USING THE COPAL SHUTTER

Manufacture of the Copal leaf shutter began in 1946, by the Copal Company in Japan. It was the standard mechanical shutter used by Rodenstock, Schneider, Fuji and Nikon for their large format lenses. The Copal Company ceased production in 2016, but supply remained available over the next few years.
​
Today, a used lens with a Copal shutter is the most economical large format lens option available. Existing Copal shutters can still be reliable and durable when cared for in transport and operation. At this time, Copal shutters on large format lenses can be replaced with a shutter from another lens, or repaired in the USA at SK Grimes or other repair stations. If you need to replace a shutter, the aperture scales can be transferred to the new shutter or SK Grimes can make new aperture scales at an additional charge.

Rodenstock's supply of remaining Copal shutters ran out in 2019. Since then, Rodenstock has not produced a lens with a mechanical shutter option. During 2019, Rodenstock replaced the mechanical Copal shutter with a new Aperture-Only (AO) or Aperture-Stop mount. Phase One has the newer X-Shutter to which existing lenses can be remounted, but the control of the shutter currently works only with their IQ4 digital backs. Additionally, Arca-Swiss can now offer lenses mounted in X-Shutter.

---

Caring for Copal and other leaf or central point shutters

• Never change shutter speeds on a cocked shutter. Learn the habit of setting the shutter speed first, cocking the shutter second, and tripping the shutter last.
• To avoid tension on the mainspring - always leave the shutter uncocked until ready to use. Avoid leaving a shutter cocked or tensioned when transporting or storing.
• Make sure the shutter is closed when storing your lenses.
• Periodically exercise all the shutter speeds on your lenses. This helps the lubricants maintain viscosity and promotes consistent shutter speeds.

More tips

• The highest shutter speed on a mechanical leaf or central shutter is always slow. While most large format photographers won't use the highest speed setting, compensate by stopping the aperture down 1/3 to 1/2 stop when needed 
• Trip the shutter several times after changing the shutter speed and before making the exposure. This will ensure the shutter speed is consistent on the shutter speed setting you have chosen.
• It's good practice to unmount and pack your shuttered lenses separately from your camera for transport or storage.
• Don't pack a Copal shuttered lens too tightly in your camera bag as any stress on the front or rear element can decenter your lens and ruin the shutter.
• Don't travel with or pack the camera with the lens attached.
• Avoid hiking with the camera/lens mounted to a tripod cantilevered over your shoulder. The shock and vibration is stressful on the shutter, especially for lenses with large front elements like the Rodenstock 32mm HR W Digaron lens, and the weight of the large front element on the small Copal 0 shutter can gradually decenter the lens over time. The same is true for large format lenses mounted in Copal 1 and Copal 3 shutters.
• For the same reason as above, take care when moving your camera/lens while mounted on a tripod, especially when setting the equipment down on hard surfaces. Take care to set your equipment down gently.

---