Left hand shutter release remedy for Super Ikonta

[Keith]

I'm sure this has been done before because I for one cannot use a left hand shutter release successfully and I'm sure there are others out there who have similar problems. I can see and feel my Super Ikonta A twitch considerably when operating the release on the left no matter how hard I try to do it smoothly and hand held images at lower shutter speeds are never sharp with this camera because of it.

This cable release which I bought for $16.00 from The Camera Hunter is an absolute gem ... with a little bit of work with a file around the head it fits and locates firmly into the metal strap loops and can be removed or fitted in a matter of seconds. These cameras have an anti double exposure lock along with various levers and arms to operate the shutter release and the action has never been what can be described as smooth. This completely bypasses all that stuff and has, for me, completely transformed the camera.

I might actually use it a little more now because it really is a beautiful little 6x4.5 folder. 🙂

 

[Solinar]

I still wonder why Zeiss-Ikon and some others used the convention of putting the hinge for the front platform on the photographer's left hand side.

My Bessa II is worse. Not only is the shutter release on the photographer's left, but it is located on the hinged platform rather than the top of the camera. Which means that I don't use the camera as much as I should as well.

On the Bessa II, I've thought about putting a grip on the right-side - with a cable release running through the middle of the grip.

 

[newspaperguy]

Nicely done, Keith.
This should bring a lot of those little shelf-queens back into play.

 

[steamer]

Thanks Keith, this is one of those ideas that makes you slap your forehead and say why didn't I think of that. A really great little camera but I was always taking pictures with the imaginary right-hand shutter release.

 

[chris00nj]

Well I just got my Ikonta. I figure, since I successfully learned to drive on the left side of the road, I could learn to use a left handed shutter release.

 

[Krzys]

Haha I am sorry Keith but I beat you to it on this technique! 😉

 

[Ken Smith]

OK - the saga of the left handed shutter release has been rectified. Has anyone tried installing strap lugs on a folder that is "lugless?" I have a Bessa II I'd like to see lugs on.

 

[Ken Smith]

I've thought about using a strap in the manner you mentioned. But will probably just stick to the field case. The lugs I had envisioned would be like the ones on the Prominent - small and matching the lines of the camera.

 

[Keith]

Well I just got my Ikonta. I figure, since I successfully learned to drive on the left side of the road, I could learn to use a left handed shutter release.

At thirty one ... not a problem. 😛

I'm too old and set in my ways now ... in fact if I suddenly had to start driving on the other side of the road from the left I'd be a complete menace to other drivers and society in general.

It's strange actually because I'm not one of those right handed people who can't do squat with their left hand ... but I'm damned if I can get a slow even movement out of my finger when using a shutter release. I seem to jerk the camera nearly every time!

 

[Keith]

i like the raspy way Clint Eastwood says it in Heartbreak Ridge myself ;improvise ,adapt, overcome and then something about cute cats

It's amazing that Eastwood went from saying ... "Go ahead, make my day!" to ... "Get of my lawn!"

Each statement being equally threatening IMO! 😛

What a guy! 😀


ps ... I am practising with that left hand shutter operation every day Chippy! 🙂

 

[bwidjaja]

Hi Keith,
Thank you for sharing this innovative technique. One question. I have Super Ikonta 531/2 and would like to confirm where you connect the cable release to. I see a small screw next to the shutter lever. Is this the screw that I need to remove and expose a second cable release socket?
Thank you
Berhen

 

[bwidjaja]

Hi Chippy,

Thanks for the picture. I think I have the same port, it's just covered with a small screw. I will try to unscrew it and give it a try.

Thank you
Berhen

 

[RichL]

Some cameras such as my diu six-20 did indeed use a small slot headed screw with knurled sides to protect the cable release socket.

 

[Steve M.]

I've often thought of doing this w/ my cameras. My Bessa RF is left handed, as was my Bessa II. Fortunately I just got used to it. The problem shows up when I haven't used the RF in a while. About the time I'm at the end of the roll I'm re accustomd to it. Using a red window camera is a matter of getting used to doing the same things over and over so you don't screw up and have double exposures and worse. But if you absolutely can't get used to it, your idea is a good one Keith.

The first folder I ever bought was a Super Ikonta III that the owner had sent to his tech and had strap lugs put on. It definitely made it a nicer camera to carry and shoot, and I like the built in lugs on my Zeiss 533/16. I don't think it would affect resale that much if it's done right, and it would actually appeal to anyone that was going to use the camera and not set it on a shelf. In my Super Ikonta III's case the tech installed lugs from another Zeiss camera and it looked like it came from the factory w/ them.

Now I use a small side bag for most of my folders that has a Velcro flap on top so you can quickly pull the camera right out. Nearly as convenient as strap lugs, and I paid something like $3 for it at a thrift store. The best part about the little bag is it has a small compartment that my lens hood and meter slip right into next to the camera, and I can squeeze a handheld rangefinder in there too if I need one for the rangefinderless cameras.