update my web page
with these new products, but I will do it soon.

I also have several flash units and accessories for sale in ebay right now.
Any of these will work fine with your Realist:

Sunpak 383 flash:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220447233139
Various accessories useful for many flash units:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370224444663
Stroboframe flash bracket (allows you to hold the flash higher than the
camera):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220447233124
Vivitar flash slave (allows you to fire a 2nd flash without any physical
connection to the triggering flash):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220447233154

Metz 45 CT4. Very powerful flash with handle:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370224935447
Same but with many extra accessories:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220448108913


>On the Realist the flash contact is a bump that prevents many
> flashes from fitting. There are two cures for this:
> 1) File the bump down.

You can read a bit more about this in my web page:
www.3dRealist.com (click under "How to Modify the Realist for Electronic
Flash")

Thank you,

George Themelis