I have a Crown Graphic 2x3. Although I don't normaly use flash, I occasionally use flash (people somehow pose better wwhen you use flashbulbs) with my Retina IIa, Kodak Hawkeye Flash, using a Honeywell Tilt-a-Mite and AG1 bulbs. (AG bulbs are cheaper; the Tilt-a-Mite uses a capaciter)

1. I'd like to use this on the Graphic. It appears I can find a bipost-PC cord at Paramount. Will this work on the Crown?

2. I also have a basic flash for a cheap plastic 35mm camera that takes 2 D cells, and appears to have a bipost socket at the end of the cord. The socket doesn't quite fit the Crown lens posts, and it looks as if the bulb is fired by simply closingthe circuit (just batteries; no capaciter). Can this be made to work -- it has an old-fashioned look to it.

I'd appreciate any advice -- this stuff just cries out to be played with.

"played with" would be the optimal phrase

There's no reason why you couldn't use either flash with the Graphic. The shutter simply shorts the two flash connectors when it's fired. As long as it has the correct bulb synch it will work with any bulb flash.

As for flash cords, yes Paramount can make it for you. You can also easily make it for yourself. I've posted in these forums a couple fo times about making flash cords. It's cheap and easy and takes no real skills of any kind. As I remember, the bi-post is close enoguh to a standard Molex connector to be used. Add some speaker wire, a way to connect to the flash itself and away you go. A "G" (I believe) power connector from Radio Shack will provide a standard female PC flash connector.I even have a cord here that has alligator clips at the end so I can connect it to almost anything.

If you want to roll your own, just search the forums for flash cords and or connectors and the posts will pop up somewhere.