Busch Verascope, a.k.a. Flare-ascope

[P3D Jonathan R. Gross <catalyst@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dr. T. suggested that I post this for the record, although he also
pointed
out that that my remedies have been discussed previously.

Here is my experience mitigating flare in a Busch Verascope involving
only minor internal modifications:

1)  I noticed that although the cast parts on the inside of the
Verascope are black, they are also shiny.  To reduce the reflections
bouncing off of the inside of the camera, I painted the (sloping) sides
of the film chamber with a high quality flat-black paint.  I first
protected the shutter by stuffing some cloth between the film chamber
and the moving shutter board.  I used a high quality toluene based paint
to prevent it from flaking off onto the lens or the shutter mechanism.

2)  The other characteristic of the Verascope that I thought might
contribute to flare is the location of the lenses so far forward on the
camera where they are susceptible to light reflecting at a shallow
angle.  I used two Kodak series V adapters (7/8" - 22m), and two Kodak
series V lens hoods all of which I discovered in a scrounge bin at a
local photo shop.  These assemblies fit in front of the lenses, and have
the effect of "setting the lenses back" an additional 23mm.  The lens
hoods are large enough that they do not interfere with the angle of view
through the 40mm Berthiot Flor lenses.  I also installed a Series V haze
filter between the adapter and the lens hood to provide protection.  I
have experienced no flare since the changes, even with back lighted or
very high contrast scenes.  I did, however, get some reflections off of
the haze filter when trying to shoot at night using available light.

3)  In order to be able to conveniently carry and use the camera with
the lens hoods in place, I adapted an inexpensive TDC colorist case.  I
detached the formed leather protrusion from the front of the case by
cutting the stitches with a razor blade.  I then inserted a strip of
leather 35mm wide between the front flap of the case and the formed
leather front piece.  The extension strip of leather was sewn in place
using the hole remaining from the original attachment of the front
piece.

Jon Gross


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