120 to 620 film converter for Kodak Brownie, Medalist and others

Description

If you have a camera designed for the old 620 film, you probably know that the format was discontinued in 1995.  The cameras that use this format include many Kodak models: the Brownie, Kodak Tourist, Volenda, Vigilant Junior Six-20, Duo 620 and many more. All of these are pretty much snapshot cameras, but the Kodak Medalist and Chevron are professional quality and also use 620 film. There are also quite a few others, probably more than 30 different models, including many from Ansco, Ensign and Imperial. Some companies do sell 620 size as 120 film rewound onto 620 spools, but that can be expensive and not all emulsions are available. Another option is to rewind 120 film onto 620 spools yourself in a darkroom or changing bag. That does work, but it can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to working in total darkness.
I really like using my Medalist camera, so I’ve developed a small device that simplifies the conversion procedure. There's nothing automatic about this, but it does simplify three things:
maintains the two spools in alignment
keeps the film perpendicular to the spools
makes it easy to keep the film rolled tightly
After just a little practice, I can now convert a roll of 120 in about two minutes. I include a detailed, illustrated instruction sheet with each converter. If you'd like to see a copy before ordering, just message me and I'll send you a JPG of it. (Also viewable in the last photo above.)
Note:
Although the white plastic material looks very much like the standard plastic foam board sold in craft stores, it’s not. It’s actually much stronger and more rigid "foamed PVC." I think it's the same material as the indestructible white pipe sold in hardware stores.
My converter does
not
come with any 620 spools; you’ll have to provide them yourself. You’ll need two for your camera, of course — one for supply and one for take-up. They’re available from many sources on this auction site.
If you have a problem with your converter, please tell me. Although I don’t normally offer returns (some people want to use a product for a single project and then return it at my expense) I will do what I can to help you with problems. And of course, if it turns out to be defective, I will replace it or refund your money. However, I am not responsible for operational errors, like if you forget to turn your lights off….
PS: This device works for more than this particular application. For example, I have a beautiful 1927 Zeiss Ikon Icarette. It was designed for size 117 film, hopelessly obsolete since 1949. With a hobby grinding tool, I drilled out the holes in a 620 spool to fit the camera and can now use fresh 120 film in this 95 year old antique.
This sale is for one converter, including built-in 120 spool, exactly what you see in the
second
photo. Camera, film and 620 spool are NOT INCLUDED.
Free shipping within the USA.
Background pictures of cameras from Wikimedia Commons; photographs by John Kratz and Darrin Jones.
Note to buyers outside the USA: I ship free to eBay's international shipping service in Kentucky. After leaving there, they will be subject to an additional international shipping charge. And in most cases the destination country will add an import (customs) charge. These vary from country to country. For instance, my trimmers sent to Japan have no import charges, but when sent to Great Britain and France the import charges are almost as much as the item itself. I apologize in advance for this, but it is entirely beyond my control.