My Beginners Vintage Graflex Builds & Now More! Heiland Vader Update
- Thread starter NathanM
- Start date
Looking good man! Out of curiosity, how does the ebay bubble strip look compared to a real one? I can't get a sense for how clear it is. If it's fairly close I may pick one up for conversions.
I have heard the ebay ones yellow quickly, I have one but it’s not in direct sun light so I can’t say mines changed..
I have heard others complain but never seen any comparison photos
Because I'm on a bit of hold while pieces come in and slowly and proceed with a slowed down t-track install I figured it was worth posting some of my findings in regards to vintage d-rings.
These are the bits and bobs I picked up recently.
These are all in pursuit of vintage parts for my ANH Luke build. My first purchase after some searching led me to the Fibrelite cases. I saw images of that brand (but not named) in other threads during my research. And while the blue cases were mentioned I saw no follow-up about if they actually were the ones. Fibrelite cases are generally used to carry photo equipment so that tracks with the overall photography gear theme in which lightsabers have their origin. It wouldn't be surprsing if that's where the d-rings came from (and other posts on here have searched that out). So I ended up finding a cheap-ish case and ordered it which I posted earlier in this thread.
These are those rings (2 on one case) removed and compared to the Wannawanga repro parts:
Similar profile but a bit too small based on the most recent Elstree discovery which informed Roy on his updated d-ring he offers. Also, getting Roy's version was very helpful in the search as it gives a baseline to go off of.
The next d-rings I found came off of a Graflex Strob case. Here's an example of that case and the d-ring is slightly visible on the right side of it.
And here they are in comparison to the Wannawanga repro:
Smaller than the Fibrelite and differently shaped as well. Not a good solution unfortunately.
Here are the Strob and Fibrelite compared:
I do think the Strob rings are intriguing as a possible Vader d-ring but we'll see in future posts.
Finally, we come to the clip that rivets into the base of the Graflex. This was a bit of a longshot and funny enough I saw it mentioned as a possibilty on this very forum but it didn't seem tp get any responses or traction from what I saw.
This is the strap clip setup for a variety of the smaller format "Baby" Graflex cameras. Here's a sample of what I mean:
It's composed of two pieces. The lower pieces is a thicker metal(?) lug and the upper bit is the springy retainer piece that the strap loop pushes down on ands then clips into place and is locked in. Interestingly, the thicker bit does not react to a magnet but the thinner piece does.
Both of those bits seemed intriguing, both lower and upper. And after receiving them I was able to compare to the Wannawanga d-ring.
And while they don't align perfectly, they doo make for interesting vintage options if you want to go that route.
The shape is different as it's rounded and not semi-squared off, though the only version we've seen ( please correct me if I'm wrong) of the squared off look is the Elstree saber.
Also, the rivet holes are further apart as well, but again, that's based on the Elstree saber. And I fully concede that the Elstree saber for now is the authoritative version of the d-ring.
And looking at the Graflex clip, why go througgh the effort of re-shaping it and bending it to form a loop for the d-ring to sit in, especially the thicker metal piece which is very solid and hard to bend.
That's it for now. I'm still looking and hope to find suitable bits one day but the hunt is part of the fun. Not for my wallet though, lol.
These are the bits and bobs I picked up recently.
These are all in pursuit of vintage parts for my ANH Luke build. My first purchase after some searching led me to the Fibrelite cases. I saw images of that brand (but not named) in other threads during my research. And while the blue cases were mentioned I saw no follow-up about if they actually were the ones. Fibrelite cases are generally used to carry photo equipment so that tracks with the overall photography gear theme in which lightsabers have their origin. It wouldn't be surprsing if that's where the d-rings came from (and other posts on here have searched that out). So I ended up finding a cheap-ish case and ordered it which I posted earlier in this thread.
These are those rings (2 on one case) removed and compared to the Wannawanga repro parts:
Similar profile but a bit too small based on the most recent Elstree discovery which informed Roy on his updated d-ring he offers. Also, getting Roy's version was very helpful in the search as it gives a baseline to go off of.
The next d-rings I found came off of a Graflex Strob case. Here's an example of that case and the d-ring is slightly visible on the right side of it.
And here they are in comparison to the Wannawanga repro:
Smaller than the Fibrelite and differently shaped as well. Not a good solution unfortunately.
Here are the Strob and Fibrelite compared:
I do think the Strob rings are intriguing as a possible Vader d-ring but we'll see in future posts.
Finally, we come to the clip that rivets into the base of the Graflex. This was a bit of a longshot and funny enough I saw it mentioned as a possibilty on this very forum but it didn't seem tp get any responses or traction from what I saw.
This is the strap clip setup for a variety of the smaller format "Baby" Graflex cameras. Here's a sample of what I mean:
It's composed of two pieces. The lower pieces is a thicker metal(?) lug and the upper bit is the springy retainer piece that the strap loop pushes down on ands then clips into place and is locked in. Interestingly, the thicker bit does not react to a magnet but the thinner piece does.
Both of those bits seemed intriguing, both lower and upper. And after receiving them I was able to compare to the Wannawanga d-ring.
And while they don't align perfectly, they doo make for interesting vintage options if you want to go that route.
