answersLogoWhite

0

The focal plane, or principal plane of focus, is the plane upon which the lens is actually focused. This distance is often represented on the lens barrel upon the distance scale. In a perfect lens, all of the light rays emanating from any point (meaning a "singularity", not a "place") that lies in that plane of space will converge in exactly the same place upon the film. ( . ) Any point before or beyond that plane will reproduce as a circle. ( o ) If the circle (known as a circle of confusion) is small enough, it is acceptably sharp to our eye, so it also appears to be in focus. This is what gives us 'depth of field', which is the distance before and after the focal plane that appears to be sharp. Of course, this perception depends mainly on the degree of magnification of the image. If these out-of-focus circles are enlarged enough, we can detect they are not actually points.

The focal plane is not to be confused with the film plane.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Art & Architecture

Where is a focal plane shutter located?

A focal plane shutter is located right in front of the film or sensor where the light coming in from the lens is focused. Older film cameras would use an in-lens shutter system, sometimes even combined with the aperture mechanism. Focal plane shutters are used in modern cameras because they provide quicker shutter action and better camera balance.


2 types of camera shutters?

There are more than two, for sure. I know of the focal plane shutter (a pair of horizontally or vertically traveling blinds near the film plane), the leaf shutter (usually 1 to 3 blades contained within the lens that pivot to uncover the opening) and the diaphragm shutter (3 to 5 blades that pivot in such a way as to create a roughly circular opening much the same way as the aperture blades in a SLR lens). I believe the term "central shutter" is used to describe the position of what is usually a diaphragm shutter as opposed to being a type on it's own. The earliest and simplest shutter was, in fact, the lens cap itself. The two basic types of shutters are the Focal plane shutter and the Leaf shutter.


How does the focal plane change as you change magnification?

It does not. For an explanation of "focal plane" see the question What is the focal plane?


Explain and compare the leaf shutter with the focal plain shutter?

requiring the expense of a separate shutter for each lens. Leaf shutter A leaf shutter is a type of camera shutter consisting of a mechanism with one or more pivoting metal leaves which normally does not allow light through the lens onto the film, but which when triggered opens the shutter by moving the leaves to uncover the lens for the required time to make an exposure, then shuts. Simple leaf shutters have a single leaf, or two leaves, which pivot so as to allow light through to the lens when triggered. If two leaves are used they have curved edges to create a roughly circular aperture. Some have more than one speed. Some of the most expensive and accurate cameras in the world also employ leaf-shutter mechanisms of one design or another. In modern point and shoot cameras the leaf-shutter is now allowing shutter speeds as fast as 1/40,000 second exposures along with perfect flash-sync at those shutter speeds, with flash speed durations as short as 1/224,000th of a second. Shutters for newer digital cameras are a combination of electronic and mechanical timings. Some cameras employ a 100% electronic shutter, created by turning on and off the imaging sensor's signals. Comparison of focal plane shutter with leaf shutter The leaf shutter positioned between or just behind the lens components, consists of a number of overlapping metal blades opened and closed either by spring action or electronically. The focal-plane shutter, located directly in front of the image plane, consists of a pair of overlapping blinds that form an adjustable slit or window; driven mechanically by spring or electronically. Comparison of leaf shutter with focal-plane shutter Modern shutters are of two principal types. The leaf shutter positioned between or just behind the lens components, consists of a number of overlapping metal blades opened and closed either by spring action or electronically. The focal-plane shutter, located directly in front of the image plane, consists of a pair of overlapping blinds that form an adjustable slit or window.


At what f stop you need a tripod?

The use of a tripod does not relate or depend upon the choice of aperture. It depends on a relationship between the shutter speed, the lens focal length and your ability to hold a camera properly and steadily. The general rule of thumb is, use a tripod if the shutter speed is slower than one divided by the lens focal length so as not to induce camera shake. For example, if the focal length is 250 mm, the slowest safe shutter speed would be 1/250.

Related Questions

What are 2 common shutters?

Leaf shutter and Focal Plane shutter.


Where is a focal plane shutter located?

A focal plane shutter is located right in front of the film or sensor where the light coming in from the lens is focused. Older film cameras would use an in-lens shutter system, sometimes even combined with the aperture mechanism. Focal plane shutters are used in modern cameras because they provide quicker shutter action and better camera balance.


What is the shutter type and speed range of a Nikon D3200?

Focal plane shutter with speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4,000 of a second.


What are the differences between a focal plane shutter and a leaf shutter?

