Annette I think the machine will take a standard needle in straight stitch or even narrow zigzag mode. My understanding is the needle will start hitting the bobbin case in the wider settings.
Some people have tried re-timing the machine to work with standard needles but from what I've read the results have been less than satisfactory.
Geraldine there is another thread in the vintage section id you haven't found it already. Kalamaquilts started it for you.
Rodney