Graflex.org

[PIPERSDREAM]

I am restoring a three cell and cannot find the reflector or the bulb mount? I know sw fans have these things, and maybe a reflector or two?? I was also wondering how much trouble it is to convert it to electronic. There are not too many graflex camera's in this area so I have the word out at a local antique auction to watch for old camera's and flashes if they come through..Curt

[graywolf]

Have you looked on eBay. There are almost always a few there.

[Les]

Converting to strobe takes a bit of doing. The smaller flashes use a straight tube...too much to retrofit that.

Bigger flashes like the Norman, use a flash tube in a socket that could be set into a Graflite, and has be done...But...

A Norman flash packs a hefty punch...I asked my local repair guy what the out put was and he said, "twice as much as your standard defribrilator."

So one wrong move with a wire, and ....."CLEAR!" Drvvvpt!!!"

[t.r.sanford]

In days of yore, Graflex made powerful electronic flashguns that featured a large but lightweight head with a 1/4x20 socket underneath, and a heavy power pack that required two high-voltage dry batteries. A hard rubber cap was available with a screw protruding from the top to secure the flash head; it fit snugly over the top of the (reflectorless) "Graflite" gun. This was a practical setup that allowed you to retain the use of the solenoid and the "Focuspot."

I have no idea whether the batteries are still available (but I bet someone on this site knows). I've used the cap to mount a rather heavy Quantum "Qflash" on a "Graflite," and the thing showed no tendency to fall off. One of these years, I propose to make a similar metal cap with a setscrew and better provision for preventing the gun from twisting from side to side.

The "Qflash" is a well-designed flashgun, and the rechargeable "Turbo" rechargeable battery packs are very good. But it's not ideal for balancing atop a three-cell battery box, and I'd be interested in knowing whether anyone has found a modern electronic flash designed more like the old "Stroboflash I."

[t.r.sanford]

[ This Message was edited by: t.r.sanford on 2004-02-22 17:04 ]

[t.r.sanford]

[ This Message was edited by: t.r.sanford on 2004-02-22 17:05 ]

[t.r.sanford]

[ This Message was edited by: t.r.sanford on 2004-02-22 17:06 ]

[t.r.sanford]

[ This Message was edited by: t.r.sanford on 2004-02-22 17:07 ]

[t.r.sanford]

[ This Message was edited by: t.r.sanford on 2004-02-22 17:07 ]

[Henry]

Thank you [thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you], t.r!

[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2004-02-23 13:27 ]

[alecj]

The last time I looked, Lumedyne offered the "cap", in metal, referred to above. Graflex offered it in either aluminum or rubber, and called it a "Battery Case Adapter". They are very useful.

[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2004-02-22 16:18 ]

[t.r.sanford]

Sorry about that! "I blows in straight, but it comes out boogie-woogie"...

Does anyone know of a modern rechargeable battery-pack for the early "Stroboflash" guns?

[Henry]

Hey, t.r., as a retired musician I can relate to that boogie-woogie thing.

Actually, I was a trombone player---the "musician" part is debatable.

And according to the string section, a retired trombone player is the best kind---next to maybe a deceased one. ;8}

[Les]

not that i'm aware of. The Stobo IV was a 200ws output I believe, about the same as a Metz 60Ct series or a Norman 200c and what ever Lumedyne makes. The latter two use the 1/4 20 screw head idea. I have a Norman 400b and it weighs a bit more than a stobo IV. In theory it's possible to put the tube of a NOrman in the socket area of a Graflite and re wire the Gralfite so it fires. I haven't had the nerve to play with 400v jsut yet though.

new 510v batteries (well they claim they are new) are around $85-$90 each.