ILLUSTRATED GUIDE
and Descriptions of
Photographic Inter-Lens Shutters
with
Directions for Cleaning and Repairing
Copyrighted 1917
Foreword.
INTER-LENS shutters are so accurately constructed and assembled that they are not easily disarranged by ordinary operation,
consequently extensive repairs are seldom required unless the operator is careless in handling or the instrument
is grossly misused.
All delicate mechanisms need attention and readjusting periodically and photographic inter-lens shutters are no exception to the rule.
These repairs and attentions are not sufficiently serious to require in most cases the attention and skill of au expert, but with a slight
knowledge of the operation, arrangement and construction of the various working Paris such as may be acquired from reading the various
descriptions in the following pages, any person of average intelligence, with the use of a few small tools, should be capable of adjusting and
repairing any slight disarrangements which are liable to occur with ordinary Usage.
Seventeen types of inter-lens shutters are described and illustrated in the present treatise by means of greatly enlarged photographs in
order to render the operator more familiar with the construction and arrangement of these delicate mechanisms, so that needed minor repairs
may be easily made.
This treatise will fully acquaint the amateur with the operation of most inter-lens shutters so that he will be capable of removing and
cleaning the various parts, as well as finding and correcting minor troubles.
The information to be found in the following pages is of great use to the photographic dealer for the reason that the majority of all
shutter repairs are slight ones and can be easily accomplished without referring the matter to an expert.
Most dealers are confident that they themselves can easily make the necessary repairs as well as an expert but with no knowledge of
the mechanism, the result is an improperly assembled shutter which of course fails to operate. This necessitates the services of an expert which
incurs expense as well as loss of time and the inconvenience of being without a camera, if not resulting in serious damage to some of the
delicate parts.
This treatise is also intended to familiarize dealers and operators with the proper arrangement of the working parts so they will be able
to recall the proper place of each individual part and thus properly re-assemble the device.
As the jeweler and watchmaker is already skilled in the repairing of delicate mechanisms and the adjustment of same, the information
contained herein should render him capable of performing all necessary repairs on inter-lens shutters and thus provide a side line which should
prove remunerative.
INTER-LENS shutters are of three types: automatic, setting, and a combination of both. The construction and design I varies
with different makes, but the working principle is always the same, that is, each shutter must give the correct " TIME, " " BULB "
and " INSTANTANEOUS " exposures.
Most shutters are provided with the Iris Diaphragm to adjust the shutter aperture, except in cases where the shutter blades
operate to adjust the aperture. Shutters with three or more blades form a star-shaped or radial aperture, thus producing an even
distribution of light over the entire plate in a shorter space of time than a shutter provided with two blades only.
The method of making an exposure or releasing the shutter is accomplished in one of three ways, by a finger release, cable
release or piston and cylinder with rubber bulb attached.
On most shutters the speed exposures are adjustable, being controlled either by means of the spring, lever, gear or air pump,
retarding device. The spring and lever retarding devices give accurate values from one twenty-fifth to one one-hundredth part of a
second, while the gear and air pump retarding devices are more accurate and produce a speed value ranging from one second to one
three-hundredth part of a second.
Of all the above mentioned release and retarding devices the pumps are the most delicate parts on the shutter and they cause
the majority of all shutter troubles if not kept clean. They are made with the utmost care and accuracy and should be treated
accordingly. The piston is accurately fitted within the cylinder and the entrance of fine particles of dust and also the tarnishing and
corroding effect which salt water atmosphere would have upon the metal, will prevent a proper release or retarding motion.
The pumps are attached either on the outside of the case or within the mechanism in order to render them as dustproof as
possible, but as there is no way of making them absolutely tight it is necessary to occasionally clean them.
The shutter mechanism is accurately constructed and not easily disarranged by ordinary operation. The levers of the lower
grade shutters are made of brass while those of the higher grades are either stamped from German silver or steel. The diaphragm
and shutter segments are made of vulcanized rubber or steel.
Overhauling a shutter requires more patience than skill. Everything must be carefully studied before taking a shutter apart.
The student must be familiar with every operation. Each part is fitted and operates freely, therefore it must come apart in the same
way without forcing.
The necessary tools for the removal of the various parts are a set of watchmaker's screwdrivers and a pair of fine steel
tweezers. Delicate parts must be handled with the tweezers and not with the fingers. Make it a rule to use a screwdriver which
corresponds in size with the screw head. Press the screwdriver firmly into the slot and turn the screw with a slow, steady motion to
prevent the screwdriver from slipping off the screw and injuring adjacent delicate parts.
Almost every type of shutter varies slightly in construction due to improvements made thereon, therefore the student nay observe that
the illustrations are slightly different in some minor details from the shutter on which he may be working. This- will not, however, cause any
great difficulty as the principle details are similar and it will be an easy matter to locate the relative positions of the various parts by referring
to the illustrations.
In order to insure proper re-location of every part and to avoid confusion it is necessary to keep each lever with its screw and spring in
a separate group away from similar groups and to arrange them as nearly as possible in the same relative position they occupy when
assembled in the shutter. In the event of the parts becoming disarranged, the illustrations of the shutter interior should readily assist in-their
proper re-location. It is a good idea to procure a second-hand shutter in good order and practice on it by taking it apart and re-assembling it
until the student is thoroughly familiar with the arrangement, operation and construction of each part.
When about to overhaul a shutter, first test the various exposures to find out which one does not work properly. For instance, if the
"TIME" and "BULB" are in proper condition but the speeds are too slow or do not operate at all, the trouble will be in the retarding cylinder,
which can readily be corrected by cleaning.
If the shutter does not act for either exposure, the trouble is likely to be found in the release pump. Clean same thoroughly and if the
trouble is not overcome look elsewhere. It may be that the shutter at some previous time was re-assembled incorrectly or inadvertently some
of the parts were not replaced. Compare your shutter mechanism with the illustrations and carefully check the parts and their relative location
and especially the shape and arrangement of the springs, as a misshapen spring or one misplaced would prevent the shutter from working
properly.
Should some of the parts be missing or badly bent, it is advisable to send to the maker or a shutter expert to have the parts renewed as
this requires more skill and experience than the ordinary operator possesses. It is advisable to have duplicate levers, springs and shutter or
diaphragm blades on hand in order to avoid delay.
In the beginning it is better for the student to limit his operations to cleaning only, and not attempt any repairs until he is thoroughly
familiar with the parts and their arrangement. No difficult repairs should be attempted until sufficient skill has been acquired through
experience with minor ones.
Through constant practice he will acquire skill and experience and thus in time become able to make repairs with great speed and
accuracy. An accurate and rapid shutter repairer will find the work not only interesting and fascinating, hilt likewise remunerative.
As far as possible the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or corresponding parts of the shutter in the illustrations.
Rules for Overhauling Inter-Lens Shutters
1. Remove the shutter from the camera.
2. Screw out front and back lenses.
3. Carefully remove all parts obstructing the mechanism to be cleaned, adjusted or repaired.
4. Carefully remove the pumps consisting of cylinders and their pistons.
5. To overhaul the mechanism: Operate the shutter and diaphragm blades. If they operate freely and easily, merely blow out dust or
any other foreign matter. If they do not operate freely, remove the operating parts and clean them carefully, taking care not to trend
or alter them, as it will prevent the proper operation of the shutter if the distance between the working centers of the levers is
altered Before loosening screws, carefully remove the springs with a pair of tweezers. In order to clean the lever bearings. make a
slightly tapered wooden stick and insert with a rotating motion.
6. Re-assembling: Replace all of the parts carefully in the reverse order in which they were removed, taking care to check location
and arrangement with the illustrations. Do not interchange screws and springs.
7. Cleaning the pumps (pistons and cylinders): Make a tissue paper swab on the end of a light wooden stick, apply a drop of
benzene on the swab and carefully clean the inside of the cylinder with a rotating motion Also clean the piston with tissue paper
and when replacing same care should be taken to avoid finger marks. Do not lubricate the piston with any kind of oil as this is
liable to gum and gather dust which will prevent same from operating properly. The piston must slide freely and smoothly within
the cylinder. If it does not do so, remove it and repeat the cleaning operation on both cylinder and piston until all tarnish and
foreign matter have been entirely removed. Emery, sand paper or ANY OTHER ABRASIVE MATERIAL SHOULD NOT BE
USED as this will destroy the accurate fit of the piston within the cylinder.
8. Re-assemble the shutter carefully after all the parts have been thoroughly cleaned.
9 Test the shutter several times by operating on various indicated exposures.
10. Carefully clean the lenses on both sides with a piece of soft clean linen or lens paper, taking care to remove any lint or dust
with a camelhair brush before screwing back into the shutter.
11. Attach the shutter to the camera.
12. Test the various operations of the shutter several times to be sure that everything is in proper working relation.
Compound Shutter
TYPE:--Combination Automatic and Setting Shutter.
Made in Seven Sizes.
Distributors: Bausch & Lomb Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specification` and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever for Motor Spring 4.
5. Exposure Indicator: T (Time) j B (Bulb,); M (Instantaneous).
6. Speed Setting Dial.
7. lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size Of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Adjusting Cam Under Speed Setting Dial. (No. 6).
