hello,
i'm doing research for a film taking place from 1929-34....i would like to know what are the earliest flash units used with top handle speed graphic cameras....were they mounted to the cameras? does anyone have pictures? my best guess is the star wars unit, but i'm at a loss....
warmest regards,
fuzzyg

Sorry this took so long and you've probably got an answer by now. Graflex didn't get into the Flash market until 1940-41 so at era 1929-1934 would be a Pre-Ann with either a Heiland, Mendelson or flash powder.

Prior to about 1938, flashbulbs were rarely able to synchronize with the shutter and were generally used as open flash. They weren't consistent enough to synchronize. If you can get a copy of Morgan and Lester's 1939 book on Synchro Flash photography, it gives some pretty good information on the flash techniques and equipment of the day. I have a most unique flash gun that came with a Rex Labs crime scene camera of about 193? vintage. It's nothing but a 2 cell household flashlight with a reflector that fits on in place of the flashlight head. Open flash for sure.