Can a 1913 Kodak Premoette Junior still be used, and what film options are available?
Asked 8/28/2010
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I was given a 1913 Kodak Premoette Junior and want to know what film it originally used, whether any modern film can be adapted for it, and how practical it is to shoot and develop today. Is there a workable substitute for the original film, and are there any camera condition issues I should check before trying to use it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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The manual (linked from the camerapedia page) says it takes a particular kind of 21/4 x 31/2 pack film, which (like I think you guessed) isn't made anymore.
It's hard to say without being able to look at the camera, but I'd suggest there are two main options:
The first is to use 21/4x31/4 sheet film, which should fit. You'd likely have to rig up some sort of way to keep the film in the right position, but that's usually fairly simple and non-destructive (like a piece of foam, or taping the film to a piece of card, etc). This size isn't particularly common, but is still available (e.g., from Freestyle). This would make it into a simple one-shot camera that you'd have to reload in the dark.
The second option, if you're particularly handy, is to modify the camera. You may not want to do this if the camera is particularly valuable (I don't think it is, but I'm far from an expert on how collectable this type of camera is, so best to find out for yourself). This is all very speculative, you'll have to judge for yourself if any of it feasible, but hopefully it gets you started:
Modify the camera to take a 2x3 film holder. Remove (partially?) the back of the camera so that you can attach a normal 2x3 film holder.
Fuji (and Polaroid until recently) makes instant pack films that are the appropriate size. Similar to the sheet film holder, maybe graft a Polaroid back in place of the current back of the camera.
Modify the camera to use medium-format roll film. This would be simpler if this was a roll-film camera to begin with. You'll need to find out if there's space for the spools; it's certainly wide enough, but possibly not deep enough. You'll likely also have to rig up guides to keep the film at the correct distance.
As for development, medium format is by far the simplest: if there's noone locally, there's still lots of send-away options. 2x3 sheet film is trickier; not a lot of places develop sheet film these days, and 2x3 is a "weird" size - 4x5 is far more typical. I'd plan on doing that yourself, especially if you opted for the simple one-shot method. Instant film, obviously, wouldn't be a problem to develop.
Originally by user496. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user496
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The Premoette Junior was originally designed for 2¼×3½ pack film, which is no longer made. In practice, you have two realistic options:
- Use 2¼×3¼ sheet film as a substitute. It may fit with a simple, non-destructive spacer or support, but you’d be loading one sheet at a time in the dark.
- Adapt the camera for roll film if you’re very handy. Some users suggest respooling modern 120 roll film in darkness and advancing it with the camera, but this is more experimental and may require modification.
Before trying either option, check the bellows for pinholes. With the lens covered, look from the film side in bright light; any holes can cause light leaks. Small leaks can often be patched with black tape or similar material.
Developing depends on what film you use: sheet film usually needs specialty handling, while 120 film is still commonly processed by many labs.
If you want to preserve the camera, avoid permanent modifications. If you mainly value it as an antique, display may be the safest choice.
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