Lens selection and shutter noise.......

[phototone]

This is not a friviolous concept. Try it out. The heftier the lens, the quieter the shutter sound is. The extra mass of the lens absorbs some of the shutter sound.

Mount a big old Nokton, or Summilux or something and check out the shutter sound, and then mount an itsy bitsy Elmar or something similar and check out the sound.

Also, the shutter sounds will be quieter if the camera is put into a half-case.

 

[Terence T]

Another technique is to execute a well timed cough to coincide with the shutter release. Sometimes the shutter on my R2 is almost silent using this method.

 

[simonankor]

Interesting. Perhaps I should stop thinking about what lens I need and just get the biggest, heaviest one I can find for my Bessa... the shutter is a bit loud on that! 🙂

 

[dmr]

This is not a friviolous concept. Try it out. The heftier the lens, the quieter the shutter sound is. The extra mass of the lens absorbs some of the shutter sound.

Mount a big old Nokton, or Summilux or something and check out the shutter sound, and then mount an itsy bitsy Elmar or something similar and check out the sound.

Okay, I'll bite. 🙂

Just tried it out on the Pentax. I first tried it with several air shots with the "flamethrower" 28-135 zoom mounted with my eyes shut to get a reference level.

Then with the normal 50 f2 mounted. Significantly louder at close range.

Now with the body only, no lens ... OUCH! Significantly louder.

I must admit I never thought of this. Hmmmmm ...

 

[simonankor]

I just tried it on my old broken FED 2... and you're right. With the Industar 26 mounted, it's just a fraction quieter than with a C/V 35mm f/2.5...

I'll have to get more of these heavy FSU lenses!

 

[back alley]

i'd be curious to hear what the difference was with a spl meter used.

joe

 

[laptoprob]

If you would add soundproofing or (seemless) weight on the back of the camera it will get even more quiet. Not really useful though.

 

[pvdhaar]

You're all sure you aren't confusing this with how you hold the camera, aren't you?

I mean, a 28-135 will be cradled in your hand, something you'll not do easily with a pancake lens..

 

[ChrisN]

i'd be curious to hear what the difference was with a spl meter used.

joe

Now, Joe, never let the facts get in the way of a good story! Subjectivity rules ok!

Anyway, another good attribute of those heavy Canon 50/1.8 lenses!

 

[dmr]

You're all sure you aren't confusing this with how you hold the camera, aren't you?

I mean, a 28-135 will be cradled in your hand, something you'll not do easily with a pancake lens..

For my very unscientific test last night, I had the camera in my lap pointing it toward me so I could hear what a subject might hear. Ditto with the normal lens. There was a significant difference in the intensity of the >>THWAP<< sound. I can see how the mass of the lens (which is probably as much as the body if not more) absorbs the noise of the shutter, although I've never really thought of this before.