Flashes to fit Busch Pressman Model C (2x3)?

I just bought a Busch Pressman Model C 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 camera and I think it's going to be a blast! While technically a medium-format camera I figured this would be the best section to post this question in. I'm trying to figure out what kind of flash would mount on it, but I know nothing about press camera flashes, or flashbulbs. I don't even know how to mount a flash on it! Definitely not the TTL-metering-hot-shoe type After I figure this out I'll be asking about roll-film holders to fit under 2x3 spring backs.... :rolleyes: Oh, and if it's relevant I do have a Kalart rangefinder on the side.

Thanks,

Justin

Why not consider a handle mount flash like the Metz 45 or 60? It'll mount to the tripod mount. Unless the body is really wide [I can't imagine this is an issue with a 2x3 but you could measure] they'll work fine. Plenty of power. Cheap used. Lots of accessories. If you get a TTL model then with the right adapter they'll work with your TTL cameras to. Or with just the plain sync cable they'll work with anything.

Your shutter has a normal flash sync?

Not quite, it's a Wollensak Rapax shutter so it uses a bi-pole connection, but does have an X mode to use electronic flash. I'd like to mess around with flashbulbs too; I only paid $120 for the camera and if it turns out that I'm in to this sort of thing then I'll eventually go for a Crown Graphic or Technica with a proper Graflok back for roll-film holders and possibly electronic flash. For now I'd like to try blinding some folks . FWIW the camera isn't much wider than my K1000 so the Metz would likely fit.

Edit: You said cheap used, so I'll poke around and if I can find something like that which doesn't double the cost of the camera before I commit to 2x3 then I'll probably grab it!

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I did the conversion some time back after I found a Graflex 2 1/4 back sold separate for very little money. If it hadn't been inexpensive it wouldn't have made any sense. That said the only way to use the Busch is with film holders. The springs don't have enough give to fit any roll holders under them. If a Grafmatic holder is used the springs are so tight that eventually they will bend if you can get the holder in. And with the Grafmatic six shooter you will only have what's available in black and white and no color. If it's color film then you will have to convert the back to Graflok to accept a roll film holder. The plates are different sizes for the Graflex and Busch as the camera bodies are different sizes so the hardware has to be transferred from the Graflex to the Busch metal back plate. New holes drilled and the hardware remounted. I found that two holes lined up but I had to drill and tap the rest of the holes. The back can then be mounted again with the original plate and four screws. It's a matter of getting a 2 1/4 x 3 1/4 Graflex back complete. It takes some work to accurately convert one.

Curt

Justin Silber said:

Edit: You said cheap used, so I'll poke around and if I can find something like that which doesn't double the cost of the camera before I commit to 2x3 then I'll probably grab it!

Click to expand...

I've bought working Metz 45s for less then $50. Including all the bits. To be honest I've bought an Afga 383CSI [smaller slightly less powerfull but still not wimpy] for $1 Came with a Metz module that sells used for something like $20.

You can make your own bi-pole to Pc adapter by using an old power cord from an electric razor. I haven't myself yet but plan to.

You don't actually need a handle-mount flash, like the big Metz flashguns.
You can use something like Dead Link Removed and mount ANY kind of flash onto it. It's just a handle with a flash (cold) shoe on the side, and it attaches to the bottom of the camera, to the tripod mount.

You don't need to buy a new one, there's plenty of those to be found cheaper on eboy...

As for the cord, you can easily make your own, like I did (see attached pics). Anyone who's ever seen the insides of a typical desktop computer will know what's that white plastic part Two wires and a flash connector (I used what I had on hand), and Bob's your uncle
If you're not hand with any kind of tools, you can always purchase a new cord from Paramount cords: http://www.paramountcords.com/bipost.asp

Here are two pics which will make it easier to understand.
One pic is the combo as it may look like, and the other shows the component parts. The only difference to your situation is that the camera in the photos is a miniature Speed Graphic (2x3) instead of the Busch Pressman - everything else applies just the same: a flash cable (plus the DIY flash cord bipost adaptor, or the Paramount cords one if you decide to go that way), flash handle/bracket, and a separate flash (any kind you're comfortable with).

Say I wanted to use a period-correct (relatively) flash with the reflector and flashbulbs, how would I know which to use? The bracket on the side of my Kalart rangefinder looks different than the one I see on the sides of Graflex cameras in the photos.