I have already tried an example of this camera back in 2017, but this one was up for grabs and I grabbed it. A friend was offering some cameras that had been donated to a lab she is a member of. They wanted to make space and said, come and have a look through the boxes. I got this and a couple of others. I have a feeling all will need work of some kind.

Though this one looked tidy, it had some issues which I will explain later.

I actually like the string on the lens cover as it meant it was the original one. Again, though it looked tidy, I could immediately tell the speeds were off so I decided to invest in it and send it for repairs. I sent it to Camera Repair Workshop after emailing and explaining the issue. I didn’t look further than the speeds as that was clearly an issue.

A week later the camera was returned and repaired for a very reasonable cost. I loaded a roll of expired Kodak T-Max 100 and took it on a cycle trip. Not exactly the camera to take on a bike, but I wrapped it well. The speeds were clearly spot on now, but I noticed when I set the viewfinding lens to focus at infinity, the scale on the side was not showing that. The viewfinder was not matching the taking lens. I messaged the repair shop and they said send it back. This was before I had developed the film. Once I had, it was clear I was right.

So off it went to Milton Keynes and again, one week later it was returned. AND, how honest is this, the camera had a £10 note attached to cover the extra postage expense.

Everything seemed ok this time so I loaded a fresh roll of Ilford Delta 400 and took it to Stanley Park in Blackpool where the rain threw it down. The first shot is from the back seat of my car while I waited for it to stop. I have never sat in the back seat of my own car before. It was a bit weird.

It was still raining a bit when I used the camera which made focusing a bit tricky through the raindrops on the screen. Here are a few results from that roll.

Well, that is much better. What a lovely little TLR and back from the brink of being recycle fodder. The only issue is the camera has a window on the back for 6×4.5 photos and in my original box there was a mask. There was no such mask with this one, hence I covered the 16 window with tape. I am tempted to make a mask as many of these are missing and it is tricky to find them. But I have no intention of keeping this example and it will be the first one I sell towards my “Pentax 17 Project”. Oh I have already sold 3 items of clothing on Vinted so I am £10 up 🙂

So here you go, if you are looking for a TLR that has been film tested and serviced, look no further.

SOLD