Question on shutter bulb

[davidk]

I purchased a shutter bulb from Packard Shutter. The bulb end has a wood plug stuffed in it. Since the bulb does not work without the plug, what is the purpose of the plug?

[pdh]

I'd presume the purpose is to make the bulb work ...?

[Tin Can]

Sometimes a weakling like me needs the plug to seal the hole then squeezes as hard and fast as I can. Then the mighty Packard worketh. Hurray.

Other times clumsy person like me removes plug and covers hole with thumb and squeezes carefully to get the shutter to open Only and stay open for focus or long shutter speeds. Opps. I forgot, just at the right moment uncover the hole to maintain openness.

Later leave hole open while squeezing all air out, cover hole and maybe the Packard will close.

I do have problems with this occasionally.

Not kidding.

[davidk]

I'd presume the purpose is to make the bulb work ...?

Yes, but that begs the question, why is there a second opening in the bulb if it need to be plugged?

[Tin Can]

Yes, but that begs the question, why is there a second opening in the bulb if it need to be plugged?

Try using it. Try focusing. Try 2 minute exposure.

[davidk]

Try using it. Try focusing. Try 2 minute exposure.

I don't understand your reply. I know that the hole must be plugged for it to work, why would I ever want to remove the plug? why make the bulb with a hole on top?

[Jac@stafford.net]

Uh oh. You didn't accidentally order from Pack Hard Adult Toys did you?

Okay, to be serious - my Packard bulb is different. Same shape, same expressed ring in the middle, but one end has an embedded brass nipple for the hose and the other end a small hole to cover with your finger. No plug at all. HOWEVER, I always use it with my finger over the hole. Maybe Packard finally wised up.

I hope we can figure this out.
.

[Tin Can]

I don't understand your reply. I know that the hole must be plugged for it to work, why would I ever want to remove the plug? why make the bulb with a hole on top?

Let's see, it was designed 120 years ago and used as is for that long.

Why do you think it has a hole?

I gave you the actual answer in my first reply.

[Two23]

The hole is there so you can open the shutter and leave it open (to focus lens or long multi second exposure.) The plug is there for when you do the fast exposure.


Kent in SD

[Tin Can]

OP is most likely not using it on Packard but a Century IBT which can actuated with bulb with or without the evil hole and plug.