Compur Rapid Shutter (1934)
A camera shutter introduced in 1934, known for its speed range and durability in field use
Overview
It was widely used on medium format cameras, including models distributed between 1936 and 1940 with German-made units. It had fast speeds and a reputation for reliability. The shutter stayed in use on post-war cameras and still works in many vintage systems decades later. One user reports a 1951-1952 Zeiss Ikon Contessa with a Compur Rapid shutter still fully operational after more than 65 years.
Specifications
| Shutter blade material | very thin steel foil between 0.002 and 0.003 in thick |
| Speed range | 1 second to 1/500 sec plus 'B' |
| Speed settings | 1–500 + B, T |
| Speed accuracy note | The Compur-Rapid shutter offers speeds to 1/500 seconds although received wisdom is that it is nearer to 1/350 in most cases. |
Context
The Compur-Rapid shutter was introduced in 1934 and used on various cameras distributed between 1936 and 1940. Post-war versions supported speeds up to 1/500s, an improvement over . It turned up on cameras such as the Zeiss Ikon Super Ikonta and the Welta Compur Rapid Camera, produced between 1940 and 1950.
Market
A Welta Compur Rapid Camera from 1940-50 sold for $145.00 in the current market. The Fujimoto Semi Prince III, equipped with a Schneider Xenar f/4.5 lens and Compur-Rapid shutter, had an original price of $249.00.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.