Custom Realist

[P3D Bob Aldridge <bob.aldridge@xxxxxx>]

Sid Herbage replied to K.Morcus with:

->You might be interested in their description of the Custom (Model
->1050): 
->Stereo Realist Custom (Model 1050) - c1960. With matched, color
->corrected,
->coated "rare earth" f2.8 lenses. Shutter 1-200,T,B. Black,
->coarse-grained
->kangaroo leather covering. There are two varieties. Some were
->assembled and sold by a large camera dealer after the supply of
->genuine ones had run out. These later ones sell more in the price
->range of the standard f2.8
->model. Genuine factory made Custom models are identifiable in four
->ways: 
->1. Wind and rewind knobs are different sizes. The rewind knob is 50%
->   larger and actually cuts into the top plate.
-> 
->2. The rangefinder knob has a light ratchet feel to it.
-> 
->3. Serial numbers are 021xxx to 024xxx.
-> 
->4. Looking directly into the lens, you will not see any lettering
->   around it.
-> 
->Genuine: $500-750
-> 
->... Sid (sidh@xxxxxxxxxxxx)

You really need to consult Stereo World Vol 19 #2 (May/June 1992 for the
full story.

Apparently, the real test concerns three white marks (the "50" from the
model number) that were printed in white pigment on parts hand selected
for Custom production. The regular f2.8 parts were from the same
production run but failed the hand inspection. 

The easist to see is under the pressure plate on the back. Mine is
marked under one of the springs.

The second is on the aperture plate, on the side towards the lenses. You
can see this one with a dental mirror through the aperture. 

The last is on the bottom of the top plate - you'll need to remove the
plate to see this one.

As the bodies were selected from regular runs of parts _after_ the
camera number was stamped on, there is no way (short of checking the
manufacturing records - Zak has these) of knowing that a camera is a
genuine Custom from the number range. Mine, for instance, is outside
McKeowns range (it's  019472). 

The moral: McKeown is good and useful, but don't trust it implicitly!
(Another stereo error: They think the Belplasca format is 24 x 36mm - or
have they corrected that in the latest editions?)


Bob Aldridge
Stereoscopic Society Projectionist
---
 * POW 2.0  0007 * "I keep pressing the ESCape key, but I'm still here!"


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