I know, it's probably silly to ask about a strange set of shutters without showing them in a picture, but they're not with me right now and I'd like to get a sense of the interest/knowledge-base out there before I bring out the digi-tool and get some snaps of them. I will post an image of them next weekend.
There are 5 of them, in a well made, hinged box that resembles a flute case, obviously made for these shutters. They are heavy brass or bronze (about a pound apiece), measure about 3.5 in. across the body and have 2 wires coming from each of them. I've taken one apart, as far as I could without going crazy, and they appear to be simple electromagnets, which respond to a DC charge of 12v by opening- as long as the current is applied. The rage of f/stops on each is identical; 6.8, 8, and 11. They have serial/model numbers on them that are different but I cannot find any differences in the shutters themselves.
For the life of me, I cannot imagine these things in use on any camera I have ever seen, but they must have been quite expensive when they were new, perhaps in the 20's or 30's, judging from the workmanship and the case.
Any ideas?
There are 5 of them, in a well made, hinged box that resembles a flute case, obviously made for these shutters. They are heavy brass or bronze (about a pound apiece), measure about 3.5 in. across the body and have 2 wires coming from each of them. I've taken one apart, as far as I could without going crazy, and they appear to be simple electromagnets, which respond to a DC charge of 12v by opening- as long as the current is applied. The rage of f/stops on each is identical; 6.8, 8, and 11. They have serial/model numbers on them that are different but I cannot find any differences in the shutters themselves.
For the life of me, I cannot imagine these things in use on any camera I have ever seen, but they must have been quite expensive when they were new, perhaps in the 20's or 30's, judging from the workmanship and the case.
Any ideas?