Hello Everyone!
It has been a long time since I my self have posted a review but today we have not only
a new product that also pertains to my graflex business but a product in my opinion that
is truly worthy of a proper review. :cool:
In this case a "pre review" as this is the first production prototype and a few changes need
to be made for functionality and reliability to ensure it is conversion read in those areas
but they are easily done and I have such design solutions being worked out for recommending
to the JQs and their manufacturer. :wink:
I will let the pictures speak for themselves but what you can't see it what I will elaborate
on and best describe so you can get a better idea as to what my experience is.
First this is obviously a Graflex flash gun replication and over all, is properly shaped when
compared to a Vintage of the same era.
Second is the "Stainless Steel" Edition and this differs from the standard vintage or replica
that is a plated Brass.
The most noticeable difference is the difference in consistency of metal over the plated brass
units like vintages that typically have uneven wall thickness and are not as precise in their
alignment as this new Stainless Steel version is.
How this stainless steel unit compares in durability to the brass over the long run remains
to be seen but its surfaces won't wear through to a different color which is a welcome
change to the graflex process its self. :smiley:
Everything about the stainless version is simply more precise and made to fit with tighter
tolerances yet they result in a smoother connection between top, clamp and bottom parts.
The Finish in Stainless is beautiful and is even on all parts.
It is complimented by the various chromed and satin finished pieces like the clamp ears
and locking lever in much the same order as a vintage unit.
Some items on the Replica are being replaced with more conventional and easier to
remove and replace such as the clamp ear pin being replaced with a screw etc...
All in all it is a replication but I feel it is actually an improvement on the once imprecise
tooling and press forming parts of the vintage or previous replicas.
Once all the final revisions are made I will continue the review and update on the final
production unit after the few needed revisions are made.
At which point once everything gets finalized we should get a better idea as to the
production capability, availability, pricing etc...
I'm personally glad to see this as its not just a flash gun replica but a real step in the
right direction as far as the quality of work is concerned and represents the quality
fit and finish people want form the Guild Members here at fx-sabers. :grin:
For members who would be interested in getting one of these once they are ready please
post your interest in this topic :wink:
YODA approved (so far) yes Mikey likes it. :yoda:
MTFBWY
always
YODA
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010001_zpsnojquhii.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010001_zpsnojquhii.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010003_zpsrizmii0l.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010003_zpsrizmii0l.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010006_zpslbtlofhk.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010006_zpslbtlofhk.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010008_zpsx8omj9fb.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010008_zpsx8omj9fb.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010010_zpssrc6stwr.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010010_zpssrc6stwr.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010012_zpsrw6yyymo.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010012_zpsrw6yyymo.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010014_zps3wnf55ko.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010014_zps3wnf55ko.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010016_zps3ssc7gzp.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010016_zps3ssc7gzp.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010020_zpskspztla3.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010020_zpskspztla3.jpg.html)
Here it is compared to a vintage
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010022_zpsegjvgonx.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010022_zpsegjvgonx.jpg.html)
(https://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa60/FX-SABERS/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010021_zpsfxgnysmk.jpg) (https://s201.photobucket.com/user/FX-SABERS/media/Graflex%20FXSabers%20Hilt%20Types/P1010021_zpsfxgnysmk.jpg.html)