Re: Realist - self timer

[fj834@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Dr. George A. Themelis)]

>Is there any way to rig a self-timer on a Realist? 

YES!!!

Mechanical self-timers are available for cameras like the Realist that do
not have one built-in.  They screw in the cable release hole, like a cable
release.  You turn the dial and the clockwork mechanism starts ticking. 
After 10-25 seconds (ajustable) the camera will fire.  Some self-timers
offer time exposures in B.  You set the camera in B and then an adjustment
will allow you to take time exposures.

Very nice and handy little devices, not widely known to the general public.
A picture of one of those is featured in the "Stereo Realist Guide" book.
Back in the early 50s they were widely available.  In the 60s, cameras were
made with internal timers so these extrernal timers became obsolete.

If you are lucky you can find one in camera shows for $5 to $10.  I just
had one for sale (in my BIG sale) for $7.  This one worked with a regular
cable release.  Instead of attaching it to the camera, you attach the cable
release to the camera and the timer to the cable.  There are different
kinds.  Many of them were made before WWII in Germany or Japan.

If you cannot fine an old one, you can always buy a new one from Hama
(Germany).  They are sold by Porter's for about $30 (ouch!)

Every one should have one of these babies.  They offer many advantages over
the other popular solution, the bulb air release.  They are compact, no
cables for kids to trip, no need to squeeze the bulb, etc.  They are
perfect except for one area, common in all timers:  You don't have control
over the exposure instant.  If you are holding your 6 mo. baby and want to
take the picture right when they make the right face, you are better off
with the bulb.

Dr. T says: "Get a mechanical timer and put yourself in the picture too!"


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