Question:
What is wrong with the Realist on the left?
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Answer: It is missing the
Stereo Realist Camera Aperture Handles
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As some of you know, I am not big on gadgets. I only use accessories that help with my stereo photography. This is one of them. Without the handles you have to grab the lens barrel and try to turn it, which is not very easy. With the handles in place it is much easier to change the aperture (lens f-stop). The extra bonus is that the Realist looks more attractive!
After selling a one pair of these in ebay (found it in a camera that I bought) for $28 I commissioned a friend, a machinist, to make a set of new aperture handles. These are made out of stainless steel. They carry the right size of threads on one side (see below about this) and a slot to facilitate installation.
Installing these in your Stereo Realist camera is very easy. You do not need to remove the lens cover or lens board. The handles replace the screws that hold the aperture "belt" in place. These two screws are easily accessible from the side the lens. Just remove the original screw and install the handle as shown below. Do not force the handle if it does not go all the way in! (see below)
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Important Notes:
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Earlier Ilex Realists have smaller threaded part. Please do not force the handles in because you might break the tip of the handle which will then be a major problem (it happened to me). If you cannot insert the handle all the way in the thread hole, consider filing the threaded end a bit, to shorten it.
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In some Realists (the majority) the handles hit the shutter dial plate and it is not possible to set the smallest aperture (f22). If this is the case with your Realist and if this aperture setting is important for you (I never use it myself) then you can take the shutter dial plate out and file off the corners (they are made from soft bakelite).
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There are two different sizes of screws. Earlier Realists use a smaller thread size, 0-90, while later Realists use a larger thread size, 0-80. With a bit of experience you can tell by just looking at the size of the existing screw. Earlier models have a smaller screw (see below left) compared to later models.
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Looking at the Stereo Realists around my workshop, I was able to narrow down the transition between serial numbers 71,000 and 74,000:
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Stereo Realists with serial number 71,000 or earlier use the smaller thread size
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Stereo Realists with serial number 74,000 and later (this includes the Realists with SN on the side instead of the bottom), use the larger thread size.
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I have no data for Realists between 71,000 and 74,000 (I will appreciate data from Realists camera owners)
You will need to specify thread size (small or large) when ordering!
Also, please check my stereo store or my ebay auctions for price and payment information
Updated: November 2007