Limited Run === G R A F L E X === Flashgun Gen.2 ... now taking PRE-ORDERS!!! New Pics Oct. 5

[jamiemp]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Romans Empire produced the most accurate Graflex REPLICA to date. It is a working flash just like Roman intended.
There were some QC issues which was out of Roman's hands. There were some similar QC issues with Parks/Korbanth too.
Neither company intended for these issues, these things happen all the time, especially in overseas manufacturing.

The big issue now is the blade holders people purchased for an FX conversion are no longer compatible as they were told it would be.
All these prop builders have a long standing reputation and I'm sure they are scrambling to find some sort of solution to the problem.

For those using this as a static prop, you wouldn't buy a blade holder anyway so can we stop bickering about who is the better "collector"? It is impossible to install a blade and electronics using the flash as is so this is an FX builder's only option which does sacrifice accuracy. Prop collectors wanting TOTAL accuracy would shell out money for a real Graflex. To each his own.

Let's keep this thread on topic and clutter free for those who are turning to this thread to provide some solutions to the problems.

 

[Pixelpiper]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Hopefully this puts an end to the 2.0 comparison.

They both include a few of the same errors. The placement of the circle cut-outs for the pins & the raised bump under the glass eye and red button is incorrect on both (in the same way). It would be interesting to know why. More academic than anything, because "it is what it is" and there's no arguing that.

And the distance of the eye and red button to the details above them may very well be different than the 2.0, but they're also different than on a vintage flash.

 

[kevin926]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

They both include a few of the same errors. The placement of the circle cut-outs for the pins & the raised bump under the glass eye and red button is incorrect on both (in the same way). It would be interesting to know why. More academic than anything, because "it is what it is" and there's no arguing that.

And the distance of the eye and red button to the details above them may very well be different than the 2.0, but they're also different than on a vintage flash.

Maybe so, but how can we change the diameter. Romans is smaller than the 2.0. I doubt the diameters would change during production. There are a few more differences as well. The finish isn't even the same. The cut outs aren't the same or in the same place.

 

[Djblingbling1]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

They both include a few of the same errors. The placement of the circle cut-outs for the pins & the raised bump under the glass eye and red button is incorrect on both (in the same way). It would be interesting to know why. More academic than anything, because "it is what it is" and there's no arguing that.

And the distance of the eye and red button to the details above them may very well be different than the 2.0, but they're also different than on a vintage flash.

This is the key we all want, "why".

Its too late to change it but I feel those angry, and not, deserve to know why there are still so many inaccuracys, as it seems we received something closer to a 2.0 than a vintage .

There is discussion here, other forums, and on facebook...my recommendation is that Roman make a statement so we at least feel like maybe he is aware that a large amount of his customers are upset, and that we might figure out the FACTS of why there are issues to cut down on all the accusations, because somehow everyone has a tidbit of info no one else has, and the drama level is getting crazy (on other platforms not here)

 

[Pixelpiper]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Maybe so, but how can we change the diameter. Romans is smaller than the 2.0. I doubt the diameters would change during production. There are a few more differences as well. The finish isn't even the same. The cut outs aren't the same or in the same place.

They can't possibly be the same part - going back to the little brain fart I had in the last couple of days, the 2.0 is threaded after all. It's just that they share some of the same design flaws. WRT diameter, these are flat sheets that are rolled, so it's still possible to have the same punch and emboss design/layout and roll to a different sized tube.

I'm now calling this about 60-65% of a vintage in accuracy after the hole placement. I know most people can't see all the differences.

I'm still going to build at least one really amazing full crystal reveal FX saber out of the two I have.

 

[Karmafish]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

The Graflex 2.0 was never intended to be a true replica. It was designed from the ground up to be an interchangeable saber system that would accommodate Jeff Parks' blade setup. If any comparisons are to be made, it should be with his working Graflex replica and not the 2.0. BTW, his replica was made in china, halfway around the world by people that didn't speak english and his didn't suffer the same shortcomings as the RE replica.

 

[zjunlimited]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Maybe so, but how can we change the diameter. Romans is smaller than the 2.0. I doubt the diameters would change during production. There are a few more differences as well. The finish isn't even the same. The cut outs aren't the same or in the same place.

It may be my iPad that I'm reading this on but those photos are distorted and blurry so hard to tell. Will look again n my PC. But the other thing I don't understand is why does the 2.0 core fit the Roman's so perfectly then?

 

[wriggly40]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

This is the key we all want, "why".

Its too late to change it but I feel those angry, and not, deserve to know why there are still so many inaccuracys, as it seems we received something closer to a 2.0 than a vintage .

