Stagirit
I’ve got an old Compur Electronic 5FS shutter here and was wondering if anyone here happens to know anything about it.
Technically, it’s in perfect working order, but I’ve no idea what sort of control unit I need for it.
If I can get it working, I’d finally be able to use my old Apo-Ronar and Nikkor lenses.
Gast
Hi,
It’s completely useless – bin it, and send it my way ;-)
Seriously though, I’m afraid you’ll only find the control unit after a lot of searching.
I’m not 100% sure, but since you’re also asking about a control unit, this is the series without a battery, where the power supply is built into the control unit.
I used to have some small ones from that series, and the problem is that they work with a set pulse and holding current. That means simply plugging them into a lab power supply and cranking up the voltage does: nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing, then bang. So be careful with ‘just giving it a go’.
So if you’ve scoured all the flea markets and eBays (who knows what might turn up from an ancient, mouldy control unit), here’s Plan B:
Go to the relevant camera repair shops (in Hamburg I’d say Wiese) and keep nagging them until they find the documentation and hand it over.
Get to know a skilled electronics hobbyist who’s willing to knock something like this up for you in exchange for a beer and a pizza (and materials). In this case, however, ‘skilled’ means (see above) Mips programming or TTL counters – for the times, that’s smart and up to date, but the trick lies in mastering the circuitry. It’s not ‘high voltage’ in the sense of danger, but a burnt-out reel turns that lovely shutter into a financial write-off.
For the same reason, I’d test any control unit I found on a dummy first before letting it loose on the shutter.
Regards
Martin
Stagirit
That’s as far as I’ve got so far; it’s quite a rare item.
Even if it’s no longer suitable for photography, I can at least use it in my enlarger.
The 5FS is 90% mechanical; unlike the 3 series, it runs on anything between 9 and 12 volts without complaint. Without the control unit, however, it’s only really suitable as a cigar cutter (6cm diameter at 1/500 is quite a challenge).
Gast
Hi,
You mean it opens and closes smoothly? And doesn’t burn out? In that case, I’d go straight to Plan B.
You can get between 9 and 12 volts from a couple of rechargeable batteries; almost any electronics hobbyist can then mill the timing circuit.
Above all, it’s definitely better than the Sinar/Copal Hili when it comes to the hassle.
Regards
Martin
Gast
Hello,
I received the circuit diagram for the Compur control unit because I wanted to have a faulty unit repaired by a hobbyist. However, once I got hold of a working control unit, I decided against it. If you’re interested in the diagram, please email me at gschl@gmx.de
Stagirit
Did you buy that control unit on eBay the other day?
Thanks for the offer.
Gast
Hello, I bought the control unit on eBay and am now having trouble finding a cable. Last year I bought an unused Tele Xenar 500 in Madrid, but it didn’t come with a control unit. Now I have the control unit, but I thought finding a cable would be no problem… or so I thought. Linhof lent me their test cable, so at least I know that both parts work…
Can anyone help me with the cable?
Michael Heinrich
Gast
Hi Michael,
The cable can't be the problem, but the plug might be ;-)
Why don't you take a photo of the ends of your loaner cable?
Maybe we'll recognise it.
Best regards
Martin
Gast
P.S.: And before returning it, make sure to check the booking details, of course.
