To: ManualMinoltaFree@yahoogroups.com
Bcc: 
Date: Thu, 08 Apr 2004 18:21:02 +0000
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
Message-ID: <BAY2-F105qKwRPQIWDO00001b92@...>
From: "Justin Bailey" <red_bailey@...>
Subject: RE: [ManualMinoltaFree] Autowinder GP

No, there never was a Minolta Auto Winder DP equivalent to the GP.  Nor does 
the G-type winder fit on the D-type bodies, since the bottom plate is larger 
for the Gs, and the tripod thread is closer to the battery chamber than on 
the XDs.  It's nice to be able to rely on common flash-light batteries for 
all your camera requirements, even combined with the Multi-Function Back for 
sequences of very long exposures that could exhaust shutter power in the 
regular button cells.  However, make sure you put your battery cap in a safe 
place you will remember, for when you remove the Winder you'll need it 
again.

I'd wager it's possible to take apart both a Winder D and GP, and insert the 
battery post on the D.  It would not be a simple switch of the top plate, 
but if you don't mind cutting the plastic and soldering some wires, I'm sure 
the camera power unit would fit within the D carcass.

There are (at least) two versions of the GP, one simply like a regular G 
except with the protruding part.  The other is modified, if not by Minolta 
then with the permission of Minolta, to accept an external DC power supply 
instead of AA cells.  This was achieved by soldering wires to the battery 
terminals inside the chamber, and cutting a channel in the side so the wires 
can exit and provide a connector.  It seems this type was intended to be 
used with some accessory called the Polaroid Palette, a device which allowed 
the copying of computer screen images onto film (?).  You'd mount your X-700 
on the device, which would project the images into the frame (as I 
understand it).  A cord called the Remote Cord SP also seems to go with this 
unit, it's a threaded connector for electonic release just like the normal S 
and L cords, but it provides a co-axial plug rather than a shutter button.  
Connecting this to the Palette completes the automation, allowing the 
computer to time the release in sequence, the film winding automatically, 
all on your desk-top with no batteries!

A crop of these wired GPs showed up on eBay maybe two years ago, often with 
extremely low "Buy It Now!" prices.  It's a simple matter to de-solder the 
wires, then you can use AAs and only have a small hole in the side to show 
what it once was.

---
Justin "RED" Bailey
red_bailey@...

--- Original Message ---
From: "mwdga11" <dunkerm@...>
Subject: [ManualMinoltaFree] Autowinder GP
Date: Wed, 07 Apr 2004 17:36:27 -0000

Frank responded to a poster on another forum about the Autowinder GP
which allows the winder batteries to power camera function.  Is there
a similar version for the Autowinder D?  I've never seen one, but
then again I'd never heard of the GP version either.  That would
perhaps be a nice addition for colder climates with XD's.  Frank, can
you (or another) enlighten me some more??  Thanks

_________________________________________________________________
MSN Premium: Up to 11 personalized e-mail addresses and 2 months FREE*   
http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines