hardware for mounting a packard shutter

Hi all;

I have a packard shutter that I'm planning to mount on my 12x20 (when I get it built). I'm wondering how people run the hose from the outside of the camera to the cylinder on the shutter in a light-tight fashion. I've seen some shutters mounted to lensboards on ebay that have brass fittings to connect the squeeze bulb, and brass plungers to operate the Instant setting. Does anyone know where I could get such things, and what sizes I would need? I could always buy a complete outfit off ebay, but that would be overkill. I assume I could get what I need at a hardware store, but what do I ask for?

Finding the "real" brass fittings is a pain in the ass, so I make my own.

If you have a GOOD locla hardware store, get a 1/4" blind nut. I get the type that don't have the little spikes on them to dig into the wood, rather they have 3 small holes for mounting with screws. At the hobby store, I get some 7/32" brass tube (K&S is a common brand). I cut a length of the tube (about 2" or 2 1/2" if fine), clean up the edges with files, then insert it through the blind nut. Solder it in place and you've got a fitting that can be attached via 3 screws, works like a champ, and costs just pennies to make.

I should mention - depending upon the brand of blind nut (also known as T-nuts), you might have to use a 7/32" drill to open up the threads of the nut for the tube to go in smoothly. If you're having problems finding the hardware, let me know and I can make you up some.

I have seen a link to a site where the packard shutter was mounted in front of the lens board. I think it was an apug member who posted it. Perhaps someone has the link handy?

I used my packard shutter behind the lens board, but the fitting comes out through the front of the board, not through the bellows or the camera body. Will try a picture or two to show how this works. Have to wait 'til tomorrow to post it. tim

Actually, it was Bob, up a few psosts, who has a web page with details on front mounting and making a box, I believe. You can also buy the fittings from www.packardshutter.com . Personally, I use a front mounted packard and have a bent paper clip that serves as my 'instant' pin. I have a universal flange attached to one side of a lensboard, then the packard mounted on the other. I use the flange to clamp the front of the lens, and bingo. You need a strong front standard though... Cheers, Richard

I have an OEM Packard Shutter "assembly" for my Deardorff that fits between the camera and the lensboard. The rear part of the assembly mounts to the camera as a regular lensboard would, while the front of the assembly accepts a standard lensboard. The packard shutter is sandwiched in between in a "box". A skilled woodworker could easily make something similar (even easier if you already have a lensboard adapter that could be used for the front). I think this is the way to go as you only need one shutter for any number of lenses.

This one isn't exactly the same as the one I have, but you'll get the idea.
http://www.woodencamera.net/pages/DSCN1154.htm

I make mine out of brass or aluminum rod on the lathe, then drill out the center and thread for a radio shack lock nut. Bob's idea of the T nut would be quite a bit quicker. Oh I just remembered I made a couple out of Acrylic stock that worked just fine, but looked like plastic! Also an excellent looking brass escution for the pin to go through the lens board, then mis measured so that when the pin goes in, it totally misses the hole in the Packard. Oh well tomorrow is another day! Back to the drawing board.

Charlie........................

As I said, it looks great!

Simple is as simple does. I cut a piece of 1/4" copper tubing about 2" long, drill a hole that is tight enough that I have to sleeve a screwdriver through the tubing and gently drive it in with a hammer. Voila.

A tiny allen wrench makes a good pin. I just have a piece of black masking tape that holds the pin there normally. At least one I have is kind os a pain to get at from the front so I drilled the receiver out so I could insert a pin from the film side of the camera.

Many thanks everyone. My plan is to build a "box" that would mount behind the lensboard, inside the bellows behind the front standard. I'm not worried about lost infinity-focusing using this method, since this is a 12x20 it is going into, and the shortest lens I'll ever have on the camera is probably a 450 Apo-Nikkor M.

This has given me some really good ideas - I'll just have to hit a good hobby shop - question remains if such a place exists around here anymore. I remember growing up in a small town and we had a really big one downtown, on main street. Uptown Sales, it was called, and they had four floors of hobby supplies. Everything from model cars, planes, tanks and boats to balsawood, model rockets, paints, glue, chemistry sets, the works. I don't think they're in business anymore though. I haven't been back to the town I grew up in for ages.