What is bulb mode, why is it called that, and when should you use it?
Asked 5/13/2011
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My camera has a bulb mode, and I often see it mentioned for long exposures. What exactly does bulb mode do, why is it called “bulb,” and what kinds of photography is it typically used for?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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The bulb mode is simply a mode where you control the exposure time by holding down the shutter release button.
The name comes from the time when the shutter was controlled by a rubber bulb at the end of a hose. You compressed the bulb to open the shutter, and it would stay open as long as you held the bulb compressed.
Bulb mode is mostly used when you want a longer exposure than the camera settings allow for. Typically you can set the exposure time up to something like half a minute, so for exposures longer than that you have to control it manually.
Typically you would have the camera on a tripod and use a remote shutter release, so that you don't have to push the button on the camera, as that would cause the camera to move. Some remote shutter controls let you lock the button in the pressed state, specifically intended for bulb mode.
Originally by user149. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user149
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Bulb mode is a shutter setting where the shutter stays open for as long as you hold the shutter button down, or until you stop the exposure with a remote release. It gives you manual control over exposure time beyond the camera’s normal timed shutter-speed limits.
The name comes from older cameras that used a rubber air bulb on a cable release: squeezing the bulb opened the shutter, and releasing it closed the shutter.
Bulb mode is mainly used for long exposures, especially when you need more time than the camera’s standard settings allow. Common uses include:
- fireworks
- light trails
- star trails
- light painting
- very long night exposures
- some flash and multiple-exposure techniques
Because any movement can blur the image, bulb exposures are usually done with the camera on a tripod and preferably with a remote release. Some remotes can lock the shutter open so you don’t have to hold the button the whole time.
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