I am building a 6x17 camera and would like to be able to use it as a a
rangefinder for faster stuff as well as using a focus screen for slower
work, (I may be a little ambitious in this respect, but hey ;-)).
Could anyone recommend the better of the Rangefinders that were

I got with a used camera a Polaroid 545 back.
It included one Polapan sheet, so I used it to experiment with.
Just to see how things work.
Can the backs be used with regular Fuji or Kodak ready/quickloads?

You all know of the issue regarding 'new technology' and The Rest of Us.
Sometimes, however rarely, I like to throw a big flashbulb into a natural
scene outdoors. Well, today I managed to get a battery-less bulb flash. It
is about palm size and works via a magneto. Steve Simmons ...

I looked at it shortly after it
started and the momentum seemed to fall off very quickly... or maybe it's
been edited down to the very few acceptable
posts>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Does anyone know of an electronic shutter tripping device that I can attach
just like a release cable to the threaded shutter release.
I just spent some time photographing hummingbirds with my 4x5.  I triggered
the shutter with an air bulb release attached while I sat for days.

I am planing to restore a Kodak 2-D and have started the disassembly process. I
have run into a problem on the back frame box which needs serious work or
replacement.  Are the brass arms that allow the back to tilt held on by
threaded short bolts or are they attached  in a rivet ...

If anyone is interested there is a nice set of portraits by Timothy
Greenfield Sanders as an ad insert in the current Sunday NY Times Magazine.

I watched this one go, but I had no need for another monorail.  Was it a
steal?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3836864274&ssPageName=ST
RK:MEWA:IT

Scratch in rear lens cell!! How can it be reduced or removed?
I have a scratch in the center outer glass of the rear lens cell on a rather
rare lens and am curious as to option for removal via polishing or reduction
by same method. The lens --N. Perscheid is the name and that should ...

I just acquired from an estate sale a Auto Omega D3 it has a
           Super Chromega Color Head
           Voltage Stabilizer H400
           Power Supply

     I've made my first back for my Ansco. It's basically just 1/4"
hardboard cut to size with the ground glass and springs from my old back.
For a first hack it's not bad. I need a better method for cutting the
opening. and 1/4" seems just a little too thin. I figure a little shim ...

I use an old 1899 5x7 folding camera, and I like its grain and optic
odds. I learn with nature shots since a few weeks, and my sensible
surface is multigrade RC paper (so it's looong exposure times).
I'd like to know if any of you use any of this (a very old cam or paper

  Is the Sinar Auto shutter a worthwhile device for barrel lenses? I have
several lenses that could be adapted to this MUCH cheaper than mounting in
shutters but are there any drawbacks to the Sinar shutter system
operationally such as speed limitations? Yes I realize the lenses ...

With all of the scary news about the possibility of the demise of the silver
halide divisions of Agfa and Ilford, one must consider what might happen in the
future.
There are several smaller concerns that produce film and paper...I'm sure that