Want to Buy Shutter Tester & Collimator

[Twotone]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for a shutter tester & collimator - I appreciate it's a big ask but I'm trying all avenues.

I'm based in the UK, happy to travel, would even consider one in the EU or US.

I have a Reveni labs tester arriving imminently but I'd like to purchase an 'older' tester & collimator if anyone has a spare they aren't going to be using.

If you have anything suitable, please send me a private message!

Thanks,
TT

 

[peoplemerge]

I use the "Shutter Speed" app on iOS (or Android if that's what you use). There is a $40 light-sensitive plug that goes into the headphone jack... my phone doesn't have one, so I also need an iPhone Lightning to headphone adapter from Apple.

The system works perfectly. It even keeps a historical database of a camera I tested a year ago. I only have good things to say about it.

The only flaw... once I tested all my cameras and large format lenses, I didn't really need the app anymore because I can hear the sound of 1/8 sec vs 1/30 vs 1/500: since I'm not shooting slide film (which requires very precise exposure), I don't really need it more precise than "correct to my ear"

 

[Twotone]

I use the "Shutter Speed" app on iOS (or Android if that's what you use). There is a $40 light-sensitive plug that goes into the headphone jack... my phone doesn't have one, so I also need an iPhone Lightning to headphone adapter from Apple.

The system works perfectly. It even keeps a historical database of a camera I tested a year ago. I only have good things to say about it.

The only flaw... once I tested all my cameras and large format lenses, I didn't really need the app anymore because I can hear the sound of 1/8 sec vs 1/30 vs 1/500: since I'm not shooting slide film (which requires very precise exposure), I don't really need it more precise than "correct to my ear"

Thanks for this, but I'm looking for different types of sensor arrangements etc to cover all types of shutters

 

[Jammoh]

Nothing to do with the seller ( who is a great guy). Somewhat pricey but the best solution I've come across in modern shutter testers:

Alvandi Shutter Tester

Alvandi Shutter Speed Tester is suitable for measuring shutter speed of all types of cameras with Central and Focal Plane shutter.

www.mr-alvandi.com

 

[Niglyn]

Hi,
The 'solutions' that use one sensor plugged into phone, or Audacity will give exposure, but will not measure the travel time of each curtain, so will not allow the curtains to be set correctly or show if exposure varies across the frame.

Why not build mine? You will find a 14 page thread about it on this platform, with many pictures of completed examples, including one made from Lego )

I have just started putting it onto github, as it is easier to keep controlled documents, but hope to keep the discussion and build photos on this platform.

 

[Niglyn]

Build a shutter tester for Focal Plane shutters - Cheap, Easy & it Works

Right now I'm relying on the onboard VR. But I'm still a bit struggling on the best way to connect the battery. I have connected it to the GND and VIN port so to use the onboard VR, but I'm using 3 AA batteries, which results in 3x 1.5V = 4.5V. From what I understand, the input power on the VIN...

www.photrio.com

 

[OAPOli]

Maybe you're looking for an autocollimator? There are some tutorials online to make your own. You can also use a digital camera with live view and a long lens properly focussed at infinity.

 

[4season]

I'm also after a collimator.

It's possible that you already own one! My favored setup is my M43 digital camera equipped with legacy manual focus 50 mm macro lens, and I use it in a manner similar to this:

https://www.addicted2light.com/2013...sing-a-camera-as-a-collimator/?v=7516fd43adaa

If I want more magnification, all I need to do is use a magnified view. Or switch to my 100 mm macro lens, though so far I haven't seen the need to do the latter.

And if you own a camera such as some later-model Sony RX-series compacts or Nikon 1 with high speed (900 fps?) burst modes, you have access to a bonus feature: Using high speed video, you can see at a glance whether your shutter curtains are bouncing, capping or doing other not-good things.

 

[Twotone]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, it's clear I've got a lot of options to consider here.

@Niglyn - I had been put off the more complex (but very fancy looking) Arduino type build I had seen floating around already, but yours certainly looks more user friendly for assembly for someone like me (who doesn't get on with electronics!). I'm going to have a read through properly and then come back to you with some questions if I have any!

 

[Niglyn]

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, it's clear I've got a lot of options to consider here.

@Niglyn - I had been put off the more complex (but very fancy looking) Arduino type build I had seen floating around already, but yours certainly looks more user friendly for assembly for someone like me (who doesn't get on with electronics!). I'm going to have a read through properly and then come back to you with some questions if I have any!

Hi, I tried to make mine as easy to build as possible, using off-the-shelf parts. No need for 3d printed parts or pcbs to be made.
You can of course put it all into a professional looking box, or use Lego )

Only this week I have uploaded new build guides to github. It was getting really difficult to follow on photrio.
Additional ESP32 guides detailing SW load will be added shortly.

The Arduino memory is totally full so nothing ese can be done with it. I would suggest, if building, to purchase the ESP32 parts. I have ideas for developing the ESP32 version further.

 

[Twotone]

BUMP - Still open to offers if anyone has anything

 

[Niglyn]

You could have mine all built & working by now )

 

[ic-racer]

Hi folks,

I'm getting prepped to start repairing cameras, I'm trying to find a decent shutter tester. I've not had any luck yet!

I'm also considering getting one made such as:

GitHub - srozum/film_camera_tester: DIY Film Camera Tester

DIY Film Camera Tester. Contribute to srozum/film_camera_tester development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

I'm based in the UK, happy to travel, would even consider one in the EU.

I'm also after a collimator.

If you have anything suitable, please send me a private message!

Thanks,
TT

I think if someone builds one of those for you, it will cost more than the Riveni tester soon to come to market. Mine cost almost as much as the Reveni just in parts, though I used high-end parts.

https://www.reveni-labs.com/shop/p/reveni-labs-camera-tester

 

[Twotone]

I think if someone builds one of those for you, it will cost more than the Riveni tester soon to come to market. Mine cost almost as much as the Reveni just in parts, though I used high-end parts.

https://www.reveni-labs.com/shop/p/reveni-labs-camera-tester

I have signed up to buy one of these but always open to other testers too, thanks

 

[Twotone]

Bump

 

[Twotone]

Bump