S.K. GRIMES
Services for Large Format Photographers
f-stop (Iris) Scales engraved for any large format shutter.
engraving 

          
A complex iris 
            scale for a triple convertible lens. 

    

   
  












           When 
        a shutter is replaced with an exact same 
        version the iris scales can be simply transferred from 
        the old shutter to the new one. There can be a problem 
        when a later or non-proprietary version of a shutter is 
        used. Fuji and Nikon lenses, for example use slightly 
        different versions of the Copal shutters which are not 
        available as economical replacements. The old scales will 
        not fit the currently available Copal shutters.  
        
   When 
          it is inconvenient or impossible to obtain an original 
          correct iris scale I can engrave a substitute in either 
          full or incremental (1/3 or 1/2) stops. I can also preserve 
          the convertible nature of lenses such as Schneider Symmar. 
          Some photographers also need the scale extrapolated 
          to include the next smaller opening (such as f-64 or 
          f-128) This picture is a magnified, un-improved sample 
          of my engraving, in this case on a #3 Copal shutter. 
          (The white is a slot in the side of the scale for the 
          "cocked warning flag") 

          
            
        

        
   Even spacing of the 
          engraving is done on a digital dividing engraving fixture 
          of my own design. This can routinely  
          apply iris scales to the side or front of a shutter, 
          as appropriate, in a variety of sizes and be set up 
          to read "right side up" for any application. Although 
          easiest to set up for modern Copal and Prontor Pro shutters, 
          I can engrave scales on practically any shutter you 
          may have since I have developed an extensive setup of 
          fixtures and adapters specifically for iris scale engraving. 
          This picture shows the top scale of a new Copal #1 being 
          engraved. The Copals use two scales and the price for 
          scales includes both iris scales, as intended by the 
          shutter's designers. 

            
        
 1/3
        
    Third stop increments 
          as shown on this scale for an Apo Nikkor 480mm lens 
          installed in a Copal #3 shutter, are available. Normal 
          practice is to supply substitute scales in third, half, 
          or full stops as found in the original installation 
          unless specified otherwise. (Optical work to determine 
          a correct scale when the original missing may be extra.) 
        

        
            
        
    Plain 
          full stop double scale engraved on a Copal shutter is 
          $50.00

          Fractional stop scales are $60.00. Convertible scales, 
          removable scales, scales for obsolete shutters etc. 
          please send for 
          quote. 
    










These are all custom made 
  scales. They are engraved directly on the shutter. It may be 
  that I have data on hand to supply a scale appropriate for a 
  specific lens. There is an additional charge of $15.00 per scale 
  (total additional of $30.00 for Standard Copal) to supply and engrave 
  a stock blank scale instead of standard engrave directly on the shutter. Blank scales for a Copal Press are $20 each.
  This means that it is more expensive to call and/or E-mail with 
  a request for "Scales for a 300mm G-Claron f-9" than the ordinary 
  charge of $50.00 plus shipping. 

Some scales are no longer available  and will need to be fabricated. Price per custom scale is $30.00. 



Phone: 401-762-0857--Contact 
  Us--Shipping address :32 Mechanic Ave, Unit 222, Woonsocket RI 02895 USA--Fax: 401-762-0847  
  © S.K. Grimes