Kodak Type IB Model IV Sensitometer

[Kino]

Yep, I got one in my basement; about 5.5 feet tall by the same wide and 4 feet deep, weighs about 300 pounds and is a really strange green color.

One of the perks of working on a USAF base is close proximity to US Government auctions where, if you visit the screening on a regular basis, you can sometimes snag a real bargain or two for very little dinero.

Thus, I managed to drive out the door of the DRMO facility with it and 3 pallets of sensitometric gear used to calibrate, maintain and run this giant green film testing machine for $15 USD.

Heck, the 12 x 21 step, glass calibrated density step wedges in custom birch boxes was worth the bid alone, but to also get a International Light IL 1700 Research Radiometer and scads of documentation and spare parts is amazing.

OK, beyond the crowing about this, I wanted to see if anyone would be interested in strips generated from this beast, if I can get it up and calibrated? Or do I just have a huge conversation starter, should anyone just happen to wander down into my basement with a martini?

"See you got a Model IV there..."

"Yup"

"Smashing"...

The unit came with a few spare DMS, 500 watt lamps, complete with Certificates of Calibration from the Eastman Kodak Spectrology Lab, Film Technical Services Division, but knowing the average life of this lamp (commonly used in incandescent cans on sound stages), I have little faith my supply will last very long.

I was wondering if any old DMS might be somehow calibrated for use OR if it could be retrofitted for another lamp?

Or, do I cut the top off, fill it with potting soil and have a really, really bizarre planter?

I just couldn't bear to see it scrapped-out.

Frank W.

[Photo Engineer]

I wish I had one.

I spent a lot of time using one of those beasts.

PE

[Kino]

PE,

Can you still get the calibrated lamps?

[Photo Engineer]

I'm not sure about that exact lamp, but EK still uses the IB, so I assume that they have a source for some sort of calibrated lamps for this instrument. They may use a different bulb nowdays.

I wouldn't even know who to contact about this, but we had one on just about every floor in the research labs. Since they are so well known, you might consider calling the EK toll free # and talking to someone there. Who knows?

Sorry I cannot be of more assistance.

PE

[Kino]

Thanks, I will try my Kodak Rep, Ben Stone; maybe he can get me hooked-up.

Well, if I can get it going and can do any testing for you, I would be happy to do it gratis.

In fact, I hope to offer a free service to APUG members if they need it.

It looks fully functional and has tons of documentation.

Frank