martinjones

While you are waiting for a valuation why not check if it still works and run a film through it? I am currently working on a 1947 Mamiya Six folder. Cleaned up most of the optics and reattached the body coverings. Rangefinder is very cloudy and I think it needs adjustment as well. The first test film was very encouraging - exposures were good but sharpness, (focus?), is not quite there. Will have to unseat the rangefinder exit lens for internal cleaning and then reseat the lens with something like nail polish. The market value will differ all over the world and I wouldn't like to guess at its worth in Australia.

Back in the mid 80's a friend of mine in Auckland received one of these from his grandfather's estate. It was complete with the autographic stylus. After inquiring at a number of photo stores I gave up on searching for 116 film. This was, of course, in the pre-Internet days and info was scarce. It now appears that 116 film was still being produced at that time but whether any was being imported to NZ was a different matter. Fast forward to the current time. There are plenty of hits on the net regarding using 120 film with spacers for the spools in old folders. A cardboard / plastic mask is usually employed at the film gate to support the narrower film and restrict the area of film being exposed. If I were attempt it I would check and see if the red window on the camera lined up with any of the frame numbers on the backing paper. If necessary, adjust the spool spacers and mask to offset the film to use the red window. I think that current 120 film still has frame number markings for 6 x 9 spacing and this would give a good sized neg. When I next get back to Auckland I'll see if my mate still has this camera and if he'll lend it to me for an experiment. He'll probably say I'm crazy. Cheers, Martin (Who has a few vintage cameras that are nearly ready for a debut on CMC.)