[MF3D.FORUM:378] Sputnik fix up kit - Part I

[Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

I've had some requests for info about my recent
mentions of flocking paper and a Sputnik fix up kit.
It's been a while since we've discussed the proposed
kit here, and we have a lot of new MF3D subscribers
since then.  So I suppose it is time for an update.
First some background to bring the new folks up to date.
If you've been on this list for a while and remember
the kit discussions well, you can probably skip ahead
to Part II (when it arrives).

The idea for the kit arose from my own frustrations
in trying to figure out how to fix up my own Sputnik.
Assimilating the copious advice from various web sites,
and choosing among various action alternatives was a
lot of work for me (yes, I am particularly slow at that
sort of task).  Locating sources for various suggested
materials, driving around to buy stuff, and/or ordering
things from a few different suppliers and paying multiple
shipping charges took a toll in both time and expense.
Then I ended up with loads of leftover materials due to
a) items that only come in certain large minimum quantities;
b) not knowing how much of something would be "enough;" and
c) deciding something I had selected was the best choice
after all.  I thought it would be nice to be able to just
pick up all the required materials in one neat package and
save all the legwork, time, and expense.  (Some of you
actually enjoy the discovery/invention part of it, and so
would prefer to do your own legwork, and that's great!  But
my only hacker skills are with computer hardware, so I can
relate more to the folks who would prefer a kit.)

Of course there was no kit already available, and it turns
out the most logical supplier of such a kit would be RMM--
the medium format 3D specialists.  Oops, that's me.  ;-)

So the idea for a Sputnik fix-up kit was to provide the supplies
most people would need to do a reasonable job fixing up their
Sputnik.  To me that means a basic kit would include:

  - material for filling the grooves around the edges of the
      body where light frequently leaks;
  - material for blocking light that comes through the
      door hinges;
  - gaffers tape for extra insurance against light leaks;
  - treatment for the shiny interiors that cause flares
      on the film;
  - tripod adapter.

Next: where does the proposed kit stand?

Paul Talbot