Old lenses, and new shutters?
Hello,
I have a question in the camera forum as well, about old cameras. I have a question about lenses as well. I'm new to large format, so please bear with me. It is important for the project I'm preparing for, to use old equipment, with history. If I get an old brass lens, for example, how will I mount it onto a shutter, and which kind of shutter should I use?
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
One of the easiest solutions is a Packard shutter, which you can still buy new, or even find many good used examples. You would need a diameter that matches or exceeds the diameter of the lens. Then mounting could be done with woodworking tools.
Larger circular multi-speed shutters are another option. Unfortunately some of the largest are nearly as expensive as more modern lenses, due to collectors or simply rarity. A Compound 5 could work for many old lenses, yet these go for quite a bit of money, unless you are lucky. Some of the Betax and Alphax shutters can be found at lower cost, though the size 4 or bigger are not very common. Expect any of these to need service or cleaning.
A really rare item would be a roller blind shutter, such as those made by Thornton Pickard and others. These appear to be a box, with speed setting, and a focal plane cloth shutter, that operates much like a window shade. Good luck finding one that is in working condition and light tight.
You might also consider dedicating a camera to your brass lens, such as a Speed Graphic. Old press cameras with a large focal plane shutter built into the body might be functionally better than trying to find an old large shutter. Then all you need is a lens board for your brass lens.
Last is simply using a lens cap. With practice, you can probably do 2 seconds exposures very reliably. Longer exposures would also be simple to do. Recall that in the golden age of photography, people would sit for nearly 30 seconds or so for a portrait, so this is still a valid technique.
Ciao!
Gordon Moat Photography
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
Another option is to get a Sinar camera and a Sinar shutter. It lets you use almost any barrel lens, and it also lets you use lenses that are already in a shutter.
Because it is a modern shutter, you get very precise control of exposure, down to 8 seconds, even if your lens is from the year 1888.
Used Sinar cameras and accessories are widely available and affordable, because many studio photographers for whom Sinar was the professional work horse, have gone over to a digital workflow.
I got mine, for less than you would pay for entry-level digital SLR which would be obsolete before you paid if off.
There is a whole world of barrel-mounted lenses, and they are generally much cheaper than their in-shutter counterparts.
This combination gives you the best of both worlds, old and new.
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
There have been many threads and postings on this forum, featuring vintage lenses and their special qualities.
One of the great champions and experimenters in this line, is Jim Galli.
You should definitely have a look at his site. Just scroll down on his home page. Each link will point you to... something else you will want to explore.
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
A Speed Graphic with an universal iris lens mount is just perfect:
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
Thanks Ken Lee. Ole's suggestion is a very sound one. I have 2 speed graphic's with curtain shutter, a 4X5 and a 5X7. Then I have my most used camera, and 8X10 Kodak 2D with a Packard Shutter built in. The Packard is capable of speeds from roughly 1/25th on down to bulb. Old lenses don't lend themselves very well to modern shutters. It's remarkably freeing to be able to cobble any antique lens I can dredge up onto the 2D and instantly make pictures.
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
Jim Galli, humble as always. :)
Please do a search for the patented "Jim Galli shutter". It's a good working solution, which comes in very handy and it's camera and brand independent. (Feel free to add smilies whereever you want them.)
//Björn
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?
S.K. Grimes is expensive, but the work is top notch and custom mounting lenses into shutters, especially when they weren't designed to fit, has never been cheap.
The solutions discussed are good ones, and one should never just throw money at ordinary glass to put it in a shutter, but for those lenses whose cost, rarity, or purpose are such that shutter mounting is viable or desirable, it's nice to have those options.
Cheers,
Steve