For Sale FS: Graflex Graflarger back (convert your Graflex into an enlarger)

[KennyMark]

I've never used this as an enlarger light source so I can't comment on how well it works. It attaches to a Graflok back. Great concept. Mount this on the back of your Graflex camera, insert 4x5 negative, plug source into a timer or just count, instant enlarger. The cold light does what it is supposed to, nothing arcs or smokes. However, the power cord to the transformer has a split in the insulation and needs to be replaced. I'm not an electrician and don't even play one on TV, so I won't subject the buyer to my skill set. Replace it once its yours and you can be satisfied with your own wiring.

I have a few items I covet that are listed on APUG that I'm trying to raise cash for by selling, instead of raising my wife's ire.

Normally I'd go to "that place" to sell this, but I'm really liking this community and had a very good transaction as a buyer. So, this is my first "FS" post here. I'm not really sure about how to value this as one doesn't see it every day. Anyone that has a notion, please chime in. If no one here makes any offers, then I guess I'll just auction it. Certainly wanted to start here though.

 

[Sparky]

pretty cool! no idear what it's worth (depends on demand) - is there a film holder for it? seems it wouldn't be too much use without that...

 

[KennyMark]

Sparky,
I have no other parts nor accessories for it. Really prefer to sell it to a Graflex owner that will use it or a collector. Any Graflex folks that can add something?
Kenny

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

It attaches to a Graflok type back. The filmholder is very simple. You could make one out of mat board, if it isn't included.

The ramp time for these lights is significant, and there is no heater circuit for the bulb, so if you don't have a compensating timer, it's best to leave the lamp on and use a lens with a shutter, or use a black card over the lens to time the exposure.

 

[KennyMark]

Thanks David,
Have you ever used one?
Kenny

 

[Tom1956]

I had one for 30 years. Was better than nothing, but nothing to write home about. Dim and long exposures. Had to leave it on to warm up, and shutter the lens. Came with a post like the post of a cheap copy-stand to mount your Speed on. Fit in the Vulcanoid case to make a complete press-man's outfit. The film holder cropped the 4x5 negative a good bit.

 

[KennyMark]

Tom,
What you describe reminds me of that scene in the film based on WeeGee's life where Joe Pesci is making prints in the trunk of his car in a dark alley. I think they were supposed to be contact prints but he'd probably had loved a rig like this.
Ken

 

[Tom1956]

Well, this was the days when the man with the complete Vulcanoid case of the photog's Speed outfit, was the man who got "the scoop".

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thanks David,
Have you ever used one?
Kenny

Yes, I have one, and I used it for a while when I had very tight, temporary darkroom space in a bathroom. I used it on the back of my Linhof Tech V with an enlarging lens mounted on a lensboard. The camera was mounted on a small copy stand that sat on a rolling typewriter table that fit over the commode. I eventually replaced that setup with an Omega D-II, which had a baseboard that could just slide into the same space, and I'm still using the D-II.

I discovered the ramp-time issue when I was printing an edition of postcards, and realized there was about a stop difference between the first one and the 30th one. I use a Metrolux compensating timer now with my D-II and cold light head, which completely solves this problem, and if I had to go back to the Graflarger back for some reason, I'd get another Metrolux probe.

 

[bkclarke]

Did I miss the asking price?

 

[Film Guerilla]

how much?

 

[waynecrider]

I've got a 4x5 neg carrier for it if anyone is interested.

 

[KennyMark]

Sorry about not posting a price folks. I really don't know where to value this, so I'm looking for offers. One member here said he sold his for $300 in 2005. However, that was 8 years ago, his probably included a negative carrier, and probably didn't need rewiring. That's the only notion of a value that I've ever heard of. I don't expect that much but am hoping to sell to a collector or person that might use it, if even just to be able to say that they did. Not looking to send it to a reseller, I can put it on eBay if it's only about the cash. So if you're interested in keeping and or using it, you're the buyer I'm looking for. Throw an offer my way, you can't offend me (an interesting story goes a long way too). I'll start combing the interwebs to see what I can learn about recent selling prices.

 

[KennyMark]

Possibly making this more useful, I'll give the buyer the option of receiving an essentially new Testrite CS-3 copystand minus the baseboard and baseboard receiver. That means a two-piece chrome tubular column about 36" long, and the mechanism. (picked it up second hand but then bought an MP-4 before I had a chance to make a new baseboard).
It will add to shipping so I won't make you take it, but if it makes the kit more useful to the buyer, then it's theirs for the additional shipping.

 

[KennyMark]

I think that I'll run this as a silent-auction. I have one offer on the table now. We'll see what a day or two brings. No fixed end time, just one "bid" if you want to call it that. I'll pay the PayPal fee, buyer pays the shipping to their PayPal address.

 

[KennyMark]

This will run for another day at most. Just one interested member so far. Interested enough to make an offer.

 

[Tom1956]

I went to ebay to the completed listings. This unit has closed in recent auctions between 30 and 100 dollars, with carrier.

 

[KennyMark]

This one is off to eBay now. FWIW, the $30 sale was for a 3"x2" model. The 4x5 models have gone for more, one with a cracked case for the light source that was taped together brought $120. Interesting market.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111111275347?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649