Built by Kodak Canada in Toronto I think this camera was manufactured between 1935 and 1937. It uses 616 film that has been out of production since 1984. Fortunately with a couple of minor modifications it can be fitted with 120 film.
- Shutter Speeds: T (Time), B (Bulb), 1/25th, 1/50th, 1/100th
- Apertures: f/6.3, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22, f/32
- Focusing Distances: 6 feet to infinity
Modifications
There are a couple of things needed to get the camera to work with 120 film. Nothing really needs to be done to the camera itself, so it can be kept in it’s original condition. First, 120 film is narrower than 616, so spacers are required to fit the film in the camera.
Spool Spacers
Film Gate Mask
Next the film gate is too wide for 120 film, so a mask is required. This was attached using Kapton tape which allows easy removal and a smooth surface for the film to slide on.
Loading the film
The 120 film spools are a little bit wider than 616, so they need to be trimmed to allow the spool to turn in the camera. Scissors or nail clippers can be used. Care should be used as this may fog the film.
One issue with using 120 film is that the window doesn’t line up with the numbers on the film. It’s not such a big deal though as you can use the following numbers to get 6 exposures on a roll of film.
- 3, 5½ ,8, 10½, 13, 15½ (The halves basically being the large dot)
Removing the film from the camera
Since the spool is thicker with 120 film, it won’t completely wind on to the take up spool after the last shot is taken. Accordingly, it’s important to open the camera in a dark room, or a film changing bag.
First Image
It was a shitty cold overcast day, but I liked these trees.
If the fuckin’ sun ever pops out again, I’d like to give this thing a real test.
Update: First images here.