P3D A few questions left on "Realist Evolution"

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here is what I would still like to know regarding the Realist Evolution:

- What was the date (month/year) that Realist switched from Ilex to
  David White lenses?  We know that this happened when the serial
  number was between 10,000 and 11,000, but we don't know the date
  because there is no date information inside Ilex lens boards.
  Knowing that date will tell us how fast was Realist selling cameras
  very early in the Realist history.

- When did the film advance switched from the older "silent" to the newer 
  "clicking" system?  It is very easy to put the R/A dial to "A" and
  turn the film advance and listen for the sound (you might need to 
  press the "wind release" button to get the film advance button turning)
  I would like to know what is the HIGHEST serial number that has the
  older-silent system.

- When did Realist put the double exposure prevention feature?  I 
  mentioned that I have a Realist with SN around 82,000 that does not
  have this feature.  Does anyone have an even later Realist (higher
  SN) without the "double exposure" button in the back?

- Finally, I would like to know more 2.8 Ektar serial numbers.  Right
  now I have an Ektar with SN 31,000 and one with SN 65,000.  I would
  like to expand this range in both directions.

George Themelis


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