The shape is different as it's rounded and not semi-squared off, though the only version we've seen ( please correct me if I'm wrong) of the squared off look is the Elstree saber.
Also, the rivet holes are further apart as well, but again, that's based on the Elstree saber. And I fully concede that the Elstree saber for now is the authoritative version of the d-ring.
And looking at the Graflex clip, why go througgh the effort of re-shaping it and bending it to form a loop for the d-ring to sit in, especially the thicker metal piece which is very solid and hard to bend.
That's it for now. I'm still looking and hope to find suitable bits one day but the hunt is part of the fun. Not for my wallet though, lol.
Small update to my d-ring analyzation.
I really wanted to use a vintage d-ring. I started to think maybe I could use the previous camera clips I mentioned but they would need to be rolled. I figured I could try to roll them by hand, and that was pretty much impossible.
The thicker piece was too hard to do and the thinner metal just plain snapped so I think it's safe to say they weren't used for the clip.
But, did think it would be possible to use the previous rings I had acquired. I decided to stretch them and see how it went.
While the Fibrelite case one more resembled Roys sourced d-rings, the Graflex Strob one just fits and looks better with a smaller profile. So, I'm going to go with that.
I really wanted to use a vintage d-ring. I started to think maybe I could use the previous camera clips I mentioned but they would need to be rolled. I figured I could try to roll them by hand, and that was pretty much impossible.
The thicker piece was too hard to do and the thinner metal just plain snapped so I think it's safe to say they weren't used for the clip.
But, did think it would be possible to use the previous rings I had acquired. I decided to stretch them and see how it went.
While the Fibrelite case one more resembled Roys sourced d-rings, the Graflex Strob one just fits and looks better with a smaller profile. So, I'm going to go with that.
Attachments
I'll refer to it as a "Wabi-Sabi" saber, lol!
A milestone is reached. But first my trials and errors drilling my kobold clip by hand without a press, ugh.
Now, I can't recommend enough, getting repro parts to compare and contrast to vintage pieces.
While I needed Roy's kobold clip for the d-ring as I never settled on a vintage part, using the clip itself to figure out diameters and where (or even where not) to drill helped so much.
First, I had to enlarge the rivet holes. I decided to try my Dremel with a sgrinding stone.
That broke, lol.
I then opted to expand the holes with successive drill bits.
So much better.
The harder part was drilling the side hole, I noticed that Roy's holes differ from my vintage one interestingly enough. But after much fuss I was able to get it done.
Then came drilling the holes at the base of the flash and riveting.
I had never used a rivet before but it was super simple. Aligned and marked in pencil:
Now, I can't recommend enough, getting repro parts to compare and contrast to vintage pieces.
While I needed Roy's kobold clip for the d-ring as I never settled on a vintage part, using the clip itself to figure out diameters and where (or even where not) to drill helped so much.
First, I had to enlarge the rivet holes. I decided to try my Dremel with a sgrinding stone.
That broke, lol.
I then opted to expand the holes with successive drill bits.
So much better.
The harder part was drilling the side hole, I noticed that Roy's holes differ from my vintage one interestingly enough. But after much fuss I was able to get it done.
Then came drilling the holes at the base of the flash and riveting.
I had never used a rivet before but it was super simple. Aligned and marked in pencil:
Attachments
And here it is! My first full on build. An ESB Luke Saber.
The parts are as follows:
- Vintage late Graflex (not a Folmer) w/removed beer tab
- Vintage Heald PCB
- x2 Vintage Red Buttons
- Vintage Kobold Clip
- x6 Vintage Exactra Screws
- Wannawanga Mylar tape
- Wannawanga D-ring
- x2 Wannawana rivets for Kobold clip
- A lot of stress at the possibility of messing up expensive bits, lol
So cool to have a piece of my own. I'll probably attempt to replace the repro bits as I go and as I see them become available.
But, now it's on to the ANH Luke build and Heiland Vader. Both are in various stages of making right now and I'm just waiting on parts. Thanks to everyone who helped here and in messages. It's very much appreciated.
The parts are as follows:
- Vintage late Graflex (not a Folmer) w/removed beer tab
- Vintage Heald PCB
- x2 Vintage Red Buttons
- Vintage Kobold Clip
- x6 Vintage Exactra Screws
- Wannawanga Mylar tape
- Wannawanga D-ring
- x2 Wannawana rivets for Kobold clip
- A lot of stress at the possibility of messing up expensive bits, lol
So cool to have a piece of my own. I'll probably attempt to replace the repro bits as I go and as I see them become available.
But, now it's on to the ANH Luke build and Heiland Vader. Both are in various stages of making right now and I'm just waiting on parts. Thanks to everyone who helped here and in messages. It's very much appreciated.
Good job brother!
Small update for the Heiland Vader. I received Roman's replica clamp. Such a nice little piece. I opted for the black bars and to use the lever as-is. WIth it in hand I was able to cut the Excatra PCB and the replica bubble.
The bubble was noticeably easier to cut as if it was less dense than the original bubble I cut for my ANH Luke build. That was actually nice. I didn't see too much reference for exact cuts into vintage PCB's so I just lined up the tabs on the repro bubble where they would've sat in the board and cut it down accomodate that setup.
