Realist Flash Modifications

[LSLXK@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

     I would like to say that I like Barry's idea about lifting the flash 
     bracket with washers much better than what I did a few weeks ago.  
     But, for your information, I am including a description of the 
     non-destructive way I modified my Realist.  My way was more dangerous, 
     but more interesting as well.
     
     I first unscrewed the top and front portions of the camera (this is 
     the dangerous part).  This allows you to access the flash signal wire 
     (don't know what to call these darn parts--I'm an engineer and not a 
     camera specialist).  I then disconnected the wire and unscrewed the 
     nuts, etc. including the rubber (and, may I point out, VERY 
     time-hardened rubber) insulators and the flash contact itself--you 
     know, the little round knob that gets in everyone's way when trying to 
     put a modern flash on.  You can then replace the flash contact with a 
     small screw.  I believe it was a #2 screw, but it could have been a 
     #3.  So, now you just put it back together (you need to turn the 
     rewind knob to A to do this).  Unfortunately, to make this really work 
     well, you would need to bevel out the top rubber insulator, as the 
     replacement screw will not be perfectly flat on the underside.  I 
     didn't do this, and the screw still left a bump so I had to file a 
     groove in my modern flash.  Didn't accomplish much, did I?  Oh, I also 
     had to solder full the top of the screw to give more contact area for 
     the flash.  This is not a problem for eventual removal, as you don't 
     need to insert a screwdriver to remove the screw, you just turn it 
     from the inside.
     
     But, at least now I have a larger contact area than the original 
     spherical top did, and I kept the original contact in case I ever sell 
     it and someone wants it restored.
     
     And, the really neat part was I got to see the inside of my Realist  
     :))
     
     You wouldn't believe how many tiny screws and springs are inside.  I 
     imagine we couldn't even manufacture something that detailed and 
     labor-intensive in America anymore.  Maybe for $3000.
     
     Anyway, open your Realist at your own risk.  Definitely don't do this 
     unless you're somewhat mechanically inclined and have a good flat 
     surface to work on in case you lose some tiny part.  Of course, then 
     you have the problem of not knowing where the tiny part originally 
     went...
     
     Becky


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