A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Camera testing made simple

In the last few years, there has been a surge in popularity of older, film based camera equipment. Many photographers have been making a move back to film, or experimenting with film to broaden their creativity.

A folding camera from the 30's

Vintage and classic cameras are more popular than ever, and almost every one that is offered for sale on the big auction sites is quickly snatched up by collectors and users alike. Prices are actually starting to rise as demand is outpacing the supply. Many times, neither the buyer or seller has any idea whether the camera is working, and will advertise that it is sold as "untested".

I feel that there is a need for the camera collector, user, or dealer to be able to test a key component of the camera: the shutter. Let's face it, a camera is simply a light tight box that has a sophisticated mechanical shutter inside. The shutter is the second most important part of making a proper exposure, next to the lens.

This is why I decided to design and build the Phochron XA shutter speed tester. I wanted a quick and simple handheld device that within minutes could tell me whether the shutter is operating up to spec, or if it is time for repair. Many times you can compensate for a slow shutter (most older shutters run slow) by changing the film type or the aperture settings. Consistency of shutter timing is critical too. So many I've tested show very inconsistent shutter times.

Here's a 1950's Bessa folding camera being tested

What kind of cameras can be tested?

If your camera has access to both sides of the shutter, it can be tested. Unfortunately, most modern digital (DSLR) cameras have no access to the back side of the shutter as that is where the sensor is located. Because of this, they cannot be tested with my product. Box cameras, view cameras, toy cameras, large format, and "point and shoot" cameras can be tested easily with the Phochron XA. Polaroid cameras can be tested as long as you can get to both sides of the shutter. Shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000th can be measured.

Yes, this tester is designed for a limited audience, since digital cameras are now the norm. Analog photography is definitely a big part of the art, as evidenced by the popularity of Lomography, the Impossible project, and many film making manufacturers starting to run their film lines again. Big names like Leica, Voigtlander, and Nikon are still producing and selling film cameras.

It is not the goal of this kickstarter campaign to get everyone to throw away their digital equipment and buy a 70's era Canon AE1, but for those of you that have caught the film bug, this tester is one gadget you really need.

Check out this quick video showing how you can test a box camera shutter in two minutes:

What is the difference between the basic tester and the deluxe tester?

The basic tester has a single built in light sensor on the front panel. It can test EVERY type of shutter, even curtain types found in SLR cameras. The deluxe tester adds an external plug-in module that has two sensors and allows for taking measurements at both edges of the film plane of a 35mm single lens reflex. This is an easy way to check for consistent and even travel of both the opening and closing curtains. This gives you more detailed analysis of a more modern curtain type shutter than the simple tester. However, both the basic and the deluxe kit can test 35mm SLR type shutter systems.

Here's an image of the front panel and the built in sensor in the center. The jack to the left is for connecting the external sensor module.

here's a front and back view of the dual sensor module showing the selector switch to select which pair of sensors is used in the testing

With the basic tester you can quickly test all sorts of cameras:

Simple cameras such as Holga, Agfa, Lomo and old box cameras,

Kodak instamatics, folders, miniatures, HIT and toy cameras

Any SLR camera such as Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Contax, and Minolta,

Any TLR camera such as Rollei, Yashica, Argus, and Mamiya,

Any rangefinder camera such as Retinas, Yashicas, and Canonet

All medium format camera like Hasselblad, Bronica, Mamiya, Rolleiflex, Pentacon Six, etc.,

And even shutters from Large Format cameras.

Some Leica and Russian cameras, as long as you can access both sides of the shutter.

Point and shoot, and APX cameras

This is just a partial list... many, many more can be tested.

Also measures flash duration

This tester can also measure the duration of a flash pulse. After trying it with various electronic flashes, I can see huge differences in the "light time" of each of the flash units. The sensor design can resolve pulses as short as 1/10,000 sec (100 micro-seconds long) as evident by the calibration check mode, so flash pulses this short can be viewed and recorded.

Here's another video showing a quick test on a Ricoh SLR camera using the built-in sensor.

And here's my latest video showing testing of a medium format Bronica SQ A model

To learn more

I'm not going to fill up this space explaining all that the Phochron XA can do. For a full description, FAQ, and many photos, go to my website: www.phochronxa.com If you are convinced that this test set will meet all of your testing needs, please return to back my project.

I have fully working prototypes and I'm ready to launch production. That's where I need your help. I'd like to raise enough funds to build the first couple hundred of these testers. As a reward for helping me bring this to production I can offer a generous discount. I do plan to offer the Phochron XA after the kickstarter project is over, but not at this discounted price.

sample screen of single sensor testing

Sample screens showing dual sensor testing

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