From Camera to Paper: The Complete Photographic Process

Shutter Speeds...

What exactly is Shutter Speed?
In general, the shutter is a fast moving flap that allows the film to be exposed. The shutter speed is the length of time for which the shutter stays open. Different shutter speeds produce different results. For instance, if you open the shutter for one second while shooting a waterfall, the water will appear blurry on the negatives. If you open the shutter for 1/2000 of a second while shooting a waterfall, the water will appear as clear droplets on the negatives.



The following is a list of common shutter speeds.
30" (seconds)
15"
8"
4"
2"
1"
1 /2
1/4
1/8
1/15
1/30
1/60
1/125
1/250
1/500
1/1000
1/2000
 *Slow & Blurry*



  • Some cameras contain shutter speeds in-between these intervals.


  • Trick to memorizing shutter speeds:
    Divide almost every previous number by two to find the next number.
    Examples:
    8"/2= 4"
    4"/2= 2"
    2"/2= 1"
    1"/2= ½"


*Fast & Clear*


Below is what a single lens reflex (SLR) shutter looks like inside the camera.

The Rangefinder camera uses a slow mechanical leaf-shutter (below). Modern cameras do not utilize this shutter because of it's slow speed.