Rangefinder Magazine

November 2000

Problems and Solutions

From: Robert Elam, Franklin, Georgia
e-mail: RKElam@aol.com
I have a Metz 45 CL 3 Strobe. At my last wedding, my flash was hit and it snapped off my bracket that my flash mounts on. After looking at my owner’s manual, I noticed it’s just a simple piece that would be easy to replace. The part is called a Quick Fastener and it is part of the holding block that mounts to the flash bracket. If you could give me a place where I could purchase this part I would appreciate it.

You can get your strobe repaired by contacting Bogen Photo, Metz’ U.S. distributor. Bogen Photo’s address is 565 E. Crescent Ave., P.O. Box 506, Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506; (201) 818-9177; web site: www.bogenphoto.com/. You may have to order the part through Bogen or send the strobe in for repairs.

From: Marilyn Gong
e-mail: mgong87502@aol.com
I have a Technal dry-mount press that has been in storage and has some “stuff” (chemical residue?), on the surface of the plate. I have tried cleaning with alcohol, and something a little more abrasive, but it just wont come clean. Any recommendations? Is it possible to get a replacement plate anywhere? Thanks so much.

There are a number of heat-mount presses used in the graphic arts industry, but the one that might do you the most good is Seal Products, 550 Spring St., Naugatuck, CT 06770; (203) 729-5201. They may be able to provide you with the information needed to clean the press plate, or may be able to supply you with a new one for your dry-mount press.

From: Bob Myers
e-mail: clicker@famvid.com
Do you know where a person might purchase a Midland printer? It can print several billfolds on one sheet of paper.

I don’t have anything in my files on Midland printers. If anyone out there knows anything about them, please pass the information on to me.

From: Thomas B. Smith Photography
32 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, PA
(610) 649-2110
e-mail: tbsp@aol.com
For years, month after month, I have been reading your “Problems and Solution” column in Rangefinder. I always enjoy your guidance and advice. Today, I desperately need your help and hope you can get back to me as quickly as possible.

My studio was flooded when a high pressure steam pipe burst during a recent cold spell. Numerous negatives were water-damaged, including individually cut 120 wedding negs packaged in glassine envelopes of the type use by many wedding labs. The negatives have dried naturally, but now I have the arduous task of trying to restore the damaged negs in preparation for printing.

Can you please help me locate any firm(s) that specialize in the restoration of water-damaged negatives, both 35mm and 120mm formats. I desperately need to contact such a company ASAP to obtain pricing info for my insurance claim and get back into the business of taking photographs again.
I thank you in advance for your rapid response.

Here are a number of companies you can contact regarding restoration services. Most of these companies offer print and film restoration.

* Photo-Specialties, 6960 Township Rd., Ste. 319, Millersburg, OH 44654; (216) 674-6011.
* American Photo Restorers, Inc., 29 N. MacQuesten Pkwy., Mt. Vernon, NY 10550.
* C&R Art Services, Inc., 371 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601; (201) 489-5160.
* CMI ProColor, Inc., 1 Horton Ave., Portchester, NY 10573-3397; 1-800-252-6611.
* Venetian Arts, 6968 Beneva Rd., Sarasota, FL 34238; (813) 925-7459.
* DigiFilm Services Inc., 119 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10011; (718) 353-3838.
* Foto FX, P.O. Box 3449, Sun River, OR 97707; (503) 593-7143.
* Med Graphix, Inc., 1171 Madison Ave., Paterson, NJ 07503; (201) 684-0009.You might also want to contact Veronica Cass, who is an well known expert on retouching and restoration. She can be reached through her school at Veronica Cass, Inc., 7506 New Jersey Ave., Hudson, FL 34667; 1-800-472-9336.

From: Jim Dover
e-mail: Creative-Image@zianet.com
You have come through for me in the past when I was searching for someone to grind a lens to fit my Hasselblad camera. That turned out fine.

Now I need your knowledge once more, and yes I have subscribed to Rangefinder farther back than I can remember. Here is my question: In your September issue on page 12 the photographer talks of utilizing papers produced by a company called “Pictorico.” I've not had much luck on the web yet in trying to find their address/phone. Do you have any ideas?

Pictorico premium inkjet papers can be found at www.pictorico.com. Also, you can reach them at Pictorico/AGA Chemicals, 2201 Water Ridge Parkway, Ste. #400, Charlotte, NC 28217; (800) 899-5009.

From: Sam H. Kocherov
e-mail: SKocherov@juno.com
Regarding a Hasselblad eyepiece, have you checked the classified ads in the recent editions of Rangefinder? There is something of interest ASI, 212 Evans Lane in Stevensville, MO 21666; (888) 306-3686. They advertise they can make optical diopters for any camera and they seem to be rather affordable. Let me know if you need further help. I am retired from the photographic profession, but still keep up on these kinds of things.

Thanks for passing this along.