This old graflex build.

Panaflex

Panaflex

Sr Member
RPF PREMIUM MEMBER
Hi all, long time Star Wars geek and camera guy in the industry. I've always thought being a prop guy would be cool so I decided to try my hand at a vintage build. Be gentle...

First up, gathering parts. Mostly stuff off the Bay. Thanks to those who helped me with info and parts. What a great community we have here.
IMG_3740.jpg

Next up was tearing down the Exactra. I started with a big honkin' table sander to take off large chunks of plastic. This stuff is tough!

IMG_3732.jpgIMG_3745.jpgIMG_3813.jpg

I then moved on to a band saw and finally a jeweler's file for the detail work. Note the plastic dust. 800 strokes on the long ends of the strip each side to make the compression fit.
IMG_3819.jpg
IMG_3818.jpg

More to come...
 
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Hi there,

perhaps you could use photobucket or something similar to upload your pictures, since your attachment links are not working?

Chaim
 
yep ... looks great ... wow I had no idea how hard it would be to make those Exactra 20 bubbles ready to fit ... I'll find out when I finish my ol' vintage lightsabers soon enough ;) So which D-ring will you choose?

Chaim
 
Sym-Cha said:
yep ... looks great ... wow I had no idea how hard it would be to make those Exactra 20 bubbles ready to fit ... I'll find out when I finish my ol' vintage lightsabers soon enough ;) So which D-ring will you choose?

Chaim
Click to expand...

Thanks!
I purchased several from strap works but am undecided which to use. I'll post closeups but one seems too thick, the other too big around. If you look at the fist pic, you can see the issue. I may continue the search.
 
Sym-Cha said:
WBC Industries Search results for: 'D-ring clamp' | WBC Industries used to have the correct size straps but I could not find them in their inventory anylonger ... perhaps they still can supply them though. Here's a D-ring that was recently given to me with a leftover WBC strap that I attached to it :

http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/zz258/Sym-Cha/D-ringANH2_zps4533010c.jpg

Here's the old D-ring thread that was revived lately : http://www.therpf.com/f79/luke-anh-lightsaber-d-ring-103270/

Chaim
Click to expand...

That looks pretty sweet. I've read your D-ring thread through and will be using your measurements for my search.
Thanks for the pic. If you get any more, let me know. :D
 
Thanks Chaim.

So after looking at the Graflex, I pulled it apart and there was some small amount of corrosion. Mostly from the spring inside the base. I pulled it out and got out the cleaning supplies.
IMG_3795.jpg
Some before shots...
IMG_3798.jpg
IMG_3805.jpg

IMG_3804.jpg
It all cleaned up pretty nicely. I think I got to it before it really set in and I'll do some maintenance…from time to time.;)

IMG_3815.jpg
And here's where I am now. I'll probably jump into the D-ring issue and get that completed before cutting and applying the grips.
I welcome all opinions and appreciate any tips from the saber gurus among us.
Thanks,
 
Hi Panaflex,

Cool Graflex! Very beautiful and very nicely cleaned!
The D-ring Sym-Cha mentioned and posted was coming from me, which I found on a German website. They sell them for saddles:

D-Ring mit Clip
They also sell them on eBay.

The ring is very close to Sym-Cha's described ideal shape and very screen accurate. The clip is no good indeed and is too large.
@Chaim: isn't this the strap from WBC that you mean?:
3/4" D-Ring with Clamp, Nickel Plated | WBC Industries

I'll be constructing my own Luke ANH Graflex saber as well soon!

Regards,
Roy
 
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yeah Roy that looks like it ... better to inquire first though to be safe before ordering ... 19mm at least for the strap.

Funny that most of you guys leave the text G R A F L E X and clean all the rest thouroughly ... the only thing I removed was the text ... because the paint was already partly gone ... after that I never cleaned any of them ... I like them weathered and dirty with spots and dings and scratches ;)

Chaim
 
Well start with reading up on several Luke ANH lightsaber threads regarding D-rings, Exactra 19 or 20 ... then start hunting for a real graflex ... there are always several on ebay ... the sport however is to score a nice one cheaply ... or if you are rich purchase whichever one you fancy ... then read about T-track and where to get the best and how to apply ... there's lots of info here ... oh yeah and just ask questions ... :)

Chaim
 
you are in good hands, chaim knows his stuff and is always willing to help. i wish i had a 1/4 of his saber prop knowledge!!
 
I don't think I've ever seen such beautifully artistic shots of plastic dust! Looks like a really nice graflex you've got too.
 
Thanks guys, I appreciate the encouragement. It's a lot of fun and there really is a thrill involved working with original parts.
Bookface, thanks for the compliment on the photos. I couldn't help myself and started lighting the build shots. What a geek right?
 
So, playing around with many D-rings and the one strap I have. I feel like the strap is too small somehow. What do you guys think? The D-ring appears larger here than it actually is. Lenses...

photocopy3.jpg
 
Panaflex said:
So, playing around with many D-rings and the one strap I have. I feel like the strap is too small somehow. What do you guys think? The D-ring appears larger here than it actually is. Lenses...

View attachment 343777
Click to expand...

I would agree with you.
I like it when the arch of the rounded edge of the clip has the same rounding as the graflex bottom edge.

Becaus of this I used Sym-Cha's guide for a custom clip. There you can cut the arch as you like it ;)

BILD4709.JPG BILD4710.JPG
 
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Yeah Chaim's guide is great... Still a little torn whether I'll use it or not. Depends if I can find a guy who can make a good cut of it (I just don't have the tools)

I have a a clip holder that is 18 mm across that I'm liking, may just use that.
 
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