hi all, I have just received a very perfect copy of a 1930 folmer graflex, little to no wear. I would like to be able to add a flash mount. any one know where I can find one for the same period of this camera?

jerryg wrote:

hi all, I have just received a very perfect copy of a 1930 folmer graflex, little to no wear. I would like to be able to add a flash mount. any one know where I can find one for the same period of this camera?

Whats your plan? Do you simply want to display your Graflex w/ a flash? You do know electric flash sync does not happen w/ Graflex FP shutter & the only true option for using electric flash is open flash method.

If your looking for a Graflex flash bracket I would suggest looking on eBay. Probably not what you wanted to hear. I do see them on the site often.


BTW which model Graflex did you receive?

thank you for your reply
I do want to use it, but only after I get better at taking pictures, it's difficult when there is no one into this stuff in my location that i can learn from and there is SO MUCH info out there with different/oposite opinions i dont know which to listen to lol
so I'm learning by mistakes lol
i think only special occasions will i bring this out of the display case to take pictures. but would like flash capabilities, and with this camera I would really like to stay old school with it. I thought of setting up a solenoid to release the lens shutter in timing with the flash.
it's a speed graphic serial #229024

here is my camera
https://ibb.co/g7kFyH
https://ibb.co/dwFhdH
https://ibb.co/bLi2dH
https://ibb.co/kuSHCc

I cannot tell from your pictures if your Rim Set Compur has a flash sync or not. If not you will need a solenoid synced to trip the shutter so that it is open when the bulb reaches 2/3 of peak output.
https://graflex.org/helpboard/viewtopic.php?t=1453
I would much appreciate detailed pictures of the rangefinder mounting and the connecting arm to the bed.

229024 is about the middle of an order for 500 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 Speed Graphics listed on 12/29/1937 with the next order listed in March 1938.
This 4x5 instruction manual will be the same for the 3x4 Pre Anniversary Speed you have.
http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_18.html

This is a Graflex Synchronizer body mount
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GRAFLEX-FLASH-MOUNTING-BRACKET/112834382313?hash=item1a457409e9:g:KfcAAOSwpYdakbFo
It attaches direct to the camera body where the rangefinder is.

This later model Kalart has a Graflex Synchronizer attached to the housing
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kalart-Synchronized-Rangefinder-Graflex/152898442715?hash=item23997515db:g:vFoAAOSwEaBZ8Lvz
This style bracket is occasionally found on an encircling bracket that mounts over the rangefinder and attaches to the body.

This 1941 catalog http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_10.html shows an encircling bracket for the Graflex Flash Synchronizer.

thank you for the reply, I sent you a pm

reply sent.

FP flash bulbs can be used with the focal plane shutter. FP flash bulbs have a longer burn time than standard flash bulbs.
Read the flash bulb articles under the Technical Information and Articles headings on the home page.
Use 1/30 second or slower shutter speed with all flash bulbs.