Box camera help

[bluedog]

I just picked up a french 6 x 9 box camera that is missing the red window from the back that shows the frame number. Any ideas on what I could use to put in the hole and still read the numbers not letting light in. It takes 620 film but I hope to try it with 120 with a couple of mods. Not sure if the film numbering on 120 will match with the frame indicator window though.

Also, I have a six 16 brownie that takes 616 film. Can this be modified to take 120 film? Or, is it better to make it a display piece?

 

[fschifano]

The red window is bogus anyway. Years ago, films did not have sensitivity to red light and these windows may have afforded a measure of protection from accidental exposure. Today, with the exception of a very few orthochromatic films, all B&W camera films are sensitive to red light, and the red window's usefulness is nil. The backing paper on 120 film is light proof and that should be enough to do the job. You could cover the hole with a piece of black tape, removing it to reveal the numbers when advancing the film, if you feel you must.

If you can find a couple of old 620 spools (they come up on ebay now and then) it is fairly easy to rewind 120 film onto the older 620 spools. Of course, this needs to be done in total darkness.

I'd relegate the 616 camera to the display shelf. Not worth the effort of modifying it for 120 film.

 

[richard ide]

I agree with Frank. In addition you would have to unwind the whole roll so that the tape holding the film to the paper is at the right end when you rewind.

 

[MattKing]

I have a 616 camera that I use from time to time with 120 film. It's fun to do, and the camera has a history for me.

The modification I use is more to the spool than to the camera.

Here is a link to one of many internet sources for a method:

http://www.makinghappy.com/archive/000179.php

Matt

 

[bluedog]

Thanks Matt. I might give that or similar a try on the 616.

Greg