Rainbow Hawk-Eye NO. 2A Model B, 116 film

jay moussy · Jun 20, 2019

Hawk-Eye No.2 Model B, as found years ago, in the attic of my previous house.
I had all but forgotten about it, but pulled it out for a minor inspection.
References say the 2A made 2-1/2 x 4-1/4 inch images on 116 film (which was 70 mm wide).
I have only one wooden spool.

A few questions:
There are kits (plastic spool ends) making a 120 spool fit in the slightly larger 116 body spacing.
Is this reliable? Better homemade solutions?

Will the frame count imprint on the typical 120 backing be there for the 2 1/2 by 4 1/4 frame?
The body back red frame window seems to be at the extreme edge of the film backing.

What was the typical fixed shutter speed of the day?
I am assuming I would need ISO 400 film, here.

If I get this camera running, in addition to my newly-found Super Ricohflex, I would be stepping right into vintage MF, with zero experience. Hmm... sounds fun!
When I look at this Hawk-Eye, I get this urge to build a larger version for contact prints.
Already peeking at paper holder cartridge designs! Sick.

Rick A · Jun 20, 2019

I have a more modern 116 spool and backing paper, inside a Brownie No 2A folder that's functional.

jay moussy · Jun 20, 2019

Rick A said:
I have a more modern 116 spool and backing paper, inside a Brownie No 2A folder that's functional.
View attachment 225631 View attachment 225632

Great.
How do you accommodate modern film sources?

What is your photo frame size, and do you go by the frame numbering on backing?

I am concerned that I may not find the right frame numbering for 6x11 (roughly) on the 120 typical backing paper, from what i see on a web search.

Rick A · Jun 20, 2019

jay moussy said:
Great.
How do you accommodate modern film sources?

What is your photo frame size, and do you go by the frame numbering on backing?

I am concerned that I may not find the right frame numbering for 6x11 (roughly) on the 120 typical backing paper, from what i see on a web search.

I haven't shot it since I used the last roll of film I bought with the camera. I got the camera many years ago and the seller gave me a dozen rolls of film with it. It takes 2 1/2 x 4 3/4 inch photos. I may shoot some cut down x-ray film in it some time in the future if I don't sell it first.

MattKing · Jun 20, 2019

I use 120 film with adapters in a Kodak Six-16, which of course uses 616 film. 616 film is identical to 116 film, save and except the 616 spools have a thinner centre bit, slightly smaller flanges, and a different hole at each end of the spool.
For my camera, the red window is in the right place to use the 12 exposure numbers on 120 film. So as 4.5 inches is exactly twice 2.25 inches, I can simply deal with this by stopping at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11.
I'd suggest sacrificing a roll, or retrieving some backing paper. You can then experiment with comparing where the film advances to with how things appear in the window.
If you get stuck, I have four 116 spools that I ended up with when I was looking for 616.

jvo · Jun 25, 2019

for old spools and conversion issues, the film photography project may help... check out fpp https://filmphotographyproject.com/

jay moussy · Jul 9, 2019

Update: for test purposes, I spooled 120 backing paper (only) on an empty 120 spool, fitted with wall plug anchors, and it rolled onto my original wooden 116 spool just fine.
A real film roll may be a bit stiffer, but it should not be that different.

I also found a proper frame count on an Autographix website, like so:
120 to 116 frame count
1 just before 2
2 just before 5
3 just after 7
4 just before 10
5 just after 12
6 15 exactly

The an Flickr poster uses this No 2A:

Turn the take up until the "START" line is near the first roller.
1. Wind about 8 complete turns to the 1st frame.
2. Three turns to 2nd frame.
3. 2 1/2 turns to the 3rd frame.
4. 2 1/2 turns to the 4th frame.
5. 2 1/2 turns to the 5th frame.
6. 2 turns to the the 6th frame.

Theo Sulphate · Jul 9, 2019

jay moussy said:
... wall plug anchors...

What are those?

This is the Agfa camera my family used for hundreds of photos before I was born. It takes D-6 (116) film. I have only one spool.

Thank you for the framing info.

jay moussy · Jul 9, 2019

Theo Sulphate said:
What are those?

This is the Agfa camera my family used for hundreds of photos before I was born. It takes D-6 (116) film. I have only one spool.

View attachment 226673 View attachment 226674

Thank you for the framing info.

the anchor I used is this type:

My anchors are red, which is indication of size- there is a size color code, I would think.
Smooth unlike this one - some similar size ones, barbed, did not insert well into the spool.
i had to try a few pairs before finding the right fit and feel.

The framing above is just cut-and-paste, not my own!
someone pointed out that 'turns" depend on spool core diameter (and film building up on takeup spool), technically, but difference must be minor.

EDIT: the red frame window may leak onto the smaller 120 film width..?

Rainbow Hawk-Eye NO. 2A Model B, 116 film

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency