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06/14/2007 11:07:48 PM · #1 |
My camera came with this little cover.
I don't understand, though. I mean, I guess I can see how the metering system is going to "see" light coming in the lens or the eyepiece, but once the shot is underway, how can light from the eyepiece affect the shot?
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06/14/2007 11:12:22 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by levyj413:
My camera came with this little cover.
I don't understand, though. I mean, I guess I can see how the metering system is going to "see" light coming in the lens or the eyepiece, but once the shot is underway, how can light from the eyepiece affect the shot? |
Well there is a translucent hole in the middle of the mirror. On my EOS 100 theres a door that of course covers it. But if this is old or does not seat properly it will let light in. Its not much but on a timed exposure it can be bad.
Thanks to Terry/Club Juggle for pointing out the cover was on the Canon strap.
Message edited by author 2007-06-14 23:12:59. |
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06/14/2007 11:13:02 PM · #3 |
| Honestly I don't know. I know that when I don't cover the eyepiece and I am not looking through it when I press the shutter and am in any mode but manual it will often mis-meter. Once the shot is going though I don't think I have ever covered it, even on a 15+ min exposures. |
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06/14/2007 11:14:01 PM · #4 |
| Theoretically, for long exposures, light can leak in through the eyepiece and pollute your photo. I haven't had it happen, though. It's just a precaution. |
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06/14/2007 11:19:37 PM · #5 |
| I don't use mine either, mainly cause it's a PITA cause you have to actually remove the regular one and slide the cover on, and I really don't think of it that often. The only way to really do it is to have it ready, set your exposure and the self timer so once you hit the shutter you have time to place it without really making the camera shake during exposure...or just get a black cloth and lay it over like in the olden days. |
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06/14/2007 11:21:11 PM · #6 |
Thanks! At least I know it's a legitimate thing to do.
Rainmotor: what's the purpose of the hole? And if it has a purpose, why is there a door that covers it? Color me baffled.
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06/14/2007 11:23:19 PM · #7 |
It does pollute the shot if you leave it uncovered. Especially if your exposures are in the several minutes range for things like star trails and very long exposure photography.
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06/14/2007 11:28:06 PM · #8 |
It will effect your picture. What I do on long exposures (usually not over 30 seconds) is just cover the eyepiece, without touching the camera, with my hand. The light polution usually only happens if you have a strong light behind the camera. Example: Your shooting a street scene for car lights and there is a street light behind you. Just hold your hand so it shadows the eyepiece and this will eliminate about 95 percent of the light pollution.
Edit: to add, if your shooting much longer than the 30 seconds your arm gets tired, use the little cover!
Message edited by author 2007-06-14 23:28:53. |
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06/14/2007 11:29:05 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by levyj413:
Thanks! At least I know it's a legitimate thing to do.
Rainmotor: what's the purpose of the hole? And if it has a purpose, why is there a door that covers it? Color me baffled. |
Its for one of the two sensors i dont rememebr which one. But theres one sensore for autofocus and the other is for metering.
Basicly the mirror is translucent meaning its clear and reflects. When up the mirror covers that section that isnt already covered when down the door swings out of the way for the sensor.
I can take pictures of my canons setup if u wish. Also note that even on a manual camera the seal around the mirror can go bad and leak light.
Message edited by author 2007-06-14 23:29:51. |
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06/15/2007 01:25:47 AM · #10 |
If you're asking why, then you don't need it yet. Don't throw it away though, sometime you might need it.
I've never used mine, but I'm assuming it's to prevent light leak from the eye piece. I'm sure it was much needed for film, but with digital, just check and delete if there's light leak. |
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06/15/2007 08:12:13 AM · #11 |
| I think it was an omission by Nikon not to include an eyepiece shutter curtain on the D200. In the past Nikon's pro-am cameras like my N90s had it. I have the need for it quite often, as I often shoot with my eye away from the eyepiece, especially with infrared and time-lapse. Metering when an IR filter is in place tends to be very sensitive to light coming in through the eyepiece. I seen a change in 4-5 stops by covering the eyepiece. That being said I usually use just a piece of black gaffer's tape. |
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06/15/2007 08:53:56 AM · #12 |
I've never used the little cover on my digital cameras, but on my old A-1 film body, there's actually a little lever by the viewfinder that closes a second shutter and blocks the viewfinder - I've used that in long exposures, mostly just because it's really easy and kinda' cool.
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06/15/2007 10:43:25 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by Nullix:
I've never used mine, but I'm assuming it's to prevent light leak from the eye piece. I'm sure it was much needed for film, but with digital, just check and delete if there's light leak. |
Yes, but when you have exposures of 30-40mins or even hours in length, that's not very feasible(sp?). Better to just use it and be safe. Can't hurt and it's not like you have to go through a whole lot of trouble to do it.
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06/15/2007 11:14:35 AM · #14 |
I have done several long exposures 30-60 min and hardly ever used the cap and have had no problems or bad effects. However each time I have done this it has been in absolute darkness no light in background or behind camera at all, If I have any light behind me I will use it, I have it clipped to my camera strap and always at the ready just incase.
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