Graflex.org

Lensman · Joined: 20 Jan 2002 Posts: 63 Location: British Columbia

Have seen on eBay Graflex solenoids *******. A #2 and a #3. Anyone know what # for a Graflex Optar F/4.7/135mm shutter?
Also, what # for a Graflex Supermatic (X or 'Flash Supermatic...i.e; 'full sync/M,F &X)?
Also, anyone know of source-besides eBay- for used or new (HA!)Heiland solenoids, tubes (flash gun),cords -(original Heiland or Honeywell), brackets...particularly the Model 74 for 4X5 Crown & Speed Graphics that attach to body and go around the rangefinder, and the two encircling brackets that go around the flashgun and mate with the body bracket?

jdman · Joined: 13 May 2001 Posts: 302 Location: Midwest

I thought a # 2 was for 2 cell flashtubes, and a #3 was for 3 cell flashtubes. But I could be wrong. Russ

Lensman · Joined: 20 Jan 2002 Posts: 63 Location: British Columbia

Had info from a fellow selling one...I asked if it would be the specific one for my Graflex Optar f/4.7/135mm shutter, and he replied that he spoke to a former Graflex Service Tech....Boy that's handy!...who said yes,the #2 Solenoid will work with this shutter,and the M2 Mount is specifically for the above shutter.
PS. Just had bit more info which may be useful to members....a #3 Graflex Solenoid which my contact has came off a Kodak Supermatic shutter...SO, different #'s of solenoids for different shutters.

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[ This Message was edited by: Lensman on 2002-02-06 12:54 ]

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Can't agree with your assertion that the #3 solenoid is not proper for the 135mm Optar in a Graphex shutter. Roger Adams mounted one for me years ago for that lens/shutter, and asked me ahead of time what battery case I was using. I responded that I had the 3 cell case, and he installed the #3 solenoid, which works fine for me.

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth

Ahem,

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

Thanks, Gandolf, that was my recollection too. An interesting sidelight is that, by 1964, according to the Solenoid Manual issued that year, the #3 had been discontinued, and all instructions were for either the #0, or #2 solenoid. It did say:

"The solenoid is electrically operated, receiving its energy from batteries in the 3 cell battery case. ..." Apparently, by that time, they were just adjusting the #2 to work with the extra voltage. Never have heard what the #0 was for.

Gandolf · Joined: 26 Dec 2001 Posts: 328 Location: middle earth

Alec I'll swear your playing my straight man, just to make me look good) I JUST found a blurb in a later flash instruction manual that talks about using the battery case to trip the shutter , but using the internal syncronizer in the shutter to time the bulb.

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I [and I am unanimous in this] am enjoying learning more about these cameras. There always seems to be something new around the corner.

A working solenoid greatly enhances the versitility of the Graphic camera. I put mine out on the deck next to a bird feeder, and run the remote control cord inside. That way, I can catch Woodpeckers doing their balancing act on the feeder, with great detail because of the close-up proximity of the camera. I do put a black bag over it to prevent unwanted "deposits". They jump when the flash goes off, but they always come back.

Another neat feature of the camera is the focuspot. I remember being photographed by a woman photographer using a Speed Graphic, focusing with the focuspot in the dark, in the dining room of the Rooselvelt Hotel in New Orleans in the '50s. Later I met another woman who did that for a living [guess the women sold more pics than the men] and she told fascinating stories of rapid processing and "wet printing" of those negatives.