Film Camera Shutter Speed Testers

Hi. I'm Alex. This page is dedicated to two devices I created for diagnosing and repairing film cameras. When I was repairing film cameras, I noticed that one of the most difficult tasks in the process is diagnosing and adjusting the shutter, especially the shutter speed. And I didn't have the tool to measure if my settings were right, but I did have the equipment and skills to build such a tool. This task took quite a bit of effort and was not as easy as I initially thought, but I managed to pull it off. Then I found that there was a pretty big demand for such tools in the analog photography community over the world. So I decided to sell them on eBay. On this page you could find the description of two shutter speed testers that I make. One of them is more capable and other is for basic use.

Shutter Tester ST-1

This is the first device I have created. It's simple in functionality and use, but it gets the job done (and it is cheaper). It is designed for 35mm cameras, but I sell adapters for 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x7 medium format cameras in a separate listing.

This tester is capable to measure shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec with max error of 8% at 1/2000 shutter speed. For 1/1000 max error is 4%, for 1/500 - 2% and so on for other shutter speeds.

It has 3 sensors for measuring frame exposure unevenness. Sensors are located diagonally across the frame, so you can use it for vertical and horizontal shutter movement systems.

You need bright light source (not included) to be able to take measurements. You can use a flashlight or lamp as a light source. However, some lights may not be suitable for shutter speed measurements since they may flicker. The tester has an easy way to detect such lights, please see "Testing light for flickering" article in Getting Started Guide

The device has OLED screen of 0.96", only one button and simple menu, so it's straightforward to use.

It's USB powered (Type-C), no batteries needed. You can use your phone/tablet power adapter, power bank or your PC to power the device. Power specs: DC 5V, 20mA.

Device case is printed on a 3D printer with PLA plastic. Every unit is tested after production.

Find on eBay

Shutter Tester ST-2

This is a more capable device. It has sensor unit for 35mm film cameras and holders for 6x4.5, 6x6 and 6x7 medium format cameras. Sensor unit has 2 light sensors that are located diagonally across the frame, so it also can be used for vertical and horizontal shutter movement systems.

What this device measures:

  • shutter speed for 2 points on the frame
  • first and second curtain speed between sensors
  • first and second curtain time between sensors
  • estimated total travel time of first and second curtains
  • estimated slit width around first and second sensor

As the first device, this tester also need light source (not included) to be able to take measurements and has same requirements to the light source as ST-1 model. But it's more sensitive to light, so your light source do not need to be as bright as for ST-1. ST-2 also has a way to check for light quality and corresponding screen for that is way more informative.

The device has a 1.8” IPS screen and control knob to navigate the menu. Has memory to save 100 measurement results of choice.

As ST-1 it's USB powered (Type-C)

Case for ST-2 is printed on a 3D printer with PETG plastic.

What's included:

  • Shutter Tester ST-2 main unit
  • 35mm camera sensor unit with connection cable
  • 6x4.5 medium format camera sensor unit holder
  • 6x6 medium format camera sensor unit holder
  • 6x7 medium format camera sensor unit holder
Find on eBay