Film cameras
Graflex Strobomatic 500 User manual
User manual for Graflex Strobomatic 500. 33 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
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Document details
- Brand
- Graflex
- Model / document
- Graflex Strobomatic 500
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 33
- File size
- 2.7 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 4 · Read text
The Strobomatic 500 offers a new stand- Shoot in damp, misty conditions,if you
ard of electronic llash performance and must. Both Strobomatic battery-powered
flexibility. lt's so portable, you'll take models have cases that are waterproof
this flash system along no matter where a full 3Vz inches from the bottom. The
your shooting assignments take you. IfdI model, normally not exposed to
severe water conditions, is water tight
power pack bases. to |th" lrom the bottom.Ft There are three
lTGf The RechargeableDry Nickel As you use the Strobomatic 500, you'll
Battery come to appreciate the novel VelcoIt Cadmium
Ilf The High Voltage Battery hook and eye cord valet. Just touch the
back of the power cord plug to a special If| 117 Volt, 50-60 CYcleAC section of the shoulder pad. Tiny hooks
Select the power base that meets your and eyes stick and hold, instantly,keep
shooting requirements. the power cord out of the way until you
need it.
Your Strobomatic 500 is designed for
comfortable carrying. The large, adjust- There's safety built into this system,too.
able carrying strap has a specially- A special interlock safety switch in the
t r e a t e d s h o u l d e r p a d t h a t r e s i s t s P o w e r P a c k t o p a u t o m a t i c a l l y d i s -
slippage and helps distributethe unit's charges capacitors when the two Power
weight. The body-contoured case is Pack sections are separated.This elimi-
madeof high impactCycolac*plasticand nates any shock hazards.
can take plenty of rough handling. lt's Power and Performance they're
designed to stay in its place, at your built into this Graflex Strobomatic 500
side, under all action shooting situa- system. See for yourself the next time
tions. your pictures call for flash.
*TM Borg-WarnerCorporation
;S&,isj&o; ,,,..,.,.',3 ,iView original page 4Page 6 · Read text
Power Pack top lTlrr Power Pack BaseO @
f,f Models only
@ AdjustabteCarrying Strap
@ Tfil Power Pack Base
O Power Cord Holder tH Modetsonty
O Power Control & OFF Switch @ Charge Receptacletf Models Only
Power Cord Receptacle(Both Ends)O
Charger EGI Models Only @ Battery End Latch (Both Ends)O
@ Lamphead
O 7' Coiled Power Gord
@ Tripod Socket trfr Power Pack BaseO
fff iyiooersOnry @ Shutter Cord Receptacle
O If Power Cord RecePtacle @ Power Cord Receptacle
Uf Models only
@ Ready-Light
@ ffdr Power Cord ffdr Models
Only @ LampheadControl Switch
Rubber Battery Case Adapter Exposure GalculatorO @
@ MountingAdapter @ Open Flash ButtonView original page 6Page 7 · Read text
1. Installbattery in Power Pack Base-
see instructionscoveringyour individual
u n it on following pages.
2. To assemblePower Pack base to top,
insert male plugs on top section into
female sockets in Power Pack base or
Battery and fasten end latches @(F i g . 1 ).
3. Connect shutter cord (optional ac-
cessory) between Lamphead and Syn-
ch ronizer Fitting on camera or shutter
(Fig. 2).
www.orphancameras.comView original page 7Page 8 · Read text
Connectthe power cord to the Lamp- Firmly press button on power pack
head. Polarityis not important.Connect front panel to select desired power level
the other end into either power cord (Fig. 5). Do not change power selection
receptacle on power pack, while de- while unit is recycling.
pressingopen flash button (Fig. 3).
Set Lamphead Control Switch. SH ofor synchronizationwith camera (shut-
ter), SL for slave operation(Fig.a).
olHdP}' 7. The Lamphead Ready Light will
$Lt-mll|$l{ freachedl i c k e r w85%h e n oft h echarge,c a p a cindicatingi t o r s h a vae
light output level only yz f-stop below
full capacity. Full capacity is reached
in another one to three seconds de-
pending on power level used.
