Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 14

Thread: Old lenses, and new shutters?

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Posts
    53

    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?

  2. #2

    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

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Massachusetts USA
    Posts
    8,476

    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.

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Massachusetts USA
    Posts
    8,476

    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.

  5. #5
    All metric sizes to 24x30 Ole Tjugen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Norway
    Posts
    3,383

    Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?

    A Speed Graphic with an universal iris lens mount is just perfect:

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Dec 2000
    Location
    Tonopah, Nevada, USA
    Posts
    6,334

    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.

  7. #7

    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

  8. #8
    Andrew's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    368

    Re: Old lenses, and new shutters?

    always sk grimes for those with $$$
    http://www.skgrimes.com/lensmount/index.htm

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    Knoxville, Tennessee
    Posts
    1,789

    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

  10. #10
    Wayne venchka's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    1,872

    Cool My current inventory

    At the moment, I have two old lenses:

    1. Early 20th century Voigtlander & Sohn Collinear II No. 4 7 7/8" f/5.4 barrel lens mounted on a Speed Graphic board attached to my 1953 Pacemaker Speed Graphic. The focal plane shutter works fine from 1/30 to 1/1000 sec. Naturally it also has a T setting.

    2. Early 20th century Bausch & Lomb Rapid Rectilinear lens cells screwed into a 1953 Kodak Supermatic (X) shutter. focal length approximately 6". I'm working on figuring out the apertures relative to the Kodak shutters f/stop scale.

    Both lens+shutter arrangements work for me.

    Good luck.
    Wayne
    Deep in the darkest heart of the North Carolina rainforest.

    Wayne's Blog

    FlickrMyBookFaceTwitSpacei

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •