The Phochron XA is a deluxe microprocessor based, hand held testing device used to check the accuracy and consistency of shutters from all types of film cameras. 35mm SLR, TLR,View cameras, large format, box cameras, vintage 35mm, toy cameras, instamatics, Holgas, Brownies... You can test them all!
It features a built in light sensor for simple shutter testing. Also included is a quad sensor module which can be used to provide detailed performance of curtain style shutters found in most 35mm cameras. This module can be switched to sense both vertical and horizontal style curtains. One feature that sets this unit apart from the others is the display of the light as seen by the sensors in the form of a waveform, much like that of an ocilloscope. This allows you to see the performance of the shutter over the measured time interval, and can verify the proper opening and closing of the shutter in real time.
Highlights:
- Speed range from 16 seconds to 1/4000th
- Oscilloscope style waveform
- Measurement speeds displayed in milliseconds and fraction of seconds
- Runs for days on 2 AA batteries- no power adapter needed
- Displays a running average of the recorded speeds
- Built in light source and light sensor
- Calibration self-test mode
- Automatic power down after 5 minutes
- Built in operating manual/ user guide with pictures
- Stores data from multiple tests
- Records each curtain speed and differential speed
- Proudly made in Michigan, USA. Not a foreign product
The Phochron XA was part of a hugely successful Kickstarter campaign in late 2016 and has been steadily selling ever since. Click here to read more about it. It was also featured on the web radio show "Film Photography Podcast" episode in January of 2017 and was reported to be a fantastic product which is well designed, full featured and invaluable to anyone who shoots film.
If you'd like to find out more about the Phochron, check out the website here . Descriptions of test setups and many screen captures show each of the operating modes in detail. Links to many Youtube videos are posted, where I actually narrate and describe the setup and usage. The website also contains a gallery of the Phochron testing dozens of different cameras. An extensive FAQ section is available here . Purchase from my website and receive a 5% discount. A Phochron XA facebook group page has also been setup for users to share their testing and to post questions.
Before you purchase, I urge to carefully look at each model's features and consider that the Phochron tester, in the two years+ that it has been available, has out sold all other full featured testers. The small audio type plug in testers that use Audacity are good for slow speeds but can't possibly accurately measure a a high speed shutter, and is not doing any math or analysis on the received pulses like the Phochron is doing. The measured speed with these $15 testers is truly arbitrary, and the results are based on how you place the cursors on the audacity display. Once you see the Phochron's waveform type display in action, you will see the obvious advantage. None of this "might be okay" nonsense... you will be able to see if the light signal is proper.
Designed, built, and supported here in the USA, the Phochron XA is backed by a five year warranty. Thanks for looking, and let's keep those film cameras going!
Note: The Nikon 35mm Camera or the box camera shown in the pictures is not included in this sale. Included is the main tester unit, the external sensor block, and the light source pod .