8. The Lamphead Ready-Lightwill con-
tinue to flicker when the unit is ooer-
able. To check unit simply press the
Open Flash button located on Lamphead
top. To tu rn u n it off, press "OFF" but-
ton. Ready-Lightwill continueto flicker
for a short time.
7 )View original page 8Page 9 · Read text
DeterminingExposure
The StrobomaticLamphead'sback panel
incorporates an easy-to-use exposure
calculatordial. You can find the proper
aperture setting by following these sim-
ple steps. (Fig. 6).
1. Select appropriate ASA f ilm speed
number on outer ring of dial.
2. Set selected ASA number opposite
the pointer indicating power level being
used.
3. Read recommended aperture setting
oppositethe distancethat applies to the
picture-takingsituation.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 9Page 10 · Read text
The new Strobomatic Lamphead is made o
o f h i g h i m p a c t C y c o l a c * p l a s t i c a n d
c a n t a k e p l e n t y o f r o u g h h a n d l i n g . Y o u
w i l l f i n d i t a h i g h l y u s e f u l s h o o t i n g p a r t -
n e r w h e t h e r h a n d - h e l d o r m o u n t e d .
The Lamphead has a standard tripod -.€-socket in the base and can be used with
n u m e r o u s m o u n t i n g d e v i c e s ( F i g . 7 ) . The Rubber Battery Case Adapter, in- ln[TmlllA
cluded with the Strobomatic 500, enables
the Lamphead to be easily mounted on
top of a standard battery case or an
a c c e s s o r y m o u n t i n g t u b e ( F i g . 8 ) .
T h e M o u n t i n g A d a p t e r , a l s o i n c l u d e d ,
p e r m i t s m o u n t i n g i n t h e r e t a i n i n g s l o t
on the top of the Strobomatic Power
P a c k ( F i g . 9 ) . l t m a y a l s o b e m o u n t e d
o n a G r a f l e x M u l t i - G r i p ( F i g . 1 0 ) . B o t h
a p p l i c a t i o n s a l l o w f u l l 3 6 0 ' r o t a t i o n o f
t h e L a m p h e a d .
o
An aluminum battery case adapter (Cat.
N o . 2 0 6 7 ) i s a v a i l a b l e ( F i g . 1 1 ) . " L "
brackets (Cat. No.'s 2065 and 2758) and
platform bracket (Cat. No. 2760) permit
l a m p h e a d m o u n t i n gView original page 10Page 11 · Read text
1. Press OFF button on Power Pack,
t h e n f l i p o p e n t h e t w o s i d e h o fd i n g
latches and lift off Power Pack top
Model RG (Figs. 13 & 14).
The Strobomatic500 is powered
by a newly developed 35 watt hour re-
chargeable nickel cadmium battery.
When properlycharged,the battery will
deliver150-200flashes(full power),200-
250 flashes (half power), and 250-300
flashes (quarter power). Due to its re-
chargeable nature, the battery
has a life expectancy of approximately
25,000 flashes at full power before 2. Connect the Battery Charger
replacement. to the Charge Receptacleon the top of
the Power Pack base, then plug the re-
mainingend into a standard117-v50-00
cycle outlet(Fig.15).
@
www.orphancameras.comView original page 11Page 12 · Read text
NOTE: While moderate overchargingis Replacing the RG Battery
not harmful to the nickel cadmium bat-
tery, charging for periods in excess of 1. Press the OFF button on Power Pack,
50 hours is not recommended.Charging flip open the two side holding latches
time should be calculated on the basis and lift off the Power Pack top (Follow
of approximatelyone hour recharge for Fig. 13 and 14).
every 10 flashes. A full recharge takes 2. With a coin or screwdriver,loosen the
16 hours. two screws holding the battery cover
3. With the EGf battery properly re- and lift out the cover (Fig. 16).
charged, remove Battery Charger, re-
place Power Pack top and fasten the
two side holding latches.
