PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE WRITING TO HELP!
The volume of letters to this column is increasing every month. To be able to continue to offer this service, we need your cooperation.

· Please keep HELP! letters brief and to the point. We ask that you confine yourself to only one question per letter. Letters should be typed. If you cannot have the letter typed, then please print clearly. We get many hand written letters which we simply cannot read, and for this reason they are not answered. E-mail is the most efficient way to get HELP! letters answered promptly. Send your queries to editorial@shutterbug.net and type HELP! in the subject header. Those without computers at home can often set up e-mail accounts through local libraries for this purpose.
· Although we make every effort, we cannot promise to answer every HELP! letter.
· When sending a response to a previous question, please include the month and page of the original question.
· All letters to HELP! must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope to be considered for reply. Foreign readers should send an International Reply Coupon, available from any post office. We will also respond to e-mail queries with an e-mail.
· The purpose of the HELP! column is to provide solutions to photographic problems, to find sources of supply and to identify cameras. HELP! is not a pricing or appraisal service, and cannot provide values for old equipment.
George Schaub
Editor

Meter Power For M3
Q. I have a Leica M3 that my father purchased new in 1958. The light meter that attaches to the top (and to the shutter speed knob) has quit working. Where can I get the power source for this meter replaced?
Steve Swift
via Internet

A. I don't know if 40-year-old Leica equipment repairs are still available through the U.S.A. branch of Leica, but that would be the first place I would check. Try contacting Leica at www.leica-camera.com/usa or calling them at (800) 222-0118. The Leica Historical Society of America (www.lhsa.org/) is also a good bet. If these ideas don't pan out, you might want to check our classified ads for individuals offering older Leica equipment for sale. Or you could always resort to purchasing a new handheld exposure meter. Of course this type of meter would not couple to your camera, but at least you would be able to get the proper exposure. There are some very small meters available and since most cameras have built-in meters these days, handheld meters should be available at a reasonable cost.

Modern Battery Conversion?
Q. How can a Gossen Super Pilot meter be converted to modern batteries? Thanks.
John E.L. Robertson
Paducah, KY

A. Your Gossen meter takes one EPX13 or one EPX625 1.35v mercury battery. As you know, mercury batteries are difficult to obtain today due to stricter environmental laws. However, there are several zinc-air batteries that have the same voltage and can be substituted without having to modify your meter. Try contacting Scherer Supplies, Box 250, Ewing, VA 24248; (423) 733-2615; fax: (423) 733-2073. They have a zinc-air MX625 that replaces the PX625 and PX13. Another zinc-air brand to look for at photo stores is Wein (distributed by The Tiffen Company). A final place to check is your local Radio Shack store, which can order hard to find batteries if they are not in stock.

Internal Battery For Maxxum?
Q. I own a Minolta Maxxum 7000 AF. The internal battery needs changing. What battery is needed, can I do it myself? If not, where can I send it? Thanks.
Richard Kuzia
via Internet

A. I dug through back files to find reference material used when writing my Minolta Classic Cameras book in 1994. Fortunately I found the instruction book for the Maxxum 7000 AF. The Maxxum 7000 is powered by four
AAA-size alkaline batteries. These are still standard batteries today and should be readily available at most any store that handles batteries. The Maxxum 7000 batteries are housed inside the left end of the body where the bulge is, just below the shutter release. The instructions indicate that these four AAA batteries provide power for all functions including film transport, metering, autofocusing, and shutter release. I don't believe any other batteries are needed for your camera other than these user-replaceable AAAs.

