Checking Shutter Speed

[denton]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi,

Not having access to sophisticated equipment, I've been checking shutter speeds on film cameras by varying the film speed but keeping the EV the same. So for instance, taking a series of film shots of an even surface (like a gray card, cardb0oard or a wall). For a target in shadow, I might use 1000f1.4, 500f2, 250f2.8 etc. all the way to 1/8f16, This assumes my Summicron 50 has an accurate aperture. 

Film is developed and the exposures compared for identical tone on a lightbox (or you could use a densitometer). Has anyone else found this or another easy way to verify shutter speeds? Of course, one doesn't know the absolute speeds, but rather their relative speeds.

Would love to hear of other film camera "hacks".

Denton

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[250swb]

Have you any practical examples of where you think shutter speeds are wrong? Or to put it another way, who does this stuff unless there is a problem? There is a certain amount of latitude in film photography and unless you are doing your Zone System tests normal exposure and development will cover a bit faster here or a bit slower there for your shutter speeds. The only thing to recognise is when you exceed the latitude that the film, exposure, development and judgement allow you, and if you regularly exceed that latitude test your shutter speeds. To put it another way, how do you compensate when the shutter speed shown on your light meter is halfway between 125th and 250th, the answer is you make a best guess.

[LocalHero1953]

3 hours ago, denton said:

Hi,

Not having access to sophisticated equipment, I've been checking shutter speeds on film cameras by varying the film speed but keeping the EV the same. So for instance, taking a series of film shots of an even surface (like a gray card, cardb0oard or a wall). For a target in shadow, I might use 1000f1.4, 500f2, 250f2.8 etc. all the way to 1/8f16, This assumes my Summicron 50 has an accurate aperture. 

Film is developed and the exposures compared for identical tone on a lightbox (or you could use a densitometer). Has anyone else found this or another easy way to verify shutter speeds? Of course, one doesn't know the absolute speeds, but rather their relative speeds.

Would love to hear of other film camera "hacks".

Denton

I've done that recently on several newly acquired old cameras, just to check there are no major problems before taking shots that matter. I know of no other easy way. I also take the same shot with a digital camera at the same exposure - or rather the other way round: use the digital camera exposure to set the film camera. 

Edited February 21, 2022 by LocalHero1953

[denton]

Well doing a shutter speed test before using a camera to determine zone I and zone VII densities would be important, i think, when determining an EI for a new film. Also, when to have a camera serviced. 

[RayD28]

16 hours ago, denton said:

Hi,

Not having access to sophisticated equipment, I've been checking shutter speeds on film cameras by varying the film speed but keeping the EV the same. So for instance, taking a series of film shots of an even surface (like a gray card, cardb0oard or a wall). For a target in shadow, I might use 1000f1.4, 500f2, 250f2.8 etc. all the way to 1/8f16, This assumes my Summicron 50 has an accurate aperture. 

Film is developed and the exposures compared for identical tone on a lightbox (or you could use a densitometer). Has anyone else found this or another easy way to verify shutter speeds? Of course, one doesn't know the absolute speeds, but rather their relative speeds.

Would love to hear of other film camera "hacks".

Denton

I've done something similar.  Camera mounted on a tripod.  I focused on the shaded side of a tree trunk as the subject with about 2/3 of it within the frame. I used a handheld light meter (incident) for the shaded side of the trunk.  Background was sunny but the sun was not in the frame.  I used a sharp lens (28mm 2.8 ASPH) and went through all the shutter speeds.  Fortunately all the exposures were similar (not exact but highly tolerable).  The clarity of the trunk's texture was spot-on throughout the shutter speeds.  Wasted a roll of film but got piece of mind.