T not working properly in old shutter.

[Ishotharold]

I recently aquired an old conley 5x7 plate camera. It seems to be in good condition however after playing with it for awhile I have discovered that when set to T the shutter only remains open while the shutter trip is depressed, otherwise it slowly drifts up and closes the shutter. Is there any way to resolve this? I had hopped a cable release but a standard cable does not fit. I obviously need a way to keep the shutter open for composing and focusing. Any help appreciated.

 

[Jerevan]

My Conley lens is operated with just air pressure (using a bulb) going into the shutter so possibly yours is the same. If that (on the upper lefthand side of the lens looking from the front) lever does not work, you may have to get it checked up. It sounds as if it works as it should on B, right? I suppose these shutters are relatively easy to get working, as mine still works fine after something like 90-100 years...

A bulb release shouldn't be too hard to find.

Another, short-term solution, is to use B and figure out some way to keep the lens open while focussing. A small piece of string, perhaps?

 

[athanasius80]

What shutter does your Conley have?

 

[Ishotharold]

it's a conley safety

 

[athanasius80]

I believe the Conley Safety shutter is a rebranded Wolly, probably an Autex or Regno. I've tried fixing a Regno, but it resists repair. I'll look into it and see if I can find something. Good luck!

 

[jimgalli]

Focus REALLY fast.

I hate regno shutters. When you finally get the shutter working the aperture blades will fall out.

 

[Ishotharold]

I think I'll try to string option for now. I'm going to need long shutter speeds if I'm shooting glass plates so I still need a way to keep it open. Maybe the string and a homemade lens cap (read: hat set on lens) to control exposure time...