Kodak tourist film modification

[@comfortablyblind6853]

I have a sweet little Kodak Vigilant (could be wrong on the name), that takes beautiful photos, but the hassle of respooling keeps me from running it. I have, but sitting in the dark to spool enough rolls to make an outing worth while defeats the fun of shooting. My Bronica takes beautiful photos as well, with no hassle at all. Same goes for my Argaflex and Yashika D. Both have fab glass, only one takes 120.

[@Otokichi786]

Most "use 120 on a 620 camera" have taken the "re-roll the 120 film + paper onto the 620 spool" approach. That works if you have a supply of 620 spools, but your approach is to "use 120 roll film, period" approach. Machining the camera body and making custom spool sleeves works with an all metal Kodak Tourist body, which is interesting.

[@tobroken1965]

I have yet to try it in the field but running test rolls through it seems like it will work fine. If I had to re-roll 120 film like i did years ago i wouldnt bother.

[@robertknight4672]

@@tobroken1965 film photography project store sells newly made plastic 620 spools.

[@ganzonomy]

By any chance, do you know how to get up into the viewfinder to clean it out? I just bought one, and I'd like to be able to see through the top. Thanks! Jason

[@tobroken1965]

I havent actually done it yet but I just took a quick look at one of mine and I see that upon removing the two knobs on top, you will (depending on the variant) find a Phillips screw under the take up reel knob, and under the spool reel knob (the little one) a collar that is screwed down into the body. Be cautious with this one, the screw driver must span the slot from side to side without digging into the plastic, it also appears to be concave. If there is a cold shoe, the screws in it may need to come out and I also suspect the strap should be removed because i think the lugs are secured to the body. Good luck!

[@theandrewfamily]

Have you tried this yet? I want to do this to a tourist I'm getting. I'm curious why you had to do the take up reel side. If the film is the same size shouldn't it fit on the 620 take up reel? Thanks in advance for any help.

[@tobroken1965]

I have not yet. I did all the extra work so that I wouldnt have to re-role 120 film onto a 620 spool.

[@theandrewfamily]

@@tobroken1965, I've never shot 120 before so have no 120 empties to use for winding reel. I'm thinking I can do film side first and use the 620 reel that came with camera on winding side for that first roll. I'm also worried though as the shutter doesn't always close completely when fired so there's a little gap in shutter until button is released.

[@theandrewfamily]

Fixed the shutter. Ready to start grinding. What did you grind with? I know you said dremel. Did you use a stone or grinding bit? Thanks! Would love to see a video with you shooting this.

[@tobroken1965]

@@theandrewfamily it was a grinding bit, a ball and a pointed one for the corners. I dont know what their official size is, they are just bits i had on hand. Also, well done for fixing that lens, I have tried to work on a couple with mixed results. They dont seem to be service friendly. B&H photo sells 620 film, its a little pricey but saves a lot of fairly delicate work.

[@theandrewfamily]

I'm trying to do what you've done. I bought some 120 spools and am trying to make them fit.