Mamiya Sekor Batteries
Q. I am trying to resurrect an old friend--namely a Mamiya Sekor DSX 1000 35mm SLR camera (mint condition). I have looked everywhere (Wally World, camera shops, hearing-aid stores, etc.) for batteries to no avail. I have the old batteries (which were stored with the camera). The only markings on the batteries are the numbers "400." The camera took two of these "whatevers." I have long ago lost the directions to the camera and an e-mail to Mamiya was not helpful. They told me where to get it repaired (which is not the problem). I am aware of the "Wein Cell" line of replacement batteries but, and this is the big "but," what "battery and voltage" to try to order? None of the cross-reference charts at various web sites show the DSX 1000. Thanks for any help.
Craig Schuler PhD
via Internet

A. I still have a couple of the Mamiya DSX and MSX cameras from when I worked for Bell & Howell/Mamiya nearly 30 years ago. The instructions for the DSX series of cameras show they take a S-76 (or EPX76) silver-oxide battery (or equivalent). The voltage is 1.5. It is not clear whether one or two batteries are required, but my DSX 1000 camera looks like there is only room for one button battery. As you probably know silver-oxide batteries are not available today, but the zinc-air batteries from Wein or Scherer Supplies (Box 250, Ewing, VA 24248; (423) 733-2615; fax: (423) 733-2073) should do the job. Since the battery is only used to power the match needle internal exposure meter, you could still use the otherwise completely mechanically operated camera without a battery. By the way, there are lots of used 42mm screw-in Pentax/Praktica mount lenses available for your camera if and when you want to expand.

3D Printing
Q. I love your magazine. It is a great source for equipment. Can you tell me the name of any photo lab that does three-dimensional pictures?
Jim Morgan
Raleigh, NC

A. Thanks for the kind words. We try to be the main source for older equipment information. I assume you want prints made from three or four lens 3D cameras. If so, there are a few labs that still offer this service. One is Orasee Corporation (formerly NimsTec), 4850 River Green Parkway, Duluth, GA 30096; (770) 497-0727; www.i3dx.com. When I just accessed the site I found they charge $4 for processing the film plus $4 per print (3.5x4.5" or 5x7") plus $4 for shipping and handling. For a 36 exposure roll (18 stereo prints) that totals $58. They can process and print color negatives made by NimsTec, Nishika, or Nimslo cameras. In addition, they make color enlargements up to 27x36" for display. Another firm to check is: Craig Daniels, StereoType, PO Box 1637, Florence, OR 97439; (541) 997-8879. I trust that one or both of them can assist you.

Stereo Pair Slide Mounting
Q. I have been using a Revere Model #33 to photograph my collection of antiques, which I have acquired over a period of 25 years. My problem--I can't find a lab that has the capability of processing and mounting my slide film. If you can furnish me with the name of one or two labs that still perform this service I would be indebted to you forever.
Laurence Austin
Flushing, NY

A. After checking a reference book I found your 1950s vintage Revere #33 is a two lens stereo camera. It appears that all types of two, three, or four lens stereo processing for either slides or prints is difficult to find these days and rather expensive when you can find it. I called Kodak's hot line (800-242-2424) and they said their processing labs scattered around the country no longer process and mount 35mm stereo pair slides but they suggested Rocky Mountain Film Lab, 560 Geneva St., Aurora, CO 80010; (303) 364-6444; e-mail: info@rockymountainfilm.com; web site: www.rockymountainfilm.com. I just accessed their web site and found they charge $36.50 for one roll processing and mounting (K-14 Kodachrome or E-6 chrome slide films) with a one to three months turnaround time. Also, they can mount previously processed stereo slide film at $1 per frame plus $4 shipping and handling. If they cannot assist you, try contacting the group that many stereo enthusiasts belong to and they should have the names of some labs: National Stereoscopic Association, PO Box 14801, Columbus, OH 43214.

Kodak Pocket Junior Price
Q. I have enclosed pictures of my old camera for you to peruse and let me know if this particular camera may be valuable. I know it is at least 60 years old. The metal tab above the lens reads KODO 1. I cannot find any other numbers on it inside or out. The case is somewhat scuffed up, but the accordion opening is in good condition. If you can't give me any information, maybe you can refer me to someone who can.
Norma Nodar
Mobile, AL

A. Most of the early Kodaks illustrated (unfortunately in black and white) in my Kodak Cameras, The First Hundred Years reference book have a very different metal folding mechanism than shown on your camera. But, after skimming further through the book I found the No. 1A Pocket Kodak Junior (1929-32) (page 150) with similar folding struts that has a KODO shutter. It was made with black, blue, green, or brown leather and took 116-size film. Assuming this is your camera, I checked another current price guide McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 2001-2002 (page 358) and found this camera in black has a $8-$15 price but in color is $40-$60. Since these cameras were made by the thousands back then, I guess they just don't command a very high price today.

