kids encyclopedia robot

Shutter (photography) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Diaphragm shutter opening
One diaphragm shutter opening over another in an Akarex camera

In photography, a shutter is the part of a camera that opens for a controlled period of time to let light in during taking a picture.

A shutter can also be used to allow pulses of light to pass outwards, as in a movie projector or signal lamp.

Camera shutters

Camera shutters can be fitted in two positions:

  • Central shutters are mounted within a lens assembly, or more rarely behind or even in front of a lens and shut off the beam of light where it is narrow. A leaf mechanism is usually used.
  • Focal plane shutters are mounted near the focal plane and move to uncover the film or sensor.

Shutters immediately behind the lens were used in some cameras with limited lens interchangeability. Shutters in front of the lens were used in the early days of photography.

Other pages

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Obturador para niños

kids search engine
Shutter (photography) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.