What is the differance between using the Solenoid release vs the Shutter release on the 4x5 Crown Graphic camera? [/b]

On a Pacemaker Crown

The solenoid release needs a battery, usually, the battery case for the flash unit (Graflex or Graflite). and is used only on the front shutter.

The shutter release, if you mean the body release, needs no batteries, add no extra weight, but is sluggish, slow and the paddles used to trip the shutter, gets in the way of changing lenses--the same paddle can't be used between a 90mm optar in a #1 Graphiex, a 135mm optar in a #2 Graphex and say a 203mm in a Supermatic.

The solenoid, though it makes a good shutter release mechanism, is meant primarily as a flash synchronizer. Any realease that involves touching the camera presents the hazard of camera shake or movement. The best way is still on a tripod, using a cable release.

Thanks glennfromwy & Less for the response! I recently had my Crown 4x5 overhauled/calibrated... Additionally, I just bought a lightsaber flash that holds four D-size batteries and uses bulbs... I hope with the solenoid bi-post pc household cable will do the job firing the lightsaber!
barryjerome - Boston, MA.