/ Register

Cheap 6x6 folder with slow shutter speeds for zone plate project

Discussion in 'Medium Format Cameras and Accessories' started by Tomf2468, Nov 22, 2010.

Thread Tools

Thread Tools

  1. Nov 22, 2010 #1
    Tomf2468

    Tomf2468 Member

    Messages:
    80
    Joined:
    May 23, 2007
    Location:
    Simi Valley,
    Shooter:
    Large Format
    I have a cheap TLR that I modified with a zone plate replacing the taking lens. Great fun, but the camera doesn't have slow speeds (goes to 1/25 and then bulb). A real handicap with a zone plate, one I "should" have seen before taking the time to build it!!!

    I would like something smaller (thus the folder idea) and I want/need 1 second, 1/2 second, 1/4 (or 1/5), 1/8 (or 1/10) etc. I don't want anything too "good" because I'm removing the lens and basically destroying the camera. It seems really rude to do that to a nice Zeiss folder!

    Suggestions? I have a Moskva-5 6x9 folder that I really enjoy for lightwieght medium format straight (lens) photography. I might just get another (I'm already comfortable with it). But, a smaller camera would be nice and I really want this project to be "square".

    I'm leaving town for Thankgiving with family in a few days. So, please don't feel that I've ignored your suggestions if it take a while for me to respond.

    Tom
     
  2. Nov 22, 2010 #2
    elekm

    elekm Member

    Messages:
    2,056
    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2004
    Location:
    New Jersey (
    Shooter:
    35mm RF
    There are some nice Agfa folders with Compur shutters. And some of the Pronto(r) shutters have slow speeds, although many don't.

    There also are Voigtlander folders with Compur and Pronto(r) shutters with slow speeds.

    I wouldn't pay more than $50 for any of these, so perhaps this might exceed your budget.
     
  3. Nov 22, 2010 #3
    jnanian

    jnanian Advertiser Advertiser

    Messages:
    22,522
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2003
    Location:
    paswonquitte
    Shooter:
    Multi Format
    Groups:
    they say a lubitel is perfect for that ..
    and the zone plate fits in perfectly without
    much of a modification ..

    have fun !

    john
     
  4. Nov 22, 2010 #4
    Ole

    Ole Moderator Staff Member Moderator

    Messages:
    9,266
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2002
    Location:
    Bergen, Norway
    Shooter:
    Large Format
    Maybe a zone plate fitted on a Lubitel would count as an improvement? :D
     
  5. Nov 22, 2010 #5
    jnanian

    jnanian Advertiser Advertiser

    Messages:
    22,522
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2003
    Location:
    paswonquitte
    Shooter:
    Multi Format
    Groups:
    :wink:

    i just realized the OP wants a folder,
    the trusty lubitel is a TLR :sad:
     
  6. Nov 22, 2010 #6
    paulfish4570

    paulfish4570 Member

    Messages:
    155
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2010
    Location:
    At the confl
    Shooter:
    35mm
    What's a zone plate?
     
  7. Nov 22, 2010 #7
    Nicholas Lindan

    Nicholas Lindan Advertiser Advertiser

    Messages:
    2,384
    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2006
    Location:
    Cleveland, O
    Shooter:
    Multi Format
    Well, what you really need is just a shutter. Any old shutter with slow speeds. You can remove the shutter from your present folder and glue a new shutter on with epoxy...

    Prontor shutters w/o lenses from MP4's go for a few dollars. A cheap oscilloscope camera will have a decent shutter, often with something like a 60mm f1.6 lens.
     
  8. Nov 22, 2010 #8
    DWThomas

    DWThomas Subscriber

    Messages:
    3,278
    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2006
    Location:
    SE Pennsylvania
    Shooter:
    Multi Format
    There is some info here; it's a series of concentric rings with width and spacing calculated to focus using some diffraction magic. It's one thingy I haven't tried yet. You can sort of think of a pinhole as a one-zone zone plate.
     
  9. Nov 22, 2010 #9
    OP
    OP
    Tomf2468

    Tomf2468 Member

    Messages:
    80
    Joined:
    May 23, 2007
    Location:
    Simi Valley,
    Shooter:
    Large Format
    All of the Agfa's I've seen have not had the slower speeds, but I'll keep an eye out for them. $50 (or even a bit more) is well within budget. Thanks.
     
  10. Nov 22, 2010 #10
    OP
    OP
    Tomf2468

    Tomf2468 Member

    Messages:
    80
    Joined:
    May 23, 2007
    Location:
    Simi Valley,
    Shooter:
    Large Format
    As far as I know, the Lubitel doesn't have slower shutter speeds.
     
  11. Nov 22, 2010 #11
    Robburrito

    Robburrito Member

    Messages:
    19
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2010
    Shooter:
    Multi Format
    I don't know that you will find any "cheap" folders with speeds between 1/25 and B . . . most of the cheapies have very simple shutters.
     
  12. Nov 22, 2010 #12
    paulfish4570

    paulfish4570 Member

    Messages:
    155
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2010
    Location:
    At the confl
    Shooter:
    35mm
    Thanks for the ZP info.
     
  13. Dec 13, 2010 #13
    OP
    OP
    Tomf2468

    Tomf2468 Member

    Messages:
    80
    Joined:
    May 23, 2007
    Location:
    Simi Valley,
    Shooter:
    Large Format
    Just a quick follow up for everyone that helped/posted. I have an Agfa Isolette with slow speeds coming from Ebay and a new zone plate coming from Pinhole Resource. Assuming the camera is as advertised, it was a real good deal. I think I ended up paying more for the zone plate than the camera!

    Tom