Tamron
Blue Earth
Glazer's Camera

IN PRAISE OF THE LEAF

Comments

The Hasselblad, Leica and Phase One cameras offer leaf-shutter lenses, which may be an option for studio and landscape photographers. You pay a premium in weight and cost, but the vibration reduction and flash-synch speed they afford are critical. A focal-plane shutter consists of two curtains sliding across the sensor for a given amount of time. With a fast shutter speed, one of the curtains can block light during the exposure, which means the light of a strobe will be partially blocked. The curtains have relatively high mass, so their movement introduces vibration. 

A leaf shutter opens and closes like an iris without partially blocking light. For example, a Phase One focal-plane shutter synchs up to 1/125 second, while the corresponding leaf shutter synchs between 1/800 and 1/1,600 second, stopping most motion. The leaf shutter’s minimal vibration keeps a long exposure clean as well.

Last modified on Sunday, 19 December 2010 20:32
James B. Martin
Story Author: James B. Martin

James B. Martin has written and photographed professionally since 1989, with articles and photographs appearing in many sports, photography and outdoor magazines. He leads photography tours for Joseph Van Os Photo Safaris, including a medium format adventure to Burma and Cambodia. For more information, visit jamesbmartin.com

Website: www.jamesbmartin.com