The cut wasn't perfect with some miinor PCB trimming needed but I'll leave it as is until I get to a real MPP.
While the clamp is great, it's a bit too shiny. Any tips on how to weather it a bit?
The bubble was noticeably easier to cut as if it was less dense than the original bubble I cut for my ANH Luke build. That was actually nice. I didn't see too much reference for exact cuts into vintage PCB's so I just lined up the tabs on the repro bubble where they would've sat in the board and cut it down accomodate that setup.
The cut wasn't perfect with some miinor PCB trimming needed but I'll leave it as is until I get to a real MPP.
While the clamp is great, it's a bit too shiny. Any tips on how to weather it a bit?
Onto more Heiland!
I received the final bits I needed from Wannawanga so I'm finishing up the Vader Heiland build. That consisted of the wires and bulb release switch.
Because the bulb release switch didn't line-up with any screw-holes previously drilled, I had to drill two holes. One went into the bulb assembly as it needs an anchor to stay into place as the original screw from the original switch is removed because it gets in the way. That was easy enough and now it's installed:
The next step is the wire installation. The red, brown, and grey wires from Wannawanga are very thick. Too thick in fact to push into place. I first thought I could shave the plastic down and force them in but that just result in the sheath pushing up on the wire. So, I had to strip the covering and insert the solid copper core into the holes and spaces. It's not perfect and a bit of copper shows but only upon close inspection. The blue and white were easy to do as they were thin enough to shove in place and stick.
At this point that only leaves the d-ring modification, except for I now realize that the previous 3M tape is just not a good long term solution for the t-grips. While doing all of the finagling and handling of the piece, The ggrips slid around and are now uneven. But, the E-6000 is now something I've come back around on. And the slimmer pommel cap means I think I can get a better adhesion to the whole thing, so I'm going to do that.
But, back to the d-ring. These stupid d-rings on these things. I've struggled and obviously previously documented my searching for perfect d-rings. No one seems to have a solid resource for vintage d-rings. It's maddening and I keep thinking just screw it and use the perfectly fine modern ones everyone and their mothers offers. But then, I find myself searching eBay for vintage camera bags. I'd like to just find obvious search terms that community can use to find the appropriate rings. Well, when it comes to the Vader d-ring, I think I may have figured it out. Here it is:
With that in mind, I may just start a thread to chronicle all of the various d-ring options out there to consolidate the info floating around here. I'm still looking for the ANH Luke and Obi rings as well as the ESB Luke version, but I can at least help elimate some of the ones I've discovered and hopefully figure out the rest. The d-ring above was actually pulled from a bag that had 6 in total. So if that's the one then it's a pretty hefty amount to go around.
In that Wannawanga order, I also got the uncut t-tracks to use to make the various sized ggrips with his jig for my ANH build and that will be coming up as well.
I've also got some exciting to me news about where my builds are headed next. Thanks for looking!
I received the final bits I needed from Wannawanga so I'm finishing up the Vader Heiland build. That consisted of the wires and bulb release switch.
Because the bulb release switch didn't line-up with any screw-holes previously drilled, I had to drill two holes. One went into the bulb assembly as it needs an anchor to stay into place as the original screw from the original switch is removed because it gets in the way. That was easy enough and now it's installed:
The next step is the wire installation. The red, brown, and grey wires from Wannawanga are very thick. Too thick in fact to push into place. I first thought I could shave the plastic down and force them in but that just result in the sheath pushing up on the wire. So, I had to strip the covering and insert the solid copper core into the holes and spaces. It's not perfect and a bit of copper shows but only upon close inspection. The blue and white were easy to do as they were thin enough to shove in place and stick.
At this point that only leaves the d-ring modification, except for I now realize that the previous 3M tape is just not a good long term solution for the t-grips. While doing all of the finagling and handling of the piece, The ggrips slid around and are now uneven. But, the E-6000 is now something I've come back around on. And the slimmer pommel cap means I think I can get a better adhesion to the whole thing, so I'm going to do that.
But, back to the d-ring. These stupid d-rings on these things. I've struggled and obviously previously documented my searching for perfect d-rings. No one seems to have a solid resource for vintage d-rings. It's maddening and I keep thinking just screw it and use the perfectly fine modern ones everyone and their mothers offers. But then, I find myself searching eBay for vintage camera bags. I'd like to just find obvious search terms that community can use to find the appropriate rings. Well, when it comes to the Vader d-ring, I think I may have figured it out. Here it is:
With that in mind, I may just start a thread to chronicle all of the various d-ring options out there to consolidate the info floating around here. I'm still looking for the ANH Luke and Obi rings as well as the ESB Luke version, but I can at least help elimate some of the ones I've discovered and hopefully figure out the rest. The d-ring above was actually pulled from a bag that had 6 in total. So if that's the one then it's a pretty hefty amount to go around.
In that Wannawanga order, I also got the uncut t-tracks to use to make the various sized ggrips with his jig for my ANH build and that will be coming up as well.
I've also got some exciting to me news about where my builds are headed next. Thanks for looking!
