Re: Need Help on Realist Repair source.

[P3D Dr. George A. Themelis <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greg Tank writes:

>I just purchased a Realist 3.5, SN 9372, at a local swap meet. It is in 
>excellent condition but could use tune up. I plan on making this my primary 
>camera so I would like to have confidence in all its features right from the 
>start. I would like anyone's recommendations and/or testimonials...

The best advice I can give you is to send your camera to Ron Zakowski for
a complete service.  It is not cheap but it is worth the money... The SN of
your Realist is low... I would guess that it has Ilex Paragon lenses...
These older Realists sometimes have mechanical problems, especially in the
film advance area.  A good tune-up will help.  Expect to pay $155.  It might
take a while to get your camera back...

>3. I want to use a standard flash unit. Any recommendations on an adapter or 
>someone who will modify the camera's flash shoe in a tasteful manner. Can a 
>standard flash be modified to fit the shoe and if yes, how did you go about it?

This subject has been discussed in great detail in past digests.  I have
personally modified my Realist by lowering the "bumb" so that any regular flash
can be inserted in the Realist's hot shoe.  I know that many people do not
like to "operate" on their treasured $125 Realist, but for me it has been
working well for years.  If you are not willing to touch the Realist then
you can modify the flash or use one of the adapters sold by Reel 3-D 
(#8401, $17.95 - but the flash must have a PC cord).  (Other solutions
are also available, check the digests)

George Themelis


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