Graflex.org

steved55 · Joined: 10 Feb 2016 Posts: 15 Location: Penna

Hello, I'm new here and have a Crown Graphic 4x5. I've used it over the years with 4x5 b+w and color and with electronic flash. I also have a Graflex RH 10 and enjoy it too.

My 'go to' lens is a nice quality Schneider Xenar 1:4.7/135 coupled to a Synchro Compur-P shutter. This between the lens shutter has a 'X or M' selector lever. It also has a 'modern day' PC flash connector vs the bi-post connector.

This lens board also has a Graflex flash synchro mechanism.

I recently obtained a Three Cell Graflex Flash with 5 and 7 inch reflectors. I also have a bunch of 5, 5B (for color) and Mazda Press 40 as well as GE 11 bulbs.

I'm a little puzzled whether the synchro mechanism needs to be used if the shutter has the M setting? If not using the synchro mechanism, can I use the Paramount cord I have with Household to PC ends and hook the flash to the shutter directly?

Or is it required to get a new cord with the round female bi-post plug and use this end to connect to the flash unit. If so, what is the other end to be called if it is to be connected to the Graflex synchro unit?

Best outcome is to be able to hook directly PC cable end to lens shutter and household end to slots in the flash. Best outcome because I already have this cable.

thanks very much

Steve

Markus · Joined: 13 May 2015 Posts: 15 Location: MA, USA

45PSS · Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 7:43 pm Post subject:

The Graflite instruction manual is available at http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/GrafliteManual.pdf

The "Synchro mechanism" you refer to is most likely a Solenoid. The solenoid can be connected to the Graflite giving you electronic triping of the shutter.
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steved55 · Joined: 10 Feb 2016 Posts: 15 Location: Penna

I have that manual. Lens board does have the solenoid.

Confused as noted by fact my shutter has M and X settings. Is such a solenoid really needed when the shutter apparently is designed for bulbs with the M setting?

What is downfall if directly connecting Graflite flash to PC connection on shutter? Why even bother with the Graflex solenoid operated shutter?

Steve

45PSS · Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 8:24 pm Post subject:

steved55 · Joined: 10 Feb 2016 Posts: 15 Location: Penna

Thanks very much 45PSS. I used the camera for many years with a Vivitar 283. Very good results.

But now I have the Graflite flash and the bulbs as noted in initial post. I didn't really have a handle on whether using the Solenoid was mandated when there was an M setting.

Sounds like even if I had the solenoid adjusted for the M setting, it wouldn't be useful for the other type of bulb (F) given the differing peak output settings and timing.

IAE, based on the info so far, connecting the flash directly to the PC connection on the shutter should work. I already have the Paramount cord with a PC end and a HouseHold two prong end. If I'm off base, LMK and thank you very much for your information.

Steve