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First curtain sync -vs- Rear curtain sync

June 2, 2010 Neil vN 28 Comments

First curtain vs Rear (2nd) curtain flash sync

A topic that has been briefly discussed on the Tangents blog before, is that of first curtain flash sync vs second curtain flash sync.  First curtain sync is also often called front curtain sync; and rear curtain sync is often called second curtain sync. (This is also covered in my book on flash photography). Since it is an important topic in flash photography, let's look at what this entails and the difference between the two ways we can sync our flash .. and why would the one way would be preferable over the other. To help us  Read more inside...

When (not) to use rear-curtain flash sync

December 13, 2009 Neil vN 28 Comments

Rear curtain flash sync - potential problems

With flash photography, suggestions are often given that you should use rear-curtain sync. Most often for incorrect reasons. So here is when NOT to use rear-curtain sync flash ... whenever you don't need it. Sounds confusing? Well, let me explain ...  

Rear-curtain vs first-curtain sync

Your camera's shutter consists of two curtains that open, and allows the light to hit the sensor or film. This is true for all focal plane shutter film cameras, (as opposed to those with leaf shutters), and true for all digital cameras  Read more inside...

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