Isolette/Compur lens shade

[Kevin Brown]

This particular Compur Rapid used on many Isolettes presents a particular challenge for lens shade use - both speed and aperture are set on the face of the shutter. With the 'stock' funnel-shaped shade attached it's difficult to see and even for your fingers to get to the aperture control pointer. Mine (like most) has a 30mm lens rim, so in desperation, I kludged one from a plastic 35mm film canister. Cut to 22mm depth and a small notch in the rim to clear the focus stop pin; covered in black photo masking tape. The layer of tape on the inside has just enough thickness to provide a nice friction-fit. Not the most efficient shade due to it's shallowness, but better than nothing and essentially free and easy to make (and replace if lost). Also, unlike the funnel-shaped shade this doesn't block the bottom of the viewfinder.

Though I usually use this camera on a tripod and shade with my hand, it's nice to know I can now use it handheld and have some shading for the lens.

 

[summar]

Nice improvisation! I like DIY fixes; I've had success using plastic pill-bottle tops as front and rear lens caps. I don't care about cosmetics. If it works I'm happy.

 

[charjohncarter]

Like above I've used pill bottle lens caps, but I will try the film canister shade. I have many sitting around hear.

 

[farlymac]

I just used a generic shade, never had any issues with view blockage. But I do like what you've made there.

PF

 

[Kevin Brown]

What sort of 'generic shade' isn't visible at the bottom of the viewfinder? You using a small Series V shade?

I should also mention the little viewfinder tweaks you can see partly in the photos. In later VF cameras and even both Ikontas I have, the area immediately surrounding the eyepiece and the frame around the front of the VF are black; on the Isolettes both these areas are bright silver. I covered the tiny ring that protrudes around the eyepiece and the surrounding area of metal with the same black photo tape used on the hood. As can be seen in the photos, the area around the front of the finder as well - makes quite a difference, especially out on bright sunlight.

The second accessory shoe placed where the DOF dial was (missing on this camera when I bought it) is for my Accura rangefinder, which if placed in the stock shoe hangs out over the shutter release.