There is discussion here, other forums, and on facebook...my recommendation is that Roman make a statement so we at least feel like maybe he is aware that a large amount of his customers are upset, and that we might figure out the FACTS of why there are issues to cut down on all the accusations, because somehow everyone has a tidbit of info no one else has, and the drama level is getting crazy (on other platforms not here)

I have recieved an email from roman.
Hello xxxxxx

There are several variations on the vintage. However, my products are not dependent on their compatibility with other builders.
From what I understand, KR sabers is already working on an adapter that is compatible with my Graflex.
There’s also a chance I’ll be doing this for my customers next week. Still working out the details.

*

Have a great day and thank you for your interest!

 

[Sundowner]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Having dealt with parts being manufactured with only e-mail communication (can't imagine the language barrier issue), I'm impressed with the way it has turned out. If you want a piece that is identical to a GRAFLEX then pony up the extra coin and buy a REAL one. Honestly did folks really think it would be 100% identical? Its close enough for me and I'm super happy with the product. Thanks Roman.

 

[Djblingbling1]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

See now if he could only make that statement himself across all medias, or on his OWN pages.....

 

[JoeG]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

BTW, his replica was made in china, halfway around the world by people that didn't speak english and his didn't suffer the same shortcomings as the RE replica.

Thats not true at all. The Parks Graflex replica had many inaccuracies. Whether they were intentional in order for there to be tells when comparing to a real one or just a matter of miscommunication is another matter.

For people to try to hold Roman's feet to the fire for things like his replica not being 100% compatible with another person's product is just crazy. I don't remember him saying he set out to guarantee such things. If another person's blade holder happened to work in a RE Graflex, great. If not, then thats on the people making blade holder. I also don't recall Roman guaranteeing this replica would be 100% identical to a vintage in every way possible. Its the most accurate one he could make. Thats it. People complaining they didnt get what they paid for or acting as if there is some sort of conspiracy and demanding answers are simply acting silly.

And lastly lets not forget that we are not dealing with huge corporations churning out product in the tens of thousands. This is still a very small scale run done by fans. Stop acting like its Hasbro. I think this is a byproduct of the popularity of Star Wars right now. So many people just jumping on the bandwagon and have to have the coolest, latest thing without doing any research or actually knowing the history of it all.

 

[kevin926]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

It may be my iPad that I'm reading this on but those photos are distorted and blurry so hard to tell. Will look again n my PC. But the other thing I don't understand is why does the 2.0 core fit the Roman's so perfectly then?

I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to open a debate, but to simply show, romans top is not the same as the 2.0. Like piper said, the bottom of the 2.0 upper is threaded. Romans is not. I have both.

 

[zjunlimited]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to open a debate, but to simply show, romans top is not the same as the 2.0. Like piper said, the bottom of the 2.0 upper is threaded. Romans is not. I have both.

We're cool. I wasn't either. It's just strange that's all. And here lies the problem. We've got probably 200 people running around trying to find solutions, trying to make sense what happened, and we are speculating and /or finding bits of information that can be widely distorted via social media and the Internet. This can all be simply solved if Roman made a PSA and addressed everyone.

 

[Karmafish]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Thats not true at all. The Parks Graflex replica had many inaccuracies. Whether they were intentional in order for there to be tells when comparing to a real one or just a matter of miscommunication is another matter.

For people to try to hold Roman's feet to the fire for things like his replica not being 100% compatible with another person's product is just crazy. I don't remember him saying he set out to guarantee such things. If another person's blade holder happened to work in a RE Graflex, great. If not, then thats on the people making blade holder. I also don't recall Roman guaranteeing this replica would be 100% identical to a vintage in every way possible. Its the most accurate one he could make. Thats it. People complaining they didnt get what they paid for or acting as if there is some sort of conspiracy and demanding answers are simply acting silly.

And lastly lets not forget that we are not dealing with huge corporations churning out product in the tens of thousands. This is still a very small scale run done by fans. Stop acting like its Hasbro. I think this is a byproduct of the popularity of Star Wars right now. So many people just jumping on the bandwagon and have to have the coolest, latest thing without doing any research or actually knowing the history of it all.

I said shortcomings, not inaccuracies. I was referring to the mirrored cap, bunny ears, scratches, dings, plating issues, etc with the RE. The Parks replica worked with all blade holders too because at least that part was accurate. It's not the blade holder makers fault that their part will fit vintages and other replicas but not this one. Stating that Roman never said these would work with blade holders, yada, yada, yada is a cop out and I was just waiting for someone to say that.