NOTE: An Automotive
ilJS q1itffitifJ'Charging",:,inCord1'"!?,:',',nT,?,':Hcharge the GEI unit while you drive.
lf the positive terminal of your auto-
mobile battery is connected to the
chassis, polarity on charging cord must
be reversed.
1 1View original page 12Page 13 · Read text
Proper Gare of the 3. Remove old battery. Remove protec- RG Nickel Cadmium Battery tive cover f rom f resh nickel cadmium
battery (Fig. 17). Align the red dot on The life expectancy of the Strobomatic
top of the f resh battery with the red Efil nickel cadmium battery is de-
dot on the Power Pack base section pendent on the use and care it receives.
(Fig. 18). Insert fresh nickel cadmium Follow these tips for good care and
battery. Refit cover and tighten screws. long use.
lf a nickel cadmium battery, known
to be in good condition, is inadver-
tently discharged to the extent that the
recycle period exceeds 20 seconds, the
battery is e x h a u s t e d . T h i s m e a n s a
charge of up to 50 hours is needed.
After this extended charge period, and
two or th ree normal charge-discharge
cycles, the battery will regain full power
capacity.
4. Replace Power Pack top and fasten During prolonged periods of storage,
the two side holding latches. a battery will lose some of its charge.
H i g h s t o r a g e t e m p e r a t u r e w i l l a l s o
increase self-discharge and must be
avoided. During such extended storage,
a battery will lose approximately 25o/o
of its charge for each month of rlorr-
use. Recharging time required is ap-
proximatelytwo to three hours for each
month of non-use. After a six month
period of non use, apply a full recharge
cycle of sixteen to twenty hours.1 2 www.orphancameras.comView original page 13Page 14 · Read text
Model HV temperature.DO NOT place the battery
The Strobomatic 5OOf,nf is powered near a heater or radiator for quick
by a speciallydesigned450 volt dry bat- warming.
tery. U nder normal useage,th is battery A large number of flashes in a shortshould g ive u p to 1000 f lashes (fu ll time period may lengthen the recyclingpower),2000 flashes (Vz power), or time. An overnight rest will restore the3000 flashes (V4 power). faster recycling time. Use of a Strobo-
flash Battery Booster is recommended.
Proper Care of Your HV Battery
Your EE battery will give longer, When to Replace
more powerfu I service if these sugges- Your HV Battery
tions are followed.
Your lrlll battery is nearing the end For extended storage, the f,[f bat- of its usefulnesswhen, following a 12tery should be placed in a plastic bag hour rest, the recyclingtime exceeds 15and stored in a cool area, such as a seconds with the Full Power level but-refrigerator or a deep ireezer. ton pushed. A second warning occurs
DO NOT LEAVE a battery exposed to when the Lamphead Ready-Lightwill
high temperatures. When transporting no longer light.
in an automobile, place on the floor. Use Stroboflash Battery Analyzer toExcessive heat results in rapid cell determine battery condition.deterioration.
Low temperaturewill not injure a bat-
tery, but it retards the chemical action
resulting in a longer recycling time.
Normal recycling will return when the
battery has warmed to room tempera-
ture. Keep a frozen battery in the plas-
tic bag until it has returned to normalView original page 14Page 15 · Read text
Press the Power Pack OFF button
(Fig. 19). Flip open the two side holding
latches and lift off Power Pack top
(Fig. 20). Slide battery out of bottom m
case (Fig. 21). Insert new battery
into Power Pack base making sure fe-
male sockets are u p and toward the rcurved side of the base (Fig.22).
Fit Power Pack top to base. Be sure
male terminals on Power Pack top fit
e a s i l y i n t o f e m a l e b a t t e r y s o c k e t s
(Fig. 23).
Fasten the two side holding latches
(See Fig. 1 & Fig. 19).
@
www.orphancameras.comView original page 15Page 16 · Read text
Model AC lf you observe a full circle of light
(Fig. 24), your shutter is properly syn-
The Strobomatic 500 Jl'dI is powered ch ronized.
f rom a standard 1 17 volt 50 or 60 cycle lf you observe a pinwheel patternhousehold outlet. To energize the unit, (Fig. 251, the shutter blades are eithersimply insert the three-terminal female opening or closing.This means the flashplug end of the power cord into the was too early or too late. The cameraPower Pack base receptacle.Then plug is not in synchronization.the other end into a 117-v AC outlet.
lf camera has focal plane shutter, r€-
fer to camera instruction manual for
proper shutter speeds for use with elec-
tronic flash.
Checking Synchronization
To ensure the finest flash results with
your Strobomatic500, your camera shut-
ter and the Strobomatic must be syn-
chronized. Here is how you can check
this synchronization.
1. With the StrobomaticPower Pack and
Lamph@d ponnected to your camera
aim the iffi,e, and Lamphead at a
light colored su rfZlce.
2. Open or remove the camera back.
3. With the Diaphragm wide open, set
desired shutter speed, cock shutter, and
look through the camera.
4. Release the shutter.
1 5View original page 16Page 17 · Read text
Slave Operation allows you to automat-
ically flash a number of lights when you
take a picture. A unique, patented fea-
tu re of the Strobomatic 500 Lamphead
permits this slave operation with no
camera-connectedwiring or plug-in ac-
cessory devices. All you need to do is
connect the Lampheadto a Power Pack.
To operatethe Strobomatic500 Lamp-
head under slave conditions, set the
Lamphead Control Switch to SL (Fig.
26) and place the Lamphead so that its
fens is facing either a direct or reflected
high-intensitylight source Iight from
an electronic flash or standard flash $Lilllll-l $l| bulb (Fig. 27)1.
1 6 www.orphancameras.comView original page 17Page 18 · Read text
Slave operated Lampheads are effec-
tive up to fifty feet when triggered from
a direct flash source.When triggered by
a reflectedlight, the Lampheadis effec-
tive at distances normally encountered
O in studio photography(Fig. 28).
When two Lampheadsare connectedto
a single Power Pack, there is no appre-
ciable loss of total light-light is divided
equally between the Lampheads.
The Lampheadconnectedto the shut-
@ ter should have the control switch set
on SH and the switch on the other
Lamphead on SL.
f'
L
1 7View original page 18Page 19 · Read text
One Strobomatic 500 can be used to
light an area of any size-either interior
or night exterior. lt is done by "paint-
ing" the scene with light.
Make sure the existing light level is
s u f f i c i e n t l y l o w t o p r e v e n t " g h o s t "
images appearing on the film.
Set up your camera facing the sub-
ject area.
Determinein advance the points to
be lighted.
Open the shutter of your camera.
N o w , t a k i n g c a r e n o t t o a p p e a r
between camera lens and area being
photographed,walk around the perim-
eter of the area to be lighted, diming
the Lamphead and pressing its red
Open Flash Button at the intervals
necessaryto achieve even lighting (Fig.
29 & 30).
Return to the camera and close the
1 8 shutter. www.orphancameras.comView original page 19Page 20 · Read text
the exposureone f /stop for small, light-
colored rooms*; by two stoPs for me-
Bounce Lighting approximates the ef- dium colored rooms*; by four stops for *fects of natural lighting. Rather than dark colored rooms or d istance shots
aiming the light directly at the subiect, (Fig. 32).
the light is reflected or bounced from In many cases, the bounce light will
ceiling or walls (Fig. 31). More natural, be directed so that it illuminatesthe
subtle tones result through the use of subject background, while the fore-
bounce lighting. ground is illuminated by the "spill"
To estimatethe correct camera expo- light from the edge of the reflector.This
sure when using bounce lighting,tilt the method is often used deliberately for
Lampheadso that the light will bounce c lose-ups to redu ce th e i ntensity of
f rom the desiredceiling or wall. Add the shadows under the nose and chin and
distance from the Lamphead to the re- under the eyes.
f lectingsurfaceand the reflectingsu rtace "This refersto the generalcolor or reflec-
to the subject. Use exposure calculator tivityof the room and not to the amountof
to obtain the f / stop (page 8). Increase illuminationpresent.
