Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!
Calling this essentially a Parks is an insult. Parks did not have this weight, correct materials, and had far more inaccuracies. These FEEL real. Parks did not.
Alright, so I opened up my Graflex I ordered at the earlier lower rice last December, and the clamp I ordered at the exact same time.
Roman Full Graflex: Left, same time ordered standalone clamp: right
The clamp appears like it was made by an entirely different factory. The finish is different as others have shown, but the etched lines over and below the logo are also very different. On the clamp with the flash, the lines are slightly jagged in their depth, where the standalone clamp has very clean smooth lines. This works for me because the flash clamp will be covered for a TFA version. Also, the lever is an entirely different color and the rivet on them appear to be different sizes.
And I seem to have the opposite thing that most people have with the bottom tube, mine is actually flatter than the top half.
However, what I didnt expect and havent seen shown by others is the amount of streaking scratch lines on the standalone clamp. These lines go from a little outside where the bars would cover, around to the top of the bracket. I could actually feel them with my finger, so I hope they are not too deep to remove with scotchbrite, but I havent tried it yet. Otherwise, the overall brushed finish on the standalone clamp is much nicer and shiner than the one with the flash.
The clamp on the flash had a few dings and scratches as well, but again, I'm covering it up. There were also a few on the flash itself, but nothing major.
So do all these imperfections mean I hate and loath these pieces? NOT AT ALL! These are still amazing replicas, and feel like the real deal. You wont find vintage flashes this clean, and considering the low price I got them at for ordering early, I'm extremely happy. THANK YOU ROMAN!
