Graflex.org

Buster6X6 · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 5:40 pm Post subject:

I just bought a Graflex flash to convert,and use with my Graflex Crown. The bracket on the camera is very small and narrow. Brackets on the flash are wide.Should I get new bracket for the camera or new brackets for the flash?

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By Jeff Berner

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I assume the "small bracket" on the Camera is the one attached to the rangefinder - right? If so, that is actually a rail, not a bracket. The older Graflex flashes attched to that rail.

Are there 2 banded clamps on your flash? If so, then what you need is a bracket - "the wide one" which is drilled for, and attaches to the camera rail. In the meantime, you can adjust those 2 brackets to put the flash on the left side of the camera and attach them to the two brackets for your leather handle. Actually, I like the flash better on that side anyway.

Buster6X6 · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 9:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks Alec
You are right.There is a small narrow bracket attached to the camera and to that is a flash bracket attached which is also narrow.My Kalart range finder is on the top.I like the idea of a flash on the left side. Cool.
If I wanted to install flash on the right hand side is the right bracket available?
Model # 929751
Greg

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By Jeff Berner

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Jeff:

Yes, the "wide" brackets are available, but you'll have to hunt. Try MidWest Photo and/or Pacific Rim. They both carry Graflex parts.

I'm not sure I understand how the Kalart is "on the top". Don't you mean right side?

I haven't used the older battery tubes. I'm sure someone else can tell you about putting the Graflite battery clamps on the older tube. I believe that narrow clamp comes off somehow. If you don't already have the clamps, I saw some at Pacific Rim. Of course all this stuff comes up on the great auction site from time to time.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2006-01-17 17:27 ]

Buster6X6 · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:23 am Post subject:

I am not sure if it is Kalart RF, my Speed Gaphic has Kalart on the right hand side.This might be Graflex RF it sits on the top of my Crown.
The narrow flash bracket is screwed on the "U" bracket which is screwed onto the camera. But you were right the flash looks awsome on the left side I think I am going to leave it there. Just have to worry about logistics. What kind of flashbulb Graflex flash unit uses?
Thanks Greg

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By Jeff Berner

RichS · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:02 am Post subject:

Just a thought. If the camera does have a top rangefinder, then the "kalart" on the side may just be the flash bracket itself. I don't think it's correct for the camera but people (and Graflex) have done strange things.

I would suggest checking out pics of the cameras. Look at some of the Anniversary's flash brackets as that would be close tot eh kalart time period for that design. I think...

And pacific Rim almost always has the flash brackets for the camera in stock.

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Buster6X6 · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 3:00 pm Post subject:

Ther is no Kalart on the right hand side just a bracket.Friend of mine who bought this camera in 1967 and gave to me three years ago has not changed anything. I can't ask him he past on last fall. I think as Alacj suggested it looks and feels great on the left side of the camera.It would be nice to support the camera with two hands specially for hand hald shots.It sure looks neat.Any idea which bulb I should be using?
Greg

[ This Message was edited by: Buster6X6 on 2006-01-18 07:02 ]

[ This Message was edited by: Buster6X6 on 2006-01-18 07:03 ]

45PSS · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 5:49 pm Post subject:

The Graflex flash bracket on my 3x4 speed is 95mm long by 16mm wide with a stop screw approximately 16.5mm from the top. It is mounted on the Kalart Rangefinder with no screw heads showing.
My 4x5 speed has a bracket mounted on a frame that mounts over the Kalart Rangefinder. It is 116mm long, 31mm wide at each end, tapers in to 25mm wide 12 to 14 mm in from each end. Both ends turn 90⁰ outward 7mm with 3mm each side of the turn by 25mm open for a strap or in this case flash bracket clamps. The Graphic Flash clamps fit just fine.
Each manifacturer of flash units made their own flash clamps and brackets. Some may be simular enough to work with anothers clamps or brackets.
From reading your post it sounds like you have a Graflex flash bracket on the right side(what Alex figured or guessed) and you need a Graphic flash brack if you want to connect it on the right. Another pair of handle lugs will do the trick also.

