So I have this lens...

winger · Dec 31, 2008

What can I do with it? It doesn't have any way of opening for viewing, just for shooting, as far as I can tell. It came from a camera thats only purpose was to shoot polaroids of gel electrophoresis plates, so there wasn't a need for viewing. I don't think it was used much, either.

eric · Dec 31, 2008

I'm not the expert and I'm just rehashing what I've read here on Apug but I *think* you can attach a cable release with a locking thing in order to use that shutter for viewing. Someone save me and let me know that I'm not imaging that.

Barry S · Dec 31, 2008

That looks like a lens and shutter combination from a Polaroid MP3 copy camera. I'm not sure if that 101mm Tominon will cover 4x5 (probably not), but I think the shutter is the equivalent of a Copal #1 Press shutter. You could use it for barrel mount lens cells that fit into a Copal #1 and mount that on a view camera. The shutter has a Bulb setting so you can definitely view with a locking cable release.

DWThomas · Dec 31, 2008

It should stay open on the "B" setting as long as the shutter release is held. The only question is whether this particular goodie takes a cable release (can't tell from the views pictured).

DaveT

eric · Dec 31, 2008

Thank goodness you guys chimed in and save me from thinking I have early alzheimers!

winger · Dec 31, 2008

Thanks! It does take a cable release (actually the only way to fire it) - should have thought of that. It probably was an MP3 copy camera. I haven't been able to get the lens out of the shutter, but it's probably because it's been there so long.
I'm wondering about making something with it - maybe slightly better than a pinhole? Or remove the lens and make a pinhole? I have a 4x5, so I don't really need something else with good quality - I'm sorta thinking of a low-quality project type thing. And I have a barrel lens that I'd like to use, but it won't fit - it's bigger.

Nick Zentena · Dec 31, 2008

What size shutter is that? There are various lenses that might just screw in. For example the G-Clarons. If it's a #1 then the 210mm or 240mm.

Whiteymorange · Dec 31, 2008

I think you'll find that the Tominon 105 is pretty sharp, Bethe - not really funky at all. I believe it will cover the 3.5x4.5 format of instant pack film, for which it's designed, but only when used pretty close up. It's a Copal #1 shutter and that's useful for any number of projects, as long as you can live with the locking-cable release method of viewing. I have a few of these shutters, with and without lenses. They're work horses and do well in a pinhole. The barrel lens... could it be front mounted? If not, maybe you can trade the whole thing for a Packard shutter with somebody who wants the #1.

AgX · Dec 31, 2008

What is the proper english designation of that device Bethe is missing on her shutter? I could not find it in any photographic dictionary.

-) sector-opener ?

-) leaf-opener ?

-) shutter opener ?

Nick Zentena · Dec 31, 2008

preview lever.

winger · Dec 31, 2008

The barrel lens... could it be front mounted? If not, maybe you can trade the whole thing for a Packard shutter with somebody who wants the #1.

I don't think the barrel lens could be front mounted - it's almost as big across as the whole shutter (it's that one I showed you and the crew at the Quabbin a few years ago). I could go for a trade for a Packard, if anyone is interested. I'm not in the financial situation to buy one, but trades are cool (even if minimal $ has to be added).

So I have this lens...

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