 

[Kamin Ressik]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

Complete & Functioning replica flashgun. Replicated using an original and authentic 1930’s Graflex Flashgun. Every detail has been captured in this incredible replica!!

 

[jamiemp]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

I said shortcomings, not inaccuracies. I was referring to the mirrored cap, bunny ears, scratches, dings, plating issues, etc with the RE. The Parks replica worked with all blade holders too because at least that part was accurate. It's not the blade holder makers fault that their part will fit vintages and other replicas but not this one. Stating that Roman never said these would work with blade holders, yada, yada, yada is a cop out and I was just waiting for someone to say that.

I disagree. While the initial run of 2.0s looked pretty good, I also bought a few from the second round of so called 2.1s. Mines had plating issues around clamp almost exactly like RE ones and several scratches, dents, bent parts etc. TCSS even sold many 2.1s as "scratch and dent" at discounted rate on their website so quality issues were definitely known.

I do agree with the blade holder denial though. These blade holders were made to fit a vintage Graflex and I'm sure Roman was well aware of these products being developed with many purchasers intending to use with his replicas. This product was meant to be identical to a vintage flash with the exception of his small "tells" mainly to prevent people passing this off as vintage. We all expected at least the sizing to be correct and fully compatible with existing vintage parts and available accessories meant to be used with vintage flashes. Did he buy the TGS, KR Sabers and SH blade holders to be sure they were compatible? Probably not, but this doesn't excuse the fact that is SUPPOSED to be compatible.

 

[Karmafish]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

I disagree. While the initial run of 2.0s looked pretty good, I also bought a few from the second round of so called 2.1s. Mines had plating issues around clamp almost exactly like RE ones and several scratches, dents, bent parts etc. TCSS even sold many 2.1s as "scratch and dent" at discounted rate on their website so quality issues were definitely known.

I do agree with the blade holder denial though. These blade holders were made to fit a vintage Graflex and I'm sure Roman was well aware of these products being developed with many purchasers intending to use with his replicas. This product was meant to be identical to a vintage flash with the exception of his small "tells" mainly to prevent people passing this off as vintage. We all expected at least the sizing to be correct and fully compatible with existing vintage parts and available accessories meant to be used with vintage flashes. Did he buy the TGS, KR Sabers and SH blade holders to be sure they were compatible? Probably not, but this doesn't excuse the fact that is SUPPOSED to be compatible.

I'm talking replica only. Not the 2.0, 2.1, 2.35v2 or whatever. Replica vs Replica Parks stopped making them a few years ago when his shop in China closed the doors. He lost all the tooling and decided to make the 2.0 instead.

 

[Pixelpiper]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

for things like his replica not being 100% compatible with another person's product is just crazy. .

I'm not one of those people (holding anyone to a fire). But let's cut the BS. This isn't about 3rd party compatibility. This is about replicating the vintage flash. I can all but guarantee you that the upper body of the RE Replica will have the same alignment issues with a vintage internal assembly. This is not a replica that is 100% parts compatible with a vintage flash. Yes, it's mostly compatible.

Let's just stick to facts. There is no mistaking this replica for a vintage product - it's different in every visible detail save a few measurements. Whether that was done on purpose or by accident is anyone's guess.

THANKFULLY... There are a lot of people that don't see differences nor care about them. So there's still a market for resale for those that want to go that route.

 

[jamiemp]

Re: === G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

I'm talking replica only. Not the 2.0, 2.1, 2.35v2 or whatever. Replica vs Replica Parks stopped making them a few years ago when his shop in China closed the doors. He lost all the tooling and decided to make the 2.0 instead.

This is true. I used to organize group buys back in the day with these replicas(and Blastech [emoji13]) and they were VERY good.


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[lmuzzin]

=== G R A F L E X === Flashgun ... NOW SHIPPING!!!

I'm not one of those people (holding anyone to a fire). But let's cut the BS. This isn't about 3rd party compatibility. This is about replicating the vintage flash. I can all but guarantee you that the upper body of the RE Replica will have the same alignment issues with a vintage internal assembly. This is not a replica that is 100% parts compatible with a vintage flash. Yes, it's mostly compatible.

Let's just stick to facts. There is no mistaking this replica for a vintage product - it's different in every visible detail save a few measurements. Whether that was done on purpose or by accident is anyone's guess.

THANKFULLY... There are a lot of people that don't see differences nor care about them. So there's still a market for resale for those that want to go that route.

Did you already have yours in hand Pixelpiper?


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