Testing shutter speed

Rogier

Rogier

Rogier Willems
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Jul 7, 2008
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I have an old Linhof lens with a Synchro Compur shutter.
Used it yesterday for the first time and found that most shots are way over exposed.

How / where can I inexpensively have the various speeds verified?

I tried recording the audio but don't find it accurate at all since I have no idea at what point in the audio the shutter actually opens and closes again beside all the other mechanical noises emerging from the spring and gears in the shutter.

Thanks,

Rogier
 
Just stopped by Kaufman Camera in San Mateo, CA. They still have a device to check the shutter speed :angel::angel::angel:
 

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I've made a very cheap (Scottish,you know) led tester using the Audacity audio software and it was a treat to use,I remember that you could change the parameters that allowed accurate checking as the speeds were increased and even measure it with a ruler on the screen. It was used on some rather old 35mm cameras (Retina111c) and older large format lenses (Optar Raptar) with great success . If you can't get it checked,pm me and I'll send info on the one I made.
Regards,Peter
 
You could also open the back and watch/listen with a slow speed to figure out what sounds are happening before, during and after each direction of the shutter. Then record the audio with yur phone or similar up close to the shutters.

This is who I checked my M3's shutters.

And like was suggested above, you could drop into the local camera shop and have them help as well.
 
I have a Gossen Variosix F light meter which, in flash mode, I have used to measure shutter speeds. The camera back is opened and a torch (ON) is placed close to the lens. The light meter is placed close to where the film would be. First you get a reference signal using a camera whose shutter accuracy you are confident about; then you substitute the camera whose shutter you want to check. Of course with the same shutter setting (and the same aperture!) you expect the same reading on the light meter. For each increment of the shutter you expect a stop change. It works well except that the light meter (in flash mode) does not work for slow shutter speeds, I think maybe 1/8 sec and slower. I guess the light meter is no longer fooled into thinking the signal is a flash!
 
As interesting as it may be to test the speeds, etc... the well-known knowledge is that when shutters are inaccurate they need to be serviced (what some call "CLA"). This is most likely a certainty given your description.
 
Over time... Calumet Shutter Tester.

Over time... Calumet Shutter Tester.

Over the years I have purchased twice the Calumet Shutter Tester (Just checked on eBay and one is listed right no.

Tester on one side of a lens, light source on the other side, trip the shutter and read the shutter speed. Tests to 1/4000th of a second.

One of my best photography purchase.. usually around $100.
 
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