Something for Ron Herron....

[bobm]

Ron:

Here's that Rank Aldis badged Mamiya 4B I was talking about - if it's of iinterest to you and if you want some pics to add to your most excellent site, let me know....
The battery compartment is on the left-hand side of the camera (as held in pic-taking mode) and a small push-button switch on the back, operates the meter.

And here's the Rank Mamiya one (which I prefer as the meter is selenium and needs no battery unlike the Cds one in the Aldis version):

[herron]

Bob:
Interesting. I wonder if the meter change was something Rank wanted? Is there a nameplate of any kind on it, or on the top plate? Where do you read the meter indications? I wouldn't mind a picture or two. Since you've seen my site, you know I usually run them either full front, or about 3/4 to 7/8 side.

If you could send them to my email, I would appreciate it.

Thanks! ;D

[bobm]

Ron: The whole top covers can be interchanged on these two cameras as the meters are self-contained within the cover, the rangefinder naturally remaining fixed to the camera body. The "Rank Aldis" badge is on the top - it's in the same position and is the same dimensions as that on the Rank Mamiya.

Although the top covers can be interchanged, the covers are not identical as the Aldis version has a fitted battery compartment on the LH side and a non-latching push button switch centrally mounted on the rear of the top cover to actuate the meter, the display of which, is identical to, and mounted in the same position as the Rank Mamiya.

Interestingly, the Aldis serial number is also numerically lower than the Mamiya although both share the "O" mark with the horizontal line through it. And as can be seen from these two pics, the lens trim rings are named and labelled differently - the Mamiya also has "Seikosha" on the underside of the aperture ring, while the Aldis has "Seiko".

Other than the differences referred to above, both cameras are otherwise identical, and relatively uncommon over here. Which makes the fact that in addition to the camera, I also have the original Rank Mamiya lens cap and ever-ready case, quite surprising.

I'll take another look at your site to reacquaint myself with the subject positioning and backgrounds and I'll take additional shots showing the battery compartment, meter switch and top plate.

[herron]

Thanks, Bob.

Seikosha and Seiko are one in the same company...the same Seiko company that makes watches today. In fact, they started by making watches in their original Seikosha factory in 1892...only moving into the realm of camera shutters in 1930.

I think Seiko Group also owns Epson.


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BTW -- that O with the line through it is the indication of the film plane. Used to appear on a lot of cameras.

[bobm]

BTW -- that O with the line through it is the indication of the film plane. Used to appear on a lot of cameras.

For some reason, I didn't associate the mark as being the film plane indication even though bizarrely, my EOS 5D DSLR has it and I do actually know what it represents.

Re the Aldis shots, I've revisited your site and reacquainted myself with your preferred subject format. I'll shoot them at 5mp and leave the shots full size and with minimal jpg compression so you can resize them etc. to your own requirements.

[herron]

Thanks, Bob. I'll watch for them. ;D

[bobm]

Hi Ron,

YHM