Noblex 135U problem and observation

["M. Denis Hill" <denis@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Today, I encountered the first problem I've had with a Noblex that was not
my fault. After not using my 135U for several months, I attempted a 1S
exposure. The drum rotated erratically (inconsistent speed). I turned the
speed to 1/15 and experienced the same thing for several rotations.

I quickly loaded my XPan and continued shooting the sunset. On my return
home, I investigated further. The batteries checked out ok. More slow
exposures produced the same drum speed inconsistency. Then I switched to
fast speeds and cycled it a few times. No evidence of the problem. Switching
back to the slow range, the problem was gone.

With my Widelux 1500, I had to exercise the drum before shooting sessions. I
never experienced this with a Noblex!

The observation, by the way, is the markings on the lens. While exploring my
problem, I noticed that my lens is marked as a Docter. I wonder if this is
the lens supplier for all 135s? The little I know about Docter is that they
make excellent view camera lenses. Can anyone further illuminate? Does
Docter OEM the Noblar T for the 150s?

Denis

M. Denis Hill
Area 360 Communications
http://www.area360.com
360.678.8351

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