rajmohan.

<p>Damn it, Brad - pictures like this are going to <em>shift</em> my attention to a different type of <em>G.A.S.,</em> puns intended :)</p>

<p><strong>Kent</strong> - there are no light leaks I can detect, and the shutter moves smoothly with no hesitation/jerks at all speeds.<br> <strong>Dave</strong> - I don't have a lot of 220, probably <10 rolls. I got them for a good price, and just wanted to try them out on a couple of my MF cameras that accept 220. I've shot one of the rolls on my Bronica RF645 with no problems. I agree with you that if the Fuji works fine with 120, I'll just shoot 120 in it, and save the small number of remaining 220 rolls for the Bronica. Given the good price I paid for the Fuji, it is definitely not worth spending a lot on repair just to restore its 220 functionality. The camera also has a hesitant dark slide (that is used for changing lenses mid-roll), but rather than pay to have this repaired, again I'd prefer just to change lenses between rolls, at least when I eventually get a second lens! :)</p>

<p>That's good to know.<br> No - I didn't change lenses mid-roll.</p>

<p>Thank you for the information and the links, Gunnar. <br> I agree, respooling is a little painful, but apparently once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad - I'll try it out and decide! <br> I've read stuff about trimming the 120 spools, but because the center spindle is thicker in 120 than in 620, I've read that the frame spacing and number alignment in the red window can be a little off. If the 620 respooling proves to be a disaster, I may need to revisit this approach. </p>

<p>Thanks, Gunnar - I'm envious! I hope I don't have to wait 10+ years :)</p>

<p><strong>Professor K</strong> and <strong>John</strong> - thank you.<br> I shot both rolls within about the same space of time, in one afternoon. Both rolls were in wrappers prior to use. I imagine that the lack of backing paper in the 220 is the cause. I did load the 220 'in the field', admittedly in a corner with subdued light, but that, combined with the lack of backing paper, might have led to the issue.</p>

<p>Can't wait to see the picture of the Ferrari when you get it! :)</p>

<p>Lovely red Fed, Bill.<br> But wouldn't it be more appropriate to get a red Lada or Zil rather than a Ferrari? :)</p>

<p>If you haven't shot much with a camera, a basic/entry level DSLR (which allows interchangeable lenses) with a kit zoom lens and perhaps a cheap 50mm prime lens would be an ideal way to learn the basics of composition and exposure - there are many books, websites and videos online from which you can learn a lot. And of course, there is no substitute for shooting lots and lots, and learning from your mistakes as well as your successes! Once you've acquired some skill in the fundamentals and you've decided on the type of photography that interests you, you can move on to other equipment that better suits your needs.<br> I don't know what your budget is, but an entry level DSLR with kit zoom lens can be had for <$500. If your budget is tighter, you may need to opt for a lesser camera, but try to buy one in which you can control the settings manually - auto is convenient, but often doesn't help in learning exposure.</p>

<p>One more:</p><div></div>

<p>Couldn't help adding a couple more images... (Contax IIa, Sonnar 5cm f2)</p><div></div>

<p>220 roll, example frame</p><div></div>

<p>120 roll, image 2</p><div></div>

<p>I recently purchased a Fuji G690BL with 100mm f3.5 Fujinon lens.<br /> I've just run 2 rolls through it, a 120 Portra and a 220 Portra BW (C41). The images from the 120 are great, 2 examples of which are below. But all the images from the 220 show a band, most severely as seen in the third image; other frames are as badly or somewhat less badly affected. <br /> What could be causing this problem? Is it an issue with 220 film transport in the camera (I was careful to change the film plate on the back to 220 and to change the film selection dial to 220 before shooting with the roll). Is it just a problem with the roll - it is long expired, and I don't know about the veracity of the seller's claims of cold storage. Could it be a light leak that only affects the 220 - seems farfetched, but as you can imagine, I'm grasping at straws.<br /> Have any Fuji G690 owners experienced similar issues?<br /> Thanks in advance for your help/advice!<br /> Raj</p><div></div>

<p>Thanks, <strong>Walter</strong> - <strong>Donald</strong> very kindly offered to send me a couple of 620 spools; I'm going to respool from 120 onto one 620 spool and then back onto another 620 spool to try and make sure that there are no kinks etc due to the uneven thickness of the center spindle between 120 and 620. Fingers crossed I can do this without any major issues - I'll report back once I've had the roll developed, hopefully with good news :)<br> <strong>Glen</strong> - based on your earlier tip, I had placed a bid on it, but as usual, I was beaten out of it in the final 3 seconds! :(</p>

<p>I have a Contaflex Super B and Super BC, with the wide, normal and tele lenses. I'm a Zeiss Ikon fan, so my view is biased!<br> I like the feel of the cameras and their heft. Although they are inferior in my view (in bulk, quality of feel and results) to the Contarex and its wonderful lenses, I'm quite happy with the results from the Contaflexes. I was lucky in that mine did not need a CLA. The Super BC meter doesn't work, but I just work around this. They are certainly good value, provided (as many of the others have commented) that they are in working condition.</p>

<p>Thank you, <strong>Donald</strong> - I'll remember 700 pixels for next time :)</p>

<p>I don't know why the images are only visible as links rather than being embedded in the page - I resized them to be max 800px, and <100kb. Am I doing something wrong?</p>

<p>No. 3</p><div></div>

<p>No. 2</p><div></div>

<p>I have a triptych of Construction workers - here's no. 1</p><div></div>

<p>The Heligon on a Retina is also a fine performer.</p>

<p>I've been seduced by <strong>Rick</strong>'s images and the experiences of others here into buying a Medalist II, apparently in good cosmetic and functional condition. I look forward to receiving it shortly.<br> I have two questions:<br> 1. Rick - did you shoot the images in this thread hand-held or on a tripod?<br> 2. Is it possible to use a standard threaded shutter release cable on the Medalist I/II? I've read conflicting information about this.<br> Thank you.</p>

<p>.</p><div></div>

<p>Thank you, <strong>Donald</strong> - I sent you a message.<br> And <strong>Glen</strong>, thanks for the tips about 620 cameras and VP620 film.</p>