Originally posted by monochrome 2. They send you a check? I arrange things so I need to write a check. Hate to lend them money all year on top of what they take anyway.
I am a lazy steward and don't have the inclination to fine tune the withholding so that I don't get fined. I sort of wish that the IRS was more like the Canadian tax agency. When I lived up there in the early 1980s they paid interest back on any excess withholding.
Steve
---------- Post added 03-20-14 at 05:33 PM ----------
Originally posted by stevebrot Not the actual camera, but very close. The one I am looking at has a different (later) lens. I have to do a thorough inspection before I plunk down any money and that will require more research and maybe even a short test roll.
Steve
I am a bit ambivalent, however. It has an excellent prism viewfinder and the precision build of a 50s era German camera. However, it also has is pretty exotic to actually use. For example:
- Totally left-handed except for the slow shutter speeds...yes, including film transport. Fortunately that is offset by having a real hinged back, but one that is difficult to unlatch.
- Shutter speed dial must be turned one way and one way only, but at least it can be changed without having to cock the shutter first
- Film wind lever is an extremely long throw (> 270 degrees)
- Setting the slow shutter speeds is complicated, but the maximum setting is a quite long 12s. The same mechanism is used for self-timer with the result that you cannot self-time a long exposure.
- No auto-return mirror
- Frame counter must be manually reset (typical for the time)
- Film take-up spool is of the removable type (potential for loss), but it is possible to use a canister on both ends and shoot a partial roll without rewinding. There is a built-in knife to cut the film.
- Backward body ergonomics...notice that the body shape is designed so that it is hard to grip
Still, though, it is a cool-looking camera and was quite advanced for the time:
- First true system camera
- Supported auto-aperture lenses with NO in-body coupling
- Interchangeable finders and focus screens
- Interchangeable backs with support for a high capacity magazine
- Easily adapted for microscopy
- Vast number of accessories
Steve