Reveni Labs Camera Tester: New perspectives for professional and private camera repairers

Protest.

A
Protest.

  • 5
  • 3
  • 134
Window

A
Window

  • 4
  • 0
  • 71
_DSC3444B.JPG

D
_DSC3444B.JPG

  • 0
  • 1
  • 93

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
197,206
Messages
2,755,560
Members
99,424
Latest member
prk60091
Recent bookmarks
0

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
Professional test devices for analog cameras are usually only available from old stock.

Their heyday is over with the switch to digital photography, their technology is clearly no longer state-of-the-art, but they are still used in repair shops.

The devices were large and heavy and were therefore mainly suitable for stationary use

Repairs and spare parts procurement can be problematic today.

The Japanese company Kyoritsu was one of the leading manufacturers:




Reveni Labs Camera Tester

New products in this field are all the more exciting for anyone who repairs analog cameras professionally or as an enthusiast.

1.jpg


Reveni Labs Camera Tester
(Copyright Reveni Labs)



The Reveni Labs Camera Tester is a newly developed camera tester that automatically checks all relevant parameters such as shutter speed, aperture or shutter release.

The device is designed for 35mm film as standard and can be expanded to medium format.

The Reveni Camera Labs tester works digitally and uses LEDs as a test light source.

In contrast to previous models, the tester is small and light and can therefore also be used in a mobile workshop like mine.

Details and specifications can be found on the Canadian manufacturer’s website:


With a retail price of USD 475, the Reveni Labs tester is also within the reach of private users.


On the way to Vienna

I have ordered a copy that is currently on its way to Vienna and will report here about my experiences with it.

Independently, of course, and from the enthusiast's point of view 👍

Since I haven't worked with a camera tester before, there will be a lot to learn and as always, I prefer to do this with other forum users.

I will use the device for my private camera workshop, where I work on 35mm cameras from the 1980s. Only privately with my own devices and without any commercial interest.

I'm very excited! 🙃
 
Last edited:

ic-racer

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
16,469
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
I suspect the device will get plenty of use in your workshop!
 

blee1996

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 25, 2008
Messages
1,075
Location
SF Bay Area, California
Format
Multi Format
Very interesting solution at reasonable price.

I do have a shutter speed tester off eBay, but sometimes I wish I have 4 hands to hold everything while testing. Maybe I should DIY a simple rig... But the Reveni can test more functions than just shutter speeds.

I look forward to a review from @Andreas Thaler
 

ic-racer

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
16,469
Location
USA
Format
Multi Format
The Revini is a focal plane shutter tester. These are not available on ebay, unless one had found a working Kyoritsu or ZTS.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
The Revini is a focal plane shutter tester. These are not available on ebay, unless one had found a working Kyoritsu or ZTS.

So you could say that the Reveni really does open new doors in the workshop. At least in the private one, because who has a Kyoritsu there anyway?
 

4season

Member
Joined
Jul 13, 2015
Messages
1,909
Format
Plastic Cameras
That looks great! So now you're entering the world of microcontrollers 😀
 

Gregory_Nolan

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 27, 2017
Messages
37
Location
Austria
Format
Multi Format
Did you pre-order your device?
 

Dan Daniel

Subscriber
Joined
Jul 4, 2009
Messages
2,829
Location
upstate New York
Format
Medium Format
That looks nice. Very interested in your experiences with it.

Of course the real test of understanding it will be with a Leica and curtain travel. Learn to balance all the variables there and you'll be king of the hill.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
That looks nice. Very interested in your experiences with it.

Of course the real test of understanding it will be with a Leica and curtain travel. Learn to balance all the variables there and you'll be king of the hill.

I will approach this with caution, because as soon as it comes to changing factory settings, things get slippery 😎
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
A very good experience was and is the communication with the developer of the device. All my questions were answered quickly and in detail.

