cheapskates's Steinheil (Kodak users only)

[P3D Elliott Swanson <elliott@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I tested the modification cited in an earlier post "Kodaking." Film came
back today. Zero vignetting at f8, minute vignetting (that would be
eliminated by mounting) at f11. I would estimate about a 20% increase in
image, which aligns with Mike Watters' estimate of a .8 correction to
focal length from these old Instamatic retro lenses. Unfortunately I don't
have optical equipment to exactly measure this, but the next test will be
to photograph a scene with a measured size and make vertical and
horizontal comparisons. 

The Accura retro lenses (designed for Instamatic cameras) have coated 
optics, and the sharpness looks fine.

Objects in the frame look normal and undistorted-- e.g. you aren't going 
to get a fisheye view from this modification. But that 20% can gain you a 
shot you might otherwise have lost.

To recap the modification, lop 1/4 inch from part 127747 (ring). There 
are two, and you can do this without camera disassembly. No warranties 
expressed or implied-- do this at your own risk!

The Accura and Lentar lenses cost about $5-15 for a set at a camera show. 
Nobody wants Instamatic adapters. You may have to do a bit of filing to 
the back of the lens so you can catch the threads on the part identified 
as 131631 and 131632. (YOu need to remove the series V retaining ring, of 
course.) I had to file one Accura lens-- the other fit fine with no filing.

For a w/a adapter that fits the Kodak viewfinder (front of the camera)
dismantle one of those plastic Polaroid cameras that cost a quarter at
Goodwill-- sorry, I can't remember the model number. Scribe lines in it 
to match the actual field of view as seen in your photos.

I wouldn't make the described change to a collector quality Kodak, but
there are enough beaters out there with stuck shutters and the like that
offer opportunities for guilt free Dremeling. 

Good luck!

--Elliott


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