Linhof 4x5 Lenses - Replacing Synchro-Compur shutters

randall1105 · Apr 6, 2017

I picked up a neglected Technika IV last month. It came with two lenses, a Schneider Press-Xenar 135mm 3.8 with an unusable shutter (mechanism sticks) and a Schneider Tele-Arton 240mm 5.5 with a slightly slow synchro-compur and spots on the rear element. I've used the 240 and it's usable (spots didn't seem to cause a problem). My question is really about the 135mm, is it worth moving the lens to a Copal shutter? It's a fast lens for LF and the glass is fairly clean, but with so few out on the market, I have no basis to assess it's value.

Welcome any thoughts on the 240 as well, but I'm pretty certain the 135's shutter is done (though I could be wrong).

Alan Gales · Apr 6, 2017

Why don't you just get both CLA'd?

From what I have read, some consider the Compur shutters superior to the Copals in build quality.

Ian Grant · Apr 6, 2017

Your Press-Xenar isn't the best of lenses for 5x4 it only just covers. If the shutter's just sticking get it cleaned, it's not going to be a stellar performer remember it's a Press lens. I have used a 135mm f4.5 Tessar and also occasionally use a 135mm f4.5 Xenar and you only get good sharp corners and edges at f22 although f16 is almost OK, the f3.8 version has less coverage so is slight less sharp.

You'd be better spending money on a lens with better coverage and sharpness.

Ian

randall1105 · Apr 6, 2017

Alan Gales said:
Why don't you just get both CLA'd?

From what I have read, some consider the Compur shutters superior to the Copals in build quality.

That's an option, but I've heard that parts are no longer available for this shutter so there may be sunk cost in sending for a CLA and ending up with a shutter that can't be repaired (granted, this should be a minimal risk from a dollar perspective).

randall1105 · Apr 6, 2017

Ian Grant said:
Your Press-Xenar isn't the best of lenses for 5x4 it only just covers. If the shutter's just sticking get it cleaned, it's not going to be a stellar performer remember it's a Press lens. I have used a 135mm f4.5 Tessar and also occasionally use a 135mm f4.5 Xenar and you only get good sharp corners and edges at f22 although f16 is almost OK, the f3.8 version has less coverage so is slight less sharp.

You'd be better spending money on a lens with better coverage and sharpness.

Ian

Thanks Ian, this was what I was looking for.

shutterfinger · Apr 6, 2017

The main reason a shutter needs parts is it was run until it broke or it was used in a high volume commercial enviorment and has heavy wear.
I have serviced several Compurs in varrious versions and one was rusted shut and all but 1 came back to usable condition. Useable condition is speeds 1 second through 1/100-1/125 good with faster speeds off by 1/2 stop to 1 stop.
The failure is a Synchro Compur that housed a 210 Symmar convertible.
A replacement shutter will require a custom aperture scale made for the lens.

Alan Gales · Apr 6, 2017

randall1105 said:
That's an option, but I've heard that parts are no longer available for this shutter so there may be sunk cost in sending for a CLA and ending up with a shutter that can't be repaired (granted, this should be a minimal risk from a dollar perspective).

Contact Carol at Flutot's. She can tell you for sure.

http://www.flutotscamerarepair.com

Patrick Robert James · Apr 6, 2017

While what Ian says about the Xenar is true, that doesn't mean it isn't useful. I have a friend that uses it wonderfully for portraits. I would get the shutter cleaned. I would also rather have the Synchro-Compur than a Copal myself. If you don't want to put any money into the shutter, exercising it will sometimes get the shutter working again. Play with it while you are watching tv one night.

Leigh B · Apr 6, 2017

Alan Gales said:
From what I have read, some consider the Compur shutters superior to the Copals in build quality.

That's true.

I've repaired/serviced many Compur shutters, and a number of Copal leaf shutters.
The Compurs are definitely more robust design and build than the Copals.

While Compur parts are no longer being made, they're still available if you look in the right place.
I still have a large stock of them, as do other service shops.

- Leigh

Alan Gales · Apr 7, 2017

Leigh B said:
That's true.

I've repaired/serviced many Compur shutters, and a number of Copal leaf shutters.
The Compurs are definitely more robust design and build than the Copals.

While Compur parts are no longer being made, they're still available if you look in the right place.
I still have a large stock of them, as do other service shops.

- Leigh

Thanks, Leigh. It's great to hear the knowledgable opinion of someone who has actually repaired/serviced them.

Tim Stapp · Mar 22, 2018

Leigh, what do you charge for an evaluation, CLA and advise on a Compur shutter. You can contact via PM (conversation) if you like.

Linhof 4x5 Lenses - Replacing Synchro-Compur shutters

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