I really appreciate that, as good service is not something you can take for granted.
 

armadsen

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 16, 2022
Messages
265
Location
Salt Lake City
Format
Analog
I got one of the very first batch of these sent out to Kickstarter backers. It has had some minor issues, but nothing surprising for a first unit of a brand new device, and Matt, the guy behind Reveni Labs has been very responsive. Most notably, I had to drill out the holes for the light sensors in the sensor head so they were significantly larger (at Matt's suggestion). Otherwise, the right shutter curtain sensor wouldn't measure anything reliably.

Anyway, I've been making decent use of mine the last while. It's quite nicely done, and really takes advantage of all the advancements in microelectronics since the old shutter testers were new.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
1.jpg


Interesting hours lie ahead of me 😀

I am surprised at how small and light, yet clean and solidly made the metal casing is.

The user manual is available online.
 

88E30M50

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 24, 2023
Messages
174
Location
Indiana
Format
Multi Format
Congrats on this Andreas. I can't wait to hear how it works out for you. It may be something I need to add to my workbench as well one of these days.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
The user manual for the Reveni Labs tester is available online and gives an impression of the device's user-friendliness and range of functions:


I find the information there regarding possible repairs remarkable and very welcome:

Service and Repairs

Please contact Reveni Labs directly if your Camera Tester has a problem and needs repair. Spare and replacement parts are available and the Camera Tester was designed with repairability in mind, so shipping it in for repair shouldn’t be necessary. Please use the Contact Us link below to get in touch.

This means that the (international) user doesn't have to worry about customs declarations and, compared to a repair at the manufacturer, there are shorter waiting times and lower costs.

I think this is exemplary from a customer's point of view.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
Things will continue here soon.

I will use the Reveni Labs tester in one of my next repair projects.

Perhaps in connection with the Minolta Autowinder G (for the associated Minolta X-700) or with a Canon T90.

I can then also report on my practical experiences with it.
 

Alex Varas

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 24, 2018
Messages
784
Location
Bilbao
Format
Medium Format
Mine is waiting at the workshop inside the box, when I have time I will mount it, update firmware and test it against my Kyoritsu.

I have heard not good reviews from a professional repair shop in EU, probably if you don’t have any tester this is fine, I got mine just a back of of the old Kyoritsu.

I will share my thoughts when I do the test, in the meanwhile looking forward other reviews.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
I have heard not good reviews from a professional repair shop in EU, probably if you don’t have any tester this is fine, I got mine just a back of of the old Kyoritsu.

As long as there are no arguments to back it up, I won't listen to such alleged statements. I don't think it's fair either.

What use is a Kyoritsu that takes up space and that I can't repair or adjust myself?

I have nothing against older technology, it fascinates me a lot, but I'm glad that there are initiatives and new solutions like the Reveni Labs Tester.
 
OP
OP
Andreas Thaler

Andreas Thaler

Subscriber
Joined
Nov 19, 2017
Messages
4,209
Location
Vienna/Austria
Format
35mm
Today I set up the Reveni Labs Camera Tester and had my first experiences with it with some of my SLRs.

Here I show some impressions of the assembly and the shutter speed test on a Minolta X-500 in manual mode.

This is the first time I've worked with a camera tester and I only know theoretically how a horizontal focal plane shutter works.

So I'm reporting here from the perspective of a novice 🙂


Assembly quick and easy

The Reveni Labs Camera Tester only needs to be assembled once. No extra tools are required, two keys are included.

I had no problems assembling it and it was quick. The user manual guides you through the steps:



1.jpg


Parts unpacked.

The included switching power supply provides the tester with 12 volt output voltage and can be connected to the mains voltage in Austria (230 volts). The appropriate plug adapter is included.


2.jpg


All parts are cleanly manufactured and fit.


3.jpg


Attaching the light shield.


4.jpg


Fixing one of the two guide rods for the sensor.


6.jpg


7.jpg


5.jpg


The sensor for the 35mm format with its total of six measuring cells.


8.jpg


The device is installed and ready for use.
 
Last edited:
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom