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Replacement top handle for old auto graflex?

 
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keshlam



Joined: 21 May 2021
Posts: 38
Location: Boston area

PostPosted: Sun May 30, 2021 6:12 pm    Post subject: Replacement top handle for old auto graflex? Reply with quote

The top handle of my RB Auto 3.25 x 4.25 is not quite dead but is hanging on by a thread...

[img]https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CuW6pR4ACmn8FiDJYbhNdrd1vMq2iDKn/view?usp=sharing[/img]

1) It looks like this was attached by wrapping a string around posts on either side of the handle and then tying/gluing the string tight, so I am presuming that I could retrofit a basic leather handle fairly easily.... True?

2) Are there better alternatives to preserve the look of the original? (Other than trying to recreate the multi-layer built-up design thereof myself?) Maybe someone's found a luggage handle supplier that sells something Close Enough? (I'm presuming that this is how Graflex sourced the original...)




Obviously, if there's a standard doc for initial cosmetic cleanup and basic condition check, please point me in the right direction. Tnx!
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45PSS



Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
Location: Mid Peninsula, Ca.

PostPosted: Sun May 30, 2021 9:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
It looks like this was attached by wrapping a string around posts on either side of the handle and then tying/gluing the string tight

The original was/is a strip of leather riveted to the view hood door.
I use contact cement to bond the layers of the handle back together.

Graflex likely made their own handles. There are some luggage strap handles that are the same shape but are a single layer.

The covering on the camera is XXX Moroccan leather. Clean with Isopropyl Alcohol then apply Neatsfoot oil (pure, not blended) in light coats allowing to dry/soak in for a day between coats) then buff with a soft cloth when dry.
Kiwi Premium liquid polish will make it look new.
https://www.kiwicare.com/en-us/products/kiwi-color-shine
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keshlam



Joined: 21 May 2021
Posts: 38
Location: Boston area

PostPosted: Mon May 31, 2021 3:14 am    Post subject: So this handle is already a replacement Reply with quote

If the original handle was riveted down, this one is already a replacement -- given that it was designed to be held by brackets (the ends broaden to not pull through) but is actually held by string looped around the rivets to function as a pseudo-bracket.

In which case I don't feel a great need to preserve it. A simple handle similar to https://www.amazon.com/Mgoodoo-Leather-Replacement-Cabinet-Mounting/dp/B08FD8Q56J, and some good durable string to replace the current "bracket" loops, ought to do the job mechanically and not further detract from value.


Thanks for the leather care tips.
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jerryg



Joined: 04 Apr 2017
Posts: 71
Location: spokane wa.

PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2021 1:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

if your looking for a quality replacement handle, i make them. look for ''graflex garage'' on facebook
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keshlam



Joined: 21 May 2021
Posts: 38
Location: Boston area

PostPosted: Fri Jun 04, 2021 1:47 am    Post subject: Thanks, JerryG... Reply with quote

I usually avoid Faceboot, which may be why I didn't notice you before. Thanks for the pointer.
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keshlam



Joined: 21 May 2021
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Location: Boston area

PostPosted: Mon Jul 26, 2021 3:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

For now, I have affixed a new temporary handle using the same shoelace-around-the-rivets-and-glue-the-knots approach.

Random thought: Did anyone ever come up with shoulder straps for the Graflex reflexes, and if so how were they affixed? (Screws in a safe place, harness, other...) I don't like the thought of putting the camera's weight on the viewing hood cover's latch and hinges for very long, and it might be nice to have a safety strap while using the camera handheld. I may be being unreasonable, of course, but I often did use a wrist strap on my 35mm cameras.
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