Build a shutter tester for Focal Plane shutters - Cheap, Easy & it Works

[Niglyn]

Hi all. New code will be out of beta in a week or so and released. Version 4.1.0.4

It has the oscilloscope screen all working ok (as far as I can find) & a few minor issue fixes.
SD logs are no longer deleted during start-up. Instead new data is appended to the existing file.
(Option to delete old file added)

The 3d print file for the camera steady has been updated with holes to allow self-tapping screw to secure it to the table.
(Hot-glue does not stick well to 3d printed PLA).


I am really running out of ideas of what photographic projects I can do next, either with code and/or 3d printing.
Have made tools for repairing Zenit cameras, including a complete jig for repairing & aligning the blinds correctly.

A developing timer & auto-twiddler (times dev, stop, fix) and splash-o-matic for controlling water drop photography, which also works for flash-freeze photos, like balloon bursts, exploding fruit etc.

Happy for any project suggestions or upgrade ideas.

 

[Unciauncia]

Hi all. New code will be out of beta in a week or so and released. Version 4.1.0.4

It has the oscilloscope screen all working ok (as far as I can find) & a few minor issue fixes.
SD logs are no longer deleted during start-up. Instead new data is appended to the existing file.
(Option to delete old file added)

The 3d print file for the camera steady has been updated with holes to allow self-tapping screw to secure it to the table.
(Hot-glue does not stick well to 3d printed PLA).


I am really running out of ideas of what photographic projects I can do next, either with code and/or 3d printing.
Have made tools for repairing Zenit cameras, including a complete jig for repairing & aligning the blinds correctly.

A developing timer & auto-twiddler (times dev, stop, fix) and splash-o-matic for controlling water drop photography, which also works for flash-freeze photos, like balloon bursts, exploding fruit etc.

Happy for any project suggestions or upgrade ideas.

The jig for zenits sounds very nice. Seeing as they're so similar to zorkis and feds could it help with those too? I cut a zorki shutter box to try that but haven't actually used it yet.

 

[Niglyn]

The jig for zenits sounds very nice. Seeing as they're so similar to zorkis and feds could it help with those too? I cut a zorki shutter box to try that but haven't actually used it yet.

Hi, I have never been able to purchase a zorki or fed at a sensible price, so have never dismantled one to see the difference between the shutter assembly..

However, from pictures, the drum looks identical. If it is, then most of the work has already been done.
The zenit/zorki/fed were all derived from the stolen Leica design.

I took a working shutter mech from an early zenit and used this for all the measurements and spacings.
It is critical both parts of the drum are aligned correctly and the distance from the drum to each of the curtain laths is correct.

It will require somebody to print the Zenit jig & see what parts align correctly with zorki/fed/leica shutter curtains.

Alternate is to send me some free cameras )

 

[Unciauncia]

Hi, I have never been able to purchase a zorki or fed at a sensible price, so have never dismantled one to see the difference between the shutter assembly..

However, from pictures, the drum looks identical. If it is, then most of the work has already been done.
The zenit/zorki/fed were all derived from the stolen Leica design.

I took a working shutter mech from an early zenit and used this for all the measurements and spacings.
It is critical both parts of the drum are aligned correctly and the distance from the drum to each of the curtain laths is correct.

It will require somebody to print the Zenit jig & see what parts align correctly with zorki/fed/leica shutter curtains.

Alternate is to send me some free cameras )

I might try sending one. I have plenty, but sending them from where I am is not easy. I'll see if posting one from Moldova is not too expensive.

I'll print the jig and try it with a zorki shutter. There are minor differences - some drums have one hole, some feds have a long hole. The feds shutters are not as wide as a zorkis, but zenit and zorkis curtain dimensions are identical. I have transplanted them before. It's quite the hassle to do replace them freehand, but soviet tinkerers did just that. Guys that do zorki repairs in Russia advise buying zenit E's in bulk (6-7 usd a piece) for just the shutter cloth - late E's have good quality cloth and they're already precut.