(D
Illr 1 f stop
1 9View original page 20Page 21 · Read text
Caring for Capacitors lf an f,rdl base is not available, and
lf electronic flash units are allowed to a standard f,nf or tref base is
remain idle several weeks or more, the used to reform the capacitors, it is well
electrolyticcapacitorswill likely become to make some provision for boosting
"deformed" and cause a heavy drain the h igh voltage battery or recharging
on the batteries when the unit is used the nickel cadmium battery. Use the
again. The following procedures may Stroboflash Battery Booster (Cat. 20gS)
be followed to correct this situation. Iq lqosting tne f,[l battery. Use the
ffdr charger tor recharging ihe tcl
New Units or Units Known shoubattery.ld beO suffn e iciento r t w oto h restoreo u r s b otheo s ten-i n g
to be in Good Gondition ergy used in reforming the capacitors.
Turn on to full power for about one hour
twice a month. The Lamphead need
not be connected.
NOTE: Owners of several units should
rotate their use rather than make a prac-
tice of using one unit exclusivelywhile
keeping the others as spares. The Stroboflash
Battery Analyzer
Units Not Used for Several
Weeks or Units Known to Have The Stroboflash Battery Analyzer will prove to be a highly useful accessoryDeformedCapacitors for users of the strobomatic sOo EIf
A Strobomatic 500 f,Ef power pack u n its.
Base is ideal for reforming capacitors. This handy analyzer provides a four-
Simply attach the base and leave the way positive check on the 6ilerating
unit turned on to full power tor about condition of Enf batteries and the
one hour. www.orphancameras.comPower Pack Capacitors.View original page 21Page 22 · Read text
You will be able to take Battery Volt- this maximum usefulness f rom JIIL
age and Battery Load test, as well as batteries, use the SR Battery Booster
Capacitor tests and tests of Recycling in the following way:
Time. Use the Booster right from the be-
The use of this Analyzerwill help en- ginning of the battery's life. Maxi-
sure more productive use of a Ef mum boosting cannot be achieved
powered Strobomatic 500 sYstem. with batteries approaching the end of
their useful lives. Partially-expended
batteries that have enjoyed the bene-
fits of boosting must be used im-
mediately after the boost period.
For best results, the Booster must
be used promptly after each Period
of extended use. The Power Pack
SR BatteryBooster should be connected to the Booster for 10 minutes for each f lash taken.
The SR Battery Booster is an inexpen- in addition, allow 10 minutes for each
s i v e m e a n s b y w h i c h S t r o b o m a t i c hour the unit was turned on; for €x-
Ef,l users may increase the number ample , , , if the Strobomatic Power
of flashes from a given Ef battery. Pack was turned on for four hours,
The battery is not charged in the sense 40 minutes boosting will be required
of charging an automobile battery. tt plus 10 minutes for each f lash taken.
will not spring back from total use to O v e r n i g h t b o o s t i n g i s u s u a l l Y
f resh-from-the-carton newness. Rather, adequate.
Illl batteries receiving periodic When tne EE battery has been
boosts f rom the SR Battery Booster out of service for several weeks or ' will deliver every bit of energy built more, the Booster should be-used to
into them, and they will deliver it all reform the Capacitors in addition to
through their useful life. To achieve boosting the battery. 21View original page 22Page 25 · Read text
Specifications
POWER LEVEL SETTING t/+ 1/2 Full
ECPS 16s0 3600 7100
FLASH DURATION 1/1900 1/1250 1/850
RECYCLI ME (Seconds)
Model 2 3-4 8-9
Model 2 3-4 8-9
Model 3 5 1 0
LIGHT DISTRIBUTION CircutarDistribution
Pattern of 52"
wlrH wlDE ANGLE DEFLEOTION Distributionpattern
LENS (Optional Accessory) of 80o x 52"
WarrantyCoveringNickel CadmiumBatteries
Nickel cadmium batteries are warranted months from the date of manufacture,
to be free from faulty materials and work- whichever comes first. This warranty
manship. This warranty extends lor one covers defects in material and workman-
year from the date of purchase or 18 ship only.
www.orphancameras.comView original page 25Page 26 · Read text
YOUR GRAFLEXWARRANTY: q
To the initial retail purchaser of Graflex merchandise:
Skilledcraftsmenhave producedthe Graflexmerchandiseyou have purchased.They have built into it a level oi quality
and pe!lormancewhrch wrll insute your enjoyment of lts use.
