fiduciary

Author Topic: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber  (Read 131548 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Red Five

  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1097
  • "My daddy can whoop your daddy!" -Luke Skywalker
Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« on: December 17, 2006, 09:50:37 AM »
A Graflex 3-Cell flashgun was the actual prop used by George Lucas
for Luke's lightsabers in A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.

The Graflex flashgun held the flash bulbs for a vintage
 "Speed Graphic" camera from the 1940's.




*Note: No modifications or changes beyond the flash pan being removed
have been made to the flashgun in this pic.


There are different versions of the flashgun, but it's a 3-cell flashgun
with patent #2310165 stamped onto the bottom that was used for the film.


The 3 pieces of a disassembled graflex flashgun


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graflex flashgun conversion to Luke's ANH Lightsaber Hilt
-Seven 3 5/8" long black hand grips
- LED calculator 7 bubble display lens slid into the Graflex's mounting clamp
Only two 7 bubble models are known,
Texas Instruments Exactra 19 and Exactra 20 from 1974.
(pic of an Exactra 20 interior)

-D-ring attached with single screw for the belt clip
-Chrome tape -  1/2" wide chrome mylar tape for covering
the word "Graflex" that is stamped into the clamp.

Graflex flashgun conversion to Luke's ESB Lightsaber Hilt
-Six 3 5/8" long black rubber hand grips notched and fasteners added
-A second red button replaced the test light lens

-HP-44 bus type computer card edge connector cut down to 2" long with
13 gold connectors was slid into the Graflex's mounting clamp

-D-ring attached with screws or rivets (multiple versions)

-Chrome tape -  1/2" wide chrome mylar tape for covering
the word "Graflex" that is stamped into the clamp.

For more detailed info on Luke's ANH & ESB hilts click on the following links:
ANH http://www.partsofsw.com/skysab.htm
ESB http://www.partsofsw.com/esbsksab.htm

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Graflex ANH Luke built by Yoda of FX-Sabers.com


Graflex ESB Luke built by Yoda of FX-Sabers.com


ANH & ESB side-by-side


Yoda's Complete Saber Kit, with interchangeable bottoms ANH & ESB 
All the parts needed to put together both lightsabers.





------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yoda's Graflex ANH and ESB lightsabers feature:

Blue 3watt Luxeon LED
  -Luxeon is evenly lit along the shaft and is brighter at the base
(just like in the original trilogy movie posters) because it's a single
light that is placed into the hilt. The placement of the LED allows for
a removable blade making a Luxeon the best choice for dueling.


TCSS Aluminum Blade Holder
  -The Custom Saber Shop...http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/
The blade is held in place by a solid aluminum holder.

Corbin Components Blade & Film
-The Corbin film is a diffuser that gives the saber a white core
 in the center of the blade (just like in the original trilogy movie posters).


Blast Tech Rubber Grips
ANH version has 7.  ESB version 6.

Including Sound and Battery module w/protective sleeve.
A plastic sleeve is used to center and protect the battery cartridge also allowing the sound to travel back up the saber and out of the holes of the Graflex clamp as well as in conjunction with the multiple holes hidden under the D-Ring. The placement of these holes give you a loud saber without sacrificing the movie accurateness of the hilt. The sound is chambered and resonates through the body giving a slightly different (a more metallic resonance) and deeper tone  from the typical Anakin sounds even though it's the same module. It also does not have the direct harshness of the MR sound at the bottom of the hilt. Do not worry it's not at all muffled sounding...it is Loud guaranteed.

 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
On/ Off
The red push button is the activator for the blade.
Since it's not a switch this reduces accidental turn offs during dueling, spinning, or handling of the saber.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight
The Graflex's combined weight of hilt and blade is lighter than the MR Anakin ROTS which uses a heavier cast metal. The Graflex has a lighter blade because it's hollow (no LEDs inside) which makes the hilt feel heavier giving the Graflex a better feel than a MR. Also with an aluminum adapter in the top and batteries in the bottom the Graflex's hilt by itself is better balanced than a stock MR.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Note: All Graflex's have a degree of natural weathering from being around for 60 years which is actually more movie prop realistic being that
Luke's sabers were used and weathered from training. So the Graflex looks the part of being a real lightsaber that's served its master well.

