Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 23

Thread: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    ================POSTED WITH MODERATOR APPROVAL=========================

    So let's say you want to send your shutter for repairs. The cells are fine, and there's no need to send them in. How do you store them until your shutter is returned? And how do you ship the shutter so that it arrives safely, with no damage to the diaphragm or shutter leaves?

    Or maybe you have a convertible Symmar lens and want to use only the rear element for the longer focal length.
    How do you keep the front cell safe until you finish shooting?

    Of course, one can cut pieces of cardboard and stick them on shutters, but that's not an elegant solution. One could do the same for cells, but what to do about cells from lenses like the Grandagon 75mm f/6.8 lens? The glass protrudes from the body, and it is impossible to put anything on the glass without damaging it.

    The Lens Protectors and Shutter Protectors are designed to let lens cells or shutters be stored and shipped safely. I got a small batch of Copal 0 sized Protectors made to test demand. Depending on the response, I will get them manufactured in other sizes.

    The Protectors are manufactured in Japan out of POM, an engineering plastic similar to Delrin. It is very strong and does not outgas, so there is no danger with long-term storage. The hollow part in the Lens Protector is 10 mm deep, enough for almost any lens cell. The Front Shutter Protector has threads to 3mm, ensuring that it will never touch the diaphragm or shutter leaves. The Rear Shutter Protector can be threaded on even with the retaining ring attached.

    Photos of the Lens Protectors:










    More photos to follow in subsequent posts.

    Also at https://goo.gl/photos/reex5PczmehtRgci7

    The price for one set of Lens Protectors or Shutter Protectors is 3,600 JPY, plus shipping of your choice. Worldwide e-Packet shipping for upto two sets will cost 700 JPY. EMS shipping for up to 6 sets will cost 1,500 JPY to Asia, 2,100 JPY to North America and 2,300 JPY to Europe.

    To discuss purchasing, please send me an email at focusgma at gmail dot com.

    Thanks,
    Kumar
    Last edited by B.S.Kumar; 18-Sep-2018 at 02:46.

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    The Shutter Protectors:







    Last edited by B.S.Kumar; 18-Sep-2018 at 02:49.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    Yet more photos of the Shutter Protectors:





    Last edited by B.S.Kumar; 18-Sep-2018 at 02:51.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia USA
    Posts
    1,023

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    Kumar, I like the idea and the price per set seems reasonable.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    Just to clarify:

    The price of 3,600 JPY is for a SET OF TWO PROTECTORS - 2 Lens Protectors or 1 Front and 1 Rear Shutter Protector.

    You can also MIX & MATCH - one Lens Protector and one Front or Rear Shutter Protector. You can also buy a SINGLE LENS OR SHUTTER PROTECTOR for 2,000 JPY.

    Thanks,
    Kumar

  6. #6
    Foamer
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    South Dakota
    Posts
    2,430

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    Nice idea.


    Kent in SD
    In contento ed allegria
    Notte e di vogliam passar!

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    It's been three days since I posted this, and instead of the avalanche of orders I expected, I've had exactly two sales, for a total of 2 sets of Lens Protectors and 3 sets of Shutter Protectors.

    It's time for a reality check, and I'd like to know whether to proceed further with this idea. I can't create a poll now, so can you just answer 1, 2, 3, etc.? If you'd like to answer privately, please send me an email at focusgma at gmail dot com. I would be very grateful for your insights.

    1. This is a solution looking for a problem.
    2. Cardboard is good enough.
    3. Good idea, but... (Please expand on your idea.)
    4. The price is too low. Can't be good enough.
    5. The price is outrageously high.
    6. The price should be 3,000 JPY (~27 USD) per set, plus shipping.
    7. The price should be 3,000 JPY including shipping.
    8. The price should be 2,500 JPY (~22 USD) per set, including shipping.
    9. I'd prefer to buy single units, rather than a set.
    10. Anything else. Please explain as much as you can.

    Thanks,
    Kumar

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia USA
    Posts
    1,023

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    #6. Because shipping to different parts of the world will (of course) be a variable for you.

    I like the idea because I'm going to be removing the front and rear elements from a Copal #3 shutter that I want to use for a DIY soft focus lens. I was worried how to protect those cells.

    #10. When might you have some Copal #3 products available?

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Nara, Japan
    Posts
    1,296

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    Thank you for responding, Terry.

    #6. I have noted your price point. However, larger sizes - Copal #1, #3, #3S, Seiko #1, Shanel, etc, will cost more. The price is TBD, based on the production run.

    #10. The drawings are ready. They can be manufactured in 4~6 weeks of placing the order. But that will be only when enough people like the idea, and perhaps commit to a certain number.

    Kumar

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia USA
    Posts
    1,023

    Re: New Product - Lens and Shutter Protectors

    #6 is not that critical. I could live with the original price given.

    I have an idea that as the word filters out to large format photographers that interest and orders will increase.

    Good luck with this project.

Similar Threads

  1. Groundglass protectors ??
    By Clueless Winddancing in forum Gear
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 29-Mar-2013, 07:19
  2. product recommendation for single lens storage
    By Michael Gordon in forum Gear
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 16-Apr-2005, 06:58
  3. Best lens for tabletop/product photography?
    By abiggs in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 19-Jul-2001, 18:04
  4. Small Product Photography ...135mm Lens? will it work?
    By Ron Stroope in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 13-Dec-2000, 12:58

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •