A good Graflex or Heiland flashgun is a pretty expensive proposition for reasons I don't think I have to mention, so I thought I'd make like a photographer or yore and make my own out of a flashlight. My camera already has a solenoid (Heiland) so I figure that all I need is basically a battery case, some kind of socket and a release button. However I thought I'd ask to make sure. Would I need any other components to make it work?

Also, concerning the solenoid - I tested it with 4 AA batteries and it seems too weak to pull the release lever. Is there an adjustment for this or is my solenoid on its last legs? It seems to work perfectly fine when not linked to the shutter.

Take two. The f___________________ hot keys switched me to Microsoft web sh_________. The f___________ hot key links kick in when typing without touching the control, alt or windows keys..... or other notice. It happens on all computers in this household.

The Graflex flash goes for $$$$$$$$$$$$$. The cause shut down this site for a few years several years ago. Similar flash from that early flash gun era may also go for $$$$$$$$$$$$.

The Graflite flash
http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/GrafliteManual.pdf
should be far more reasonable.

http://data.energizer.com/SearchResult.aspx
AA batteries do not have the capacity to provide the current that a solenoid requires to operate properly. C batteries might cut it but will exhaust quickly. D batteries are the standard in flash guns. There were special Photo D cells back then that had a higher current capacity. They are similar to todays alkaline batteries in current capacity.

You may find
http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/GrafliteService.pdf
helpful. You will need a minimum of 2 D cells to trip a solenoid.