Graflex.org

essessem · Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 48 Location: California

I've pretty much given up on Paramount filling my order for a bipost-to-"Graflex-plug" flash cord. Planning to find an old bipost-to-household cord, cut off the household end and solder on a "Graflex plug" I cut off from the old broken cord I have. For those unfamiliar, this plug fits into the old chrome unit with a round recess containing 2 posts. Any special precautions I have to take?

_________________
Speak softly and carry a big camera.

C. Henry · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 3:18 pm Post subject:

Since nobody else has replied I'll give my little bit of questionable advice.
Just be a bit careful not to reverse polarity if you think you might use a multiple flash set-up any time in the future.
I have found that using in-line plug and socket connections instead of resoldering ends on cables lets me customize cables at will.

C. Henry

Rangemaster · Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2006 5:23 pm Post subject:

I have just made them with cords off of old electric razors, they work fine with no problems at all

Dave

essessem · Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 48 Location: California

Thanks for the feedback, guys. Almost had forgotten about this post. If you go to this page:
http://www.paramountcords.com/graflex.htm
and scroll all the way to the bottom, that's the (weird, rare) connector I'm going to rig up with solder, shrink tubing and I suppose some epoxy where wire joins to the connector. Here goes nuthin'...

Henry · Posted: Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:56 pm Post subject:

So what was the problem with Paramount filling (or not filling) your order?

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

Yes, I'm interested in knowing that too. Paramount used to be very reliable, and reasonably fast with their orders, and I have recommended them in the past. Sounds like they have gotten away from that good service. Of course, the problem is they have no real competition that I know of. Bummer.

essessem · Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 48 Location: California

Apparently the connector has to be custom made & it sounds like there's only one guy there (the proprietor I assume) who can do it. I was told there were difficulties with the computer systems, secretary turnover, etc., etc., was never called back as promised & so I just got frustrated and annoyed with it all. Came THIS CLOSE to chucking it all and GOING DIGITAL. Then I calmed down. I'm much better now.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Of course a House hold blade plugged into the front does the same thing.

Also all of the original "round port" cords that I've found are pretty brittle, and there's a small BB inside that is SUPPOSE to move slightly to one side to help make postive contact. But the brittle hard rubber makes that nearly impossible.

I only have one Graflex flash that I use with that round port cord. The cord is still good but it was a real bugger to get on the flash and I haven't removed it once I did get it on.

Try a standard HH to PC or Bipost first.

Les

_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison