Graflex.org

CombatPhotog · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland

I have a Graflex Solenoid #0 on my 4x5 Anniversary. Where can I find some info on how to get this devil to work? Every time I try to plug it in, it trips without even using the shutter release. Thanks for any help.

Rick

C. Henry · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2006 6:48 pm Post subject:

IIRC (my Graflex flash unit went missing when I moved from L.I. to GA in 1991) there are three places on the flash gun that will take the plug. One is for the solenoid, one for a remote tripper switch and one for an extention flash gun. If the solenoid is plugged in to the tripper outlet it will imediately trip and fire the flashbulb. Hope this helps but its accuracy depends on my memory from fifteen years ago.

C. Henry

CombatPhotog · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland

Yes there is three plug ins. I will give it a try and let you know what happens. Thanks
Rick

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

This is almost certainly a replacement solenoid. Back in the days of the Anniversary Speed. Solenoids came in two strengths: #2 and #3, both equal to the number of batteries in the case. They frowned on using a #2 with three batteries and vice versa, although I got a camera that from the factory did just that--A #2 solenoid with a 3 battery flash.

Fast forward one war 15 years. Flash sync is now the mainstay of the shutter and strobes have pretty much taken over. But the old timers still like the idea of an electric trip instead of fumbling out in front for the right lever. Now the solenoids are rated for their pull strength. At some point the #3 is dropped and the #0 replaces it on (I think) #3 supermatic shutters that need the extra umph.

That said, the wires to any solenoid should be able to be plugged into any of the up front ports on a Graflex flash (round button in back, glass eye up front). On a Graflite flash plug it in on the port marked "solenoid"

CombatPhotog · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland

Ill have to figure out how to post some pics on here for you guys. I have two Anni's with the same Solenoids. One marked #0 and the other with no markings at all. On the Graflex flash tube, there are three places to plug things in, but none of them are marked. Two of the plug ins look like the little round tube holes that match the solenoid, and the other looks like a household electrical socket, and it holds 3 c cell batteries. there is a button to trip the flash on the side but it is a silver metalic button that you slide down. If one of you could give me a quick lesson on how to post a pic, ill do that. Thanks again guys.

CombatPhotog · Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland

Les, I also forgot to add. I had read on one of these forums that the number designation on the solenoid was a camera designation. 0 for 4x5, 3 for 31/4x41/4, and 2 for 2x3. Or something like that. But I have no idea how the thing works let alone what the number means.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

RE: posting photos. You'll have to send the image up to your server then post the link. Most ISPs give the client a few megabites for a home page.

If that's too difficult, send the iamges to me and I will host/post them. lnphoto@twmi.rr.com

RE: solenoid numbers tied to format
If you think about it, the differences between a 0,2 &3 must be electrical, either resistance, current, impedence or torque, thus it really doesn't care if it's on a 2x3 or an 8x10 as long as the number of batteries in the case gives the solenoid enough voltage to pull the release with enough torque to trip the shutter.

Now there is a hint of truth to what you say, or at least correlation. Most Mini-Speeds were sold with a 2 cell Graflex flash and came with a #2 solenoid. 3x4 and 4x5 cameras were more often sold with a 3 cell flash and a #3 solenoid. I'd have to dig up my records on this, but I'm pretty sure the #0 came out during the post-sync Pacemaker era.

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2006-02-26 11:42 ]