Keystone Flashmeter Shutter Questions

[vssoutlet]

Hey guys!

I didn't realize it at the time, but this shutter doesn't appear to have either a place to attach a shutter release cable or a T or B setting for through the lens viewing. It clearly looks like this lens was used in camera photography, but how?

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/x4IAAOSw0yxZux7C/s-l1600.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/LrUAAOSwwbZZux7C/s-l1600.jpg
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/J9kAAOSwTUVZux7C/s-l1600.jpg

[B.S.Kumar]

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/i-doubt-anyone-wants-this-but-here-it-is-keystone-flashmeter-in-ilex-shutter.111818/

[Jac@stafford.net]

The term 'flash' should be taken as in 'flash card', a training technique.
There were projection types used in WWII for training to recognize aircraft silhouettes.

[malexand]

I picked up one of these shutters at a sale a few months ago. Mine had a side lever to open it for through the lens viewing -like a typical shutter, but no - no cable release option, nor a functional T or B.
But for the $10 I paid for it I thought might make it onto some project someday.

[vssoutlet]

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/i-doubt-anyone-wants-this-but-here-it-is-keystone-flashmeter-in-ilex-shutter.111818/

Interesting...I wonder why someone would put a high-end lens in that type of shutter. Any idea of a proper shutter that could serve those elements?

[Jac@stafford.net]

Interesting...I wonder why someone would put a high-end lens in that type of shutter. Any idea of a proper shutter that could serve those elements?

Perhaps someone found a lens that fit the shutter, likely by accident, without regard to purpose. It happens.

[Dan Fromm]

It is an Ilex Universal #3. Any Ilex 3 should replace it.

[vssoutlet]

It is an Ilex Universal #3. Any Ilex 3 should replace it.

From doing some more reading, I discovered that this lens was offered in the Optimo Shutter for $70.50, an Acme Shutter for $73.50, or a Compound Shutter for $74.50. So I assume that any of these will do. Can you give me any insight as to the size or the model number of these alternative shutters?

[Dan Fromm]

The cells were machined to fit the shutter. Shutters are rarely customized for lens' cells. If you want to replace it, get another Ilex #3, non-EKCo.

Acme is Ilex' trade name for cock-and-shoot shutters. Same threading etc. as the equivalent Universal self-cocking shutter.

[vssoutlet]

It is an Ilex Universal #3. Any Ilex 3 should replace it.

Hi Dan,

I just got an Ilex 3 shutter. The lens has a MUCH greater diameter than would fit an Ilex 3.

Just for reference, the Flashmeter shutter is over 101mm in diameter. The #3 is just a shade over 85mm.

Any other suggestions?

[Dan Fromm]

Your images show an Ilex shutter. Now that we know the shutter's OD, #4, not #3. And quite surprising. I've seen Keystone Flashmeter shutters that were Ilex #3s.

[vssoutlet]

Your images show an Ilex shutter. Now that we know the shutter's OD, #4, not #3. And quite surprising. I've seen Keystone Flashmeter shutters that were Ilex #3s.

Can you determine that by the shutter's OD or do you need to ID to determine front element fit?

[Dan Fromm]

OD, and thank you for posting it. See my article on Ilex lenses, the list has a link to it. The article has a table of Ilex shutters' dimensions.