Autoknips

A few years ago I collected several of these, some with instructions in German in metal cases and some in plastic cases, with instructions in English. However, I have never actually used these. Do any have experience with use of these devices? They seem a very ingenious device for delayed action.

They work fine. The better ones have an adjustment for stroke. If you use old large format shutters, or cameras without timers, they can be quite handy.

E. von Hoegh said:

They work fine. The better ones have an adjustment for stroke. If you use old large format shutters, or cameras without timers, they can be quite handy.

Click to expand...

May I ask what you mean by stroke?

cliveh said:

May I ask what you mean by stroke?

Click to expand...

The amount the plunger which actuates the camera or shutter extends. Too far, and it can jam or damage something. Not far enough, and it can fail to actuate the device.

Which Autoknips models are you talking about?

http://www.submin.com/general/collection/accessories/autoknips.htm

My favorite is the Autoknips IV http://www.submin.com/general/collection/accessories/autoknips_iv.htm

I use it with a 15 cm cable release extention http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/ESITE/PAdaptors.html

I use this them with old folders, plate cameras, Retinas and Rolleicords (the models that don't have the shutter built in). It should also work well with the Rolleiflex GX/FX/FW/FT.

Autoknips I and II are also in my collection, but none of them work well the cable releases I have. Before the Autoknips IV with extention cable release I used a Swiss made Photoclip selftimer. http://www.ebay.com/itm/400302058478

I use a variation, the Kodak Auto-Release. It clips onto generic cable releases and gives a hands-free self-timer so you don't shake the camera during long exposures by yanking the cable when on a flimsy tripod.

Some vintage cameras either don't come equipped with self-timer or the self-timer is finicky (or worse). I left it and a cable release at home for the Russian River shots, where I sorely needed it. Self-timer escapement on the Ikonta reluctantly clicked a few ticks per minute under pressure.

Also have a Prontor variation on the theme that you have to press to start but it lets you dial in a number of seconds that it holds the release down, up to 32 seconds.

Interesting and thanks for the response. I also like the look of Autoknips IV, but don't have one of these. Are their many other versions that just screw into the shutter button?

JPD said:

Which Autoknips models are you talking about?

http://www.submin.com/general/collection/accessories/autoknips.htm

My favorite is the Autoknips IV http://www.submin.com/general/collection/accessories/autoknips_iv.htm

I use it with a 15 cm cable release extention http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/ESITE/PAdaptors.html

I use this them with old folders, plate cameras, Retinas and Rolleicords (the models that don't have the shutter built in). It should also work well with the Rolleiflex GX/FX/FW/FT.

Autoknips I and II are also in my collection, but none of them work well the cable releases I have. Before the Autoknips IV with extention cable release I used a Swiss made Photoclip selftimer. http://www.ebay.com/itm/400302058478

Click to expand...

Hello, I found your response when researching about the PhotoClip shutter release self timer. Can you please explain how this works? I'm trying to find instructions and have had no luck finding it. Images of the product are not very helpful. This might be a better solution with my cable release extension, particularly for the Mamiya TLR that has its shutter release at the bottom corner. I'm afraid it will break off with another type of self timer. I appreciate your reply!

JPD said:

Which Autoknips models are you talking about?

http://www.submin.com/general/collection/accessories/autoknips.htm

My favorite is the Autoknips IV http://www.submin.com/general/collection/accessories/autoknips_iv.htm

I use it with a 15 cm cable release extention http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/ESITE/PAdaptors.html

I use this them with old folders, plate cameras, Retinas and Rolleicords (the models that don't have the shutter built in). It should also work well with the Rolleiflex GX/FX/FW/FT.

Autoknips I and II are also in my collection, but none of them work well the cable releases I have. Before the Autoknips IV with extention cable release I used a Swiss made Photoclip selftimer. http://www.ebay.com/itm/400302058478

Click to expand...

Perhaps this image depicts the set up? Most sellers don't show how it could be set up with camera and this one is very helpful.

Rachelle said:

Hello, I found your response when researching about the PhotoClip shutter release self timer. Can you please explain how this works? I'm trying to find instructions and have had no luck finding it. Images of the product are not very helpful. This might be a better solution with my cable release extension, particularly for the Mamiya TLR that has its shutter release at the bottom corner. I'm afraid it will break off with another type of self timer. I appreciate your reply!

Click to expand...

It's very simple: You just wind it, put the cable release in place, and then push the little release lever.

JPD said:

It's very simple: You just wind it, put the cable release in place, and then push the little release lever.

Click to expand...

Thank you so much for being helpful! Kind regards.