Super graphic lensboard

juan · Nov 10, 2020

I asked about the makeup of a Super Graphic (not Super Speed Graphic) lens board over on graflex.org and shutter finger was kind enough to give a good answer. I’d still like to see one, so if someone could photograph the front and back so I can see the connectors, I’d appreciate it. Photos can be posted here, but not on graflex.

BradS · Nov 10, 2020

Are they not the same as the late crown graphic lens boards - with bumps on all four sides?

BradS · Nov 10, 2020

The one on the left has the bumps along the vertical sides and the one on the right does not.
I believe the one on the left is suited to the super graphic but is also backward compatible with prior Crown and Speed graphics.

juan · Nov 10, 2020

No, those are usable, but are not the special Super Graphic lens board that worked with the electronic shutter system. Those boards and lenses are what I’m using now and will probably continue to use. But I’m curious.

BradS · Nov 10, 2020

Oh, yeah. I know what you're talking about. Its been a long time since I've seen one though. I don't think the electronic shutter was well loved.

binglebugbob · Nov 10, 2020

I have a super graphic, and I am aware of the different "bumps". But I believe there are electrical contacts on a "real" Super Graphic that are not present on the boards shown above. Is that what you're asking about? The boards shown above will fit the Super Graphic, but are missing some wiring that is sandwiched between the lens board and a plate on the back that hides the wiring. I don't know precisely what it does and probably won't bother with it.

If you are asking about the difference in the bumps on earlier vs. later aluminum boards, Brand's photos show them. But I believe there is circuitry on the Super lens boards that won't be found on either of these boards. I didn't know it until recently when I accumulated a super graphic with the original board and lens. If that's what you're asking about (and not the "bumps"), I can take a photo and post it. But since whatever is in between the front and back of the board isn't visible, it may not be of a lot of help.

Incidentally, the shutter is fired electronically, but is not an electronic shutter. Appears to be the same "full synchromatic" wollensak shutter as with other Optar lenses.

juan · Nov 10, 2020

I'm asking about the special Super Graphic board that had mechanical contacts with the solenoid mounted in the camera below the lensboard and the little hook thing on the outside of the lens board that connected to the shutter release lever - similarly to the way the solenoid connected to Anniversary graphics. The bumps I know about. The circuitry on the Super Speed is different and works only with the Graflex 1000 shutter. Bringlebugbob, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I want to see what the front and back of the original lens board look like so I can think about mocking up something similar. Whatever is inside the board should be rather easy to figure out. It's all mechanical. Yes, the firing mechanism to the solenoid is electronic. The part beyond is mechanical as I understand it.
I'd appreciate photos of the front and back.

BrianShaw · Nov 10, 2020

BradS said:
Oh, yeah. I know what you're talking about. Its been a long time since I've seen one though. I don't think the electronic shutter was well loved.

In general I think you are correct. But I loved it until the batteries became unobtainium.

BrianShaw · Nov 10, 2020

binglebugbob said:
The boards shown above will fit the Super Graphic, but are missing some wiring that is sandwiched between the lens board and a plate on the back that hides the wiring. I don't know precisely what it does and probably won't bother with it.

Hi bbbob... there are two things about the “real” super graphic boards: The shutter release mechanism and the wiring that connects the shutter to the 3-hole contacts on the side of the body via wires in the bellows.

But you know that...

I hope you can show a photo of yours. I’d offer to photo mine but it’s buried in a closet. It’s been dormant for a while. [EDIT: it was easier to access than I thought!] I’ll put it back in service if I can ever find an affordable source of batteries!

BrianShaw · Nov 10, 2020

juan · Nov 10, 2020

Thanks.

BrianShaw · Nov 10, 2020

You know that there are wire connectors between the bi-post on shutter and lens board, under the black cover... right? I should have pulled that plastic cover off to show but didn’t think of it until now.

juan · Nov 10, 2020

Yeah, I figured that out. It doesn’t really look that complex. I might try to fabricate something out of a Pacemaker board. I’m still locked up in the COVID panic, so I need things to do.

shutterfinger · Nov 10, 2020

Some shutters have one of the BiPost connected to the case; PC sockets outer section are connected the shutter case. Connect the case lead to the - terminal and the center of the PC socket/ non case pin of the BiPost to the + connector.

binglebugbob · Nov 11, 2020

Brian's lens board (see photo above) is just like mine.

Super graphic lensboard

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency