Vintage Graflex Flash Gun found for $50

[Sandstorm]

so the D ring, i'd be better off buying one at a store and then taking some of the thin sheet metal i have laying around and make one myself.

rake handle is a good idea.

and just like the parts to the props i build, it figures there are multiple versions of the bubble strip and that the one we want is harder to find. story of my prop building life :unsure

 

[thd9791]

Black Rake blades...haha woo i do like that idea! It's so ironic we spend so much effort finding certain parts, when the prop dept 40 years ago was just slapping anything they could find together

As these ideas come up, has anyone found the best glue/adhesive to use for metal/plastic/rubber? I went to the glue isle in home depot and was overwhelmed with all the different kinds!

 

[Clutch]

Best glue I have found is rubberized cyanoacrylate glue - Bob Smith Industries - Cyanoacrylates

The IC-2000 variety.

 

[avianoguitarist]

EDC Studios has parts, but they're down for a server switch. Your best bet is:
Blast-Tech - Products - Camera Parts

Another good source for parts:
http://stores.ebay.com/TFX-STUDIOS-...?_fsub=2&_sid=100151574&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

I also see 3-cell bottom pop up on eBay from time-to-time.

 

[Sym-Cha]

so the D ring, i'd be better off buying one at a store and then taking some of the thin sheet metal i have laying around and make one myself.

Yep and you can also make the D-ring yourself from 2,5mm wire also mentioned in my instructions

-Chaim

 

[jacknevil]

View attachment 62424
Just found a Heiland for ANH Darth at a thrift store for 75 cents. I'll keep everyone posted when I get started.

 

[Sym-Cha]

Very nice ... and it even has the correct endcap although you do realise the real Darth Vader lightsaber props were all made from a MPP (Micro Precision Product) Flasgun

Blast-Tech has al the other bits and pieces you need, but contact him first via email before purchasing :

http://www.blast-tech.com/products_cameraParts.asp

-Chaim

 

[thd9791]

I just ordered an accessory kit through Blast-Tech (Yoda's House) I don't know much about john through yoda's house, whatever that is, but I have to say it was a pleasant experience! Emails were responded to quickly and were very helpful. He's sending my stuff out right away, I will always recommend blast tech now :lol

 

[thd9791]

UPS is coming on monday with my parts. YES!

 

[thd9791]

Finally got my parts, used the template and got everything situated. It's not exact screen accurate: I thought the reflective tape behind the lens and on the clamp looked better and we moved the D ring a little clockwise to line up better. Still though, what were there, like 5 different versions of the same prop? haha, For my hobby's sake, I'm perfectly happy!


There was human error now that I think of it. The grips are slightly staggered, within millimeters.and the tape around the clamp got wrinkled, but hey, it's a weapon of the old republic. haha either way, this thing is amazing. *the prop itself, everybody who makes one probably has this wow moment*


I do have to give my dad credit. I'm only 19, so shopping for parts, putting this together, was partially his work too He drilled, I used ratchets, etc http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x380/thd9791/DSCN0625.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x380/thd9791/DSCN0624.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x380/thd9791/DSCN0623.jpg

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x380/thd9791/DSCN0622.jpg

 

[Werstrooper]

damn thats sexy

nice stuff mate

 

[Jm419]

Your lever is backwards.

Beautiful prop. Nice work.

 

[thd9791]

Your lever is backwards.

Haha I know, it came that way. I guess a lot of flash handles are like that, and the clamp is screwed on, so I didn't want to mess too much with it.

 

[Clutch]

You realize you must flip it around or your build will be invalid.

It's just a flip and a twist.

 

[Jm419]

He mentioned the clamp is screwed on. Mine came that way, too; fortunately, the lever was in the right place.

 

[thd9791]

Yea in order to close the clamp tight enough to spin the lever, I'd have to unscrew it, and ...while that may not be that big of a deal, I just don't want to mess too much with this flash handle haha

Hey jm419 what sorta materials have you used for lightsaber guts/chassis?

 

[Sym-Cha]

Hi there,

All you need to do is :

*Remove your bubbles;

*Take the bottom off by opening the lever;

*Loosen that small screw on the clamp and take it out with it's counterpart inside;

*Take the top part off;

*You'll have your clamp completely free now;

*Squeeze the clamps towards eachother until you see the square part on the lever;

*Now turn the lever one half-turn loose, not thighter or the lever might break of after closing;

*Let go of the squeezing and put all the parts back together in reverse;

*Don't forget to put back that tiny brass part inside for your small clamp screw;

*Done

-Chaim

 

[Zwicky]

I don't suppose you could post the dimensions? It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thd9791]

I don't suppose you could post the dimensions? It would be greatly appreciated.

dimensions of...what exactly? The flash-gun itself...the parts attached, or my legs

 

[thd9791]

Resurrecting my first Graflex to say, after re-doing the grips once, I'm doing this again! The rivets were HARD! I had one hole a hair too large and a couple failed rivets. it looked to me like the D ring was shifted slightly off from the D ring set up so I went at it!

Thank you Roy for the D ring and rivets, My and My dads sidebars are on the way to the netherlands as we speak! I already beveled a bubble strip the Elstree way