For Sale FS: Lens and Shutter Protectors

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Trader history for B.S.Kumar (29)

B.S.Kumar

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So let's say you want to send your shutter for repairs. The cells are fine, and there's no need to send them in. How do you store them until your shutter is returned? And how do you ship the shutter so that it arrives safely, with no damage to the diaphragm or shutter leaves?

Or maybe you have a convertible Symmar lens and want to use only the rear element for the longer focal length. How do you keep the front cell safe until you finish shooting?

Of course, one can cut pieces of cardboard and stick them on shutters, but that's not an elegant solution. One could do the same for cells, but what to do about cells from lenses like the Grandagon 75mm f/6.8 lens? The glass protrudes from the body, and it is impossible to put anything on the glass without damaging it.

I decided to do something about these problems. I designed the Lens Protectors and Shutter Protectors to let lens cells or shutters be stored and shipped safely. I got a small batch of Copal 0 sized Protectors made to test demand. Depending on the response, I will get them manufactured in other sizes.

The Protectors are manufactured in Japan. They're made of POM, an engineering plastic material similar to Delrin. It is very strong and does not outgas, so there is no danger with long-term storage. The hollow part in the Lens Protector is 10 mm deep, enough for almost any lens cell. The Front Shutter Protector has threads to 3mm, ensuring that it will never touch the diaphragm or shutter leaves. The Rear Shutter Protector can be threaded on even with the retaining ring attached.

Photos:

Lens_Protectors_01.jpg


Lens_Protectors_02.jpg


Lens_Protectors_03.jpg


Lens_Protectors_04.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_01.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_02.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_03.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_04.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_05.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_06.jpg


Shutter_Protectors_07.jpg



The price for one set of Lens Protectors or Shutter Protectors is 3,600 JPY, plus shipping of your choice. Worldwide e-Packet shipping for upto two sets will cost 700 JPY. EMS shipping for up to 6 sets will cost 1,500 JPY to Asia, 2,100 JPY to North America and 2,300 JPY to Europe.

Thanks,
Kumar
 
Last edited:

Old-N-Feeble

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How much if I want to buy one set each of #0, #1, #3, #3S covers for both shutters and lens cells? Two sets each? Ten sets each?
 
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B.S.Kumar

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To assess demand, I got the protectors manufactured in the #0 size. After I see how well they are received, I will get the other sizes manufactured and figure out their pricing. Let me know how many #0 size protectors you'd like to buy.

Kumar
 

Old-N-Feeble

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I fully understand.
 
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B.S.Kumar

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Just to clarify:

The price of 3,600 JPY is for a SET OF TWO PROTECTORS - 2 Lens Protectors or 1 Front and 1 Rear Shutter Protector.

You can also MIX & MATCH - one Lens Protector and one Front or Rear Shutter Protector. You can also buy a SINGLE LENS OR SHUTTER PROTECTOR for 2,000 JPY.

Thanks,
Kumar
 

Old-N-Feeble

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Want........ both #0 and #1 for certain.... #3 an advantage... #3s another advantage. The sets include shutter covers too, right?
 
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B.S.Kumar

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The current production run is ONLY for the #0 size. The other sizes will be manufactured later based on demand.

A set is two protectors - one for the front and another for the rear.
There are two kinds of protectors - SHUTTER PROTECTORS AND LENS PROTECTORS. The price for one set of either kind of protectors is 3,600 JPY. You can also buy just any one protector for the front or rear for 2,000 JPY. Shipping is additional.

Please send me a message with the kind of protectors you would like to buy.

Kumar
 
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B.S.Kumar

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I've had a few inquiries for a full set of protectors for each shutter size. I'm glad to inform that I can sell a full set of 2 Lens Protectors + 2 Shutter Protectors (front & rear) in Copal #0 size for 6,000 JPY plus shipping.

Kumar
 
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B.S.Kumar

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UPDATE:

Thanks to all of you who bought the #0 Protectors and / or inquired about other sizes. I met the manufacturer yesterday and have a quote for other sizes of Lens and Shutter Protectors. These will all be machined to the same high standards as the #0 size.

There are a couple of design changes, however. There was some confusion caused due to the design similarity between the Rear Shutter Protector and the Lens Protector. Accordingly, all new Shutter Protectors will have male threads, like the Front Shutter Protector. The knurled knobs will be made smaller to reduce weight. The step marked will be eliminated to ensure that the protector can be threaded in fully.


New_Lens_Shutter_Protectors.jpg



I will proceed with manufacturing only if there is sufficient interest - at least 50 of each size of Lens and Shutter Protectors.

To discuss purchasing, please send me an email at focusgma at gmail dot com.

Thanks,
Kumar
 
Last edited:

Old-N-Feeble

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I'll buy at least one full set of every size but it'll be the middle of the month before I have the funds.

Volume discounts? :D
 
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B.S.Kumar

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Well, it's going to take some time for me to assess demand. Manufacturing will take 3~4 weeks from the date of the order. You'll have enough time to get the funds together!

Volume discounts? Buy 10 sets of Lens and Shutter Protectors in each size, and we'll talk. :D
 
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B.S.Kumar

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Okay, we're slowly getting there. As of now, I have commitments for an average of 15 sets in each size/type. I need a minimum of 50 of each size/type to place an order. The quote is valid until the 15th August. Can we make this happen?

Kumar
 
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B.S.Kumar

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I'm sorry to inform all those who wanted to buy the Protectors that the project is shelved for now. I haven't received any significant new commitments to take this forward. I do have around 20 sets of Lens and Shutter Protectors in #0 size available.

Thanks,
Kumar
 

Brian Puccio

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Feb 6, 2010
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35mm RF
I received a two sets that I ordered from Kumar, they're really nice. And I don't mean nice like "someone 3D printed this and it doesn't look half-assed", I mean nice like "this looks like an OEM part".
 
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B.S.Kumar

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Thanks, Brian. These are indeed made by a large manufacturer who specializes in machining plastic materials for Japanese companies.

Kumar
 
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B.S.Kumar

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I still have some of these very nice Copal 0 protectors for sale. I need the funds to get going with the Copal 1 and Copal 3 versions, and to get more of the Copal 0 version :smile:

Thanks,
Kumar
 

Old-N-Feeble

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I'll two sets of shutter protectors. PayPal?
 

fdonadio

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Berlin, DE
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I've got 3 sets of protectors for my spare #0 Seiko and Copal shutters. They are really well-made, fitted the shutters perfectly. Although they look a little bulky at first sight, they are the perfect size for people with bigger hands, or a little bit clumsy, like me.

It's always a pleasure to deal with @B.S.Kumar. I have bought film, lenses and shutters from him before and never had a single problem. Bonus: I always get a Tupperware-like recipient with every lens and shutter, which I can use for food later! :wink:
 
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