Michael Hendrickson wrote: > > Hello, > > In the late 1800s/early 1900s somebody (I think it was Thornton, or > maybe Anthony) used to build small focal plane shutters which could be > mounted on the front of a view camera lens. The shutter was cocked using > a string to pull the rollers which would pull the curtain to the correct > slit position. > > I have one of these but it's currently non-functional (the strings often > broke, and that happened to mine). > > The construction of these shutters is described in "Photographic Cameras > and Accessories" by Paul N. Hasluck, published by Cassell and Co. Ltd. > in 1901. This is available as a reprint from: > > Lindsay Publications Inc. > PO Box 12 > Bradley, IL 60915-0012 > > www.lindsaybks.com > > I would think that if one were to either use one of these shutters, or > mount an old Speed Graphic body just behind the lens, it could be a very > workable arrangement -- certainly an improvement over using a lenscap > for a shutter! Also, the correct accurate exposure times could be found > by testing the shutter and taking the readings from the actual film > plane of the camera itself, thus eliminating all new variables > introduced by placement of the shutter. > > The main conundrum I've had to solve with the Speed Graphic is camera > shake -- the old cameras often vibrate because of lack of lubrication at > the ends of the rollers. I solved this in two of these cameras by > dropping a little moly grease mixed with 3-in-1 oil into this area with > a toothpick. The result is vastly reduced noise from the shutter (before > lube I could feel the vibration with my hand when firing the shutter; > this was accompanied by a rather loud "ratchet" (hard to describe) noise > as the shutter fired) and I no longer feel the vibration in the camera. > > Additionally, as I recall, I have in the past used Packard shutters > mounted just behind the lens with great success; the placement of the > shutter and changes in focal length seemed to make no difference in > actual exposure at the film plane; I've gotten gratifyingly consistent > results this way. So I would think the focal plane shutter idea should > be just as workable. > > Incidentally, the book also has plans and construction instructions for > various other types of shutters, as well as cameras, dark slides (film > holders) and enlarging cameras. As far as I know it's currently in print > at Lindsay's. > > Hope this helps. > > 'Bye for now, > > --Michael > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > _______________________________________________ > Cameramakers mailing list > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > http://rmp.opusis.com/mailman/listinfo/cameramakers
Start here: Packard Ideal Shutter Co. (Hammonton, New Jersey) #800-257-8541 - new shutters from 1 1/2'' to 3 1/2'' diameter, synchro, air or electric solenoids, original parts and service.. And here: http://www.hubphoto.com/packard-shutters.htm These bulletproof shutters are still being made and serviced. Regards, Marv _______________________________________________ Cameramakers mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://rmp.opusis.com/mailman/listinfo/cameramakers
