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A R C A - S W I S S

Rodenstock Aperture Only Lens

1/17/2022

 
Picture
Rodenstock 40mm F4 HR Digaron-W, Aperture-Only Lens mounted on ARCA-SWISS R-board

Rodenstock's supply of Copal shutters ran out in 2019 and Rodenstock has not produced a lens with a Copal shutter option since. During 2019, Rodenstock designed and manufactured a new Aperture-Only (AO) or Aperture-Stop mount and deliveries began in late 2019. 
  • The AO mount is mechanical in operation. It does not require battery power, additional controller or cables to operate.
  • AO lenses have a sturdy mount construction with a nine blade aperture design, providing an almost perfectly circular aperture opening. The nine blade design produces a smooth transition to out of focus areas.
  • Dimensions of the new AO mount are identical to a Copal 0 shutter, and have the same spec for thread mounting. The AO mount can be a direct replacement for a Copal 0 shutter when needed. More information about Copal shutters can be found here: using-the-copal-shutter.html.
  •  AO lenses are for cameras with focal plane shutters or digital backs with electronic internal shutters only.
  • Use with digital backs with internal electronic shutters - PhaseOne IQ4 series, Hasselblad H6D & 907X.
  • Use with mirrorless cameras - Hasselblad X1D & X1D II, Fuji X & GFX series, Sony A series, Leica S series, etc. when the mirrorless digital camera can be used as the capture device on a view camera or technical camera.
  • To operate, rotate the aperture control ring until the desired f/stop lines up with the white index mark on the mount.
  • Sold by ARCA-SWISS for use on view cameras using flat or recessed lens boards, or in R-Bayonet mount for use on R-Line technical cameras. Price list available on request.
  • Rodenstock has issued a statement indicating they will offer remounting of Schneider lenses to the AO mount sometime in the future.
  • We are currently remounting shuttered lenses to the Rodenstock AO mount. Lenses must be sent to ARCA-SWISS USA for the conversion in Germany by Rodenstock. Price and further details on request.
Picture
Rodenstock 40mm HR Digaron-W Aperture Only Lens in ARCA-SWISS R-bayonet Mount with R-calibration and Rotaslide tubes

Please note: Rodenstock AO lenses do not provide a sync terminal for strobe lighting. Exposure control and strobe syncing must be controlled by the capture device -  a digital back or digital camera.

​
Additionally, using the electronic shutter of a digital back or mirrorless camera may have drawbacks for some photographers with fast moving activity - people, vehicles, etc. in motion or with 1/60s (or higher) flash syncing. The effect is called rolling shutter and is greatest when fast moving subjects pass by close to the camera position. There should be few problems for the technical camera user with landscapes and architecture, or for studio view camera photographers shooting static subjects.

Please contact me for more information or to request a price list. 

USING THE COPAL SHUTTER

9/15/2021

 
Picture
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.
Picture


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.

    Author

    Rod Klukas
    ​ARCA-SWISS USA

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