6X6/645 FOLDING CAMERA
From Bill Broadhurst
In response to Alan Greeley`s request for a folding camera I am only able to give a description for the simple reason that I am too fond of the one I have to part with it. I have had it for many years and it may even be that I bought it from a similar mention in our Newsletter, I do not remember. The reason for wanting such a camera is simple. As with most of us each 12 months which pass leave me one year older but still with the desire to tramp the Fells. A camera round the neck such as a 35mm or even worse a TLR is an encumbrance when a bit of scramble is necessary. So a folding camera hooked on a belt in a pouch (couple of £`s, Army Stores) proved to be a good investment.
The particular weapon I came across is a Seagul, Chinese make. Lens is a 75mm F3.5 and is of quite good quality. A 16 x 12 print from it has been on the wall in my living room for more than 10 years and has stood the test of time well. Shutter runs the conventional span, 1 sec to 1/300th, B and self timer. Seems accurate enough. It has a range finder for focusing but it is not good in that the second image is only bright enough in bright light so I tend to rely on manual and eye judgement. There is a built in calculator for exposure though the I prefer a separate Leningrad meter. Interestingly there is a s loose coupling between the aperture and shutter setting rings so that both can be altered in tandem e.g 1/300th at F3.5 could become « at F22. The format is switchable between 6 x 6 and 6 x 4.5 by two internal flaps. Film wind is by lever but this is not coupled to the film, you must watch the numbers go by in one of two red windows. Although it will put the 16 on 120 film I have rarely used it in this format because there is no indication in the viewfinder of the boundaries of the 6.45 frame. Its a bit too iffy. In any case I am a fan of 6 x 6 because it is square and can be used to give upright or view from one shot.
In general the camera is well made, robust though a little heavier than some. I know, and serves my particular purpose well. Sorry Alan I am not parting with it! From memory it cost me £25 all those years ago.Editor`s Comments:- The Seagul camera is available from Firstcall. It is advertised in their 1998/9 catalogue at £189.98 (Inc. VAT). Contact Firstcall Photographic Ltd. at Cherry Grove Cottage, Gotton, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BR. or phone 01823-413007.
A/V ENLIGHTENMENT
By Leslie Tovey (Area 22)
I was delighted to read in the Autumn issue of the C.R.C.N. that we may have some-one to enlighten us about the A/V system. It is many years ago now since I saw my first A/V show, and I was completely hooked, right from the start.
At the moment I am using a pair of Kindermann projectors with the "Diamix" programmer.
Most people seem to appreciate the shows I put on, but this slowly fading in and out, although being very effective, does become very monotonous, I would like to become a little more adventurous. One of my problems is getting the right balance when recording music with commentary.
I use four tape recorders when building up a show, music on one recorder voice on another, and pulse on a third, music and voice via a mixer on the forth recorder. On play-back I sue two recorders, one for the pulse and the other for sound. Synchronisation is attained by recording everything at once, and starting both recorders on a predetermined index number.
THERE MUST BE AN EASIER WAY!
So may I conclude in the hope that some of our back-room boys can help us out and make life a bit easier