Which flash so you have? Graflex? Graphic 2772, 2773? Other manifacturer?
What size/type bulb base does it have?
Do you have any base adaptors?
Have you looked at this page? http://www.graflex.org/flash/technical.html

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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Buster6X6 · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 7:06 pm Post subject:

I have Graflex flash with 5 different connections on the top part for the extentions and flash cord. It has a 7" reflector with what looks like Mazda socket.There is a small dial on the top of the flash with N-1-2 written on it , cataloge #2773 and a test button I think.

Greg

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By Jeff Berner

Jack5541 · Joined: 31 Jul 2003 Posts: 76

Hi 6x6,
It certainly sounds like it is as AlecJ described, but it could help if maybe(???) you could post a jpeg of the rangefinder side of the camera to be certain about what you have there.
If you're liking the Graflite 2773 on the handstrap side of the camera, then that's where it can live!!! But it wouldn't be too tough to find the Graflite mounting plate, if you would like the option to mount the flashgun on the rangefinder side of the camera as well.
You should see the setup I have on my Pacemaker Speed, with a Graflite battery case & 7-inch reflectors on BOTH sides of the camera; it weighs a TON for sure, the weight of the camera, flashes, 6 "D" cells and the Polaroid 545 back. Weighs alot, but it's pretty just to look at.
I will also mention that Fred Lustig has recommended to me either mounting the flash to the handstrap side or using one of the right angle Graflite brackets that screws info the tripod hole on the bottom of the camera. He said this eliminates possible damage to the rangefinder or knocking it out of adjustment.

[ This Message was edited by: Jack5541 on 2006-01-18 11:51 ]

Buster6X6 · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 9:30 pm Post subject:

I have seen a body same as mine on the big trading place today with the wider bracket. But I think I'll leave it where it is.Also IMO it is easier to operate shutter with flash beeng on the left side.I liked my Crown before but now it "Shines" no pun intended.
Thanks every one for your suggestions and advice.

Greg

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By Jeff Berner

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Greg:

If your camera has a solenoid on the lensboard, you can get the necessary cord and have electronic shutter release through the button on the back of your flash tube.

That's how I use the solenoid, even though I don't use it for synchronizing the shutter with flash bulbs, as it was originally designed. I just like the convenience.

Another advantage putting it on the left gives is giving your right hand something else to do, like focus, pull the slide, etc. while your left hand holds the unit via the battery case. It looks like you are coming to the same conclusion.

Way to go - we'll convert the others yet .

Alec

45PSS · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:53 am Post subject:

Greg,
It is technically a Graflight flash and calling it a Graflex will confuse some people as a Graflex was/is the space nuts favorite and was the predicessor to the Graflight. Calling it a Graphic flash would be correct also.
What to do with all those sockets and the dial with n settings? http://www.southbristolviews.com/ click on graflex manulas in the left plane then download/view the Graflight Manual in pdf format will answer that.
The main bulb socket is the same size as standard household bulbs and may have several names I'm not familuar with. Having the various adaptors to the bayonet base means you can use any bulb that will fit.
Synchronization will fill another book and has been discussed many times and several will be able to help even if you don't get the technical terms right.

Charles

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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

Buster6X6 · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:19 am Post subject:

Charles I don't really know what it is I only called it Graflex because it is printed on the handle. I figured it out so fahr I need press40 or#11 bulbs for 7" reflector.
Alec I don't have solenoid on my lens boards
so I have to use trigger on the right hand side, but for my 150 Rodenstock lens trigger does not have enough travel so I have to mount it on the tripod or use cable reliese.
Greg

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Looking is a gift, but seeng is a power
By Jeff Berner

45PSS · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 1:47 am Post subject:

Isn't a company that played with its name on everthing it made a nice confusing mess. Graphic by Graflex, Graflex by Graflex, graphic this and graflex that by Graflex.

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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.