Giaflex merchandiseis warranled by GraJlexand the Grallex Dealerfrom whom you purchasedthe same, to be
freefrom {aulty materialsand workmanship,except as hereinafterset {orth. lf any time during your first year of owner-
rfii-p,igO Ouvi'i" U" caseof any electroniccomponents and parts,including without limitation,tubes and projection
Lnips), any ieruicing is necessiiatedby faully materialorworkmanship, itwill be providedlor the equipment replaced
at our'option) without charge excepl ior transportationcharges by your nearestGraflex Servicefacility. Beturnsfor
servicingshould be made through your Graflex Dealer;or if this is not convenient,the merchandiseshould be care-
irffi puit"O in a stitf containeri"ith ud"qrut" packing (not excelsior).Attach name and address and anY specific
insiructionsto the package, which should be adequatelysecured and fully insured'
T H I S W A R R A N T Y I S N O T A P P L I C A B L E :
A. fo Gra{lexmerchandisewhich in our judgmenl has been damaged, abused, or requiresrep-lacementof parts due
to wear and tear from use, or for uny r"us6n other than faulty materialsand workmanship. Such merchandisewill
be servicedat factory-establishedrates.
B. To Graflex merchandisewhich has been tampered with or serviced by persons other than Graflex approved
personner.
C . l i A i j t a t i o n s o r a c c e s s o r i e s o f o t h e r t h a n G r a f l e x r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s h a v e b e e n m a d e o r a t t a c h e d .
D. Wheri the Graflex merchandisebears serial numbers, if it has not been registeredwith Graflex by means of the
attached registrationcard or approprialesubstitutewithin 60 days from date of pUrchase
f.lo f iOilitv iJ"r.umed for f ilm which is damaged or is unsatisfactoryfor any reason(due to equipment malfunction
or otherwise),nor is Graflex,Inc., obligated to replaceguch !lm
E X C E P TA S E X P R E S S L YS E T F O B i H H E R E I NN O O T H E R W A R R A N T I E SA R E I \ , 4 A D BE Y G R A F L E XO B Y O U R
G R A F L E X D E A L E R W I T H R E S P E C TT O G R A F L E X M E R C H A N D I S E , I N C L U D I N G , W I T H O U T L I M I T A T I O N ,
w A R R A N T T E SA S T o F t r N E S S . F o R A p A B T t c u L A R p u R p o s E A N D o F M E R c H A N T A B I L I T Y .N o l i a b i l i t vi s
assumedfor expensesor damagei resultingfrom interruptionsin operation of equipment, nor for incidenlal or con-
sequentialdamages of anY nature.
In order that vie may be able to pursue our continuing program of product imprcvement,.Graflexreservesthe right
to .ut" ung"r in design, or adj improvementsto any product without incurring any obligation to include such
revisions"tin equipment previouslyproduced.
The warraniies hereinbefore expressly set forth are made only 1o lhe oiginal retail purchaser' Graflex's liability
Underthe within warrantv is limited to repair or replacementas hereinbeforeprovided.
S E R V I C E F A C I L I T I E S :
Ciuif"" Approu"O Service Stations are conveniently located in all major cities.-Contactyour Graflex Dealer or write
1o the Maniger, Gra{lexServiceSales,for the addressof lhe GraflexApproved ServiceStation nearestyou.
Record be-lowsuch serial numbers as your equipment bearsfor your insurancefile and future reference
'f
GRAFtEX, lNC.. Rochester,N. Y. 14603
;;*fl8$i8aView original page 26From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.