Mechanical or Electronic 1st Curtain?Updated 12 hours ago

Westcott recommends turning off the electronic 1st curtain shutter (EFCS or E-Front Curtain) and using a fully mechanical shutter for flash photography. This is because EFCS has the potential to cause uneven or partially illuminated exposures when flash is used.

Why is a mechanical shutter preferred over EFCS with flash?

Mechanical shutter ensures consistent flash exposure across the entire frame.

EFCS works by electronically initiating the exposure and mechanically closing it, which speeds up shooting and reduces vibration, but it can interfere with flash sync timing.

Problems with EFCS and flash:

• Partial exposure: The flash may not sync properly when an electronic curtain starts the exposure, but a mechanical shutter finishes the exposure. Possibly resulting in a dark band across the image.

• Color inconsistency: EFCS can produce minor color shifts when combined with very short flash durations.

• Incompatibility with HSS or Freeze Sync modes: Some Westcott strobes, such as the FJ400 II, FJ200, and FJ80 II, offer precision sync features that depend on precise mechanical timing.

How to Disable EFCS (Camera Menu Tips):

1. Go to your camera’s shutter settings.

2. Look for "Shutter type", "Shutter Mode", "Electronic Front Curtain Shutter", "Electronic shutter" or “Silent Shutter”.

3. Set it to Off or Mechanical