A focal plane shutter is located near the image sensor and consists of two curtains that move across the sensor to control exposure time. A leaf shutter is located within the lens and consists of blades that open and close to control exposure time. The main difference is in their placement and mechanism for controlling exposure.


What is an iris shutter in a camera?

Most companies call these shutters "leaf shutters." It's a shutter that's built into the camera lens. It has two advantages and three disadvantages over a focal plane shutter.The advantages are every shutter speed is a flash sync speed, and every lens contains a shutter of its own so if the shutter on your 80mm lens breaks you can mount your 150mm lens and finish the job. The disadvantages are slower shutter speeds than focal plane shutters will give (Hasselblad 500-series cameras go to 1/500 second and Hasselblad H-series go to 1/800; my Nikon F4 goes to 1/8000), having the shutter in the lens means you have to buy a new shutter with every lens and they are NOT cheap; and at the same shutter speed a focal plane shutter will allow more light to pass, so if you have a handheld meter you have to adjust your exposure to accommodate this.


2 types of camera shutters?

There are more than two, for sure. I know of the focal plane shutter (a pair of horizontally or vertically traveling blinds near the film plane), the leaf shutter (usually 1 to 3 blades contained within the lens that pivot to uncover the opening) and the diaphragm shutter (3 to 5 blades that pivot in such a way as to create a roughly circular opening much the same way as the aperture blades in a SLR lens). I believe the term "central shutter" is used to describe the position of what is usually a diaphragm shutter as opposed to being a type on it's own. The earliest and simplest shutter was, in fact, the lens cap itself. The two basic types of shutters are the Focal plane shutter and the Leaf shutter.


How does the focal plane change as you change magnification?

It does not. For an explanation of "focal plane" see the question What is the focal plane?


Explain and compare the leaf shutter with the focal plain shutter?

requiring the expense of a separate shutter for each lens. Leaf shutter A leaf shutter is a type of camera shutter consisting of a mechanism with one or more pivoting metal leaves which normally does not allow light through the lens onto the film, but which when triggered opens the shutter by moving the leaves to uncover the lens for the required time to make an exposure, then shuts. Simple leaf shutters have a single leaf, or two leaves, which pivot so as to allow light through to the lens when triggered. If two leaves are used they have curved edges to create a roughly circular aperture. Some have more than one speed. Some of the most expensive and accurate cameras in the world also employ leaf-shutter mechanisms of one design or another. In modern point and shoot cameras the leaf-shutter is now allowing shutter speeds as fast as 1/40,000 second exposures along with perfect flash-sync at those shutter speeds, with flash speed durations as short as 1/224,000th of a second. Shutters for newer digital cameras are a combination of electronic and mechanical timings. Some cameras employ a 100% electronic shutter, created by turning on and off the imaging sensor's signals. Comparison of focal plane shutter with leaf shutter The leaf shutter positioned between or just behind the lens components, consists of a number of overlapping metal blades opened and closed either by spring action or electronically. The focal-plane shutter, located directly in front of the image plane, consists of a pair of overlapping blinds that form an adjustable slit or window; driven mechanically by spring or electronically. Comparison of leaf shutter with focal-plane shutter Modern shutters are of two principal types. The leaf shutter positioned between or just behind the lens components, consists of a number of overlapping metal blades opened and closed either by spring action or electronically. The focal-plane shutter, located directly in front of the image plane, consists of a pair of overlapping blinds that form an adjustable slit or window.


What are the differences between a leaf shutter and a focal plane shutter in terms of their operation and impact on photography?

A leaf shutter is located within the lens and opens and closes like a diaphragm, allowing light to enter the camera. It is quieter and can sync with flash at higher speeds. A focal plane shutter is located in the camera body and consists of two curtains that move across the sensor. It is noisier and may limit flash sync speed. The choice between the two can affect the overall performance and capabilities of the camera in terms of capturing fast-moving subjects and controlling exposure.


What are the key features and advantages of a focal plane camera?

A focal plane camera has key features such as a fast shutter speed, high resolution, and the ability to capture fast-moving subjects. Its advantages include better image quality, improved low-light performance, and the ability to use a variety of lenses for different shooting situations.


What are the advantages of using a leaf shutter in comparison to other types of shutters?

A leaf shutter offers advantages such as faster flash sync speeds, quieter operation, and more consistent exposure across the frame compared to other types of shutters like focal plane shutters.


What are the specifications of the Contax 645?

The Contax 645 is a discontinued SLR camera. Some of the features and specifications of the camera included a wide area autofocus, a built in motor for film advance, and a focal plane shutter with adjustable speed.