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Thread: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

  1. #1

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    Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    I've had three Kodak EKTAR lenses over the years that I really liked the rendering of, all from the 1940's. Two with Kodak Flash Supermatic Shutters and the most recent with a Graphic Kodak Flash Supermatic. Loved the glass on all three, but the springs in the all three shutters were weak (from age probably?) so the higher shutter speeds on all were slow. 1/400 more like 1/175, 1/200 more like 1/110 etc. The two Kodak Flash Supermatics I completely rebuilt and afterwards they weren't much better than original, higher speeds still slow (both have been sold). The current Graphic shutter I have not rebuilt, because I'm convinced it's not going to help if the springs are just old (at approximately 75 years).

    What I'm wondering is if there are any new shutters, or (newer at least) shutters that I can fit these old lens groups into, so I can have the look of the classic glass, but with a newer, reliable shutter?

    Thoughts?

    Thanks for any and all input.

    Best,
    -Tim

  2. #2
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Dec 2011
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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Shutters are considered accurate to +- 30%

    some people measure their shutter actual speed and use that

    high speeds are almost always way off

    SK Grimes can mount your old lenses in your new Copal

    That requires machining and $$$
    Last edited by Tin Can; 31-Oct-2020 at 10:48. Reason: 30% Per Bob
    Tin Can

  3. #3

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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Quote Originally Posted by Tin Can View Post
    Shutters are considered accurate to +- 20%

    some people measure their shutter actual speed and use that

    high speeds are almost always way off

    SK Grimes can mount your old lenses in your new Copal

    That requires machining and $$$
    No, 30%

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Dec 2018
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    991

    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Most shutters are not accurate at their highest speeds.
    I think your best option would be to have your lens cells adapted to an all-black Copal #1 shutter (most recent version)...and have the shutter CLA'd by an established camera repair person.
    SK Grimes does an excellent job of adapting lens cells to various shutters and engraving new aperture scales.
    Not your cheapest option, but I'm sure others will bring different ideas to the table.

  5. #5
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Ok 30%

    Quote Originally Posted by bob salomon View Post
    no, 30%
    Tin Can

  6. #6
    Tin Can's Avatar
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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Tin Can

  7. #7

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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    A possible issue is that the cost of remounting the lens (pus the cost of a good recent Copal shutter) will likely far exceed the value of the lens itself. Not a problem if you have the money and don't ever intend to sell.
    Speaking for myself, I rarely use a shutter speed faster than 1/25 sec., except when using flash; which then effectively controls the shutter speed.
    And even the 1948 Supermatic shutter on one of my lenses still gives me good exposures.
    Best of luck- there's another site called lensn2shutter.com (?) who can, or could, do that work.

  8. #8

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    Jul 2019
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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Thanks for all the info. Just checked the SKGrimes web site and they no longer service shutters. Says they no longer have a shutter technician.

    Best,
    -Tim

  9. #9

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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    Supermatics are great shutters and, with good maintenance, should be serviceable still and for years to come. Higher speeds are likely to be slow (they likely were from the beginning). If, indeed, the springs are losing strength, then a good shutter tech can make new springs for you.

    Personally, I'd just test the shutters to see if they were consistent and then use the actual shutter speeds. Do you ever really plan to use faster than a 1/200 sec. anyway?

    Best,

    Doremus

  10. #10

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    Jul 2019
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    Re: Are There New Shutters for Old Lenses

    I'm gonna give this one a few weeks and test it again. If the speeds are consistent with the test last night, I'll probably do what you are saying Doremus, just use it as it is. I've got a Nikkor W which has a great, snappy shutter and it makes this old Supermatic seem really long in the tooth.

    Thanks again everyone. And Happy Halloween!

    Best,
    -Tim

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