------------------------------------------------------------------------


"I can use either an Original Vintage Graflex Flashguns and/or Parks Graflex Replicas. The Vintages usually cost about $50 more
because of their higher cost to obtain as well as the extra labor involved because they need to be throughly cleaned as well as
gutting the parts is more difficult than a Parks Hilt because a Vintage is not necessarily designed to be taken apart."  -Yoda

To order or talk with Yoda simply PM him using this link:
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?action=pm;sa=send;u=75

For more info on Yoda's Graflex's click on the following link:
http://www.fx-sabers.com/forum/index.php?board=47.0




------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this post has helped in buying a Graflex from Yoda please mention my name and the post to him.
It is his Graflex that was my inspiration for writing. Thank You. -Red Five
« Last Edit: March 31, 2008, 12:56:55 PM by Red Five »

Offline darthmaddy

  • formerly known as Darth Malak
  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1949
  • BATMAUL
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2006, 11:17:18 AM »
That is an extremely informative thread, well done. ;)
I'm not wearing hockey pads.

Offline Knuckle01

  • formerly known as Jedi Master Knuckle
  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 3917
  • I am a Jedi, like my father before me...
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2006, 06:20:07 PM »
outstanding knowledge!!! good job
The Force will be with you....always.

Offline Kyp Durron

  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 3543
  • Member of the Lost 10
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2006, 06:37:33 PM »
A great plug for Yoda's Graflex sabers.  8)

One of my New Year's resolutions is to get another to replace the one I was forced to sell earlier this year.

-Joclad

2010...I certainly hope it's better than 2009 was! ::)
10/10/10~Well, so far with my Father's passing away, I'd say that this year was actually worse than 2009, even the fact that I now have a full time job (For now) isn't anywhere near enough to make up for that...so...maybe 2011 will be better? I'm not holding my breath... ::)

Offline snaggletooth

  • Padawan Learner
  • **
  • Posts: 67
  • Impressive.....
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2006, 07:45:50 PM »
Interesting to note that (according to the Parts Of Star Wars website) Yoda's ESB version is not an exact copy of any of the known sabers but more of a conglomeration of the most famous/popular features.
I kind of like that.
It is a thing of beauty though, that's for sure.
 :o
FX with Lux-III conversion by Pan-Galactic Bizarr
Luke ESB Graflex by Master Yoda
FX with Lux-III conversion by me using UltraSabers DIY kit

Offline levelnext

  • formerly known as levelnext
  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1824
  • you are what you is
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #5 on: December 18, 2006, 01:45:38 AM »
great job, i love this thread!
On a mission to constantly annoy C3PO!

--:CLICK HERE TO SEE MY COLLECTION:--

Offline darthmaddy

  • formerly known as Darth Malak
  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 1949
  • BATMAUL
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #6 on: December 18, 2006, 07:45:30 PM »
These are great for dueling too.  My Graflex FX is the lightest saber I have.  And its smaller hilt diameter is very comfortable.  I highly recommend this saber!
I'm not wearing hockey pads.

Offline Yoda

  • Jedi Master
  • Administrator
  • Master Force User
  • *
  • Posts: 6171
  • Formerly known as MERIDIAN
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #7 on: January 05, 2007, 01:25:51 AM »
Interesting to note that (according to the Parts Of Star Wars website) Yoda's ESB version is not an exact copy of any of the known sabers but more of a conglomeration of the most famous/popular features.
I kind of like that.
It is a thing of beauty though, that's for sure.
 :o

Yes, my ESB version uses the Top end of the Dueling Saber featured in the "failure at the cave" sceen
where the top tab ring is still intact.

And the Bottom is basically the "wampa cave" with a 1/2 band and K-bold Ring and extra grip screws.

And the Shiny silver look of the screws that MR implied with it's LE and EE versions for the lower grip
screws it just adds more visual appeal with everything in place. :)

( owners can then modify as they see fit ;) )

HOWEVER if I do a Vintage ESB I can remove the Tab ring as I did on my Hyperdyne unit.
On the replicas if I remove it, there is a scar left behind from it being assembled by the Manufacturer
due to the way they press it in and it doesn't look right.


So for Vintage ESB units if requested I'll do an exact screen version which can best be seen hanging from
Lukes belt right after Boba Fett takes a few shots at him in the Cloud City hallway ;)
This Saber from that sceen looks Identical to my Hyperdyne unit...

But my Personal ESB I use for dueling and shows etc... is like the ones I sell with the button ring and silver
grip screws...


