How to Modify a Kodak Tourist to take 120 film

[spoolman]

I realize that there exists a thread from 6 years ago on how to do this but there are no images to use as reference. I'm about to embark on such a modification and would like to know just how far down do I grind the projections in both the feed and take up side. Also what other parts need grinding before I can fit 120 spools in both sides. I've already removed the 620 spool key from the winding knob on the take up side and replaced it with a larger piece of metal that fits the slot in the 120 spool just right.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Doug

 

[Rick A]

I've done a couple mods for 120. You only need open up the feed side of the camera, leave the take up side alone. The drive pawls on the take up are too small to properly engage a 120 spool, so a 620 spool is needed, plus there is much less work involved since you won't have to grind out that side.
First, remove the back, and tape everything except the area to be modified (this includes the front, top and sides--dust goes everywhere). You must be careful not to touch the tension spring(chrome thingie) and test fit often until you have the bumps shaved down to fit a 120 spool. I use a spool loaded with two strips of backing paper to replicate a full roll of film. The bumps that need shaved are the two on the bottom beside the post that holds the spool, and the two on either side of the spring, also the two at the top that protrude down (where it looks like the spring should continue but doesn't). Do not mess with the two bumps at the top that the upper post is between, as they are needed to lock the spool in place. Sorry, I don't have any photos of any of the procedure to show. If you are interrested, I have two extra Tourist bodies (no lenses) you can have for postage, just in case you have an "oops".

 

[ic-racer]

I just re-spool for Tourist cameras.

 

[Hatchetman]

Did someone say Kodak Tourist?

 

[spoolman]

Hi Hatchetman: Nice shots. I was down in Chicago in 1991 and 1992. In '91 I went to the SOO Line yard at Bensenville and in '92 I was at the Santa Fe Corwith Yard and came away from both with excellent shots of power that I wouldn't normally see here in Toronto. Excellent experience at both facilities and at Corwith I was esxorted around by the V.P. of Public Affairs and treated to lunch.

Doug

 

[Hatchetman]

I'm usually escorted off the property by railroad police.

 

[Rick A]

Now I'm going to let you all in on a little secret. The Tourist II doesn't need to be ground out to fit 120 film on the feed side, although it still needs a 620 spool on the take up side. I merely swap the desired lens/shutter from the Tourist to it for use.

 

[Rick A]

My Franken-Tourist II. No chamber mods, but a Rodenstock 105mm Trinar in a Deckel Compur shutter. It accepts 120 on the feed side but I still have to use a 620 spool for take up. Plus the back from a Tourist because I prefer the self closing ruby window. Whe it's time to advance the film, just hold the lever down, when you get to the next number, just let it go and it automatically closes, I don't have to remember to do it.

Forgot to mention, I have a second Tourist II I picked up last week with some out dated TriX that I loaded over the weekend.

 

[spoolman]

Rick A: I would guess that it doesn't make a difference what lens/shutter combo is used as long as it is a 105 mm lens and it has front element focusing?.

Doug

 

[Rick A]

Yup, but a focus check is in order in case the lens needs shimmed.