In photography, a leaf shutter is a type of camera shutter consisting of a pivoting metal leaf and spring which briefly uncovers the camera aperture to make the exposure.

Simple leaf shutters typically have only one shutter speed and are commonly found in disposable cameras and cheap point-and-shoot cameras. In its more complex forms it can have variable shutter speeds.

Simple leaf shutter

1. Shutter plate
2. Aperture covered by leaf shutter
3. Aperture during exposure
4. Leaf blade
5. Catch mechanism
6. Butterfly spring

The main advantages of the leaf shutter are:

• Relatively simple construction is possible.
• No cocking mechanism
• No variable shutter speeds
• Less costly than a focal plane shutter
• Flash synchronization possible at all speeds.
• Small size is achieved by placing the shutter at the focal convergent point either inside the lens or inside the camera body.
• Many versions have no connection between the release mechanism and the film advance, making multiple exposures possible.

Some of the disadvantages of the leaf shutter are:

• Shutter speeds are limited to 1/500th or 1/250th of a second.
• Although also listed as an advantage, accidental multiple exposures are common problem.
• Imprecise speeds (e.g. Holga camera)