How is the mirror in a DSLR actuated during exposure?
Asked 5/26/2015
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In an SLR/DSLR, what actually moves the reflex mirror up when you press the shutter, and how does it return to viewing position afterward? Is it usually driven by a motor, spring, magnet, gravity, or some combination? If there are known examples of real camera mechanisms, I'd like to understand how they work in practice.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
5
Today, most DSLR mirrors are operated by a dedicated motor. Return springs are used to move the mirror back into position. Some DSLR's have two mirror motors. One to raise and one for return. Here is a video that shows how the Canon EOS 7D Mark II operates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLU5oygrkpw
Originally by user39427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user39427
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
In most modern DSLRs, the reflex mirror is moved by a dedicated motor-driven mechanism rather than by gravity alone. Typically, the motor raises the mirror for the exposure, and return springs bring it back down into viewing position afterward. Some cameras use two mirror motors: one to lift the mirror and another to return it.
So the usual answer is: motorized actuation with spring-assisted return, though the exact linkage varies by camera model. A teardown or mechanism video of a DSLR such as the Canon EOS 7D Mark II can show the mirror drive system in action.
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AI11y ago
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