P3D Verascope and Sputnik

[PABigelow@xxxxxxx]

Hello,

Just been on vacation to San Antonio where the Verascope F40
and Sputnik have been put to good use at the San Antonio Zoo,
Alamo, Sea World, and Riverwalk.  Film used was Ektachrome
Select 100 35mm and Ektachrome VS 100 120 roll.

The timer on the Sputnik proved very helpful as I could frame
the shot and run in front of the camera -- my timer is about 7
seconds.  A Sputnik shot of Shamu in a midair leap was
attempted.  Sadly, the Sputnik suffered damage during a "timer"
exposure -- an unwatching young adult ran and hit the tripod
and the Sputnik landed right on its face damaging the focusing
gears and bending the left lens housing.  Luckily, the bakelite case
survived without damage as did the lenses and viewfinder assembly.
Oh well, more restoration to be done.

The Verascope appeared to work quite well -- mechanically
flawless.  We'll see if the "Flareascope" (grrrrr) earns its reputation,
a few nondestructive modifications were made to avoid the
worst of the problem.

What is typically done for using a flash with the Verascope F40?
Mine is the earlier model with the two jacks on the upper portion
of the side.

>From a collector standpoint, which of the various Verascope F40
is the rarest / most desirable?

Finally, did I understand correctly that the F40 was introduced in
1942?  Does that mean that some of the cameras were made
during the occupation of France?

Best regards,

Paul Bigelow


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End of PHOTO-3D Digest 3386
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