Help

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Pentax Contacts
In your response to Claudia Phillips’ inquiry about information on the Pentax MZ-S (February 2008 issue) you failed to mention two of the best Internet sources for free Pentax information: Bojidar Dimitrov’s repository of information on everything Pentax (www.bdimitrov.de/kmp) and Mike Butkus’ site for Pentax manuals which is free but asks for a donation (http://butkus.org/chinon/pentax.htm). Hope this helps!
Tom Grunau
Vermilion, OH

Thanks for sending information on these websites offering Pentax information. I’m sure other Pentax users will find them helpful.

Pony Up
Q. I have two items that maybe you can help me with. First, a Kodak Pony 135 (serial number: 526401) from the early 1960s. Second, a CB mic from the early ’70s. I have enclosed photos.
Virgil Whitsel
via e-mail

A. There were several versions of the Kodak Pony 135 made between 1950 and ’58. It had a non-interchangeable Kodak Anaston f/4.5 or f/3.5 lens in a focusing mount. Early models have an embossed metal front plate, while later model B and C versions have a silkscreen-printed metal front plate and shutter speed ring. My primary reference book shows the camera’s value today to be from $8-$15. I cannot assist in pricing the mic as that’s not our area of coverage. Thanks for including photos of these items. This helps immensely in identifying them.

Film Counter Gone Awry
Q. I recently acquired a Nikon N90s. When I loaded the first roll of film the counter showed 61. As I took pictures it increased all the way up to 85 to the end. The camera did not automatically rewind. I don’t have an Owners Manual. Is there a way to set the camera to “default” like there was on the N8008s, or is this camera defective?
George Hupp
Ottawa, IL

A. I have never encountered any 35mm camera with a counter that would indicate that many exposures, other than when equipped with an accessory long roll back. For decades 35mm film has been available in eight, 24, and 36 exposure rolls although Ilford did have a black and white film over 10 years ago that was thinner and would produce 72 standard (24x36mm) frames per roll. I believe the Nikon N90s is recent enough to have an automatic powered rewind. So it would seem that something is wrong with the camera. Contact Nikon Inc. at 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747; (800) 626-4566; www.nikonusa.com. If you just need an instruction book you could try these sources: John S. Craig (PO Box 1637, Torrington, CT 06790; (877) 572-3686; www.craigcamera.com/ib_a.htm) or Finger Lakes Photo Books (PO Box 1002, Elbridge, NY 13060; (315) 491-1188; www.photobooksonline.com). There is a firm in England called Old Timer Cameras Ltd. that has a website at: www.oldtimercameras.co.uk.
I heard they have instruction books for over 15,000 different still, cine, digital, and video cameras and/or their accessories.

Polaroid 100
Q. I have an automatic Polaroid 100 Land camera with flash in excellent condition with original instruction book and a Revere 8 Model 40, both in leather cases. Is there any value or is the sentimental value worth more? My father gave them to me.
David & Reneé Stevens
via e-mail

A. The Polaroid 100 automatic of 1963-’65 was innovative with a fully automatic operation and introduced a new type of Polaroid pack film. Value today, according to an authoritative reference book, is $8-$15. The single lens Revere 40 8mm camera from the ’40s and ’50s today has a similar value. The sentimental value to you is probably worth more.

Movie Projector Repairs?
Q. I have an old Kodak Ektasound 245 movie projector that belonged to my dad. I went to show some movies and as I was advancing the film the projector ripped the film. I contacted Kodak and they suggested contacting you since they don’t do repairs, especially on older products. I hope you can help me.
Merica Petrella
Steubenville, OH

A. I checked my listings for movie product repairs and didn’t find any that still offer this service, our current advertisers included. One firm I contacted did recommend the following firm might be able to assist you: Professional Photographic Repair, Inc. (7910 Raytheon Rd., San Diego, CA 92111; (858) 277-3700; www.procamerarepair.com). I called them and they indicated they can repair some 8mm projectors, but would need more information from you about the problem. I suggest you give them a call. Good luck.