...didn't see much info on the shutters in the lenses pages (although it may have been there and I missed it) or in a Google search. I'm wondering when the Graphex shutters (the "x" and non "x" models) were manufactured. And/or the "x" model Kodak Supermatics. I did catch that part mentioning that "x" shutters designated shutters made to include electronic flash sync, indicating post-wwii manufacture. Looking for the most appropriate model among my stash for a wwii era camera... hoping I don't have to resort to eBay.

jeff

I don't have a good collection of catalogs, so I can't be definitive, but I know the Graphex (the fully sync'd) shows up in in '41 catalog. The fully sync'd versions will sync with strobe.

Another clue as to the age is who it was made for.

Pre'45 shutter were "made by Wollensak for Folmer Graflex"

Post '45 shutters have a slightly smaller type and greater spacing for the G R A P H E X name and say "Made by Wollensak for Graflex Inc."

I don't know when the X shutter came out.

Very interesting; I have two, and thought one was "x" and one was not. More careful observation reveals one says (in small, uniformly sized type) "Made by Wollensak Rochester, U.S.A. for Graflex Inc" (all uppercase) with a big "(X)" beneath in line with the f-stop markings. Also has a "Trade" and "Mark" on either side of Graphex. The other lacks "Trade Mark" and reads "(X)SYNCROMATIC made by WOLLENSAK for GRAFLEX INC" where the all uppercase is larger type and the lower case is smaller type. Different wording, same thing. This latter is the one I'm going to use. As long as they look generally the same, especially with the lenshood on, I can wait until the appropriate shutter appears.

jeff

I take it your are going to rig up a solenoid as neither of shutters you mention will have delay. Oddly the Graflex flash supermatic which has the delay will work on X sync, just don't set the delay lever. I would also think the non-sync Press type Compur would be right for that time period. Russ

Yep, planning to rig up a solenoid. Problem is, finding a soenoid bracket/holder/thingy for the wooden lensboards. Have them for the later metal lensboards, but no screws small and long enough to go throught the wood board. Anyone know a source?

jeff

I use the screws at my local hardware store in the pull out cardboard boxes #2 or #3's should work.

Les

Screw out of my #2 selonid's bracket measure 2mm diamater but no idea of thread pitch.

Just spent the day mounting a Heiland solenoid on the pre-anniversary 3x4 a tricky operation and not much room. However I was rewarded with a brilliant blast of light thru the shutter when tested. I think the Heiland is more easy to mount than the graflex, besides I do not have a cord for the graflex solenoid. Used wood screws (Tiny). Hooked the whole business up using a Hybrid flash gun, Sol bottom, Graflex top, and Kalart mount. Russ

Okay, here's a followup question to the thread I started above, and actually a very basic question I almost feel dumb for asking. However, I work in libraries so I know that 1) there is no such thing as a dumb question, and; 2) no matter how dumb you think a question may be, there will always be an even dumbr question tomorrow, and so to wit: the Graphex lenses with the little lever on she side I assume you use to set varius types of sync (I assume... I don't have one, but seem to remember seeing the settings marked as "X," "m" and sowething else), what is the aproximate age of these? Pre-45? Post? "X" sync I always associate with electronic flash, thus post war (commercial use, at least). True? Wrong? I know for a fact it's probably on a page here at Graflex.org, but I never can find that page until after the question is asked.

jeff

First of there is more than one version of that fully sync'd shutter. The Graphex shutter is a Rapax shutter with a different name on it. I've seen the slide switch say Off,0, 5, 20, which corresponds the the miliseconds of delay. This is the one in the '41 catalog.

A bit later they changed the numbers to letters.
Off, X, F, M which corresponds to the bulb or strob catagory.

The latest shutter I have is a Rapax, The little addition is now bright metal and it has Off, F-X, M(in red), M(in black). The shutter speeds of 1/50th and below are in red, and 1/100th and above are in black.

And now that I have the early Optar lens with the lever for selecting milliseconds of delay, I have a question on settings. It's probably on this site somewhere and I actuially looked for it this time as I remember having seen it, but to no avail. Either point me towards it or give me your opinions, either works good for me. My setup is (or will be after CLA and mounting) lens fired via solenoid, powered by 4-cell Graflex flash, will most often be using medium or fast speed b/w films. 5 inch reflector and Press 25 bulbs. Suggestions for settings? Reasons for delays? Advice is appreciated. Thanks.

jeff

Press 25 or # 5 require 20 milli seconds to reach reach peak brightness. When using a solenoid for sync, it needs to be adjusted so you get the peak. When using a shutter for sync it needs to be set for 20 and cock the delay lever. Use guide numbers on flashbulb package. Russs

Lemme see if I get this: using the solenoid for sync, the solenoid has to be adjusted so that the bulb can reach it's peak. Does this mean the shutter can be set to off, and I let the solenoid do the work? And the shutter for sync seems obvious: set the shutter to 20ms. Sounds right?

jeff

Maybe I confused you, I was refering to (1) using a solenoid when the shutter has no sync, and (2) setting the delay when the shutter does have sync. If the shutter has sync I would use the the sync off the shutter and use the solenoid to merely trip the shutter. And yes you could turn the sync off and go with the solenoid only, but I would trust shutter sync more than solenoid sync. Russ