9. Pin to operatively connect cam 8 with Speed Dial 6.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove Speed Setting Dial 6, Setting lever 4 and Front cover Plate
which is held with four screws. To reach shutter and diaphragm blades remove
lever 1, pumps 2 and 3 and lift out carefully mechanism plate which is also held
by four screws to the back plate.
NOTE:--Adjusting cam 8 should be replaced in the position shown, with the pin 9
properly engaging hole in speed dial 6. In some types the pin 9 is secured to the
speed dial and the hole is then located in the cam 8.
If necessary the ends of the retarding pump 3 may be unscrewed by means of a pair
of pliers having corrugated jaws.
Volute Shutter
TYPE:--Setting Shutter. blade in Three Sizes.
Manufactured by Bausch ~ Lomb Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating size of Diaphragm Aperture.
NOTE:--In this type the shutter blades also serve as a diaphragm. The size
of the diaphragm aperture is adjusted by limiting the opening of the
shutter blades by means of the lever 7. The setting and releasing
action is accomplished by one lever.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove front cover which is held by means of three screws. Next remove cam ring to
which lever 7 is secured and second cam ring to which exposure indicator 5 is attached. This will
uncover a third ring held in place by three screws and retaining the lens mountings. Remove this ring
and the remaining parts will be readily accessible. Do not remove the shutter mechanism plate as the
shutter blades are accurately centered on the back of said plate. Should they be in need of repairs or not
operating freely, it is advisable to send the shutter to the maker or an expert as replacing the shutter
blades in this type involves a very delicate and skillful operation.
Before removing the cam rings observe their relative positions and the way they engage the operating
levers in order to insure proper relocation. Before replacing same lubricate both sides with Vaseline after
cleaning.
Xexcell Shutter
TYPE:--Setting Shutter. Made in Six Sizes.
Manufactured by C. P. Goerz American Optical Co.
317 East 34th Street, New York, N. Y.
NOTE:--In this type the shutter blades also serve as a diaphragm, the size of the
aperture being obtained by limiting the opening of the shutter blades by means of
the lever 7.
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
2. Pump or Bulb Release. By screwing off the knurled cap of the pump. shutter can be
released with the finger.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever.
5. Exposure Indicator for the "TIME" and "INSTANTANEOUS."
6. Speed Indicator and Inner Lever Adjusting Mechanism.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove indicators 6 and 7 and the front cover which is held by three
screws.
Optimo Shutter
TYPE:--Setting Shutter. Lade in Six Sizes.
Manufactured by Wollensak Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2 Cable Release Sleeve.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever.
5. Indicator Disc for Adjusting Exposures.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Pawl to Secure Cover.
9. Pin to Release Pawl.
TO SEPARATE:--To remove front cover insert a pin 9 through slot of diaphragm
adjusting lever 7 in the direction indicated by the arrow to release pawl 8. Push
pawl 8 as far as it will go. Grasp shutter with both hands and turn front cover to
the left and lift off. Remove indicator disc 5 and second cover which retains the
lens mounting and which is held in position by means of four screws.
NOTE:--Before removing disc 5 observe its position and the manner in which it engages
the operating levers in order to insure proper re-location. Before replacing same
lubricate both sides with Vaseline after cleaning.
Multispeed Shutter
TYPE:--Setting Shutter.
Manufactured by Multi Speed Shutter Co.
Morris Park, Long Island, N. Y.
Specification amid Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Key.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove back cover plate which is held by five screws and one nut.
NOTE:--Small interior view discloses the arrangement and relative positions of shutter
blades.
Ernemann Shutter
TYPE:--Combination Automatic and Setting Shutter.
Distributors: Ernemann Photo-Kino Works, Inc.
470 Fourth Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Specification and Idea to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting lever.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO. SEPARATE:--Remove back cover plate which is held in position by means of!
three screws.
NOTE:--Small interior illustration discloses arrangement and relative location of the
shutter blades.
Koilos Shutter
TYPE:--Combination Automatic and Setting Shutter.
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
2A. Cable Release Sleeve.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
'TO SEPARATE:--Remove the back cover plate which is secured in position by means
of three screens.
NOTE:--The arrangement of the shutter blades in this type is similar to that of the
Ernemann type.
Regno Shutter
TYPE:--Setting Shutter. Lade in Four Sizes.
Manufactured by the Wollensak Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specifications and index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Inner for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove front cover by taking out three screws from the back of the
shutter case.
NOTE:--Before replacing cover set indicator 5 on "T" to properly engage operating
levers.
