An optical shutter apparatus has at least one shutter blade that is movable between a first position blocking at least a portion of an aperture and a second position spaced apart from the first position. A linkage member is coupled to the at least one shutter blade and has a magnetic material. An actuator is coupled to the linkage member and is energizable to translate the at least one shutter blade between the first and second positions. An intermediate plate has a friction surface of a non-magnetic material. A magnet positioned away from the friction surface of the intermediate plate is disposed to urge the linkage member against the friction surface of the intermediate plate.