FYI:
for all those wondering :D
The 1 inch band only appears in the Museum Hilt on Display with Lucas and is never seen in the movie ;)
trust me I've looked for it.
And the band is actually just slightly larger than 1/2 inch in the dagobah scenes but it's not a full inch
by any means like the image over at page top of POSW.

The correct size looks to be aproximately 9/16th to 5/8th depending on flat chrome strip or textured.
and depending on sceen.


I'm really glad those who got the ESB versions like the combined version I do and see it for everything
it's meant to be... 8)

They do take a bit more work than an ANH because of all the grip screws and installing them so, I do charge
more for the ESB's but it's worth it to make them look the best they can ;D

MTFBWY
always
YODA


Offline Darth Raijlin

  • Great Sith Leader and Hero
  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 2816
  • Member of the Lost 10
    • White Dragon Academy
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #8 on: January 05, 2007, 08:08:01 PM »
Yoda, with the new Ultra Saber fiber optic blade, are you still using the Corbin film or have you switched over?

Man, I thought your sabers were more expensive.  I just happened to be surfing around, because I've always been amazed by your masterpieces, and I saw they are $365!  Oh man...now more Dark Jedi Mind Tricks to be performed on my wife.

And we have our third little youngling due any day    :o

*Turns to wife*  This IS the saber you are looking for.  This IS the saber you are looking for.

Offline Knuckle01

  • formerly known as Jedi Master Knuckle
  • Master Force User
  • *****
  • Posts: 3917
  • I am a Jedi, like my father before me...
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #9 on: January 06, 2007, 09:56:58 AM »
lmao....outstanding DR....you cracked me up bro. hey let us know about your new younging when he/she arrives.
The Force will be with you....always.

Offline Yoda

  • Jedi Master
  • Administrator
  • Master Force User
  • *
  • Posts: 6171
  • Formerly known as MERIDIAN
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #10 on: January 06, 2007, 08:53:23 PM »
Yoda, with the new Ultra Saber fiber optic blade, are you still using the Corbin film or have you switched over?

Man, I thought your sabers were more expensive.  I just happened to be surfing around, because I've always been amazed by your masterpieces, and I saw they are $365!  Oh man...now more Dark Jedi Mind Tricks to be performed on my wife.

And we have our third little youngling due any day    :o

*Turns to wife*  This IS the saber you are looking for.  This IS the saber you are looking for.

I like to sell them with the Corbin Filmed Blade because of the Original Trilogy Look to it.
But when I start doing the next Run for 2007 I may give people the chioce of an Ultra or
Corbin Blade or no blade and it would just be the hilt in a case...

Not sure yet because I'm waiting on some things, but I'll let everyone know once I'm ready to start taking orders ;)


Offline Dark Helmet

  • Force User
  • ***
  • Posts: 134
  • Hail Skroob!
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #11 on: February 03, 2007, 03:14:07 AM »
Master Yoda, your sabers are nothing less than awesome.
I'm looking forward to order you one in a month or two.
Can you let me know how much will cost with an international expedition to Italy?
LS Owned:

+ Yoda's Graflex V (Luke ESB Replica) -a masterpiece-
+ Cyan Luxeon III Anakin ROTS

Offline Yoda

  • Jedi Master
  • Administrator
  • Master Force User
  • *
  • Posts: 6171
  • Formerly known as MERIDIAN
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #12 on: February 08, 2007, 10:36:35 PM »
Master Yoda, your sabers are nothing less than awesome.
I'm looking forward to order you one in a month or two.
Can you let me know how much will cost with an international expedition to Italy?

Hello there Dark Helmet

When your ready just send me a PM message with your prefered model type and I'll help you out.


Offline Andymac84

  • Force User
  • ***
  • Posts: 164
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #13 on: June 11, 2009, 09:31:22 AM »
Very informative. Thank u.
I love this thread.
The beginning and end of the quest are defined moments. Between these two points lies a world of strange adventure, wonder and mystery....

Offline Firedrops

  • Force User
  • ***
  • Posts: 163
Re: Graflex: The Real Lightsaber
« Reply #14 on: June 24, 2009, 09:50:11 AM »
Hmm... i don't get it. how do these graphlex things help or enhance a lightsaber? are there differences in the lighting system in the blade if the graphlex things were removed? so in short, the graphlex is the 7 little beady things?
credits to Paul Lanski(for making these models)

 

retrousse