Lens Sock Shutter: Oak Detail

Ouch!!! Not a blurr in sight!

Yes - very impressive.

Thanks for your comments, Francesco and John. I think you understand why I say that this Apo-Nikkor lens is of the same class as the Schneider G-Claron.

Tom, I can't wait to use mine (210 and 455). I have a sneaky feeling that they will outperform my 355 G-Claron.

beautiful detail. forgive my ignorance, i'm just starting in the 8x10 world but what is a "sock shutter?"

Thanks for your comment, docsfoto.

I make (sew) my sock shutters out of black Polarfleece (2 layers). The design is a simple cylinder with an elastic drawstring. The device forms a light-tight cap for the lens that can be easily removed and replaced without inducing camera movement. It is light weight and is very effective for multi-second exposures.

For pictures of socks, check my APUG Personal Gallery.

For detailed construction information, PM me.

Why is a fabric sock better than a lens cap?

Whether the fabric sock is better depends on the lens cap. If the conventional lens cap is a tight fit, it is more likely that you will cause camera movement removing and replacing it.

The cap that comes with the Apo-Nikkor 455mm, 360mm, 305mm and 240mm lenses is hinged and has a latching mechanism. Many photographers removed them or disabled the latch mechanism. The lens sock is much superior to this type of lens cap for use as a shutter. For lens storage I use snap-in or push on caps.