Shutter Time Meter

Accurate to 10 µs

Despite the digital revolution there continue to be many photographers who still prefer to work with an ‘analogue’ SLR camera. While most of these cameras have a reliable mechanical construction, after years of use it is worthwhile to check and, if necessary, to adjust the shutter time. With this circuit we offer the ability to measure the shutter time accurately so that you can do this calibration yourself.

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Materials

050199-PCB.pdf

Gerber file

CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.

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PCB

Download Gerber file: 050199-1.zip

Component list

Resistors:
R1 = 1k
R2 = 47k
R3 = 470k
R4 = 1M5
R5,R6,R10,R12 = 4k7
R7 = 10
R8 = 10M
R9 = 270k
R11 = 10k
R13-R20 = 68
Capacitors:
C1 = 100µF 25V radial
C2,C3 = 10pF
C4,C5,C6 = 100nF
C7 = 220µF 16V radial
C8,C9 = 10µF 63V radial
Semiconductors:
D1 = HSDL-5420 (Agilent) (Farnell)
D2 = 1N4004
T1 = BC557B
T2 = BC547B
T3 = BS170
IC1 = ICM7217AIPI (Maxim) (Digi-Key)
IC2 = 74HC4518
IC3 = 74HCU04
IC4 = 7805
Miscellaneous:
S1 = rotary switch, 6 positions, 2 poles
S2 = 6mm pushbutton, 1 make contact
LD1-LD4 = LTS-4301E (LiteOn) (Digi-Key: LTS4301-B, JR, JS, JF) common cathode 12.9 x 9.7 mm, 10-pin device
X1 = 100kHz quartz crystal
PCB, ref. 050199-1 from The PCBShop