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Rangefinder Magazine
June 2004

Problems & Solutions

Please accompany your questions with a self-addressed stamped envelope if you wish an immediate reply. Alternatively, you can e-mail me at: bhurter@rfpublishing.com.

From: bruddabob@netzero.net
Where might I get a Sunpak 611 strobe repaired? Tocad no longer repairs Sunpak, but offers a “special price” for a new unit. However, as is commonplace these days, the new units are not as good, as versatile or as convenient as the older models.

The problem I am having is that during a shoot the flash becomes intermittent. Sometimes it fires, and sometimes it doesn’t. When it doesn’t fire, I hear a muffled snap in the flash head, and the two ready lights blink but stay on, and the main flash tube doesn’t fire. From my knowledge of flash circuitry it appears that a simple component is failing and this type of component is probably still used in the current models. To me, a new unit would be a step backward as compared to my 611. Can you help?

The way your strobe is working or not working, I think I’d toss it, as opposed to repairing it. I checked around on the Internet and found a few old threads about Sunpak 611 repair, but nothing current. My advice, if you like the 611, would be to get another one. There are literally dozens for sale on eBay. Good luck!

From: “S” via P.J. Heller
Have you encountered a convex glass frame where two sheets of convex glass are sandwiched together. The front piece of glass has a positive photograph (which is then hand-colored) printed onto the glass, the second piece of glass protects the image. This is not an image printed on photographic paper and mounted in a convex frame. It is so unusual that I would love to find out more info!

I am familiar with convex oval frames, but I am not familiar with the sandwich-type frame you mention. My suggestion is to contact the Victorian Frame Company (www.victorianframecompany.com), (877) 576-1888. This company is familiar with all the frames of that era and might be able to give you a lead.

From: Carolyn Ryan
Thousand Oaks, CA
I need to have copy negs made of about 20 4x5 black and white negs with early stage vinegar syndrome. Any suggestions for LA-area lab or gnarled old darkroom rat?

Here is some background info from a Kodak white paper on Vinegar Syndrome—probably more than you want to know, but useful nonetheless.

“ Cellulose triacetate is the product of a chemical reaction between cellulose and acetic acid. Vinegar Syndrome is the reverse reaction of the breakdown of the acetate. This has been dubbed ‘deacetylation’ and results from hydrolysis; the acetate ion reacts with moisture to form acetic acid. It’s this acid that produces the characteristic vinegar odor. The mere presence of this odor does not mean the film in question has significantly deteriorated; but, it does mean the breakdown reaction is taking place.

“ Excessive moisture and acetic acid are the prime catalysts for the reaction. Once started, the reaction produces more acid, becoming ‘autocatalytic.’ Once the reaction begins, it can’t be stopped. In fact, it speeds itself up, growing faster and faster. Moreover, the acid produced can also react with dyes in color films, causing deterioration and damage to the image as well as the base.”

One of the great concerns of the movie industry is the deterioration of original films because of this condition. Film stored over time in hot humid environments is a prime target of this malady.

One of the premier negative restoration services is Photographics Copy and Restoration Services, P.O. Box 75967 Oklahoma City, Ok 73147; (405) 232 2509; http://fixpix.com/.