TEST ROLL ep.4 - 1A Autographic Kodak Jr - 116 roll film folding camera

[@jimphilpott902]

I led a program on the history of cameras at my local photo club last week. We had several folding, bellows, cameras on display. I have purchased the adaptors for my Kodak No. 3-A so I can use 120 film. Thanks for giving it a test drive. You have encouraged me.

[@martinkauper4991]

My congratulations (or apologies)! Seriously, I had a lot of fun with our folder and hope that you also have fun with yours! Regards, Martin

[@liveinaweorg]

Thank you, this was very enjoyable. I'll watch your bellows replacement video next. I have the 1A Autographic (non Junior model) with the Rapid Rectilinear lens. I'm aiming to pick up 116 to 120 adapters so I can run some 120 through it. I'll also need to repair some minor bellows light leaks. Still, it is in amazing original condition for a camera from around 1920. I have a roll of expired Ilford Selachrome film from 1953 that has been put onto a 120 roll. Once I confirm everything works okay I'll shoot that roll.

[@RDavisFrench]

Well, Martin. I’ve spent a bit of my morning watching your very geeky and highly entertaining “Test Roll” videos. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see and hear you after all these years. The terrifying thought of being bent over a log by a large chicken headed red neck, and being told to “Cluck like a chicken!” Will haunt my dreams. Bravo, Martin and Lars! I’m anxiously awaiting future episodes.

[@martinkauper4991]

Davis, apart from being amazed that you admit to knowing me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@620film]

Kodak stopped making 116 ( and 616) in December 1984. I was a college student, at that time, using antique cameras in my college photo club. The only type of film that had been available win those sizes was Kodacolor II. The negative size for these camera is amazing!

[@patrickrostker6693]

Wow, just picked one up and will be my 3rd folding bellows camera after the 3A model C and a Zeiss Ikon 6x9. They're quite fun and get amazingly large images! Doing my own work to replace the outside leather and make it pretty again though! 🎉

[@homestudioplace]

Fun video! I just recently replaced the bellows in my grandfather's No. 1A Pocket Kodak (also A116 film) with a new bellows made my eTone ($68 delivered in 2023), and I'm looking forward to trying it out with film. :)

[@martinkauper4991]

I'd love to see that when you're done. Thanks!

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Great results! Verichrome is one of those bulletproof films. Also, I have photo albums of my parents, and they are all contact prints from a 6x9 negative using an Agfa Box 50. I have the camera also.

[@martinkauper4991]

Thanks for the support, Alex! I can't say that Verichrome was my favorite, but it sure would get you a printable photo in many conditions. Those old cameras with family history are very special to me.

[@colinclayton4775]

Thanks for this video. It was great to watch. In fact, I had been looking at a Kodak junior autographic No. 1 on ebay and was hesitating - so bought it straight after watching 😊 Thankfully, it takes 120 film which makes it easier, but not sure what speed film to use, 100 or 400 ASA. I'm assuming with such a limited range of shutter speed (max 1/50th) 400 would be the better choice?

[@martinkauper4991]

These old cameras used slower film back in the day. 100 iso would be my choice. Depending on the smallest available openings, 400 speed might send you into overexposure on a bright day. Obviously, what you want to shoot will dictate. Have fun!

[@drawagih]

Thanks for this great video! I have the No1 A! I was wondering how to unload the film? How do you roll it back?

[@martinkauper4991]

With old fashioned roll film with paper backing, one just winds the film all the way onto the take-up spool. No need to rewind. Open camera and take out film in subdued light. On old rolls of film there was a piece of gummed paper with the word "Exposed" for keeping the roll together until it is developed. A rubber band will do the same.

[@WelcometoHell3]

Hey guys! Do you have any advice for how to lubricate a track that is really hard to slide the lens out on? I tried regular grease but it didn’t do much, thanks for the cool video!

[@martinkauper4991]

It's hard to say without looking at it. These weren't always precision instruments and the track itself could be binding due to misalignment. Certainly a good cleaning of the track underside using toothpicks/swabs might help. Also check the spring-loaded lock for dents or burrs. Thanks for looking and good luck! - Martin

[@avnostlga]

I've had luck with this method. Clean gently using a Q-tip lightly dipped in alcohol. Once the tracks are cleaned, use pencil lead and rub graphite along the tracks. Never use a liquid lubricant. Speaking from personal experience.

[@critterstocosmos]

Hi there. Great video! I have the same camera and would love to try 120 film in it. Would you be able to share a link to the 3D adapter kit that you used? I have found many that have the end pieces, but not the mask. Thanks!

[@martinkauper4991]

Here's a link to the maker's ebay auction: www.ebay.com/itm/154347676466?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=v5gzCNRlRyW&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=_TvyG3RUT56&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY If that doesn't work just search for Shutterspeedblog. Best of luck!

[@critterstocosmos]

Perfect. Thank you!

[@matthewdeacon1970]

What aperture were you using with the 116 film?

[@martinkauper4991]

I think we used f8 at 1/50th. The reasoning was that since it was very old film we would have to overcome some significant base fogging. That would work out to 2 stops over box speed in a bright sun situation. We developed it in Rodinal diluted 1 to 100 with stand development for 1 hour. I'm sure there are other approaches that would work well (if not better).