International photographer (Jan-Dec 1941)

ififiOEUJinos Graflex Announces Flash Synchronizer The Graflex Flash Synchronizer has just been announced by the Folmer Graflex Corporation of Rochester. Engineered to new high standards from the ground up, it has been established during extensive use by the U. S. Army that it will maintain synchronism with Supermatic and Compur shutters long after the point at which momentary exhaustion or aging of the batteries, or low temperature, would have thrown many other outfits totally out of adjustment. It can be used on all cameras with between-the-lens-shutters capable of being synchronized (such as Supermatic and Compurl that have lensboards large enough to accommodate the solenoid release. This synchronizer is supplied in two models — a compact 2-cell unit that will probably be preferred by users of the Miniature Speed Graphic, and a 3-cell unit offering a somewhat greater battery life. The battery cases differ in length, and the solenoid releases have certain internal differences to assure the most efficient possible operation with the current available. Since the two units are identical in their performance characteristics, aside from the matter of battery life, both synchronizers are covered by the following description: The solenoid release is a cylindrical unit, so compact that it can be permanently mounted on the lensboards of the QAtA^A and 4x5 Anniversary Speed Graphics and remain in position with the camera closed. Quickly-detachable mounts are provided for the Miniature Speed Graphic, and for previous models of the larger sizes. The battery case may be attached to a suitable bracket on either side of the camera, and the new camclamp provides instant and firm attachment by the push of a lever. The case separates easily The new Graflex Speed Synchronizer for the occasional change of dry cells, and can be both adjusted vertically and rotated. There are two parallel outlets for multiple-flash work with the connecting cord and another for standard household plugs, as well as a series outlet for focal-plane synchronization and remote control. The switch is associated with the series outlet in such a way that accidental ignition of the lamp through the switch cannot occur when this outlet is in use. Silver points in all important connections assure positive contact. A built-in focusing spot-light, controlled by a convenient slide-switch, directs a beam of light on the subject to assure accurate sighting and focusing even in total darkness and to serve as an indicator of approximate battery condition. Two types of highly efficient reflectors are available: a 7-inch reflector for medium-base lamps, adjustable vertically for various sizes; and a 5inch reflector (approved by lighting engineers) for concentrated illumination with miniature bayonet-base lamps, distributing the light evenly over the field of normal focal-length lenses. Both have self-locking and self-centering attaching brackets, which permit instant removal and attachment in the correct position. Used lamps are automatically released by ejectors, thus permitting quick changes without burnt fingers. The major basic principle of the Graflex Synchronizer is the balance between the mechanical and electrical elements of its inertia-type solenoid release: it is designed to work on a battery having an output as low as 3 amperes, yet its accuracy is not noticeably affected by even the full 10-amp output of a 3-cell unit when the batteries are new. As a result any standard dry cell that fits in the battery case is completely satisfactory, and there is an ample reserve of current for accurate lamp ignition. Low temperatures causing a sharp drop in the output of even the freshest dry cell, or momentary exhaustion following a rapid series of flashes, or the loss of power that accompanies old age — none of these is likely to throw it "out of sync" until battery output drops to the point where lamp-ignition failure is to be expected. Due to the low current consumption of this new inertia-type solenoid release, three cells deliver enough current under most conditions to permit firing several lamps on suitable extension cords without readjustment of the synchronizer. A remote-control with a 25-foot cord, regular connecting-cords 17 inches and 36 inches long, and a focal-plane connecting-cord are available. Announcements from Bell & Howell New Exposure Calculator on Filmo Cameras From Bell & Howell comes word of an interesting new exposure calculator which is now being built into the B & H 16mm. magazine-loading line — the Filmo Auto Load, Speedster, and Auto Master Cameras. The new guide compensates for film emulsion speed, filter factor, and camera operating speed, in addition to the important external factors governing exposure — brilliance of sunlight, type of scene, season, and time of day. Despite its complete coverage of all details, says B & H. the new calculator is amazingly easy to use. With a single turn of the dial, it gives direct readings for Kodachrome film at normal camera speed, which, after all, is what thousands of owners will want. Then, any additional compensating adjustments are made one at a time, and the proper F stop is clearly indicated at each move. The new guide is of the familiar convex metal dial design, with an outer disk rotating to effect 22