I'm starting this thread before I do any modification to this flash I just got because I'd like some input and opinions from you guys. So far this is untouched, all I did was remove the reflector and clamp mount bar. I got this flash because it has quite a few features of the standard lightsaber flashes like the clamp, input jacks, clear bubble, push button etc. In fact the top area layout is quite a lot like a graflex, though the details are all different.
I'm going to try sticking to vintage parts and approach this as it would have been at the time, only using what was available in the late 70's. Here is what I have decided on doing so far as prep:
- Replace the clamp screw (that wing nut is just huge and ugly)
- Remove the riveted icon plate that says "camera"
- Cover the Stuttgart logo area with some foil tape.
- Install some style of D-ring on the bottom, it's flat so it should work fine.
- Probably use a circuit for the clamp "switch" instead of a bubble strip, its just too short and I don't think I could get a bubble strip to work without cutting bubbles in half.
So this is the point where I need some input:
- The emitter area is a little bland as is. The area where the reflector tabs in breaks it up a little, and it will look nicer one the foil tape is around the one side, but otherwise do you think it's fine as-is? I'm not sure if it is able to be removed yet.
- The entire thing is metal, but the main body is covered with something black, either anodized or baked on, I dont know. It has some texture but overall it's pretty smooth. I think I'll keep it, but might it be worth trying some oven cleaner to see if it will come off? I think it would be flat silver underneath, so I'll probably leave it. Also thought about scuffing it all up with some sandpaper so the control details stand out from the black a bit more. It's already going to have to a bit weathered since the clamp and emitter has some rust.
- Grips: This is where the above point causes issues. Since the entire body is black, I'm not sure what to do with grips. T-track is black, and I'm not sure how good that might look on this. I like the reversed colors, so maybe use some silver aluminum bracket type grips riveted on?
- The clamp has a quite sizable gap between the screw, since it's taller than most clamps. What would be good to fill this with? I think it would just look a bit odd left as open as it is once I have a circuit board in there.
I'm going to try sticking to vintage parts and approach this as it would have been at the time, only using what was available in the late 70's. Here is what I have decided on doing so far as prep:
- Replace the clamp screw (that wing nut is just huge and ugly)
- Remove the riveted icon plate that says "camera"
- Cover the Stuttgart logo area with some foil tape.
- Install some style of D-ring on the bottom, it's flat so it should work fine.
- Probably use a circuit for the clamp "switch" instead of a bubble strip, its just too short and I don't think I could get a bubble strip to work without cutting bubbles in half.
So this is the point where I need some input:
- The emitter area is a little bland as is. The area where the reflector tabs in breaks it up a little, and it will look nicer one the foil tape is around the one side, but otherwise do you think it's fine as-is? I'm not sure if it is able to be removed yet.
- The entire thing is metal, but the main body is covered with something black, either anodized or baked on, I dont know. It has some texture but overall it's pretty smooth. I think I'll keep it, but might it be worth trying some oven cleaner to see if it will come off? I think it would be flat silver underneath, so I'll probably leave it. Also thought about scuffing it all up with some sandpaper so the control details stand out from the black a bit more. It's already going to have to a bit weathered since the clamp and emitter has some rust.
- Grips: This is where the above point causes issues. Since the entire body is black, I'm not sure what to do with grips. T-track is black, and I'm not sure how good that might look on this. I like the reversed colors, so maybe use some silver aluminum bracket type grips riveted on?
- The clamp has a quite sizable gap between the screw, since it's taller than most clamps. What would be good to fill this with? I think it would just look a bit odd left as open as it is once I have a circuit board in there.
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