Evermore Enterprises: Loreo Stereo Camera Modifications

Loreo Stereo Camera

Modifications

This page covers what you need to know to modify your Loreo (or Argus) Stereo Camera for improved performance.

Why Modify My Camera?

There are a number of reflective surfaces in the Loreo Stereo Camera that serve no function in the imaging process. These surfaces were left mirrored either for convenience or for general aesthetics. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to divert stray light into the lenses in a relatively unpredictable manner. The result is pictures with streaks and lens flare.

The solution is to make the unnecessarily-mirrored surfaces non-reflective. With a paint brush, a screw driver, some flat black enamel, and the instructions below, you should be able to modify your Loreo camera to improve the quality of your stereo photos.

Disclaimer

Neither the author nor Evermore Enterprises is affiliated with Loreo Asia Limited (the maker of the Loreo Stereo Camera) except as a user of the camera. Loreo Asia Limited has not sanctioned these modifications to their cameras and such modifications may void any warranty rights accorded owners of Loreo Stereo Cameras. The author takes no responsibility for the outcome of performing the procedure below.

[This hack worked for me. Your mileage may vary.]

What do I need for this Project?

A small Phillips screwdriver, of the sort used for some electronics work and watch repair.
A paint brush - A small, flat brush is optimal. Try an artist's brush size of 1.
Flat black enamel paint - Testor model enamel seems to work well. The important thing is to get a flat black paint that will stick to a smooth plastic surface. Be sure to stir the paint thoroughly before use.
Tweezers (optional) - Tweezers may be useful in extracting and repositioning the small screws during disassembly and re-assembly.

What do I do?

Disassemble the Camera:

Remove the batteries and any film from the camera.

Figure 1
Remove the three small screws on the bottom surface of the camera (circled in figure 1, above.) Keep track of the screws and which screw belongs in which hole. The screws are of different lengths.
Carefully remove the bottom panel from the camera.

Figure 2
Remove the first screw retaining the front panel of the camera. It is located at the bottom of the camera on the right-hand side, just under the bottom panel (circled in figure 2, above.) You will have to angle the screwdriver slightly to turn this screw as the back panel prevents direct access. Use caution not to strip the head of the screw.

Figure 3
Open the back of the camera and remove the other two screws retaining the front panel. These screws are located at the top and bottom of the film cartridge chamber (circled in figure 3, above.) After removing the screws, close the back panel to help keep debris out of the film chamber and shutter assembly.
Open the flash hood and loosen (do not remove) the screw immediately under it. The screw is in the center of the camera. Do not remove the top panel. It is unnecessary and will complicate re-assembly.
It should now be possible to remove the front panel of the camera. It may necessary to jiggle the front panel as you pull. There are two tabs on the front panel that tuck under the top panel of the camera. Use caution not to break them.

Paint the Extra Mirrored Surfaces:

Caution! The two vertical mirrored surfaces on the left and right side of the camera are the imaging mirrors. As they are made from polished plastic, they will scratch very easily. Do not touch these mirrors with anything.

areas to paint
Figure 4

The main unnecessarily-mirrored surfaces are on the inside top and bottom of the imaging assembly (marked with Xs in figure 4, above.) Paint these surfaces with the enamel. Use the paint conservatively and, as you paint each surface, hold the camera so that any excess paint will not run onto the imaging mirrors. If you contaminate the imaging mirrors with a small amount of paint, it is best to leave the paint in place. The imaging mirrors will be scratched by even the finest optical clothes and the gentlest attempts to remove it.
Paint the outer rim of the imaging assembly. Again, use caution to avoid contaminating the imaging mirrors with paint.
Carefully pry off the metal plate that rests across the center of the imaging assembly.

Figure 5
Paint the reflective inner top surface of the imaging assembly (marked with an X in figure 5, above.)
Cover or tilt the camera to protect the imaging mirrors from dust and allow the paint to dry completely.

Reassemble the Camera:

Reassembling the camera is the reverse of the disassembly procedure above.

Replace the metal nameplate that rests across the center of the imaging assembly.
Replace the front panel, carefully tucking the tabs under the top panel. Be extra careful to make certain the shutter release assembly is positioned correctly. If it is not, the light meter may work improperly after you reassemble the camera. If this happens, the contact may become sufficiently bent that it is necessary for you to construct a cardboard or plastic shim to correct it.
Tighten the screw on the top panel, underneath the flash hood.
Open the back of the camera. Replace and tighten the two screws inside the film chamber (circled in figure 3, above.) Close the back of the camera.
Replace and tighten the screw just under the bottom panel on the right side of the camera (circled in figure 2, above.)
Replace the bottom panel of the camera, replacing and tightening the three screws that hold it in place (circled in figure 1, above.)

Completion:

You have now completed the modification to your Loreo Stereo Camera. You should see a big improvement in the quality of your Loreo stereo photos.

Other Suggestions:

The weak flash of the Loreo camera can be improved somewhat by mirroring the top of the camera underneath the flash hood. The easiest way to do this is to cover it with a piece of aluminum foil. Smooth any wrinkles from the foil. Cut and pre-fit the foil using a scalpel or small hobby knife (e.g. an X-Acto (TM) knife.) Glue the dull side of the foil to the top of the camera.

You can also obtain a slave flash unit that will be triggered by the built-in flash on your Loreo. Check with your local camera retailer for more information.

Comments and Questions:

Please direct any comments or questions about this document or the Loreo Stereo Camera modifications to the author at contact@evermore.com.

Last Modified: Thursday, October 29, 1998