B&W In Point-And-Shoot?
Q. Can I use 35mm black and white film rolls in an autofocus point-and-shoot camera? Thanks.
Ramachandran, Shyamal
via Internet

A. Sure you can use 35mm black and white film in your point-and-shoot camera. I assume you would be using recently purchased black and white film that has DX coding to set the film speed for your camera. You might want to consider buying chromogenic black and white film by Kodak or Ilford. Both of these ISO 400 films can be processed in standard C41 color negative film chemistry at any standard one-hour or overnight finishing lab, which is more convenient than finding a custom lab that specializes in processing and printing conventional black and white films. Of course, if you do your own film processing you probably would prefer conventional black and white film. Black and white film, like color negative film, has broad exposure latitude, so the camera's metering system does not have to be exceptionally accurate.

Turn Off Pre-Flash?
Q. How do you turn off pre-flash with a ex420 flash and a Canon Rebel 2000 so the on-camera flash will trigger a slaved studio flash?
Lorin Edmonds
via Internet

A. The camera's pre-flash is normally a focus assist light for the camera's autofocusing to provide adequate light in dimmer situations. The easiest way to disable the pre-flash would be to switch the lens from AF to Manual focus mode. This should stop the pre-flash so you don't trigger your studio flash slave and prematurely fire the studio flashes before the camera flash actually fires. At least this is the way I work with studio slave flash units with my Canon EOS A2 AF SLR.

Canon QL 19 Battery
Q. I have a Canon QL 19 camera. I need a battery but cannot find one. Please send me some information on this. Thank you.
Marjorie Lovett
via Internet

A. Your Canonet QL 19 is identical to my old Canonet QL 17 except it has a f/1.9 lens. The instructions show it takes a 1.3v #625 mercury battery, or equivalent. But, few places sell mercury batteries these days. A reader just informed me about a source via the Internet at px625.com (90 Orchard St., Boston, MA 02130) where you can order these batteries. Your local RadioShack store is also a good source for older and hard to find batteries. If they don't stock the one you need, often they can order it. Or try Scherer Supplies (Box 250, Ewing, VA 24248; (423) 733-2615) they have a zinc-air with no mercury or cadmium. MX625 replaces PX625 and PX13; MX675 replaces PX675. In addition there are zinc-air batteries available from Wein (sold through The Tiffen Company dealers). One of them should be able to get your nice old Canonet working again. Of course, you can operate it without batteries if you want, but you would have to determine your exposure yourself (using a guide possibly) and then set both the lens aperture and shutter speed yourself. Since the camera is wound and rewound manually, the battery is only used for metering and automatically setting the aperture when set to "A." I still think this is one of the nicest compact cameras ever--and it sure has a fast lens when compared to today's fully automatic AF cameras!

Darkroom Advice
Q. I wasn't sure who to e-mail this question to...I'm trying to build my own darkroom. Do you have any advice on any "how to" books on starting your own darkroom? Or can you send me to someone who would know? Thanks so much!
Christina
via Internet

A. I know I have seen several books on starting a home darkroom in the past, but the only current one I've been able to locate is a Kodak booklet titled Building a Home Darkroom E 1439991 available for $24.94 through The Tiffen Company dealers. To locate a dealer in your area, contact The Tiffen Company Information at (800) 645-2522.

