Andrew, I was going to offer to stop by and
make a copy for you ... then realized I'd have
to fly 12,000 miles to do it. :-(
Could you scan and post the section on
portraits and portrait attachments and
focusing distances? I believe the proper
attaching for the Beau Brownie is the
No. 13, and that the proper focusing
distance is 3'6" -- but it would be good
to confirm that via the manual.
Sanders
you dont have to fly...you could travel by boat!
i dont think the manual is that much help...only has a few lines. it just says a no. 1 lens for portrait can be purchased, and to be sure to tell which model camera you have when ordering. it does say that all it does is change the focus distance..to 3.5 feet, as you mentioned.
a number 13 may fit, i thought they were for a 6x6 bakelite brownie but if if fits then it will probably work. whatever lens you happen to get or try then its probably a matter of trial and error to test focus distance or if you felt like it, then use some ground glass (or substitute) on the film plane (obviously with the back removed) and move the camera until the optimal distance is found.
the beau brownie was also available with a built in portrait lens...as are a number of other brownie camera. i have a few with built in lens (some with yellow filter too), and they usually say 3.5 feet on the camera, i have the UK and Oz versions of a fancy brownie as well , the Coronet portrait camera which says 3 feet...but in many instances, from memory when i did use the lens, its better to er on the longer side of what they sugest for distance. testing with a ground glass would ensure you didn't waste film though.
it would be interesting to see if removing just the front metal plate gives you access to the inside on the beau, it may well do, but considering it is basically a No. 2 or 2a brownie you may have to remove the side pins, thats how you normaly get into those.
Kodak had specific tools for removing the pins (people/kodak did service these, you wouldn't think so but apparently they did). but i would think that using a screwdriver ground down flat, with a U shape ground out at the end, so the screwdriver could slide under the cover/cardbourd (or metal in the case of Beau's front plate) and on each side of the pin to lever the pin up (this is how Kodak recomended the pins removed), and then remove the pins once you have levered them up enough using pliers or simular tool.
if you do have to remove the side pins as normal with model 2 brownies ect(and not just the metal front cover) then you also need to remove the case lock pins, but
not the rivert thing the leather handle goes on.
