Looking for resources to find antique parts

[rwhitbread]

I've got one major challenge left in my attempts to bring my Graflex Miniature Speed Graphicto fully functional life; finding places where I can source the more obscure parts.

It certainly doesn't help that the parts are flash related and those Star Wars fans have pretty well corrupted the search engines with their constant "lightsaber" stupidity.

I only need two parts now to accomplish the goal.....the first is a solenoid mounting bracket for that model; the second to find a working S-17 cable.

Anyone know of part sources out there?

 

[Sirius Glass]

Flash cords: Check out http://www.paramountcords.com/

For other source:

www.graflex.org
www.graflex.org/helpdesk/
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/​

 

[BrianShaw]

I don't know which cord that is but recommend you go to Paramount and get new one. The old ones usually have bad insulation due to age.

Solenoid are easy to find on eBay.

 

[rwhitbread]

Flash cords: Check out http://www.paramountcords.com/

For other source:

www.graflex.org
www.graflex.org/helpdesk/
http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/​

Cable orders. Thanks

 

[rwhitbread]

I don't know which cord that is but recommend you go to Paramount and get new one. The old ones usually have bad insulation due to age.

Solenoid are easy to find on eBay.

Found one from Ebay. Thanks

 

[BrianShaw]

Which one did you find, the "normal" solenoid nd holder or that 1939 version you posted a pic of elsewhere? I've never seen something like that before your pic.

 

[rwhitbread]

Which one did you find, the "normal" solenoid nd holder or that 1939 version you posted a pic of elsewhere? I've never seen something like that before your pic.

I found an original R1 Release Mount.

Took a little leg work, and more than a few cold emails to ebay sellers but I found one guy who had one in his parts box.

 

[BrianShaw]

Very cool. I find it amazing how much obscure old stuff one can still find if one has an inquisitive and persistent nature to them!

 

[rwhitbread]

Very cool. I find it amazing how much obscure old stuff one can still find if one has an inquisitive and persistent nature to them!

It's a perfect fit!

The camera with the R1 Release Mount attached

To all those who helped track down the original part,thank you. One of my goals with this project is to return the rig as close to original as possible. It is unfortunate that the insulation used on the original S-17 cable was hardened and too fragile for use. that one part will be a reproduction, courtesy of Paramount Cables.

Once the cable is in, and I get the chance to run some tests, I hope to use this to create some images for sharing with the group.

A special thanks to those who helped with the historical information about this camera. Restoring this to working order has been a real learning experience; not just about this particular camera, but the era from which it came, and the craftsmanship invested in its creation.

 

[rwhitbread]

Thank God for ya. Another fine thing being made whole again. Cameras are people too, ya know.

Maybe its a bit silly, but now that she's almost fully restored, I can't help just sitting here looking at her, picking her up and holding her; thinking about the ways to put her to work.

I've owned quite a few cameras over the past 35 some odd year, but I have seldom been so excited to get out and get a camera working. Maybe it's the historical factor. Maybes its the fact that I got her from an estate sale and I'm feeling a bit honor bound to get her to working shape; to honor her original owner. Maybe I just getting soft between the ears. ;-)

 

[E. von Hoegh]

OP said "...those Star Wars fans have pretty well corrupted the search engines with their constant "lightsaber" stupidity."

I'm in the inverse of your situation. I was given a box containing among other things a complete and clean lightsaber type Graphic flash, even a useable synch cord. Now I want the camera to go with it... or maybe I'll just use it on my Linhof.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

I have tons of Graflex cameras and parts laying around. Can you post pics of the solenoid bracket you need?

 

[rwhitbread]

OP said "...those Star Wars fans have pretty well corrupted the search engines with their constant "lightsaber" stupidity."

I'm in the inverse of your situation. I was given a box containing among other things a complete and clean lightsaber type Graphic flash, even a useable synch cord. Now I want the camera to go with it... or maybe I'll just use it on my Linhof.

You can find more than a few Graflex cameras for sale on many sites including eBay. I got really lucky in that I, or rather my wife, stumbled upon a single owner, near mint condition one at a local estate sale. IF you are going to go opn a Graflex hunt, check out www.graflex.org for a wealth of knowledge.

Happy hunting.

 

[rwhitbread]

I have tons of Graflex cameras and parts laying around. Can you post pics of the solenoid bracket you need?

Thanks for the offer, but I have found the parts I need, unless you happen to have a Graflex Miniature Graflock back kicking around. Thinking of getting one of those to make film holders, ground glass, and roll backs a bit easier to swap on and off.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

Thanks for the offer, but I have found the parts I need, unless you happen to have a Graflex Miniature Graflock back kicking around. Thinking of getting one of those to make film holders, ground glass, and roll backs a bit easier to swap on and off.

Sorry, no complete backs... just one or two orphaned focus panels.

 

[rwhitbread]

Well the sync cable from Paramount Cables showed up in yesterday's mail. After a quick trip to get some fresh D cells, the preliminary test of the synchonizer wenr beautifully. The assist light works, the test bulb went POP, and the solenoid released the shutter.

So now its time to fully learn how to use the flash properly then field tests with film to see if its syncing properly.

Special thanks to Paramount Cables fir making a working cable, and for super fast service.

 

[rwhitbread]

Field tests tomorrow, its ready to go, all functioning and loaded with TMAX 400...(Sorry for the lousy photo.I'm not very good with a cell phone camera and the lighting was not ideal)

 

[rwhitbread]

Since starting my Graflex Speedway Graphic restoration I have been asked, (quite a few tines) 'But can you still find flashbulbs for that thing? '

I'm thinking that question has been answered.

One small ad in kijiji and with luck on my side.....

Total count 210 (160 from one guy alone...Thanks Mike)...

That should keep me in "POPS!" for a while

Question for you experienced flashbulb shooters.....

I was told that static could cause on to pop so floating around in a pocket is not a good idea.

How do you carry a supply of these while on a shoot?

 

[BrianShaw]

Pocket, or a compartment of the camera bag.