Rolleicord VA 16 exposure kit

[carl_neilson]

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I may have the opportunity to purchase a Rolleicord VA that's recently had a service. I'm keen, but the seller says that it's got the optional 16-exposure kit fitted. I would like to return it to 6x6 format, but aside from removing the masks I believe the counter wheel has to be changed too. At this point it's unknown whether the original 12-exp counter wheel is available with this camera. I don't know much about the 16-exp kit, but I'm guessing that it's the counter wheel that determines the frame spacing as well as the actual counting? (That is, if I left the 16-exp counter wheel fitted but removed the rest of the kit would I just get overlapping frames?).</p>

<p>Regards,<br>

Carl</p>

[John Seaman]

<p>Yes, you do need the 12 exposure counter to prime the mechanism to give 12 pictures on a roll. Perhaps it's in the leather wallet the 16-on kit comes in, if that hasn't gone missing? The wheels just swap by unscrewing a thimbscrew in the middle, however if I remember correctly, you have to have the back open to do it.</p>

[carl_neilson]

<p>Thanks for the quick reply John. Much appreciated. I'm tossing up whether to get it or not if it doesn't come with the original counter. I guess I could shoot the smaller frames for a while and see if I can track down the counter eventually.</p>

[BrianS1664879711]

As mentioned, you need the12 counter to shoot

6*6. They come available on eBay periodically but

it seems like you'd be really frustrated in the

interim. Verify that all of the 16 kit parts are

provided. And check if the 12 counter is in the 16

kit wallet. If not, I'd suggest passing.

[BrianS1664879711]

P.s. Shooting 645 or 4*4 wasn't really

objectionable, but it's certainly not 6*6. I've done a

lot of both with Rolleicord.

[John Seaman]

<p>The biggest drawback to 16 on in a TLR is in my opinion, being restricted to landscape format because of the near impossibility of shooting in vertical format.</p>

[carl_neilson]

<p>Thanks to all for the replies and advice. I passed on it in the end. It's a shame because local ones that have been serviced and have a bright-screen fitted are far and few between. This one was selling for a premium though so I'd rather just hold out for one that's exactly how I want it. Until then I'll "make do" with my lovely (if dim) Triotar-fitted Rolleicord III.</p>