Automat Shutter
TYPE:--Automatic.
-Manufactured by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specifications and index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
5. Exposure Indicator Disc and Adjusting Cam.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Iris Diaphragm Leaves.
9. Shutter Blades.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove dial and disc 5, diaphragm scale and front cover, the latter
being held by means of three screws.
NOTE:--Before removing indicator disc 5 and cams underneath observe their relative
positions in order to insure proper re-location.
E. K. Automatic Shutter
TYPE:--Automatic.
Manufactured by Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.
Rochester, I'. Y.
Specifications and index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove pumps 2 and 3 and the front cover which is held in position
by three screws.
F. P. K. Automatic Shutter
TYPE:--Automatic.
Manufactured by Bausch Lomb Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specifications and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump or Bulb Release.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Shutter Blades Operating Lever.
9). Operating Levers for BULB and TIME Exposure.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove pump 2, Iris Diaphragm Scale and front cover, which is
held in position by means of three screws.
Ingento Junior Shutter
TYPE:--Automatic Shutter.
Manufactured by flex Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Distributors: Burke & James, Inc., Chicago, III.
Specifications and index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
3. Lever Retarding Device.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Shutter Blades (operating Lever.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove front cover which is held by two screws.
NOTE:--This shutter is similar in construction and operation to the Ilex Marvel.
Kodak Ball Bearing Shutter
TYPE:--Antomatic Shutter.
Manufactured by Eastman Kodak Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
3. Spring Retarding Device.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Shutter Blades Operating Lever.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove front cover which is held by means of three screws front the
back shutter plate.
NOTE:--By turning the indicator 5 to the right the tension of the spring 3 is increased to
impart greater rapidity to the operating lever 8. The front cover must be carefully
replaced to properly connect with the shoulder 7 inside the shutter case.
Ingento No. 0 Shutter
TYPE:--Automatic Shutter.
Distributors: Burke & James, Inc.
Chicago, III
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
3. Spring Retarding Device.
5. Exposure Indicator.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
8. Shutter Blades Operating I`ever.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove front cover which is held by means of two screws.
NOTE:--By moving the Exposure Indicator to the right the tension of the spring
3 is increased to impart greater rapidity to the operating lever 8.
Ilex Acme Shutter
TYPE:--Setting Shutter.
Manufactured by Ilex Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specifications and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump Release.
3. Gear Retarding Device.
4. Setting Lever and Standard therefor.
5. Exposure Indicator and Interior Adjusting Cam.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove levers 1 and 4, indicator and dial 5, and front
cover which is held in position by two screws.
Compur Shutter
TYPE:--Combination Automatic and Setting Shutter.
Distributors: Bausch & Lomb Optical Co.
Rochester, N. Y.
Specification and index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Cable Release Sleeve.
3. Clear Retarding Device.
4. Setting Lever for Motor Spring 4.
5. Exposure Indicator and Adjusting Lever.
6. Speed Indicating Dial.
7. Lever for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Remove speed dial 6, lever 4 and front cover, which is secured by
means of two screws. To reach the shutter and diaphragm blades remove finger
release 1 and lift out mechanism plate which is held to the back plate by means of
four screws.
NOTE:--Before removing adjusting cams under speed dial 6 observe their relative
positions in order to insure proper re-location.
Tenax Shutter
TYPE:--Combination Automatic and Setting Shutter.
Manufactured by C. P. Goerz American Optical Co.
317 East 34th Street, New York, N. Y.
Specification and Index to Opposite Page.
1. Finger Release.
2. Pump Release.
3. Retarding Pump.
4. Setting Lever.
5. Exposure Indicator,
6. Speed Indicator Dial and Interior Adjusting Cam.
7. Dial for Adjusting and Indicating Size of Diaphragm Aperture.
TO SEPARATE:--Screw out front lens, remove speed indicator dim 6. aperture
indicating dial 7 and front cover which is held in position by four screws, two on
each end.
NOTE:--When removing dials 6 and 7 observe their relative connections in order to
insure proper re-location.
SHUTTER INDEX
PAGE
Compound .. . . . .. 6
Volute . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 8
Xexcell ~ . ] 0
Optimo . .. .. . . 12
Multispeed .. . . . 14
Ernemann . 16
Koilos . . . . . 18
Regno . . 20
Automat . . . . 22
E. K. Automatic . . . 24
F. P. K. Automatic . . 26
Ingento Junior . .. . 28
Kodak Ball Bearing . . 30
Ingento No. 0. .. .... . . 32
Flex Acme ... 34
Compur .. .... .. .... 36
Tenax . . .. . . 38