Features of different Realist generations (was Re: Realist Serial #'s)

[P3D Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

I wrote:
> | As is well known, David White Co offered to retrofit [the DOF scale
> | and the accidental double exposure prevention pin] to the older
> | cameras, so both "A" series and "No-A" series cameras are seen
> | today with these features.

And Bob Wier responded:

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

Oops, sorry...I *thought* it was well known.  :)

To clarify the last part of my statement quoted above, some of the
older Realists were retrofitted and some were not.  The presence of
these features is not a reliable indicator of the camera's "generation."
(Incidentally, I've also been told there is usually a sticker on the
camera body under the lens board with the actual date of manufacture--
or a code indicating the date.)

Of the various differences between his two Realists that Bob goes on
to describe, some are generational differences while others are
2.8 vs. 3.5 differences.  The 1/200 marked shutter speed of the 2.8
model has been reported by some experts to be a strictly cosmetic
difference--i.e., there is no actual difference in fastest shutter
speed between a 3.5 and a 2.8.

I haven't paid attention to differences in the camera and lens
brand name labels, or color of the DOF scale, so I can't comment
on those (and I presently only have access to one of my Realists).

> 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).

I'm working from memory, but I believe these differences also
exist between my two 3.5s (one "A" and one non-"A").  I think the
vertical bars came from the factory.

> 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.

My non-"A" 3.5 has the text Bob quotes.

The printing on the inside of the lens cover also differs on my
two Realists.  The "A" series has a hyperfocal table (probably
because it originally did not have the DOF scale).  The newer
non-A camera has an exposure table (based on ASA 10 of course).

>For whatever it's worth...

What he said!  :)

Paul Talbot


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