Setting shutters on folders

shadesofgrey · Jul 11, 2007

Afternoon everyone; hope you're all well.
Anyone advise me of the correct way to cock the shutter on a Zeiss Ikon Signal Nettar with, Novar Anastigmat 1:4.5 f/75mm. Or on a, Agilux Agifold with, Agilux Anastigmat 1:4.5 f/75mm. Should I set the shutter speed first or after I have cocked the shutter. I ask as I've not done much MF (as you can see) except with pinholes, but the other day I picked these two up at a boot sale and they're both in excellent + condition. Seems such a shame not to enjoy them, use them. Also. What are you views as to the quality of the lenses as I read somewhere that the Novar Anastigmat 1:4.5 f/75mm is not that well thought of? I have not been able to find any reviews on the Agilux lens. I shoot Black and White only so I'd be very Interested to hear from anyone who has used either of the above with B&W film.

Take care out there.
B.

Roger Hicks · Jul 11, 2007

Doesn't normally matter except with shutters having 1/500 (or even 1/400) top speeds, where it's easier to set the speed before you cock it. Even then, it's just difficult (you're working against a strong spring) and would take half-way to forever to cause damage to the shutter.

Cheers,

Roger

Carol Flutot · Jul 11, 2007

Set it on the shutter speed first, then cock the shutter.
That is all I can comment on since I have not ever used this camera only
worked on the shutters.

Carol

MartinB · Jul 11, 2007

Ikon Nettar

My Ikon Nettar (6x6) has a Novar f6.8 75mm. I haven't compared it critically against other lenses but it has produced some excellent B&W negatives at f8 and f11. If I can dig up an example I will attach a thumbnail later. Nice tone and sharpness - I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Ole · Jul 11, 2007

The Novars are triplets. They give very good results at f:11 and smaller, with soft corners at larger openings.

The Novars are very good, but the Tessar on the more expensive models is quite a bit sharper at wider apertures. At f:16 and smaller there is no practical difference.

Eric Rose · Jul 11, 2007

I've got an Agfa folder that I was using but the shutter has jammed. Sucks!! Any ideas on how to unjam it?

Neanderman · Jul 11, 2007

Eric Rose said:
I've got an Agfa folder that I was using but the shutter has jammed. Sucks!! Any ideas on how to unjam it?

Which model of shutter does yours have?

Ed

shadesofgrey · Jul 12, 2007

Thanks everyone, really appreciate the help. Mr Hicks contributions are always welcome though my wife blames Roger for my 'Rangefinder fetish!' Was going to ask about setting speeds in between indicated shutter speeds but I found all I needed to know on Carol's excellent site. Must be a real pleasure going to work every morning Carol, fancy a swap? Ole----what's a 'Triplet':confused: And Martin, please dig up those shots, really like to see them.

Take care out there everyone.

Ole · Jul 12, 2007

A "Triplet" is a lens consisting of three separate elements; it's just about the simplest true anastigmat there is. But the spacing between the elements and the centering is very, very critical - even more so than with most other older lenses. So there are good triplets, exellent triplets, and really crappy triplets...

The exellent ones are almost mythical, the Novar is a very good one (though not mythical).

Roger Hicks · Jul 12, 2007

Ole said:
A "Triplet" is a lens consisting of three separate elements; it's just about the simplest true anastigmat there is. But the spacing between the elements and the centering is very, very critical - even more so than with most other older lenses. So there are good triplets, exellent triplets, and really crappy triplets...

The exellent ones are almost mythical, the Novar is a very good one (though not mythical).

...and front-cell focus triplets are usually very bad news.

Cheers,

Roger

Jojje · Jul 13, 2007

I have used (and still using) three Novar-equipped folder cameras. When stepped down, they're quite sharp (actually the ICA 6x9 from the 20's with f6.8/105 is sharper than the later Zeisses) I read somewhere these lenses were actually made by Scneider-Kreuznach for Zeiss, can anyone confirm?

k_jupiter · Jul 13, 2007

Roger Hicks said:
...and front-cell focus triplets are usually very bad news.

Cheers,

Roger

That's what I have heard. Yet, I love the photos taken with my 517 and 518 Nettars. Somehow Zeiss got it right. I have not been as pleased with the Agfa Triplets I have used.

While Carol is probably correct with the 'set then cock' advice, it hasn't made much difference in practice.

tim in san jose

Roger Hicks · Jul 13, 2007

k_jupiter said:
That's what I have heard. Yet, I love the photos taken with my 517 and 518 Nettars. Somehow Zeiss got it right. I have not been as pleased with the Agfa Triplets I have used.

While Carol is probably correct with the 'set then cock' advice, it hasn't made much difference in practice.

tim in san jose

Dear Tim,

Carol must surely know more than I, yet I agree with you.

I have no Zeiss-lens folders at the moment, but am underwhelmed with the Voigtlander and Agfa lenses I do have. I'll have to see what I can get...

Cheers,

Roger

k_jupiter · Jul 13, 2007

Roger Hicks said:
Dear Tim,

Carol must surely know more than I, yet I agree with you.

I have no Zeiss-lens folders at the moment, but am underwhelmed with the Voigtlander and Agfa lenses I do have. I'll have to see what I can get...

Cheers,

Roger

Roger,
Send me a p-note, I have one or two around here to spare. Perhaps we can work out a lend-lease arraingment. You try it, you like, you send me a couple (and I do mean a couple) of bucks, you don't like it, we'll talk about what you should do with it.

tim

tim

Setting shutters on folders

shadesofgrey

Roger Hicks

Carol Flutot

MartinB

Ole

Moderator

Eric Rose

Neanderman

shadesofgrey

Ole

Moderator

Roger Hicks

Jojje

k_jupiter

Roger Hicks

k_jupiter

Setting shutters on folders

Moderator

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency