Busch B-C Flashing Unit help-

[JohnRichard]

Greetings!

So, now I know more than I did, but that still doesn't help me.

Ok, so as you can see, those that have told me to use "D" cell batteries; they will not fit. That metal post is in the way. Besides, I believe I could only fit one battery in there anyhow, and I don't think 1.5v is enough to set off a #25.

Someone suggested an Eveready 412, 22.5v. This will not work either, because the physical dimensions of that battery are almost identical to that of the standard 9v. I do want to use this flash. If we can't come up with something, then I am going to have to buy a new flash, which I don't want to do.

My current line of thought is to build a battery pack consisting of 4 "AA" batteries, hardwired into the unit. 4 "AA"'s is just about all that will fit in the base of the unit, and have the cap be able to screw on. So, those kind souls that are racking their brains trying to help me make this work, keep that in mind.

Thoughts?

After the fact, I tried the "AA" deal and that doesn't work. So any suggestions? I already posted this at Graflex.org, but I wanted to double my chances.

 

[BradS]

Greetings!

So, now I know more than I did, but that still doesn't help me.


Ok, so as you can see, those that have told me to use "D" cell batteries; they will not fit. That metal post is in the way. Besides, I believe I could only fit one battery in there anyhow, and I don't think 1.5v is enough to set off a #25.


Someone suggested an Eveready 412, 22.5v. This will not work either, because the physical dimensions of that battery are almost identical to that of the standard 9v. I do want to use this flash. If we can't come up with something, then I am going to have to buy a new flash, which I don't want to do.

My current line of thought is to build a battery pack consisting of 4 "AA" batteries, hardwired into the unit. 4 "AA"'s is just about all that will fit in the base of the unit, and have the cap be able to screw on. So, those kind souls that are racking their brains trying to help me make this work, keep that in mind.

Thoughts?

After the fact, I tried the "AA" deal and that doesn't work. So any suggestions? I already posted this at Graflex.org, but I wanted to double my chances.

I'm pretty sure that these require a 22.5 volt battery. It may very well be obsolete. I've heard that some Radio Shack stores are able to come up with a replacement (and some stores are apparently too lame)....

Incidentally, the B-C is short for Battery-Capacitor. Many of these are old and the capacitors have degraded or shorted out internally....so, even if you do find a proper battery, it still may not work due to capacitor problems.

I'd be tempted to look for a plain jane (i.e. NOT B-C) Graflex unit.

 

[JohnRichard]

I agree. I am currently, looking for a 3 cell that I can hook to the lens and don't need a solenoid.

 

[BradS]

I agree. I am currently, looking for a 3 cell that I can hook to the lens and don't need a solenoid.

I have one that takes ordinary D cells. It works well with the stock Graphex (wollensak Rapax) sychro shutter. They're definitely out there. The trick is getting one that the Starwarriors aren't interested in. Seems like most of the movie fans prefer the older chrome one and so, the newer (?) one with the aluminum handle can still occasionally be found at somewhat reasonable prices.

Good luck.

 

[JohnRichard]

Thanks BradS,

I really need one that will work with my Kodak Ektar 127. I'll keep looking.

 

[Anscojohn]

Do you have the solenoid and the cord?

 

[JohnRichard]

I have a cord, but no solenoid came with my Speed Graphic. I'm sure I could pick one up, but I have no idea about such things. I guess I need to trip myself over graflex.org and see. I have a Household to bipost cord. I just bid on a 2-cell Heiland-Research unit that comes with a (better) cord AND a bipost to PC mount (Joy of Joys I can use it with my 135 stuff).

I wasn't sure if the solenoid was required or not.

 

[rmolson]

solenoid

I have a cord, but no solenoid came with my Speed Graphic. I'm sure I could pick one up, but I have no idea about such things. I guess I need to trip myself over graflex.org and see. I have a Household to bipost cord. I just bid on a 2-cell Heiland-Research unit that comes with a (better) cord AND a bipost to PC mount (Joy of Joys I can use it with my 135 stuff).

I wasn't sure if the solenoid was required or not.

There is a graflex solenoid in Ebay item 180 402541520

 

[Anscojohn]

I have a cord, but no solenoid came with my Speed Graphic. I'm sure I could pick one up, but I have no idea about such things. I guess I need to trip myself over graflex.org and see. I have a Household to bipost cord. I just bid on a 2-cell Heiland-Research unit that comes with a (better) cord AND a bipost to PC mount (Joy of Joys I can use it with my 135 stuff).

I wasn't sure if the solenoid was required or not.

*******
You need the solenoid if you wish to trip the shuter from the flash unit; or if you wish to use the flash unit with bulbs.

As of now, you have a handy, though bulky, handle for your Speedie with that BC unit mounted. There is nothing wrong with that if you do not mind the additional weight.

If you wish to use a handle to trip the shutter the way you have it now, you shall need a handle which has a cable release incorporated. I know Vivitar made one--I have one some where. And others, as well; but the Vivitar is of tank-like build quality and weight.

If you intend to use your Speedie on a tripod, tripping the shutter with a cable relase, you are good to go now. Don't bother with trying to find and mount and adjust a solenoid. My two cents.

 

[JohnRichard]

I just want to use the camera as it was intended (regarding the flash anyhow). That is, I want to be able to set f/22 at 1/25 or so, pop a couple of bulbs off, and have printable negs. If I have to fire the flash from the lens cable, I'm ok with that. I guess I am just looking for a functional flash. Thanks for the info tho! I'll keep an eye out for the Vivitar unit.