Al-Vista 4B Panorama Camera Repair/Use Question

[ausphoto]

I have just acquired an Al-Vista 4B panorama camera. While I can cock and trigger the shutter when the front is open, I can't do so when the case is closed. The exposure bar gets in the way.
Does anyone have a manual for the Al-Vista with variable exposure length? Keen to hear from you guys

Cheers from Oz
Dirk

[jnanian]

hi dirk

if you search google without the 4B
you will find this

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/al-vista/al-vista.htm
and
http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/site/entry_C105.html


does your camera have all the doo dads that typically came with it ?

i have always wanted a al vista

have fun!
john

[ausphoto]

Doh! THnaks Jon,
didn't think that Butkus had a manual...should have known better...the 5B is just bigger..excellent!
got the shutter to work (needs to be in cocked position when the front is closed)
No I need to find 103 film (as the film advance only works on 103 paper...)

[jnanian]

hi dirk

yeah, i looked on his site, but i used the model number too, so i originally came up empty .. glad i could help !
page 7 explains everything

if you have empty spools, you can cut down and spool up some rc paper in your camera and have it feed through as slow as you can get it to run
some papers are fast ( asa 25 ! ) so you might be able to get it to work without spending 33$USD / spool of film

i'm doing that with a 3A post card graflex i bought, and its a blast ...

have fun and don't forget to oil the works !

john

[ausphoto]

John
yep a lube and clean are next, then yes may try a paper negative is the first attempt I think.
Am also mulling over the option of making a mask for 120 and then 'mount' the 120 on larger backing paper for transport...a project for a rainy weekend..