Want to Buy WTB: Flash accessories for Crown Graphic 4x5

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naramri

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Looking for a flash set-up for a new-to-me Crown Graphic 4x5. It's fitted with a Rapax Synchromatic shutter, which if I understand means that a separate flash synchronizer is not needed. Please feel free to correct me on that, though.

So, here's what I think is required: flash handle/battery case with clamps, a reflector (5 or 7inch? I don't know which is better for me), connecting cords. A reflector shield would be nice, but not necessary.

I don't have a preference re: 3 or 2 cell, or even the brand. Heiland, Graflex Graflite, or similar.

Thanks - let me know if a pic of the shutter would be useful to see.

Barbara
 

EdSawyer

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I have a flash bulb/gun setup that I am not using. I will try to get pics/details tonight. It came with a Crown I got in a package deal, and I dont' see myself using flash bulbs anytime real soon.

The synchronizer/solenoid was needed in some cases, depending on the shutter/bulb combinations. I am not an expert on that. If the shutter you have has a connection and timing for bulbs you should be all set.
 
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naramri

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Thanks for your reply, Ed. Looking forward to seeing what you've got available. Further info if it helps, my shutter has the M (one black and one red) and the F-X OFF marks, and the two-prong connection.

Thanks again --
 
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Welcome to APUG, Barbara. I don't have any spare equipment, but here's some background info since you seem a bit uncertain...

I own two Crown Graphics (one beater for parts, one user in like-new condition). Fabulous cameras, as well as wonderful conversation starters. And giving away spent flashbulbs as a thank you usually delights your subjects.

My relatively standard flash setup is the Graflex Graflite 3-cell, with a 5-inch reflector, using Sylvania Press 25 or GE #5 bulbs. For reliability I added a brand new coiled Paramount household-to-bipost sync cord. I don't have the shield, and thus far have never had a bulb explode. They are overcoated with a dipping into plastic for safety anyway.

The 7-inch reflectors are for use with the larger #22 or similar bulbs. The ones that look the same size as common household incandescent light bulbs. You would remove the entire right-angle fixture from the top of the Graflite and just fit these bigger bulbs directly down into the "stick". They are more powerful than the 25/#5 bulbs, but wear a fedora and chomp on a cigar while using them and people will mistake you for Weegee.

Your shutter has a built-in flash bulb setting where the 'M' position is for standard "medium peak" bulbs. That's what the Sylvania and GE bulbs require. The 'X' setting will allow you to use standard electronic flash units as well. Just don't forget to reset it after switching between light sources. Ask me how I know...

Press25/GE5 bulbs generally run between 50-cents and one-dollar apiece on the big auction site. They seem to be running cheaper right at this moment, but that varies back and forth. I have stockpiled about 1,500 of them, give or take so far, for use down the road.

Because of the expense I sometimes substitute a Sunpak 622S handle-mount electronic flash gun. Especially when the flash needed is a fill light and not a primary light. No burned bulbs for onlooker gifts, though.

If you really want to get serious, you could even look at one of these guys: Vintage Stroboflash. They are period-correct Graflex units whose internal electronics have been completely rebuild to modern standards to make them usable again. The fellow even repaints them to look nice.

To see what's possible using flashbulbs on a Crown Graphic, here's three sample photos made using the Graflite and a single Press 25 bulb as the primary light source:

B-25J Mitchell Bomber
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

And here's two more using the same Crown Graphic where the Sunpak 622S electronic flash was used solely for fill lighting on sunny days. The first example was a minus 1-stop fill (could not have seen the boy's faces and arms without it), and the second was a 1-to-1 synchro-sunlight fill (same for the girl's faces):

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

And as always, if you haven't yet been pointer to [url]www.graflex.org[/URL] as the definitive source for information, you will be...

Ken

* Please don't beat me up for this one until reading the explanation behind the picture in post #16 on the second page of comments...
 
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naramri

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Ken - you are awesome. I've been trying pinpoint the relevant info for my camera, and this really clears up all my questions and confusion. The graflex.org site has been a great source, too. Thanks for the photos! Although, I haven't *yet* clicked the Two Girls and a Machine Gun link... EDIT: Ok, how cute is that?! And a great composition, too.

Have a great weekend!
 

BrianShaw

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eBay. Be patient and shop carefully.
...

Do you have any suggestions for where to buy flashbulbs, besides Cress Photo/Flashbulbs.com? I just can't stomach ordering from there.
Have a great weekend!
 
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