Ilex Shutter Info

All,
Im think I may want to adapt an Ilex #5 shutter onto my DIY lens project. Anyone have info on these shutters ? According to Grimes, they're not the most accurate thing in the world - but that is fine by me.
If I could find one, it would eliminate me needing to mess with a packard, and it would also let me have built-in stops, instead of the push-in type I was going to use. Simply put - it would make my like a lot easier.

Steve-

The Ilex #5 is not super precise, but they're amazingly precise for how they were made. If you get one in good tune, most shutter speeds will be within a few hundredths of advertised, although it is likely that one or two of your faster speeds may be essentially the same (I have one where my 1/25th and my 1/10th are effectively both 1/10th). There are limits to the size of lens you can mount in a #5- I think the diameter is about 78-82mm. If your DIY lens is thicker than that, you'll need to stick with the Packard. Also, depending on the design of your DIY lens, the diaphragm in the Ilex won't do you much good, as you need the iris to be near the optical center of the lens. If you can mount all the cells behind the lens, or half in front and half behind, you may be able to use the built-in iris.

I have a one with a 375 mm Caltar (Rodenstock) mounted in it. It is a self cocking shutter and mine seems to be precise enough for my application.

Someone told me that the #5 is the largest shutter that is readily available. I don't have anything to disprove that contention. I think that the size makes it sought after for doing things like what you have planned. I don't see a lot of them come up for sale.

Scott - Thanks for the info. I found that the largest iris opening on the shutter is 63.5mm. Considering that I have the min ID of my lens being 60mm (f/3.8), it would work out very well. The lens design is an achromat, so as long as I place the iris of the shutter where I planned on having the thimble stops sit, it will be perfect. The shutter could then sit basically in the middle of the lens barrel, with a short hood screwing into the front that is threaded on the inside for a 67mm filter.

Donald - I believe you're correct. The only shutter that I found larger is a Deckel No. 5 Compound shutter, that has a mounting thread 3.547mm x 26 TPI and an inside thread of 3.259 X 40 TPI.

For the fastest way to get your hands on one, find an old crusty beat-up Calumet or Ilex lens with bad glass. This will also probably be the least expensive way to get one, otherwise you're looking at $400 to pick up one that is not currently attached to a lens, WHEN you can find one.

www.lensn2shutter.com has your answer.

He loves these shutters,and usually has some for sale at good prices.

Jim

Thanks Jim, I'll check it out when I get home.