Volute shutter and Busch lens

David · Nov 8, 2005

I just received a Volute shutter and Busch lens lens and shutter yesterday. The shutter works but is a bit sticky and slow. I don't know if these shutters are worth repairing and I'm wondering if there is any experience with them out there? The lens is around a 12" lens and the only notation is that it is an anastigmat.

A google search reveals only specious information about either the lens or the shutter and I would like to learn more. For example, does anyone know what the two posts are for that stick out of the shutter ring at about 4 and 8 o'clock? The lens and shutter, BTW, came with a beautiful, original Korona 7x11. Thank in advance.

tdeming · Nov 8, 2005

The post at 8 o'clock looks like a pneumatic release. Hook a bulb to it with tubing and it should function like a cable release. Cant see the other side well enough..

Cheers

Tim

David · Nov 8, 2005

I tried the post with a big blower bulbbut it didn't trip the shutter. It is so old and hasn't been used in many years so it may just need to be limbered up.

athanasius80 · Nov 8, 2005

The Volute shutter was designed by Theodor Brueck in 1902 and put on the market by Bausch and Lomb. Its the only shutter I know of with one set of blades for both exposure and aperture.

The 4 o'clock post houses the air piston that times exposures. The 8 o'clock post has a second air piston for use with a bulb release. It might also be threaded for a cable release as well.

These shutters are restorable contrary to some popular belief, and I'd say use it if you can. Good luck!

df cardwell · Nov 8, 2005

Volutes are a very easy fix.

A little rubbing compound to buff out the scratches in the aluminum plates: a very good shutter.

athanasius80 · Nov 8, 2005

But be careful you don't take out all the demasceening (sp?) aka engine turning on the front. DF, nice knowing I'm not the only one who considers vintage shutters viable.

jimgalli · Nov 8, 2005

I have several lenses (Protar's mostly) in Volute shutters. The cylinder at 4 o clock has a piston that is the escapement for the different times. Simply unscrew the 2 screws that hold it onto the shutter and clean it with some alcohol and swabs. Easy as pie. Do the same with the one at 8 oclock. The piston on that side is the release. Works with air bulb, or lots of them got threaded at a later date, and a cable release will work just fine then. The Anastigmat will quite likely surprise you with exceptional images. Don't be quick to discard any of it. Or you can trade it in on a 240mm G-Claron I'm selling.

David · Nov 9, 2005

I cleaned the pistons and gently swabbed the blades to remove the traces of aged crud (that's a technical word isn't it?). It doesn't operate any better than it did, meaning that it still functions well but too slowly. I'm a-feared of pulling the cover to get into the guts of it for fear of ruining the shutter. I'll try to get the nipple threaded for a cable release. Any ther ideas on how I might improve the performance? It is a really cool shutter what with the old fashioned engraving and flourishes on the flange and levers.

df cardwell · Nov 9, 2005

Obviously, it is a primal survival sense to not rip the thing apart.

The trick here is that most 'technicians' don't know any more than you about what's inside or how to fix it. The difference is that you have the motivation to make it work.

Either find another Volute shutter and practise with it, or find a repair person who is willing to give it a shot.... and if local, sit down over their shoulder and watch like a hawk.

I was lucky, I had a couple superb folks to watch, and was amazed at how straightforward it was: the volute is NOTHING like a compur.

When they are working, they are more than accurate enough for B&W, consistent, and verry pretty. They are very desirable in one critical regard, they are a very THIN shutter, so they will work for tiny lenses like Series V Protars.

Sometimes, however, they have simply been abused. Aluminum dust falling out of the shutter when you shake it would be a BAD SIGN.

But why am I saying all this ? The false notion that Volutes are bad keeps the supply cheap and plentiful !

.

athanasius80 · Nov 9, 2005

Then shut up and get out of my way. Cheap and plentiful antique shutters here I come! Just kidding. :0)

df cardwell said:
But why am I saying all this ? The false notion that Volutes are bad keeps the supply cheap and plentiful !

.

jon koss · Nov 9, 2005

David said:
I just received a Volute shutter... works but is a bit sticky and slow. I don't know if these shutters are worth repairing and I'm wondering if there is any experience with them out there?

There is hope if the Volute if it is physically undamaged. I had an ancient volute that was super sticky. With no tools and fewer skills the thing was made to sing again. It was right on the money within the very limited range of speeds offered. It was so long ago that I do not remember the details, but just have a go at it and you will be fine.

j

Volute shutter and Busch lens

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