Packard shutter tubing & bulb

[laz]

I've got a packard shutter I want to mount and start using. the tubing and bulb are long ago gone, any suggestions of a source for replacing them?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[Donald Miller]

This is the last source that I had.

Professional Photographic Products Inc.
117 Vine Street P.O.Box 0169
Hammonton, NJ, 08037-0169
800.257.8541

Packard is still in business. The number is 800 257 8541

Not sure if this is still a valid telephone number...worth a try though.

 

[MattCarey]

I got some tubing a regular hardware store. I have heard of people using blood pressure bulbs. How you connect the two is another story.

Matt

 

[Dave Parker]

I have used the bulb from an ear wash kit, and just some regular rubber surgical tubing, cost me about $5.00 has held up for many years now.

Dave

 

[John Cook]

Ideally, the rubber bulb should have a hole in the opposite end from the hose connection. This hole is alternatively blocked and opened with the thumb for proper shutter operation.

Packard shutters are “blown” open and “sucked” closed.

For a quick exposure (perhaps 1/25th second) just squeeze the bulb and quickly release it, keeping the thumb hole tightly covered at all times.

For longer exposures, cover the thumb hole and squeeze the bulb to open the shutter. Then, without releasing pressure on the bulb, remove your thumb. Only then release your grip the bulb. The bulb will re-inflate by taking in air through the thumb hole and the shutter will remain open for the time exposure.

To close the shutter after the exposure, squeeze the bulb to empty it, then cover the thumb hole and release your grip. The bulb will re-inflate by sucking air out of the shutter hose, closing the shutter blades.

This is like writing an essay on how to tie your shoelaces. The procedure takes some practice, like walking and chewing gum, but is not nearly so complicated as this explanation makes it sound.

My main point is to look for a bulb with a hole at each end.

 

[Nick Zentena]

From Radio Shack I got a solder bulb. I think that's what it is. I forget. Poke a hole in the closed end. From the auto supply shop I got some hose. Windshield washer hose? I forget. If you want the real stuff you can go to the Packard people.

 

[laz]

If you want the real stuff you can go to the Packard people.

The Packard shutter people are still around!? (Digital shutters? )

 

[juan]

Hub photo used to have The Packard Shutter Company on its site, but in looking this morning, it's no longer there.
juan

 

[laz]

Hub photo used to have The Packard Shutter Company on its site, but in looking this morning, it's no longer there.
juan

Yes, I did a Google for Packard shutter and couldn't find them. (tons of hits for HP, how ironic!)

 

[Steve Hamley]

Here ya go.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Steve

 

[Nick Zentena]

So Hub isn't making Packards anymore? I wonder if mine will now attract collectors.

 

[laz]

Here ya go.

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Steve

Thanks Steve! I see that these releases come with what looks like the more common (modern) cable release end (a plunger) I'm assuming that is why it costs $80!

I've e-mailed them directly figuring that they sell the bulb all by itself. I can get the tubing at a medical supply store.

-Bob

 

[MattCarey]

So Hub isn't making Packards anymore? I wonder if mine will now attract collectors.

It took a bit of searching--they seem to hide it rather well, but here is the link:

http://www.hubphoto.com/_old site/shutters/packard-shutters.htm

I was just checking them last week as I was looking for a packard with a big (>=4") opening.

Matt

 

[laz]

It took a bit of searching--they seem to hide it rather well, but here is the link:

http://www.hubphoto.com/_old site/shutters/packard-shutters.htm

I was just checking them last week as I was looking for a packard with a big (>=4") opening.

Matt

Now THIS is among the reasons I LOVE APUG! (sorry Matt I don't mean you personally but I thank you all the same!)
-B

 

[Steve Hamley]

Bob,

You can order just the bulb and bulk hose by the foot. I think the bulb is about $16 and the hose is a $1 per foot IIRC. No need to pay for the thingy on the end unless you just want it. The best thing is to call or e-mail and tell them what you have.

Steve

 

[Nick Zentena]

Posted by Richard Knoppow on the pure-silver mailing list:

http://www.packardshutter.com/

 

[bobfowler]

I just spoke with Reno at the Packard Shutter Company (a very nice guy, BTW) - That webpage just went active this morning!

Anyway, his father was the guy behind Packard shutters at Hub Photo. He's now finally retired, and Reno has moved the whole Packard shutter operation to California. At the moment, the truck with EVERYTHING is broken down somewhere in Wyoming! He hopes to be up and running soon.

I'll have to change the links for Packards on my website now...

 

[removed account4]

Thanks Steve! I see that these releases come with what looks like the more common (modern) cable release end (a plunger) I'm assuming that is why it costs $80!

I've e-mailed them directly figuring that they sell the bulb all by itself. I can get the tubing at a medical supply store.

-Bob

hey bob

there is a photo store in il. that sells degroff shutter releases ///

http://www.tallyns.com/

new they are 70 ...
i got one used for 35 from the same people

- john

 

[laz]

Bob,

You can order just the bulb and bulk hose by the foot. I think the bulb is about $16 and the hose is a $1 per foot IIRC. No need to pay for the thingy on the end unless you just want it. The best thing is to call or e-mail and tell them what you have.

Steve

Done and done! I got the same recommendation for Packard from Adam at S.K. Grimes. I send an e-mail, but with their truck broken down on the road I think I'd better give them some breathing room and not bug them for a reply until they're settled!

-Bob