Advice For A Beginner
Q. Hi. I'm 14 years old and only recently got interested in photography, so I don't have much equipment. I want to try to take some photographs of fireworks, people around the bonfire, etc., but I'm not sure what film I should use and if I should set my shutter speed to B. The only thing I'm worried about is camera shake because I don't have a tripod. Should I take flash?
Shona Cameron
via Internet

A. I'll try to briefly answer your questions, but I would recommend you check at a library for more detailed help in taking pictures by low level or existing light conditions with or without using flash. Fireworks are best recorded using bulb (when the shutter stays open until you close it) with the camera placed on some type of support. A tripod would be best, as it would allow you to move the lens to point toward the sky where the fireworks are going off. But you could use a parked car or some other firm, non-moving, support. Just point the lens toward where the fireworks have been going off, have the camera focused for infinity, set the moderate telephoto lens at about f/8 with ISO 100 speed film, and leave the shutter open for two or three bursts of fireworks. Needless to say, this would be difficult to do with a compact fully automatic camera, but if you have a SLR or other camera with manual settings you should be able to get some nice records.
Flash would not help for fireworks other than it would illuminate any people in the foreground, but many automatic cameras have an optional "night scene mode" which will set the shutter speed for a longer time to record by the existing low light then will fire the flash to help illuminate the people--but you have to hold the camera extra steady. For this situation I would use a faster film such as ISO 400 or 800. I hope this gives you some ideas how to start using your camera more creatively. I started learning about photography while about your age and became a member of the high school camera club. If your school has one, you might want to join to learn more. Good luck.

Package Prints
Q. I'm starting a business taking photos and need to know where to find a lab that will make packages for my customers. Please help.
Louie Mason
via Internet

A. You don't say what type of packages you plan to offer. Are they sports, church directory, senior portraits, or something similar? Have you checked the Photo Lab Showcase in a recent issue of Shutterbug? Dozens of labs advertise there and many offer various types of package printing as do many larger professional-oriented local and mail-order labs. I suggest you review a recent issue and call or write several of the labs, tell them the type of packages you seek, then ask for a current price list if they do the type of package printing you seek.

Freedom Self-Timer
Q. I have an older Minolta Freedom AF35 camera that I inherited. It has a shutter timer, a function I've never used but would like to now try. Minolta's web site and phone support center no longer support that model due to its age, thus there's not an Owners Manual I can request or download from them. I can probably purchase the manual through one of the vendors you folks recommend, but I'm unwilling to wait for the manual to arrive via snailmail. It was recommended that I contact you, as you probably have--in your vast library--a copy of a manual for that camera, or firsthand understanding of how to utilize such a function. I could trial and error it, but I always prefer to go to the source first whenever possible, and by default you're the source. I suspect it's as simple as pressing the timer button, then perhaps the shutter button, and it gives you "n" seconds before the picture is taken, but am not certain.
via Internet

A. Sorry, I don't have that particular camera instruction book among the hundreds of cameras I have reviewed in the past several years. As you surmised, most cameras have a built-in self-timer function. Usually you just touch a button to access that mode, then press the shutter release down to activate it. Most take 10-15 seconds before the camera will take a picture. Many have a blinking or flashing light on the front that begins flashing more rapidly a few seconds before the shutter trips. Why not try this when the camera is empty (no film loaded) and just look at the front of the camera after you press the shutter? Yes, this is trial and error, but it should answer your question, and you won't waste any film either.

Manual For Weathermatic
Q. I am looking for an Owners Manual for a 10-year-old Minolta Weathermatic Dual 35 camera that uses regular film, not the APS film of the newer Vectis Weathermatic model. Minolta was not able to provide me with one. Please tell me where to download or purchase the manual for this camera.
Maria Slade
via Internet

A. There are several reliable sources for instruction books for older cameras. These include: John S. Craig, Box 1637, Torrington, CT 06790; (860) 496-9791; www.craigcamera.com/ib_a.htm. Another site for camera manuals is www.manualsrus.com. Finally, you could check with Finger Lakes Photo Books, PO Box 1002, Elbridge, NY 13060; (315) 491-1188; web site: www.photobooksonline.com; e-mail: flpbks@localnet.com. Hopefully, one or more of these places will have the instructions for your Minolta Weathermatic.