Project : Lightsaber Luke Skywalker ESB Graflex

[ashday]

Hi everyone,

I would like to have a replica of the Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber from the Empire Strikes Back ("ESB"): the "Graflex" model
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=258158


The model should be:

• Accurate as possible
• Correct price (not prohibitive)
• Not obligatory official
• Electronic (LED/Sound) would be a plus, but not mandatory

After several research I found only few sites :

• Park Sabers : http://www.parksabers.com/graflexesb.html

o Price: 200€ (kit) / 300€​

o Pro: Seems a correct built (To be confirm)​

o Cons: Accurate (To be confirm), without electronic​

• Graflex : https://www.graflexshop.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=50

o Official Graflex Site? (To be confirm)​

o Are they really identical to the original Graflex (To be confirm) ?​

o Quality ?​

“Shoot2Thrill468” has started from a Randy Johnson’s model (alias korbanth), and has given conception details:
Text : http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=270778
Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K67vATHScPE&list=PLc7OLqR4JyCxhENVCg9YrOJA_fYW4Do59&index=1
The details show what is necessary to have (as possible) an accurate model with for example the Graflex cap:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/486392532/graflex-3-cell-accurate-pommel-cap?ref=related-4
> In a first step, I will concentrate to the external modifications.

Before to start my project, do you have any advices, sites to buy, comparisons, etc: there are welcome.

Thanks in advance for your help.
ashday (from France)

Note : Sorry for my English, if you detect some mistakes.

 

[Serenity]

Graflexshop sells replicas, not genuine flashes. They are not official in any way.

I would suggest checking out Roman's replicas on his site or in the Project Runs subgroup.

 

[TIGCreations]

Hi everyone,

• 
  After several research I found only few sites :

• Park Sabers : http://www.parksabers.com/graflexesb.html

o Price: 200€ (kit) / 300€​

o Pro: Seems a correct built (To be confirm)​

o Cons: Accurate (To be confirm), without electronic​

• Graflex : https://www.graflexshop.com/cart/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=50

o Official Graflex Site? (To be confirm)​

o Are they really identical to the original Graflex (To be confirm) ?​

o Quality ?.

Thanks in advance for your help.
ashday (from France)

Note : Sorry for my English, if you detect some mistakes.​

Pro on Parks: The grips are slightly off.
Con on parks: You can order that with electronics.

TGS: No, they just make repros based on the original.
TGS: Nah, they are hollow replicas.
TGS: No idea.
​

 

[Ridire Firean]

Hey ashday ! Welcome to TheRPF!

The two most accurate replica GRAFLEX flashes will be:

Roman's Props... http://romanprops.com/product/camera-flashgun/

Pros: Very accurate, not 100%, but close. Some flaws were intentional to differintiate it from the original. Will function as a flash gun for camera enthusiasts!
Cons: I think the end cap should have been in the spirit of the original GRAFLEX, but inscribed with ROMAN PROPS instead of FOLMER, etc.



and JQSabers... https://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=s7ppf9lpsolmhjl4fuvtbmb4b0&topic=47263.0

Pros: Stainless Steel!!! Slight accidental scratch? Buff it off without worrying about underlying layers being revealled!
Cons: Project seems to be stalled. I think the end cap should have been in the spirit of the original GRAFLEX, but inscribed with JQSABERS instead of FOLMER, etc.



Need the grips, D-ring, etc.? Try here... http://wannawanga.com/shop/

Need electronics? Try here... http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Sound-C51.aspx



Good Luck on your lightsaber build!

 

[GINO]

I still have some t-track left.
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=258205

And here's a thread with pics and specs that should be helpful.
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=41387



.

 

[Sym-Cha]

Hi ashday and indeed welcome aboard

Since you are from France might I suggest as mentioned JQ Sabers : http://www.jqsabers.com/graflex-mpp/ though they are on holidays ... and it seems the G R A F L E X is out of stock ... still sending them an email or message won't hurt and ask when there's new stock available. Another option is to post a WTB in the Junkyard : http://www.therpf.com/want-buy/

Chaïm

 

[tomm1999]

Roman's just started shipping and they are the most accurate currently available. They are a replica camera flash, same thing as if you bought a vintage (with a couple small tells added by Roman to show that it is a replica/ make it easier to mod into a lightsaber). This can be made into a static (very accurate) prop using his conversion kits or parts from other vendors (wannawanga, gino, etc)

Parks does offer lights but no sound. Prepare to wait at least 6+ months if ordering from Parks. You can purchase the Parks kit directly from Korbanth (check in the Project Run threads/ Junkyard). Very quick shipping and he should have more on hand shortly. This kit includes all parts necessary to make a static prop. It is also manufactured to make installing electronics a bit easier with its included blade holder. You still need batteries, electronics etc. It takes about 5 to 15 minutes to build the Korbanth kit.


The Graflex Shop is a pre-order and is also an empty replica that is geared towards converting into a lightsaber. You can make it a static prop by purchasing parts from other vendors.

Dare I say its a great time to be in this hobby as there are numerous options out there which will fit almost everyone's needs.