RE: [Rollei] Can someone describe the Rollei 2.8 FX?

[Richard Knoppow <dickburk >]

At 12:35 AM 11/19/2001 -0500, you wrote:
>> I have never heard anyone say that the Automat
>> mechanism
>> is "unreliable".
>
>> > > It was stated somewhere that the 'Automat' film transport with
>> > the roller to
>> > > sense the start of the film was abandoned as a conscious
>> > decision by Rollei
>> > > as it was unreliable with the thinner emulsions of some modern
>> > films.
>
>Whether it was really stated somewhere (as the above claim says), or even if
>it was stated, whether that statement was true or not, you did just hear it!
>
>> It can get out of adjustment, as can any mechanical
>> device, but its reliability is high and it is tough as is the rest of the
>> camera.
>
>I have no doubt that it is reasonably reliable.  My point was because one
>person hasn't had any problems with it doesn't mean that others haven't.
>And there is certainly nothing wrong with not believing someone's
>claim...but such obtuse dismissiveness was a bit out of line, IMO.
>
>That still goes back to my initial question, why no one else used it, or a
>similar mechanism, or why Rollei didn't adapt it to the GX etc.?  For the
>most part, I would assume anything anyone says on this is speculation...but
>speculation certainly isn't out of the realm of THIS email list!
>
  I suspect that the reason the automatic threading was not adapted by
others is that by the time the patents expired (would have been around the
middle to late 1950's it just wasn't of interest for other cameras. Its a
fairly complex mechanism. The automatic film metering and combined film
winding and shutter cocking arrangement is used on a number of other
cameras although not all of them use a metering wheel. The spacing without
the wheel can be made reasonably uniform with much reduction of machinery. 
  I rather think economy of manufacture was more likely to be the reason
for its non-use than concerns for reliability. In fact, it seems to be very
reliable. 
- ----
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk  

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