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Thread: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

  1. #1

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    Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    I've seen a few people make cameras for wide angle lenses with a neat helicoil focusing insert for focusing. I've searched for them a little online but not come with anything useful. Does anyone know where I could I look for sourcing such a contraption, for a 00 Copal shutter?

  2. #2

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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    Rodenstock has helical focusing rings for its lenses.

  3. #3
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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    Seller "jinfinance" on EBay usually has helicoils.
    Keith Pitman

  4. #4
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    I have a number of focusing helicoids available, in different sizes.

    These are the production tail from the Vivitar Series One lens product line. I bought that whole stock.

    These helicoids are new, in factory production packaging, lubricated.
    Obviously they are internal components, lacking external pretty housings.

    Various sizes are available. I can check if you're iterested.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  5. #5

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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    A helical focusing device normally is made for specific focal length lenses so that the lens can focus to infinity and they are normally calibrated for focus distance for that focal length lens and has a depth of field scale for the focal length and speed of the lens.
    It would be much easier for you to find a helical for a 0 shutter then a 00.

  6. #6

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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    Pentax made a variable extension tube for their 67 camera. It is essentially a helical focusing device that can be easily adapted to mount a lens or shutter on. Thing is you can find them out there for very little money. Front opening is 70mm in diameter. I easily mounted my Copal #1 shutter onto one of their body caps which mounted on the front of the variable extension tube.

  7. #7
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    Quote Originally Posted by Bob Salomon View Post
    A helical focusing device normally is made for specific focal length lenses so that the lens can focus to infinity and they are normally calibrated for focus distance for that focal length lens and has a depth of field scale for the focal length and speed of the lens.
    That is certainly true when discussing an OEM that wants to buy 10,000 or 50,000 of a particular item.

    When talking about an individual who wants to buy a single copy, the options are dramatically limited.

    He could write up the specs, have the helicoid designed, and send that info to a machine shop to make it.
    It shouldn't cost much more than your house.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  8. #8
    Corran's Avatar
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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    Are we about to have a discussion about why the Rodenstock or Schneider focus helicals are worth $500 and somehow so much better?

    Why is scale of manufacture being brought up?

    Here you go, $110 delivered, straight from China, available in 00 size and can be requested with appropriate distance markings for your lens, which I assume is a 47mm or 65mm SA commonly found in 00 shutters:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/272225509054

    Oh no, it doesn't have DOF scales, whatever will we do?

    I don't have one of these but I keep thinking about buying a couple and using them. I have a Sinar Handy that would be fun with a 47mm XL attached. Simple to do with a plain Sinar board and this helical.

    The other cheap option is any old busted-up trash 35mm lens. Rip it apart and use the helical. May or may not work. The Pentax 67 helical Greg mentions is also a very nice piece of kit.
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  9. #9
    8x10, 5x7, 4x5, et al Leigh's Avatar
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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    Quote Originally Posted by Corran View Post
    Why is scale of manufacture being brought up?
    Because that dramatically impacts price and procurement options.

    - Leigh
    If you believe you can, or you believe you can't... you're right.

  10. #10
    Corran's Avatar
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    Re: Sourcing a helicoil focuser

    The manufacture and procurement is already done. Buy them all you want on eBay for just $110 shipped complete with relevant focus scales and sizes, straight from China. Rodenstock/Schneider have their own versions with probably a bit higher fit and finish for their lenses (wonder if they are also manufactured in China? ). Scale of manufacture has no bearing to the simple question asked.
    Bryan | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Portfolio
    All comments and thoughtful critique welcome

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