Re: Realist Serial #'s

[P3D Bob Wier <wier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

|I haven't seen any of the experts respond to this, so I'll give
|my understanding with the caveat that it is slightly uncertain.
|
|There are two serial number changes I am aware of.  The "A" prefix
|was dropped from the serial number at some point.  Thus, an "A" serial
|number is an older camera than one with no "A."  Also, the location
|of the serial number was moved from the bottom of the camera to the
|side, below the focus knob.  I do not know if these two changes were
|made at the same time.  I also do not know if the serial number
|change was related to the addition of the DOF scale and accidental
|double-exposure prevention knob.  As is well known, David White Co
|offered to retrofit these two features to the older cameras, so both
|"A" series and "No-A" series cameras are seen today with these
|features.
|

That's interesting - I hadn't known about the retrofit ...

My 3.5 #A6711 (bottom) has both the DOF and double-exposure pin.

My 2.8 #009466 (side) also has both.

Differences:

The 2.8 has max shutter speed of 200, the 3.5 is 150.

The 2.8 says "Stereo Realist" on the f - stop rings, whereas the 3.5 does not.
The 2.8 also says "David White Co. Milwaukee Wis. U.S.A" on the right (from
the front) lens, whereas the 3.5 does not.

The 2.8 f-stops are maked with dots, with a red dot between the 5.6 and 8,
   whereas the 3.5 has vertical bars, with an unmarked bar at the same
   position between 5.6 and 8 at on the 2.8. (This may have been scratched
   in rather than coming from the factory that way).

The 2.8 says "2.8" on the lens cover whereas the 3.5 is blank in that position.

The DOF plate on the 2.8 is black printing on a SILVER background, whereas on the 3.5, it is reversed (sliver printing on a black background).

On the inside, the 2.8 has printed "Turn Sprocket ^ to White Dot / 
Insert Film in Slot ->/ <- insert cartridge / replace Back on camera /
wind until camera locks / wind off 2 exposures" The 3.5 is blank.

The 2.8 has several noticible bumps on the bottom "leather" (covered
screw heads?) whereas the 3.5 is much smoother.

For whatever it's worth...

   ====== wier@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx ======
  12:29 PM Wednesday, July 30, 1997
   keeper of the Photo-3d, Overland-Trails, LDS State
    Research Outline Guides and other stuff
     (currently in Ouray, Colorado)



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