marv_soloff

John:

<p>

Try John Craig at jscraig1@aol.com for the manual.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

Marv Soloff

Don't forget ORWO from (East) Germany and Forte from Hungary.

<p>

Marv Soloff

Steve:

<p>

I have owned several Graflex XL cameras and have taken one set

on an extensive European trip. All in all, I have liked the

camera and its ease of operation. The negatives were not quite

as sharp as I would like - but that was a function of the sloppily

manufactured Graflex RH-10 roll film holders not the camera itself.

Using cut film (Forte - in Hungary), the negatives were very, very

sharp indeed.

<p>

I am contemplating going back to the XL - I saw a mint condition

body at a local camera show last week for $175 (negotiable) - and

a pair of lenses (mounted in the XL cones) for $150 -$175 each.

<p>

As to the usability of the Graflex XL for MF work, I would say that

the Graflex XL system allows the MF enthusiast the luxury of assembling a fine MF camera that will produce (once you fine tune

the damn RH holders) truly excellent work at a very reasonable

cost.

<p>

Hope this helps,

<p>

Marv Soloff

Suggest you contact Tennesee Eastman for information on Estar (Polyester) film base - it is not a deep industry secret. Estar filmbase is used not only for photographic work, but for a number of other industrial applications. Dupont makes a similar base called Cronar and Toyo Rayon (Toray) also makes one. There are probably many more converters who can supply an "Estar" type film. If memory serves me, film base is available in rolls up to 48" wide by 10,000 feet long, and the problems just start when you take delivery of the master roll. Slitting, tensioning, coating all present nightmarish handling

problems. Not to mention absolute control of temperature and

humidity. Not for the faint at heart or those with limited money to

spend.

<p>

Hope this helps,

<p>

Marv Soloff

John:

<p>

Had the opportunity to use the Makina III about twenty years ago

and liked it. Negatives were razor sharp, camera was very easy to

hold and use, and it slipped into a coat pocket when closed.

<p>

Unfortunately, today's prices for the original Makinas (made in

Germany) have gone thru the roof. Would love to have one myself,

but the cost is prohibitive. However, an interesting alternative

is the very similar and much more affordable Minolta Autopress.

At about $400-500 (clean and complete) - it makes more sense than

the Makina.

<p>

Hope this helps.

<p>

Marv Soloff

Volker:

<p>

Check with John Craig: P.O. Box 1637, Torrington CT 06790 (USA)

fax: 860-496-0664, email: jscraig1@aol.com

<p>

He should have the manuals for this camera.

<p>

Hope this helps,

<p>

Marv Soloff

Re: Large format slide projector. I will list this item again since

it is showing up again in MFD.

<p>

C&H Sales is offering a military surplus Buhl Optical slide projector

originally designed to take slides up to 3 1/4 x 4 inches. Has

a quality 12 1/2 projection lens, cooling fan, 750 watt lamp and

manual changer. Price is $150.00 USD - complete with carrying case

and spare lamp.

<p>

C&H Sales Co.

P.O. Box 5356

Pasadena, CA 91117-9988

Phone: 213-681-4925

Fax: 818-796-4875

<p>

Hope this helps.

<p>

Marv Soloff

Dorie:

<p>

The spindle keyway and flanges on the 120 spool are slightly larger

than the keyway and flanges on the 620 spool. In some cameras, it

is possible to fit the 120 spool if the film bay has enough clearance

to take the larger (in diameter) 120 flange. The winding key and

corresponding support post (at the other end) then has to be built up to fit into the larger drive slot.

<p>

In many cameras, such as those made from sheet metal, this is a very

easy job. In other cameras, such as those a with cast metal chassis

this conversion becomes rather difficult - if not impossible.

<p>

So the answer to your question about adapting a 620 size camera to

take 120 film is -- maybe. It really depends on the camera and

if you feel it is worth having someone do the conversion.

<p>

Regards,

<p>

Marv Soloff

For Yashica instruction manuals try John Craig:

email jscraig1@aol.com

fax: 806-496-9791

<p>

Regards,

<p>

Marv Soloff

I now have about half a dozen cameras that take cut/pack film in

2 1/4 x 3 1/4 or 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 formats. Film packs, I know, are

long gone, and so are these sizes of sheet film. Has anyone had real experience in cutting down 4 x 5 sheet film to these smaller formats?

<p>

Tips, techniques, comments would be appreciated. Has anyone ever

built a 4 x 5 sheet film trimmer?

<p>

Regards,

<p>

Marv Soloff

marvins@ngc.com

Dave:

<p>

I don't know about cheap, but Steve Shuart, Kane PA, generally

has these lensboards on the shelf.

<p>

Shuart's email is shufly@penn.com

Toll-free is 800-458-0692

<p>

Regards,

<p>

Marv Soloff

Hassy unjam tool (and many other tools) available from Fargo Enterprises in Vacaville, CA. Check their online catalog at:

<p>

www.fargo-ent.com

<p>

Regards,

<p>

Marv Soloff