P3D Re: Heaven V - Super Ilex Paragon

[Eric Goldstein <egoldste@xxxxxx>]

Dr. George A. Themelis wrote:

> Super Ilex Paragon.  These cameras have been
> modified/improved as follows:  Late production oversize rewind knob, modern
> flash hot shoe, shutter speed increase to 1/200, new shutter speed dial,
> DOF scale, front cover, fully reconditioned shutter.  In addition, they are
> sold with warranty.

Great new product reviews, George!

Regarding the "Super" Ilex... I've been shooting with my own
"hotroddded" Ilex for about 5 years... with all of the improvements
above plus one important addition... changed the film wind
mechanism/rachet pawl over to the newer style; this is really from where
the improvement in reliability will come.

Also, to my knowledge, you can't quite get a true 1/200 out of a Realist
(or Kodak) shutter... about 1/175th or so is the best I've come up with
(so compensate with aperture accordingly 8-)).

My own experiences with the Paragon lenses mirror your... they are fine
performers even wide open, best at f/11. They seem to have a bit higher
("better?") contrast and a more pleasing color cast than the David White
and many other stereo triplets, probably the result of different/heavier
lens coatings. And like all Realists (and Reveres, Belplascas) being
non-front cell focusers means they should have fewer compromises
optically than some of the other stereo cameras...

Because these cameras were early production run, are older and often
more heavily used, lack DOF and double exposure prevention features,
etc, they used to be regarded as less desireable! I think I bought mine
already modified and tuned by Piper for something like $90...

Eric G.


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