freshpic

I have recently got hold of a rather ancient Kodak Autographic 3A which I had converted to use modern 120 film, however I have no experience of using a Kodak from that time (1917) , are any members out there who have used this type of camera, a few tips would be helpful, thanks.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

A quick Google search revealed these
http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/No._3A_Autographic_Kodak
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/kodak/kodak_autograph_3a/kodak_autographic_3a-splash.htm
http://www.6x14.com/3ahistory.html

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

They are a pretty simple camera to use. I have my Grandfathers. a lot of years ago I had some film made for it and took a few rolls and then put it away. They all turned out pretty good. I used a light meter to get close to the setting tho. :) I do have a few shots he took with the camera and I took a few of the camera it's self if you would like to see them. I have put it away so my kids will have it and theirs too. It means a lot to me because he pasted away the day I was born, and I am name after him. No amount of money would buy this camera! :)
Erv

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

You can use an exposure meter to get the shutter speed - aperture combination you need to use. I asume your film will be asa 100 or 125. If you don't have a meter you can use the sunny 16 guess. In sunlight you use f16 and 1/over the asa [film speed} of the film you are useing. If asa 100 film it would be 1/100. You could use 1/100 for 125 film too. Close enough. This is in the Sun. If you go to the shade use a slower speed or open up a stop or two. Don't forget to focus. You do this by setting the focus scale that is on the fold out and an pointer on the side of the lens. I would also learn to develope the film and print contact prints. Easy to do and it's fun. You can do this with things you have around the house..Have fun. - Dave

twowindsbear

First of all, make SURE there are no holes in the bellows to cause light leaks! Open the camera, extend the lens & bellows - then, open the back & carefully shine a flashlight around the inside of the bellows while you look for light shining through. IF you see any light, you'll have problems with light fogging your pix.

Good luck with your 'new' camera.

Dean Sturgis

[quote=wilsondl2]You can use an exposure meter to get the shutter speed - aperture combination you need to use. I asume your film will be asa 100 or 125. If you don't have a meter you can use the sunny 16 guess. In sunlight you use f16 and 1/over the asa [film speed} of the film you are useing. If asa 100 film it would be 1/100. You could use 1/100 for 125 film too. Close enough. This is in the Sun. If you go to the shade use a slower speed or open up a stop or two. Don't forget to focus. You do this by setting the focus scale that is on the fold out and an pointer on the side of the lens. I would also learn to develope the film and print contact prints. Easy to do and it's fun. You can do this with things you have around the house..Have fun. - Dave[/quote]

A digital camera that reads out the exposure or shows the exposure f stop & shutter speed after you take the picture is one of the best light meters you can get. You can zoom the lens for average or spot meter, review lighting etc.

dsturgis

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Good point towindsbear - Dave