Packard pneumatic shutters for barrel lenses - UK sources?

[pdeeh]

I've recently built a 10x8 camera using very simple tools and materials (foamcore) and an Agfa 213mm f/9.25 process lens, sans shutter.

It's OK for the time being using a lens cap for a shutter, as my subject matter and use of paper negatives lend themselves to long exposures.

However, it would add flexibility to be able to work with shorter exposures.

I've experimented with making guillotine shutters, mounted in front of the lens, and they are adequate if rather clumsy. The diameter of both front and rear elements of the Agfa is in the region 75-80mm (3-3¼")

The best alternative my researches have thrown up would be a (used) Packard pneumatic shutter - behind the lens - but I have yet to see one for sale from the EU on eBay for instance, although of course they seem readily available from the US.

Does anyone know of LF or "vintage" specialists in the UK/EU worth contacting? I've checked Rockys (yes, I know they have a certain reputation) and Marriot, to no avail so far.

 

[paul_c5x4]

keep your eyes open for a Luc shutter - These are designed to mount on the front of a lens and give you the means to operate via a cable release. An alternative is the Thornton Pickard roller shutters, they pop up fairly regularly on ebay.

 

[Jon Shiu]

What size Packard do you need? Can mail from USA if needed.

Jon

 

[pdeeh]

@paul_c5x4 - thanks, the Luc wasn't something that hadn't popped up in my searches do far.I'd forgotten about the EarlyPhotography site but it's such a mine of information isn't it? I've seen Ian Grant mention TP shutters a few times, but for some reason I thought them too much trouble. I'll give them more thought, though sellers on eBay or wherever seem very averse to mentioning the diameter of the shutter opening (which I would have thought would have been the first thing to mention ...)

@Jon Shiu - thanks, but at the moment I'm really trying to find options for the future as money is a bit tight at the moment (unless you have a fantastic bargain to hand!); the shutter opening needs to be around the 75-80mm (3-3¼") mark

 

[Ian Grant]

Best bet is a Thornton Pickard shutter, I have a few well rather am lot as I specialise in restoring them. Very much better than a Packard (or Dallmeyer). There's two variations of the standard roller-blind TP shutter, front mounted and between lens & shutter. The font mounting type have thinner wood on the front (side facing the subject) and this tends to crack and break up when the shutters used the other way (between lens & shutter). They look fairly similar but the between lens & shutter type usually has a removable lens mounting panel this allows the use of more than one lens with the shutter.

They come in a variety of sizes although the largest are not very common, I've fitted then to the front of Darlots and other Petzvals.

The other alternative is the TP Focal plane shutters, I have a couple but both whole plate, they are essentially just larger versions of the common TP roller blind shutter. !0x8 focal plane shutters usually sell at high prices,

I usually have shutter cloth for these shutters in stock, I supply it to a leading US repair man for Graflex SLRs.

Ian

 

[pdeeh]

Thanks Ian but I'm not sure what you mean by "shutter mounted between lens and shutter"?
Have you mistyped or am I simply betraying my ignorance?

 

[Ian Grant]

A slip up I meant lens & lens board.

Ian

 

[pdeeh]

ah ok thanks, got it now