P3D Twin camera questions

[Jonathan Gross <jonathan.gross@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dr. T writes:
> Minolta X-700 for sale since I have about 5-6 X-700 bodies,
> and extra cable releases.  Here is one scenario for the X-700:  
> Each camera with normal lens: $150.  Bar, cables, etc., $50.  
> All used, of course.

These are great prices, even for used equipment.  Since not everyone can
purchase such a system from George, I have what I think is a good
solution to cable release problem for Minolta X-700's.  I had quite a
difficult time finding remote release cables for the X-700's, and I was
also interested in an auto-winder for them.  Cameta Camera
(http://www.cameta.com) sells an after-market winder for X-700's from
Maxwell for $59, model M-1TR.  These winders have several features more
than the Minolta made units, but the feature that turned out to be a
great surprise is that they accept standard subminiature audio jacks for
releasing the shutters.  I tested the setup with twin X-700's (one
behind the other with the backs open and a light shining through). They
sync up great.  I like the autowinder feature because it's one less
thing to do when taking photographs.

In the negative column, these units are made in China, so the quality is
uncertain.  I have not taken one apart, however, they appear well built
and well designed.

Another "feature" which I have not been able to assess is the location
of the tripod attachment; it's located near the back edge of the unit. 
This makes sense from the standpoint that the center of gravity is
likely to be forward on the camera because of the weight of the lens.
Locating the attachment near the back edge makes it more stable when in
use.  If one thinks of the winder as half of a teeter-totter with the
fulcrum under the front edge of the winder, there is more leverage from
the back edge against the weight of the lens than near the center of the
winder (a first degree lever).

               CCCCCCC       C=Camera Body (Side View)
             CCCCCCCCC       L=Lens
         CCCCCCCCCCCCC       X=Winder
 LLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCC       T=Tripod
 LLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCC       |= 1/4-20 attachment screw
 LLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCC       H= head of attachment screw
 LLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCC       P= Release cable plug 
 LLLLLLLLCCCCCCCCCCCCC       -= Release cable
         CCCCCCCCCCCCC       (Not to scale)
         CCCCCCCCCCCCC       View with mono-spaced font only
         XXXXXXXXXXXXX       
         XXXXXXXXXXXXXPPP----------------------------------
         XXXXXXXXXX|XX
  Front  TTTTTTTTTT|TT  Back 
         TTTTTTTTTT|TT
                  HHH

On the other hand, any upward pressure on the lens exerts incredible
leverage against the back edge of the winder.  I was thinking of
configuring a brace which would provide additional support.

Jon Gross


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